About the UVCA

Founded in 2010 with the goal of bringing together the community of Union, NH, a village within the Town of Wakefield, the Union Village Community Association began with a series of social meetings. In a short while, plans were made to hold a "Block Party" in Heritage Park. The event was for fun and entertainment (there were 5 musical acts and a cake walk!), but it also raised funds for the construction of a Community Bulletin Board at the Union Grange Hall.

When the two dams in the Village were drained at the request of the NH Dam Bureau, residents were concerned. It developed that the Dam Bureau was asking the owners to breach (take down) the dams, rather than repair them. The UVCA soon became involved and, after considerable conversation with the (separate) owners of the two dams, was able to secure title to the "Drew Mill and Dam."

The Organization has had talks with the Siemon Company, which owns the "Upper Dam," in an effort to save that structure as well. However, it appears at this point that the Siemon Company feels it necessary to proceed with removal of that dam.

In September 2012, the Drew Mill and Dam were recognized by The NH Preservation Alliance by being included in that year's "Seven to Save" List. The UVCA is pursuing the possibility of joint publicity and fund-raising with groups seeking to rehabilitate the New Durham 1772 Meeting House and the Moultonborough Grange.

In February of 2012, the UVCA was notified by the IRS that it had received 501 (c) 3 status as a non-profit organization.

With the help of NH DES Dam Bureau officials, the UVCA has undertaken to address the deficiencies in the maintenance and design of the Drew Dam. In January, 2013 we received word that our repair work thus far, as well as our planned improvements to the structure, are in line with what the Bureau requires. We are now engaged in talks with an engineering firm to ascertain the specifics of construction and costs.

Since we expect the costs to be substantial, we are now looking into the possibility of applying to such grants as those of the LCHIP program, as well as grants provided by local Wakefield Trust Funds. We are also engaged in more direct fund raising, including a Calander Raffle, a 50-50 raffle, and a program to Support-a-Plank for a new deckway at the Drew Mill.

The UVCA partnered with the Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance in June, 2012, to do a Branch River Clean-up day. Members also took part in the Town of Wakefield's Pride Day. The September 2012 Fall Festival included a Classic Car Show. A re-organized Fall Festival is being considered for 2013.