November 3rd, 2019 - Annual Fall Cleanup/Planting at the Grand Trunk Cemetery

     Our very first attempt at restoring dignity to the much neglected Presumpscot/ Grand Trunk Cemetery took place in early November 2009, shortly after Samantha (Allshouse) Lopez and Kayla Theriault met with then Cemeteries Coordinator, Joe Dumais, and declared their intention to undertake this project.  Sam assisted me for two years with the Junior Girl Scout Troop 1974 and these girls were quite familiar with the cemetery in their own school's backyard.  After an extensive work-over by Portland Cemeteries Crew to pick up major debris, the Girl Scouts led by Sam and Kayla spent two hours raking and piling up the leaves on a very cool afternoon as they endeavored to support Sam and Kayla's commitment.

 

   

 This past Sunday, November 3, 2019, on a cool but sunny afternoon, thirty-six, Portland Girl Scouts, their parents and Leaders joined with some of the failthful 'Friends of the Grand Trunk Cemetery' to continue the legacy by cleaning  up the perennial gardens, raking tons of leaves, dragging broken tree branches, and planting bulbs.  

     Five years ago, Machigonne Service Unit, led by the volunteer leadership Team, adopted the Grand Trunk Cemetery as an on-going commitment to provide service twice a year by partnering with the 'Friends' for our annual Fall and Spring Cleanup/Planting Parties.  These events have brought in new families and Girl Scouts and increased the interest in our small historic cemetery which has definitly contributed to its care and visibility as a sacred place worth preserving.

     In addtion to the work of many willing hands, the cemetery has become a place for other worthwhile projects to benefit the Portland community.  The Girl Scouts planted a tribute garden to celebrate the centennial of Women's Suffrage.  Girl Scouts of Maine Troops are engaged in planting daffodils throughout the state wherever they can.  The daffodil is the symbol of the movement and the hope is that these gardens will be in bloom for Maine's 200 birthday as a state in March.

     One hundred a fifty large daffodil bulbs donated by Creative Portland to us, were planted by the girls and their families.  We chose to plant in the raised bed around our new interpretive sign so that visitors to the cemetery will appreciate the beauty next spring when they enter the space.

     A second opportunity was taken on by Portland Girl Scouts and their families to help out our newest Portland residents; asylum seekers who came here in the summer and some of whom has been able to move into permanet residents.  The following is a result of this endeavor:

     This afternoon, we delivered the cleaning and toiletry supplies (5 totes/baskets full!) that our Machigonne GS, troop leaders, families and friends donated to MAIN (Maine Immigrant Access Network)! A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who contributed!! MAIN is also currently in need of winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, etc (new or gently used). Winter clothing items can be dropped off anytime between 10am-4pm at their office on 237 Oxford St. Please give them a call with any questions: 552-1800.

Delivered cleaning supplies and toiletries today to MAN to help our "new Portland residents. " Items donated by Portland Girl Scouts at our Fall event at the GTC on Sunday.

      Additional photos of our Fall Cleanup and Planting event can be found on our Facebook page @FriendsofGrandTrunkCemetery.