You couldn’t wipe the smile off Gary Boss’ face, and B Elliott had to hold back tears of joy.
Both were amazed and overwhelmed at the turnout for the grand opening of the Kindale Development Association’s Lydia Boss Centre Thursday.
The 6,2000 square foot building on Patterson Avenue, in downtown Armstrong, is Kindale’s new home and named after its founder, Gary’s mom.
“It’s really nice, yes, and the offices are great,” said Gary, 56. “Mom would have been proud.”
The Lydia Boss Centre is home to Kindale’s administrative offices and where Kindale’s programs are developed. Those large offices are on the main floor.
On the top floor are seven apartments for individuals who meet low-income standards. There are four, one-bedroom units, two, two-bedroom suites and one three-bedroom apartment.
All but the three-bedroom suite have been rented, though there are applicants for the available unit.
Close to 200 people turned out for the grand opening, which was also held in conjunction with the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Business After Business networking event.
“I can’t believe the crowd that has turned out,” said Elliott, Kindale’s executive director. “Our community is supporting us again. The Lydia Boss Centre is a commitment that Kindale made years and years ago.”
Lydia Boss, who would have been 100 in 2012, the year ground was broken on the new facility, recognized the need for education opportunities for children with special needs after Gary was born, but there were no opportunities in the Armstrong area.
With help from the community, including the Armstrong Kinsmen Club, Boss built the original Kindale school, which has evolved into what Kindale has become today.
“This is the culmination of 50 years of hard work in our community,” said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper. “Not only by Kindale, but the founders and all of the people that have come through, especially the clients. We are so proud of all of the clients that are in Armstrong and are part of our community.”
Lydia Boss’s son, Roy, who is Gary’s older brother, praised the community and his little brother for their efforts in having the new Kindale offices, complete with housing, built.
“There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child and I don’t think that’s ever been more true than in this community,” said Roy Boss. “And the reverse is actually true. Sometimes it takes a child to spawn a village and if it wasn’t for this guy here (pointing at Gary), this might not have happened.”
Sue Phillips, president of Kindale’s board of directors, told the crowd Lydia Boss’ work will continue.
“Lydia was a public health nurse and a person who believed every person is a valued member of our community,” said Phillips. “We look forward to carrying on her vision and her purpose long into the future.”
