FBRTC: Upcoming Events - first up - Trail walk, Thursday, Dec 27

View this email in your browser https://mailchi.mp/300b378cf711/2-3395473?e=a29a9f98b7 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Upcoming Events There is plenty going on over the next couple of months with the FBRTC. Check out the events below for more information. We hope to see you at one of the events or on the trail! SNETT Walk with FBRTC Thursday, December 27th 11 AM - 12 PM Center Street trailhead in Bellingham Join members of the FBRTC for a group walk on the trail! More info 2019 Annual Meeting Tuesday, January 8, 2019 7:30 PM  – 9 PM Hockomock YMCA, Franklin Please join us for our Annual Meeting and get firsthand information on how the trail is shaping up! More info January FUNdraiser Pour Richards Sunday, January 27th 1 PM - 4 PM Join us at Pour Richard's Wine and  Spirits for our winter FUNdraiser of beer, wine tasting and great conversations! More info Copyright © 2018 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

FBRTC: Upcoming Events - a trail walk, annual meeting, and Fundraising

View this email in your browser: https://mailchi.mp/59b41e316e46/2-3394633?e=a29a9f98b7 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Upcoming Events There is plenty going on over the next couple of months with the FBRTC. Check out the events below for more information. We hope to see you at one of the events or on the trail!  SNETT Walk with FBRTC  Thursday, December 27th  11 AM - 12 PM  Center Street trail head in  Bellingham  Join members of the FBRTC for a group   walk on the trail! More info 2019 Annual Meeting  Tuesday, January 8, 2019 7:30 PM  –  9 PM Hockmock YMCA, Franklin  Please join us for our Annual Meeting and get firsthand information on how the trail is shaping up! More info  January FUNdraiser  Pour Richards  Sunday, January 27th  1 PM - 4 PM Join us at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits for our winter FUNdraiser of beer, wine tasting and great conversations! More info Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Franklin Library: Easy Walking and Paddling Guide to the Ten Mile River Watershed - July 10

"Easy Walking and Paddling Guide to the Ten Mile River Watershed" is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10 at the Franklin Public Library at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: Easy Walking and Paddling Guide to the Ten Mile River Watershed - July 10

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/easy-walking-and-paddling-guide-ten-mile-river-watershed

Information on other books in the Easy Walks series can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/more-easy-walks-in-massachusetts.html

"many towns once used the river as a source power"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Bellingham resident and author Marjorie Turner Hollman has just completed the third in her “Easy Walks” local trail guide series, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, this time in partnership with the Ten Mile River Watershed Council. 

Members of the Ten Mile River Watershed Council worked together with Hollman to create this guide to 39 outdoor spaces in the towns that host the river. The series now covers 34 towns in south central and southeastern Massachusetts, and three Rhode Island towns along Massachusetts’ southern border -- more than 120 trails in all. 

Looking for places to walk with your family and/or friends, or with your dog? Hoping to spend time in the outdoors on a trail that is handicapped friendly? Want to find a new place to walk that is right around the corner from where you live? Or maybe you have a canoe or kayak but don’t know how to find safe canoe launches. 

Find information to satisfy all these needs, and more, with maps to each trail head, in each of the books in the series."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180612/local-author-completes-easy-walks-trail-guide-series

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Paddles-River-Watershed-ebook/dp/B07CVPQPPS

Marjorie's other books in the series

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/more-easy-walks-in-massachusetts.html

8th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour prepares for 11 day trek through the Blackstone Valley - Stopping in Franklin

The 8th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour, founded by songwriting duo Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards, will be coming this year to the Blackstone Valley – performing 11 free community concerts while traversing the state on foot. Since 2010, Mandeville and Richards have organized now over 100 coffeehouse style concerts which showcase local musicians and artists across the state – creating a quality evening program for all ages and an opportunity for talent young and old to be enjoyed by a listening audience. Venues chosen for these community concerts include public libraries, town parks, and historical properties – and this year all events have been funded through local cultural council grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council program.

The concert at Franklin Public Library will feature local performers “Rhythm & Flow”, Matt Zajac, Jackson Gillman with the MA Walking Troupe to follow. This event is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

The MWT will lead a group hike Meet at the SNETT crossing (approx 372 Lake St, Bellingham, MA. Arriving 9:30-10am ) and walk the SNETT to Chilson Beach (over shoots the library by 1 mile). 3 miles. approx 2 hours. Alternative: Meet at Chilson Beach (598 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA arriving around 1pm ) – 0.25 mile trail along Eastern Shore of the pond. Parking near the beach.0.25 Miles.

Carrying approximately 40-50 lbs of gear and instruments, the Massachusetts Walking Troupe, including veteran members Mark Kilianski (guitar, banjo) and Amy Alvey (fiddle), will be hiking from concert to concert using the Blackstone Valley’s many recreational trails – Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), Charles River Bikeway, and trails within DCR’s Riverbend Farm to name a few. In addition to evening concerts, the troupe will also be organizing a series of short group hikes wherein the community will be invited to meet up with the Massachusetts Walking Tour as they travel between towns. 

