With funds raised, Dryden Center for Community close to reality

Over the summer, local residents began the process of repurposing the former Dryden United Methodist Church building into a community center.

Now, the hope of bringing the Dryden Center for Community (DCC) is nearly within reach.

The DCC board kickstarted a fundraising goal of $400,000. On Oct. 2, Stephanie Ortolano — one of the DCC’s organizers — announced on the organization’s GoFundMe page that the funds raised so far are close to the goal.

“Many of us were skeptical, but we were all optimistic,” Ortolano said. “[On Oct. 2] I received a check in the mail for $200,000 from an individual in our community who is interested in making a difference in Dryden. This gift will allow us to show proof of funds before the Oct. 22 date agreed upon by the lawyers for the sale of the building. Fundraising doesn’t end here, though, as we still have closing costs, insurance and other start-up costs to cover.”

According to a description on drydencenter.org, the DCC is a “not-for-profit community center in the heart of the village of Dryden. Soon to be located in the former Dryden United Methodist Church, our vision is that the Dryden Center for Community will be an inclusive gathering place where the sounds and sights of community creativity always stream through its open doors. We want to create a welcoming space for everyone in the greater Dryden community.”

Ortolano noted that the DCC will be a place that “brings people of all ages together for activities, with a focus on the creative arts.”

“The core values of the DCC will be accessibility, diversity and inclusion,” she added. “The first step we need to accomplish is the purchase of the former Dryden United Methodist Church. The cost of the building is $275,000 and we have set our fundraising goal for the year.”

The former Dryden United Methodist Church building, located at 9 E. Main St. in the village, quickly drew attention from community members as interest grew in bringing the building back to life.

The Dryden United Methodist Church closed on June 30 of this year. Rev. Robyn Hays, the church’s pastor for the last four years, previously noted that a decline in membership and finances had led to the decision to close.

Tom Sinclair, the DCC’s board president, reminisced about when the community came together to create the village’s Montgomery Park about a decade ago.

“Everywhere we went, folks were talking about the playground,” Sinclair said. “People came together to organize fundraising; they worked with children to plan and design the build, and they coordinated the necessary governmental approvals. With large and small gifts, they raised over $100,000 for the project. And when all was ready, hundreds of volunteers participated in the actual build; some committed an entire week to the project, while others were only able to spare a couple of hours of their time.”

He continued: “Do you remember how great it felt to see Montgomery Park swarming with people, youths and elders, skilled crafts people and construction newbies all sweating, laughing and working together? In the end, it took all of us to realize that dream, and the playground became the foundation for Montgomery Park’s transformation. When I tell out-of-town friends that Dryden is a special place, the playground is my favorite example.”

With the DCC quickly becoming a reality, Sinclair noted that the community is “capturing that spirit again” as the push for a new community center continues.

“The Dryden Center for Community was organized to purchase the Methodist Church in the center of the village,” Sinclair said. “We are working to ensure that the historical building is preserved. Together, we are creating a place where everyone will come together to share music, dance and stories, eat meals, play games, learn new things, get help and ultimately strengthen the bonds that make Dryden so special. Already, in just the short time we have been up and running, so many of you have offered your ideas, talents and financial support that the possibilities of what can happen here seem boundless.”

“There are so many talented people right here in Dryden and Freeville,” he said, “that we will never run out of things to do together. The DCC will give our musicians, singers, artists, authors, poets, chefs, healers, dancers, quilters and knitters, naturalists, historians, craftspeople and neighbors of all ages a place where they can come to share and showcase their gifts. Imagine thousands of people dropping in for a visit next year to attend events, workshops, classes and exhibitions. Imagine having a place where neighbors who need a helping hand can get it without having to take an hourlong bus trip or spending a small fortune for a lift. We are making this happen.”

For more information on the DCC, send an email to info@drydencenter.org, or go to drydencenter.org.

In brief: 

Book club to meet Oct. 21

Jennie’s Book Club is set to meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 21 for a discussion at the Southworth Library at 24 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.

The book for this month is “James” by Everett Percival.

“This is a retelling of the story of Huck Finn from the perspective of the enslaved man who accompanied him on his journey down the Mississippi River,” according to a description.