Hole punched in Walmart
Cop cleared after cyclist hit
Seniors in the housing crisis
Tracking bird flu in cows
Alberta braces for drought
Premiers want co-operation
Trump jurors express anxiety
Iran fires at attack drones 
World's largest election 
Apple pulls apps from China
Oil and gas leases restricted
Indigo needs turnaround 
Warriors ready for Round 2
Kalamalka Bowl cancelled
Rockets live to fight on
Hilton teams up with Sia
Swift still 'can't forgive' Kim
Grimes to ‘cap the disarray’
Things are picking up at the Naramata Centre.
There has been little activity at the centre since it closed, but a community meeting was held Thursday night, and three work and engagement weekends are planned in this month.
"The purpose of the gatherings is to clean up in preparation for the winter and also to have a conversation with people who support the centre about future plans," said Doug Woollard, board chair.
The centre closed in Jaunary, after the board undertook a thorough review of its future operations, revenue potential, staffing plan, expenses and ability to be financially viable.
The review concluded the centre could not continue to operate on a long-term basis.
A new 12-member board is now in place, focused on what's next for the facility. In addition to the board, there are more than 200 society members.
"One of the things that came about at our annual general meeting in June was a real expectation from members of the society that we communicate and keep them informed, as well as keeping them involved in decision making," said Woollard. "There are a number of people who live in the village and members of the society interested in what happens with the centre."
As brainstorming begins, one idea that has been proposed is bringing Syrian refugees to the centre.
Woollard said board members are concerned about what is happening in Europe and the Middle East.
"The United Church has been very active in responding to this crisis across Canada and in the Okanagan Valley," he said. "If there are individuals, congregations or groups who wish to sponsor refugees to come to the village of Naramata, we would welcome their efforts.
"The future is not yet clear for the centre, making it challenging for the society to make a long-term commitment to housing refugees.... As we move forward with our planning for the future, we would welcome conversations with those in Naramata who would sponsor refugees to determine how we could work together."
For more information on the centre go to: http://www.naramatacentresociety.org
