Deadline extended to donate for this year’s installation of engraved bricks to save the Swinging Bridge.

Money supports maintenance of 120-year-old historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge.

The Topsham to Brunswick, Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is a national treasure. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is one of the last remaining pedestrian bridges over a river in the United States. Its historic importance to Brunswick and Topsham, Maine was and is profound.

In 2006, the bridge was refurbished. Each year, maintenance costs are funded by the annual 5K, annual appeal donations and $100 donations qualifying for engraved bricks. With a donation of $100, these  engraved bricks are permanent reminders of citizens’ commitment to the local heritage and culture of this great part of Maine. The annual deadline, normally April 30, has been extended to June 6.

The repairs needed include the tightening of one on the original Roebling cables on the Topsham side and ongoing maintenance as needed.

The engraved bricks are an important fundraiser for the bridge each year and this year is especially important, in light of the cost of repairs that were completed last fall.

The Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit formed in 2008 to ensure the maintenance and beatification of the historic pedestrian bridge connecting Brunswick and Topsham. In 1892, the Swinging Bridge was originally designed and built by the Roebling Co., (legendary designers and constructors of wire rope suspension bridges).

The organization is available online at http://saveourbridge.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SwingingBridge.

The Swinging Bridge needs to replenish the repair fund.

The historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, built in 1892 to allow residents of the new Topsham Heights development to easily walk to work at the Cabot cotton mill in Brunswick, requires regular maintenance not covered by tax revenue. Local fundraisers held by the non-profit Save Our Swinging Bridge.org pay for this maintenance, including almost $20,000 for inspection and repair completed by local firm Atlantic Mechanical in 2013. Atlantic Mechanical also completed the rehabilitation of the bridge in 2006.

The annual fundraiser 5K run and 2K family walk, scheduled for April 20, will mark 10 years since the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2011 Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) dedicated the bridge as a Maine historical civil engineering landmark. To help keep this local historical bridge in good repair, register to participate in this fun event at http://www.saveourbridge.org/annual-5k--2k.html.

Personalized engraved bricks are available to be installed at the entrance to the bridge for a donation of $100 or more. To see an image of this beautiful setup, go to http://www.saveourbridge.org/donate.html, where you can also download the donation form.

If you are unable to donate $100, any amount is greatly appreciated, and can be made via PayPal at that same link.

To  learn more about the Swinging Bridge go to: saveourbridge.org or call 207-837-0558.

For more information:

Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org 5K & 2K Family Walk
Nancy E Randolph, Event Coordinator
Cell 207-837-0558
2 Main Street Ste 707, Topsham ME  04086
Phone: 207-837-6188  Fax: 207-729-4600

Spring is late, but we are finally running outside again! The 11th Annual Save Our Swinging Bridge 5K run & 2K Family Walk is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th at 10 a.m. and we are looking forward to another beautiful morning run/walk.  

For runners, the 5K race course is a challenging USAFT-sanctioned and certified 5K (3.1 mile) beginning in Topsham's Lower Village, immediately crossing into Brunswick's downtown, turning onto Mill Street running along the Androscoggin River, and then crossing the river at the historic Swinging Bridge. Once across the bridge runners traverse hills through the  Topsham Heights Neighborhood and then back onto Summer Street to return to Topsham's Lower Village and the finish line (and food!).

The early registration fees are $20 for adults and $15 for youths aged 14 and under. Proceeds go directly to the maintenance fund for the bridge. Past events helped restore the 118-year old Roebling-built bridge. Donations and continued support ensure the maintenance of the bridge far into the future.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers three deep men and women overall will receive awards--gift baskets containing merchandise and gift certificates from local businesses. First-place finishers within each age group for men and women will be awarded restaurant gift certificates. Placement certificates will be awarded to male and female finishers three deep to each age group category. A raffle will award any unclaimed prizes.

Sponsors of the 5K this year are: The Times Record (media sponsor), Androscoggin Dental Care, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (registration sponsor), Cool as a Moose, Goodwin Motor Group, Hannaford Supermarket, WGME Radio 9, Waterfront Maine and Priority Real Estate Group LLC,  Mid Coast Hospital is sponsoring the 2K Family Walk. Organizational sponsorship provided this and each year comes from Brunswick and Topsham Parks and Recreation Departments and both Rotary Clubs of Brunswick and Topsham Expresso.

Local businesses have donated to the prizes and raffle: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Bangkok Garden Restaurant, Fairground Cafe, Frontier Café, Gelato Fiasco, Henry and Marty Restaurant, Kennebec Tavern, New England Medical Fitness, Pedro O'Haras, Reny's Department Store, Richard's Restaurant, Scarlet Begonias, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Wicked Joes Coffee and Wild Oats Bakery. Brunswick-based dermatologist Nancy Egan is supplying sunscreen packets for participates.

Registration is $25 for adults and $20 for youths after April 11th.  Register online at www.saveourbridge.org or www.active.com or at the Recreation Department in both Brunswick and Topsham. Participants are asked to gather in front of the Red Mill on Bowdoin Mill Island, 1 Main Street, Topsham, no later than 9:30 a.m.

For more information:

Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org 5K & 2K Family Walk

Nancy E Randolph, Event Coordinator

2 Main Street Ste 707, Topsham ME  04086
Phone: 207-837-6188  Fax: 207-729-4600 Cell 207-837-0558

(October  6, 2013 Topsham & Brunswick) Don Gower, Dottie Riendeau, Nancy E. Randolph and Peter Caron installed this year's engraved bricks at each end of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge. Gower, Riendeau and Randolph are all members of the Board of Directors of the Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org, a nonprofit created to ensure the maintenance and beautification of the bridge and its environment. 

Each year when people have donated $100, the Save Our Swinging Bridge. Org arranges for the manufacture, and installation of the bricks at both ends of the bridge.  People have designated their choices for placement and have completed a form with the engraving lettering.

The first couple of years, the board paid to have a professional installer. Since that time our volunteers have completed the job. In addition to the brick installation, the workers also picked up trash, cut back overgrown shrubs and grass and generally cleaned up the parks. 

The organization is always looking for volunteers.  Call 207-837-0558  or email donate@saveourbridge.org to volunteer.

To donate go to www.saveourbridge.org or pick up forms at Topsham or Brunswick municipal buildings or public libraries.

FMI: Call Nancy E. Randolph, 837-0558 or email donate@saveourbridge.org