RVCC Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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By Kathy Johnson

Rockfish Valley Community Center members, board and staff celebrated 10 years of service in the Rockfish Valley area March 30.

Topping the list of recent accomplishments was the purchase of the building and land from Nelson County. Sarah Jane Stewart, Board President, expressed her gratitude to all those involved in making the purchase plans come to fruition. With support from the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, assistance from Ralph Tarpin, RVCC pro bono attorney, the RVCC board and David Collins, who did the survey work, the center is able to purchase the building and ten acres for $16,548. The agreed price will be paid in 10 annual installments.

Outgoing treasurer Bill Howard presented his financial report noting that RVCC, Inc. had received $134,894 in donations and grants during the past year. As owners of the building, RVCC will be able to apply for and receive grant money for capital expenses and borrow money for necessary renovations.

New and returning board members were elected including Sarah Jane Stewart as president; Gifford Childs, vice president; Bob Kinney replaces Bill Howard as treasurer; Tim Gorman is replacing Pat Gooch as secretary; with new board members Connie Muscenti and John Lauler joining existing board members Dawn Averitt Bridge, Margaret Clair, Bill Howard and Pat Gooch. Retiring from the board are Ann Ashton, Tommy Stafford and Agnes Schrider. Schrider is stepping down to focus her attention on RVCC plans to open a Boys’ & Girls’ Club in the fall of 2011.

During the meeting a “2009 Champions of RVCC” power point was presented by Stewart and Gooch. Champions recognized work done on fire safety code compliance, opening of a new RVCC playground, a new skate park, successful fundraising through Christmas tree sales, pancake breakfasts, community markets and a consignment sale, architectural and landscape design assistance from the Charlottesville Community Design Center; 6) plans for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Treasure Chest make-over, and numerous new tenants. Bo Holland, center manager, was recognized for five years of champion service, Bill Howard for five years as treasurer and Sarah Jane Stewart for her work as president for three years.

Stewart said her priorities include renovating the auditorium and finding funding to hire an executive director. She said she is very pleased to have several new tenants including artists and a massage therapist. “We have more rooms to rent, and space for meetings, celebrations, and fundraisers! We could sure use some more volunteers to help in the office, at the Treasure Chest, and on the events committee.”

Board member Margaret Clair (who was instrumental in making the playground a reality) added, “We have come so far in the past 10 years, but we still have plenty of work to do… There are plans in the works to improve the grounds—expand skating and basketball, improve parking, and the walking trail. We need people to get involved through volunteering, membership and donations.”

Recent developments at RVCC include the new Friday Café with lunch available each Friday by Claudia Gibson Catering and work on plans for a 4-H Club at the center. Anyone interested in volunteering with any RVCC projects, including the Treasure Chest, pancake breakfasts or other fundraising activities should contact Bo Holland at 434-361-0100 or email her at [email protected].