View Full Version : Adopt a stone to rebuild Catoctin Aqueduct on the C&O Canal
Kalidurga
04-12-2009, 04:52 AM
So, I was riding the C&O the other day between Point of Rocks and Brunswick. For the past several years, there's been restoration work going on at the Catoctin Aqueduct, with signs about their need for donations to complete the work. For the first time, I noticed that they've got an "Adopt a Stone (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/adoptastone.htm)" program going on.
Stone adoptions begin at $125. Would anyone be interested in going in on this with me? The C&O is such an awesome place to ride (as certain TE ladies besides me know ;) ) and the restoration of the Monocacy Aqueduct (http://www.riverexplorer.com/details.php4?id=637) turned out so well, it'd be terrific to see another section restored as well. If a few of us chipped in together it'd be fairly cheap. Anyone else wanna see this iron monstrosity replaced by an open stone bridge supported by elegant arches?
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/assorted_crap/012edited.jpg
And, of course, I have to add the obligatory bike shot :D
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/assorted_crap/008edited.jpg
divingbiker
04-12-2009, 05:20 AM
Stone adoptions begin at $125. Would anyone be interested in going in on this with me? The C&O is such an awesome place to ride (as certain TE ladies besides me know ;) ) and the restoration of the Monocacy Aqueduct (http://www.riverexplorer.com/details.php4?id=637) turned out so well, it'd be terrific to see another section restored as well. If a few of us chipped in together it'd be fairly cheap. Anyone else wanna see this iron monstrosity replaced by an open stone bridge supported by elegant arches?
That sounds like a great plan. I'd be happy to contribute.
I've known about that adoption plan for a while but I had no idea it started at that level.
I can pop for a few bucks.
Although I kind of like that bridge
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/DSCN0777-1.jpg
7rider
04-12-2009, 09:59 AM
I'll chip in, too.
I don't have a calculator but that would make it $33 and some change.
What name do we put it under?
madscot13
04-12-2009, 11:15 AM
i'll go in.
Kalidurga
04-12-2009, 12:50 PM
What name do we put it under?
The Ladies of TE-DC? We'd have to ask whether we could have more than one certificate, though I wouldn't necessarily care if I got one.
dingster1
04-12-2009, 02:03 PM
Hmmmmm...possibly. Sounds like a good cause.
Kalidurga
04-13-2009, 03:13 AM
Ok, so six of us are interested at this point. I e-mailed to find out whether each of us could get an adoption certificate and map of our stone location (at least any of us for whom that stuff is desirable). Then we'd just have to choose a stone.
Anyone else out there who might want to join in?
divingbiker
04-13-2009, 04:13 AM
I don't care about a certificate, but I would like to get a tax deduction.
HillSlugger
04-13-2009, 05:51 AM
I'm willing to chip in, too.
madscot13
04-13-2009, 07:06 PM
I've never been able to get a tax deduction to work for me
divingbiker
04-14-2009, 02:29 AM
I've never been able to get a tax deduction to work for me
Buy a house with a big mortgage and property taxes, and a rental property, and voila! itemized deductions kick in. Give it time, you're young and relatively unencumbered.;):)
Kalidurga
04-15-2009, 10:33 AM
Ok, here's the reply I got when I asked about a group adopting one stone on the aqueduct:
George Lewis here, I am the president of the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. – many thanks for your interest in the Catoctin Aqueduct.
The norm is one adoption certificate per adoption; however, we could stretch this a bit.
Suggest you get back to me with the number of certificates you have in mind and the type (and adoption fee donation) of stone you have in mind; keeping in mind that the objective of the Adopt a Stone project is to raise funds to restore the Most Beautiful Aqueduct on the Line, and that each certificate costs $4 to print and $1 to mail.
So, any thoughts? Janice and I don't care about getting a certificate, so who would like to have one? Do we want to go for a $200 stone or stick with $125? At this point, we've got six of us (plus dingster as a maybe), which would make for approx. $33 per person for a $200 stone, or $21 per person for a $125 stone. If anyone else wants to join in, that'd reduce it even more.
