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FARMINGTON –The Farmington Rotary recently heard presentations about from Amanda Hall, about Ireland, and also about Wilton’s accomplishments from Town Manager Rhonda Irish.
Hall, A doctoral candidate at University of St. Andrews, in Scotland, and the daughter of Farmington Rotarian Lisa Ellrich, discussed her study of the continuing conflicts in Northern Ireland and the shift of a culture war between the country and the Republic of Ireland.
Hall showed slides that included a mural painted with a common theme in this celtic region — “Prepared for Peace, Ready for War.”
Once completing her dissertation on the ever-changing topic, Hall will reside in London with her partner, who is also pursuing a doctorate.
Irish shared Wilton’s recent accomplishments, including the evaluation of downtown infrastructure; planning grants that had been received, including one for $400,000 that allowed for new street lights to be installed and sidewalks to be built; the downtown monument to be maintained and beautified; and future plans for the town.
While Wilton has had its recent challenges with the closing of Key Bank and Barclays, the downtown improvements have brought new businesses to the area, including Family Freeze, Salt and Pepper, Western Maine Play Museum, Life’s Perks and Ambition Brewing.
Irih noted that while bringing businesses to the community is critical, Wilton has also put a lot of energy into being a family-friendly town, illustrated by the commitment to the library, Kineowatha Park’s new disc golf area and canoe kayak rentals at Kineowatha, made possible by the Healthy Community Coalition; park upgrades and a music series.
Infrastructure improvements continue as the wall at the foot of Wilson Lake — the next area to receive attention — along with additional landscaping in the area at the head of the lake frequented by visitors and residents alike.
Irish also said that the $13 million renovation of the waste water treatrment planthas been completed, which was 10 years in the making. She concluded her summary of accomplishments by talking about the EPA grants received that have allowed for clean up of the Forster Mill and the former Wilton Tannery.
Farmington Rotary meets at 7 a.m. Thursday mornings at the Universty of Maine at Farmington’s Olsen Student Center.
For more information, call 207-491-5033 or email LisaParkLaflin@gmail.com.
PHOTO: Farmington Rotary Vice President Terri Winslow thanks Rhonda Irish, Wilton town manager, for her presentation at Farmington Rotary. (Submitted photo)
