The countdown for the April opening of the new Village Green Community Center has begun.

The rough-in for plumbing and electrical is complete. The windows and doors are being installed, the sheetrock is being hung, the exterior siding is being installed and the metal roof is going on. The ribbon cutting and dedication will be here before you know it.

Yes, it’s really happening. Some will tell you it’s been more than 20 years in the making. No matter where you started counting, it is a remarkable achievement.

The Kingston community has much to be proud of.

Understandably, there has been a great deal of focus on construction and building features, but the true measure of our success will be what happens in the building.

Is it used all hours of the day? Do people feel welcome? Are there engaging programs offered? Do people feel inspired? And direct from the promise of our mission statement — does it connect and strengthen the community?

To marshal the anticipation and excitement and shine a light on what will happen in the building, we have planned fun community events each month as our community countdown to the ribbon cutting. At each event. we will provide the latest on construction progress and fundraising. Five months and counting.

Five … Family Movie Matinee Dec. 22 and 29 (12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. show times) at the Firehouse Theater. Come watch the much anticipated “Star Wars / The Force Awakens.”

Tickets are $10 cash (the usual $8 matinee ticket price plus $2 donation to the Village Green).

Four … Trivia Week Jan. 25-31. Come with your friends and family to the Downpour, Filling Station or Puerto Vallarta to test your knowledge and compete with your friends.

Three … Intergenerational Baking Contest Feb. 12. Grab your favorite grandparent and commandeer a kitchen to bake your most delicious cookie recipe or invent one.

If you do not have a grandparent, one will be provided for you (call the Village Green office). A community cookie tasting and judging will takes place 3-5 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Martha & Mary Senior Apartments, second floor.

Two … March 14-20. Dine out for the Village Green. Participating restaurants are competing for a prize for raising the most money for the project.

One … April GRAND OPENING. We will let you know when.

See you there!

— Daniel Johnson is executive director of the Village Green Foundation. Contact him at danielrjohnson4@gmail.com.