Good afternoon, Swinging Bridge Supporters! With the winding down of our Virtual 5K it’s been a bit of a spell since last we wrote, and there have been some not insignificant developments since our event wrapped up. So, let’s get right into it and get you all up to speed.
| Firstoff, we’d like to extend another hearty thank you to everyone who participated in the Virtual 5K this year. In many ways, this year’s event was more of a challenge for everyone involved, from the organization of a kind of event we’ve never done before to all the runners who had to leg it out there all on their own, and while the take was more modest than previous years, you all came through for the Swinging Bridge and we truly can’t thank you enough. |  |
And as a result of your running, walking, sponsorship, and donating efforts the cost of inspection and repairs for the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge for this year has been fully funded! A number of parties and factors came together to make it happen, but we really can’t overstate the importance of your contributions this year and every year. Though in truth, this year we managed to hit that magic number by a much slimmer margin than in years past.
 | A key part of the funding for repairs is being provided by the town of Brunswick. The Town Council voted to spend the necessary money to fund the repairs to the base of the bridge on the Brunswick side! Nancy E. Randolph. Treasurer of the Save Our Swinging Bridge Org contacted Brunswick's Town Manager and attended the Town Council meeting on November 2 to ask the town of Brunswick to provide the necessary funds for the repairs. She said, "They voted overwhelmingly to approve. We were so relieved that the repairs can begin Monday, November 16." |
On top of Brunswick's funding, Hammond Lumber has offered to provide the lumber needed to replace a number of the Swinging Bridge’s decking boards. This is a bit of a case of proactive maintenance, as part of the inspection turned up some wear on the boards that’ll eventually end up causing tripping hazards, so thanks to Hammond Lumber, we’re able to nip this one in the bud before it becomes a real issue.
Unfortunately, not all of the news is rosy. Randolph continued, "While we did manage to raise the funds necessary to do this year’s bridge repairs--and make no mistake, between your contributions, the virtual 5K, the town of Brunswick, Hammond Lumber, we will empty our nonprofit's maintenance fund to pay for all repairs, maintenance and adjustments to the bridge."
Of course, that’s the exact reason this organization has built up cash in the bank. William Brillant, Chair of SOSB, said, "We’ll run pretty close to empty when all the bills are paid." To that end, the SOSB asks for your donation again this month, because even a small donation can go a long way.
Thank you again for all your support, past, and future, and make sure to watch this space for future updates on the state of your favorite bridge!
-Sincerely
The Swinging Bridge Minion
Of course, that’s the exact reason this organization has built up cash in the bank. William Brillant, Chair of SOSB, said, "We’ll run pretty close to empty when all the bills are paid." To that end, the SOSB asks for your donation again this month, because even a small donation can go a long way.
Thank you again for all your support, past, and future, and make sure to watch this space for future updates on the state of your favorite bridge!
-Sincerely
The Swinging Bridge Minion
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