Community Center project beginning in Washtucna

LeeAnn Blankenship moved to Washtucna in middle school. She remembers when the now empty buildings held fully functional businesses: a time when the town itself was functional, alive and larger than it is now.

With a love of history, Blankenship started a page on social media to share memories and current happenings of Washtucna. Members of the group, “Washtucna Wa. Our Town”, on Facebook can reminisce and share memories or photographs.

Information regarding Blankenships current project of creating a Washtucna Community Center and Museum can be found in the public networking group.

She plans to create a center to bring the community together in a safe and friendly environment. The vision for the community center is to offer a place with activities including foosball, pool, video games, movies and more.

The location is equipped with enough space for group meetings, parties and workshops, where community members can share hobbies, talents or skills with other residents with plenty of space for storage of materials or projects.

Blankenship mentioned a plethora of options for the future community center including workouts, cooking classes, clubs and a small library. With encouragement for residents to voice their opinions on activities they would like to see available at the center, she believes the community center can be a positive place for all members and patrons can take advantage of.

Directly next door in the connected building Blankenship plans for a small museum based on the history of Washtucna. With help from community members who have acquired historic artifacts or photography, she hopes to create an informational non-profit organization for residents and visitors passing through the historic town.

Community members Theresa St. Hilaire, Carolyn Thompson, Karyn Allen, and Codi Titus have teamed up with Blankenship with added support, historical donations and ideas for the future Washtucna Community Center and Museum.

To get the project underway, a yard sale has been scheduled for the holiday weekend beginning Friday, July 3 through Saturday July 4.

Located at 287 SW Main Avenue in Washtucna, patrons can help support the future center and museum with all proceeds going toward the restoration and organization of the future museum and center. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. lasting until 6 p.m.

Blankenship has been working in the building cleaning, tearing up carpet and laying tile in preparation for the yard sale and future center. Currently working in Tri- Cities as a part-time nurse, Blankenship spends her free time moving forward with planning and ideas.

Currently looking for grants to help the non-profit organization come to life, Blankenship mentioned any help from community members would be greatly appreciated. Any persons looking to donate items for the yard sale and/or historical photographs, artifacts, information, volunteer or to make a financial contribution may contact Blankenship at 509-646-3410, Thompson at 509-646-9898 or on the Washtucna Wa. Our Town page found at facebook. com.

Community members are welcome to share ideas and desires for the future museum and community center with Thompson or Blankenship and are gratefully welcome to join the effort and be a part of the success.