Saturday, April 4, 2015

Capture that family history

I was fortunate to capture some of my father's story and record it for the extended family to listen to. I did not get to hear all the stories before he passed away but we do have a good archive of the stories in his voice to listen to when we want.

Whether you celebrate Easter or Passover, the holiday weekend should bring families together. To help foster a good conversation between the generations and to capture the history that the elder generations still remember is made easier with the new StoryCorps app and smart phones.

Settle in, enjoy the 21 min video and download the app for your Apple or Android device and set up to record.





You can find out more about StoryCorps on their website  http://storycorps.org/


You can find more excellent videos on the TED site here  http://www.ted.com/


A sample of  my father's story can be found here. In this segment, he talks of his service in the Marines as part of the "Joint Assault Signal Company" made famous in the movie "The Whisperers"
http://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2007/09/jerry-story-joint-assault-signal.html


screen grab of StoryCorps.me webpage
screen grab of StoryCorps.me webpage


Fire Dept Presentation doc and video clip

The presentation document used by Chief McCarragher during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here




On page 4. it seems to be blank but this was when the following video clip was shared. 





screen grab of the MEMA page touting Ping4Alerts
screen grab of the MEMA page touting Ping4Alerts

My notes from the live reporting for this section of the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/live-reporting-ping4alert.html


The summary of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/this-purple-heart-community-received.html

Franklin Library: Gmail account hands on workshop

Do you have a Google account? 

If you do, you know all the applications that the one account can provide for free. 

If you don't have one, there is a class at the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Apr 8th that will walk through setting up a Gmail account (with Google).

Space is limited for this session, please call the Library to register. 
Create and manage a Gmail account
Create and manage a Gmail account

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/04/create-and-manage-gmail-account.html


While Wordpress tends to get a lot of notice for its blog service, the Blogger service (part of Google) is competitive. The Library page linked to above is done with Blogger as is Franklin Matters, the Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin Downtown Partnership

"The future poses some thorny issues"

The "recent' audit is actually an annual event for Franklin. This year was an achievement in that the audit results were the best of the past several years.
A recent audit of the town has found its finances “solid and well-managed,” while drawing attention to a multimillion-dollar post-employment benefits liability still looming over every budget. 
Melanson & Heath, a New Hampshire-based accounting and tax firm, presented information from its audit to the Town Council this week. The firm gave Franklin an unqualified opinion, meaning it believes the town’s financial statements are sound and free from any material misstatements. 
Karen Snow, an accountant with Melanson & Heath, highlighted the town’s upgraded bond rating, which improved last year from AA to AA+. 
“Part of the reason (Standard & Poor’s) upgraded that is because they feel you have a nice solid fund balance and you don’t have any plans to spend that fund balance down,” Snow explained.
Continue reading the MDN article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150403/NEWS/150408041/1994/NEWS

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


My reporting on the audit results can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/this-purple-heart-community-received.html

The 2014 audit results can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/what-is-public-need.html

The 2013 audit results can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/town-council-020613.html


Spring Cleanup - Apr 11th - Parmenter School

The 5th Grade at Parmenter School will be doing a Spring Cleanup on Saturday, Apr 11th. 

Get your car washed, drop off those bottles/cans, any used books or clothing - they'll take 'em!. 


Spring Cleaning 5th Grade Fund raiser - Parmenter School - Apr 11 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Spring Cleaning 5th Grade Fund raiser - Parmenter School - Apr 11 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Register Today, Save $5 and Receive an Official Race Shirt!

This race is located in Andover and for a good cause. If you don't know Colleen's story you can find out about it here.


#StepUp4Colleen - May 3, 2015
30 days from today thousands will participate in the second annual Step Up for Colleen 5k Walk/Run. Are you ready to Step Up for Colleen?

If yStepping Up for Colleenou have not yet registered, please sign up today to take advantage of pre-race registration savings. Also, the first 3,000 registrants will receive a Badger C2 performance T-shirt.

This year's course is pending certification by USA Track and Field and will follow the pulse start model. Whether you are an experienced runner, a walker, or just a family gathering together for a good cause, everyone is welcome. All participants will wear a bib number with an electronically-readable chip and prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers.

Stepping Up for Colleen

Register today and save $5! Registration is $30 through Sunday, April 19th and will increase to $35 after the 19th.  
Register today and share why you are stepping up. See some of the hundreds of reasons on the right hand side of this email.

