(This is the latest in the new Gazette series on community halls in Mountain View County).
There is plenty going on at the Bergen Community Hall, from sports, to markets to arts programs.
This season, area residents can look forward to its Christmas concert and holiday markets. Even in the winter, the Girl Guides will pitch their tents on the property to do their campout.
Some other activities include volleyball on Tuesdays and exercise classes on Thursday mornings. On Fridays, there's a dog obedience class.
The 4-H Club is a regular client, holding its monthly general meeting at the hall along with its canine and sewing clubs.
But despite the activity, the hall relies on grants to stay financially viable.
“We don't have enough in rentals to pay our bills. We get county grants. That helps keep us going,” said Shelley Ingeveld, president of the Bergen Community Association.
“My husband isn't afraid to write a grant application and ask for funds when needed.”
The current Bergen Hall is located south of Sundre, near Twp. Rd. 320 and Rge. Rd. 53A. It was built in the early 1970s on the former Bergen School site, in the Sundre Museum Complex.
The hall, which can accommodate 150 people, has had a number of improvements over the years.
About 10 years ago, a tin roof was installed, replacing its previous asphalt shingles, Ingeveld said.
More recently, RV plugs were installed, which makes it an ideal venue for family reunions, she added.
The newest addition is a playground, funded by grants from the county, the Community Facility Enhancement Program and a lot of sweat equity.
“It's fabulous. There are four slides on it,” Ingeveld said.
“Children can't get out of a vehicle without looking at that and wanting to play, so that's kind of fun.”
"That helps keep us going." Shelley Ingeveld
