A Message from Dave Libby, President & CEO of Town & Country FCU
On Thursday, July 24, I had the honor of joining community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Eastern Trail’s long-awaited “Close the Gap” project connecting Scarborough and South Portland via a 1.6-mile off-road trail segment. Standing there, shovel in hand, was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together around a shared vision.
Eight years ago, in 2017, Town & Country made a significant financial contribution to the Eastern Trail Alliance to help close a 1.6-mile gap between South Portland and Scarborough. We believed then, as we do now, that this project would make a lasting impact by expanding access and strengthening the connection between communities across Southern Maine.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision finally starting to take shape, and to see our focus on ‘local helping local’ continue to expand.
Part of our gift will help fund a bridge over the Nonesuch River, and I’m especially proud that it will be named the Connolly-Couture Bridge, in honor of two remarkable men— Edward Connolly and Wilfred Couture—who together gave over 85 years of volunteer service to Town & Country. Their dedication to our members and our mission is a legacy worth celebrating, and this bridge will serve as a meaningful tribute to their leadership and generosity.
Town & Country’s contribution to the ‘Close the Gap’ project is also a meaningful reflection of the credit union’s deep roots and connection to the South Portland and Scarborough communities, as is the individuals it honors. That connection is embodied by two of the credit union’s longest-serving volunteers—Ed Connolly, a long-time real estate agent in Scarborough, and Wil Couture, an engineer and consultant with strong ties to South Portland. They both had significant roles in shaping our credit union’s focus on service, connection, and making a difference locally. Supporting the expansion of the Eastern Trail through these communities not only continues that legacy—it strengthens it for generations to come.
This project represents so much more than a physical connection. It’s a symbol of collaboration, persistence, and the belief that we’re stronger when we invest in each other and in our communities. Town & Country was proud to be among the first to support the “Close the Gap” project, and we’re even prouder to see it moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who has played a role in making this possible. The best paths are the ones we build together.
-Dave
