FARMINGTON — Old South First Congregational Church has a goal to make the church more easily accessible.

The Old South Church Fundraising Committee is raising funds to improve handicap accessibility, including power-assist door openers and a wheelchair lift in the Newman Wing, the church’s Christian Education addition.

Fundraising begins with an oldies dance featuring Shepherd’s Pie from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 23, in the North Dining Hall of the Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. The popular local band will play live music from the 1950s and 1960s. An Elvis impersonator is expected. All ages are welcome.

Child care by UMF honors students is available at the Student Center for $10 per child. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Good Times Unlimited RV Sales and Service, Ron’s Market, Madore’s Market, The Calico Patch, Old South Church office and Calzolaio Pasta Company in Wilton. Ticket are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $25 per family. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for a slightly higher price.

During the evening, other fun events will take place, including trivia, twist and jitterbug contests. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

A 50/50 raffle and silent auction table are also planned. Items for the table include pottery from Penny Hood and Cherie Giampetro, Skye Theatre tickets, a massage by Sherry Jenckes, a simple will written by Ed David and a Vera Bradley recipe book from the Calico Patch.

Other items include two pieces of matted artwork from Stan and Barbara Kierstead, an enlargement from photo-naturalist Gil Riley, a kitty mouse pad from Hallie Yorks, a haircut by Faith Peck of Silver Shear, a Mardy Bogar creation, a director’s chair from Good Times Unlimited RV Sales and Service and the Bradford Exchange Diana Casey complete set of Silent Journey Series Native American collectible plates.

Before the church started the Newman Wing, parishioners recognized a need to make the church more accessible to not only its members, but also for those attending numerous community and private events held there.

A monitor was installed by Dick Giard at the double-door front entrance so greeters could view anyone on the walkway who might need assistance. The heavy double wood door, custom made by Don Gardner, is within the church’s historic presence, but both doors need to be open to accommodate a wheelchair.

Plans for the Newman Wing addition include a space for future installation of a wheelchair lift. The framework for the wheelchair-lift shaft is already in place, along with electricity to operate it.

The church’s plan is to install power-assist door openers on the Newman Wing entry, placed on the doors leading into the upstairs and downstairs hallways and on the door allowing access from the Newman Wing in to the vestry, assembly room and the sanctuary.

Along with weekly and holiday worship services, the Main Street church is host to a variety of group meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Senior Plus meal center, the winter FAEM warming center, a variety of support groups and more.

During the dance, a creative wheelchair donation box, designed by Penny Hood, will be on the ticket table for anyone who wants to make an additional donation to the fund. Those unable to attend the dance but who would like to make a donation may stop by the Old South Church office or mail it to 227 Main St., Farmington, ME 04938. For more information, contact the office at 778-0424.

Copy the Story Link