A place to sit and chat

By Sally Quale

Eager to make this daydream a reality,  the residents of Meadowbrook, Norfolk’s Senior Housing complex, embarked on plans to raise a gazebo for relaxation and gathering.

With the a go-ahead from the Board of Directors, the residents began raising the necessary funds this summer. At the August and September Farmers’ Market, they sold baked goods and 2008 wall calendars with iconic photographs of Norfolk taken by resident Jim Hotchkiss. Of course, monetary contributions go a lot further. Donors may be encouraged by a dollar-for-dollar matching gift commitment from resident Bob Bachman.

“This is strictly a residents’ project,” emphasized Dorothy Smith, one of the resident leaders.

The gazebo will be placed in the center of the lawn on the left side of the walk leading up to the main entrance of Meadowbrook. It will survey the surrounding greensward, plus activity in the parking lot. “It’s a beautiful spot,” Dorothy says. No view of the new building exists.

Next spring, residents will be selling raffle tickets for a John Thew weathervane, donated by the craftsman, with the drawing to be held on June 26, 2008 at Meadowbrook’s annual Ice Cream Social. Upcoming on Friday, October 5^th is a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, starting at 6:30 in Battell Chapel. See the full details in Community News.

Residents have already identified their gazebo of choice. It will include an entrance ramp affording accessibility for those Meadowbrook residents with walkers or in wheelchairs. “All visitors will be welcome, of course,” assured Smith.

Those wishing to contribute to the project or with questions should contact Dorothy Smith 542-0010.

Illustration by Jim Hotchkiss.