|
The Telephone Pioneers have been instrumental in providing a safe
environment for thousands of people who walk the Appalachian Trail in
the Berkshires. Volunteers led by Al Fenner maintain a four mile stretch
of the trail and as anyone who knows New England winters, that can
result in a lot of maintenance to keep the trails safe.
Al organizes clean up days twice a
year. Soliciting the help of fellow employees and volunteers from the
Telephone Pioneers, Al has successfully been able to execute this
project over the past ten years. The clean-up takes place in the Spring
and again in the Fall. The Spring clean-up is primarily for the clearing
of brush and fallen trees along the four mile trek to make it safe for
the many hikers along this stretch of the trail. The Fall clean-up
(date not yet set) is used to clear brush as well as repair bridges
that
were built in previous years.
Volunteers of the Telephone Pioneers
meet at the Friendly’s in Lee, Massachusetts, as they have done for the
past ten years. Everyone is asked to bring rakes, gloves, shovels and
saws. Al conducts a safety review in the use of the tools and the
terrain prior to beginning the project.
Al then leads the group to the
starting point of the trail. From there, groups of two or more
volunteers are led to various sections along the trail to clear brush,
downed trees and repair the 200-foot bridge constructed several years
ago in collaboration with the Appalachian Mountain Club. This bridge
provides a safe way to traverse a large stream which runs along the
trail. This gives the person clearing the trail a hikers perspective,
thereby making sure the trail is clear and safe. Lunch is provided, as
always, to say thank you to the volunteers.
Al’s dedication to this project has
resulted in a safe environment for the literally thousands of hikers who
come to enjoy the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
It has also provided an opportunity for volunteers of Verizon to make a
positive impact in the community in which they live and work. One
positive result is that in the ten years of doing this clean-up, there
have been no accidents other than some blistered hands and tired feet.
|
Our
Smart Bear program has increased reading among youngsters who
may not be exposed to reading in their home. Similar to the regular
TelecomPioneers Hug-A-Bear, the TelecomPioneers Smart Bear is a great
comfort to children in traumatic situations with the added feature of
providing a book along with a friend. TelecomPioneers Smart Bears
are ideal for any child from kindergarten through third grade. Many of
the recipients of TelecomPioneers Smart Bears are from disadvantaged
homes and the bear is a nice way to introduce both the child and the
parent/parents to the joys of reading. The child finds a new cuddly
friend and reading companion.
