AUBURN – Construction began Nov. 8 on an Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 14-patient-suite hospice house on Stetson Road. The facility, designed by Harriman Associates of Auburn, is expected to be complete in August 2005 and ready to serve patients by September.

H.E. Callahan is serving as construction manager. Major subcontractors working on the project are St. Laurent and Sons, Lewiston; Ranor, Jay; Don’s Electric, Monmouth; H.L. Installations, Windham; and Porter Drywall, Portland.

“Over two years of planning and design have gone into this project. We are fortunate that so many people came forward to lend their expertise during the initial phases to serve on our site selection and design committees.

“Harriman Associates and H.E. Callahan have also been with us from the beginning and we are delighted that they assembled such a strong construction team to make this dream a reality. It is rewarding to know that in 10 short months we will be caring for patients at the hospice house,” remarked David McDaniel, AHCH president/CEO.

When complete the AHCH hospice house will be the only in-patient hospice facility serving residents of central and western Maine.

Community and staff members of the site selection and design committees included Linda Abbott, Mark Adams, Elaine Armstrong, Roger Austin, Pat Bean, Sue Belanger, Cam Bopp, Jill Berry-Bowen, Chris Brennan, Sally Brochu, Renita Butters, Gail Castonguay, Tish Clark, Kitsie Claxton, Beckie Conrad, Judy Deabler, Jody Deegan, Steve Doyon.

Also, Karen Flynn, Linda Frechette, Judi Gagnon, Michal Galazka, Marianne Gallo, Nancy Greene, Jan Hall, Sue Ham, Jan Hannaford, Joanne Harrison, Mary Health, Ail Hilt-Lash, Judy Hunter, Ann Hutchins, Bonnie Iwans, Sherri Jordan, Dale Kuhnert, Jean Larson, Elaine Lasky, Barbara Lucas, Marcy McGuire.

Also, Tina McLaughlin, Mary Ann Morency, Sue Morrell, Chip Morrison, Mickey Moulin, Peter Musso, Kristin Perry, Michelle Rice, Linda Richardson, Betty Robinson, Sherry Rose, Anne Stauffer-Behnke, Jan Stowell, Sheila Sullivan, Barbara Tetreault, Patty Theberge, Lisa Thrasher, Sonia Tyler, Ann Weaver and Bob Weston.

The total hospice house project cost is $3.7 million and is being supported with a funding mix consisting of a capital campaign and long-term financing. In June AHCH launched the public phase of the campaign by announcing the $1.5 million campaign goal.

To date, more than 1,000 individuals, foundations, businesses and civic/fraternal groups have supported the project, bringing the total raised for the hospice house campaign to more than $1.3 million.

“We are so pleased with the support that we have received from the community. Our success so far is a testament to the hard work of our campaign volunteers and our Board,” said Kim Wettlaufer, capital campaign chairman.

He said, “Over the past year committee members have made 34 presentations to community groups, donors, family members of former hospice patients and members of the faith community. In the past month an informational mailing to 21,000 residents throughout our four-county service area was also completed.”

As the Journey of Hope campaign continues toward its final $1.5 million goal, gifts of all sizes are welcome.

If a community/civic group would like a presentation on the hospice house or anyone would like to learn how to participate in the Journey of Hope Campaign, contact Teresa Blaschke, AHCH development coordinator, or visit the Web site, www.ahch.org.

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