FLASHPOINT: West Vigo center’s work has brought great improvements

On behalf of the West Vigo Community Center, I would like to thank those who have made positive change possible during the last six months at the center. Under the guidance of Interim Executive Director Teresa Herrington, new Learning Center Director Debbie Stout, a new board of directors, and many volunteers, the center is truly experiencing a “new beginning.”

These are some of those responsible:

Danny Wayne of Midwest Communications radio and WTWO NewsChannel 2 Morning Edition advertised our Fall Fish Feast at the Grotto. Over 550 people arrived with their appetites and were not disappointed.

Channel 2 also publicized activities at the center and raised community awareness about the plight surrounding our recent Children’s Christmas Party. After the coverage, many people opened their hearts and their checkbooks to help provide gifts and pictures with Santa for over 250 children.

The Salvation Army came to our rescue with age-appropriate toys for the children. Volunteers wrapped gifts and sorted them by age appropriateness. Our Santa volunteered during his busiest time of the year, making each one feel special. We wish that all who dropped by sacks of new toys or the funds needed to buy toys could have experienced the day with us; the smiles and giggles from all the children would have made your day.

First Financial Corp. donated a new dual-purpose scoreboard for our gym; it will allow us to include a new volleyball program. For years to come, the center’s patrons will be reminded of your generosity at every sport event.

West Terre Haute Town Board renewed its support of the center.

Duke Energy’s safety grant allowed us to purchase new mats for behind the basketball goals, new exit signs, and first aid kits for both the Learning Center and the West Vigo Community Center Complex.

These additions will make the center a safer place. Employees at Wabash River and Cayuga Stations also donated funds. The money could not have come at a better time.

Scout Robert Palmer chose the Community Center’s After School Program room for his Eagle Scout project, giving students a welcoming, stimulating environment in which to learn and grow.

Bob Williams, Ali Weir, Pete Van Horn, Bill Bryan, Don Jeffers, and Jay Johnston volunteered to serve on the board. The many hours you donated to board meetings, cook food, work in the concession stand, set up tables, etc., have shown the community that we are a working board that wants to be good stewards at the center. Each board member is giving back something to the center that served us so well in our formative years.

Jan Medley remodeled the downstairs bathrooms, making them clean and bright.

Thank you, AARP volunteers, for coming to our rescue with experienced hands for secretarial, janitorial and Senior Citizen Center help. Your tireless energy has helped improve the efficiency of the center.

Teresa Scank volunteered to orchestrate the entire youth basketball program, which is a huge job.

The “West Side” principals have supported the changes at the center. Your help in promoting the many activities available is greatly appreciated.

West Vigo High School students and staff volunteered repeatedly to help with events and activities.

ISU School of Nursing Students orchestrated the children’s activities at the children’s Halloween Parade and Party.

West Terre Haute Police Chief Mark Arnold and his department collected $1,430 over four hours in the cold and rain that provided the nutritious food for our Christmas baskets. You saved the day.

Fire Chief Jim Holbert evaluated our fire alarm and evacuation test at the Learning Center.

Earl Rogers and Jim Brown donated two new American Flags.

Dollar General, Jack’s Hardware, Casey’s, Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, the Bug Man and IGA have all given generously over the long haul.

Majors & Sons Heating replaced the worn-out furnace in the gym. The new energy-efficient unit will be appreciated for years to come.

Louise’s Restaurant donated building supplies that can help us update our facilities. The air-conditioning units will provide a year-round pleasant environment for those using the center.

Drury Inn and Pfizer donated furniture after remodeling local facilities. Maryvale apartments/Pfister donated pumpkins for the children’s Halloween party and the flooring for the bathrooms.

Helping Hands renewed their faith in WVCC. We appreciate everything that they have done and continue to do.

Sister Dorothy’s prayers and guidance over past months have made us want to do an even better job at what we do.

United Way of the Wabash Valley’s renewed support makes it possible for us to continue in operation. Their request for accountability got the ball rolling for positive change at the center.

To others who have provided helping hands, materials, supplies, etc., thank you.

Our work at the center is not done; we require the ongoing support of the community to continue the progress being made. If you are reading this letter and wondering what you can do to help, do not hesitate to call us at (812) 533-7145. The center will be a better place because of your help.

— Frank Hill

WVCC Board President