Maine Highlands Senior Center receives $35,000 grant

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Maine Highlands Senior Center Board President, Dr. Lesley Fernow, is pleased to announce the recent receipt of a $35,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation. “This is so exciting, and validates the importance of what we are doing to renovate Central Hall to become once more a valuable community resource for people of all ages including our special focus on older adults,” she said.  “The grant comes at an important time in our capital campaign, as we are working hard to finish much of the renovation work so we can begin to actually use the building for events and programs.”

    Much been accomplished inside the building this winter including completing insulation, electrical wiring, preparation of the basement for the elevator (requiring removal of ledge) and the replacement of all the windows.  Those driving by may now see that the outside vinyl siding is being removed in preparation for re-siding the entire building. Inside, there is active work installing the drywall and some final finishing wall repair from water damage.  The next phase will involve replacing the heating system to make it more efficient for future years.  Local contractors and Charleston Correctional Facility are providing the work. 
    Even without yet having a building, Maine Highlands Senior Center is organizing a “Fall Risk Reduction Team” which is a collaborative effort with other organizations in the community including Senior Network, local exercise therapists, Charlotte White Center, Maine Center on Aging, Piscataquis Public Health Council, PRYMCA, Eastern Area Agency on Aging, CA Dean Hospital and Mayo Regional Hospital, Center Theater and others to develop a regional awareness of the importance of reducing falls in older adults. 
    “There is a lot that can be done as an organization “without walls” by collaborating with others.  We do not just want to reinvent the wheel,” Dr. Fernow said.
    Maine Highlands Senior Center continues to look for people interested in volunteering their time and expertise to move the project forward. Not only are there openings on the board, but there is also a need for people to assist with specific projects including the fall reduction program, website development and maintenance, social media outreach, community outreach, buddy programs and the Senior Network Community Café. If interested in helping build vibrancy and community connections in the region, please contact Dr. Lesley Fernow at 992-6822 or Chris Maas at 924-4553.