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Edaville Rail Run
South Carver Massachusetts
5-mile Trail Run & 2-mile Fun Run
To benefit the 'Dorine Merritt Memorial Fund'
The race is staged and run by Donna Merritt Cohen and Colonial Road Runners
Copyright 2006-2011 - Edaville Rail Run - All Rights Reserved
The Dorine Merritt Memorial Fund
Dorine Merritt
On November 5th, 1972, our sister Dorine was killed in a car accident 50 yards from our home in South Carver. She was only 18 and a freshman at New England Baptist School of Nursing. She had come home for the weekend, and it was a night we won't ever forget. As a result of the accident the scholarship fund was formed.
Dorine was the second of seven - Mike is the first, then Dorine, Sandy, Me, (Donna) Sonya, Judy and David. She was very outgoing and always had a guy following her. Though she was five years older than me - and that was a lot when you're only 12 - we made some wonderful memories.
I will never forget being able to visit her at school. Going into Boston at 12 was a major deal and staying the weekend at a college was an even bigger deal! The thing I'll always remember is Dorine showing me her Science lab - including her bucket with frogs she was going to be dissecting!!! She was such a hard worker and proved this when the Youth Group at the United Parish loaded wood onto a dilapidated truck, drove it to Myles Standish State Forest, and the sold the wood to campers. They worked hard to unload as much wood as the campers needed.
Along with being a hard worker, Dorine showed compassion. Mr. Sprague, a Carver resident had had an accident breaking almost every bone in his body. Dorine and other Carver teens organized a walk-a-thon to raise money for his family. The walk was 20 miles and hundreds came, making a difference for the Sprague family.
A scholarship fund in her memory was established by the United Parish, friends and family. The early years of the scholarship money was raised with a 20-mile walk-a-thon. The funds raised were given to a Carver resident going into his/her second or third year of college in memory of Dorine. Special consideration is given to a student studying nursing because this was Dorine's interest. Twenty miles was the goal for the walk and for many years it was successful.
Time passed and we decided to raise money a new way. Fellow runners can understand my desire to start a road race. In November of 2000 we held the first Edaville Rail Run after organizing it in only 3 months! We are now on our sixth and feel the future is bright with more money raised every year to be given out in scholarships.
Why Edaville? We Merritt's, are from Carver. Our Dad grew up here in Edaville in the house across from the gazebo, and our Grandfather helped lay the tracks of the train. Dorine and Sandy both worked here and we all rode the train every Christmas season. We would also come over and skate on Swan Pond during the festival - the Christmas music in the background setting the mood and giving us tons of fun. Our connection to the location enhances the special feeling of raising money for a loved one.
We thank you for participating in our race - whether as a volunteer or a runner/walker. Because of you, we are able to keep Dorine's memory and spirit alive. Because of you, we are able to help another person fulfill their dream of finishing college.
Thank you so very much. Enjoy the race and see you next year!
Donna Merritt Cohen
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SWEET MEMORIES
When I think of Dorine Merritt, I remember the wonderful times we shared as best friends in high school. In those days, I was fortunate to have two best friends, and Dorine was definitely one of them. Whether it was singing together in the chorus, hanging out at PCHS, going to the dances or proms together, or being active in Plymouth Assembly #86 Order of the Rainbow Girls, we always had fun together. Hers was a treasured friendship, and one I could always count on.
Dorine’s bubbly personality and playful spirit always brought a smile to my face. I so looked forward to spending time with such a great friend. Dorine was a sweet person who at such a young age exuded extraordinary humility, love, and compassion. I remember the Saturday we walked 20 miles together in Carver for a fundraiser she was involved in. We had lots of laughs. But, boy, did our feet and bodies ache at the end of the day! It was well worth it though. It was for a good cause, and we both knew it. That was one cherished memory I will never forget.
When it came time to decide on the direction each of us would head professionally, I remember urging Dorine to become a nurse. Because I had already been accepted at the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, I strongly encouraged her to apply. I knew Dorine would make an awesome nurse. She had a huge heart, a kind spirit, and a compassionate soul. What could be better than that? When Dorine applied to the Baptist and was accepted, I was overjoyed! Boy, would we make lots of memories together in Boston. And we did, at least for three short months while at nursing school until that unforgettable night when Dorine was abruptly taken from all of us.
Do we still miss Dorine? Absolutely. Will she be remembered? Without a doubt. Will we continue to love her? Always… for those precious, loving memories of Dorine have surely been emblazoned on our hearts forever.
Dorine, I missed having you at my side at our 35th PCHS reunion this year. In fact, I have only gone to one other high school reunion up until now, because I knew it would never be the same without you. And it wasn’t. But, I guess some things aren’t meant to be. One thing I do know though is that this world was surely better because you were in it. Thank you for your gifts of love. Thank you for the blessed friendship that we shared. Thank you for shining your beautiful light wherever you traversed. I will love you and remember you – always.
Elissa Al-ChokhachyPCHS Class of 1972__________________________________________
Scholarship Information
If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, please click here to download the application.
Grant Information
If you are interested in applying for the grant, please click here to download the application.
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OUR HISTORY
The Dorine Merritt Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization that awards scholarships and grants to support the youth of Carver. The Memorial Fund was established as the Dorine Merritt Scholarship Fund in 1973 when Dorine Merritt, a Carver resident, was killed in a car accident. She was attending New England Baptist School of Nursing at the time.
From 1973 – 2000, a $500.00 scholarship was awarded to one sophomore or junior college student. In 2000, the Edaville Rail Run race began with 100 registered runners/walkers. In 2009, the number had increased to 650, and we anticipate this number will continue to grow. With the increased amount of money raised, we have been able to extend the gifts given, and the Memorial Fund now awards 3 scholarships to both high school students and college students.
In 2008, we added a grant program. In the past, grants have been awarded to the Carver Recreation Department to run a swimming program that was going to be discontinued due to lack of funds; the Fire Department, who purchased safety equipment used for training; the Old Home Day Association, who provided Carver youth with activities during the Old Home Day Festivities; the 6th grade middle school class and Boy Scout Troop 48, to allow all students and members to attend an outdoor educational camp.
The Edaville Rail Run is the sole fundraiser for the Memorial fund. Monies are raised through sponsorship and race entry fees. The Edaville Rail Run consists of a 5 mile run and a 2 mile run/walk. The race is unique as the course winds through the Makepeace cranberry bogs within Edaville USA. The days festivities brings the running community together, and promotes health and fitness to all family members to participate.
