Unity Barn Raisers celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and to honor this milestone, the community development organization is launching a Community Center Campaign to raise $20,000, which will be matched by grant funds in order to complete crucial structural and energy upgrades to the Unity Community Center, 32 School St., according to a news release from UBR.

This spring, UBR was awarded a grant from USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant program, which supports development of essential community facilities. The $20,900 award requires matching funds raised from the community. The renovation project will include the replacement of a rotting structural sill, upgrade a deteriorating commercial kitchen floor, and energy efficiency improvements (including installing heat pumps, LED lights, and insulation).

According to the release, the center, built in 1845, was operated as a school until 1898. In 1905 it became the local Masonic Hall. UBR purchased and renovated the building in 1996.

Averaging more than 15,000 visits per year, the building meets the needs of the western Waldo County community through nutrition, wellness, fitness, education, civic engagement, and emergency services and programming.

As of Aug. 5, UBR has already raised $13,000 toward the campaign. The campaign will conclude by Aug. 31.

Those interested in supporting the campaign are invited to send a check to Unity Barn Raisers, P.O Box 381, Unity, ME 04988 or online at unitybarnraisers.org/donate.html. For more information, contact [email protected] or 948-9005.

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