Woolwich’s 1837 Town House is a little more accessible thanks to a group of hardworking volunteers who built a new handicap ramp. The work was completed Friday, June 16 just in time for the select board’s annual meeting in the historic building on Old Stage Road.

“We’re really pleased these folks stepped up and offered to build the new ramp. They did a beautiful job,” Chairman David King, Sr. said.

The work was carried out by a 10-member team that also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers, Topsham. “We call ourselves the Regulars,” Tim Mellen explained. “We get together every Wednesday and Friday to do minor home repairs in Woolwich and the surrounding area.” Mellen added they’re a small but dedicated crew working outdoors rain or shine. The town purchased all of the materials for the ramp.

The group took on the project after Mellen met with the select board two weeks ago. “I asked if the board members might know of any residents in the community that might benefit from our services. They suggested building a new ramp here at the old meeting house.”

King said because the select board holds a public meeting in the building it has to be ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible. “I built the ramp we had been using there 17 years ago and it was really beginning to show its age. We were delighted they stepped forward to build it.”

Mellen said the meeting house ramp was the forty-third ramp the Regulars had built. Others making up the crew are Bud Cherry, C.R. Davis, Dave Sellers, Gerry Brooks, Hans VanWilligen, Susan Lamb and Wayne Gilbert.

Selectman Allison Hepler said the Regulars were featured in the community’s March newsletter. “It’s really gratifying that we have people willing to donate their time on projects like this,” she said.

Besides constructing home ramps, the Regulars do weatherization projects to make homes more energy efficient reducing winter heating bills. The labor is free and homeowners in need may be eligible for funding to cover the costs of materials. Interested residents should contact Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine at 207 504-9333 for more information or to learn how to volunteer.