Elections & Gymnasiums

    I would like to first wish our newly elected and re-elected Mayor, Chief of Police and Council Members the very best during the their term.  I called Mr. Shelton Saturday night and pledged that I would continue to do all that I can to move Central forward and I shared that I have challenged all those that supported me to do the same.
    Once our schedules have calmed, I look forward to meeting with our mayor-elect, and that meeting will likely further define the direction I should take to best serve Central.  In the meantime, I will remain, as I have always been, involved in Central’s many worthwhile community efforts, including trying to save our historic gymnasium.
    The Central Cultural Foundation (CCF) meets tonight at 7PM to spearhead an effort to save the 1927 gymnasium on the “Old Middle School” property at Sullivan and Hooper.  Our historic gym is the oldest standing public school building in EBR Parish and the oldest non-residential building in Central.
    There are many photos of the old gym circulating around Central from different eras. There are also many people who remember playing ball or even attending graduation in that gym.  I have toured the facility and it is in surprisingly good shape.
    The building has been scheduled for demolition, but our school board has responded to our request to turn to the Central community and see if we can put together an acceptable plan to save the building.  We have until late July to present a plan, and if it is approved by our School Board, the scheduled August removal of the building could be avoided.
    The CCF is proposing that the building be turned into a museum to house the many artifacts, photos and documents that are the history of Central.  Many citizens have so much of our history boxed and waiting for a home that could document and care for the tale of the history of this community.
    In addition, the space could be used for meetings, performances, exhibitions, workshops or even a “Visitors Center”.  There is no doubt that this is a big project, but we have seen how this community comes together and works when the cause is right.
    We will need many interested volunteers with diverse talents and interests to do this right.  Grant-writing, historical research, fund-raising, construction planning, recruiting corporate sponsors, publicity, and organizing volunteers will all be components of this effort.  So, anyone interested in attending or helping please call me at 262-DAVE for details.