Published: August 03, 2008 10:56 pm      

Lobster Fest to benefit Harbor Hill

ASHLAND — With most of the demolition work complete and construction under way to provide housing for victims of domestic violence, officials at Safe Harbor in Ashland have announced a Lobster Fest dinner set for Aug. 23 to help pay for renovation of the former Ashland TB Hospital.

The old hospital, which served a variety of purposes — including city offices and a state police crime lab before being vacated several years ago — is being refurbished to create 34 supportive-living apartments, known as Harbor Hill, in a place where domestic violence victims and their children have access to case management services, day care, adult education and opportunities to learn the life skills necessary to live an independent life.

“We look forward to our first residents moving in next spring. Thus, we are well under way with the renovation of the former TB hospital,” said Safe Harbor spokeswoman Debra Wright, crediting the ongoing efforts of project architect Tony Hardin of Brandstetter Carroll Inc., and James Saurer, site superintendent with DW Wilburn Inc.

“While demolition was kept to a minimum, some work had to be done to modify the building, including removal of many of the public restrooms on the upper floors, the temporary partition walls and the remaining hospital items left behind,” she said. “Demolition is 99 percent complete.”

Wright said interior work on the fourth floor of the old hospital is starting to take the form of apartments, with electrical work and drywall expected to be near completion within 30 days. Flooring, a handicap access ramp, painting and window restoration is also expected to be finished soon.

The Aug. 23 Lobster Fest will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Bellefonte Country Club with live music provided by nationally acclaimed performers The Convertible Blondes.

In addition to live Maine lobster, the evening’s fare also includes cheese and fruit trays, a raw bar, New England clam chowder, salad, vegetables and an open bar. Participants can also enjoy a “gem scoop” along with live and silent auctions and dancing beneath the stars.

“Take your appetite, your dancing shoes and your desire to experience an evening like no other,” Wright said. “We want everyone to come out. If you are not a lobster lover, don’t let that hold you back. We are offering options of steak as well as vegetarian dinners.

“The Lobster Fest is a significant way, although one of many opportunities, the community has to support the Safe Harbor mission and the many programs and services it provides year-round to the women and children it serves,” Wright said.

For more information call (606) 329-9304.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.