Our members are youth aged 12 to 18 living in New Russia, Lewis and Elizabethtown.
Can kids from other towns come to the Center?
Yes, but only as a guest of a member.
How do I become a member?
You have to schedule an interview with the director. It takes about 10 minutes. We review our rules and ask you and your parent or legal guardian to sign our contract as proof that you both understand them. Your parent or legal guardian MUST be present at the interview.
What does it cost?
Nothing.
When are you open?
Teen hours during the school year (September through June):*
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Friday, 3:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, 2:00 - 9:00 pm
Teen hours during the summer (July through August):*
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 2:00 - 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 2:00 - 10:00 pm
*The staff locks the doors at the closing time indicated above. Please make sure that you have made arrangements with your child so that they are prepared to leave by the time we close and so that they know where they are supposed to go when they leave the Center.
What's the facility like?
There are five buildings on 18 acres, and also four tennis courts, a basketball court and a paddle tennis court. Find out about tennis and paddle memberships on our activities page.
What is there for members to do?
Play tennis, pool, ping pong, basketball and board games, watch movies, attend dances and cook-outs, and participate in such classes as cooking, photography and girls-only yoga. (A small fee is sometimes charged for special classes.)
Other activities and trips are scheduled throughout the year, like rafting, going to museums, hiking, playing paintball and seeing major ballgames.
What does the Center offer for adults?
We offer all kinds of programs throughout the year. Please check our schedule for upcoming classes, events and activities.
What is your history?
The Elizabethtown Social Center, Inc. was established in 1939 by Cora Putnam Hale to provide the "greatest good for the greatest number of people". Currently more than 200 of our neighbors, most of them teens between the ages of 12 and 18 use our facilities weekly. (That works out to more than 10,000 people annually!) The Social Center is a private 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Donations are gratefully accepted and are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
How are you funded?
We are funded through Mrs. Hale's endowment, grants, business sponsorships, and private donations. Monetary and in-kind donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We receive no public monies.
How are you governed?
We are governed in day to day operations by a full-time Director. The Director meets monthly with a Board of Directors. A Board of Trustees oversees management of the endowment.
How many people work there?
Currently there are two full-time people: the Director and Maintenance. Part-timers help cover teen hours and activities. Normally at least two staff people supervise during teen hours, more during special activities such as cook-outs and dances.
Who's on staff?
Ken Fenimore - Director, Bill Tueschler - Maintenance, Micaela Crowningshield, Josh Hameed, Audrey Shovan, and Lisa Whalen - Part Time/Teen Hours.
Who serves on your Board?
Hildegard Moore, Marcella Denton, Lu Anne Nielsen, Paul Grinwis, Charles "Kip" Thompson, Alvin Reiner, Tom Bisselle and Jane Hooper.
How do I volunteer/get involved?
Contact the Center and let them know you're interested and what talents you are willing to volunteer.
How do I make a Donation?
Monetary Donations/Sponsorships of any size are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Please send all donations to the address listed below.
In-Kind Donations are also welcomed and greatly appreciated. Please contact the Center by one of the methods listed below to discuss the type of donation you would like to make.
I have some ideas for Community Events that the Social Center should host. How do I express these ideas?
Contact the Center by one of the methods listed below with your ideas.
I would like to teach a class at the Center. What do I do?
Submit a detailed proposal to the Center.
How do I rent space in the Hale House or in the Social Center Main Building for a meeting, shower, or other event?
Contact the Center to make arrangements.
How do I contact the Center?
Contact the Center by phone: (518)873-6408, or email: socialcenter@charter.net
Our address is: PO Box 205, 7626 Route 9, Elizabethtown, NY 12932
