As non-profit dissolves, Weaverville to manage center’s programs

WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —

Change is coming to Weaverville’s Community Center this summer, as the town prepares to assume management of entertainment, health and wellness programs, and family-focused events long handled by non-profit group that is dissolving.

As Town Council members discussed last week, the non-profit Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living (WCCHL), which has facilitated free programming at the community center since its opening in the fall of 2021, is expected to dissolve.

According to a note to community members, the group’s Chairman Tom Balestrieri is retiring. As of July 1, programming and events will be coordinated in-house by Recreation Coordinator and Community Center Manager Sarah Myers, with the help of a soon-to-be appointed ad hoc committee.”

“We know that change may bring some discomfort, and we also feel a lot of hope and excitement about the future of programming here at the Community Center,” Myers and Balestrieri wrote in the letter to interested community members.

“It’s actually a very exciting shift,” Myers told 828newsNOW.com on Monday. “The opportunity is going to be this ad hoc committee that can support the next steps.”

The WCCHL board has called the transition the culmination of a “great experiment in community health,” as it developed an eclectic array of events like Tai Chi, meditation and mindfulness programs and line dancing classes, along with monthly events like creative writing, bridge, senior health and wellness, family game nights, Mahjong, music jams and performances by theater troupes.

Myers said there are no immediate plans to change any of the programming, as long as volunteer group “champions” still agree to participate. What’s new is the committee of community members to help steer programming going forward, she said.

“One thing I’m personally excited about is having more folks engaged in strategizing,” Myers said.
Since the opening of the community center, the non-profit group has been in charge of recruiting and coordinating volunteers, running the programming and handling communications. All that shifts to town management.

Right now, the most pressing need is identifying members of the public who want to volunteer for the 10-member ad hoc committee, which will meet once per month for six to 12 months. Those wanting to apply can CLICK HERE or contact Myers at (828)658-5816 or smyers@weavervillenc.org.

In the letter to the community, Myers thanked those who shepherded the programs for the first three years at the community center.

“We are indebted to Tom (Balestrieri), the WCCHL board, contract staff and incredible champion volunteers for creating the unique and special programming we are currently providing at the Community Center.”