According to eyewitness accounts, the old Whaleyville Community Center was virtually crying out for rehabilitation. Suffolk’s Lakita Fraizer, the director of Parks and Recreation, is quoted as saying, &uot;When I first walked into the center, the walls spoke to me. They said to me, ‘We don’t deserve this. We’ve been vandalized, and it hurts. We deserve some respect.’&uot;

Obviously, those pleas have been heard and received a reply in the form of an extensive $50,000 restoration project. The planning and handiwork were revealed Thursday night, giving the visitors an eye-popping, jaw-dropping spectacle.

Part of what made this possible is found in the residents of Whaleyville and the Village Initiation Program, which has been designed to restore the various boroughs of Suffolk. The center, which once was a school, topped the residents’ wish list. Roads and lights are among the other needs that will be attended to in time; likewise, Holland, Eclipse and Chuckatuck will also receive their due.

As Suffolk City Councilman put it last night, &uot;…this is the best facility that Suffolk has produced. It’s a place for social activities, church groups, and it’s available to all citizens. Please come and use this facility, and use it well.&uot;