PHILLIPS – The Phillips Area Community Center (PACC) is looking for a little help from its friends.
PACC is inviting community members to join the organization overseeing the Community Center on Depot Street. The building, once the old car shop for the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad, then later the town’s school gym, can use assistance.
“Although we’ve kept the building in good repair, there’s always more to be done,” board member Larry Pinkham said. “We need volunteers, people who can pound a nail or climb a ladder. We also could use some help when we host events.”
Currently the center is maintained by a small group of board members and a few members-at-large. In an effort to expand its offerings and community participation in activities, the board is looking to expand its membership.
“The Community Center is an asset to the area,” said PACC chair, Caroline King, “both for Phillips and nearby towns. We’ve just come off a good year, but we’re looking to increase what we offer.”
Among recent events have been an Eddie Kirkland blues concert, a rail fair, a December children’s talent show, a New Year’s Eve party, and during February PACC. will host a skating party in its adjacent ice rink. The group also sponsors annual college scholarships and rents out the facility for use by private groups.
PAAC., though, is looking to grow. Some local residents, for instance, are forming a community theater group, and to help that along the Community Center’s board is looking to upgrade its stage area and make the building more suitable for dramatic or musical productions.
“Our needs are fairly simple,” King said. “But to better serve the area we’re reaching out to residents of Phillips, Avon, Madrid, and Strong, or anyone else with an interest in the wider community, and inviting them to become leaders of the PACC.”
Annual dues are $5 a year for individuals, $10 per family or a local business. Members can attend the monthly meetings, get updates regarding coming events and facility upgrades, and receive discounts on paid-attendance events. Members receive a decal that identifies them as “Leaders of the PACC.”
“This is an opportunity for us to express pride in our community,” King said, “and to expand the potential we all have for sharing our talents and abilities with others.”
For more information or to become a member of the Phillips Area Community Center contact Caroline King (639-2070), secretary Paula Roy (proy@msad58.org), treasurer and vice-chair Larry Pinkham (639-3411) or board members Pam and Dick Matthews (639-2630).
