Window Dressers completes 2023 build, look forward to 2024
DEXTER — Mission accomplished! Two hundred and 75 insulating interior window inserts are now snugly fitted into the Masonic Hall in Dexter, a daycare in Greenville, and 41 private homes and apartments in 17 communities throughout the highlands region. These energy-saving, clear plastic panels were offered by the all-volunteer Maine Highlands Community Build group of the non-profit Window Dressers, and were built by 70 local volunteers including students from the Tri-County Technical Center who constructed the frames at the TCTC workshop during September and transported the completed frames to the Town Hall in Dexter. There, clients and other volunteers wrapped and finished them from Oct. 23-28.
This year 71 percent of inserts were built for clients below the poverty rate, while the remainder were paying customers pleased at their affordability and effectiveness in providing a cozy home while reducing fuel consumption and costs. Low-income customers include but are not limited to those who receive local, state, or federal support such as LiHEAP, food stamps, or rental assistance.
WINDOW INSERTS — A total of 275 window inserts were recently completed in this year’s Window Dressers Community build at the Dexter Town Hall the week of Oct. 23-30. In front is Julie Saunders and back, from left, are James Fagan, Lesley Fernow, Wesley Mallett, Amber Jacobs, and Nancy Massucco.
Funding for the 2023 Maine Highlands Window Dressers project was provided by local contributions from individual clients, Dexter Fish and Game Association, The Commons Energy Collaborative, and with grants from the William and Joan Alfond Foundation, The Plummer Foundation, The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (grassrootsfund.org )and Window Dressers in Rockland.
Measuring of windows for the 2024 build begins now. To be sure you get on the list for 2024, sign up now by going to www.windowdressers.org/inserts. Measuring will begin in the winter and goes through mid-summer 2024. There is a limit of 250 inserts for next year’s build, so early sign-up is recommended. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this fun and valuable community project, contact Lesley Fernow at 207-992-6822 or lmfernow@rcn.com.