You've Been Workin' on the Railroad: Saturday Volunteer Sessions Spring 2021

[Bill Baskerville]

I have just heard that the SSW has been canceled and there will be about 9 one-day work sessions spread over April, May and June.  My understanding is the dates are April 17 and 24, May 8, 15 and 22, and June 5, 12 and 26.

Having just received my second Covid shot I am thinking of planning a work visit week.  Is there as yet a plan for activities for those dates?

Of course travel will depend on the State restrictions on travel and the availability of lodging in the area.  I think the Wiscasset Motor Lodge is open and taking reservations for those times.

[Dwight Winkley]

Wiscasset Motor Lodge opens May 27th. There website says you can book now.

[Mike Fox]

The intent with the 9 one day work sessions is to keep the groups small. But there is still the uncertainty of what Bill mentioned about travel restrictions.

I look forward to it, but am still leery about traveling from outside of our comfort zone. So expect extra caution being taken by me.

[Stephen Piwowarski]

Typically, the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum extends an invitation to anyone willing to lend a hand to a Spring Work Weekend in late April. It's an informal affair, as much a reunion as it is a time for collective labor. This informality makes it especially difficult to hold such a gathering in the midst of the ongoing pandemic for a multitude of reasons. Instead, the Railway will be holding a series of volunteer work days on Saturdays from April through June. Each day will focus on undertaking specific tasks to enter the 2021 operating season in an excellent state of repair. The exact work activities for these work days will be decided upon in the coming weeks.

Updates and information pertaining to the workdays will be found at wwfry.org. Important details will also make their way onto this forum thread.

We look forward to working with you once again on the Sheepscot Valley Narrow Gauge.

Best,
Steve Piwowarski

[Ed Lecuyer]

We are pleased to announce the first round of targeted work sessions to take place throughout Spring 2021.

4/17: Head Tide Haircut - Trail work at Head Tide.

4/24, 5/22, 6/26: Tie and Dine - Tie replacement on the mainline, includes evening dinner train.

5/8, 5/15, 6/5: Level the Mountain - Tamping, lining, and leveling the track on the Mountain Extension.

Advance sign ups for all crews are requested. Sign up at:
https://www.wwfry.org/volunteer

Crew sizes will be limited so to maintain a safe, outdoor work environment. Volunteers are expected to abide by whatever state/CDC regulations are in effect on the date of the operation.

Additional dates and work crews may be added if demand warrants (and project leaders are available to coordinate the crews.)

[Bob Holmes]

We will monitor the everchanging Maine CDC requirements as we approach each weekend.  Significant changes will be posted here.

Bpb

[Ed Lecuyer]

Wiscasset Woods Lodge is offering weekly rates in April - May. If you're vaccinated (or exempt) come and spend a week (or two, or three) workin' on the railroad:
https://wiscassetwoods.com/2021/04/02/weekly-stays-this-spring/

[John Kokas]

It looks like those of us who have been vaccinated will be allowed some freedom according to the CDC.  Both Wayne and I are planning to be up there in May but presently not sure if it will be at exactly the same time.  I'm excited to be able to see and work with friends again - kinda like a school reunion. 

[ALAIN DELASSUS]

Lucky guys ! France is under a lock-down again for 4 weeks we can only go out of our home within a 5.50 miles radius circle for leisure activities. Every tourist railway  must stay closed. To top it all we are shy of vaccins outhere. it's tough to keep one's spirits up eventually.

[Russ Nelson]

One day work sessions are difficult to justify for someone who lives a day's drive away. Three days spent to work one day isn't a great value proposition.

If that's all I can get, I suppose that's what I'll have to do.

[Bill Baskerville]

Alain, keep the faith, the vaccines are coming.

[Fred Morse]

If you want to work more, come up on a Monday and work with the Tues a Weds. crew. There are people there almost every day of the week. The one day thing is just Sat. sessions.

[Russ Nelson]

I like that idea, thanks Fred!

[John Kokas]

 And if you come for a week before May 27th, you can get a package deal for hotel with our partner Wiscasset Woods Lodge that will get you a room for a week for the price of 4 days regularly.  The only thing missing is their famous breakfast buffet.

[James Patten]

Russ, I have some computer work to keep you occupied on the other days if you need it!