Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor : August News and Events

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For a complete and detailed listing of events, see our event calendar.  A Celebration of River Restoration On Sunday, July 26, numerous groups from the Blackstone Valley gathered at the Blackstone Gorge to celebrate many years of hard work protecting and restoring the Blackstone River.  In 1990 the EPA said the Blackstone River was one of the most polluted rivers in the country. But thanks to the Clean Water Act and years of water quality monitoring and clean-up efforts, the river is coming back to life. How can we tell? In 1972 there were only two species of fish in the river and today there are 23! This is all thanks to the hard work of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and our partners, including the Blackstone River Coalition, Blackstone River Watershed Association, the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Mass Audubon, RI Audubon Society, Save the Bay and many more groups and individuals.  The event last week recognized the campaign for a "Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015," which started back in 2003, and allowed us to recognize and offer our gratitude for the efforts and accomplishments to date. Hundreds of people have volunteered their efforts over the years, and those efforts are clearly improving our entire river system. To learn more about the event, click here for a report by ecoRI News. Click here to learn about a "Living Lab Cleaning Up the Blackstone Naturally." Gear Up Your Camera for 2016 Calendar Photo Contest! Calling all photography enthusiasts!  Submissions are now being accepted for the  "2016 in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor" calendar! Photos must be taken within the 25 communities of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor and reflect the character of the area over the different seasons of the year. Photos may be taken outdoors or inside one of our historical sites. Entries must be your original photography, taken in high resolution (300 dpi), horizontal JPG format. You can submit as many photos as you like. The deadline to enter is Saturday, August 15, 2015. Please e-mail mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org to have an entry form sent to you. Each individual photo for the contest must be submitted with its own entry form. One photo will be selected for the cover and that person will receive 12 free 2016 calendars. Six free calendars will be given to each photographer featured in the individual months. One of our Volunteers-in-Parks members is interested in starting a photography club with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.   If you are interested in participating, please contact Bonnie Combs at BCombs@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.  Click Here to Download Entry Form August 2015 photo pictured here was taken by Anthony Shepherd of East Providence, RI.      Volunteer Opportunity! Canal Clean Up: Saturday, August 8 in Northbridge, MA The Blackstone Canal Conservancy is sponsoring a morning of brush clearing and trash removal along the canal and trails in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. All who are interested in preserving the canal are invited to meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 at the Plummer's Landing west parking area at the canal on Church Street in Northbridge, MA. Volunteers are requested to bring loppers, bow saws, brush cutters and work gloves. No power tools will be used. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and getting dirty. This is one of a continuing series of work events to improve the canal, tow path and adjacent trails.  For more information, contact David Barber at dgbarber@cs.com.  Save the Date!  Tuesday, August 25 - Founder's Day   Join us to celebrate the birth of the National Park Service!  We will gather at the Roger Williams National Memorial for a celebration honoring the birth of the National Park Service. We will also to celebrate the establishment of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park as the 402nd unit of the National Park Service! Enjoy light refreshments, stroll the beautiful grounds, check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center and learn what's happening in YOUR National Park! Celebration is from 5-7 p.m. Location: Roger Williams National Memorial                   282 North Main Street                   Providence, RI  GO!    Get Ready! Get Set !   GO! for a walk, a tour, a bike ride, a paddle, a boat ride,   a special event or harvest experience - all in the month of September in the wonderful Blackstone River Valley  National Heritage Corridor. Click on the brochure icon to download a complete listing of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor's 2015 GO! program! The Greenway Challenge 2015 An Adventure Race Like No Other!  September 26, 2015 The mission of the Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.  The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. works with partner organizations to support clean water campaigns and develop hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education programs and greater waterway access. Each year, the Greenway Challenge athletes run, paddle and bike on  a newly designed course through one of the most beautiful and historic  regions of New England, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Early Registration Ends Soon! Contact Barbara Dixon at 401-765-2211 or bdixon@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org.  