SCARBOROUGH, Maine — A new bridge connecting Scarborough and South Portland along the Eastern Trail has been named in honor of two longtime Town & Country Federal Credit Union volunteer board members who provided more than 85 years of combined service to the credit union.
The Connolly-Couture Bridge, which spans the Nonesuch River, honors the late Edward Connolly and Wilfred Couture, according to MaineBiz.
The bridge is part of a recently completed 1.6-mile off-road section of the Eastern Trail connecting South Portland and Scarborough and is part of a project by the $621-million Town & Country has supported financially for nearly a decade, MaineBiz stated.
Donation Helps ‘Close the Gap’
The credit union’s involvement dates to 2017, when it pledged $100,000 to the Eastern Trail Alliance’s “Close the Gap” campaign to help fund the bridge, MaineBiz reported.
At the time, the contribution was the largest philanthropic gift in Town & Country’s history and the largest single donation ever made by a Maine credit union, according to MaineBiz.
Connolly and Couture helped guide Scarborough-based Town & Country through decades of growth while maintaining a commitment to community service.
Connolly, a longtime Scarborough real estate professional, and Couture, an engineer and consultant with strong ties to South Portland, shared a focus on service, leadership and community involvement.
‘Fitting Tribute’
Their connections to the two communities also made the bridge a fitting tribute, according to Town & Country. Connolly was from Scarborough, while Couture was from South Portland, and both played roles in the credit union’s expansion into the two communities.
“The installation of the Connolly-Couture Bridge plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with their families represents a proud and meaningful moment for our credit union,” Town & Country President and CEO David Libby said.
“Ed and Wil were special individuals who loved our credit union and their communities,” Libby said. “Ed was from Scarborough and Wil from South Portland, and both helped ‘bridge’ our expansion of serving both communities. This bridge connects those communities on the Eastern Trail. These two remarkable men dedicated their lives to building connections.”
Ceremony Marks Completion
Before the bridge dedication, Town & Country representatives attended and participated in a South Portland ceremony marking completion of the “Close the Gap” project and the official opening of the new 1.6-mile trail section, according to MaineBiz.
“Ed and Wil understood the importance of creating opportunities and bringing people together,” Libby said. “This bridge is much more than a structure crossing a river. It symbolizes connection, community and the lasting impact individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to serving others. Today is a really special day.”
The Eastern Trail is a recreational trail in southern Maine. The new section provides an off-road connection between Scarborough and South Portland, the publication said.
