Monday, August 3, 2015

Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band - Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM

Just because the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival is over doesn't mean the fun stops. No way!

The Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band will perform in Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library. This is an outdoor concert bring your chairs, blanket and bug spray but be ready to rock and roll!


Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM
Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM

This another in a series of summer events sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Library

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/outdoor-classic-rock-concert-with.html

Date set for "Pam's Run" to benefit Neighbor Brigade - 10/18/2015

Pam's run
Pam's run

Registration is now open for Neighbor Brigade's 3rd Annual Benefit Event:

Pam's Run 5K/10K

Honoring the Legacy of Neighbor Brigade Founder Pam Manikas Washek and
Supporting the "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Movement she Ignited

Sunday, October 18, 2015 – 10:00 am, Wayland, MA

Pam's run
Pam's run

HI-RES Images available upon request

WHO/WHAT:       
Neighbor Brigade, a non-profit organization that mobilizes local volunteers to help their neighbors during times of crisis, will hold its 3rd annual fundraising event Pam's Run on Sunday, October 18th, 2015.  The event will include a chip-timed 5K Run/Walk and a 10K Run at the Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Lane, Wayland, MA. All proceeds will benefit Neighbor Brigade services and programs for neighbors in need across Eastern Massachusetts.  Pam's Run will also feature fun for the entire family at a community festival with live music, kids' activities, food trucks and photo booth.  Age-group awards and cash prizes for top finishers. Incentive prizes offered for top fundraisers (see pamsrun.com for details)!  Thank you to our top level sponsors Circle Furniture and Joint Ventures Physical Therapy, Inc.

WHY:                     
Pam's Run brings together more than 1,000 passionate runners, volunteers, spectators, donors and corporate sponsors who care about those in need in their communities.  Proceeds from Pam's run benefit Neighbor Brigade, the non-profit organization started by Founder Pam Manikas Washek who envisioned a caring community of "neighbors helping neighbors" during times of crisis. Pam's Run honors the memory of Pam and supports the movement she ignited – now celebrating its 5th Anniversary. Washek's sister Joanna Manikas and niece Jayme Nowland are co-chairing the planning committee with assistance from volunteers from within Neighbor Brigade's 29 chapters across eastern Massachusetts.

WHEN:                   
Sunday, October 18th, 10:00 a.m.
** Registration opens at 8:15 am. Festivities with kids' activities, live music and food for all will be hosted throughout the event. 

WHERE:                 
 Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Lane, Wayland, Mass

REGISTER:             
To register for Pam's Run or to join a team visit www.pamsrun.com
Early-bird registration is $30 before 9/21 for a guaranteed t-shirt; $35 through 10/17 and $40 on race day.  Discounts for teams of 8 or more.  For more info see pamsrun.com, email info@pamsrun.com, or call 781-325-8580.

SPONSOR:             
The organizers are actively seeking sponsors, in-kind donations and volunteers for race day. Learn more at pamsrun.com or email info@pamsrun.com.
 


ABOUT NEIGHBOR BRIGADE
Neighbor Brigade
Neighbor Brigade

Neighbor Brigade is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers to help residents facing sudden crises such as devastating illness, accident, or other tragic event. Our volunteers provide non-medical, non-monetary services and collaborate with the shared purpose of helping fellow residents. There are no eligibility requirements for recipients, who may self-refer. Neighbor Brigade is immediate, efficient and free and provides temporary support to those affected while strengthening the fabric of a community. To learn more, visit www.neighborbrigade.org

Franklin has their own chapter in the Neighbor Brigade, you can find them on the web here


In the News: farm tax requires vote


The Town Council Wednesday will consider a measure for the November ballot that if approved would exempt local farmers from an antiquated excise tax on their animals and machinery. 
Under state law, the town could levy a tax against “persons principally engaged in agriculture.” Their farm animals and equipment would be taxed $5 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to the Board of Assessors. 
However, the town has not recorded the value of a farmer’s wares and beasts since 1990, so the tax has not been imposed. It was believed that the town opted to remove the tax, but did not go through the proper procedure. Now, a townwide vote is needed to make it official.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809541/1994/NEWS

Akin Bak, one of three farms in Franklin that would benefit from this measure
Akin Bak, one of three farms in Franklin that would benefit from this measure


The text of the resolution is shown below. The text of the actual ballot question is shown in BOLD.


