Saturday, August 1, 2015

Empty Bowls - Food Pantry Fund Raiser at the Franklin Cultural Festival

Some of the 300 hand crafted 'empty bowls' prepared by the Franklin Art Association to be sold and the proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

The empty bowls will be on sale at the Town Common Saturday from 12 - 2:00 PM and again on Sunday at THE BLACK BOX parking lot from 12 - 5:00 PM

empty bowls
empty bowls
Over 300 bowls were made by Franklin Art Association members, then glazed and fired with help from Brenna Johnson, ceramics teacher at Franklin High School.

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Franklin Cultural Festival - Saturday Schedule

Saturday, August 1

Performances 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Kevin T. Wolfe Band 


Kevin T Wolfe band to perform on the Town Common
Kevin T Wolfe band to perform on the Town Common


2:30 PM to 3:00 PM - Dean College and The Star Players Massachusetts, preview The Wiz 

 
a preview of The Wiz will be shared at 2:30 on the Town Common
a preview of The Wiz will be shared at 2:30 on the Town Common

The Franklin Library 

1:00 PM - All Hands Drumming

all hand's drumming means the audience gets to participate
all hand's drumming means the audience gets to participate

The Sculpture Park 

12:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance and Franklin Art Center


rehearsal near Ursus, the great bear sculpture
rehearsal near Ursus, the great bear sculpture
1:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance and Franklin Art Center


THE BLACK BOX 

4:00 PM - School House Rock (ticket purchase required)

FSPA performs School House Rock at THE BLACK BOX (ticket purchase required)
FSPA performs School House Rock at THE BLACK BOX (ticket purchase required)

7:30 PM - FPAC: One Acts

Events 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Watercolor Painting  and Mural Painting for adults and children, FAA

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Fashion design with newspaper and dance for children and adults: FAA and Dean College

Franklin Methodist Church 

-- FAA Art and Photography and Robots and Magical Machines

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here
Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here


Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated as soon as known


Check the webpage for any updates (especially in case of weather)

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Franklin Public Schools: Summer 2015 Reading & Math All Grades



Elementary Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:


Middle School Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:

Franklin High School Summer Reading 2015




Franklin High School
Franklin High School
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Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor : August News and Events



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For a complete and detailed listing of events, see our event calendar

A Celebration of River Restoration

On Sunday, July 26, numerous groups from the Blackstone Valley gathered at the Blackstone Gorge to celebrate many years of hard work protecting and restoring the Blackstone River. 

In 1990 the EPA said the Blackstone River was one of the most polluted rivers in the country. But thanks to the Clean Water Act and years of water quality monitoring and clean-up efforts, the river is coming back to life. How can we tell? In 1972 there were only two species of fish in the river and today there are 23! This is all thanks to the hard work of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and our partners, including the Blackstone River Coalition, Blackstone River Watershed Association, the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Mass Audubon, RI Audubon Society, Save the Bay and many more groups and individuals. 

The event last week recognized the campaign for a "Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015," which started back in 2003, and allowed us to recognize and offer our gratitude for the efforts and accomplishments to date. Hundreds of people have volunteered their efforts over the years, and those efforts are clearly improving our entire river system.

To learn more about the event, click here for a report by ecoRI News.

Click here to learn about a "Living Lab Cleaning Up the Blackstone Naturally."


Gear Up Your Camera for 2016 Calendar Photo Contest!

Calling all photography enthusiasts! 
Submissions are now being accepted for the 
"2016 in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor" calendar!

Photos must be taken within the 25 communities of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and reflect the character of the area over the different seasons of the year. Photos may be taken outdoors or inside one of our historical sites. Entries must be your original photography, taken in high resolution (300 dpi), horizontal JPG format. You can submit as many photos as you like. The deadline to enter is Saturday, August 15, 2015.

Please e-mail mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org to have an entry form sent to you. Each individual photo for the contest must be submitted with its own entry form. One photo will be selected for the cover and that person will receive 12 free 2016 calendars. Six free calendars will be given to each photographer featured in the individual months.

One of our Volunteers-in-Parks members is interested in starting a photography club with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.  
If you are interested in participating, please contact Bonnie Combs at BCombs@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org. 


August 2015 photo pictured here was taken by Anthony Shepherd of East Providence, RI.