And thank you, ladies. It'll be very cool to know that we contributed to restoring history on the C&O :D
papaver
04-15-2009, 10:39 AM
Adopt a stone? For an iron bridge? :confused: :D
madscot13
04-15-2009, 02:07 PM
I think something got lost in the thread... it is time to replace the bridge
Kalidurga
04-15-2009, 02:33 PM
The iron bridge was erected after the original stone aqueduct collapsed. Because the C&O Canal is a national historical park, they're trying to rebuild it. Unfortunately, the US park service just doesn't have as many $$$ as they need for this sort of thing.
This link (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/Index.html) describes the situation a bit better. I agree with Zen that the iron & wood bridge is fun to ride across, but the stone aqueduct will be more open and will have that 'historic' feel to it.
Possegal
04-15-2009, 03:08 PM
I'd be game to contribute and bring the cost/person down a bit. And I don't care about the certificate.
pfunk12
04-16-2009, 03:32 AM
I will also contribute.
Kalidurga
04-16-2009, 03:54 AM
This is great! So, we've got the following contributors:
KD (no certificate)
DB (no certificate)
7Rider
Zen
madscot
MDHillSlug
Possegal (no certificate)
pfunk
and dingster's thinking about it. With eight of us definitely interested, I'd suggest we go with a $200 stone. How about a prism stone (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/stones.asp?map=prism), since it's along the inside wall where the towpath would go? And, out of the list above, who does want a certificate and map showing the stone location?
madscot13
04-16-2009, 04:34 AM
I would dig a certificate.
7rider
04-16-2009, 04:34 AM
I don't need a certificate...just a receipt.
Prism stone sounds great. Did you say there'd be something carved in it? How do we coordinate getting $$ to a central source (you?)? Pledging is great...but you gotta hold my feet over the fire to get any cash out of me (just ask Nicole...I'm good for it...but you gotta ding on me or I forget).
:rolleyes:
HillSlugger
04-16-2009, 05:15 AM
I don't care about a certificate (maybe a receipt for taxes?); just glad to know I helped.
divingbiker
04-16-2009, 05:36 AM
Did you say there'd be something carved in it?
According to the website, the Park Service doesn't allow carving in the stones.
Kalidurga
04-16-2009, 06:57 AM
Nope, no carving, which is probably why they offer a map showing your stone location along with the certificate. There's also a list of donors at the website, so the Ladies of TE-DC would be added to that.
So Mad wants a certificate, how about Zen and pfunk? I'll also find out what the deal is with the receipt. I assume they only give one since there's one payment. Would it work for tax purposes if I send a copy to each of you and you note the portion of it that you paid?
I have a Paypal account, but I need to take a look at it to figure out how to collect money. Janice, you've done that before-- I assume it's pretty easy? And Regina, I won't send the money for the stone until I've collected from everyone, so we can all pester you to pay up :D
divingbiker
04-16-2009, 07:11 AM
I'll also find out what the deal is with the receipt. I assume they only give one since there's one payment. Would it work for tax purposes if I send a copy to each of you and you note the portion of it that you paid?
I have a Paypal account, but I need to take a look at it to figure out how to collect money. Janice, you've done that before-- I assume it's pretty easy?
I'd think that the combination of my canceled check (made out to whatever the name of the charity is) and their receipt would be enough for tax purposes.
I'd suggest not using PayPal if possible, because (1) they take a cut and (2) I'd rather make the check out to the charity directly (for tax reasons). We could all just send you a check, and you send them all in together.
Would that work?
dingster1
04-16-2009, 10:34 AM
Count me in.
pfunk12
04-16-2009, 03:03 PM
A certificate would be cool if doable.
Kalidurga
04-22-2009, 05:20 AM
In case anyone's wondering, this idea has not died. I e-mailed the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund about individual receipts but haven't yet heard back from the guy. Update to come when all the details have been worked out.
Kalidurga
05-06-2009, 11:21 AM
I think I got answers to all of our questions about the Adopt-a-Stone. Hopefully you're all still interested in doing this!
If I include a list of all donors, each donor will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Certificates cost the organization $5 apiece to print and mail, so that essentially comes out of our donation.
The list is:
KD (receipt, no certificate)
DB (receipt, no certificate)
7Rider (receipt, no certificate)
MDHillSlug (receipt, no certificate)
Possegal (receipt, no certificate)
Zen (receipt and certificate)
madscot (receipt and certificate)
pfunk (receipt and certificate)
dingster (receipt, certificate?)
