CHESTERFIELD A center for community activities is undergoing some renovations this year that will make it easier for area groups to hold events in the building that has served the village of Crosswicks for 80 years.
By:Vanessa S. Holt
Built as a community center in 1922, the Main Street building originally housed the village library on its second floor balcony. It now is utilized for everything from weekly dance lessons and Boy Scout meetings to wedding receptions and plays.
The two-story building includes a room for meetings and assemblies, a kitchen, an auditorium and stage.
Located on the grounds of the "Village Green," owned by the Crosswicks Friends, the building is run by the Crosswicks Community Association.
Among the renovations planned or under way in the building are a new carpet and fresh coat of paint for the interior and a refurbished first-floor kitchen.
Air conditioning will be installed, making it easier to hold events like ballet classes, said Dr. Denise Evans, events coordinator for the Crosswicks Community Association. A refurbished building will make it easier to hold more events at the location, she said.
"There’s a need for that," said Dr. Evans. "People want to rent the space."
The building exterior and grounds also will receive an upgrade with landscaping and new brick walkways.
Crosswicks resident Harry Williams and other volunteers are working on renovations and will be assisted by area Boy Scouts, who will help with landscaping by installing a brick walk.
Volunteers hope to bring the building up to 21st-century standards so it can continue to serve the community.
"Older buildings need to come closer to what the new building codes are," said Mr. Williams. "The more it can be used, the better it is for the community."
The Crosswicks Community House is the site of many area events, including "Concerts on the Green" in the summertime. Local artists will perform and families are invited to set up picnics on the grounds to listen.
Other possible events in the future include a murder mystery night for adults and more activities for children, including art programs, said Dr. Evans.
The Bordentown Players, a local theater group, will present "Arsenic and Old Lace" this spring at the community house.
Volunteers are doing most of the renovation work, but the Community Association also raises money through events, including the Crosswicks Village Festival held in September.
In the past, festival activities included a 5K run, which Dr. Evans said she would like to bring back in the future.
The Crosswicks Community Association will hold a membership appreciation night and membership drive at 7 p.m. on March 16, featuring a presentation of "Baba Yaga," stories from around the world, by the Shoestring Players.
Admission is free to members and $10 to non-members. New members can sign up at the door, $25 for individuals and $35 for family membership.
For more information about the Crosswicks Community Association, call president Denise Koetas at 298-7370.
