Lyons Community Center has official opening
By Donna Comella
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Government officials, community leaders, and benefactors gathered Saturday to 'cut the ribbon,' opening the new Lyons Community Center.

The Center's Executive Director, John Salone, welcomed about 50 people into the gymnasium for the ceremony. (Salone is pictured here being interviewed while guests continued to arrive.)

The new 27,000-sq.ft. facility had what Salone called a 'soft opening' in late July, but is now up and running 7 days a week. Next Saturday, October 22, the Center plays host to the area Vince Lombardi Jr. Football Cheerleader competition. Salone said he expects 1500 people to be present for the 9 a.m. event.

A member of the Center's Board of Directors, Rick Wadsworth is pictured here, seated in the bleachers before the ceremony. One of Rick's old high school friends, Bob Ohmann, was present and to be honored for his contributions to the new Center.

Ohmann, who no longer lives in the area, donated thousands of dollars to the project, and in a show of appreciation, the north side of the basketball court is emblazoned with his name. The south side of the court honors the Center's original benefactor, Myron Taylor, whose property was donated for the former Center on Broad Street. Ohmann has now purchased that property and has said he hopes it will continue, in some fashion, to benefit the community.

The new Center, located on Manhattan St. near the High School, has programs for every age and almost every interest. There is a smaller gym, a Fitness Room, a Computer Room, Conference Room. There are programs for senior citizens, adults, children; everything from guitar lessons and babysitting courses, to card games and cardio kickboxing.

In the foyer on Saturday, a lovely autumn table displayed the scissors that would cut the ribbon, the shovel that was used to break ground, and some printed informational material. Included in the printed info were forms for those who wish to volunteer. The next coming event is a Halloween Festival on October 29 with fun for all ages. If you can help, or have pumpkins to donate, contact the Center at 946.6202.

Other volunteer opportunities are available, and financial contributions are always appreciated. Stop in to see the new Center, Mondays - Fridays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 - 6; and Sundays, 1-6.

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