Friends of Community Fitness to receive keys to the building

GUILFORD — On Nov. 22, something wonderful happened in Guilford. The former Guilford Primary School building, which had been on the market since the summer prior, was sold to its long-standing tenant Friends of Community Fitness (FoCF).

Officials of FoCF had rented the building from David and Robyn Clark of Clark Enterprises for years, but as a small non-profit never had the means to purchase such a property. However, when the building was listed, there was immediate concern throughout the community that potential new owners might not understand the importance of keeping the facility operating as a community fitness center, especially one with such a reputation for promoting a healthy lifestyle for local families through exercise, services, and education; accessible to individuals at all income levels. 

Contributed photo
KEYS TO THE BUILDING — The public is invited from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 29 to an open house celebration as the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce presents the “Keys to the Building” to Friends of Community Fitness in Guilford

Gayle Worden, FoCF executive director, knew that losing the facility to another buyer was not an option as this location suited their needs perfectly and had already become a staple in the community. She and other FoCF officials knew that something needed to be done to make certain the building remained their permanent home.

Worden explained in an interview with the Piscataquis Observer in December that the organization approached the Clarks with a $10,000 offer and “the suggestion that a real-estate donation ….. would be a nice tax incentive for them.” The Clarks, who had been supportive of the center, agreed to the proposal. Then on Nov. 22, after paying about $2,300 for closing costs in addition to the $10,000 sale price, FoCF became the official owners of the building, valued at $325,000. Though it took half of the organization’s general account to make the transaction, it meant they now had use of the entire facility to give them the ability to expand their programing and offerings. 

Though the Clarks sold the building for pennies on the dollar, they completed the deal with a substantial tax deduction and the knowledge of having done something meaningful and lasting for the people of Guilford. 

Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Buzzelli explained that she hopes the community will continue to rally around FoCF. She said, “The circumstances surrounding the sale of this facility were nothing short of miraculous; honestly, the Clarks were abundantly generous to sell the property at this low price; it was a gift to the local communities. I do hope residents and local businesses will participate and contribute to future fundraising efforts as FoCF endeavors to rebuild their general fund and take care of some pressing maintenance needs and expensive upgrades; now that they own the building,” she adds, “even without a monthly rental payment, a small non-profit cannot sustain a building like this without substantial community partnership.” 

The public is invited from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 29 to an open house celebration as the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce presents the “Keys to the Building” to FoCF. The event begins with refreshments and tours of the building at 9 a.m., presentations at 10 a.m. and a pickleball demonstration and other games at 11 a.m., which will include drawing of door prizes for memberships, free passes and FoCF merch. 

“This is the beginning of a new era for Friends of Community Fitness,” said Buzzelli, “I look forward to seeing a big crowd on the 29th to celebrate the journey to this point, and to share in the vision for what comes next!” 

For more information, call Friends of Community Fitness at 207-876-4813 or visit comfitme.com.