You can also register online by visiting our webpage: www.greenwaychallenge.org/about-the-challenge/registration/ Blackstone Valley Paddle Club turns 15! Time flies when you're having fun! The BVPC volunteers have led more than 225 guided tours of the Blackstone River Watershed during their 15 years of operation. With every stroke of the paddle they share their passion for paddling and their knowledge of natural resources.   Paddle Club volunteers give the Blackstone Valley an amazing gift of their time and enthusiasm to promote the river experiences available throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. We thank each and every volunteer for all that they do.  Join these wonderful folks during the Paddle Club's 2015 season and you  are sure to have a memorable experience out on the river!  Dates and locations of paddle tours in August listed below:           August 4 -  Seekonk River                    Pawtucket, RI  August 11 - Ranger Night at Blackstone Gorge                      Blackstone, MA August 18 - Spring Lake Paddle Party Burrillville, RI August 25 - Stump Pond                     Smithfield, RI         For other paddle dates and for more information, please visit the website: www.ricka-flatwater.org/bvpaddlers.htm Blue Star Museum Program 2015!   Are you or a family member active in the Military or National Guard? The Blue Star Museum Program is a nationwide program that allows all active Military and National Guard members free access, with 5 family members, to participating museums around the country.  Numerous museums in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor are participating in this patriotic program, such as the Museum of Work & Culture, the EcoTarium, and Slater Mill, just to name a few. The Blue Star Museum program runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  For more information and a list of participating museums, visit the website: http://arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums Partner Events in August Blackstone Heritage Corridor enjoys the partnership of numerous organizations all working to protect, support and enhance our communities and region.  In this section, we list just a sampling of activities and events taking place during the coming month. August 1 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary      Dragonflies at Broad Meadow Brook Learn about odonates - dragonflies and their damselfy cousins - and what makes them the engineering marvels of the natural world. An  indoor presentation will cover odonate FAQs, including dragonfly form and function. We will explore outdoors for skimmers, darners, and meadowhawks, looking for dragonfly behavior. Come take a closer  look at these high-powered eating machines. Presentation and walk is from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary                         414 Massasoit Road            Worcester, MA  For more information, visit the website: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broad-meadow-brook/programs-classes-activities August 2 - Friends of Hearthside                   American Girl Doll Garden Party Each year the Garden Party for Girls and their American Girl Dolls is a favorite summer activity at Hearthside House for mothers and their daughters. This year's featured girl is the Historical character Samantha who lived with her grandmother in a mansion, similar to Hearthside, in New York in 1904.  This event is for girls ages 5-10 and their dolls, along with an adult. Activities include refreshments of lemonade and cookies, a craft activity, a presentation about Samantha's leisure time, and a chance to try out some turn-of-the-century games. Seatings are at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Location: Hearthside House Museum                 677 Great Road                 Lincoln, RI For more information, visit the website: www.hearthsidehouse.org August 2 - Friends of Adin Ballou                   Hopedale's Annual Peace Picnic In the tradition of the Early Hopedale Community which met each year to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the British empire with speeches and a picnic at Nelsons's Grove. Bring a chair or blanket, food and drinks and join us as we rally to wage peace, seek justice and end war.  Open Mike available for poetry, peace and protest music, and social justice statements. Winning essays from the Adin Ballou Peace Essay Contest will be read aloud. Picnic is from 3-5 p.m. Location: Adin Ballou Park                  Hopedale Street                  Hopedale, MA For more information, visit the website: www.adinballou.org August 5 - Museum of Work and Culture                   Cine Quebec - A Rhode Island International Film Festival A screening of new and dynamic films by Quebecois filmmakers entered into the film festival. Vote for your favorite and help decide which films make it to the next round of judging! Admission is $10 and includes a drink and popcorn. Film Festival is from 7-10 p.m. Location: Museum of Work and Culture                         42 South Main Street                         Woonsocket, RI For more information, visit the website: www.rifilmfest.org August 6- Alternatives                   Free Summer Concerts