The Williams Community Center Association has a building most small communities would envy. But a building without people is just a building.
With very few members and a disinterested public, the organization that oversees the former home of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post could be facing the same fate as the former occupants.
Members of the WCC Association said without more community support, the organization and the center are in danger of closing.
” Its getting harder and harder to keep this center going,” said President Sally Barker.
While building rental fees help the WCC cover the expenses of the facility, the group lacks membership to relieve tired board members from their duties. All the members of the board are aging and tired, and they simply need new members to pass the torch to the next generation, said longtime member Jean Terkildsen.
” This building serves a purpose,” Terkildsen said. ” ” It would be a shame we had to close it.
The Board of Directors, at their last meeting, invited Willams City Councilman Don Parsons and Supervisor Kent Boes to help brainstorm what could be done.
If not for the few stalwarts that hope to keep the community going, the organization could fold and turn the building back over to the county.
Ron Simmons, who calls bingo every Monday for a small crowd, said not only are people needed to take over on the board, they need members who can help set up and tear down for events, help manage the facility, and help financially by becoming paid members or by attending events, especially bingo.
” We only had nine players last week,” he said. ” We need more people.
Boes said he understood the organizations struggles, but the group will have to change with the times, including utilizing social media, advertising, and putting out flyers. He said the group will also have to consider activities that might be enjoyed by a younger audience, such as electronic game tournaments, and other diverse activities for youth, teens, and young adults.
” If you keep doing what youve always done, you will keep getting what youve got,” Boes said.
The WCC is a non-profit organization, but in a community that struggles to get volunteers for anything, the group will have to find something that works for the community.
” Its just like any organization,” Parson said. ” Its the same people putting in the effort. It requires recruitment. You have to find somebody to take your place.
Right now, exercise programs, such as Yoga and Zumba, are available. The Community Center also hosts an Art Show annually. They would love new members who would be interested in bringing back talent shows or other forms of entertainment.
Meanwhile, the group plans to take advantage of other community events to try and host a recruitment drive.
WCC members said if they cant get people to step up, the association may fold and the center will close.
Members hope that doesnt have to happen, and want to find a new approach.
” We need to set some goals and develop a program,” said former Mayor Don Barker. ” We are going to have to do something.
For more information about the community center, call Simmons at 530-501-3029.
Bingo is played every Monday night at 5 PM (Early Bird) and 6 PM (Regular). The Williams Community Center is located at 860 C. St. –