Volunteers Needed

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is looking for help to direct and coordinate rail trail events and the further development of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). 

Be part of our volunteer, executive leadership team and make a difference in the communities of Franklin and Bellingham. The SNETT rail trail is a great asset for all ages and abilities in our communities and beyond. We need your help, apply today!

Apply online   https://www.facebook.com/job_opening/1588343921265377/

Volunteers Needed - Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Shared from Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinBellinghamSNETT/posts/2019791701446191

For more about the Rail Trail Committee visit them on the web
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

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

FBRTC: Walk the SNETT this Friday!

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Walk the SNETT with the FBRTC Friday, November 30, 9 - 10 AM Join members of the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for a walk on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail in Franklin. Be sure to wear gear appropriate for a light, late November hike where the weather my be chilly and parts of the trail may be wet. Also please wear bright colored clothing as it is hunting season for woods neighboring the trail. For any questions or additional information, please visit our Facebook page. See you on the trail! Copyright © 2018 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

“This is really the beginning of the operation”

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

"Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) members and avid trail riders Bob Amrich and his wife Linda proudly pedaled past the new entrance to the Grove Street trail on Monday afternoon. 

The most recent landscape makeover at the SNETT (Southern New England Trunk Trail) entrance on Grove Street includes new signs, a cobblestone entrance, and a crushed stone pathway surrounded by shrubs and flowers. 

“It’s important for families in the area to have access to something that’s healthy,” Linda Amrich said. “It’s nice to have this family activity away from computers.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180919/franklins-snett-trail-entrance-gets-makeover

enhanced entrance to the SNETT trail on Grove St

enhanced entrance to the SNETT trail on Grove St - another view

Photos from the SNETT trail clean up - Saturday, Apr 21

A group of volunteers gathered to walk along the SNETT and trim back the tree fall from the winter storms on Saturday. Some of the low spots were filled in and trash was picked up along the way.

My wife and I love walking the SNETT so this was a good way to help give back!

trail head for the SNETT on Grove St

puddle was shrunken as part of the work done Saturday

the clean up crew

The portion cut through the rocks 

puddle reflection

the trail with bare trees

Haven't been to the SNETT yet? 
Check it out. From the Grove St parking lot, it is about 2.5 miles round trip to Prospect St and back. Cross Prospect St and go to Center St in Bellingham and it is about 6 miles round trip.






For additional information on the SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page  http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

FBRTC's January Fundraiser at Pour Richard's - Jan 28

The SNETT trail is one of the hidden gems in Franklin. Regular readers will recognize that I walk there frequently. I always find it amazing to stop and think about how the trail was built. The Franklin section is relatively flat. There is one section after Spring St where there was blasting done at some point to cut through a stone ridge. The cut was done many years ago and not like the pristine cuts we are familiar with along the major interstate highways.

The Bellingham section, between Prospect St and Center St is more amazing as you find yourself elevated well above the surrounding terrain. Stop and think about how they did that? That would have been done in the days of horse or donkey draw carts with hand tools, picks and shovels. That was a whole lot of earth to move to lay out the train line.

I don't forget those nameless workers as I walk and enjoy what they have prepared for us to enjoy years later. You can have an easier time helping the Rail Trail Committee continue its work to improve upon the existing trail conditions.

"Join us for our annual FUNdraiser at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits on Sunday, January 28, 1-4 PM.
Tickets are $10/person.

Pour Richard's will be offering beer and wine tastings. We will have snacks, door prizes, and live entertainment by pianist Patrick Durkin (2-3 PM). 

Come learn more about the trail and Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

All proceeds from the tickets are 100% donation to the FBRTC and Pour Richard's is donating portion of the proceeds from event sales. Stock up for the Super Bowl!"

Find the Rail Trail FUNdraising event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1989907701294771/

town line marker as you return to Franklin from Bellingham

a section of the Bellingham stretch, off to the left of this photo is where you really see the land drop off

the section cut out of the rocks in Franklin can be wet as it is a low point
but there is almost always a dry path on the side

new sign for the trail entrance along Spring St in Franklin

For more information about the Rail Trail visit their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

In the News: Berry costume drive success; planning rail trail connections to Boston

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

"The children at Boston Children’s hospital are geared up with hundreds of costumes and accessories for this Halloween, thanks to a costume drive at Berry Insurance. 

Berry was able to collect 300 costumes and accessories this year. Owner of Berry, Kaitlyn Pintarich, said that this is the business’ 11th and most successful year. In its 11-year-run, the business has collected more than 2,000 costumes, said Pintarich. 

“For me, I have four children, all who have been seen at Children’s at some point or another,” she said. “The work that they do there is just incredible. To be able to put a little bit of normalcy into (the patients’) lives when this time could be very scary for them in the hospital, it’s something you just can’t pass up.” 

In addition to the costumes, Berry also raised $1,400 in cash donations. The cash, she said, will be used to buy discount costumes after Halloween to keep the drive going. She also mentioned the business accepts donations all year round."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171027/costume-drive-by-franklin-business-howling-success

"If trail planner David Loutzenheiser had his way, an intrepid cyclist could jump on a bike in Milford and pedal safely to Boston on a network of greenways and rail trails. 

“I’ve been spending the last five years or more mapping the trails throughout the region,” Loutzenheiser told a crowd of MetroWest trail enthusiasts Friday morning. 

The ride to Boston will likely stay a dream a little longer, but, thanks to a new regional initiative, easy bicycle and foot travel through MetroWest is drawing closer to reality. 