on the Plaza Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free concerts on the plaza! Refreshments will be available for purchase and in case of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors. Concert is from 6-8 p.m. Location: Alternatives                  50 Douglas Road                  Whitinsville, MA For more information and band schedule, visit the website: www.alternativesnet.org/event August 6 - City of Worcester and Worcester Cultural Coalition      Out to Lunch Summer Series Enjoy an afternoon at Worcester Common Oval with a Farmers Market, local vendors and live music from Grupo Fantasia. Event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  Location: Worcester Common Oval     455 Main Street     Worcester, MA For more information, visit the website: www.worcestermass.gov/dpw/parks-rec/worcester-common-oval August 6 - Town of Auburn                   Summer in the Park Concert Series Visit the Riley-Pappas Performance Pavilion and enjoy a show featuring On the Rocks, a classic rock band. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a night out in Auburn. Show is from 6-8 p.m. Location: 203 Pakachoag Road                         Auburn, MA For more information, visit the website:  www.auburnguide.com/Pages/AuburnMA_CAA August 6 - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park                    Ranger Walkabout Series                    Roger Williams National Memorial "Pulling Back the Curtain - Understanding Roger Williams 50 Years Later" In 1965 Roger Williams National Memorial was created by Congress as a place where the concept of "Freedom of Religion" could be discussed along with Roger Williams' words and beliefs that focused on the individual's conscience  as the guide to religious belief, not the state. The Roger Williams National Memorial is now getting a new Visitor Center and Wayside  exhibits as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come along  to get a sneak peak at a few of the new exhibit panels, and join in a discussion on the exhibit planning process and how the National Park Service has changed the way it tells stories over the past 20 years. Walkabout begins at 6:30 p.m. Location: 282 North Main Street                  Providence, RI For more information, visit the website: www.nps.gov/blac or contact a Ranger at 401-762-0250 August 7 - Sutton Public Library                    Make Your Own Superhero Gear Visit the Sutton Public Library to make a cool superhero shield and cuffs and get ready to transform yourself into a superhero! Activity begins at 11 a.m. Location: Sutton Public Library                  4 Uxbridge Road                  Sutton, MA For more information, visit the website: www.suttonpubliclibrary.org August 8 - Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary             8th Annual Barbara J. Walker                    Butterfly Festival Enjoy educational fun for all ages at this butterfly festival where butterflies fly free in their natural habitats. The day's activities include naturalist-led walks and workshops, performances, live caterpillars, butterfly art, face painting, children's activities, butterfly garden tours, butterfly plant sales, delicious food, and much more! Come in costume and get a prize!  Festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary                  414 Massasoit Road                  Worcester, MA For more information, visit the website: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/broad-meadow-brook/programs-classes-activities August 8 - Town of Lincoln                    Free Concert at Chase Park Come to Chase Park for a free concert featuring Eddy Shoe, an original rock band with roots stemming from a combo of Blues, Jazz and Classic Rock. Refreshments will be provided by the historic Whitman House with proceeds benefiting the 1694 Whitman Homestead. Concert starts at 5:30 p.m. Location: Chase Park                  Great Road                  Lincoln, RI  For more information, contact Pattie Choiniere at pattic14@aim.com August 8 - Blackstone River Theatre                    Matt Molloy, John Carty and Arty McGlynn The most exciting trad combination of recent times embark on their first ever tour of the United States as a trio. Matt Molloy (traditional Irish Flute), John Carty (fiddle) and Arty McGlynn (guitar) will perform together in this rare and exciting event! Show is from 8-10 p.m. Location: Blackstone River Theatre                  549 Broad Street                  Cumberland, RI For more information, visit the website: www.riverfolk.org August 9 - Friends of the Hearthside                    Exhibit on 1904 World's Fair and House Tour Hearthside House Museum will be open for tours where a special exhibit on the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair will be featured. The exhibit includes image galleries and exhibits displayed throughout the historic home that served as the model for the Rhode Island Building at the legendary St. Louis World's Fair. Tours are self-guided, however costumed docents will be on hand to provide information. This is the last public opening of exhibit before it closes. Open house and tour is from 1-4 p.m. (last admittance will be at 3 p.m.) Location: Hearthside House Museum                   677 Great Road                   Lincoln, RI For more information, visit the website: www.hearthsidehouse.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

