In my15 years as principal of Penns Valley High School, I sat on numerous committees that were formed to find ways to provide recreational space for the youth in our community and to encourage community involvement. The Ram Community Centre is the answer to these concerns.

With the involvement of the YMCA, everyone in the community would have access to a safe facility where they can engage in healthy activities together, and being behind the high school allows the community to become more involved in the district schools. This can affect every age group. The participants at the senior center could volunteer at the schools; the day care center could work with students and staff in child development classes at the high school; and the center would provide more indoor practice space for the athletes at the high school, minimizing the need for late-night practices.

Another important benefit is a more extensive medical facility. While the current medical center has always provided great personal care, the move to the community center would give them more flexibility to deal with medical concerns on site and not have to send as many patients to Mount Nittany Medical Center for care.

This is a community center and can only succeed if the community pulls together. I hope everyone views the Ram Centre as an opportunity to be part of something that can make a difference to so many people.

Al D’Ambrosia Boalsburg