Community spirit, cooperation, and generosity have been the driving forces behind the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center (N4Cs). In 1997, some Benton residents assembled to discuss the viability of an intergenerational facility ... a place where kids could "hang out," where families could gather, where seniors could congregate. Many ideas were tossed about, and from this meeting the concept of a Community Center emerged. That was the beginning of a 9-year process to build a safe place for children and adults to gather, have fun, exercise and learn. 

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The initial Board of Directors realized that the Center should be large enough to serve three school districts (Benton, Millville, and Northwest), and should include more facilities than a typical Community Center, such as a Library and Museum. 

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The local community demonstrated outstanding generosity... so many residents, students, churches, and businesses contributed money, skills, and time to enable the creation of N4Cs. The Center also received grant money from the State of Pennsylvania and Central Susquehanna Community, as well as funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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N4Cs' benefactor, Elsie Buyers, an initial force behind the idea for the Community Center, also contributed considerable encouragement, ideas, and money during the planning and building process. Hence the dedication of the stone monument at N4Cs' entrance. Her family continues to support the Center to this day.

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Some initial funds came from "selling" rooms. Pledges came from local corporations and individuals to "buy" the Gymnasium, Library, Museum, Kitchen, Fitness Room, Arts & Crafts Room, Dance Room, Food Bank, Game Room, Multi-purpose Room, and Director's Office. Another person contributed funds for the Horseshoe Kitchen Facility. 

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The culmination was the grand opening of N4Cs on October 13, 2007. The donation of labor, money, emotional support, and ideas from many, many people preceded this special event.

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A local artist created a Founders' Tree, highlighting the names of founding donors. That same artist painted the beautiful waterfall mural with historic landmark vignettes on the Game Room wall. Another local business funded the creation of a waterfall at the base of the mural.

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N4Cs has become an instrumental part of the Northern Columbia County community for so many people. Some programs are offered on a regular basis, while others emerge to satisfy new needs. Kids, teens, young adults, families, and seniors continue to be thankful for the existence of this wonderful facility that grew out of a concept for a place where "multiple generations can gather for fun, learning, and exercise."

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