Volunteers needed for Window Dressers workshop

Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)

by Eric W. Austin

The China for a Lifetime Committee is planning a Window Dressers workshop this November 7-13, at the China Lake Camp, off the Neck Road, on the west side of the lake. The initiative is a volunteer-led, barn-raising effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” that can significantly reduce residential energy costs. Orders for inserts need to be submitted to the China Town Office or through the Window Dressers’ website by September for the November workshop.

The insulated window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, and can be ordered in natural wood or painted white. There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to all residents of China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.

The price of the window inserts varies depending on the size of the frame requested, but generally range from $30-$70 per frame for natural pine, with an additional $5-$10 if painted white. Discounts and financial help are available for those who qualify.

As the workshop will take place during the second week of November, orders should be placed by September. Volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the Window Dressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames and deliver them in time for the workshop. All volunteers visiting customer homes to measure windows are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask.

There is a great need for local community volunteers to make this a successful Window Dressers workshop. It is requested (but not required) that anyone ordering frames also commit to a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone who can supply food to the teams participating in the workshop.

To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.

For more information about the China for a Lifetime Committee, please visit their website at chinaforalifetime.com.