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Shayla Williby, Oberlin, Kan.

Community turns destructive fire into common goal

When the bowling alley in Oberlin, Kan., burned down, residents saw a need and an opportunity – to tear down the community's dilapidated senior center and theater as well and rebuild all three in one facility. All three gathering places were vitally important to the 1,700-resident community.

Greg Lohoefener, a businessman and lifetime Oberlin resident, formed a group of local residents who were dedicated to erecting a new $1.2 million facility to house all three entities. Community members jumped into action.

On Jan. 31, 2009, 60 volunteers gathered to start the demolition of the old senior center and theater. The volunteers tore down walls, carried out the old theater seats and did anything needed to get the project started.

“It was awe-inspiring to see all ages working side by side toward a common goal and learning about each other as they did so,” said Shayla Williby, an Oberlin resident who volunteered on that day.

Many more have gathered and volunteered since that day to make the dream a reality. While the senior center and theater are completed and back in use, the community is in the process of raising an additional $100,000 to complete the bowling alley. Soon all three facilities will be complete for people to gather, share old memories and make new ones.