Rolling March in Pepperell

“Russ Schott reports that the Pepperell Walk was held on Tuesday and the event ran smoothly, and seemed to be enjoyed by all, despite the 90 degree temperatures.   Our intrepid group of walkers, maxed out with a headcount of over 80 men, women and children (and a few dogs), during the morning segment.   At noon the group stopped at Pepperell Town Hall, and we had over 100 people (including a walking group from Hollis, NH, who walked north following a proposed line) line up for a group picture, holding signs and performing “No pipeline chants”.

From Facebook, credit to Kristin Yargeau

Highlights included:

·         Stopping at the Pepperell Brick One Room School for a picture;

·         Stopping at one of the nicest vistas in Pepperell on Win Duke’s farm, overlooking his hayfields and scenic pond.   His farm is one of the “places in peril”, as the Pipeline is proposed to pass between his home and pond;

·         Stopping for a loooonnnng water/energy bar/watermelon/orange slice/shade break in between Win’s and Paula Terrasi’s homes;

·         A similarly nice break at Vince and Denene Premus’s home, (impacted property owners) where Vince spoke passionately to the group about how the threat of the pipeline is affecting their lives.

·         A nice 3/8 mile walk across the Keyes Farm Conservation Area, one of Pepperell’s nicest conservation lands;

·         And lastly, completing the Walk on property owned by Paul and Mimi Matisse on the banks of the Nashua River.   This property will also be directly impacted should the pipeline be approved.    There we met Groton resident Marion Stoddart, founder of the Nashua River Watershed Association, who was then joined by nine (9) canoes and seven(7) kayaks, for the paddle across to the Groton side of the River.

(photo S. Stromsted)

·         Paula Terrasi and Russ Schott then made the hand-off of the symbolic Pipe to Groton residents Richard and Diane Hewitt and Nick Miller, at the stone boundary along the Ayer-Nashua Rail Trail/Bike Path.   Groton’s Walk will be held on Wednesday, July 23^rd.

·         Our total walking route was 5.1 miles, and our paddling route was .5 miles;

·         Many thanks to Stephen Wicks and his Partner Judy who gamely moved ahead of the Walkers and Paddlers and worked tirelessly to film the Walk and river crossing, and to Jeanne Nevard and other photographers, who took countless still photos.   We hope to post photos once they are processed, later this week.    Additionally the Pepperell Police and Fire Departments provided wonderful safety support during the Walk and the river crossing.”