Joan’s enthusiasm for bringing back the trains was boundless. She would turn up regularly for new supplies, and to give us a list of interested people. Some of our first donors found out about the campaign because of her efforts.We were stunned by news of her untimely death in 2016, due to an accident while hiking on Monument Mountain. Here is an article about her by neighbor Alan Chartock: “Community has lost a feisty, devoted force of nature.”Joan’s network was wide, she contributed to the community in many ways, and she was renowned for her garlic patch. At the memorial held at the Prairie Whale, we received beautiful little bags containing a few heads of Joan’s garlic. I’m sure it is still being grown by many friends. Joan’s work on the Train Campaign also continues. As we launched this fund in October 2018, we wished that she could see the new track being installed in Great Barrington, just a few blocks from her house.Donate by clicking here.
Joan’s son Max Ritt has kindly agreed that we can launch this fund in honor of Joan Sussman. Donations to the Train Campaign “In Memory of Joan Sussman” will speed our efforts through Berkshire County to bring back the trains.
The Train Campaign is a volunteer initiative, and your support makes it possible for us to:
- provide Train Campaign printed materials to libraries, stores, and other venues
- hold public events with expert speakers from around the United States
- keep you up to date on policy developments and make it easy to contact legislators
- provide regular updates about new train and transport projects
- enhance our website with town-level information and a “last mile” information page
- extend our outreach to business and government leaders across the region
- create a series of podcasts so you can listen to rail experts & get updates