For Franklin Cultural Festival event details click HERE.

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

Franklin Cultural Festival - Friday Schedule

Friday, July 31 

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

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

 

Davey the Clown

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

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

Laughter Yoga on the Town Common

• 8:00 – 9:30 PM - Shakespeare on The Common

 

an abridged version of Shakespeare's Henry IV, part 1

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here

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


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

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ 

Traffic Alert: expect delays on 140 downtown

From the Franklin Police Twitter feed:

TRAFFIC ALERT-Emergency utility work-expect heavy delays on Rt 140 from Union to Fire HQ. Seek alternate routes for next 24-36 hours.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) July 30, 2015

construction on 140

Legislature Reaffirms Commitment to Education, Local Aid

House and Senate Votes Reaffirm Commitment to Education, Local Assistance

Legislature Addresses Gubernatorial Vetoes

BOSTON – The Legislature today took final action on the Fiscal Year 2016 budget, Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) announced. These veto overrides will enhance support for Massachusetts residents and municipalities, and ensure that local programs, education funding and economic development initiatives are well funded by the legislature.

"This final budget reflects a modest spending increase over last year that is within revenue projections," said Senator Spilka. "Over the past two days, we restored funding to critical programs and services, especially in areas related to education, homelessness, substance abuse and our innovation economy. This is a balanced budget that covers expected costs for the coming year and makes strategic investments to lift families across the Commonwealth."

Through the FY16 budget, the Legislature advanced its standing as the national leader in education for students of all ages. Recognizing the importance of providing statewide access to full-day kindergarten the Legislature overrode a cut to kindergarten expansion grants, reaffirming its support for funding in the amount of $18.6 million.

The Legislature also took action to emphasize its ongoing dedication to higher education, restoring cuts to the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges. This week's overrides include the restoration of $5.25 million for UMass. As the university continues to distinguish itself as a pillar of excellence in public education and an economic driver for the Commonwealth, the Legislature remains committed to supporting its growth.

Understanding the vital role that community colleges and state universities have in educating individuals of diverse backgrounds, buoying workforce development efforts and improving local economies, the Legislature overrode more than $2.6M in cuts made to these institutions. The Legislature's budget as sent to the Governor also included a strong focus on early education and care (EEC). That commitment was reaffirmed through the restoration of $3.4 million in vetoes that support EEC programs and services.

Recognizing that education and economic development are intrinsically paired, the budget enhances the Legislature's focus on bolstering job opportunities for residents of all skillsets in diverse regions of the Commonwealth. Following action on the Administration's vetoes, the below programs are now funded at:

• MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private match program;

• Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;

• STEM Starter Academy: $4.75 million to promote STEM careers at the Commonwealth's community colleges;

• Mass Tech Collaborative: $750K for the Mass Tech Collaborative Tech and Innovation Entrepreneurship program to establish entrepreneur and startup mentoring.

Travel and tourism, one of the state's largest industries, provides an opportunity for communities to bolster their economies in a way which is unique and appropriate for each region. The Legislature restored $5.17 million in cuts to the Office of Travel and Tourism and $2.37 million to the Massachusetts Cultural Council.    

Additional priorities include:

• $500,000 for a prostate cancer awareness and education program;

• More than $2.2 million for substance abuse treatment programs across the Commonwealth;

• Restoration of funding for unaccompanied homeless youth housing services;

• $3 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program for a total of $82.9M to support 900 to 1050 new vouchers for families at risk of homelessness;

• $2 million for the Early Education and Care Waitlist for a total of $12M to take 2,000 children off the waitlist for these critical services;

• $1.2 million for the Gateway Cities English Language Learners program.

Norfolk County Deeds: Will you join us at our next Computer Seminar?

Free Computer Seminar!    Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell to Host Free Computer Seminar on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 4:30pm to 5:30pm at the Registry of Deeds 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell will host a free informational seminar on computer assisted land records research at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015.  The seminar is intended for both real estate professionals and the general public. Register O'Donnell noted that the program will include a brief presentation complete with reference materials and hands-on exercises. There will also be opportunities to ask both basic and advanced questions. Computer assisted land records research is currently available both at the Registry and on the Internet at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "These services have proven to be invaluable tools for our customers. We hope that this seminar will be both helpful and informative," said Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell.  There is no charge for the seminar, but anyone planning to attend is asked to register by calling Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or by email to agardner@norfolkdeeds.org.  Please include your name, address, email and a daytime phone number when you register. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  It is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County, amassing approximately a half of million land records dating back to 1793. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about this and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at Facebook.com/Norfolk Deeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.

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