    Volunteer Opportunity!
Canal Clean Up: Saturday, August 8 in Northbridge, MA

The Blackstone Canal Conservancy is sponsoring a morning of brush clearing and trash removal along the canal and trails in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. All who are interested in preserving the canal are invited to meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 at the Plummer's Landing west parking area at the canal on Church Street in Northbridge, MA.

Volunteers are requested to bring loppers, bow saws, brush cutters and work gloves. No power tools will be used. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and getting dirty. This is one of a continuing series of work events to improve the canal, tow path and adjacent trails. 

For more information, contact David Barber at dgbarber@cs.com


Save the Date! 
Tuesday, August 25 - Founder's Day
 
Join us to celebrate the birth of the National Park Service! 

We will gather at the Roger Williams National Memorial for a celebration honoring the birth of the National Park Service.
We will also to celebrate the establishment of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park as the 402nd unit of the National Park Service!

Enjoy light refreshments, stroll the beautiful grounds, check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center and learn what's happening in YOUR National Park! Celebration is from 5-7 p.m.

Location: Roger Williams National Memorial
                  282 North Main Street
                  Providence, RI 

GO!
   Get Ready!

Get Set !

 

GO! for a walk, a tour, a bike ride, a paddle, a boat ride,  
a special event or harvest experience - all in the month of September in the wonderful Blackstone River Valley 
National Heritage Corridor.

Click on the brochure icon to download a complete listing of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's 2015 GO! program!



The Greenway Challenge 2015
An Adventure Race Like No Other! 
September 26, 2015

The mission of the Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. 

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. works with partner organizations to support clean water campaigns and develop hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education programs and greater waterway access.

Each year, the Greenway Challenge athletes run, paddle and bike on 
newly designed course through one of the most beautiful and historic 
regions of New England, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Early Registration Ends Soon!
Contact Barbara Dixon at 401-765-2211 or bdixon@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org
You can also register online by visiting our webpage:





Blackstone Valley Paddle Club turns 15!

Time flies when you're having fun! The BVPC volunteers have led more than 225 guided tours of the Blackstone River Watershed during their 15 years of operation. With every stroke of the paddle they share their passion for paddling and their knowledge of natural resources. 

 
Paddle Club volunteers give the Blackstone Valley an amazing gift of their time and enthusiasm to promote the river experiences available throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. We thank each and every volunteer for all that they do.

 Join these wonderful folks during the Paddle Club's 2015 season and you  are sure to have a memorable experience out on the river! 

Dates and locations of paddle tours in August listed below:
         
August 4 -  Seekonk River
                   Pawtucket, RI

 
August 11 - Ranger Night at Blackstone Gorge
                     Blackstone, MA

August 18 - Spring Lake Paddle Party
Burrillville, RI

August 25 - Stump Pond
                    Smithfield, RI

       
For other paddle dates and for more information, please visit the website:


Blue Star Museum Program 2015!


 

Are you or a family member active in the Military or National Guard? The Blue Star Museum Program is a nationwide program that allows all active Military and National Guard members free access, with 5 family members, to participating museums around the country. 

Numerous museums in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor are participating in this patriotic program, such as the Museum of Work & Culture, the EcoTarium, and Slater Mill, just to name a few. The Blue Star Museum program runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

For more information and a list of participating museums, visit the website:


Partner Events in August



Blackstone Heritage Corridor enjoys the partnership of numerous organizations all working to protect, support and enhance our communities and region.  In this section, we list just a sampling of activities and events taking place during the coming month.




August 1 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
     Dragonflies at Broad Meadow Brook

Learn about odonates - dragonflies and their damselfy cousins - and what makes them the engineering marvels of the natural world. An 
indoor presentation will cover odonate FAQs, including dragonfly form and function. We will explore outdoors for skimmers, darners, and meadowhawks, looking for dragonfly behavior. Come take a closer 
look at these high-powered eating machines. Presentation and walk is from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
                        414 Massasoit Road
           Worcester, MA 



August 2 - Friends of Hearthside
                  American Girl Doll Garden Party

Each year the Garden Party for Girls and their American Girl Dolls is a favorite summer activity at Hearthside House for mothers and their daughters. This year's featured girl is the Historical character Samantha who lived with her grandmother in a mansion, similar to Hearthside, in New York in 1904. 

