Editor, Times-Union:
The Town of Silver Lake, along with a group of citizens and business owners, is continuing to work on designing and building a community center. We are going into the next steps of accomplishing this long-awaited mission. The original plan was to build on the ground where the Silver Lake school proudly stood, and for many reasons we are unable to build on the site. We are working on a plan to memorialize our beloved school at that location instead.
This brings us to the reason we are writing this letter. A family in our community who for many generations have been continuing to invest in the tiny town of Silver Lake and we feel it is important to recognize their kindness. The generosity they have provided is continuing through family generations to this day. Rick Kerlin (Kerlin Motor Company) donated three plus acres of the Kerlin family's land at no cost, so that we may create a recreational center for the community to enjoy. We are tremendously grateful for his gift and because of his donation our community can thrive even more.
It all started with Russell and Pearl Kerlin that believed in their community and lived their lives caring about the children and families that live here. They donated a portion of their farmland to the Silver Lake School to have a playground and many businesses have been started by the Kerlin Family and are operating to this day.
We appreciate Rick Kerlin's commitment and caring in giving the Silver Lake community a place to build where all generations can come together.
Sincerely,
Town of Silver Lake Officials
via email