Since there are nine of us, there's not much difference between $200 or $250. I'd suggest either a $200 Prism stone ($22 each) or a $250 Berm Coping stone ($27 each), since those are both visible as you ride through (see the diagram here (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/stonedefs.htm)). Any preferences? Once we decide, I'll send out a pm to each of you with my address so you can send a check to me, which I'll then forward to the organization.
I don't need a receipt.
I'll send you a check when I know the amount.
We could have done this at the goose chase, guess we were thinking of other things :o
Kalidurga
05-06-2009, 12:06 PM
Not everyone who's involved was at the Goose Chase. Plus, I was still trying to find out how receipts would be handled, for those people who want one.
Not to mention the screaming kid at the Goose Chase dinner made it hard to think about anything...
Not everyone who's involved was at the Goose Chase.
I am aware. It would have winnowed it down some, though. Moot point now.
Not to mention the screaming kid at the Goose Chase dinner made it hard to think about anything...
His first shriek was a shock but I guess I got used to it. I enjoyed my dinner.
HillSlugger
05-06-2009, 04:58 PM
I'm still in on the stone. How was the Goose ride?
dingster1
05-06-2009, 07:18 PM
I don't need a certificate
7rider
05-07-2009, 09:53 AM
I think I got answers to all of our questions about the Adopt-a-Stone. Hopefully you're all still interested in doing this!
If I include a list of all donors, each donor will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Certificates cost the organization $5 apiece to print and mail, so that essentially comes out of our donation.
Since there are nine of us, there's not much difference between $200 or $250. I'd suggest either a $200 Prism stone ($22 each) or a $250 Berm Coping stone ($27 each), since those are both visible as you ride through (see the diagram here (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/stonedefs.htm)). Any preferences? Once we decide, I'll send out a pm to each of you with my address so you can send a check to me, which I'll then forward to the organization.
I have no preference. Berm coping stone might be nice....
Does your cost per estimate include the certificate printing, or do those who want one need to tack and extra $5 on to the final?
PM me your address, as I don't think I have it....
Kalidurga
05-07-2009, 10:33 AM
Does your cost per estimate include the certificate printing, or do those who want one need to tack and extra $5 on to the final?
My price per person just divided the stone price by 9 people. If the folks who want certificates would like to add $5 to their checks to defray that cost, I'm sure the Catoctin Fund would probably appreciate it.
Nicole, the Goose Chase was a good ride. We babbled and posted photos about it here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25451&page=18).
7rider
05-07-2009, 10:54 AM
Nicole, the Goose Chase was a good ride. We babbled and posted photos about it here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25451&page=18).
Dang. I just realized.....I never ate my Nutella!!! It's home in the pantry....waiting....
Kalidurga
05-07-2009, 11:08 AM
I knew I should have wheedled those packets away from you before I left...
Kalidurga
05-13-2009, 03:27 AM
Ok, I've got checks from all but three people at this point. Once I've got them all, I'll send them in together.
A few of you ladies have thanked me for organizing this, but I'm really grateful to all of you. I wasn't sure anyone else would be interested, so it's been very cool to get this kind of response.
And thank you, Zen, for the Monocacy water trail map and the brochure about Dinosaur Land. I've driven past D Land a handful of times over the years but didn't realize there was so much to it. I realize now that I should've pestered Mom and Dad to take us there as kids ;)
Don't the kids in that brochure just look thrilled?
Kalidurga
05-24-2009, 10:50 AM
Ok, latest word on our adoption:
I've now received everyone's checks and have to get my butt in gear and write my own ;) And the foundation didn't even wait for our payment-- Yesterday I received a single certificate in the mail. I guess they send it out as soon as you reserve a stone at the website. I'll include a letter with our checks explaining (again) that it's a group adoption and we need receipts, more certificates, etc...
I also rode across the aqueduct today on my way between Monocacy and Brunswick. All of the trees in the immediate vicinity have been taken down, and it appears that at least one support base has been constructed in the creek below. We will definitely need to plan a ride up that way once it's done. Either Monocacy-to-Brunswick or Point of Rocks-to-Harpers Ferry would be approximately 25 miles round trip, and there's that nice little coffee shop in Brunswick just a couple of miles from the aqueduct... :D
7rider
05-24-2009, 12:45 PM
I see the "Ladies of TE-DC" is already listed as a donor on the site.
