Dear Friends of Hemlock Gorge:
We also had a couple of hybrid in person and Zoom meetings. For the in-person part of the meeting we were given access to the Waban Library Center, which has Wi-Fi for the Zoom and is free of the fees. Unfortunately, continuing concern with Covid-19 and scheduling issues for many people led us to return to Zoom-only meetings. We plan to revisit the possibility for hybrid meetings in 2023, depending on the sentiment of meeting participants. We also voted to continue meeting on the first Tuesday of the month.
At our summer picnic in August, we had our long-delayed dedication ceremony to celebrate the repair of the roof of the Stone Building at was finished in 2020. We were able to recognize the efforts of State Representative Ruth Balser who secured the funding needed to rescue this historic treasure. We presented her with one of Evan Weststrate’s framed portraits of
We were also pleased that Rep. Balser was able to use an additional state
appropriation of $75,000 to have a team of architects, engineers, and
historians to evaluate repairs necessary to preserve the structural and historic
integrity of the Stone Building.
The
report confirmed our concerns and went much further, identifying all
areas of concern, providing a remarkably detailed history or the building, and a
prioritized set of recommendations to restore the building. It is a remarkably
complete and thorough document. To read the PDF of the report, just visit our
website. The estimated cost for Phase 1 of the restoration project is likely to
be covered by yet another appropriation of $250,000 earmarked for the Stone
Building that was secured through the efforts of Rep. Balser. She is now
spearheading the effort the get the repairs on the DCR’s agenda
In 2022 we had two
successful clean-ups, in April and October. They were well attended and
have helped keep the park in pristine condition and make it attractive for all
many visitors.
In addition to recognizing
the efforts of Rep. Balser, we also want to recognize the support of city
Counselors Andreae Downs and Bill Humphrey and Site Supervisor
Erica Aubin
Next year the Friends of
Hemlock Gorge will continue our annual activities and support new projects.
Major goals for 2023 that need your support include:
·
Installing back and arm rests on the two benches we have had
installed at the Stone Building and Echo Platform.
·
Working to eliminate invasive plants in the Gorge.
·
Continuing our traditions of a summer picnic and holiday
celebration
·
Maintaining and modernizing our website
To do this and more, we need
your help and financial support to build on our success.
·
Our spring and fall cleanups need your participation.
·
Visit our web site at www.hemlockgorge.org or
visit us on Facebook to stay informed.
·
Attend our monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month.
These are announced by email and include a Zoom link.
To contribute easily, you can do so by PayPal at our website,
www.hemlockgorge.org. If
you contribute at the $25 or higher level, we will send you one of the four
posters Evan has created. To do this and select your poster, visit
http://hemlockgorge.org/FHG_Posters/Posters_Donate.html
You can also mail your
contribution to our P.O. Box 62, Waban MA 02468.
Thank you for all you have done for Hemlock Gorge
Reservation in 2022 and for supporting us in 2023. We look forward to seeing you
at our monthly meetings and other events.
John Mordes, MD Evan Weststrate
President Vice-President
This page last modified December1, 2022