KINGSLAND — When a new board took over the operation of the Kingsland Community Center, all the members wanted to do was provide events that were affordable to families not be recognized for anything more.
So when president Wendy Taylor was told the center won the Locals Love Us award for favorite Kingsland club or organization voted on by The Picayune readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners, she had a hard time putting her feelings into words.
“That is crazy,” she said. “I didn’t realize it was making much of an impact. I don’t know. I’m at a loss, to be very honest with you. I am at a complete loss.”
Therefore, it was easier to reflect on the last two gatherings the center hosted.
On Dec. 5, the center welcomed residents to its Kingsland Family Christmas with vendors, a food court, a silent auction, a kids’ corner, photos with Santa and a family dance.
On Dec. 31, the center was the site of the New Year’s Eve Family Bash that welcomed families for $20 to a dance, a children’s room, sparkling wine or cider and even black-eyed peas.
But for board members, these events aren’t about making a profit.
“We are offering more family-oriented events that are more affordable and fun and getting the community to come together and show them what fun the community can be,” Taylor said.
But it’s not only board members who have the same vision. And Taylor used the family bash as a perfect example of this. The dance featured local band Southern Underground. Lead singer George Pemberton wanted to perform at the event because he wants to see Kingsland evolve, the president said.
And because community leaders understand residents must maximize each dollar, it’s a priority for officials to keep entry fees low, she added.
“We are a very diverse board, and we are able to to stay in touch with the demographics of the entire community,” she said.
This award plainly tells Taylor residents like what the board is doing, and they must continue to meet those standards.
“This is an expectation now,” she said. “We had to take a break for a couple of months, but we hope to start off with more events soon. We do feel a responsibility for that.”
And she invites residents to assist the board in organizing these low-cost and fun events.
“We’re trying to pull the community together,” Taylor said. “We feel a responsibility to help with that. We’re inviting everyone who wants to join us. We need the manpower.”
Contact Taylor at wenleigh19@hotmail.com or call the community center, located at 3451 Rose Hill Drive, at (325) 388-3021.
jfierro@thepicayune.com
2016 LOCALS LOVE US: Kingsland Community Center voted favorite organization
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