The Hook
by Ken Doran

   "The Hook" is the name we have given to our tool of choice for SRWA river cleanups. Actually it is a garden tool with a long handle and four narrow 4—inch long pitchfork like prongs bent at 90 degrees. The primary purpose of the hook is to reach for trash that has become lodged in hard to reach areas such as dense brush. You can also pick up trash that is too revolting to pick up by hand. It allows you to collect trash off the bottom of the river. This is especially useful when the water is too cold for you to get wet. It helps you to dislodge and retrieve trash stuck or buried in the mud and sand. It can be used to retrieve tires as it allows for a way to grab and dislodge them in deeper water. It can assist in clearing lodged debris that blocks the river channel for canoeing. "The Hook" is our best overall tool for the cleanup of trash. It becomes an extension of your arms and hands and allows you more versatility. Best of all, it is not an expensive tool and can be purchased for less then $20 at local stores. For a free demonstration please attend one of our upcoming river cleanups.

Winter Solstice Canoe Trip
by Ken Doran
  On December 21 four canoeist set out on the Shawsheen River for the second annual Winter Solstice canoe trip. The two canoes were launched at 6:30 p.m. on Shawsheen Street in Tewksbury and traveled to Lowell Junction in Andover. The distance was about five miles and took one and one half hours. This year there was little moonlight to illuminate the way and the water was high due to recent rain. One section had a logjam that totally blocked the river and was difficult to cross; while areas of quick water presented their own challenge. It was a fun trip for Bob, Frank, Adam and myself and we look forward to the summer solstice trip this June.