Western Electric’s “Merrimack Valley Works” opened in 1953 in North Andover Massachusetts and manufactured (transmission equipment).. This production plant employed around 12,000 people at it’s peak in 1995. AT&T maintained the facility until 1996.
Northeast Chapter 131
The Northeast Chapter 131 is part of the New Outlook Pioneers group, within the “pioneer volunteer network” TelecomPioneers. We are comprised of employees and retirees of Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent Technologies/Alcatel-Lucent/Agere Systems. The Works manufactured transmission equipment. The Works employed 12,000 at it peak. We represent the industry’s commitment to responsible citizenship by volunteering to address community needs “answering the call of those in need.”
Operation Platoon Mom
Operation Platoon Mom raises funds to provide snacks and coffee to troops currently deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Cookies are made by boys at NFI — Northeast Family Institute — and Dianne’s Pastries. Coffee is discounted by Dean’s Beans and Seattle’s Best. Operation Platoon Mom is led by Dudley Farquhar. If anyone would like to support by purchasing Support Our Troops pens, contact Dudley by phone between 9am and 9pm at (351) 888-3113.
Annual Special Field Games
The annual Special Field Games is a sporting event for people of all ages with special needs. Hundreds of guests have fun participating in many athletic events. The Special Field Games originally took place in 1981, sponsored by the Pioneers. In the years since Lucent’s closure of its North Andover location in 2007, the Special Field Games have been carried on by Paul & Kellie Martin.
Hug-A-Bear
The Hug-A-Bear Project makes felt teddy bears with embroidered faces, poly filled and stuffed by board members as well as children at the YMCA and distributed to nursing homes by the dozens.
Project Hug-A-Bear is led by Lucia Amenta, who can be contacted at luciaamenta@aol.com.
The Pioneers’ HOT (Hand-Operated Tricycle) Trikes are designed to be used by children who are unable to walk. By using their arms to power the tricycle from the handlebars, disabled children can enjoy the special thrill of riding a bike. We currently have one Hot Trike that is being used by a child in the Brockton area. We ask when a child has outgrown the trike that they return it back, we refurbish it and store it until we receive another request for its use.
Project HOT Trikes is led by Kathy Henze.
Northeast Chapter 131
President: Teresa Gagnon
694 Hilldale Ave.
Haverhill, MA 01832
Email – tgagnon27@comcast.net
Ph. – 978-457-6928
Club Past President: Kathy Henze
627 Andover St.,
Lawrence, MA 01843
Email – hkattom627@comcast.net
Ph. – 978-686-3140
Pioneer Headquarters
5680 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Suite 500
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
T: 800.872.5995 F: 888.477.3351
