by Colleen Smith Armstrong
Where can you find antique furniture, jewelry, and artwork, all at a bargain price?
At the Woodmen Hall Auction, of course!
Scheduled for Sunday, May 25, the silent auction is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Viewing for the live auction items will begin at 9 a.m. as well. Coffee will be served throughout the morning and lunch is available at 11 a.m. (for a charge), the same time the live auction begins.
All the money raised will go towards fixing up Woodmen Hall, which has been going through a series of renovation projects since it was purchased by the Senior Advisory Council of San Juan County. Lopez Senior Services will eventually occupy the building, and the Friends of Woodmen Hall, which is a separate entity, was created to fundraise and support the restoration efforts.
The Senior Center will house its office in the Hall and hold all its regular activities there – weekly lunches, exercise classes, bingo, and bridge. The Hall will also be available to the public for a fee.
Last year the auction netted $28,000, and the Friends have high hopes for the 2008 event. “Our goal is to raise $60,000,” said Membership chair Sandie Pigott. “We’re shooting for the moon,” laughed Connie Kyser, president of the Friends. “We want to get this building open!” added Patty Ward, a director and grant writer.
Auction items this year include furniture, an American-built cherry wood bookcase, antiques, an oak phonograph, a motorized chair for the handicapped, a sectional sofa, jewelry, artwork, and island services. They will accept donations until May 17. Call Kyser at 468-3275 or Lynda Sellers at 468-2287.
According to organizers, last year it was a “truly local” event with parents buying furniture for their kids at college and young couples decorating their first home.
In 2007, the Friends brought in $34,000 in fundraising and $2400 in membership and other donations. They’ve received $900 in membership fees since January 1, 2008. The total cost of restoring Woodmen Hall is unknown, as they are tackling the building on a project by project basis.
The foyer is in the process of being totally renovated, including the addition of an ADA men’s restroom and redoing the existing bathroom. The whole area should be done by the time of the auction. The kitchen and office are currently being redone, and they are working on completing the water source. There are also plans for a moveable partition for the main room, and Ward is looking for grants for work on the stage.
Paul Berg is the project manager and he is working with three other project managers who have been assigned specific areas. “Paul is enthusiastic and far-looking. There is a definite plan for how the work will go,” said Ward.
The Friends sent out a survey to the Lopez community this fall and received 120 completed forms. Comments were incorporated into building plans. “We have an idea what the community wants,” said Ward. “It was worth the community’s time. We definitely used the surveys,” added Virginia Palmer, treasurer.
The Friends are always accepting new members. Fees are $10 per person, $15 per couple, and $25 per family; if interested, call Sandie Pigott at 468-3781, mail money to PO Box 424, Lopez Island WA 98261, or pick up a form at the Lopez Library or Lopez Senior Center. There will also be forms at the auction.
The Friends of Woodmen Hall hold a meeting the second Monday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in the Hall, and the public is always encouraged to attend.
