HOULTON, Maine — A space in a popular community building will soon get a much needed renovation thanks to a generous donation from a local trust.
During the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 9, Town Manager Marian Anderson announced that officials at the Putnam Charitable Trust had donated $10,000 to the Gentle Memorial Building.
The money will be used to renovate the downstairs lounge at the facility, an area that includes a kitchenette, according to Anderson.
“We certainly appreciate this,” she said, reading aloud from a letter that was sent to the town from trust representatives.
Marie Carmichael, director of the parks and recreation department, spoke about the planned renovation during the meeting.
She said that once the work is completed, the room will be dedicated to Madelyn Crawford-Perkins, a longtime employee of the town.
Crawford-Perkins worked as the director of social activities at the recreation department from 1951 to 1979. She started many programs that continue to run at the recreation department, including the Houlton Peanut Carnival.
“She was the best,” Carmichael told councilors. “Everyone in town knew her and knew that about her. She did it all and she was amazing. I thought it was fitting that we dedicate this to her. We have a plaque all ready.”
Crawford-Perkins used to do all of her crafts in the lounge and it was her favorite space in the building, Carmichael said.
Crawford-Perkins died in 2011.
Councilors were enthusiastic about the project.
“The trustees are great about picking the right project,” chairman Jane Torres said.
