Community hall is a warm winter haven

When the weather outside is frightful, the Camp Sherman Community Hall is delightful — a warm winter haven of activity for folks who live in the community, which is often blanketed in a thick carpet of snow.

This January through March, the Camp Sherman Community Hall will be open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for coffee, conversation and cards. The hosts are Jake and Vaughn Willoughby, Betty and Lee Farm and Beth Van Campen, all Camp Sherman residents.

Local residents worked on updating the hall during 2004 with money and labor, redoing the old floor that now sparkles under brighter light fixtures. Meetings are warmer in the hall with the old fireplace now returned to its wood burning glory. The revamped kitchen turns out some mighty fine food during meetings, wedding receptions and other events.

One day last week, pinochle was the name of the game at the hall with players Clara Cool, the Farms, and the Willoughbys taking part. A chess set sits nearby waiting to be put into action. The kitchen counter offers coffee and delicious baked treats.

“Tuesday is a good day to be open,” said Jake Willoughby. “The Pine Needlers quilt group meets here in the evening and it’s warm and comfortable for them when they arrive.”

The cold, damp days of Camp Sherman’s winter will also soon be warmed at the hall with the first of the season’s Cabin Fever Potlucks on Saturday, January 21. Tay Robertson, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Chief, will be the guest speaker.

“Drop by and catch up with your neighbors,” said Bruce Shaull, head of the Camp Sherman Community Association.