Young people frolic at one of many community events the Community Center has been home to over the years.

What feeds the Lopez nonprofit community volunteers in times of economic stress is their passion for place, for people, for purpose. Mission statements are tested when volunteer time and talent are called to fill an even larger void as the dollars dwindle. Lopez Center, as it enters its second decade, is an example of people with passion continuing to meet their organization’s mission. Building, realizing and living the dream of the community’s house for all residents continues to be the driving force behind the Lopez Center. Center tee shirts over the years tell of that evolving dream. Passion behind that dream keeps legions of Lopezians with vivid memories, continuing to give.

Nancy Greene, a designer and professional project manager, stepped forward in 1994 when she knew the dream would come true. She worked for years on this project, contributing thousands of unpaid hours.

“I wanted the community to embrace the building, accept it and value its flexibility,” she said. “We had group meetings, conducted surveys, and held open houses in an attempt to see that all voices were heard.” Today, Greene continues to provide her expert advice in maintenance issues, such as redecorating the back stage dressing area known as the Green Room. “It was to be and still is a public house, the people’s house,” she said. “Lopezians can bring to it what they want.”

The Lopez Center mission statement reflects those desires. It states that the Lopez Community Center Association is to initiate, coordinate, and promote performing and visual arts and other cultural, educational, and recreational activities which enrich the entire Lopez Community.

Long time Lopez Center volunteers like Greene continue to bring their special skills to the organization. “I remember after the building was opened someone realized the grass needed mowing,” said Jim Smith, owner of the local kiwi farm and former LCCA board chairman. That’s when his first John Deere mower was seen in action on the grounds. Jim continues contributing his mechanical and electrical skills today, as well as exhibiting his passion as a member of the Home Tour annual fund raising committee. “Members of that committee come back year after year,” he said. “A side benefit is the fun, social interaction.”

Many Lopezians feel the joy of volunteering. Long time volunteer Lorna Reese, co-founder of the Lopez Writers Guild, said of her Lopez Center work, “It’s been fun and rewarding.” In addition to serving on the board, she and husband Len Kanzer were the Center’s communication couple in 1994, for several years putting their professional skills to work to develop the marketing and promotional materials needed to tell the Lopez Center story. Fifteen years later, Lorna is still writing articles for LCCA. “A great many people got the money raised and the building constructed in the 1990s. Another good number of people have taken care of Lopez Center for the last ten years,” Reese said. “But we have to take care of it for the next ten and the ten after that so Lopez Center can continue being the community’s house in the future. We need people who use the center and enjoy activities there to step in and take their turns.”

Few volunteers have given more time and talent to enhance the services of the island’s non-profit community than Robert Herrmann, co-recipient of the LCCA Andy and Dolly Holland Lopez Spirit award in 2007. He has been center stage for fund raising events since the Lopez Center opened in 1999. Herrmann not only enables Lopez Center to fulfill its mission, he enables community organizations to do the same as they use the Center. “I like the vision, the creative, innovative part of work with Lopez Center,” Herrmann said. “It’s like putting a business together.” His skills and talents have helped bring live theatre to the Center. He and his partner Ron Hall chaired the opening ceremonies in 1999, and are still active volunteers on committees and the LCCA board. “I’d like to see more daytime use of the Center for classes, seminars and workshops. I am passionate about the Center.” Herrmann said. “I stay involved because I like the programs our director, Richard Sorensen, is bringing to the Center.”

Director Sorensen points out that Lopez is not only celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Center but also the 20th anniversary of the Pavilion. “It is my dream that we see more creative uses of these facilities that benefit all aspects of the Lopez community,” Sorensen said. “This is the community’s house. Everyone belongs.”

The Center continues to fulfill its mission by reaching out and recognizing volunteers in other organizations. LCCA is sponsoring a Community Appreciation Potluck for emergency service personnel on September 28 at 6 p.m. Those being honored are the EMTs, paramedics, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement, public works, domestic violence staff and others. For more information, contact Sorensen. On October 10 LCCA will again recognize unsung volunteer heroes through the Dolly and Andy Holland Lopez Spirit Award.

Sorensen is developing plans to convene a community workshop for Lopez nonprofit organizations. The purpose is to discuss critical issues affecting our organizations during these economic hard times. “We will look for ways we can work together in our efforts to meet our growing community needs,” he said.

As new and old Lopezians continue to live the dream of their community center, recognizing that during hard economic times cash support can be difficult, they know their skills are needed. “The youngest side of the community has to step up,” said Jim Smith. “They need to feel excited about participating and caring for the Center.”

How do we pass passion on to the next generation of volunteers?