Community rallies around Tanglewood Cooperative
by Steve Varnum
on November 15, 2024
KEENE (July 16, 2024) – Tanglewood Cooperative, the manufactured-home community devastated by a severe July storm, is facing another challenge from Mother Nature and asking for help from neighbors in the Monadnock Region and beyond.
The storm cost 10 families their homes and damaged 40 others. In its aftermath, 900 trees on the grounds were identified as damaged or dangerous. The co-op has exhausted its $260,000 capital reserve fund to remove the first 400 trees. It needs an additional $250,000 to finish the work.
With the co-op’s funds depleted and Tanglewood ineligible for federal- or state-level assistance, tree removal in the park has slowed. Meanwhile, the coming of winter’s snow, ice, and wind raises an urgent safety issue: the risk that hundreds more trees may crash on homes and autos and cause even more pain in the 328-home community.
In response, the Monadnock United Way, with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and N.H. Community Loan Fund, has launched a campaign to raise the first $100,000 to expedite the tree removal work before winter hits. McClure’s Tree Service has already spent weeks working at a rapid pace to help the co-op.
The campaign has raised $53,000 to date and is appealing to the Monadnock and state communities to help reach its goal.
“July’s storm was such a heavy blow that it’s almost unthinkable that this community could be similarly hit by a winter storm,” said Sarah Marchant, COO and SVP ROC-NH of New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. “We are so thankful to the community residents and businesses who have already donated to this relief effort, there is so much more to be done.”
"Winter is fast approaching. Many of the damaged and weakened trees from the storm will not be able to withstand the weight of ice and snow.,” said Tanglewood Board treasurer Karen Ogg. “Any monies we can obtain will allow us to do further tree removal so that our residents can be safe this winter. "
To donate, click here or send a check to the Monadnock United Way with “Tanglewood” in the Memo line to: 23 Center St, Keene, NH 03431.
Any amount helps.