This event is for girls ages 5-10 and their dolls, along with an adult. Activities include refreshments of lemonade and cookies, a craft activity, a presentation about Samantha's leisure time, and a chance to try out some turn-of-the-century games. Seatings are at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Location: Hearthside House Museum
                677 Great Road
                Lincoln, RI

For more information, visit the website: www.hearthsidehouse.org


August 2 - Friends of Adin Ballou
                  Hopedale's Annual Peace Picnic

In the tradition of the Early Hopedale Community which met each year to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the British empire with speeches and a picnic at Nelsons's Grove. Bring a chair or blanket, food and drinks and join us as we rally to wage peace, seek justice and end war. 

Open Mike available for poetry, peace and protest music, and social justice statements. Winning essays from the Adin Ballou Peace Essay Contest will be read aloud. Picnic is from 3-5 p.m.

Location: Adin Ballou Park
                 Hopedale Street
                 Hopedale, MA

For more information, visit the website: www.adinballou.org


August 5 - Museum of Work and Culture
                  Cine Quebec - A Rhode Island International Film Festival

A screening of new and dynamic films by Quebecois filmmakers entered into the film festival. Vote for your favorite and help decide which films make it to the next round of judging! Admission is $10 and includes a drink and popcorn. Film Festival is from 7-10 p.m.

Location: Museum of Work and Culture
                        42 South Main Street
                        Woonsocket, RI

For more information, visit the website: www.rifilmfest.org


August 6- Alternatives
                  Free Summer Concerts on the Plaza

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free concerts on the plaza! Refreshments will be available for purchase and in case of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors. Concert is from 6-8 p.m.

Location: Alternatives
                 50 Douglas Road
                 Whitinsville, MA

For more information and band schedule, visit the website: www.alternativesnet.org/event


August 6 - City of Worcester and Worcester Cultural Coalition
     Out to Lunch Summer Series

Enjoy an afternoon at Worcester Common Oval with a Farmers Market, local vendors and live music from Grupo Fantasia. Event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Location: Worcester Common Oval
    455 Main Street
    Worcester, MA

For more information, visit the website: www.worcestermass.gov/dpw/parks-rec/worcester-common-oval


August 6 - Town of Auburn
                  Summer in the Park Concert Series

Visit the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion and enjoy a show featuring On the Rocks, a classic rock band. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a night out in Auburn. Show is from 6-8 p.m.

Location: 203 Pakachoag Road
                        Auburn, MA

For more information, visit the website: 


August 6 - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park national park service
                   Ranger Walkabout Series
                   Roger Williams National Memorial

"Pulling Back the Curtain - Understanding Roger Williams 50 Years Later"
In 1965 Roger Williams National Memorial was created by Congress as a place where the concept of "Freedom of Religion" could be discussed along with Roger Williams' words and beliefs that focused on the individual's conscience 
as the guide to religious belief, not the state. The Roger Williams National Memorial is now getting a new Visitor Center and Wayside 
exhibits as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come along 
to get a sneak peak at a few of the new exhibit panels, and join in a discussion on the exhibit planning process and how the National Park Service has changed the way it tells stories over the past 20 years. Walkabout begins at 6:30 p.m.

Location: 282 North Main Street
                 Providence, RI

For more information, visit the website: www.nps.gov/blac or contact a Ranger at 401-762-0250


August 7 - Sutton Public Library
                   Make Your Own Superhero Gear

Visit the Sutton Public Library to make a cool superhero shield and cuffs and get ready to transform yourself into a superhero! Activity begins at 11 a.m.

Location: Sutton Public Library
                 4 Uxbridge Road
                 Sutton, MA

For more information, visit the website: www.suttonpubliclibrary.org


August 8 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
            8th Annual Barbara J. Walker                    Butterfly Festival

Enjoy educational fun for all ages at this butterfly festival where butterflies fly free in their natural habitats. The day's activities include naturalist-led walks and workshops, performances, live caterpillars, butterfly art, face painting, children's activities, butterfly garden tours, butterfly plant sales, delicious food, and much more! Come in costume and get a prize! 
Festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
                 414 Massasoit Road
                 Worcester, MA



August 8 - Town of Lincoln
                   Free Concert at Chase Park

Come to Chase Park for a free concert featuring Eddy Shoe, an original rock band with roots stemming from a combo of Blues, Jazz and Classic Rock. Refreshments will be provided by the historic Whitman House with proceeds benefiting the 1694 Whitman Homestead. Concert starts at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Chase Park
                 Great Road
                 Lincoln, RI 

For more information, contact Pattie Choiniere at pattic14@aim.com


August 8 - Blackstone River Theatre
                   Matt Molloy, John Carty and Arty McGlynn

The most exciting trad combination of recent times embark on their first ever tour of the United States as a trio. Matt Molloy (traditional Irish Flute), John Carty (fiddle) and Arty McGlynn (guitar) will perform together in this rare and exciting event! Show is from 8-10 p.m.

