MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Oregon (STPNS) -- Walter Wilson of Vida was nominated by a number of readers who appreciated his efforts in improving the Vida McKenzie Community Center. As president of the organization, he “has carried on the dream of Marge Estenson and Buck Carter,” according to one. (Estenson and Carter supported the transition of ownership of the Clubhouse on Thomson Lane to the Community Center after themselves supporting it for decades.)

Others, like Bob Neilson Jr., carried on those efforts as well.

Time and again, people mentioned how important Wilson was in building support, as well as working on, capital improvement projects that both preserved and enhanced the structure, as well as expanding its offerings.



Building community support has seen the membership grow from 50 to over 125. Fundraisers include a once-a-month Bingo night and an annual Bazaar at the end of the year.

The number of improvements to the Community Center has included new chairs and tables; paint - inside and out, a concrete patio and walkways, electrical, plumbing, flooring and heating upgrades, as well as a dormer-style entrance.

As often happens, an individual can become the spark plug that keeps an organization running. During the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Vida-McKenzie Community Center on September 12th, a resolution was made (and passed unanimously) to dedicate the meeting hall of the Center to Walter Wilson.

The resolution acknowledged “The selfless and diligent efforts of Walter for his involvement with the center over these many years, including serving as President of the Board currently and ongoing. Walt steers the Center in its function as a meeting hall and center of activity for the McKenzie Valley.”