LUDLOW, Maine — Thanks to a grant from Vital Pathways, the Ludlow town office now boasts a number of new LED lights.
Ludlow Town Manager Diane Hines explained on Jan. 26 that the town office was undergoing a bit of a makeover thanks to a grant from Vital Pathway, a Houlton-based nonprofit organization. One of the rooms in the town office that has not been used in recent years is being renovated to become a “community room” where members of the town can gather or hold small events.
At one time the room served as a food pantry, but has been unused for a number of years, Hines said.
Ludlow Town Manager Diane Hines points out the new LED bulbs that were recently installed in the town office thanks to a grant from Vital Pathways. The lights are located in a room that will become a community gathering center. (Joseph Cyr)
“One of the mini grants was awarded to the town of Ludlow so they could improve their facilities and increase opportunities for their town to gather in a much improved meeting space”, stated Vital Pathways vice chair Joe Fagnant.
The town received a grant of $1,000 back in July 2017 to install the new, energy efficient lights, which will be the first step in transforming the space into a community room.
“The concept is for us to open this room up for education, maybe some art classes or yoga classes,” Hines explained. “It’s our goal to make this a true community room.”
Hines said the new lights should greatly reduce the town’s energy bill as the room previously used outdated flourescent bulbs.
The community room project is just the latest venture to renovate the town office, Hines said. Last year, a fireproof room was built to house all of the town’s vital records.
Vital Pathways is based in Houlton and serves 11 towns in Aroostook County. The board of 12 meets once a month and is a 501(c)(3) organization. It has been in existence since 1994, and has helped organizations begin funding projects by providing management of funds under the Vital Pathways 501C3 umbrella. Past projects include Golf for Life, The Riverfront Park Project, Backpack for Kids, Hometown Proud: Gold Leafing the cupola on the courthouse, and various trails projects.
Current board members include Louise Beaulieu, chairman; Fagnant, vice chairman; Dan Jacobs, treasurer; Audrey York, secretary, and board members Greg Palmer, Dorothy Donahue, Marie Carmichael, and Chris Collins.
“Vital Pathways will continue to look at how we can support the communities in our region through grants and funding that can assist in promoting wellness and community spirit,” Fagnant said. “Our next mini granting cycle of up to $1,000 will begin in April and run through May. We hope to have other applicants that could use mini grant funds toward a special project.”
Information about the grants will be sent out to all town offices in the region. Any questions can be directed to Vital Pathways board members, or to Joe Fagnant, 521-3100 ext 3150.
For more information, visit https://vitalpathways.org/