If you have already registered, thank you! We look forward to seeing you amongst the sea of pink on Sunday, May 3rd. Please remember to share on Facebook and Twitter the graphic (below) you received in your thank you e-mail and encourage friends and family to join you in Stepping Up for Colleen.

We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd and again, thank you for Stepping Up for Colleen!

Sincerely,
The Ritzer Family and Step Up for Colleen Race Committee


Stepping Up for Colleen


Proceeds from the event will support the Step Up for Colleen Fund at the Essex County Community Foundation which benefits the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides college scholarships to high school graduates who pursue education as a college major and reflect Colleen's values.

We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd and thank you for Stepping Up for Colleen!






Some Reasons Why People are Stepping Up for Colleen



I want to Step Up For Colleen because I want to honor my teacher who not only helped me love math but who taught me what being good and kind to people is all about.

I'm stepping up for Ms. Ritzer because I've learned that teachers don't just teach they change lives. She changed all of our lives and it's time to give back to her.

Ms. Ritzer was an engaging and dynamic teacher!  She made every student feel special.  Her memory should be remembered and celebrated!

I am very grateful for Colleen's impact as my child's teacher.

Step Up for Colleen | www.stepupforcolleen.com

Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

Forward this email


Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship | P.O. Box 1269 | Andover | MA | 01810

Friday, April 3, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/3/15 - THU 4/9/15

FRI 4/3   10:30am-12pm   Egg Hunt at the Franklin Public Library (Children’s Section)
FRI 4/3   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center
FRI 4/3   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 4/4   10:30am   Family Story Time at the Franklin Public Library
SAT 4/4   2-3:30pm   Kids Yoga and Meet and Greet Jeff Kinney (ages 6 and up, registration required) - Franklin YMCA
SAT 4/4   2:30-4pm   Kids Yoga and Meet and Greet Jeff Kinney (ages 6 and up, registration required) - Franklin YMCA
SAT 4/4  3-4:30pm   Kids Yoga and Meet and Greet Jeff Kinney (ages 6 and up, registration required) - Franklin YMCA

WED 4/8   12-2pm   Adult Painting at Franklin Art Center
WED 2/8   6-9pm   FEF 18th Annual Trivia Bee at Horace Mann Middle School. Live Music by Franklin HS Jazz Band. NEW THIS YEAR - Middle School Trivia Bee (6-7pm)!
WED 4/8   7-8pm   Create and Manage Gmail Account Hands On Workshop, Franklin Public Library, registration required.

THU 4/9   7pm   Small Business Co-Op Meeting at The Cake Bar - public welcome

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

#shopFranklin - The Curry House - Mon/Tue in April


The Curry House is offering the first #shopFranklin customer special!

Every Monday and Tuesday in April, you will receive 1/2 off your second entree (the lesser priced) when you dine in and show the attached image.

#shopFranklin - The Curry House
#shopFranklin - The Curry House

#shopFranklin is the 'accidental' effort being fostered by Sarah Mabardy. You can find the #shopFranklin group on Facebook here

Be sure to read and follow the guidelines:

This group was formed in response to our desire to help support and promote our local, independently owned and operated businesses in Franklin and create a community where we respect and support our neighbors. 
All area residents and small businesses are welcome to join and post on the page according to the mission of supporting Franklin’s independently owned businesses.

Franklin Police: Change to Driving Law


HEADLIGHTS ON FOR SAFETY 
Mass General Law Ch. 85 sec 15 
1. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights whenever the windshield wipers are on. 
2. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights when visibility is reduced so that persons or vehicles are not visible at 500 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions - Law will take effect April 7, 2015.

Franklin Police Station, Panther Way
Franklin Police Station, Panther Way

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.