These public hikes will highlight some of the Blackstone Valley’s recreational hiking trails, routes which appear in local author Marjorie Turner Hollman’s book Easy Walks In Massachusetts. All daily routes and "Easy Walks" are available to view and download at www.masswalkingtour.org.

The Eighth Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour will take place between June 15 and June 24, starting in Webster and ending in Blackstone. All concerts will be from 6-8pm and here is a complete listing of events:

Eighth Annual Massachusetts Walking 
Tour arrives in Franklin - June 23

June 15 – Memorial Beach – Webster MA
June 16 – EN Jenckes General Store – Douglas MA
June 17 – River Bend Farm – Uxbridge MA
June 18 – Kiwanis Beach – Upton MA
June 19 – Hopedale Unitarian Parish – Hopedale MA
June 20 – Milford Senior Center – Milford MA
June 21 – Medway Public Library – Medway MA
June 22 – Bellingham Public Library – Bellingham MA
June 23 – Franklin Public Library – Franklin MA
June 24 – Blackstone Boys and Girls Club – Blackstone MA



For more information on these events or for videos of previous year’s Massachusetts Walking Tours, please visit:
www.masswalkingtour.org

Mindfulness in Nature: a Guided Meditation Walk

a free mindful walk at the DelCarte Conservation Area on June 7 at 6:00 PM

Shared from the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/photos/a.399579373729229.1073741828.399575860396247/452894465064386/?type=3&theater

Reminder: Two speakers about walks in future and walks today

Just a reminder that The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club next event is this Wednesday, January 11. We are hosting two local speakers; local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

even in the snow, the woods are lovely at DelCarte

Related post

• 2nd edition of Easy Walks with links to three easy walks in Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

Franklin Newcomers: January 11 - Earls and Hollman on Outdoor Activities

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, January 11th we are pleased to host two speakers. 

• Local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

• Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

clouds on the surface at DelCarte

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

Additional info on the Charles River Meadowlands can be found online
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Additional info on Marjorie can be found on her webpage
https://marjorieturner.com/

Pick a date/time to hear about Easy Walks in MA

Leaf peepers in south Central Massachusetts can learn about the best places to admire the fall colors, from local cemeteries to off-the- beaten-path hideaways, when Bellingham author Marjorie Turner Hollman visits eight libraries in September.

Hollman's slide show features photos of vivid fall color, and she will point out simple things to look for while exploring, and the best places to take the kids and the dog. Peak color in eastern Massachusetts is generally the first two weeks in October.

"Seek out local cemeteries," she said. "You will often find spectacular sugar maples that look like they're ablaze. No power lines to obscure the view, the neighbors are peaceful, and the walkways are often paved."

Here's the schedule:

• Douglas Sr. Center/Douglas Library, 331 Main St. Douglas, MA slide show, brownbag lunch, then take an Easy Walk on the SNETT in Douglas, Sept. 12, 11AM
• Upton MA Library, Upton Town Hall, slide show of Easy Walks Sept. 14, 6:30PM
• Medway MA Library, 26 High St., slide show of Easy Walks Sept.15, 7PM
• Blackstone, MA Library, 86 Main St., slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 20, 1PM
• Franklin, MA Library 25 Kenwood Circle, slide show of Easy Walks, Sept.20, 6:30PM
• Milford, MA Library, 80 Spruce St., Foliage detectives slide show of Blackstone Valley and Upper Charles river watershed, Sept. 21, 7PM
• Weston, MA Library, 87 School Street, “Fall Foliage is right around the corner” slide show of Easy Walks in the Upper Charles, Neponset and Sudbury River Watersheds, Sept. 22, 2:30PM
• Millville, MA Library, 169 Main St. Slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 28, 6:30PM

Easy Walks in MA

Her favorite spot for leaf peeping?

"An overlook in the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park," she said. "It's an easy quarter-mile walk from parking to the overlook, then a little scramble onto the rock to enjoy the view. I’m a sucker for a view, even if it's a little challenging."

Hollman is a personal historian who loves the outdoors, and has completed two guides to easy walking trails in Massachusetts: the just released, Easy Walks in MA 2nd edition https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340 ($21.95) and More Easy Walks ($20), both available on Amazon. The two books together include location maps, information on where dogs are welcome and much more about 80+ local trails in 31 surrounding communities. Hollman will sign copies of her books at each library.

http://marjorieturner.com/2015/07/30/find-fantastic-fall-foliage/

1st PokeWalk on the SNETT - Monday, August 15 - 9:00 AM

Join us for the 1st PokeWalk on the SNETT.

Walk your phone, hatch some eggs, catch a Pokemon and explore the trail!

Meet at the trailhead on Grove Street and walk as little or as much as you can (see the picture for map and distances).

Bring good shoes, bug spray, maybe some change (Spring Street Farm stand is along the way) and don't forget to charge your phone. 

Weather permitting. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

PokeWalk on the SNETT

Where is the trailhead for the SNETT?

