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2-28-2007 By MICHELLE MILLER Staff Writer According to CVCFC Chairman Richard Saba, The old Cherry Valley School has really come a long way since it sat abandoned and vandalized 16 years ago. He said when the Cherry Valley and Springfield schools merged the old school became a hangout for teens looking for trouble. "The largest structure in Cherry Valley and the second largest building in northern Otsego County had become an eyesore of broken windows and piles of litter," said Saba via e-mail. "The village could not afford to tear it down so it sat unattended." The old school was not torn down; instead, the empty building was transformed into a structure that is central to the community. A few concerned citizens became committed to the idea that the forsaken building might hold the future of Cherry Valley, and set out to acquire the old school from the board of education, according to Saba. A non-profit organization was formed, and in 1992, the CVCFC was born. The CVCFC was formed for the purposes of restoring the former school building for a range of charitable community purposes. Saba said the first step in developing a renovation strategy involved polling every community member for feedback in order to see what was most needed to improve the quality of life in Cherry Valley. "In one way or another, the survey indicated a need for cultural programming and a place for all ages to socialize," said Saba. With the help of generous private donors, the office of state Sen. Jim Seward and a grant from the Scriven Foundation, the infrastructure of the building was restored, and two rooms were renovated to serve as a community center. In addition to the community center, the Leatherstocking Promise of Otsego County provided grants for a teen cafe, which was inspired by a young high school student, according to Saba. He said in conjunction with youth programming, a senior meal program was also established with funds from the Otsego Office of Aging. The Senior Citizen Meal Program also takes place in the cafe. Saba said when it became necessary for the Post Office to relocate, the CVCFC negotiated to have it become part of the school's development, and with the help of Wilber Bank's financial advisors, a mortgage was given for a long-term lease. The Post Office is located in the front of the building, and according to Saba, it not only serves as a cornerstone tenant for further development in the old school, but also serves as a place where neighbors meet every day while getting their mail. The old school is also home to one of the largest daycare facilities in the county. According to Saba, through start-up and expansion grants from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and the New York State Office of Children & Family Planning, the CVCFC was able to renovate the 7,000 square-foot wing that had formerly been the elementary school into a daycare facility that provides services to over 50 local children. To further expand the use of the old school, the CVCFC leased the gymnasium section of the building to the Town and Village for a community activities center, said Saba. He said as an addition to the activity center, the village also converted six acres of land into a park that includes a Kid's City playground, walking and running tracks and playing fields. A fully equipped exercise facility, with a membership exceeding 100, and a new town and village court are among the most recent additions to the old school. Saba said through a focused fundraising campaign, the CVCFC has also been able to completely renovate a large room that is designated for arts and education. He said since its completion, the room has been in constant use, with drawing classes and writing workshops for adults as well as pottery and photography classes for children. "With its stage and professional sound system, it has also provided a venue for local musical performances," said Saba. Saba said through tireless hard work the dream of transforming the once derelict building into a vital structure central to the life of the community has become a reality. According to the CVCFC website, the cost of the reconstruction of the old school is approaching $2 million, and money was raised without adding to the taxes of the community. The website says it has been the result of grant writing and fundraising on the part of the CVCFC's board of directors. Much of the building has yet to be addressed, and the CVCFC continues its efforts to renovate the rest of the building and to sponsor community events. |
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