New center celebrated
- Fairbury News staff
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The gap between the younger and older generations in the community has narrowed with Friday’s unveiling of the Boys and Girls Club Intergenerational Center in Fairbury.
Elected officials, members of the community and those representing the club participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new facility on north Seventh Street across from the First Baptist Church and just down the road from Prairie Central High School.
“Thank you all for believing in rural communities,” Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County CEO Jodi Martin told the crowd.
Martin said their vision has become a realty with the soon-to-open center. She thanked everyone involved with the project and staff for their efforts.
Though work is practically complete, Al Slagel of Vissering Construction listed a few finishing touches still planned, including the walking track around the outside of the gym and parking lot stripes.
“Outside, we have fence to put around the dumpster locations and HVAC units,” he explained.
One interesting aspect of the new center Slagel shared is that there are 43 cameras between the inside and outside of the building. The groundbreaking ceremony was held August 27 which means construction took almost nine months – something that drew a round of applause from the audience.
Long before this new facility was even a thought, Mayor David Slagel reminded everyone that the club has always been a safe place to learn, grow and become future leaders.
“Now with this new state-of-the-art facility, that mission can continue as never before and even grow to include those of us who are a bit more young at heart,” said Mayor Slagel.
Slagel is proud of, but not surprised by, what our communities have accomplished together.
“This project is yet another example of the amazing things we can achieve when we all come together with a shared vision and a common goal.”
The mayor thanked the club staff and board, donors, community members and construction teams for making it all happen. He then had a message especially for the young people who will fill the building.
“Really make this place your own. Play here. Learn here. Dream here. Strive to grasp even that which may seem out of reach.”
A regional vice-president for the Boys and Girls Club of America, Wally Graffen, even made an appearance at Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. He referred to it as an “incredible”
facility.
“An individual like me wouldn’t be here without folks like you,” Graffen stated.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly acknowledged the hard work and dedication which went into making the new center happen. Kelly helped secure $500,000 for the building which she described as a crucial space for fostering connections between Fairbury elders and youth.
“Learning is a two-way street,” Kelly admitted.
Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County Board President Sue Popejoy reviewed the timeline which led to the building of a new center.
“It’s a pivotal moment for us today,” stated Popejoy.
Land was purchased in 2021 and a blue-ribbon committee was formed to help guide the process.
“Thank you all for your time, talent and treasure,” added Popejoy.
A feasibility study followed with the results giving the club the green light to move forward.
They have raised $4 million which includes grants and funding through Congresswoman Kelly. The fundraising goal is still $2.4 million short, according to Popejoy, and donations are still being accepted.
Popejoy considers this a place where young and old can connect, learn and thrive together.
The new Intergenerational Center opens June 2. Senior citizens will be welcome and the Boys and Girls Club summer program will start as well.
