Last year we told you a bit about the Charles River Clean Up Boat. If this group is new to you, here's a link to that post.
http://www.bostonzest.com/2008/07/time-to-help-th.html
This
nonprofit, voluntary organization is the reason the song "Love That
Dirty Water" makes less sense to those who don't remember when the
Charles looked like the photo below.
Today we turn the keyboard
over to Captain Tom McNichol who'll give you an update on the
organization's progress and plans for this year. If you enjoy having a
cleaner river please consider making a donation - small or large- to
this group.
Charles River Clean Up Boat Update from Captain Tom McNichol
Wow, this is the start of our 6th year keeping
the Charles River clean of floating trash.
Last year we had all the volunteers we needed, and
at the end of the season there were folks who wanted to go and found
the schedule full six weeks before the end or the season. The schedule
is already posted on the internet, so if you would like to spend a day
or two with us on the river go to the website when you finish reading
this update, and sign up for a couple of days.
Don’t
worry about having to cancel. If you give us a day or so notice, we
can usually get substitutes. Also, if you can go on short notice, let
Robert or me, know and we will call you when, and if, we need help.
Two boats from the Charles River Yacht Club joined us on Clean
Up Day, and jump-started the season. One cleaned out the lagoons,
which we normally don’t get to until the second week of the season, and
the other cleaned the islands. The Clean Up Boat cleaned the winter
build up out of the corners near the Museum of Science, the old locks
and the areas near the Duck Tour’s ramp. Two weeks later Bob Gaffney,
on the way home, declared we had the river in “mid-season condition.”
When he said it, I chuckled at his enthusiasm, but it made me feel good.
The
Lisa S is running great. The crew at Russo’s Marine, took great care
of her over the winter, installed a second battery, and bilge pump, and
fixed the sticky shift lever. This is the 4th year for the boat. She
has about 2400 hours on the motor and shows no sign of unreliability.
Who knows, she may be in a Mercury Outboard commercial some day.
For
those who have asked about our funding situation, the jury is out. We
have received some donations, and for those we say," thank you." We
know the economic world has changed, and we have received some that are
smaller than in past years. Usually, we receive most of our donations
in the next few weeks of the year, so I will have more information by
the time I send the next update.
With the help of the
Cambridgeside Galleria, we are back in recycling for 2009. Last year
we learned that about half of the volume of trash could be recycled.
That is about 125 bags each year that finds it’s way back into usable
items.
The blossoms are on the trees, the leaves, and grass are
vivid green and spring is here. The DCR, Esplanade Association and The
Charles River Conservancy have the banks and parks looking great.
Please make an extra effort to get out and enjoy this wonderful jewel
we have in the middle of our metropolitan area.
Tom
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Here's The BostonZest Amazon Selections of the Day
Four books about the Charles River
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Details:
(Photos courtesy of Charles River Clean Up Boat )
Charles River Clean Up Boat's website
http://rbcant.us/cleanupboat/index.htm
Here is the direct link to the donation form:
http://rbcant.us/cleanupboat/donationform.htm
