TURNER — A group of community members is hoping to build a new gathering place in Turner. Fundraising has begun and the plan is moving forward to build a new community gazebo on the village green in Turner Center and to celebrate “Music for Mavis.”

Mavis Leavitt Varney was born and lived her entire life in Turner and with her husband, Paul, took leading roles in many community activities including the formation of the Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club, building ball fields all over town and contributing to community events of every kind. They were also instrumental in getting the Androscoggin Riverlands protected for future generations.

Mavis loved music and played the saxophone in the Leavitt Institute Band, sang in the choir in North Turner and later in life went to Livermore Falls to their outdoor concerts at the town gazebo as often as possible. Before her death, last year, Mavis asked that any donations be dedicated to building a town gazebo on the village green so new generations of Turner children could experience those traditional kinds of community events.

Paula Anderson, Varney’s daughter, has formed a core committee and begun work on making the gazebo a reality. Local people are volunteering skills, labor and materials for the gazebo which is planned for the Turner Center green directly in front of the current parking lot where Berry Hall used to stand.

Fundraising ideas are also currently under way and a supper to be followed by a musical program and performance at the Leavitt Fine Arts Center is planned for January. Local talent is being rounded up for that musical performance and the supper will be provided by the Turner Center Universalist Church, the North Turner Presbyterian Church and the Turner Village Church working together as their contribution to the project.

A fund for gazebo donations has been set up through the town and donations can be made at the town office. The project is estimated at approximately $15,000. Anyone wishing to donate time, materials or expertise is asked to call Anderson at 754-0954.