Jeffrey N. Melton

Yesterday's announcement of the official opening date at Crystal Bridges, means that my time on the jobsite is no longer open-ended. As anyone can see from Bentonville's paved trail and reviewing stand, there is a lot of work to be done between now and then.

Based on past experience, I expect the number of personnel on-site to begin increasing steadily, many of whom are sure to be working more than the standard 40-hour work week between now and the end of construction activities on-site.

From CrystalBridges.org:

November 18, 2010

BENTONVILLE, Ark., November 18, 2010 –During an update today on the progress of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art at the monthly meeting of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges’ executive director, announced that the Museum will open to the public on Friday, November 11, 2011. The announcement took place at the Doubletree Guest Suites and Convention Center in Bentonville. Numerous regional leaders were in attendance.

Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation, Crystal Bridges is positioned to play a major role in Northwest Arkansas’ continued economic and cultural expansion. The Museum will serve the region’s residents as well as draw visitors from around the nation and the world.

So the direction of this blog is going to be somewhat different than I'd previously envisioned, as evidenced by the heavy editing I've done. There's not much else I can say about that. This site may be updated much less frequently than I'd like, but such is life sometimes, I suppose. Thanks for checking in.

I didn't know Ferny, really. He worked for my company, and at the same jobsite, but in a different area than where I work. He hanged himself last night. Something to do with his significant other. I don't know much, but I know that Ferny killing himself won't release him from the demons he was trying to escape. I know I regret some of the things I said about someone I didn't know. I imagine some of the men who did work with Ferny are asking themselves some very difficult, existential questions tonight… though it's as likely that they're attempting to drown those questions in beer.

Sobering stuff. Be mindful of others. Be mindful of yourself.