CHESTERVILLE – Travelers through Chesterville over the past few years have watched the steady progress of construction activity on and around the old Chesterville Center Union Meeting House.
On Saturday, June 4, the community will be able to see the results of this activity at a ceremonial unveiling of “the New, One-of-a-Kind, Deluxe, Attached, Heated, Wheelchair-Accessible Restroom,” according to organizers. The restroom-greenroom structure is the centerpiece of a multi-faceted grant-funded project intended to make the antique Meeting House more usable by the community.
Other improvements to be celebrated include a parking area adjoining a wheelchair ramp which enters both buildings, an air-source heat pump heating and cooling system, a newly painted roof and a custom-made sign adorning the front of the Meeting House.
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, locally-renowned a cappella ensemble “Northfield” will perform in the acoustically excellent Meeting House. Northfield’s early music repertoire has been enjoyed by area audiences for over 30 years. Opening for Northfield will be The Hopeful Corvettes, re-uniting for this occasion to share their up-beat and energetic harmonies
Grants for the construction, including funds awarded by Maine Preservation, the Davis Family Foundation, the Narragansett One Foundation, and the Maine Community Foundation, have provided most of the project funding, at a value of roughly $30,000. Yet Board members emphasize that far more than half the value of the improvements has been in the infinite volunteer hours provided by the community and one Board member in particular.
“The skill and commitment of Rob Rogers, who acted as the master carpenter, was pivotal to this project,” said Carolyn Drugge, Board President; “However, we benefited from the generosity of countless other people as well–architectural services, custom carpentry, earth-moving, snow-plowing, suppliers’ discounts, watercolor art, photography, and lots of plain hard labor were all donated by community members. We hope for a big turn-out to help us celebrate this great effort.”
The 1851 Chesterville Center Union Meeting House has been operated by the current non-profit organization since the late 1990s. The group promotes use of the building as a community resource for concerts, readings, drama, civic gatherings, children’s programs, weddings, memorial services, or other community events. Last year’s programs included a Chesterville Poets’ reading, a War Memorial Veterans’ Appreciation ceremony, an Axe and Quilt show, and a concert, among other programs. This summer there are plans for a childrens’ summer reading program, a local art exhibit, and a performance by pantomime artist Michael Cooper.
The June 4 ceremony and concert will begin at 7 p.m. Donations will be welcomed, but admission is free to all. Refreshments will be served, and the newly-published Chesterville Poetry Night booklet will be on sale. For more information call 778-3513 or 778-3767. For more about the Meeting House, visit www.chestervillemeetinghouse.org.
Very nice job by all who contributed. I love to see the old buildings kept up and be used for special occasions. I will try to stop by.
I love that people are taking care of the meeting house. Hated to see it going down hill.
What Time on June 4th?
We appreciate having use of the newly renovated Chesterville Center Union Meeting House during the
June 18th CHESTERVILLE CENTER CEMETERY WORKSHOP 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE!
This cemetery survey/record/clean community service project is made possible by the Dandy Crafters 4-H Club & Leader Lois King, funded by a grant from the Maine 4-H Foundation, and advised by Deborah Tripp Probert of the Maine Old Cemetery Asso. Workshops Committee volunteers.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED & ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE! Please check-in @ the Meeting House @ 9 a.m.
Dress appropriately for being outside – sun screen or rain jacket, bug spray, hat, long sleeves & long pants, sturdy shoes, and bring a bag lunch & your full water bottle if you plan to spend the day!