NEWMARKET—
The design plans for the mandated fire sprinkler at the Rockingham Ballroom have been drawn and redrawn and have finally been approved for installation. After reviewing the original plans, the group’s structural engineer reported that structural changes in the ceiling of the ballroom were required to hold the sprinkler itself. The design of the sprinkler system was then redrawn to comply with that recommendation. The next phase of the project is the reinforcement of the support beams to hold the sprinkler itself. According to the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom, the group plans to start construction in March, but must raise the funds needed to complete it.
Robert Cummings, a Registered Professional Fire Protection Engineer, is managing the sprinkler project. According to Patti Blanchette, President of the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom, “We hired a skilled project manager because we want our donors to know that this project is being managed professionally, and that their money is being spent wisely. We appreciate the community support that we have received, and we want to be sure that this project is being done right.”
The Friends group has set aside the funds for the actual sprinkler, but now must first raise the funds for renovations to the 77-year-old ballroom to hold the sprinkler, and then for the excavation to connect the sprinkler to the town water line. According to Blanchette, the group has two more hurdles before the sprinkler can be installed: first the renovation, and then the excavation. “We are at a critical point. We’re ready to start construction and need to raise the funds for that now. We need donations, and our next two fundraisers will be devoted to the renovations. We’ll then turn to the excavation.” Blanchette stressed that no upgrades were being made to the ballroom, and that all of the non-profit group’s separate funds are being used solely for the sprinkler requirements. The next fundraiser planned for the sprinkler fund is the return of the Beatles Tribute Band, All Together Now, on Friday, March 30, followed by a big band dance and performance by Mixed Nutz on Saturday, April 7. Tickets for the All Together Now event are $12 in advance and $15 on the date of the event, and are available at the ballroom or online at FOTRB.ORG or by calling 603-431-7224.
