Park fund at halfway point > Donations augment drive for Milo restoration pr

MILO — Debbie Knapp, one of the leaders in Milo’s Elm Street Park restoration project, said Wednesday that donations for the project have been coming in slowly but steadily.

Knapp said a total of of $11,749 has been pledged in equipment time and materials, and $20,615 in cash donations.

With close to $32,000 in donations, the committee is a little over the halfway point in collecting the estimated $60,000 the project will cost.

Depending on the success of future fund-raising projects and private donations, said Knapp, fieldwork could begin by spring, and the entire project could be completd in the summer.

It has been a community effort so far, according to Knapp. Organizations that have made recent donations include the United Methodist Women, the Milo Garden Club, Ruban’sca Renewal Shop and Webber Oil Co.

The Penquis Athletic Boosters have donated $224, Guilford of Maine 1993 of Guilford Industries has donated $500 and pledged another $500 in the spring, the Penquis Athletic Club has donated $1,500, Oscar and Ruben Lumber Inc. has given $2,500, and a $3,000 donation is anticipated Friday from the Milo IGA. The IGA also will donate all the groceries needed for the committee to put on a benefit supper. The American Legion Post 41 Auxiliary has donated $100.

Knapp said the committee plans to hold other fund-raisers such as a bake sale, a dance, a young people’s dance, a dinner and the Kiwanis Club will sponsor a walkathon this spring.

On Friday, Feb. 11, committee members and volunteers will sell pizza at the boys and girls basketball games at Penquis Valley High School.

The park will be used by SAD 41 schools and the Milo Recreation Department. The restoration will provide toilets, fencing and dugouts, and baseball, softball and soccer fields.

Knapp said the committee welcomes help with the project. Anyone who would like to assist at any fund-raiser, or who has a suggestion for a fund-raiser, may call her at 943-2893.

Donation checks may be made payable to Elm Street Park and may be turned in at Milo Fleet Bank or mailed to Knapp, General Delivery, Milo Post Office 04463.