OQUOSSOC – This week the building and grounds of the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum received some significant improvements and maintenance in preparation for upcoming summer season.
Nine volunteers from the Timberland Company as well as a mix of local volunteers and employees of M&H Logging and Construction combined to provide significant enhancements to the museum’s facilities.
M&H made a generous in-kind donation of materials and labor to grade and apply a fresh layer of crushed shale to the museum’s parking area. The company’s crew also created a new handicapped parking area in preparation for the museum’s soon to be completed handicapped access ramp. Co-owner Joe Haley of M&H, led an enthusiastic crew that also quickly completed the ground work and excavation necessary in support of the OSHM’s new Rangeley Boat Monument.
“This was a rewarding project, the museum is beautiful and we are really pleased to be able to help out. It’s good the region and its fun for us to be a part of it,” Haley said.
The interior of the museum also benefited from a thorough spring cleaning and organizational effort by local volunteers Barbara and Bob Mahoney who donated over 40 hours each during the busy week.
“Local volunteer support is crucial for us to have any success at all,” noted OSHM’s executive director, Bill Pierce.
An important part of OSHM’s “big week” according to Pierce was the arrival of nine volunteers from Timberland’s corporate offices in Stratham, N.H. “These intrepid souls’ braved strong winds and 43-degree temperatures to successfully apply a much needed coat of stain to our museum,” he said. The Timberland crew’s determination surprised even the seasoned construction-type Haley who remarked, “Wow, I can’t believe they stained that whole building in such fine shape in only a day and a half and then they even bark mulched the flower beds. I’m some impressed.”
Ken Beaulieu of Timberland said, “This museum is doing a great job of sharing the region’s rich outdoor heritage. Timberland recognizes the importance of what that means to this community and to the visitors who come here. There’s nothing like getting outside with your co-workers to help out a non-profit like OSHM. It’s a good time and it is very rewarding to make a visible difference through our service.
Anyone who wishes to participate in the wide variety of volunteer opportunities available at the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum are encouraged to contact: Pierce at 207-491-4771 or wapierce1@gmail.com.
