The town has actually been great about allowing us some time to remove the community tool shed, and that has mattered. COSS has plenty of tools that are loaned out to local community groups and used on-site for volunteer workdays. Tools from that shed have supported a huge number of Eagle projects, Scout service work, farm volunteer efforts, and all kinds of community jobs over the years. Other groups have used them too, and sporadically even groups from neighboring towns when there was a real need. When a farmer has a problem and asks for volunteers, those tools have often been part of the response. In plenty of ways, this shed has been one of the most useful assets COSS has.
As part of last year’s CR review, it was determined that a community tool shed was not in line with the allowed use under the Conservation Restriction, so the shed has to move. Winter closure at Sunny Meadow and soft road conditions have slowed that process down a bit, since right now the roads are not solid enough to get a flatbed in there safely. But the good news is that a solution came together last fall.
The Chinese Church of Greater Lowell stepped in and, after a number of attempts, found a location on their property where the shed can be relocated. I cannot say enough good things about them. Like COSS, they are deeply community-based. Between the church and the school on the property, they have a long history of work parties and major community projects. They have already been involved at Koulas and have committed to more. They are only a stone’s throw away, and for a site like Koulas, where having a tool shed on site is really not practical anyway, this is a remarkable solution. It is maybe a minute away by vehicle, well lit, and has security. Honestly, it is about as good a landing spot as we could have hoped for.
There is definitely some pressure now to get this done because it is being viewed as unfinished business. Easter is next weekend, so of course the church will be swamped until then. But the weekend after that feels like the right target. The bright firehouse red shed does not exactly fit the church grounds, so we have already purchased a nice white paint that matches the church buildings. At this point the shed is mostly empty anyway. A lot of the tools and the backup shed are currently spread across my backyard. I can probably get away with that for a few more weeks before I start hearing more about it on the home front. Joanne has been wonderful, and her own commitment to community is a big reason I have been allowed to turn the backyard into what looks like a hardware yard sale.
The shed itself has a story too. It represents two major Eagle projects. One restored the exterior. The second reinforced the interior and rebuilt it so it could better hang, hold, and organize tools. It has an overhang on the back and quick access on the side for those tools people sometimes need to grab fast. Farmers or gardeners in a pinch have used those tools many times, and that is precisely why they were there. Do we always get everything back? Honestly, no. Some tools break. Some end up on the unofficial “I need to return those” list. But with steady replacement and upgrades over time, we have always managed to keep it stocked and useful.
Tomorrow is the volunteer fair at the Senior Center, and I will be able to let people know about this exciting resource. I think plenty of folks will be able to use it, and it is a great way to connect more people to what is already happening out in the community.
So here is where we could use a few extra hands. Next Saturday, the 4th, the plan is to paint the shed, finish emptying it, and add some temporary moving braces inside using 2x4s. If you are looking to help out, we would love to have you. Tentatively, let’s say 9 AM. Keep an eye on the page for final confirmation, as this will depend on the weather. We need a dry shed and temperatures above about 45 degrees so the paint cures properly.
Then the following week I would like to move it. We already have a bunch of pavers to go under the base, and I will ask one of our contractor friends to level the area at the new site so we can put in a solid paver base. In simple terms, the plan is to clear and prep the new pad, paint the shed, brace it, move it, and give it a new life.
One key piece to making this all happen will likely be Christopher’s Towing. They have been a rock for the community for as long as I have known Chris. Time and time again, when something needs to be moved, lifted, or just figured out, they step in.
I will once again ask for a favor and see if he is willing to help us out with the move. Behind the scenes, he does a vast amount of community support that most people never see. Truly one of those unsung heroes.
And if he says yes, I might have to see if the church choir can help fix the “unsung” part. That seems only fair.
All joking aside, his heart is in the right place, and he is a major asset to the town.
And that really is what this is. A new life for what has long been the Chelmsford community tool shed. Under new management, yes, but still very much serving the same bigger purpose. I think it will continue to be a real asset to the community and continue to reflect the shared commitment of both COSS and the Chinese Church of Greater Lowell to community service and to making the world a little better every day.
COSS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This post has been reviewed with that in mind and is intended for educational and community information purposes only. COSS is not part of the Town of Chelmsford and does not speak on behalf of the town.