Egg Hunt at the Franklin LIbrary - 10:30 AM

Looking for something to do with the little ones this morning? How about the egg hunt at the Library? Starting at 10:30 and running until noon, there will be crafts and the egg hunt of course!

egg hunt at the Franklin Library
egg hunt at the Franklin Library

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/03/egg-hunt-crafts.html

"a partial solution to the issue of parking"

From the Downtown Partnership general meeting on Thursday, Milford Daily News writes about the update on the construction project by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting:

At the meeting, he presented an artistic rendering of the finished island in front of the Rome Restaurant on East Central Street. 
“The island gets smaller and really busy between the flagpole, the sign, the troth, the planters; in working with the Downtown Partnership, we plan to buy the planters and then surround them with stonework — similar to in front of the Town Hall,” he said. 
Business owners say a lack of parking is one of the major barriers preventing more people from shopping and eating in the downtown. 
Nutting believes he has found a partial solution to the issue of parking: Next month, he will deliver a proposal to the Town Council asking for the removal of the downtown meters in favor of two-hour parking. In addition, commuter rail passes will only be active from 5 a.m. to noon, freeing up spots that might otherwise be taken.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150403/NEWS/150408542/1994/NEWS

Thursday, April 2, 2015

This "Purple Heart" community received an "unqualified opinion"

The Town Council meeting was varied and efficiently conducted in just about an hour. The summary of items discussed and where appropriate voted on is as follows:


  • A proclamation was made to recognize Franklin as a "Purple Heart Community"
  • The liquor license transfer from Soco Rose to GBU was approved.
  • The DPW was authorized to purchase a 'hot box' to help improve the pot hole patching process.
  • Chief Gary McCarragher presented on Ping4Alerts, a new alert system being deployed by MEMA and Franklin for all the alerts and other targeted important notifications.
  • The auditors talked about the "unqualified opinion" that Franklin received as being the highest rating and how "solid and well managed" Franklin was overall.
  • The insurance payments for the Keller sprinkler incident required a Council vote to approve the disbursement. As the payments had come to the Franklin accounts, the Council needed to authorize the payments to the vendors involved. Most of the insurance reimbursements had gone directly to the vendors and hence did not require a Council vote.

The MEMA video touting Ping4Alerts




To get Ping4Alerts, follow the links on this MEMA page
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/massachusetts-alerts.html

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/massachusetts-alerts.html
Massachusetts alerts


For all the detailed notes reported live during the meeting, check these links:

Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids - be part of the studio audience!


We would like to invite the public to be part of a studio audience at our new Cable TV studio.  

We are inviting the public to a series of thirty-minute shows on topics trending in education with a focus on raising resilient children.

The first is to be held on April 14th at 9:30 a.m. at the studio on 23 Hutchinson Street.

The topic is:  Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids, featuring Jay Horrigan, who has a wealth of experience through his involvement with sports programs at all levels.

The new studio is beautiful... we are so lucky to have it in our town.  This is a great opportunity for people to visit and interact on topics of interest.

I am hosting the program

       Anne Bergen
(recently retired principal of Horace Mann Middle School)


main entrance to Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St
main entrance to Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

Franklin Library: LEGO Mania - Apr 2

LEGO Mania returns to the Franklin Library on Thursday, Apr 2 and Apr 16 at 4:00 PM.

LEGO Mania

Ideal for those aged 3 - 12. Those of us whow would like to play with LEGOs will need to find another time/place.

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/03/lego-club.html


Check out the work of Nathan Sawaya, the Brick Artist for some inpirational creations  http://www.brickartist.com/

image from The Brick Artist
image from The Brick Artist

.

FHS lacrosse tops Canton - twice

From Hockomock Sports we find that both the boys and girls lacrosse teams topped their counterparts from Canton High School on Wednesday.


Boys Lacrosse
FHS Panthers
Canton, 6 @ Franklin, 17 - Final - After struggling against an aggressive Canton team early, Franklin finally settled down according to Panther's head coach Lou Verrochi. Jack Vail led the way with five goals and an assist, Austin Kent had two goals and four assists and Alex Campbell had two goals and two assists. DJ Shea had 11 saves in net and Mike Sullivan, Alec Borkowski and Sean Lockhart were "excellent in close defense," Verrochi said.

Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 14 @ Canton, 4 - Final - Emily Jeffries led the way for the Panthers with four goals and an assist. Kendall Reardon added four assists for Franklin and Caroline Lounsbury and Diana Griffin each recorded their first career goals. For Canton, Mary McNeil had a hat trick and Mary Nee had a goal and an assist.

For all the results of the Hockomock spring action Wednesday, check here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040115

2015 WMRC Local Music Awards

The stage is set for this year's WMRC Local Music Awards!  On May 17th hundreds of musicians, fans and local music supporters will gather at Liz's Diamond Bar and Grille in Hopedale to honor, celebrate and relish all that The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene offers.
The festivities will begin at 4:00pm with a special pre-awards show featuring the band TETER TODDERS and friends.  The official award ceremony starts at 5:00pm featuring a red carpet introduction of nominees, 10 live performances and 30 award presentations. 
 
