Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club

CVRTC hosted a joint meeting with the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society. The weather was perfect on this Saturday. Both groups of motorcar enthusiasts and Boston and Maine Railroad aficionados gathered together for rides on the former Boston and Maine Wolfeboro branch. It was a positive meeting with a great turnout and a safe and fun day was had by all members. At the meeting was Boston & Maine Railroad #664 delivered to the B&M in March 1957 back on home rails.

(MJV)

A message from President Stuart:

Look for another fabulous Sept event with this weekend's B&M WRR Rambler. Members of the B&MHS will join CVRTC for a day visit and ride on the line & Cotton Valley Rail Trail for a trip down memory lane. This is always a pleasure for CVRTC to participate in. The line has been mowed and sickled and should provide riders an afternoon to enjoy some early color in the wetlands as well as a tour of the facility.

Also, our CVRTC Family Day is coming up on the 21st of Sept. This is always a fantastic event that affords good conversation amongst members and gives us a chance as a club to speak with individuals that we might not have seen for a spell. Burgers and dogs as well as tasty dishes and treats will be the call for the day. I hope to see members enjoying the food & conversation. There should be plenty of both. A ride to route 16 East will follow the day's festivities.

(B Stuart Photos)

(MJV)

A message from President Stuart:

Another great Open House event took place on Sat Aug 24th. We seem to be honing our skills as operators, as we moved a record 375 enthusiastic riders enjoyed a picture perfect day to enjoy the rails. Ron and Christen were kept busy on the grill as 300 dogs flew off the serving tray. Ten qualified NARCOA operators received a safety brief prior to a well choreographed display of Rail Car operations and railroad watch precision when keeping schedule and moving the public. This accomplishment within a 4 hour window. Gator and Debbie kept the consist safely moving while flagging the crossing at Tennis Court lane. Hats off to all involved and another very successful open house in the books. While there were too many photos to post individually, you can check out Ryan Cheney's wonderful set of open house photos here: Open House

(R Cheney, Photos)

(MJV)

On Saturday numerous members gathered in the rain on the Ossipee line to start the winter storm damage clean up and open the line up. Heavy storm damage made it a challenge but the many hands made light work. There is still a little bit more to be done at a future work session

(MJV)

Message from President Bruce Stuart:

Our CVRTC 2024 annual meeting and elections were held on Saturday March 9th and I have to say quite successful. Refreshments and conversations were enjoyed prior to commencing with the business at hand. Topics regarding upcoming trail projects, runs taking place this season, 2024 events and general maintenance of the facilities were discussed. One of the highlights of the gathering was the awarding to recipients of the Scott T Fuller CVRTC Award of Excellence. Pictured here are this years awardee's. From left to right are, Bruce Stuart presenting, Linda Bernard, Rick Libby, Noreen McDonald, Aaron Mansur and Jesse Mazzie. The award is given to members who embody what Scott stood for and how he showed up in life. That being those individuals who are generous with their time and resources and have made a difference with their contributions to the club and its efforts.

Congratulations to all of this years recipient's. We eagerly anticipate the beginning of this years rail car season and the challenges ahead. I look forward to seeing all of you on the rails.

(MJV)

Message from President Bruce Stuart:

Look what's coming down the tracks - warmer weather and our first meeting of the year! This year's annual meeting will take place on Saturday, March 9th at the the Merrimack Valley Railroad Function Hall, 5 Park Street, Northfield NH (The Freight House). The meeting will commence at 10:00 am, BOD will, if possible, arrive early to help with setup. As always, coffee & pastries will be on hand for all to enjoy. I want to thank Jesse for taking the reins on this and securing the hall with Alan. For those of you who are new to CVRTC, this is an absolute ideal venue to hold our annual CVRTC meeting as you will see when you arrive. I can't thank Alan enough for his grace in always accommodating CVRTC and this request.

Our annual Board of Directors meeting will take place at Fernald Station on Saturdy, February 17th at 10:00am. As always, hot coffee, a warm station and plenty of morning pastries.

Bruce & Cathy

(MJV)