Since it seems you can have a much loooonger name for the donors, could we request that we expand on that name a bit - for clarity's sake?
Perhaps "Women (I ain't no lady! ;)) cyclists from D.C.'s Team Estrogen.com" or some such........
I'm certain I will never be mistaken for a lady.
I need neither certificate of receipt.
Kalidurga
05-24-2009, 04:43 PM
Zen, you said a few pages ago that you'd like to have a certificate. Did you change your mind?
Regina, I'll ask.
Did you change your mind?
Yeah. They need to keep costs down and I don't need any more stuff
Kalidurga
05-25-2009, 01:58 PM
Ok then, I'll request one more certificate so that madscot and pfunk can each have one.
Regina, where did you see us listed on the donor page? I can't find it. Does anyone else second Regina's request to change our donor name to something like "Women cyclists from D.C.'s Team Estrogen.com"?
Also, there was a note enclosed with the certificate that was already sent, and I forgot to include the message in my update post yesterday:
Ladies of TE-DC,
Thank you for your donation to the Catoctin Aqueduct Preservation, your adoption of Berm Coping Stone #39, and for getting your hands into history; restoring the "Most Beautiful Aqueduct on the line". Site preparation is underway and we hope to begin moving stones and dirt in the fall.
George Lewis
President Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc.
madscot13
05-25-2009, 03:03 PM
and there's that nice little coffee shop in Brunswick just a couple of miles from the aqueduct... :D
I stopped by that little coffee shop on saturday and then today just for completeness. It was pretty fantastic.
7rider
05-25-2009, 03:52 PM
Regina, where did you see us listed on the donor page? I can't find it. Does anyone else second Regina's request to change our donor name to something like "Women cyclists from D.C.'s Team Estrogen.com"?
It was here (http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org/donors.asp).
Scroll down to the "L's". Right above Robert E. Lee. :rolleyes:
Maybe "The Women Cyclists...."????
However you want to word it I like women better.
Ladies makes it sound like we play cards and drink tea. Or gin and tonics.
Cataboo
05-25-2009, 04:52 PM
So...if I have a tea party, you guys aren't going to come wearing your tiaras?
Kalidurga
05-25-2009, 05:37 PM
I stopped by that little coffee shop on saturday and then today just for completeness. It was pretty fantastic.
I would stop there a lot more frequently if they had a better tea selection (Does the fact that I drink tea make me a lady, even if I don't play cards?). But I intend to get in there at some point this summer for that sandwich I had the day we all rode from Brunswick to Harpers Ferry last year. That was darned good.
I think that donor page is the only page of that site that I had not seen. Huh. And Robert E. is only two stones away from us. And I see there's also a "Regina & Tommy." Did you donate twice and should we call Tom that the next time we see him? ;)
Ok, you women decide what you'd like our group name to be and let me know.
Satan's Minions?
it has a nice ring to it :D
dingster1
05-26-2009, 05:02 AM
^^ Heee heeee!!!
7rider
05-26-2009, 05:03 AM
I think that donor page is the only page of that site that I had not seen. Huh. And Robert E. is only two stones away from us. And I see there's also a "Regina & Tommy." Did you donate twice and should we call Tom that the next time we see him? ;)
Hmmm.... Nope.
And the only one who calls him "Tommy" is his sister -- as only older sisters will....:rolleyes:
pfunk12
06-05-2009, 11:13 AM
I just received my certificate in the mail. Yay! Thanks so much for coordinating this, Tam.
Does the fact that I drink tea make me a lady, even if I don't play cards?
I don't think tea drinking alone is a lady-making qualifier. I drink tea too but only with a whiskey chaser.
Kalidurga
06-06-2009, 05:11 AM
I just received my certificate in the mail. Yay! Thanks so much for coordinating this, Tam.
Glad you got it so quickly. Madscot, yours should be on the way, too. And hopefully we've all got receipts on the way.
Thanks again, ladies/women/broads/gals/chicas! ;)
madscot13
06-06-2009, 06:16 AM
Glad you got it so quickly. Madscot, yours should be on the way, too. And hopefully we've all got receipts on the way.
Thanks again, ladies/women/broads/gals/chicas! ;)
which address did I give?
