The Commons to close the gap
DOVER-FOXCROFT — On snow days Mainers get creative and get to work! The Commons at Central Hall, formerly the Maine Highlands Senior Center, is doing just that this winter by coming up with an innovative way to raise money to fulfill the vision of building space for an adult day service center at Central Hall. Some of you may have seen an oddly placed car with a red bow on the hill in front of Central Hall! That classy 2002 Toyota Celica sports car is being raffled to raise money to complete the building project that was started in 2012.
The Commons multigenerational center is committed to creating a thriving connected community for all ages. They have been collaborating with surrounding communities and AARP to work toward Age Friendly Communities where people can “thrive in place.” Board President Dr. Lesley Fernow says, “We recognize that although there are many great programs currently being developed in our region for people of all ages, one group of people still often left out of essential opportunities for making enriching social connections is people with dementias and other disabilities who require specialized support.”
Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
TOYOTA CELICA RAFFLE FOR THE COMMONS — Raffle tickets are available to be entered into a drawing to win a 2002 Toyota Celica, with proceeds benefiting an adult day service center at The Commons at Central Hall on in Dover-Foxcroft. The Toyota Celica is parked in front of the facility on East Main Street.
In order to bring this vision to a reality, there must be a support infrastructure in the region to meet the needs of these people. The Commons board envisions a community where such individuals can remain home longer with family by spending enjoyable days at an adult day center in therapeutic and engaging activities with peers, and supported by specially trained staff.
The Commons has designed such a space; however it is, at present, unfinished due to lack of funding. For this reason, the board has launched a major fundraising effort this fall to get the money necessary to complete the building and move forward on the planned programs. They have had a goal of raising $129,000 to help complete the construction, of which they already have raised almost three quarters, including a matching grant for $43,000. The car raffle will help move them closer to completion.
The Toyota Celica is a “classic” sporty car which is much sought after. This snappy car has only 136,000 miles (only 16,000 in the past four years) and has been well maintained. It has AC, power windows and steering, sun roof, and comes with good condition sets of both regular and snow tires. It runs perfectly and has spent winters indoors, so it has not been exposed to road salt. Its manual 5-speed transmission is fun to drive with excellent handling. It is valued at $3,200.
Raffle tickets are $35, or three for $100, with a maximum of 450 being sold, and can be obtained at several places in the region including any A.E. Robinson Irving station, at Central Hall, or at Will’s Shop ‘n Save. The drawing will be on Dec. 21, just in time to make a great Christmas gift!
Help The Commons reach its goal and “Close the Gap.” Purchase a ticket today or donate to The Commons. For more information call 343-3018 or email info@centralhallcommons.org.