QUILCENE CENTER RECHARGES COMMUNITY

Quilcene was once a center for the lumber industry. As the local economy transitioned away from logging, the community has worked to find its place in a new economy centered around service and tourism. The community is small in numbers - only about 600 people - but it has a tremendous spirit. Bob Rosen joined OlyCAP as Quilcene Community Center Manager in early 2007 and immediately challenged the community to what may have seemed like an impossible task - the complete makeover of their local Community Center.  Today, that community is within a few dollars and a bit of effort from answering Bob's challenge in a truly spectacular fashion.  Along the way, Bob and Quilcene have reminded all of us of the benefits and the power of a community fully engaged in the completion of a shared task.	The Center in 2006
The renaissance has been a three step process. First, the Center was opened up to new activities inviting all residents of Quilcene. Listening to the community interest was a key step and a range of activities was added.  A Meals on Wheels program was established and an Emergency Preparedness Committee founded.  Space was made available to provide Income Tax Preparation Support.  The Center arranged social and cultural functions - a sock hop, art exhibits and a Writer's Workshop to name a few. Open Community Forums were sponsored to give residents an opportunity to exchange ideas. And, there was plenty of fun to be had - Yoga Classes, Bingo, Wii Bowling and Pinochle helped make the Center an activity destination for Quilcene.
As the programs were expanding, the community turned to the physical remodel of the Center itself.  Bob and other Quilcene residents marshaled their efforts to raise funds, acquire in-kind goods and services and contribute the labor necessary to achieve their shared goal.  The exterior remodel was completed in 2010 with incredible community support and participation.  The third step has been to remodel the interior upgrading kitchen facilities, painting and refurbishing meeting spaces.  The interior remodel continues today and there are plans to extend the center to include an outdoor stage as a venue for music and art.	The Center Exterior 2010
Community members have been involved in every aspect of the Center's resurgence.  Volunteers arrived every day to help in the reconstruction two community members were publicly recognized for their participation on every day there was construction activity. Money was raised directly in the community through the sales of brick pavers for the walk and other local activities.  Local service clubs and community groups have given of their time and money to help make the Center a reality.  Individual community members with skills and talent have stepped forward to offer in-kind services in architecture, landscape architecture, carpentry, painting, plumbing and electricity.
Center Interior Under Construction	The Center has been a tale of hard work and spectacular results.  It has become an important focus of community activity and a regional venue for weddings and social functions. Visitors to the center have grown steadily over the past three years and it has become an attractive stopping point for travelers along Highway 101. The Quilcene Community Center is a truly spectacular example of building community spirit.