Repairs underway at 2nd Story
By ANDREA JOHNSON, Staff Writer ajohnson@minotdailynews.comArticle Photos
Alayne Okland opened the door to the 2nd Story on Dec. 26 only to be greeted with knee-deep water.
The cause of the flood was a water main break that heavily damaged the basement and main floor of the building, said Okland, director of the social club for adults with developmental disabilities.
Men carried furniture upstairs, away from the waters. Computers in the office had been up high enough so Okland hopes they weren't damaged. But the flood did destroy about a third of the donations that had been made for the social club's annual Snow Ball fundraiser, along with items that had been stored in the basement.
2nd Story rents its space from IRET. Other offices in the building had moved out so IRET can do renovation. Okland said insurance will cover the damages.
Three weeks later, repairs are under way, but Okland still isn't sure when they'll be able to move back into the office.
The social club, which is open every day, has 300 members and is normally a hub of activity. People play pool, play games on the computer, play bingo, get snacks from the vending machine, or hang out with their friends. Sometimes there are dances. Members have a range of abilities. Okland said those with higher ability levels are good about helping other members learn how to play different games. The social club had just written a grant to get Internet access.
Okland said the club members miss being able to come to the 2nd Story.
"They're calling me a lot, asking when it's going to be open again," she said.
Okland hopes to have some social events at the Armory while the 2nd Story offices are being repaired, but the recent snow storms have thwarted her efforts. She hopes the office will be ready to open again by the end of the month.
The Snowball Fundraiser is scheduled for Feb. 7 at the Minot Municipal Armory. The group had about 3,000 "white balls" for the fund raiser before Christmas and about a third of those were destroyed by the flood. Some 4,500 "snow balls" are needed for the fundraiser. The group is also accepting donations to replace the items that were lost. The Snowballs are basically grab bags, with a value of about $1 to $15, so any item works. The group also lost its supply of empty boxes which it uses to wrap the white balls and would like donations. They have set up in Room 110 of the Armory in order to wrap donations for the Snow Ball. People can call the 2nd Story number at 838-0912 and leave a message if they have items to donate.
Once they're back in the 2nd Story building, they'd also like donations for bingo prizes and paper products, such as paper cups, plates, tissues, towels and toilet paper.