WMRC 1490 AM
WMRC 1490 AM
"There is such immense talent in our direct area" said event organizer, Ray Auger of WMRC First Class Media Solutions in Milford.  "Four years ago, I decided it was time to honor the talent that encompasses Milford and its surrounding 13 towns.  We make one hell of a night of it!  Everyone, 21 plus, is invited to attend and enjoy a night of local music at its best… and it's FREE!"

This event is designed to look and feel as if it would be a night at the Grammy Awards.  No detail is missed. There will be red carpet, VIP Lounge, SWAG, interviews; must-see-fashion, laminated VIP passes for those lucky enough to be granted access to the VIP Lounge, live performances and coveted trophies handed out throughout the night included the Stanley Cup of local music honors, The Headliner Award.  The WMRC LMAs were designed to honor the arts in style. 
"The focus on local music from WMRC has been amazing, says local musician and promoter Tom Pile.  "The WMRC Local Music Award event is a spectacular celebration of what the local artists have accomplished over the past year, voted on by their fans and peers. Every year seems to get better and better."
Voting for the 30 multi-genre categories begins April 1st and runs through April 14th.  For more details on the WMRC Local Music Awards like the Facebook page or visit http://wmrcdailynews.com./

In the News: forensic science, stone walls, opposition to pipeline, Purple Heart community



Franklin High School is making a forensic science course and state-of-the-art lab available to residents through its Lifelong Learning Institute. 
The course — wildly popular with high school students — will introduce how crime scene investigators pull from biology and chemistry, as well as mathematics and physics, to solve a murder or robbery.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150401/NEWS/150409710/1994/NEWS



Stone walls are a common sight in New England’s great open fields and dark, quiet forests. 
To New Hampshire author Kevin Gardner, each wall contributes to the story of the region’s history.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150401/NEWS/150409358/1994/NEWS


A small group of area residents has organized in opposition to Spectra Energy’s planned 10.1-mile natural gas pipeline in Massachusetts. 
Spectra Energy, a Texas-based company, has submitted a proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend its Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline system into the Northeast. The Atlantic Bridge pipeline, if approved, would connect into the existing 1,127-mile-long Algonquin line.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150402/NEWS/150409245/1994/NEWS


Joining more than 60 other cites and towns in the state, the Franklin Town Council has embraced the designation of “Purple Heart Community” in recognition of local veterans. 
The council at its meeting Wednesday approved a proclamation, which Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting will forward to the state’s Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter, declaring the town among the many Purple Heart Communities in Massachusetts.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150402/NEWS/150409175/1994/NEWS

Blackstone Valley: Updated April 2015 Events



Having trouble viewing this email? Click here


News and Happenings 


in the Blackstone River Valley 

National Heritage Corridor


For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar

Coffee with Charlene


Tuesday, April 21, 2015


Join Executive Director 
Charlene Perkins Cutler 
for her monthly coffee hour.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

This month's topic:  

Location:  
Blackstone Heritage Corridor
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895


For more information, click here





    

GO! for a walk...GO! for a hike...GO! for a paddle, or pedal, or tour!

What is it?

An exciting new fall activity for the 25 towns of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor during the entire month of September, 2015.  Blackstone Heritage Corridor will coordinate and promote a program of free, guided experiences and other events to highlight the wonderful resources in our valley!   






Volunteers on the Go!
 
Now that Spring is finally arriving, it is time to welcome back our amazing
volunteers, and invite new volunteers to experience the unique opportunities that the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's Volunteers In Parks program has to offer!

We are gearing up a fun and rewarding season.  Some examples of how people are already getting involved in 2015 include:


* Signing up to assist with a
   activity
*  Helping the Paddle Club
*  Joining the Blackstone River Bikeway 
   Patrol 
* Spending a few hours at a community    
   clean-up


Ready to get involved? 




Save the Dates!

We are looking ahead to some great activities and opportunities.  Mark your calendars, and look for more information in upcoming newsletters.


