It’s done! The Methow Valley Community Center has completed our $30,000 kitchen renovation. The remodel includes new flooring, cabinets, and countertops. In addition, a new refrigerator, dishwasher, and professional gas range were installed. “This is a great addition for events in the Community Center gym,” said Center manager Kirsten Ostlie. “And with the recent upgrade to our sound system, we want the Community Center to become the go-to venue for all kinds of programs.”
The project grew out of a suggestion by Larry Smith to use the proceeds from the Methow Christmas tree sales to upgrade the kitchen and make improvements to the gym. “Over the next several years, we saved the money in a special account, and it grew,” added Ostlie.
The implementation of the plan fell to Bob Elk, MVCCA board president and lead carpenter, and Kirsten Ostlie. The renovation involved gutting the kitchen and taking it down to bare walls. Volunteers from the area donated time and talent to bring the remodel to fruition, according to Ostlie. “The project would not have become a reality without the help of these volunteers,” said Ostlie.
“Because of their attention to detail and genuine concern for the Methow Valley community, they made this place better,” she continued. Ostlie also praised the help of Lois Caswell and the MVCCA board of directors for keeping the project within budget.
Community volunteers involved in the renovation included the following: Bob Elk, Bob Caughell, Shane Ruoss, Alan Caswell, Paul Trockel, Corey Barnes, Ben Evans and crew–Maeyowa & Derosa–Pat Norwell, Ben Sabold, Gunnar Johnson, Dwight Filer, Rob Brooks, T.R. Stewart, Janie Lewis, Tom Lovette, Steve Conrad, Tracey McCabe, Craig Lints, Keith Strickland, Ric Iribarren, Suekki Cornwall, and Virginia & Jim Hammer.
“We also want to thank those who purchased Christmas trees over the year,” stated Ostlie. “We hope that everyone will enjoy the new kitchen.”
Located on Highway 20 in the town of Twisp, Washington, the Methow Valley Community Center Association is at the hub of Methow Valley life and the welcome center for visitors exploring the valley. MVCCA, housed in the former Twisp School built in 1912, this icon of the Methow Valley has been remodeled and cared for by visionary members of the community since 1978.
MVCCA serves the valley with art, library, dance, yoga, Tae Kwon Do, theatre, and music classes. It is also the venue for the popular Christmas Bazaar. Year round activities take place at the Community Center. Tenants include the Twisp Public Library, Okanogan County PUD, Methow Valley Farmers Market, Visitor Information Center, Cascadia/Pipestone Music Association, Terry Hunt Guitar, KJ Peterson Consulting, and the Methow Valley Community School.
The Community Center also offers a multi-use gymnasium–with or without kitchen use–for roller skating, dances, parties, memorials and public events. Tables and chairs are also available to rent. Find out more about renting this fantastic space here.
