FORKS — U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer and state, tribal and city officials will speak at the grand opening of Peninsula College’s new Forks Extension site later this month.
The celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Forks branch at 481 S. Forks Ave. — the former home of the Bank of America branch — continue with a variety of speakers and end with tours of the new 12,452-square-foot facility, live music and food.
“Everyone at Peninsula College is looking forward to hosting this grand opening celebration,” said Peninsula College President Luke Robins, who will serve as master of ceremonies.
“The new facility is further evidence of our commitment to the residents and businesses of the West End, and this event will provide everyone with an opportunity to tour the new site and learn about the many programs and services we offer.”
The total project cost of the facility was about $4 million, according to Peninsula College, with more than $1.9 million spent in Clallam County for the remodel and more than $58,000 of that spent directly in Forks.
Guest speakers
Guest speakers include Kilmer, who represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula; speakers from the Hoh, Quileute and Makah tribes; Forks Mayor Bryon Monohon; Forks City Attorney Rod Fleck; and Bill Cole, managing director for Community Capital Facilities of the state Department of Commerce.
A special presentation will be given by Manuela, Elena and Francisca Velasquez, representing the Hispanic Family Association of Forks.
All are former students at Peninsula College in Forks.
Deborah Scannell, Peninsula College’s West End coordinator, will welcome community residents and guests.
Following the program, people can tour the new facility, relax with live music by Therapy Session and partake of catered food by Self’s Catering.
The facility has five classrooms, a learning center with study space, a student gathering space, reception and advising and faculty office spaces.
The building also includes a multiuse space available as a resource for community and cultural events for the region.
“Over the next several weeks, Peninsula College will be working closely with local business leaders and employers to further expand our workforce training programs and develop new ones as we all respond to the recent mill closures,” Robins said.
“But Aug. 28 is a time for celebration. Now, more than ever, we need to celebrate the opening of a new college facility that is helping to pave the way to a brighter future for all West End residents.”
For more information, visit www.pencol.edu.