FARMINGTON — A new addition at The Pierce House was celebrated Thursday with a ribbon cutting and pieces of homemade pie.

Board and building committee members then voted to name a new function room after the longtime administrator. It is now the Darlene B. Mooar Function Room.

An expanded administrative space on the second floor and a first floor resident room were added to the back of the residential home.

“May this always be the pleasant home it has been for a hundred years,” Mooar, administrator, said as she cut the ribbon to the new entrance.

About 1,700 square feet of space was added over the two-floor addition, Craig Jordan, board president and committee member, said. The last major addition was completed in 1995.

The room previously used as a function room has become home to several residents during the day, he said.  This new room will allow space for functions and activities.

The Pierce House is home to 16 residents and employs 17 staff members. A board of 16 members guides the operation but “we would be dead in the water without Darlene,” Jordan said.

“The new function room will provide a space for our residents to hold family functions, for them to enjoy entertainment, especially musical programs, and will be open to the community and staff for programs and continuing education,” Richard Harvey, chairman of the building committee said.

Other members of the committee included Jordan, Jeremy McFarlane, Mary Frank, Trish Flint and Mooar, Harvey said.

A new administrative wing on the second floor provides an area for Mooar and her staff to work efficiently and confidentially, he said.

A new resident room on the first floor was added to replace a second floor room.

Harvey went on to thank architect Craig Boone of Bunker and Savage Architects and general contractor Blane Casey of Augusta.

“Their cooperation and hard work during one of Maine’s coldest winters have resulted in a wonderful new space that will enhance the life of The Pierce House for years to come,” Harvey said.

“We’re going to enjoy this room so much,” Mooar said.

A grand opening with guided tours will be held on July 4, she said.

The Pierce House traditionally sets up tents for the community to sit under while watching the July 4 parade, she said.  They also provide a free concert with the Centennial Band and members of Old South First Congregational Church offer strawberry shortcake on the front lawn.

This year in celebration of the addition, there will also be cookie decorating , ice cream cones and guided tours, Mooar said.

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