Dedication at Little Lakes Community Center

If you’ve driven through Hemlock recently you probably noticed the new sign on the brick school building there, formerly the Jack Evans Community Center. The Little Lakes Community Association, now owners of the building, will be dedicating their new sign and sculpture on the front of their Center, as well as their History Room on Wednesday, October 14 at 3:00 p.m. The sign was donated to the association by Donna Jopson in memory of her late husband, Dick Jopson, beloved local country musician and active volunteer for LLCA. The sculpture was created and donated by Richard Shearer, a local artist whose studio is in the building. The History Room was created by Rick Osieki, with photographs and artifacts of historical significance to the area. 

The public is invited to join with the volunteers and invited guests, including town and county officials, for the dedication ceremony, followed by light refreshments and tours of the building. 

Dick Jopson performed with his band, the Northernaires, starting in the 1950’s. Dick played well over 3000 shows in his lifetime. Included in those shows was 13 years straight at the Fiddlers Picnic, Long Point Park on Conesus Lake, longer than any other act. He received the following awards for his contributions to country music:

WCJW Radio – 2008 – Enduring Popularity Award; NYS Country Music Hall of  Honor – 2012; NYS Country Music Hall of Fame Award – 2013; and the

NYS Lifetime Achievement Award – 2016, at the Cortland, NY Hall of Fame Park. His bashful smile, wonderful voice (many people think he sounded like Johnny Cash), good looks, sparkling blue eyes, and his great sense of humor all contributed to his large following, drawing big crowds, and getting many out on the dance floor.

Dick served in law enforcement in Livingston County, in the Geneseo village police force, and later with the Sheriff’s department.

LLCA took possession of the building several years ago and has offered numerous classes, workshops, concerts, and festivals at their Center. A dedicated group of volunteers have staffed these events and have worked diligently to restore and renew the building. Numerous businesses currently rent former classrooms,. Rooms and the “gymnatorium” are also available for short term rental for parties, meetings, etc. For information visit www.littlelakesny.org or call (585) 367-1046.