Along Grove St, closer to the Washington St end (not the Beaver St/140 end)



From the SNETT Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1133915243349554/

2nd edition of Easy Walks in MA now available

Marjorie Turner Hollman has let us know that the 2nd edition of Easy Walks is now available. 

"By popular demand, here is the second edition, expanded from the original Easy Walks publication. Now included are maps, trail conditions, as well as photos, directions, and lots more information for over 50 local walking trails in 16 towns in the Upper Charles River and Blackstone River Valley watersheds in Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island. 

You'll find trail locations in Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Grafton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Northbridge, Upton, Uxbridge, Wrentham, all towns in south central Massachusetts, and Woonsocket, RI. 

Many locations are dog-friendly--learn which places welcome you and your dog before you go! All trails are grandparent, parent, and kid friendly. Learn about distances of trails, highlights along the way, directions to each trail head and more"

Easy Walks in Massachusetts 2nd edition

In 2014, we shared three 'easy walks' in Franklin that were included in the first edition:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-snett.html


The Amazon link can be found here
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470180569&sr=1-1&keywords=easy+walks+in+massachusetts+2nd+edition

Franklin Rock Walk - June 18th

Hi Steve,

We've crossed paths at a number of different points along the way, particularly through my involvement with Franklin history and historical commemoration. 

I'm also involved in the New England geology scene and I'm offering a unique program at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18th. We will be exploring the Franklin State Forest, and the geology of Franklin, meeting up in the YMCA parking lot. 

If you could add this event to your calendar or let people know about it on Franklin Matters, that would be tremendous!

Best,

Eamon McCarthy Earls

a trail in the Franklin Town Forest off Summer St (not where the rock walk is scheduled to take place)

"More Easy Walks in Massachusetts"

More Easy Walks In MA

"When you're looking for an Easy Walk that's just around the corner from where you live, this is a resource you'll turn to again and again. Whether you hope for sweeping views, walks along ponds and streams, or even a good look at a working cranberry bog, there's something of interest on each trail. Discover lots of open trails that allow for friendly walks with family and/or friends; south central Massachusetts has so much to offer. So head on outdoors!"

Order your copy of the book here  https://www.createspace.com/5296061



From her first Easy Walks she shared three walks in Franklin:

Beaver Pond
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html

Dacey Fields
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html

SNETT
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-snett.html

Community Walking at Franklin High School

With typical variation in the New England weather for this week, this is timely!

Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce that Community Walking is returning to Franklin High School effective Monday, January 5, 2015. 

Franklin residents are invited to escape the cold temperatures and walk in the warmth of the high school track or hallways. Walking will be available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  

• Walkers may use the elevated track when there are no games taking place in the gym
• When there are games in the gym, walkers may use the high school hallways on the first floor

There will be signs in the lobby to inform walkers whether the track or hallways are available. Additionally, a Community Walking calendar will be posted on the Lifelong Learning website. 

Walkers should enter the Panther Door and go to the Adult Ed. Office to sign-in and receive a guest lanyard. When they are finished walking, they go back to the Adult Ed. Office, sign-out, and return their guest lanyard. The sign-in/sign-out process and the wearing of guest lanyards are part of the school safety protocol. 

For more information on Community Walking please call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Community Entrance at Franklin High School

This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools page here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01F6E2B9-000F8513.0/Community%20walking%20press%20release.pdf

You can navigate to the Lifelong Learning webpage via the Franklin home page, chose "Schools", and then within "Departments" chose "Lifelong Learning"

or go directly here  http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/

Blackstone Valley: Join us for this week's Ranger Walkabout

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Ranger Walkabout on Thursday, August 14 Slatersville: America's First Mill Village Thursday, August 14  Slatersville: America's First Mill Village North Smithfield Public Library 20 Main Street North Smithfield, RI Start time: 6:30 pm Join a National Park Service Ranger to explore America's first planned mill village.  Learn how John Slater came to this site along the Branch River to expand the Textile Empire that his brother Samuel had begun in Pawtucket in 1790.  Slatersville is not only the first planned mill village in America, it is one of the best preserved. Almost all of the elements of the original village, from the mill, to the worker housing, the church and the company stores still remain.  Parking: Parking is available at the North Smithfield Public Library parking lot at 20 Main Street, Slatersville, (North Smithfield), RI.  See the full schedule Event Calendar Check out the event calendar for a more complete, detailed listing of Blackstone Corridor Events: Event Calendar  We are glad to include Corridor-related news and events, both on our web site calendar and in our monthly newsletter, Corridor Currents. Send us your stuff! About The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Congress established the National Heritage Corridor in 1986 to restore and preserve the nationally significant heritage of the Blackstone River Valley, where the industrialization of America began. It has become a successful program of partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations, pooling their resources and pursuing a common agenda of preservation and revitalization.  Ongoing Blackstone Corridor programs and projects include historic preservation, river cleanup, land conservation and stewardship, visitor centers, ranger walks, programs with schools, recreational programs and events, support for arts and cultural events, training for partners and volunteers and assistance to towns trying to preserve their heritage while also improving the local and regional economy. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor One Depot Square Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895 Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor 401-762-0250

Forward this email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by brvnhc@gmail.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895