DERRY — Local officials, politicians, business leaders and volunteers were out in force on Wednesday evening to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Marion Gerrish Community Center.

With food, drink and raffle prizes offered by a number of local merchants, it was a great opportunity to mingle and reflect on the role the community center has played in Derry over the past four decades.

“The community center has meant so much to the town,” said Town Councilor Phyllis Katsakiores. “It's almost the focal point for the downtown area, and the great thing is that it is paid for by the thrift shop downstairs, where I'm also a customer. I think it's great.”

Town Administrator John Anderson mentioned how the center has grown and been renovated to handle the increased usage over the years. Today, nearly 150 community groups use the center in some capacity.

“It is an incredible community resource that is run at no expense to the taxpayers,” said Anderson. “It has an incredible group of volunteers that does nothing but give to the community every day.”

One of those volunteers, board of directors secretary Janet Conroy, said she wasn't as sure about the success of the community center when a group of citizens petitioned the town to lease the building and create a community center.

“In 1972, I wasn't sure people realized if they had bitten off more than they could chew,” said Conroy.

The building was built in the early 1860s as the West Side School, and by 1972, the dilapidated building was known locally as the pigeon hotel.

However, Conroy said, volunteers were able to get the building into shape and create the vibrant community center it is today.

Conroy also praised current executive director of the center Sarah Gavin for the work she has put in over the past year and for her role in making the 40th anniversary celebration a reality.

“I'm very happy with the turnout,” she said. “Everyone has been very positive and been talking about the renovations that have taken place over the year. I'm also happy that so many local vendors contributed to the event. Everyone has been very generous.”

aswift@newstote.com