MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Haslett-Okemos Rotary Foundation awarded a $5,000 donation to Meridian Township for the community room at the new Central Fire Station.

Haslett-Okemos Rotary recently received a grant for $2,150 from the Rotary District 6360 Foundation to help outfit the new Central Fire Station with a community room suitable for public meetings. The Rotary District grant was matched with Haslett-Okemos Rotary Foundation funds.

"When we closed the old central fire station and we had to move the fire station to the service center we lost one of the larger meeting spaces in the township and that really left us with a void," Township Treasurer Julie Brixie stated.

The goal of the Rotary Club was to transform the fire station training room into a community room for all residents of Meridian Township to use for public meeting space. The money will be used to purchase cabinetry, countertops, and a sink to make the room suitable for a variety of gatherings.

"There's also gone be quite a bit of technical equipment in there so that you can have a slide projector, smart boards, and play different types of videos," mentioned Brixie.

Carrie Hindmon, President of the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club stated“Rotary wanted to make an impact in Meridian Township and give citizens the opportunity to have a community meeting room. We plan to hold our weekly meetings at this location as soon as the station is opened.”

Fire Chief Fred Cowper even chimed in saying "I want to thank the Haslett-Okemos Rotary for their hard work and dedication providing financial support to enhance the Community Room. We look forward to hosting their weekly meetings at the new Central Fire Station."

The Fire Station is currently under construction and is expected to open in January 2016 with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2016.