Submitted by Kip Greenthal, LIFRC board member

More than 400 people from the Lopez community stepped across the threshold of the beautiful new building generously built and funded by Lopez resident Pamela McCabe on Oct. 27 and 28.

Designed by Greene Partners, and built by Thomas-Fragnoli Construction, two and a half years of dreams and hard work came to life in the spacious, light filled rooms of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center and the Lopez Fit gym.

In collaboration with the staff and board members of both organizations, McCabe saw the need for an increased and inspired space. Previously, the nine-member LIFRC staff was cramped in a small space with three offices; now they have expanded into seven offices, which provide privacy and an improved working environment for their challenging work meeting clients’ needs. As well, the building holds a conference room and a large “family room” complete with a kitchen and community computer lab. A separate entrance to Lopez Fresh, with a refrigerator for fresh produce and shelves for dry food is open 24-7.

Also within this new building, the Lopez Fit gym has doubled its original space, and, in its new dedicated classroom, is offering circuit classes, Silver Sneakers, Zumba, yoga and pilates.

“Serving the entire community at every stage of life” is the goal for this beautiful new building that has changed the Lopez Village’s landscape. It symbolizes team effort and a vision for empowering every individual living on Lopez Island. If you haven’t already, drop by between 11 a.m.–1 p.m. any weekday to see this expansive and breathtaking space.