1 January 2025​

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Dear friends and supporters of Walker Memorial Hall,​

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As we start a new year, I am pleased to share a recap of the significant progress made in the renovation of our historic building. 

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2024 Accomplishments

•    Essential Infrastructure: We installed a new well, ensuring a reliable water source for the building.
•    Enhanced Aesthetics: The interior of the building has undergone a transformation with repairs to walls and ceilings, and a fresh coat of paint in the theater, dining hall, and foyer.
•    Improved Safety and Functionality: A complete upgrade of the electrical service and installation of all new lighting fixtures have significantly improved safety and functionality.
•    Preservation of Heritage: Curation projects for our library and collections have commenced, ensuring the preservation of valuable historical artifacts.
•    Interior organization: Dedicated volunteers staffed projects to inventory, organize and declutter the building's contents, creating a more efficient and welcoming space.
•    Music: A generously donated parlor grand piano has found its home in our theater, enriching the cultural experiences we will offer.
•    Support from the Community: Our summer fundraising was very successful, demonstrating the strong community support for this vital project.
•    Grant Success: We have diligently pursued grant opportunities, submitting three applications and successfully securing one from the Ham Foundation.
•    People: We welcomed a new Director, Jim Mains of Bridgton.  We recruited a core group of volunteers, who donated their time to do multiple projects. Dave Gries, a volunteer, was named Chief Curator for the Hall, in recognition of the role he played (and will continue to play) in overseeing projects related to the preservation and display of the Hall’s historical collections.
•    Lot expansion: Donation of a plot of land from a neighboring lot was completed.  Timber was cleared to enable installing a septic system and addition of a parking lot behind the building.

 

2025 Project Outlook

The coming year promises continued progress with the following key projects:

•   Accessibility Enhancements: 

  •  Construction of an ADA-compliant bathroom.

  •   Creation of an ADA-compliant entrance to ensure accessibility for all members of our community. . We are investigating a new product that combines stairs and a wheelchair lift, eliminating the need for a long unsightly ramp.

•   Essential Infrastructure: Installation of a modern septic system to support the building's needs. Creation of a parking lot behind the building.

•   Enhanced Functionality: A complete renovation of the kitchen will create a basic but functional kitchen. A kitchen plan was created in collaboration with Hancock lumber, along with a quote for cabinets.

 

These projects represent significant steps toward realizing the full potential of this historic building and transforming it into a vibrant community hub. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Your contributions are invaluable as we work to preserve this important piece of our shared history and create a space that will benefit generations to come.

 

With best wishes for a productive and happy 2025,

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Kenneth R Abbott  
President, Walker Memorial Hall