BLODGETT - It was a dark and stormy night two weeks ago when the Blodgett Summit Community Club held a meeting to discuss the school board's decision to impose fees on the use of the Blodgett School gym and kitchen for special events.

The weather did not deter the 35 or so community members who braved the elements to meet with Philomath schools Superintendent Pete Tuana and share their views.

Three of the members had done extensive research on the origins of the building and its relationship to the Blodgett Summit Community Club. They reviewed minutes of the group (formerly the Ladies Club), sifted through school district files and perused old school board minutes before presenting their findings to the superintendent.

The gist of their research revealed that the community club had pooled its resources with the school board back in 1957 and members had effectively built the structure themselves, volunteering their labor and in some cases donating materials.

The understanding at its completion in 1958, was that the "play shed" would be used by both community and school, with the school paying for electricity and heat in exchange for use of the building and its contents.

Unfortunately, deals were made with a handshake and a smile back in those days, and there was no record of any written agreement to the effect that the district and community club had made this deal. What the three researchers did find, however, were several references in old school board minutes that encouraged rural districts to use school facilities. No mention was made of fees.

Mr. Tuana agreed that it was high time for a written policy to cover this relationship between the district and the Blodgett Summit Community Club. He proposed to work with the school board to get a contract written and signed by both parties so that this sort of question will not come up in the future.

The atmosphere of the meeting was amicable, with a number of citizens sharing their concerns and ideas. Mr. Tuana seemed impressed at the size of turnout, the wide representation, from toddlers to octogenarians, and the closeness and involvement of this community.

Other issues besides fees were addressed: the famous resident bat, possible repairs/replacement of the gym floor, stage and kitchen, and nonprofit status for the community club. Nonprofit status would enable it to apply for grants for improvements.

The hour-long meeting ended on a happy and hopeful note.

Holiday market

The Summit Grange will be the site of this year's Summit Holiday Market. A variety of locally handcrafted items and food will be available for purchase as well as a kids' zone and music all day.

The event takes place Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mark your calendar and come to the party!

Nashville resident Kathi Downing can be contacted at ramdown@peak.org or 456-4252.