About the Akeley Regional Community Center

In the winter of 2002, the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District requested bids for the purchase of the old Akeley school building. In February 2023, Pastor Chris Conger was awarded the bid for his unheard-of bid of $3. There were other bids but they were to demolish the building or to make apartments or other things that would not have preserved the building as it was. The school board determined that it was most important to maintain the building as a community center as Mr. Conger proposed.

On August 31, 2006, Mr. Conger signed over the ARCC to a 6-8 member board. The current board consists of Chairman - Wayne Lenander, Treasurer - Mary Paskvan, Vice-Chair - Ted Giese, Secretary - LoAnn Cox, and member at large, Andy Johnston

The ARCC is a faith-based 501c3 non-profit organization not affiliated with any denomination or church. The building houses the ARCC Thrift Store sells gently used clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous items, and has the largest used book store in the area. Along with a public library, public meeting rooms and the gymnasium are available to rent or use. There are also miscellaneous spaces that are available for public use.

The Thrift Store, originally called Corner Clothing, came into being in August 2003 when Ruth Spicer endeavored to open a used clothing store that would benefit the area by providing good used clothing and helping to pay the fuel bill at the ARCC. The first day’s sales totaled $13 and the largest day’s sale to date is over $2,300. Workers at the clothing store are paid workers with volunteers filling in the gaps. The Furniture Store was added later. Any good, usable, workable, saleable, clean items may be donated and tax receipts are available.

Fundraisers/Donations

Contributions are always welcome and needed at the ARCC for ongoing expenses, maintenance, and improvements. Donations to the Thrift Store are always welcome and you can learn about what’s accepted and how to drop off items here.

Goals & Values

We desire to impact our community and region through personal development by mentoring and training — thereby empowering citizens and families to provide leadership in all areas, for today and tomorrow. We believe character must precede career.

Health

Developing personal character must be a priority for a strong community.

Common Sense Revisited

Strong Families and solid personal relationships are a time-tested design for building good character traits like honesty, hard work, steadfastness, service, integrity, courage, tenacity, and citizenship.

Setting the Pace

We believe character and holistic practical life skills will be reproduced from one individual to another, from one family to another, from one town to another, from one generation to another, resulting in strong citizens and community.

The Local Process

Good stuff happens when mature people and families care enough to share their gifts, skills, and resources with others. The action in the Akeley area is this community center; located in the center of this needy but awakening town.

The Future of the ARCC

Immediate Needs

  • Repairing the Roof

  • Help with Heating Costs

  • Getting a janitorial and maintenance staff

  • More chairs for seating

  • Volunteers for the clothing store

  • Volunteers for cleaning & restoring rooms

  • Persistent volunteers to help with fundraising

  • Help to develop and continuing a newsletter

Functions Wishlist

  • Heartland Area Youth Activity Center

  • A teen center for the youth of varied ages to come and enjoy many different games and activities while under supervision. You can rest easy knowing it’s a drug-free environment!

  • Cooperation and assistance from our area churches, volunteers

  • Donated games and movies

  • Restoring set locations in the buildings for the center

  • One large event a month: motivational speakers, concerts, and misc. events

  • Volunteers to help with all of the above