WINDHAM PTAThe <strong>Windham</strong> PTA is a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it volunteer organization whose mission is to enhance and support theeducational environment <strong>of</strong> the students, school staff, and families <strong>of</strong> <strong>Windham</strong>. This is accomplishedthrough the following endeavors:Community Outreach:The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA hosts and coordinates social events in order to strengthen the relationshipbetween the students, the schools, and the <strong>Windham</strong> communityTeacher Involvement:The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA strives to maintain a mutually supportive relationship with school staffEducational Programs:The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA provides curriculum enhancement, within the school environment, as well ashosting educational seminars and events for the <strong>Windham</strong> communityCivic Cooperation:The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA fosters involvement with other community organizations in order to maintain amore cohesive and united approach to the educational environment in <strong>Windham</strong>Volunteer Programs:The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA volunteer programs, at each school, establish a significant volunteer base fromwhich school staff can draw support as neededThe <strong>Windham</strong> PTA is making pathways for a better education for our children by supporting andorganizing programs, fundraisers, and events. The <strong>Windham</strong> PTA is responsible for the following: icecream socials, book fairs, teacher appreciation week, movie nights, bowling nights, teacher conferencedinners, essay contests, poetry slams, WMS Academic Recognition, WHS PTA Scholarship, variouspresentations, and that is just to name a few.Membership for the PTA is open to everyone in our community. For more information, please visit the<strong>Windham</strong> PTA website at www.windhampta.orgRespectfully submitted,Jennifer SimmonsJennifer Simmons, President2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 161 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH
WINDHAM RAIL TRAIL ALLIANCEFounded in 2004, the <strong>Windham</strong> Rail Trail Alliance is dedicated to the development andmanagement <strong>of</strong> this section <strong>of</strong> abandoned rail bed as a paved rail trail which is part <strong>of</strong> theGranite State Rail Trail (formerly the Salem to Concord Rail Trail.)With the connection with Derry, the 2 trails <strong>of</strong>fer 8 miles <strong>of</strong> paved trail; at this writing thelongest stretch along an abandoned rail bed in New Hampshire! The vision we brought to<strong>Windham</strong> has now expanded to Salem, and Londonderry is bringing a funding request totheir 2013 <strong>Town</strong> Meeting for starting 1.5 miles <strong>of</strong> development. The WRTA isrepresented on 2 state and regional rail trail organizations. The New Hampshire Rail TrailCoalition meets quarterly and hosts an Annual meeting in November attended by typically15 – 20 rail trail organizations. Mr. Samsel serves as Vice President and Mr. Morris is aDirector. On the Regional Trails Council that represents trails along the Manchester andLawrence corridor, Mr. Samsel serves as Treasurer. The committee is hosted by SouthernNH Regional Planning.Our 5th annual “Flat n’ Fast” 5k road race was held on Sunday June 12, with a record <strong>of</strong> 317 participants.The certified USATF race was won by Connor Habib <strong>of</strong> Methuen with a time <strong>of</strong> 17:06, and the women’swinner was Mary Garrity <strong>of</strong> Manchester at 19:01. Mary also established the new women’s record with herperformance.Approximately 432 hours were spent on maintenance by the WRTA and several trail supporters on brushcutting, trash removal, cutting downed trees, and the critical chore <strong>of</strong> clearing the trail and drainage lines <strong>of</strong>leaves, as well organizational activities. Our general trail clean-up day was in May, which we will repeat in2013. We also recognize and thank those users who contribute in their own way, picking up and keeping thetrail clean.We had 3 generous bench donations this year, one by Dave and Deb Mallon and two by Stephern Paquette.The granite bench donation program has <strong>of</strong>fered an opportunity for a heartfelt remembrance that directlysupports the trail. We are honored that folks look at the picturesque trail in this manner and to see the manythat take advantage <strong>of</strong> a break at one <strong>of</strong> the bench sites. Please contact any <strong>of</strong> the WRTA board members foradditional information.The development <strong>of</strong> our final half mile starting at Roulston Road is still planned, however has not progressedto the point we anticipated. We strive to blend the development cost in a Public (Transportation Grant)/Privateapproach. The longest timeline that section <strong>of</strong> trail would complete is in the summer <strong>of</strong> 2014.At the conclusion <strong>of</strong> the year, the Freight Wagon that was donated by George Frick <strong>of</strong> Durham is the focus <strong>of</strong>an Eagle project anticipated to complete in 2013. As well, another Eagle Project will start that will tidy upand showcase the Stickney General Store cellar hole behind the C-16. These represent Eagle projects 9 and 10along the trail.As always, the <strong>Windham</strong> Rail Trail Alliance is thankful for the support from town <strong>of</strong>ficials and accoladesfrom our users. <strong>Windham</strong> should take pride in that the success <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Windham</strong> Rail Trail has spread toneighboring towns, and along with the Derry section puts us on the “national scene”; we are happy to remainthe exclamation point for rail trail recreation in <strong>Windham</strong> and New Hampshire!Respectfully submitted for the Alliance,Mark Samsel, President2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 162 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH
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