May 2            (Saturday) -   Bike and Blues the Blackstone
                                                  Click here for more information


May 15             (Friday)   -  Deadline for proposals
                                                         Click here for more information
  
       May 19            (Tuesday) - Coffee with Charlene
                                                         Stay tuned for more information,
                                                         including the topic of discussion!

 May 21        (Thursday)  - Mark your calendars for Ranger Walks 
                                            on Thursday evenings.  They begin on 
                                            Thursday, May 21, as Al Klyberg leads a
                                            discussion on the RI Civilian Conservation
                                            Corps.  Stay tuned for more information and 
                                            a complete schedule of 2015 Ranger Walks.


Partner Events in April

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






April    4 - Wintertime Farmers Market 


Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, visit the web page:




April   4 - Blackstone River Theatre
                 Low Lily (formerly Annalivia)


The string and vocal trio Low Lily (formerly Annalivia) explores the roots and branches of American folk music with traditional influences and modern inspiration that weaves together a unique brand of acoustic music.  Multi-instrumentalist Tim Connell makes his BRT debut with expertise in mandolin, Irish tin whistle, guitar and bass in music of many varied countries from around the world.  


Location:  Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
For more information, visit the web page: http://riverfolk.org/schedule.html

April 7 - Pawtucket Foundation
               Awards Celebration

Held each spring, the annual Awards Celebration is a unique opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Pawtucket. The recipients embody civic leadership and entrepreneurship representative of the Pawtucket Foundation's core values: collaboration, vision, sustainability, quality of place and excellence.

For more information, visit the web page:
         


April 8 - Massachusetts Historical Commission

              Grant Application workshop

The Massachusetts Historical Commission is pleased to announce that Round 21 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant program has been scheduled.  The MPPF supports the preservation of properties, landscapes and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places.  Eligible applicants are municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
A workshop will be held at the Millbury Public Library from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. to explain the program requirements, review program materials, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.  

For more information, visit the web page:

April 9 -  Blackstone River Watershed Association 

                Monthly Meeting


Monthly meeting on river and water quality issues. Public welcome.
For more information, visit the web pagewww.thebrwa.org



April 10 - Wildlife Conservation Society
                Grant Application deadline

The Wildlife Conservation Society's North America Program recently announced its next round of grantmaking through the WCS's Climate Adaptation Fund.

 Awards will be made to non-profit conservation organizations for applied, on-the-ground projects focused on implementing priority conservation actions for climate adaptation at a landscape scale. Interested organizations should carefully review the information outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the Applicant Guidance Document for instructions. 

For more information, visit the web page:


April 11 - Bay State Trail Riders Association                                           
                 22nd Annual Trail Work Day

Cleaning up any winter debris, cutting and brushing back as needed 
and cleaning out all the water bars that have been installed over the years. 
Please wear appropriate clothing for working in the woods, including sturdy shoes and wear gloves. 8:30 a.m. check-in and work will continue until noon. 

Location: West Hill Dam headquarters, 518 East Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge, MA

For more information, please contact Becky at bstra@charter.net


April 11 - Wintertime Farmers Market 

Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, visit the web page:


April 11 - Blackstone River Theatre
                International String Trio

The International String Trio is a group of exceptionally talented musicians that prides itself on its stylistic diversity and delivers music across a broad spectrum of sounds including Gypsy jazz, Appalachian folk, acoustic world music, virtuosic classical arrangements and popular songs from movie sound tracks.

Location:  Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
For more information, visit the web page: http://riverfolk.org/schedule.html


 
April 11 - Mass Audubon
                 Build a Bee Hotel

Attract native mason and leafcutter bees to your yard with an attractive and simple-to-make bee hotel. Our native bees are solitary, peaceful, and rarely sting. Learn how important bees are to us and what we can do to help them in our own back yards. All materials will be provided for you to construct your own bee house, and you'll get to help build a big one for the sanctuary.

For more information, visit the web page:



April 11 - Slater Mill's Stone Soup Coffeehouse
                 Featuring Gordon Bok

For more information, visit the web page:

April 12 - John Hunt House
                 Open House 
The Open House will coincide with the Herring Run on the 10 Mile River. Watch for the flag signal at the top of Hunts Mill Lane.  The keeping room exhibit will focus on research materials from our library and master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.    From 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Location:  John Hunt House, 65 Hunts Mill Road, Rumford, RI 02916
For additional information contact info@ephist.org


April 12 - Hearthside House
                Season Opening and Public Tours

Because of the large amounts of snow we've had this winter, Hearthside's season opening was delayed and will take place on Sunday, April 12th.  Guided tours will be offered to the public between the hours of 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.  

