TURNER — Members and friends of the Music for Mavis Committee celebrated the initial groundbreaking for the new community gazebo on the SAD 52 campus in Turner Center on April 30. The gazebo will honor Mavis Varney, a lifetime resident of Turner, community supporter and lover of music.

The committee has had an ongoing six-month fundraising campaign to raise the $18,000 necessary to build the gazebo and to begin a fund to sponsor musical events there when it is finished.

Several fundraising events including an appearance by entertainer and mime Michael Cooper, a three-church supper, an ice skating party and two raffles which are currently ongoing have raised funds. Donations by individuals and groups, a $3,000 donation from citizens at Town Meeting and contributions by local businesses including the design drawings, foundation work, electrical work, general contracting, building materials, equipment and expertise are making the gazebo possible, according to Committee Chairwoman Paula Varney Anderson.

“So many people have helped in so many ways and none of this would have been possible without each and every one of them,” Anderson said. “It truly has been a community effort and I think the entire community will benefit from the project.”

The committee is currently selling raffle tickets for a week in Italy and for a handmade baby quilt. Raffle tickets are available at the Turner Town Office, at the Turner Public Library and by calling Anderson at 754-0954.

It is hoped the gazebo will be completed in time to host some summer events including evening concerts, Varney said, and if things go well, perhaps for the 4th of July celebration.

Anyone wishing to donate may do so at the Turner Town Office or by calling Varney.