FINLEY >> Friends, families and neighbors from around the lake have shared table conversations over homemade breakfast dishes on Sundays here. Others have said their wedding vows and some have shared the dancefloor at this location for a good cause. For over ten years, Big Valley Hall has offered the community a place to gather for special events, but like any other structure over time, the hall has suffered wear and tear. Fearing any more damage, Hall members now seek help from locals.
Hall President Roberta Actor said that part of the reason why the building, located at 1510 Big Valley Road in Finley, has had an extended period of deferred maintenance is that “the previous organization kind of aged out and people didn’t have the energy to keep it up.”
Actor and Hall member Pamela Ayle said they were the youngest when they first became involved with the community organization, while the rest were mainly women in their 60s and older.
And that’s still the case today. Ayle said members do what they can to help keep the place standing — many of whom pay for repairs, upgrades, and other necessities out of their own pockets. But that has not been enough, she added.
“A lot of us are ladies, and we don’t really do this kind of work,” Ayle explained.
Among a list of repairs needed, Actor shared that an interior touchup is required, replacement of curtains, painting the outside of the hall and a major flooding issue needs urgent attention as it has halted some events in the past. The roof has been the latest of very few upgrades — replaced five years ago.
“We need to take care of this facility if we want to have this resource for the community to be able to rent it out at a reasonable price,” said Actor. “We have to keep it habitable.”
So who is needed? Actor and Ayle said they are looking for local carpenters, plumbers and various companies that would “kindly donate extra materials or just help us.”
Actor added, “We want people to make use of it, but it needs help. It doesn’t just stand up for itself. You have to keep helping it out.”
Actor and Ayle said help from the community is essential now more than ever as Big Valley Hall is going through a “new era.” While many know the organization for its popular breakfasts held the first Sunday of every month, the location is turning into a very successful music venue — many times used for the monthly fire benefit concerts.
The benefit shows started after a series of fires struck Lake County in 2015, each raising around $3,000 to help fire survivors. Actor shared how the success of the shows are proof that Big Valley Hall’s condition is important to maintain to continue using for events that help those in need. “It’s a place that connects us all,” she said.
Besides serving as a venue for live music, the Hall now offers Sunday breakfasts, with new chef Dennis “Pop” Booth, in a buffet-style setting to eliminate a one-hour wait that attendees have complained about.
Ayle said that with “beautiful” vineyards now surrounding the Hall, the outside would be receiving a facelift to once again host weddings, quinceañeras, and other outdoor events.
For now, however, the Hall will continue to have a series of sales to raise funds for maintenance and other upgrades.
Here is the latest happening at Big Valley Hall:
Plant Sale on May 6
We are looking for vendors to sell plants, trees, and accessories from your vehicle or trailer in the parking lot. The Big Valley Hall will be serving our monthly breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon. Other vendors can reserve indoors. All spaces cost $10. For more information contact Ayle at 562-533-1588 or payle77@gmail.com.
On Friday, May 18 Don Coffin has arranged for bluegrass singer Rita Hosking to perform at a benefit concert for the NCO Sulphur Fire Fund from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Don Coffin and friends will open the show.
Big Valley Rock & Reggae Fest on June 10
Craft Vendors needed from noon to 5 p.m. for music the festival being held outside at Big Valley Hall.Contact Tina Lewis at Spotlighton999@gmail.com or Ayle if interested in participating.