Location:  677 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865


April 12 - Blackstone River Theatre
                 Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy

For more than 40 years veteran guitarist Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators.  For this event, he has paired with his fiddle-playing daughter Eliza, who has won many awards of her own, for folk music at its best.

Location:  Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
For more information, visit the web page: http://riverfolk.org/schedule.html
   

April 15 - Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
                 Business & Breakfast

Guest Speaker:  Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito


April 15 - BRWC/FOB Board Meeting
Monthly Board meeting of the 
Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone.

For more information, go to the BRWC/FOB web page:


April 16 - Pawtucket Red Sox
                 PawSox Home Opening Game

Join the PawSox for their 2015 Season Home Opener, against Rochester.

For more information, visit the web page: http://www.milb.com/schedule/index.jsp?sid=t533


April 17 - Twin River Casino Event Center
                 The Beach Boys

You can capsulize most pop music acts by reciting how many hits they've had and how many millions of albums they've sold.  But these conventional measurements fall short when you're assessing the impact of The Beach Boys.  

For more information, visit the web page:


April 18 - Hearthside House
                 Downton Abbey - style Dinner Party

Hearthside will host a Downton Abbey Dinner Party and you're invited to this elegant event that is inspired by the TV series.  Both the setting and the meal will be opulent, certainly meeting the standards of the Crawleys to enjoy on this side of the pond.

Reservations for the Downton Dinner Party may be made by calling Hearthside at 401-726-0597. Seating is limited. 


April 18 - Bay State Trail Riders Association & Mass. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation

                Trail Work Day Douglas State Forest
                                                                                                                                 

Bay State Trail Riders Association and Mass. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation 
will be partnering up to start improvements to part of Ridge Trail. Work will consist
of cutting and brushing back. Each person's work that day will go towards the 
match of a grant BSTRA received. Please wear appropriate clothing for working in the woods, including sturdy shoes and wear gloves. Check-in is 8:30 a.m., trail work begins at 9:00 a.m and continues until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served upon completion.



Location: Wallis Street Trailhead parking lot. 
               Closest house number to parking lot is 124 Wallis Street, Douglas, MA

For more information, please contact Becky at bstra@charter.net.




April 18  - Wintertime Farmers Market 


Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

Location:  Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, visit the web page:


April 18  -  Blackstone River Theatre
                  The Mairtin O'Connor Trio

The Máirtín O'Connor band has been steadily evolving into a cohesive musical entity. Individually recognized figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity. Together they produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one's concept of brilliance, verging on perfection.

Location:  Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
For more information, visit the web page: http://riverfolk.org/schedule.html


April 18-19  - Twin River Casino Events Center
                 Annual Southern New England Women's Expo
          "Love is Life" Tour

Seminars, fashion shows, beauty pavilion, cooking demos, wine tastings, book signings, live entertainment, shopping. 

For more information and to pre-register, visit the web page:  www.snewomensexpo.com


April 19 - Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA)                                     
                 Earth Day Cleanup

Support the BRWA's efforts to clean up the Blackstone River Watershed.  Join them for their annual Earth Day event! 

Once again, the BRWA will be asking scouts, church groups, families, and local businesses to support the BRWA's efforts to clean up the Blackstone River Watershed. Last year there were more than 200 people assisting in seven towns throughout the watershed! 

For a location near you, contact Susan Thomas at events@thebrwa.org 
For more information, visit the web page: http://www.thebrwa.org/


April 24 - Slater Mill
                Mills & Mysteries - A Ghostly Experience

Now in its fifth season, Slater Mill's Ghost Hunts are paranormal investigations of what is considered to be one of the most haunted places in New England. 

Renowned paranormal investigators Carl L. Johnson, his twin bother Keith E. Johnson, and their associates, present a unique investigation of Slater Mill's historic structures after dark.  Slater Mill's haunted past attracted the attention of the T.A.P.S. crew, which featured the mill on an episode of the Sci-Fi Channel show "Ghost Hunters" in 2008.


