Spring Work Weekend 2020

[Russ Nelson]

Is the Spring Work Weekend 2020 on April 24-27th?

[Dwight Winkley]

You are almost correct. Friday April 24th to Sunday April 26th. Spring Work Weekend is only 3 days.

[Graham Buxton]

Note that if one is a "Museum Member", then a Google Calendar is available in the "Museum Discussion - MEMBERS ONLY" section of this forum, and it shows the 2020 SWW along with other WW&F events. That Calendar can also be added to your "own" calendar if you are a Google Calendar user.

I'd include a direct link, but that section of the forum is only available to Museum members, and not all forum readers are Members. Start at the forum Home page here: http://forum.wwfry.org/index.php
 Once you get into the "Museum Discussion - MEMBERS ONLY" section, the calendar is the 2nd topic down in the main part of that sub-forum.


UPDATE 1/10/20:
After using Google Calendar with the WW&F download for a while, I realized that it would be smarter to have the WW&F events shown on my calendar, but not co-mingled with my 'personal' entries.   By adjusting the settings a bit, I now have it set so that the WW&F events are shown on my calendar, but are in a different color than my 'personal' events, and the WW&F events can be temporarily hidden if needed by just un-clicking the WW&F checkbox.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Just announced!
Wiscasset Woods Lodge is organizing "Spouse Activities" during the 2020 Spring Work Weekend!
https://wiscassetwoods.com/2020/01/10/wwf-spring-work-weekend-special-activities/

I hope we don't loose too many volunteers who would rather go wine tasting than ballast track :-) They are offering an "after the work reward" tour on Monday too.

Note: You do not need to be staying at Wiscasset Woods Lodge to sign up for any of their activities. (But all tours will start/end from their facility.)

[Graham Buxton]

I see that one of the Wiscasset Woods Lodge 'activities' is tying in with another one of the WW&F event hosts ... 

Participants will make and cook their own mushroom ravioli and a lovely salad with as many farm fresh veggies as can be found in April from SeaLyon Farms.
https://wiscassetwoods.com/2020/01/10/wwf-spring-work-weekend-special-activities/

While I hope to instead be eating Nancy Weeks' cooking during SWW, learning to make ravioli does have a certain appeal. 

[John Kokas]

This is something that has been brewing for a couple of years and seems that the cat is out of the bag a little early.  A common complaint we've heard is that there is nothing for the spouses to do during work weekends (out of tourist season) a little for FWW but a lot for SWW for those who come from far away and don't know the area.  My wife is an avid traveler and I having been a Maine resident have been working behind the scenes to help provide activities for wives/hubbys who don't do the railroad thing by talking and planning group activities with our Wiscasset Lodge friends.  This spring will be a trial program to determine interest and judge attendance.  It is not designed to compete with the museum for members interest but to provide fun things to do for spouses while the rest of us get dirty, sweaty, and having our own fun.  We encouraged partnerships with Museum supporters and also supporting local business and events thus the activities that are available.

The activities are open to all members, spouses, and family and can be reserved by contacting the Wiscasset Lodge website via link:  https://wiscassetwoods.com/2020/01/10/wwf-spring-work-weekend-special-activities/  There are costs involved but these are "off season" prices and having done most of what is proposed in my own area, the prices are extremely reasonable.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Thanks John for helping to put this together. I saw your name credited at the link. Great job!

And yes, we are really making a conscious effort to foster partnerships that benefit everyone. This is a great example of it, and I'm looking forward to seeing how these (and other) partnerships develop over the next several years.

[Bill Reidy]

That's great news!  Thanks for organizing this, John.

We just missed the January/February 2020 Newsletter, but I'd like to include mention of this in the March/April issue.  That issue will be posted on the forum in early to mid March, and the printed issue should be received by members in late March.  Hopefully that will not be too late to promote.

[Bob Holmes]

This is really good news. 

Everyone should go to the Wiscasset Woods Lodge website to see how the new owners have upgraded and improved the facility.  I did that today and it's fantastic what they are doing.

Also they are clearly committed to working with us as well as other local community organizations and sites.  Go visit their site, and support them!!!

[John Kokas]

I also encourage folks from away to stay at the Lodge and participate in the spouse activities.  I believe this will be the start of something really great for our members and families.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, Wiscasset Woods Lodge will be CLOSED during the Spring Work Weekend. All extra activities have been cancelled. Those with reservations will be contacted by the Lodge for a refund.

[Joe Fox]

Guessing due to the Governor closing the state down April 2nd through April 30th to ALL except essential businesses and essential activities that the Spring Work Weekend will have to be cancelled?

[James Patten]

Drone operated shovels, controlled remotely by volunteers from home.

[Jeff Schumaker]

Drone operated shovels, controlled remotely by volunteers from home.

Will Fred be controlling a drone?

Jeff S.

[Graham Buxton]

I think Fred's drone is equipped with a chainsaw, not a shovel.