Loutzenheiser and dozens of local trail experts gathered under a pavilion in Ashland State Park Friday to kick off the MetroWest Landline Project. The initiative, orchestrated by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and MetroWest Regional Collaborative, looks to close seven trail gaps in the region. Loutzenheiser will act as the chief project coordinator."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171027/initiative-to-close-trail-gaps-in-metrowest

The SNETT in Franklin and Bellingham is not currently part of this plan

Enjoy a Pop up StoryWalk® on the SNETT Sunday - Sep 24

"Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #2! 

The featured book is: Amelia Bedelia Hits The Trail. It is level 1, beginning reading, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event. 

The StoryWalk® will be located on the same side as the parking area. Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff for this event, just come anytime between 10am and 4pm and have fun reading and exploring. 

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson."

Enjoy a Pop up Story Walk on the SNETT Sunday - Sep 24

When: Sunday at 8 AM - 4 PM

Where: Lake Street Trailhead in Bellingham MA between Cross St and Claires Way


Follow updates on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/361738560905565/

In the News: SNETT glimpse into past; Harvest Festival sign up now; FSPA open houses scheduled

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

"For Dave Barber, a trip on Franklin and Bellingham section of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail isn’t just a chance to exercise your legs, it’s an opportunity to glimpse into the past. 

Barber, a member of the Blackstone River Bikeway Patrol, said he suggested the venue for a ride last Wednesday which was promoted through the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. 

During the ride, Barber, a member of the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, pointed out sights along the trail that others might miss. 

“There’s an area where Railroad Street used to cross the right of way,” he said. “The South Bellingham railroad station used to be there, and there was a trolley line as well.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/bellingham-bike-ride-promotes-rail-trail

SNETT in Franklin

"Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 15th annual Harvest Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 on Main, East Central and West Central streets. 

Plans for the festival are underway and booth space is filling up fast. Visitors will be treated to local entertainment, fall flavors from local restaurants, kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and information from community groups and vendors. 

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Partnership members will receive a booth for free; non-members will be charged $125. Downtown businesses must send in an application to ensure storefront space. Booths are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/strongfranklin-downtown-partnership-announces-harvest-festival-strong

from the archives: a Harvest Festival Parking Sign from 2013

"Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main St., will expand this fall to assume the entire building of the Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin.

FSPA will host open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9, and from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 19 at the school.

The renovation will connect all areas of the existing FSPA facility and provide spacious new dance and music studios, and a first floor waiting area for students and families. The expansion will also create and house Intermission, a new downtown cafe available to the FSPA community and open to the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/strongfranklin-school-for-performing-arts-announces-expansionstrong

FSPA will host open houses - Sep 9 and Sep 19

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25 - 9 AM

"Come read and walk on the local rail trail. Book(s) are suitable for ages 3 and up, but all are welcome! Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free book. 

This is a pop up StoryWalk® that will only be available on Aug 25th between 9-11am. 

There is a parking area near the kiosk on Center Street, the StoryWalk® will be across the street from parking.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. 

Thank you to the Bellingham Public Library for help with the book selections."

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

For updates, follow the Facebook event from the Rail Trail Committee

https://www.facebook.com/events/461541297550902/

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

"Come read and walk on the local rail trail. Book(s) are suitable for ages 3 and up, but all are welcome! Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free book. 

This is a pop up StoryWalk® that will only be available on Aug 25th between 9-11am. 

There is a parking area near the kiosk on Center Street, the StoryWalk® will be across the street from parking.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. 

Thank you to the Bellingham Public Library for help with the book selections."

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

For updates, follow the Facebook event from the Rail Trail Committee

https://www.facebook.com/events/461541297550902/

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly meeting Feb 7

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 7th On Tuesday, Feb 7, 2016, the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will hold a meeting at the YMCA in Franklin starting at 7:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend. Our primary discussion will be on developing a year-long calendar of events that will increase both the awareness and the usage of the trail.  If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference, please consider attending! Download this month's agenda (143 KB) Copyright © 2017 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

a trail in the State Forest that can be reached when you take a side trail from the SNETT

In the News: Sec of Energy takes a bike ride; School Committee stands against Question 2

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

"Local residents, town officials and state legislators lobbied for state support in an unusual way: by going on a bike ride. 

The group guided Matthew Beaton, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, down the town's portion of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Wednesday afternoon. Their aim was to garner support for a tunnel beneath Prospect Street, which would connect the trail to a wider network of bike paths. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, said the group was hoping to convince Beaton to bring its concerns to Gov. Charlie Baker. 

"It's a nice trail all the way, until you get to Prospect Street," he said, estimating that the intersection was about 1.25 miles from the trail's Grove Street entrance. "There, it's a steep climb up - you can't ride it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161026/state-official-rides-franklin-rail-trail

"Citing the town's key role in American public education, the School Committee took a position against a charter-school ballot question in the November election. 

The committee at its meeting Tuesday night voted unanimously against Question 2, a ballot measure that would lift the cap on charter schools in the state. 

Several of those who spoke on the matter mentioned that Franklin is the birthplace of Horace Mann, regarded as the father of public education in the U.S., and that they believed the referendum, if passed, would go against the principles he supported. 

Committee member Anne Bergen said she believed the measure would create schools that were not subject to public oversight."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161026/franklin-school-committee-opposed-to-charter-school-question

trail head parking lot for the SNETT on Grove St