WILL has new home on WNMU campus

Photos Courtesy of Bruce Bloy and Patty Reed

Even in the beginning, Spring of 2005, Western Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL) dreamed of having a gathering space all their own, a space where “the Great Conversation” could occur. That day has arrived. With the gift of the use of a house, President Shepard made WILL’s dream a reality. On Saturday, April 14, 2018 WILL opened the doors of Rhoda House, at 104 Rhoda Road on the WNMU campus.

Rhoda House initially needed architectural and cosmetic work. WNMU maintenance staff, the Bigelow Construction crew and many WILL members all volunteering their time labored hard for almost a year to create a warm and welcoming space. We thank them all for their hard work and dedication. Randy Woods, Doug Dexter, Anita Williams, Linda Ewers, Diane Miller, and many, many other WILL volunteers deserve a special thank you for their persistence and hard work in creating this special gathering place for our community.

The WILL Rhoda House will be used as office space for our intrepid Office Manager, classroom space, meeting space, and a comfortable living room and kitchen area where WILL members and visitors can relax, have a cup of coffee, tea or gluten-free water, and chat.

On Saturday morning, April 14, about 55 WILL members and guests gathered at Rhoda House to share delicious food from The Donut Shop and stimulating conversation. Members wandered through the redesigned house viewing the large classroom with internet hook up and video capability, the office for our Office Manager, two bathrooms, a living room, dining room, large kitchen and quiet back yard.

Quotes:
Barb Gabioud, “WILL is the Welcome Wagon for Silver City and now we have a welcoming house in which to gather for socializing and classes.”

Patty Reed, “This house is just lovely, so warm and welcoming. We held our WILL Memoir Group here, and every participant felt it was the perfect space to sit and converse.”

Frank Merritt, “I hope that it serves as a place for building community and for friends to meet.”

Jim Mathews, “It’s a place for our WILL community to enjoy the wonders of WILL.”

The Rhoda House will be open for drop-in conversation soon. We hope to have volunteers staff the house from Monday-Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. If you are not a WILL member, please come and visit us during open hours and see what WILL is doing in your community and for you.

WILL: We enrich lives through learning in community.

WILL Office Join Us at http://www.will.community
104 Rhoda Road
WNMU Campus
(575) 538-6835