As readers of these pages will remember, the next step toward construction of the new multipurpose community center at the Village Green is to raise $2 million to $3 million to fill the gaps.

Already, $1 million was raised for site preparation and engineering, and $1 million was awarded by the state Department of Commerce this year.  The state funds will not begin to flow to us until VGF can demonstrate that we have raised the rest of the money.

We are preparing for the next step now. On the evening of Nov. 6, 50 Village Green fans gathered at the Oak Table to sample Ross and Nikki McCurdy’s excellent spaghetti sauce and participate in a brainstorming session about who might have resources to give to this project. The results filled several flip-chart pages; it was a fun-filled and exciting event. Thanks to Ross and Nikki, to Rick Bjornson for providing wine, to Lacey Anders of Borrowed Kitchen Bakery for the cookies, and to Maureen O’Rourke for the creative flier design. And thanks to everyone who attended; this community really rocks!

Here’s what you can do to help us move the project along in the next few months. Visit www.kingstonvillagegreen.org to let us know about your interest in any of the following. And while you’re there, take a look at the sketch on the home page depicting in general terms what the building could look like. The next step is the architectural design work, with lots of public input! Remember the structure will include Boys & Girls Club, library, senior center and public meeting rooms.

We also plan to have a small office available to the Health District as part of providing various social services.

First, we need to continue identifying resources in the community and beyond that will be essential to completing fundraising for the building. E-mail (info@kingstonvillagegreen.org) any names of individuals or businesses that we should approach about supporting the community center.

Second, sign up for one of several committees that will help us with the fundraising task.

Third, if you have a donation to make, you can send it to P.O. Box 1317, Kingston 98346. Contributions are tax deductible.