Charles River Clean Up Boat 2011

Charles River Clean Up Boat Update 11-4

Once again, all the news from the river is good.  2011 was a safe and productive season.  We had no accidents  or injuries.  This is most important, as safety is our number one concern.

As to productivity, we kept the Charles looking very good nearly every day this spring, summer and fall.  We had great weather.  Lots of sunny, comfortable, and dry days.  Sure rain cost us a few days , but the days were spread out and we were able to operate between them.  The Charles River Yacht Club and the Boston Gondola folks helped on the first day and gave us a jump start on getting rid of the winter's accumulation trash and debris.

The 4th of July celebration was wonderful.  The fireworks were world class.  The crowd were large and had a great time. Cleaning up after the party was routine.  We scheduled extra days and even with the barge fire we had the river back to "mid season form" in about 5 days. 

The other great yearly event, the Head  of the Charles Regatta, was spectacular, and they had some fair weather.
 to boot.  More on the HOTCR later.

  The new engine ran perfectly all season.  Mitch and I pulled the Lisa S on the Friday before the Head of the Charles Regatta .We replaced the rear guard, refastened the rubber rub rail and took care of other minor repairs.  Then we took her over to Russo's for winterizing, a complete servicing, shrink wrap, and storage. 

The Lisa S, just finished her 6th season (we used a smaller boat the first 2 years).  We are on our 3rd set of control cables, second motor and will have to replace the worn out helm (steering) this winter.  She gets a great deal of use and has served us well.  We will also install a gas filter/water separator to insure the Ethanol laced gasoline we now have to use, does not give us problems.  Everything to make sure she performs reliably in 2012.

Even the news on funding is good.  Somebody is looking over us.  Actually somebody is always doing a little extra to help.  Here is this year's story.  All year we were behind, I did get on the phone and ask for help, but we were still not whole as of the end of August.   In mid September I get a phone call from Torri Zissman,  Torri is a second grade teacher at the Rashi School in Dedham.  She uses the Charles River as a theme all year long for her students.  They learn of the Indians who lived there, take field trips to net some of the small marine life n the river, and lean about the birds and other wildlife,  etc.  She also covers the issue of taking care of the river, and each May invites Mitch and I to visit her class and talk about the Clean Up Boat.  This year, after the presentation, she asked how we were doing for funding.  I said we needed some publicity.  It had been a number of years since we were on TV or in the newspapers.  Torri and her class nominated us for an award from the Bank of America.  The Bank decided to give us an award, and with it comes a grant of $5,000.  With a few late donations, and one yet to be received promised donation, we will once again be able to pay all our bills for 2011.

By the way, it was Emma, a student in Torri's class, who, about 5 years ago,  told her family and friends not to give her toys for her birthday, but rather make a donation the the Clean Up Boat, as she thought that was more important.  I don't remember the exact amount, but I believe the donations came close to $500.  Emma has also come on the boat as a volunteer.

Speaking of volunteers, as always they were great..  We did  not miss any days for lack of crew.  I did crew one day with Bob, due to a mix up in dates, but we didn't miss any. days.  I met a number of new friends and some I expect will become long term volunteers.

I was along the river during the Head of the Charles Regatta.  Most of the people were looking at the hundreds of shells on the river, while I am looking in the corners by each bridge abutment.  I was limited in where I could go , but I did not see one coffee cup, water bottle or other item of floating trash.  It's a great sight to see all the visitors and rowers.  I confess to a warm feeling of pride knowing all these people had a beautiful river to enjoy.   Each of you should share in that feeling of pride as no one person can clean 7 1/2 miles of river,  four days a week, spring, summer and fall by themselves. 

There are now hundreds of us doing many different things to help keep the Charles beautiful..  By spreading the work, and funding, over many people and organizations, no one person, or organization, has to bear an uncomfortable load.  That may be the reason we continue to be viable and effective.  It is obvious that most people take pride in their surroundings and know an effort has to be made to keep them attractive and enjoyable.   The Charles River is a jewel for all of us to enjoy.  Take a walk along her shores and savor the results of your efforts.  With her coat of colored leaves, she will give you one more enjoyable afternoon before winter sets in.

See you in the spring.

Tom