Location: Blackstone River Theatre
                 549 Broad Street
                 Cumberland, RI

For more information, visit the website: www.riverfolk.org


August 9 - Friends of the Hearthside
                   Exhibit on 1904 World's Fair and House Tour

Hearthside House Museum will be open for tours where a special exhibit on the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair will be featured. The exhibit includes image galleries and exhibits displayed throughout the historic home that served as the model for the Rhode Island Building at the legendary St. Louis World's Fair. Tours are self-guided, however costumed docents will be on hand to provide information. This is the last public opening of exhibit before it closes. Open house and tour is from 1-4 p.m. (last admittance will be at 3 p.m.)

Location: Hearthside House Museum
                  677 Great Road
                  Lincoln, RI

For more information, visit the website: www.hearthsidehouse.org

For a complete and detailed listing of events, see our event calendar.

Friday, July 31, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/31/15 - THU 8/6/15

FRIDAY 7/31/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Davey the Clown at Franklin Public Library
2-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Student Art and Music Performances at the FHS
4-8pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Music and Art at Jane’s Frames
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
8pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Shakespeare on The Common

SATURDAY 8/1/15
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Art and Photography at Franklin United Methodist Church
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Fashion Design with Newspaper and Dance for Children and Adults at Franklin Town Common
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Robots and Magical Machines at Franklin United Methodist Church
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Watercolor and Mural Painting for Adults and Children at The Town Common
12 and 1pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Dean College Palladino School of Dance and Franklin Art Center at The Sculpture Park (two tours of the park followed by craft to paint fish)
12-2pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Kevin T. Wolfe Band at The Town Common
12-2pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser for Franklin Food Pantry on the Town Common
1-2pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: All Hands Drumming at Franklin Public Library
2:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Preview The Wiz at The Town Common
4:00pm   FPAC performs "School House Rock" at THE BLACK BOX (ticket purchase required)
7:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FPAC One Acts at The Black Box

SUNDAY 8/2/15
12-5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Performances at The Black Box
12-5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Taste of Franklin at The Black Box
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Art and Photography at the Franklin United Methodist Church
12-5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser for Franklin Food Pantry at The Black Box
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FAA Art and Photography at The Black Box
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Robots and Magical Machines at the Franklin United Methodist Church
12-4pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Wool Spinning, Rug and Straw Braiding, Historical Film at the Franklin Historical Museum
5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Closing Ceremony at The Black Box

MONDAY 8/3/15
1pm   Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library
7pm   Make a Wall/Desk Organizer (grades 5-12) at Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/4/15
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
6pm   FREE Outdoor Concert at Franklin Public Library: Classic Rock with MidLife Crisis

WEDNESDAY 8/5/15
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Family Concert with David Polansky at Franklin Public Library
6pm   Concerts on The Common: DJ Mike Rutkowski

THURSDAY 8/6/15
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Teddy Bear Picnic at Franklin Public Library

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For Summer Programs details at the Franklin Public Library click HERE.

For Franklin Cultural Festival event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Franklin Cultural Festival - Friday Schedule

Friday, July 31 

  • 11:00 AM - Student art and music performances, Franklin High School

  • 1:00 PM - Davey the Clown, Franklin Library 
 
Davey the Clown
Davey the Clown

  • 4:00 – 8:00 PM - Music and art, Jane’s Frames 

  • 6:30 - 7:30 PM - Laughter Yoga, Town Common 
Laughter Yoga on the Town Common
Laughter Yoga on the Town Common


  • 8:00 – 9:30 PM - Shakespeare on The Common
 
an abridged version of Shakespeare's Henry IV, part 1
an abridged version of Shakespeare's Henry IV, part 1


Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here
Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here


Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated as soon as known


Check the webpage for any updates (especially in case of weather)

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ 



Traffic Alert: expect delays on 140 downtown


From the Franklin Police Twitter feed:

construction on 140
construction on 140