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SZILAGYI CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Since November, 2008, many renovations and improvements have taken place in our beloved old high school, including the additions of the World War II Museum, River City Cafe. B&O Railroad Bridge Exhibit, and future WV Arts & Crafts Emporium. These are on the middle level which was once the grade school.

Walls were scraped and painted, ceiling tiles replaced, lighting improved, and everything was scrubbed clean after years of neglect. Exterior doors were scraped and painted. In addition, Greater Downtown Rowlesburg, under the leadership of Gloria Dean and Joanne Sisler, did extensive landscaping with river rock, flowers, and shrubs.

Thanks to Vicky Jackson, we have a brand new gym floor. The family donated funds to replace the old floor with new oak hardwood in memory of husband and father, Jack Jackson, who had quite a sports record at RHS during the '60's. 

On the lower level, hallway walls and floors were painted, lighting improved, and years of dirt removed.

The exercise room has become very popular with townsfolk who, not only provide volunteer time to keep it open, but who also work out to stay fit. They are Rob and Deb Morell, Bruce Simon, Delores and Paul Riggs, P.L. Grimm, and Jean Wolfe. The exercise equipment was donated by Doris Wolfe Rooks and Katie Wolfe-Orescanin. This room was once the music room and later the cafeteria.

Across the hall is the commercial kitchen. A large gas range with double oven and double door refrigerator were purchased for $1500. Our local senator, Dave Sypolt, secured us a grant for $5000 to completely equip the kitchen for catering dinners and large banquets. This will be finished in late summer. 

Speaking of grants, Senator Williams found us $3200 for "Historic Theater Restoration" which will be spent on a complete sound system for the auditorium/gym. In the past, with all of our festivals and special events, a sound system had to be rented

Our own Charlie Felton informed me that the state has awarded us $50,000 to purchase and install an elevator to ensure handicap assessibility. This is a real boon!!

Upstairs, on the high school level, there is a room (George DeWitt's) readied for an RRC office with six computer stations, all donated by the Szilagyi's. Another room (typing room) is ready to go with four refurbished computers for teaching classes.

Two rooms have been promised. A Preston County Hall of Fame will occupy one room scheduled to open in the summer. All 10 schools will be represented. The second room will be a town library in the old library.

EVENTS IN THE SZILAGYI CENTER/2010

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