ELACC making plans for new year
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The month of December has many people thinking of wrapping and then unwrapping gifts. In December many visitors at the East Liverpool Area Community Center will be wrapping up 2023 with their Christmas parties and celebrations at one of our four party venues at the center. But volunteers at the center this year will be busy wrapping up plans for some exciting months ahead in 2024.
For nearly 60 years the center was the Trinity Presbyterian Church, one of the finest and largest churches in the area. That came to abrupt end seven years ago when its building sitting atop eight lovely acres of land next to the East Liverpool High School on Maine Boulevard was sold. It became a community and learning center. Many significant and expensive repairs and improvements followed.
True to its purpose, the building became a center for parties, educational programs, a youth game room, displays for the city's finest pottery and paintings, home to four community service clubs, lots of classes on many subjects and including the community's only operating movie theatre.
With the new year 2024 it will also return to being a home to a church each Sunday morning - the Everyday Church. Pastor Mike Direnzo helped found the new church in West Virginia 10 years ago. It has parishioners from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio now numbering about 400 members. With many churches in our community closing their doors or struggling with low attendance and support, the Everyday Church continues to grow. Pastor Mike is quick to say that they are not interested in taking their members from existing churches. It is seeking to attract the "un-churched." On Feb. 1, 2024, the first church service and Sunday School classes will be held at the community center. The church will move from its present site on U. S. Route 30 east of Chester.
Scout Solar Company plans to supply energy to the electric company from the city's pumping station adjacent to the center, reducing the cost of its electricity. Additional panels added for the center will initially nearly eliminate the electric bills for the center, as well.
In the spring of 2024 the center anticipates the butterfly garden on the west side of the building will begin to attract the beautiful Monarch butterflies. A garden was built by East Liverpool High School students in its shop class. Butterflies will be viewed from inside the center or by walking on the concrete path along side of the building.
There is a new activity at the center in November. Sharon Palmer has been an accomplished massage therapist in the community for many years. She has retired from her company but wanted to continue provide therapy for the needy as a community service. Palmer began providing massages in the Mary Sue Lang Art Display
Room. It was the last room at the center that could be found not already in use. The art work there provides a nice distraction for customers as they receive their massages.
The Legacy & Legends Lecture Series already has held two-thirds of its programs. Donations by members help underwrite the center. They then attend interesting talks about local historical sites and events. Four talks have been presented to large audiences on Tuesday nights in the Farmers Room.
Two programs remain for the spring of 2024. The May Lecture celebrates the 141st year that the Riverview Cemetery Association has been in charge of the city's largest cemetery. June will be The Museum of Ceramics located in the former Post Office building at Fifth Street & Broadway presented by Director Susan Weaver. A $100 membership fee pays for six programs each year along with a guest.
In the wintertime things slow down at the center except for parties, scheduled activities, club meetings and now activities of the Everyday Church.
However the center will remain open seven days a week manned by our faithful volunteers from noon to 5 p.m. every day. No fee is charged for anyone to meet at the center to enjoy a movie, read or exchange a book, admire the exhibits or enjoy the Teen Game Room downstairs.