Published: August 20, 2008 12:06 am      

Eating seafood for a cause

Lobster Fest to aid Safe Harbor project

Ashland — Officials at Safe Harbor hope Saturday’s Lobster Fest will 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.

The development, known as Harbor Hill, will be 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 independent lives.

Safe Harbor spokeswoman Debra Wright said interior work on the fourth floor of the building is starting to take the form of apartments, with electrical work and drywall expected to be near completion soon.

Flooring, a handicap access ramp, painting and window restoration are also expected to be finished soon.

Lobster Fest will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Bellefonte Country Club with live music provided by The Convertible Blondes. The event is sponsored by the Boyd County Medical Alliance, according to Lobster Fest chairwoman, Safe Harbor board member and alliance spokeswoman Susan Fried.

Fried said there is a distinct need to provide shelter for local victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a problem in Boyd County, Greenup County, Carter County, Lawrence County and Elliott County,” Fried said. “We can’t turn away from it. It is in every walk of life.”

In addition to live Maine lobster, the evening’s fare 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.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (606) 329-9304.

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