Scheduled to open in December, the heritage center is undergoing major renovations.

LEWISTON – Board member Donna Steckino and Executive Director Rita Dube of the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s were recently invited to the new Shaw’s supermarket on East Avenue to receive a check for the renovation project.

Store Manager Dave Chapman presented the women $5,000 to support the capital campaign under way to renovate the former St. Mary’s Church.

Scheduled to open in December, the center is undergoing major renovations. A new stage has been built, restroom facilities added in the basement and a new grand staircase completed. The elevator is ready to be installed and new seats have been ordered.

Dube said, “Although the renovations will not be completed, the center will open in December as it will be usable and rentable at that time. The campaign will continue, and as funds are raised, more work will be completed on the project.”

Shaw’s donation to the project was given with the hope that other businesses will follow the example and increase support for the project.