HomeMy WebLinkAbout021226 email - Quilcene Community CenterALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Hello Commission,
Please accept my comments supporting the proposal from OlyCAP to maintain its lease of the Quilcene Community Center building and grounds so that they may continue their quality programming
that serves the community.
I am continually impressed by the community building efforts that OlyCAP and its Quilcene director, Richard Fitzgerald, have put forth to increase community activities, events, and connections.
It’s not easy to build community in Quilcene and they are doing it!
This director has been able to bring excitement to community events: pancake breakfasts monthly, an awesome Halloween party, and weekly game nights that have become a must for our family.
Plus he took on leadership of our Quilcene Fair team, preventing a beloved community event from lapsing.
He has skillfully demonstrated professionalism in relating to youth and adults.
As a certified yoga instructor, I started offering classes at the community center in November and the director has been very welcoming and supportive as students find ways to connect
to community and wellness opportunities. Although my last class is tomorrow, it’s because I took a second job and don’t have time for leading a class, it’s not because of management
in any way.
It is confusing to me why a chamber of commerce would have interest in competing with a civic organization and service provider like OlyCAP. If this chamber were interested in building
up commerce then why aren’t they looking for legitimate ways to build commerce? Why pick on service agencies?
If they were doing a good job as a chamber, the several vacant lots around the hardware store and community center might have something that the business community would be interested
in. Perhaps they could find a partner to revitalize the hardware store itself and utilize that as a combination visitor center and business that would benefit the community.
They would be building credibility if they could help figure out how to get local investors to serve the community: why is the Timberhouse still closed? There are local ideas that they
could be helping promote. They could be a liaison to the owners of the property who have been hoarding this property and denying legitimate offers that would benefit the community.
Chambers of Commerce that I’m familiar with work to build up opportunities for local businesses. The North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce’s bid for the community center looks more like
tearing away at vital infrastructure that supports community.
Your choice to keep a trusted service agency that proves itself with real results that benefits people would be made by accepting the OlyCAP proposal.
Please keep this community resource intact without service disruptions : keep OlyCAP as stewards of our community center.
Thank you for your service as commissioners. I appreciate your leadership!
Sincerely,
Dana Nixon
1731 Snow Creek Rd., Quilcene.