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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, October 11, 2020
FBRTC News: Grove Street Parking Lot Closure - Oct 13-16
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
#SNETTPhoto2020 – Photo Contest
Fall photo contest featuring the SNETT Rail Trail! Here is what you need to know.
DETAILS AND RULES
Who should enter
Anyone, any age. Exceptions: FBRTC Executive Board Members and members of the FBRTC Judging Panel.
Categories
Under 18, Over 18.
What to enter
Any photos taken on the SNETT (Southern New England Trunkline Trail) of nature, landscapes, people on the trail.
Note: A signed release from any recognizable people in your images is required, and you must be able to provide copies of those releases to the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee upon request.
How to enter
Take a photo on the SNETT rail trail and post on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter only) with a hashtag #SNETTPhoto2020
Then email the photo (including the photo caption and photo location), your name, and category (Under 18, Over 18) to fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Photos should be jpg/jpeg files no larger than 10MB (no screen shots). One photo per contestant.
When to enter
Contest runs October 1 – October 31, 2020
Judging
Top 4 finalists from each category will be selected by a panel of the FBRTC volunteer members. All decisions made by the judges are final. The 8 winning photographs will be published in The Country Gazette (Photographer’s Portfolio page).
Rights
By entering this photo contest, you hereby grant to the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC):
- Non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable publication rights for your photos in all FBRTC’s publicity materials (print or electronic), and the right to use your name in such publications.
- This includes the right to use your photos on our website, social media, in print and electronic advertisements and promotions.
- All photographs will be credited with the caption “©Person’s Name.”
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee reserves the right at our sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the photo contest.
Shared from https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/snettphoto2020/
#SNETTPhoto2020 – Photo Contest |
Monday, September 7, 2020
StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT
Please enjoy the StoryWalk(R) along the SNETT in Bellingham, MA. The StoryWalk(R) will be installed at the Center St. trailhead. Please observe social distancing when visiting or wear a mask if 6ft distance cannot be maintained. Thank you.
The featured book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
The StoryWalk(R) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kello-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk(R) is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
For additional rail trail events https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/events/
StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT |
Sunday, June 21, 2020
SNETT Storywalk(R) Through June 28
"Please enjoy the StoryWalk along the SNETT in Bellingham, MA. The StoryWalk(R) is installed at the Center St. trailhead.
Please observe social distancing when visiting or wear a mask if 6ft distance cannot be maintained. Thank you.
The StoryWalk(R) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kello-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk(R) is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson."
Shared from the FBRTC page
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/june-storywalkr-on-the-snett/
SNETT Storywalk(R) Through June 28 |
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
SNETT Trail Advisory - section by Prospect St closed
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Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Fresh air is good for us, get out to the woods/trail for a walk
“I have some good news. Nature is not canceled,” said Bonnie Combs, marketing director for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. “Fresh air and sunshine are good for you. Just practice social distancing.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200317/coronavirus-pushes-people-outdoors
The SNETT trail is good walking here in Franklin more info on their page
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
DelCarte Open Space on Pleasant St is always a good choice for me. Find more trail maps and info about other options in Franklin here
https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/files/fields-playgrounds
on a trail in the Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St) recently |
Monday, February 17, 2020
2020 Presidents' Day Group Walk on the SNETT
"Please join us for our monthly group walk on February 17 (Presidents’ Day) at 10 AM.
We will meet in the parking lot at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin. All are welcome, including well behaved, leashed dogs."
Follow the Facebook event post by FBRTC
https://www.facebook.com/events/3344296688930355/
Wear good shoes, the trail is likely to be icy near the 'sunken' portion |
Thursday, February 13, 2020
SNETT Grove Street Parking Lot Closure
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
January Group Walk on the SNETT - Jan 20
Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. Our January walk is planned on Monday, January 20th, 2020 (MLK Holiday) at 10 AM at the Center Street Trailhead in Bellingham.
Our December walk proved that having a pair of slip on ice crampons in a car is a great idea for winter walks. As always, this event is kid friendly and leashed dogs are welcome too.
Keep an eye on the event here or our Facebook page for any changes due to weather.
See you on the trail!
Please note: We are changing the location to Center St. trailhead in Bellingham. Since we are going to be walking by the Kindness Rocks spot, please feel free to bring a kindness rock or two to add. Thank you.
When: Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/595517817682623/
The slope at Prospect St where the tunnel will eventually go through on the SNETT (and under Prospect St) |
Monday, December 23, 2019
Walk Off Those Cookies Group Walk On The SNETT - Dec 26
Let’s try to walk off some of those holiday calories and get some fresh air. This is a child friendly activity and leashed dogs are always welcome too.
Last group walk of 2019!
Date: December 26
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Venue: SNETT Parking Lot, Grove Street, Franklin MA
This event is free, but we would love your support: become a member today: https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/join-support/
The SNETT Trail heading from Lake St to Cross St in Bellingham |
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Walk Off That Turkey - SNETT Group Walk - Nov 29
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Funding Approved for SNETT Tunnel in Franklin
"The Southern New England Trunk.line Trail serves as an important corridor that offers exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities while also connecting communities together throughout the region," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. "The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to provide essential funding for the rail trait's Prospect Street tunnel project, which will be managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and appreciates the dedication and hard work of the Town of Franklin's legislative delegation."