Kalidurga
06-06-2009, 07:42 AM
I told them to send it to the return address on your envelope (in DC), rather than the one on your check.
madscot13
06-07-2009, 08:47 AM
thanks I just wondered which of many secret addresses to be expecting it at. sometimes I don't know how to explain my mail to my parents when it comes to them instead of me.
Madscott...currently residing in **** Cheney's former undisclosed location :eek:
madscot13
06-10-2009, 02:56 PM
I received my certificate. thanks!
Kalidurga
06-10-2009, 03:58 PM
Excellent! :D
divingbiker
06-12-2009, 01:47 AM
Got my letter/tax receipt yesterday. Thanks for taking care of all the details, Tam!
Kalidurga
06-12-2009, 02:36 AM
I'm glad all of the paperwork worked out. Gotta ride up that way soon to see what further progress they've made.
7rider
06-12-2009, 02:40 AM
Got my letter/tax receipt yesterday. Thanks for taking care of all the details, Tam!
Same here.
Thanks.
Gotta ride up that way soon to see what further progress they've made.
If it ever dries out enough.
dingster1
06-12-2009, 04:47 AM
Got my letter yesterday! Great job!
I'm just going to spray paint my name on a stone.
HillSlugger
06-12-2009, 05:53 AM
Same here.
Thanks.
me too
Kalidurga
11-25-2009, 03:01 AM
A little news about "our" aqueduct and the gentleman heading up the restoration: One man spearheads quest to restore historic aqueduct (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=98239). Shame the article didn't mention the stone adoptions.
George Lewis wants to rebuild history.
Lewis began the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Effort in 2005, and he leads the project toward rebuilding the collapsed aqueduct.
Only one of the aqueduct's three arches is standing, about 175 years after its construction.
Lewis credits his interest in the aqueducts to his days in Boy Scouts, when he got into stamp collecting, which led to an enthusiasm for history.
"I was in the military for 30 years," he said. "Military people tend to ... enjoy history just because of studying (it) and strategies and politics and wars and all that."
In 1996, he bought a farm along the C&O Canal, between Point of Rocks and Brunswick . "I love the outdoors," Lewis said. "I got involved in the history of the canal."
Lewis is an appointed member of the Federal C&O Canal National Historical Park Advisory Commission, essentially counseling the secretary of the interior on things relating to the C&O Canal.
"I had an interest in history, and interest in the outdoors, and the story to be told about the C&O Canal is just tremendous," Lewis said.
He explained that the location of the aqueduct is the only place where the C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad, "the big titan competitors in transportation," cross. Lewis said that is why the aqueduct is so important to the country's history and the history of transportation.
"Frederick County has got the beautiful Monocacy Aqueduct and the forgotten Catoctin Aqueduct," Lewis said. "We started raising awareness of that, and it caught fire."
Part of Lewis' endeavor includes a 6-foot, fiberglass Frederick Key he bought at a 2007 auction. Part of a public art display, the key was one of 30 placed throughout downtown Frederick in 2007.
One side of the key depicts the Catoctin Aqueduct, and the other illustrates the Monocacy Aqueduct's six arches, which Lewis said is "probably the most famous aqueduct in the country."
Lewis and his wife wanted to keep the piece as public art and allow public awareness of it.
They first placed the key in the Tourism Council of Frederick County's office on East Church Street before moving it to the visitors center in Williamsport in Washington County. Then it was housed at the headquarters of the C&O Canal National Historic Park, before moving back to the Tourism Council recently.
Lewis hopes the key, which he called "basically public art," is seen around town by residents.
"It's a key to part of the county's history, a key to tourism; it's a key that I guess links both the past and maybe the future, because of the people coming to Frederick County to visit," he said.
divingbiker
01-05-2010, 12:28 PM
Lookie here (http://wtopnews.com/?nid=598&sid=1855256)!
Feds approve $2.7 million for C&O Canal project
January 4, 2010 - 5:13pm
LANDER, Md. (AP) - Sen. Benjamin Cardin is announcing a $2.7 million appropriation to begin restoration of the Catoctin (kah-TAHK'-tin) Aqueduct in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Cardin said Monday that the funds will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The three-arch structure near Lander was built in the 1830s to carry the canal over the mouth of Catoctin Creek at the Potomac River. It partially collapsed during a 1973 flood.
Cardin says the project will help stimulate tourism and development in southern Frederick County.
I saw that in the Frederick paper (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=99727) today.
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