Don’t miss the next Friends of the Northern Rail Trail-Merrimack County (FNRT-MC) event coming up in April: its 10th annual Thursday’s Child fundraising dinner scheduled for one night only, Thursday, April 14, at The Coach House Restaurant at the New London Inn in New London.

The Coach House will offer the restaurant’s regular menu, which is varied and outstanding, in both its tavern and dining room. There is no set time or set menu; you decide when you want to have dinner and with whom. Just make early reservations, sit back, and enjoy.

“The atmosphere promises to be festive, as the dinner crowd tends to be made up of exuberant trail supporters,” observes Lindy Heim of Wilmot, FNRT-MC co-president. Coach House has generously continued a tradition of allowing a portion of the night’s profit to benefit local non-profits – in this case, FNRT-MC, which will use this year’s proceeds for trail maintenance and amenities.

Reservations can be made by calling the New London Inn at 526-2791. Dinner may be enjoyed as early as 5 PM in the Tavern (reservations not necessary) or 5:30 PM in the main dining room.

Besides participating in the April 14 dinner, which is the FNRT-MC’s sole annual fundraising event, another way to help the rail trail effort is to become a member, Heim points out. “In return for your membership dues, you’ll get e-mail updates on the rail trail, FNRT-MC meetings, and events.” Membership categories start at $15 and can be processed securely online.

For more information about past and future rail trail activities, printable trail maps, membership, and giving opportunities, go to FNRT.org.