By Deb Buker
"Today is filled with celebration. We are so happy to reach this phase of what we are accomplishing in this community but it isn't a dream completethis is just another goal that we accomplished. We have so much more. There is so many more generations of kids to support and show them that they can achieve anything that they want and that is what this center is all about," said Anita Serda, president of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA), at the grand opening and dedication of the new gymnasium and teen/senior citizen program addition to the Perrysburg Heights Community Center.
Ms. Serda told the more than 100 dignitaries, guests and community center partners attending the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday that "we owe this to our parents when back in the '40s and '50s they established this community, and everything they fought for in our community. They all worked together and we continue to all work together."
PHCA was formed in 1991 with Ms. Serda as one of the founding members. The mission of the association reads: "The Perrysburg Heights Community Association was established for the purpose of promoting and improving pride and the quality of life among all the residents of the Perrysburg Heights area. Through involving the community in educational, social, recreational and neighborhood improvement programs, a new beginning and image will become a reality for the Heights community. The Association will work to develop individual pride and self-worth by empowering individuals and promoting total community participation in its programs."
The community center opened at its current location, 12282 Jefferson Street, in 1996 and two years ago created a partnership with the YMCA Fort Meigs Center for Health Promotions.
PHCA Executive Director Fred Moor said the community center was established "for the kids. We organized around the kids and that was a really good way to do it and it gave us a good solid base for the future investing in those kids and giving them some great educational opportunities." Ms. Serda said the center has always offered free programming and continues free programming for not only Heights community children but children in northwest Ohio. "We have kids from all over the area participating in activities that we have going on here including after-school programs and the reading center," added the association president.
The community center also has partnerships with Bowling Green State University, Perrysburg Schools, WSOS, Perrysburg Area Arts Council, St. Rose Church and "many companies and individuals who have the same passion as our board president." Mr. Moor told the guests it is because of everybody's efforts that the dream of a gymnasium and teen/senior center has become a reality. "There is an old proverb that says, 'It takes a whole village to raise a child' and I think when you look at that, it is a perfect example here today of all the people coming together for that purpose to invest in the children and to invest in the community. There have been many people involved through your hard work, through your extreme generosity and we really appreciate that," said Mr. Moor.
The executive director also gave special recognition to Chris Amato and Mike McIntyre who "stepped up to the plate and made it happen for us."
State Senator Randy Gardner presented a plaque to the community association from the Ohio Senate congratulating the association and extending best wishes for the future. "I have been coming here since the very beginning. It is good to support something that has the kind of broad-based support of the community that this doesthe schools, city, township and county commissionersit's teamwork," said the senator.
State Representative Bob Latta presented an Ohio State flag to Ms. Serda and Mr. Moor to "fly proudly at the community center."
Wood County Commissioner Jim Carter congratulated the group on a great job. "You not only have raised the money to accomplish this project but you have shown the future generations how to do it. That is what makes Wood County a great place to live, work and raise a family that it is a team efforta team like what is right in here and we are glad to be part of that team," said Commissioner Carter.
Perrysburg Township trustees Craig LaHote and Bob Mack also offered their congratulations and were "very proud to be an active member of your team." Perrysburg Mayor Nelson Evans agreed that it is all about teamwork. "It has always been about teamwork. It is about picking up things if you see a need and go and help. The Heights association helped me out when I was doing the D.A.R.E. program. Over the years there has been a great renaissance. More than 15 years ago, when Fred and Anita called be and asked me to be on the board of trustees, I said sure. It was a community that people avoided, people ignored it. And in a short 15 years time it now has become a vibrant part of our community, a contributing part of our community and we thank you for all the work you have done. It started out just a group of people getting together, trying to be together as a community and be a contributing part of our community in the Perrysburg area and that vision has come full circle now and I know there is a lot more to come," said the mayor.
In conclusion of the dedication ceremony, Ms. Serda presented a plaque to Mr. Moor. "This man is my angel. He has really supported this community and neighborhood. He truly knows what it is to be committed. We honor you," said Ms. Serda.
Also recognized at the event were board members and trustees: Lenice Little, vice president/secretary; Elisa Rodriquez, fundraising chairperson; Chris Knudson, treasurer; Susie DeLao, senior citizen program coordinator; and trustees Missy Darrington, Rick Gilts, Rachael Rinkowski, Paul Belazis, Ken Cappelletty, David Humbarger, Janie Ramirez, Mary Ruiz, Terry Teopas, Robbin Clink and Lori Rogers.
The $900,000 facility was funded by a State of Ohio capital appropriations grant and donations from individuals, businesses and foundations. PHCA is continuing to raise funds for an additional $900,000 endowment for facility operations. The YMCA Fort Meigs Center for Health Promotion operates and manages the new facility. Educational and recreational after school programs are available for any Wood County youth.
