BOWDOINHAM

Bowdoinham selectmen on Tuesday backed a proposal to help make the town’s developing community center more accessible.

As the historical society continues fundraising efforts to repair the century-old building’s foundation, selectmen backed the society’s push to get a grant to fund additional work around the building that would make it more welcoming for visitors. That work would include adding a parking lot behind the building with an ADA-accessible entrance ramp.

Historical society Treasurer Betsy Steen said it’s part of making the center more useable for the senior population. Rides in Neighbors Cars, a volunteer program that provides rides in town for those unable to drive, will also be part of those efforts once the center is up and running. Age Friendly Bowdoinham will also be instrumental in those efforts, according to Steen.

Volunteer coordinator Lara Ashouwak has spearheaded the historical society’s efforts to acquire a grant through Maine Community Foundation to fund the project. She has also volunteered her time to paint the building in earlier stages.

“I’m channeling my Dad, who came to Bowdoinham in 1970 as a P-3 pilot at Brunswick Naval Air Station,” said Ashouwak. “He was from Chicago and became an enthusiastic volunteer here, after he retired.”

Maine Community Foundation has awarded 176 grants through its community building program, averaging $6,262 for each grant awarded.

chris@timesrecord.com

The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu