New non-profit asks for community input during open house

WELLSVILLE -- Describing the former CF Bank as a unique opportunity, Mayor Randy Allmon spoke to a small crowd, gathering to tour the new home of the Wellsville Community Foundation.

The non-profit and the county Port Authority hosted an open house to gather usage ideas for the 8,000-square-feet structures located at 601 and 603 Main St. in downtown Wellsville.

"We are honored that CF Bank has entrusted us with this historic building," said Eddie Murphy, president of the WCF. "Each effort pursued or adopted will be done in the spirit of community advocacy and advancement."

In addition to Allmon, many village officials also were in attendance, along with foundation board members, county Port Authority officials and county Commissioner Ray Paparodis.

Penny Traina, CEO of the Columbiana County Port Authority, is herself a Wellsville hometown girl. She remarked that she always compares "Wellsville to the Little Engine That Could."

In the spirit of Murphy's remarks, which were made earlier this year, attendees brainstormed over refreshments after touring the facility Thursday morning.

The Wellsville Community Foundation was founded in December as a non-profit, tax exempt organization that will contribute to charitable purposes as well as wwwwwwconduct activities for the common good, general welfare and civic benefits of the Wellsville community.

According to a flyer distributed to attendees, who also toured the facility before offering possible uses for the building in addition to housing the non-profit's offices, the structure has 10 enclosed offices, three conference rooms, two large open lobby spaces as well as a full clear span 35'x110' basement in the newer building with entrance and garage door access along Maple Alley.

The building, which was built in 1900 and 1987 respectively, also has relatively new roofs and water heating systems, and the bank vaults still remain and can be used to secure records.

In addition to the real estate, CF Bank officials also donated another $5,000 to initiate the foundation's fundraising drive for necessary improvements to the property, which are estimated to cost $18,000. Other organizations like the Go Healthy Foundation have been made.

Individuals wishing to make additional donations or purchase $100 memberships from the foundation should contact board president Eddie Murphy at 714-478-5138, email edemurphy@att.net or visit www.wellsvillecommunityfoundation.org.