Present: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, Myra Mayman, Charles Martin, Ellsworth Morton, Joyce Morton, Steve Rayno, Nita Tomaczewski, Bob Ward. Guest: Leon Nelson, Andover Snowmobile Club Trail Administrator
Treasurer’s Report. Steve reported that donations have begun to arrive from our annual appeal. From this appeal and funds previously raised for trail construction, we should have funds sufficient to fulfill our 20% match requirement for the $30,000 Recreational Trails Program grant that we were just awarded by the State of New Hampshire (see below).
Old Business
Maintenance: Alex reported that there is a sinkhole on the Grafton end of the line, beyond Ford Mill Road. Although it is in the Grafton County section of the Trail, the Grafton group may need our help.
Alex asked Leon Nelson for help from the Andover Snowmobile Club on several missing railings in the Andover section of the trail. Leon reported that they would be doing brush cutting and chipping on the trail in Danbury this summer.
We will be laying down the last mile of stone dust in Danbury this summer, from just south of Ford Mill Road to the Grafton-Merrimack County line.
2014 Recreational Trails Program $30,000 application: Construction from Boscawen to just north of the Concord line in Boscawen, and one mile to the Grafton County line. The good news is that we have been awarded the $30,000 grant. This funding (plus our 20% match) will go to complete the 1.9 miles in Boscawen, a tougher section than previous because ties have to be removed, plus the one mile on the Danbury end.
Pop-up Tent: Steve Rayno reported on Piche’s Ski and Sports’ prices for a pop-up tent, including printed logo: $675 to $850. Bob wants to compare Belletetes’ tents. It was voted to authorize Bob to spend up to $860 for the best tent at the best price he can find. It’s important to us to buy locally.
Boscawen Questions: Boscawen Old Home Day at Jamie Welch Park on Saturday, August 23. We will set up our table under their large tent to provide information as we do at Andover’s Fourth of July 4 and the Potter Place Old Time Fair. We will need staffing from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Finish Line Celebration: Bob proposed that our finish line completion celebration be a separate event at Jamie Welch Park in Boscawen. First choice is Saturday, October 4; second choice is Saturday, October 11. Rain dates would be the Sundays following the Saturdays.
Bob will invite Governor Hassan when he goes to Concord to receive the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health Award. Bob is thinking of music, tents, refreshments, speakers, achievement awards, a walk and/or run and/or bike race on the trail. This is the end of 10 years of work building the entire 35 miles of trail from the Concord/Boscawen line to the Danbury/Grafton line.
Thursday’s Child Dinner: We will hear about net proceeds in a month or so.
Listing Hotels on our Web Site: We have already voted that hotels and inns should contribute $50 annually in order to be on our Web site. Lindy suggests we have a Sponsorship page rather than Lodging. We will continue to discuss this, but in the meantime, our policy is as previously voted.
Saleable Items with FNRT Logo: Lindy showed sample hats and mugs. She will bring a specific proposal to next meeting.
National Trails Day, June 7: A bike ride and walk (with leaders) is planned in conjunction with the Wilmot Library starting at 10 AM at Potter Place, going to Danbury Country Store.
New Business
Recreational Trails Program Achievement Award: It’s a national award from the Coalition for Recreational Trails, “the 2014 Annual Achievement Award for outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds in the category of Accessibility Enhancement” – and we have won! There will be an awards ceremony in Washington DC.
Granite State Rail Trail Logos: It was voted to post these logos at major trailheads. Nita asked to see the medallion before it’s posted.
Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health Award: Friday, May 30, in the Governor’s Council Chambers to receive our award.
Saturday, June 28: Danbury Country Store will have a customer appreciation event. Since the Danbury Country Store is an official Welcome Center, the question arises whether we should have a presence. Lindy will follow up with Audrey and inform us by e-mail.
Interpretive Signs: Leigh Webb of Franklin Historical Society is planning to put up interpretive historical signs along the Trail. Nita has seen them and says they’re excellent.