The Thompson Center on Lourdes gave away the last of their furniture as they prepare for the move to their new facility on College Avenue. May 28, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Pool tables, pianos, couches, chairs and more — all available for free, as the Thompson Center on Lourdes clears its old facility at Saint Bernadette’s Parish.
“Today is really surreal,” said Executive Director Dawn Gohlke. “This is a space where we’ve been for eight years that is full of vibrancy and activity, and all the rooms are empty!”
Those with the Thompson Center on Lourdes are reminiscing on their time as they close out this chapter.
“You used to see every single classroom filled with people, and hearing the laughing and hearing the excitement,” Gohlke recalled. But now, “It’s quiet. Your voice echoes down the hall. It’s not quite the same.”
The Thompson Center on Lourdes will soon be moving to a new facility on College Avenue. It is being renamed the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center.
That new space is looking to bring more variety to its lineup of activities.
The pickleball courts look beautiful. All the electricity, all the heating that’s been done, it’s just amazing. We have a commercial kitchen now, so we’re going to be able to do cooking classes with our participants.
Money for the new facility was raised through a fundraising campaign. Gohlke said they’ve reached 80% of the total $6.5 million project.
“The whole build has been raised. Right now, we’re working on the endowment for the sustainability in the future of the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center,” she said.
With the new facility, Board Member Ray Zuelke said the future is looking bright for senior activities in the Fox Valley.
“With currently 7,000 members coming 35,000 times a year, we expect that to grow. We think the community will rally to support us and be with us for the long term,” Zuelke said.
The new activity center will have a soft open June 2, with a full open the following week.
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