Fall Work Weekend 2020

[Russ Nelson]

Any news on a Fall Work Weekend? Or do I mean THE Fall Work Weekend?

[James Patten]

I hope that we have one.  I think a decision is going to be made in September, if I recall the discussion correctly.  We have lots of projects lined up if anybody comes.

[Mike Fox]

James recalls the same as I do. Loose talk last board meeting was concentrating on main line maintenance, and if enough attendees some tamping on the Mt Ext. This should be firmed up the next meeting..

[Russ Nelson]

October 9 (Friday) through October October 12 (Monday) are the dates.

[Joe Fox]

One unfortunate thing is the state governor continues to change the requirements for Covid, which is causing some places to close early. So it is hard to say if we will be able to have a work weekend at the moment. Hopefully we can.

[Richard Cavalloro]

Any word on lodging in the area being affected by Covid?   I know Wiscasett Woods lodge isn't opening to the public this year.
   Rick

[Ed Lecuyer]

Dear Members and Friends of the WW&F:

Every Work Weekend at the WW&F is like a family reunion to all of us. Folks come from near and far, to celebrate, laugh, reminisce, dine, and hang out together - all while accomplishing the various work that needs to be done on our beloved railroad. Like any great family gathering, we are comfortable and open with each other - while working (sweating) and playing in close proximity. It is a joyous occasion that we all look forward to.

Our bi-annual Work Weekends are not unlike a wedding that occurred in Millinocket just a few weeks ago - a celebratory gathering of family and friends who all came to an isolated Maine resort to share a joyous occasion. As you may have heard, this has since turned to sorrow, as seven people have now died from the Coronavirus spread amongst those who gathered that day.

In light of that incident, it is with deep regret that the WW&F Board of Directors decided that in the best interest of all of us, the Fall 2020 Work Weekend is cancelled.

Various options were considered, including "socially distant" crews working on isolated tasks - much like what occurs now amongst the handful of volunteers that congregate on regular workdays. However, with the date of the Fall Work Weekend fast approaching, coupled with limited travel and lodging options, it was determined that such a plan would be impossible to develop and execute in the coming weeks. Moreover, public train service is scheduled on Saturday of the Work Weekend - and the possibility of foreign work crews intermingling with passengers (who are limited in number and must adhere to our COVID-19 safety policy) produces too high of a risk that our joyous event could also turn tragic.

For Spring 2021 - should precautions still be necessary - advance sign ups for specific dates and crews may be required. All participants will be required to adhere to any state-issued mandates regarding mask use, travel restrictions, lodging, quarantining, and the like. It is also probable that lodging in the attic of the Percival House, on-site camping, etc., will be tightly regulated. Meal preparation and distribution (arguably one of the highlights of the weekend) will have to be rethought. Finally, there will be no public train service during the Spring 2021 Work Weekend.

Until the Millinocket spreader event occured, it had been our intent to hold the Fall Work Weekend in some way, shape, or form. We apologize for the last minute notice; our intent is to joyously welcome all of us back to Sheepscot in 2021.

On a similar note, the WW&F Board of Directors have also cancelled the 2020 Victorian Christmas; look for revamped Christmas-themed trains and gatherings in 2021. Likewise, the WW&F has opted out of participating in the January 2021 Amherst Railway Society railroad hobby show in Springfield Mass. While we are saddened that we will not be able to see our friends at these events, we look forward to the day that we can gather together once more.

Sincerely,

David J. Buczkowski, President
On behalf of the WW&F Board of Directors and leadership team

[Bill Baskerville]

The loss of our beloved FWW is a truly sad result from this very unusual year.  That said, it is the wisest course forward that best ensures that we will survive for a safer and happier time when we can again come together to meet, greet, laugh, work, play and enjoy the friendship, accomplishment and joy that we all gain from helping to rebuild Maine history.

Everyone please stay safe.

[Joe Fox]

It is a very unfortunate turn of events. However, the museum does not need to be "linked" in an outbreak as it would destroy our public image, and could have extreme consequences.

So many things from the past were once taken forgranted, but safe and wise choices today, will carry us into the future

[Mike Fox]

This was a tough decision, and one we did not make quickly. We went through the "what if's" and "if we just do this" but it came down to we could not ensure the health and safety of anyone. And with so few cases in Maine, it was easy to see how even a wedding could spread the disease, now linked to 170+ cases and 7 deaths.

Not wanting to take any risk, this was the only course we could take. We will get through this.

[Wayne Laepple]

Of course, we're all saddened and disappointed that we won't be gathering in our traditional manner. But the Board has taken the best course, the only responsible course in this matter.

I have no doubt whatever that we'll all be together again at some point, when it is safe for everyone. In the meantime, we must all do what is best for ourselves, our families and those around us. This too shall pass.

Adapt and Endure!

[Kevin Madore]

Given how successful last year's FWW was, it is so unfortunate that the upcoming one had to be called off, but when it comes to people's health, there is only one right answer.....err on the side of caution.  And as Joe notes, the last thing the museum needs is to be associated with a "super-spreader" event. 

The thing that really disappoints me most however, is America's seeming inability to unite around precautions to defeat this thing.   Everyone pulled together after 9/11 and roughly 3,500 people died due to terrorist attacks, yet with nearly 200,000 deaths due to COVID, we still can't get people to wear masks when in close contact with people.  Every time I walk into a Walmart to pick up a few things, I see people with masks down around their necks, or with their noses uncovered and its a bit infuriating.  Some percentage of the population just won't sacrifice a little bit of their own personal comfort to perhaps save a few of their fellow human beings a lot of suffering, or worse.  Sloppy mask discipline....or a complete lack of usage, sends the message that the person doesn't care about anyone else.   A few weeks back, a prominent national health official indicated that if we could just get people to religiously use masks, we could drive the numbers down to the point where some events (like FWW) just might be safe, with reasonable precautions.  It's just sad that despite our shared misery, our society can't seem to come together about anything these days. 

[Pete Leach]

I am proud of the BoD for coming to this difficult decision. Well done! The railroad will go on in spite of the delay. Canceling FWW for this year IS the right thing to do. We are ALL making sacrifices.
Pete

[Jeff Schumaker]

It was a tough call, but the right call. Hopefully, the Spring Work Weekend will be able to be held.

Jeff S.

[John Kokas]

Let's hope for a successful vaccine in the near future and that everyone gets vaccinated so that we can have a great SWW in 2021.  In the meantime, let's keep the donations rolling in and bust through that 50K goal !!!