Montezuma!
Iowa's town for all seasons!
Family Center reaches out to Montezuma
For two decades, the Presbyterian Family Center in the heart of Montezuma has been a gathering place for people in the community.
Everything from youth groups to wedding dinners to basketball leagues have been held in this facility, which is an outreach ministry of the First Presbyterian Church, which is located right across Washington Street from the center.
Members of the community at large can “belong” to the center, and it’s time to renew memberships for the new fiscal year, which runs from Nov. 1, 2007, through Oct. 31, 2008.
Donations in any amount are appreciated, say Family Center Commission members, and they’re tax-deductible. The money is used to pay utilities and maintain the building, which has a $15,000 annual budget.
Suggested donations are:
$10 - for 4th though 12th graders. This would include AAU players or other youngsters not included in a family registration. After school programs and youth events are considered community outreaches. The commission is not asking for donations from participants in these outreach activities.
$25 – for single adults, who must be 18 or older to obtain an individual access tag.
$40 – for family registration. One access tag will be issued.
What’s an access tag? You’ll get one after you make your donation to the center for the year. The tag allows you to get in.
If you have an access tag, it will be deactivated automatically Nov. 1 unless a donation is received for the new fiscal year. After you make your donation, the tag will be activated.
The center’s doors are kept locked at all times except for church events and community outreaches such as school programs, youth groups and the parish nurse. A new system installed recently does not allow for the propping of doors without an alarm sounding.
If you want to donate to this ministry and use the Family Center, you need to fill out a registration form You can get one by calling Darla, the church secretary, at 623-3275. Donations can be sent to the Presbyterian Family Center at P.O. box 189, Montezuma, Iowa, 50171.
Policies for Family Center use
The Family Center has some rules. Here are the highlights, according to a letter mailed recently to Center members.
- There are to be no drugs, or tobacco of any form on church property.
- Language and all media should be appropriate for a church along with modesty of dress being appropriate for all activities.
- Because of liability and safety concerns, no one under th age of 14 is allowed in the Family Center without adult supervision.
- Supervised activities during the summer will be announced by the youth director.
- Sharing a tag with people outside your immediate family is prohibited.
- Failure to follow policy will result in deactivation of the offender’s tag, which would restrict Family Center use for a period of time to be determined by the commission.
Gym use
- There is to be no food or dink in the gym unless it is being used for a reception or a function planned by the church.
- Shirts must be worn at all times and should cover undergarments.
- Everyone should wear appropriate shoes.
- Street shoes are not to be worn in the gym.
- Balls or other objects should not be thrown at the ceiling.
Youth area
- The upstairs area is for youth groups and must be kept clean.
- Please pick up and dispose of garbage after each event.
- Respect and maintain the property at all times.
- Refrain from damaging the walls, floor or ceiling. Any damage needs to be reported to the Family Center Commission or the church office immediately.
Reservation Policy
All reservations for using the Family Center must be scheduled through the church office by calling the secretary, Darla, at 623-3275. This includes church-related programs, sport activities, family functions, receptions and large group meetings).
After speaking with Darla, a reservation form will be sent to you. Reservations are not confirmed until this form is completed and returned. The building is electronically programmed to open and lock at the times specified in the reservation request, and a key will be provide to the kitchen if needed.
Reservations for church functions are always given consideration over all others.
A donation of $20 for 2½ hours is suggested for the use of the lounge; $30 for the use of the lounge and kitchen, or $50 for the use of the lounge, kitchen and gym.
If your event lasts longer than 2½ hours, it is suggested an additional $20 an hour be given, not to exceed $100 total.
Payment must be made at the time of the reservation, without exception.
No one under the age of 21 may reserve the building.
Church groups or businesses reserving the building should provide a copy of proof of insurance from their insurance carrier.
After you use the center, you are asked to use the equipment in the maintenance room for cleaning. Also, that you:
- Vacuum all carpet areas including the bathrooms.
- Sweep the gym with the long mop. Do not use water.
- Empty all trash cans and take the trash to the church dumpster on the north side of the church and;
- Clean the kitchen, wipe tables and glass.
Members of the Family Center Commission are Jim Smothers, Tiffany Kercheval, Matt DeJong, Doug VerMeer and Barb Long