Falmouth Hall meeting brings out community passion

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

Fears for the future of the Falmouth Hall have subsided. Members of the local community came forward at an emergency meeting June 16 to offer support.

The Falmouth Community Association required a new board of directors within at least the coming six months to ensure the local hall could continue functioning for rentals and events.

Pascal DeBruicker was the first to make a stand and accepted the position of president; nine others stepped up to volunteer and serve in various ranks.

DeBruicker says he has developed a real liking for the neighborhood since moving to Falmouth a year ago and wants to get involved in the community and contribute positive changes.

“I’m a very cynical guy and I usually keep to myself,” DeBruicker said. “However, I thought this hall was really important… and I want to make a difference in how it’s run.”

Adopting a more modern way of thinking is essential to the development of any area, DeBruicker added. He intends to see that a lot of work gets done to “bring the building back to a good state so it’s not in disrepair. It’s time to have this place changed.”

Hall means a lot

James Chambers, a longtime resident of Falmouth, has watched the hall change and grow over the years. He became vice president of the board of directors after hearing the hall was in jeopardy of facing closure. “The hall is very important to the community.

“I went to school in this hall; I’ve watched my children attend functions at the hall; I’ve celebrated my 50th wedding anniversary in the hall; and I’ve helped with a number of renovations to the hall,” Chambers said. “The hall means a lot to me.”

Greg O’Reilly also joined the board and hopes to repair the local softball field. He acknowledged the need for the facility to include more activities for the expanding population of young families in the area. “It would be good to be able to use the softball field for some rally ball or family picnics.

“We have some work to do, but there are a lot of good people around with a lot of good intentions,” O’Reilly added. “I encourage anyone interested in volunteering time or resources to the softball field to call me (792-8148).”

Positions still available

Others interesting in volunteering within the community are encouraged to attend the first public meeting of the new board of directors to take place at the Falmouth Hall July 2 at 7 p.m. Positions within the board are still available to those residing in Centre Falmouth.

Former association secretary-treasurer Gail Symonds says the new group will have to carry on with 10 members unless others can be persuaded to join. “However, I think it’s wonderful this many people have arisen to serve the community.”

Fundraising will continue to be a challenge for the hall, Symonds said. “It will take service, volunteerism, commitment and dedication.

“It’s a relief to know the hall will be functional for community rentals and events,” Symonds added. “We were lucky and thankful these people came forward for the board.”

The Nova Scotia Teddy Bear Jamboree, traditionally held at the Falmouth Hall, was one event cancelled for this year due to lack of interest and not enough volunteers to proceed. Since the new board of directors was not formed until recently and the old board was finishing its term, it was impossible to organize the event for this year.

It is expected, however, the newly formed board will resume with the traditional event next year.