JACKSON JAYCEES' BUILDING PURCHASE BENEFICIAL

The Jackson Jaycees' purchase of a dance hall, Stroder Country, not only will provide the growing organization with a home, but will provide a place for community gatherings and a means for the organization to raise some money.

The 6,700-square-foot Stroder Country building at 1820 Old Toll Road is now known as the Jackson Jaycees Community Center.

The Jaycees formed a not-for-profit charitable corporation to acquire the property.

It will continue to rent out the dance hall to dance clubs twice a week and hold a public dance on Saturday nights with live music. Plans are to soon begin holding dances for young people 16 to 20. The Jaycees also will make the building available for private parties.

The organization has made a resurgence since beginning a membership drive at the end of 1999. In only a few months, the membership doubled to 51. It now is over 75.

Acquisition of the dance hall provides a good opportunity for the organization to continue its growth while offering the community a place to gather and have fun.