April 25 - Bay State Trail Riders Association
   MA DCR Park Serve Day
  Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT)
       
Bay State Trail Riders Association and Mass. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation 
will be partnering up again this year to celebrate Park Serve Day by cleaning up the SNETT. Work will consist of cutting and brushing back along the trail. Every person's work that day will go towards the match of a grant that BSTRA received. Please wear appropriate clothing for working in the woods, including sturdy shoes and wear gloves. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m., trail work begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served upon completion. Rain date is April 26. 

Location: Southern New England Trunkline Trail crossing on Monroe Street. 
                Use street address 122 Monroe Street, Douglas, MA on GPS. 

For more information, please contact Becky at bstra@charter.net


April 25  - Wintertime Farmers Market 

Visit Hope Artiste Village every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. through May 9 for local products. Don't forget to bring your recycling, and drop off your clean egg cartons for farmers to reuse.

For more information, visit the web page:


April 25 - Mass Audubon
                Statewide Volunteer Day

Enjoy getting outdoors, re-connecting with nature, and helping one of our wildlife sanctuaries tackle their spring "to do" list. We'll have a variety of volunteer projects at 16 sites across Massachusetts.  Join our corps of volunteers and find out where you can volunteer and how you can make a difference in just one morning.

For more information, visit the web page:


April 25 - Rhode Island Historic Preservation Conference

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) presents the Annual Rhode Island Statewide Historic Preservation Conference in different communities around the state. The daylong conference provides local preservationists to network, share ideas, present recent projects, and discuss new challenges. 

For more information, visit the web page:http://www.preservation.ri.gov/conference/15overview.php


April 25 - Slater Mill's Stone Soup Coffeehouse
                 Featuring Ronnie Cox

For more information, visit the web page:


April 25 - Friends of Upton State Forest (FUSF)
                MA DCR Park Serve Day

Many hands make light work so please join us for the annual MA DCR spring work party. 

Youth over 12 are welcome with a parent's signature. Youth groups are required to pre-register. Contact us for registration forms. Bring tools such as rakes, shovels and loppers. No power tools. Dress for work and the weather. Don't forget gloves, insect repellant and sunscreen. Water will be provided. 

Location:  Meet at the Headquarters Building at Upton State Forest near the intersection of Westborough and Southborough Roads in Upton, MA. (GPS 205 Westboro Rd, Upton, MA). 

For more information, contact DCR at 508-278-6486 or FUSF at news@friendsofuptonstateforest.org

For more information about Park Serve Day visit the web page:


April 25 - Blackstone River Theatre
                 Burning Bridget Cleary

Known for their captivating sound and engaging stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary is currently one of the hottest young acts on the Celtic and folk music circuits with a reputation for presenting high-spirited Celtic music.  

Location:  Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI

For more information, visit the web page:


April 29 - Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
                 Lunch & Learn - The Year of the Fiduciary

As the government continues to focus more and more on the retirement plan market place, what does this mean for you as an employer running a benefits package?  We will discuss the increased regulations, how it affects your day to day  responsibilities and how to protect yourself and your business.


April 30 - Captain Planet Foundation
                 Grant Application Deadline

The Captain Planet Foundation is accepting applications from schools and nonprofit organizations for its Ecotech Grant program, a new initiative to support projects that motivate children through the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields while challenging them to reimagine the way their world can be. 

Sixteen grants of $2,500 each will be awarded to schools and nonprofit organizations in support of projects that use innovation, nature-based design, or technology to address local environmental problems. Ideal projects will integrate environmental education with opportunities for children to solve real-world problems by using science practices and technology to help care for the environment. Preference will be given to applicants who have secured $2,500 in matching funds or in-kind contributions. In addition, priority will be given to student-directed projects that provide materials that make the project easy to replicate, including lesson plans, protocols, videos, adaptations, and examples of student work. 

For more information, visit the web page:


May 1   - The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) 
                Service and Volunteerism Awards

The MSA is currently seeking nominations for the 2015 Massachusetts Service and Volunteerism Awards. 

The MSA invites you to nominate an outstanding Blackstone Heritage Corridor individual in either of two categories: Getting Things Done, and Lifetime Achievement.  Alternatively, you may nominate a nonprofit organization or business for the Higher Ed/Community Service Partnership, Service-Learning Partnership, Corporate Partnership, or Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award. 

MSA will pay tribute to the winners during a special Awards Luncheon Ceremony at the 2015 Massachusetts Conference on Service and Volunteering on Monday, June 1st at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. 

For more information, visit the web page:




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