Dr. Ben Arnold, president of Heart of Adair, challenged other members of the group to raise up to $10,000 to match an equal amount he will give.

The offer was made at the group's October meeting, Tuesday, October 28, in the Old Courthouse.

The money would be used for Heart of Adair efforts such as the Murals Project, downtown revitalization, enhancing the Walking Tour of Columbia, supporting arts projects, helping with the tree planting, and other projects for the general good of the community.

Dr. Arnold set no deadline on the offer.

Billy Joe Fudge, representing the Campbellsville Road entrance Tree Planting project, reported that the trees are ordered. There will be 196 trees, costing $5,518, which will be planted this fall.

Fudge said that 20-25 Lindsey Wilson students have already volunteered to help with the planting, and that Principal Jeff Scott of ACHS has volunteered to supervise workers. Others are still needed, he said. Volunteers' work will also count as in-kind donations toward matching funds.

Volunteers should contact Mr. Fudge.

The actual planting is dependent on the time the trees become dormant at the McMinnville nursery from which they were purchased; depending on the weather, the event should take place in the next 2-3 weeks.

Charles Grimsley said that the Columbia Baptist Church Christian Life Center will be planting trees on the property, and was told by Fudge that his and other Adair County groups who wish to coordinate with the Tree Board may do so. "Good. We've got some synergy at work," Fudge said. "We welcome individuals, too, to work with the Tree Board to improve the appearance of the community."

The artists for the Murals Project are making progress, Donna Vaughn and Margaret Arnold of the Murals Committee reported. The artists are nearly ready, but some technical problems with the wall designated for the first mural, on the Walker Building at the southwest corner of Merchant and Campbellsville Street, will need additional preparation before mural paints are applied.

Dr. Arnold noted that it is important for the citizens of Columbia to keep the momentum going. "Lindsey is doing its part for Columbia. They're helping us. I hope we do our part."

Those who wish to contribute to the Heart of Adair Matching Fund Drive may do so by writing a check and mailing it to: Heart of Adair, 1380 Burkesville Road, Columbia, KY 42728, or by contacting any member. Heart of Adair is a nonprofit group.