QUILCENE — When retired movie producer/director Bob Rosen took on management of this small town’s community center, no one thought it would turn out to be such a big production.
With backing from community groups and businesses, Rosen spent the last year directing a cast of tens — community volunteers, including Boeing Bluebills — who gave the Quilcene Community Center’s plain, boxy building a rustic makeover with a log portico, cedar shingles and deck.
To thank them, Rosen staged an awards luncheon in July and gave out trophies for outstanding achievement. The luncheon was held in the main meeting room, which also received a face-lift.
Phase two
Now the project is moving back outside with a new cast of volunteers — members of the Quilcene-Brinnon Garden Club — and a new mission: to develop plans and landscape the grounds.
“This is perfectly matched to the garden club mission,” said Cass Brotherton, club president.
Rosen approached the garden club at the beginning of the project, and the group not only gave a cash donation, but formed a landscaping task force, he said.
Working groups are now starting to design the drip watering system and plantings.
Target date for installation of plants is mid-October, said Carol Christiansen, task force chairwoman.
“However, we will begin putting the beds in place as soon as possible and have already begun our fundraising effort,” Christiansen said.
Proceeds from the club’s plant sales will go toward the project, Brotherton said, as part of the club’s mission to give back to the community and be involved in community beautification.
In addition to Brotherton and Christiansen, task force members are Jim Christiansen, Lori Millard, Cheryl Petrick, Mary Schmidt, Christine Sydneysmith and Karen Sickel.
An outdoor amphitheater for concerts and plays is part of future plans for the grounds.
Bricks in the entry walk are still available for sale to support the renovation.
For more information, go to www.quilcenecommunity.blogspot.com.
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Port Townsend/Jefferson County reporter-columnist Jennifer Jackson can be reached at jjackson@olypen.com.
