Howie Roman, the first official hall manager for the Gorge Hall, is retiring after 12 years at his post.

The Gorge Hall is a 90-year-old building operated by the Whaletown Community Club (WCC). The hall serves as a gathering place for locals to engage in holiday celebrations, weekly programming, community dances and other events.

Since 2011, Roman coordinated bookings and did light maintenance on the hall as manager, but has been involved as a community member since the 1980s. His motivation to get involved has always been centered around helping the community. Currently, his grandchildren are a part of that inspiration.

“Kids are a big part of why the Whaletown Community Club needs to exist," he said.

The retiring manager recalls several major repairs and renovations that the building has endured over the years, including a roof collapsing, and replacing the dynamic dance floor. Howie noted how the community has always recovered from setbacks by working together. 

“One of the things I love about Cortes is the times that I've been involved in what I call 'barn-raising.'”

A broken leg was the catalyst for Howie deciding to call it quits as manager, but admits it is time to pass the torch anyway. 

“There's going to be a new manager who is going to take on a lot more than I took on. That's what's happening. That's why it's happening. And that was in the air all this last winter and I'm fine with it. I pushed it to a ‘right now’ situation by breaking my leg.”

The WCC is operating with Shaun Canaday as the interim hall manager; the community club will announce a new hire for the position this fall.

To hear more about Roman’s legacy with the WCC, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: