Ten years ago [the East Liverpool Area Community & Learning Center] was home to the Trinity Presbyterian Church on the north side of the City of East Liverpool. Then a few local businessmen with imagination and foresight decided it could become a tri-state area center of learning, enjoyment and excitement. Today’s center exceeds all expectations.

It is located at 110 Maine Blvd. Just below the East Liverpool school complex and sits on 8 acres that include a parking lot for about 180 cars. It is used for many different activities like drivers education, school functions and, of course, parking for those who come to the center for a diverse number of activities seven days every week. We could not get along without it.

A book could be written about what goes on at the center. As a matter of fact there is one. In the desk book is a list of activities at the center seven days a week, 12 months a year for the past 10 years.

Exhibits and lectures about our history points out the many unique things that over the years have seen an early American settlement on the banks of the Ohio River become a world-renowned pottery center and now what remains today – a great place to call home.

Let’s take a few minutes to consider some unique activities in the community that were not possible before your center, such as the John Fitzjohn Foundation Award Scholarships each year given to music students who show off their talents while presenting a talent show in the auditorium each fall.

When an aerobics instructor from Wellsville lost her lease, she found a new home at the center; it is now the Living Waters Classes. When a rapidly growing tri-state evangelistic church from Chester had outgrown its building, it took over the center auditorium each Sunday. One recent Sunday, nearly 400 churchgoers blessed the center with their presence.

When a massage therapist wanted to bring her trade to our community, we made room for her. Guardians of the Children Club meets the needs of abused and neglected kids from around the area. A Narcotics Anonymous group made its home at the center for many years. Chapters of the Rotary and Lions clubs have met there over many years. The Rotary Club last year located it Monarch Butterfly Garden on the west side of the building. It is in full bloom for viewing during center hours.

This past summer may area children enjoyed art classes taught by Margaret Myers and music therapy sessions directed by Amy Dunlap and Katie Muldoon.

When approached by a rescue team that will provide its resources to rural Irondale due to recent storm damage there, the center threw away its rule book and will open its doors to team members over the July 27 weekend as the place for it to operate from overnight.

A town that at one time had over seven major movie theaters for the enjoyment of local residents, it now has none. However, every week at 2 p.m. Teresa James leads the Saturday Movie Matinee shows in the center. There is a surround sound, wide screen theater where 10 to 15 folks gather to enjoy old classic movies. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the old movies with free popcorn and treats.

Parties, meetings and classes attract hundreds of visitors each week. Summertime is always a good time to bring out-of-town visitors for an afternoon of sharing and enjoying good memories of the past.