SNETT trailhead on Grove St |
Franklin's legislative delegation has been actively working on this funding since 2014 in order to expand the connectivity of this trail and connect it to the rest of the SNETT. The SNETT, one of the longest trails in Massachusetts, travels 22 miles from Grove Street in Franklin all the way to the Douglas State Forest. The trail is popular to bicyclists, cross-country skiers, equestrians, and hikers and connects with other trail lines, reaching as far as Worcester, MA, Providence, RI and Palmer, MA.
"Well-maintained, accessible recreational trails have a significant positive impact on quality of life across the state," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This funding will make significant improvements to the connectivity and accessibility of SNETT, encouraging people to get outdoors, be active and connect with the region."
"As an avid bike rider, this project has always been near and dear to my heart," said Rep. Roy. "I have been advocating for the SNETT because it not offers great recreational potential as a multi-use trail and brings communities together. It also gives life to abandoned railways and provides communities a way to offer open space to its residents. I am thrilled to see that the Governor and DCR are supporting this project and look forward to seeing more residents on the trail."
An impediment at Prospect Street emphasizes the need for a tunnel. At that point one mile into the trail there is steep terrain causing users to leave the trail, trespass on private property, and traverse a steep incline to get to the other side. Many years ago, the old railroad tracks right-of way ran under a bridge at Prospect Street. But the bridge was eliminated, and the railroad right of-way was filled in, creating this major obstacle.
In 2013, then DCR Commissioner Jack Murray visited the site with members of the Legislature, engineers, Franklin town officials, rail trail committee members, and conservationists to discuss options. And in 2016, Matthew Beaton, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, rode the trail with Rep. Roy (D-Franklin), local officials, and committee members to see firsthand whether a tunnel fit in with the Governor's priorities.
bikers on the SNETT |
Rep. Soter (D-Bellingham) stated, "I'm thrilled to see this project finally move towards reality. This has been in the works for years now and I cannot express enough how happy I am to see this project through as the State Representative of the 8th Worcester District. The Southern New England Trunkline Trail is an outstanding project that promotes environmental stewardship and healthy living for the residents of Bellingham and the surrounding communities."
Senator Becca Rausch (D- Needham) said, "One of the best parts of our pocket of the Commonwealth is its natural beauty. This project not only improves lives in our area by fixing a problem spot for accessibility, but also serves as a draw to others to come visit our region. I'm so proud to support the tremendous work of my colleagues at the state and local levels who have brought this trail to reality."
"I want to thank our state legislative delegation and the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for all of their tireless work to get these resources to provide better access to the SNETI trail," said Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "On behalf of our entire staff and the Franklin DPW, we have been honored to work on this exciting project. There is no question this is a very big deal and we are committed to continuing to work on expansion of the SNETT in the future."
"The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is proud to be the community advocate for the SNETT and the funding of the Prospect Street tunnel project," said Marc Kaplan, FBRTC president. "The tunnel project solves a major impasse on the SNETT and creates a seamless connection between the towns of Franklin and Bellingham. The completed project helps realize our mission of making a universally accessible trail for all ages and abilities and will improve the quality of life for residents. We would like to thank Representatives Roy and Soter and Senators Spilka and Rausch, as well as Franklin and Bellingham Town administrators for their leadership to secure funding for this important project, and the OCR for their tireless work and direct assistance in developing the SNETT rail trail."
The project will go out to bid in November 2019 and the project should be complete by the summer of 2020.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Dog Walk/Group Walk on the SNETT - July 19 - 9 AM
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Thursday, April 18, 2019
SNETT Group Walk - Friday, April 19 - 10 AM
This month we will be walking on Friday, April 19 at 10 AM.
Meet at the Lake St. parking lot. It is a spring break for many, so bring your kids and of course your four-legged companions on a leash are always welcome.
yes, I was part of the group last month and look to join the walk again this Friday |
Follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/323621265020605/
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting - March 13
Tony DaSilva, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee member will join us. The FBRTC is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. The SNETT is a mixed use recreational trail that runs 23 miles from Franklin to Douglas, MA.
We are NOT just for Newcomers and there is no need to RSVP, just join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting - March 13 |
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.
Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
On this date: Feb 24, 2012 - Wadsworth Diaries
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 24, 1858
"Very pleasant & cold in morn, 10 below zero Grew quite warm before noon. Went after F.M. Newell in morn. Father carried Mother to Uncle Richardsons & went after her at night. I helped Jos pack ice. Wm Miller, Wm Adams, Brockway & J. Pond helped. I (we) paid our taxes, first I ever paid. Cars late, got here about 10 3/4."
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
Wadsworth Station - at the intersection of the SNETT Trail and Spring St here in Franklin |
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
FBRTC: Upcoming Events - first up - Trail walk, Thursday, Dec 27
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