Update from Jacksonville Community Center – April 2021

As we reflect on the past year at the Jacksonville Community Center, the image that comes to mind is a river. On its journey, the river may encounter places where the water appears to be stopped, takes a bend, or circles in eddies, but overall, the current keeps moving. Like many organizations and businesses, the past twelve months have called forth every resource of our creativity and persistence to stay afloat and to keep moving forward on our mission.

We have responded to the changing pandemic requirements by reconfiguring our spaces to allow for social distancing, offering activities outdoors, and providing Zoom sessions. Those participating have been so grateful for reduced isolation—and even with masks on, speakers have enjoyed being in the physical presence of those attending classes.

Through a combination of strong support from our donors in the Fall 2020 campaign, a PPP loan and special grants, we have been able to keep our great PT staff employed and the building’s utilities paid. We have not been idle during the quiet time—besides the activities described above, we have produced marketing materials and two wonderful videos showcasing the history, offerings and spaces at the Center.

  • Organizational video: https://youtu.be/Wtg5nkJVbBc
  • Prospective Renters video: https://youtu.be/jlxVj7xqL9s

It’s gratifying to see community members stepping up to support the JCC with their time, skills and resources. For example, in a collaboration with the Jacksonville Boosters Club and a grant from the Boosters Foundation (thank you Steve Casaleggio and Rob Buerk!), a patio project behind the Center was completed, a timely outdoor addition to our space. Other organizations and volunteers have also lent support, including Jacksonville Garden Club members who helped with a winter cleanup of the pollinator garden, and speakers who donated their expertise for our classes.

We are acutely aware that we are not out of the woods yet with respect to the pandemic. Support from the community through volunteer efforts and financial contributions are still critically important to keeping the Center functioning.

At the time of this writing (mid-March) we are thrilled to reopen the building again with social distancing—and have lined up some interesting sessions for the spring. Check our ad on page 8 in this edition and our website (jacksonvillecommunitycenter.org) for the most current information. We look forward to when the Center can reopen fully and function as the lively hub of family and community activities that we know it to be!

Featured image: On the new JCC patio, giving the thumbs-up about reopening! l-r: Leah Howell, Rob Buerk, Sue Miler, Steve Casaleggio