Volunteers are sought to help put a new roof on the Oakhurst Community Center, pictured in a file photo, May 10-16.
Its two buildings, two kitchens, meeting room and spacious grounds have hosted bingo, crab feeds, rib and chili fests, Christmas dinners, pancakes with Santa, square dancing, quilting guild, Celtic fests, voting centers, fire shelters, weddings, parties, retirements and memorials.
There’s no end to what takes place at the Oakhurst Community Center (OCC). Its walls, stone fireplace, wooden floors and stage have witnessed every milestone of life in the foothills and sheltered the community in times both good and bad.
Now, the OCC needs the community’s help for a major glow-up Monday through Saturday, May 10-16.
Originally built in 1965 with funds raised by area service clubs, the OCC enjoys no sustainable government funding.
A nonprofit overseeing the center is made up of representatives from each of those founding organizations plus. Jessica Trettin and Dennis Kogler are currently co-presidents of the board.
“We are the eyes and ears of the old buildings here,” Trettin said. “It’s a constant battle to strike a balance between fixing it up and carrying on.”
Right now, they’re doing both.
This week Kogler Enterprises will oversee construction of a new roof on the main hall and install two new swamp coolers — and they’re looking for community volunteers to help.
The plan was to tear off the 9,000-plus square foot roof on Monday and Tuesday during which time volunteers of all skill levels are sought.
Wednesday through Saturday Kogler said they are hoping for a cadre of skilled workers with roofing experience to put the new roof on. Volunteers will be asked to sign liability waivers.
Bids for the job came in between $61,000 and $65,000 and licensed contractor Kogler is donating his time and that of his three laborers.
Kogler said All Weather Supply Co. in Oakhurst is providing the roofing materials at cost — about $16,000 at their price. Emadco will donate a couple of roll-offs to contain the dismantled roofing material and Madera County waived permit fees, Kogler said.
And they’re still looking for donations to cover the pair of swamp coolers they need to keep the community comfortable all summer long (and, let’s face it, much of fall as well). Those should cost about $800 to $1,000 each.
It’s been a long time coming but plans are for the re-do to take only six days, with help.
“The idea is to get it done and replaced by Saturday, May 16,” he said. “The main hall will be shut down for the week.”
So far they’ve raised about $28,000 over time by holding fundraisers and accepting donations from individuals and groups including local Soroptimists, both Rotary Clubs in Oakhurst and the Eastern Madera County Foundation.
The timing is perfect for a nice new roof as the Community Center is coming into a season when they’re booked up quite a bit.
“It’s crazy how much stuff is growing!” Kogler said. “We’re so busy.”
Not only are builders needed for the new roof, organizers are also hoping people will provide snacks, lunches, beverages, gift cards and certificates for meals for volunteers. Contact Jessica Trettin Jessica@thewanderingbride.com to help with volunteer hospitality.
The Oakhurst Community Center is located at 39800 Road 425B in Oakhurst. Learn more at www.easternmaderarec.org/ oakhurst-community-center/. You can donate to the Oakhurst Community Center in person or online at www.zeffy.com.
Responses (0)