We need a round of applause for Julie Levesque (Provencal), who after much begging on my part has thankfully agreed to take on the job of Secretary pro tem. That fills the last open spot on the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance board of directors.

I am so thoroughly grateful for each and every moment that our volunteers give to the project; I know it will come back to the community ten-fold.

I am also eternally grateful for Tim Vermette our new Project coordinator, Tim has been getting out on the trail regularly and clearing the west side of the tracks of obstructions. This long term project is part of goal to make our section of trail passable by foot and mountain bike. The more people we can get out there, the more folks can see what a great hidden asset this property is.

Also working behind the scenes is Kelly Tondo, our Event coordinator. Kelly has been the driving force behind out petition drive. She has been working to get copies of our petition into local venues and get some of US some visibility in the community. Last summer’s info tables at soccer events went over like gangbusters.

And the folks who keep me propped up and on track are Harry Banks, our vice president and Rachel Banks our esteemed and put upon treasurer. Rachel and I have worked diligently to get get all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed on all the registration documents a new organization needs.

We will be having small, kitchen table MRTA meetings throughout the winter for those who want to attend; and will go back to formal meetings in the library when the snow’s clear.

Thank you all!
Joyce

We tackled a short section of track that parallels Pine St. And runs from parking lot south towards the Bridge at Five Corners. Unfortunately this area is filled with years of industrial waste from the businesses on Pine St and illegal dumping from houses on either side.

We focused on liftable items within 20 feet of the Rail Road tracks, even though the property does extend much further. Items that aren’t removable by hand will have to wait for a time when the area will be accessible by trucks and trailers and equipment.

Among the mostly metal detritus, there were approximately 13 tires, 5 electrical spools, 3 chairs, many asphalt shingles and 1 suitcase. Much of the industrial waste is unidentifiable, and seems to be general large trash pushed over the hill onto the rail road property.

Methuen Rail Trail Alliance Members who did such great work:

Julie Levesque

Tim Vermette and his sons Matt and T.J.

Rosanne and Ewald Apel and their children: Nikolas, Lukas and Jessica.

Rachel Banks

Kelly Tondo

Joyce Godsey