RESOLUTION 15-48 AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK VOTER APPROVAL TO NOT IMPOSE EXCISE TAX WHICH G.L. CHAPTER 59, SECTION 8A ESTABLISHES ON PERSONS ENGAGED PRINCIPALLY IN AGRICULTURE WHO OWN FARM MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OR FARM ANIMALS

WHEREAS, G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A imposes an excise tax on persons engaged principally in agriculture who own farm machinery and equipment or farm animals, but the section also provides that the “local appropriating authority” may seek voter approval to not impose the tax, and

WHEREAS, the Franklin Town Council is the “local appropriating authority” for the Town of Franklin, and

WHEREAS, the tax revenue which Section 8A would provide to Town is minimal in light of the limited number of taxpayers to whom it applies, and the loss of revenue is offset by Town’s interest in encouraging local agricultural operations,

NOW, THEREFORE, the Franklin Town Council hereby votes to seek voter approval at the next regular town election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 not to impose the excise tax established by G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A by instructing the Town Clerk to include on the ballot for said election the following question: Do you approve of not imposing the excise tax established by G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A on any person engaged principally in agriculture who owns farm machinery and equipment or farm animals?

This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.


There are two agenda documents for the Council meeting on Wednesday. One has almost everything, the second has the addendum (files for the manager change for the liquor Licence at Incontro)

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Cultural Festival - all around Franklin on Saturday (photo essay)

The Town Common was set up for Kevin T Wolfe Band to play some good rock and roll.

Kevin T Wolfe Band
Kevin T Wolfe Band

and the community mural

the community mural
the community mural

 and art projects

Sue Sheridan and Tina Guarino happily getting into their art work
Sue Sheridan and Tina Guarino happily getting into their art work

and the sale of the empty bowls for the Food Pantry

empty bowls for sale, some food safe
empty bowls for sale, some food safe

Meanwhile at the Library, kids were drumming

Tony Fonseca leads the all hands drumming workshop
Tony Fonseca leads the all hands drumming workshop

At the Sculpture Park, dancers moved elegantly among the sculptures

dancers by the 'imagine' bench
dancers by the 'imagine' bench

dancers at the two faces
dancers at the two faces

and at the Methodist Church there were robots!

robot on display
robot on display

robot on display 1
robot on display 1

Alas, the dancers won't be at the Sculpture Park nor the drummers at the Library. The music can be found at THE BLACK BOX with the Circle of Friends stage. The "Taste of Franklin" will also be there. The robots return to the Methodist Church and more stuff will be happening at the Historical Museum.

For more on Sunday schedule, check here




Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule - Sunday, August 2

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will set up stage outside THE BLACK BOX to provide a round of good music Sunday, Aug 2 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM 


Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse



Carolyn Waters - website


Carolyn Waters
Carolyn Waters
Stefilia's Stone - website

Stefilia's Stone
Stefilia's Stone


Jamie Barrett (Franklin music teacher) - website

Jaime Barrett
Jaime Barrett

Jesse Hanson - website

Jesse Hanson
Jesse Hanson

Kim Jennings  (originally from Franklin) - website

Kim Jennings
Kim Jennings
Lydia Warren - website
Lydia Warren
Lydia Warren

"Taste of Franklin"


A special treat for the 1st Annual Cultural Festival is the "Taste of Franklin." You can sample from seven Franklin restaurants. (yes, it was 8)

The "Taste of Franklin" will be available on Sunday, August 2 from 12 Noon – 5:00 PM in the parking lot outside THE BLACK BOX theater.

What Franklin restaurants will be there?

The "Taste of Franklin"
The "Taste of Franklin"

 

What does it cost?

The cost is $2 or less for each signature taste!


also on THE BLACK BOX property

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Ceramic bowl fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry


ceramic bowls crafted by members of the Franklin Art Assoc.
ceramic bowls crafted by members of the Franklin Art Assoc.


Franklin Historical Museum 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Wool Spinning, Rug & Straw Braiding, Historical Film 

Franklin Methodist Church 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - FAA Art and Photography & Robots and Magical Machines 



Robot on exhibit for Franklin Cultural Festival
Robot on exhibit for Franklin Cultural Festival


Inside THE BLACK BOX


12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - FAA Art and Photography by the FAA  


5:00 PM: CLOSING CEREMONY, THE BLACK BOX


The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/


This one page (two sided print) tri-fold brochure gives you a handy copy of all the info of what, when, and where the events of the Festival will take place.

If you have a mobile device, you can check out the webpage or Facebook. If you would like the hard copy, the Festival team put one together for you.

You can download and print on your own!

You can make your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcGNsUnpKMzhRTTQ/view?usp=sharing


or from here





Voices of Franklin: Pamela McIntyre - Consider running for School Committee


In the midst of our vacations and summer plans, please keep in mind that once again there will be elections this Fall for School Committee. If you love education and the town of Franklin, please consider serving your community in this very important and rewarding way. This is your chance to better understand how decisions are made and be an integral part of shaping education here in Franklin. 
I served on the School Committee for two years. It was definitely an education for me, to witness the care and thoughtful consideration that goes into every choice that is made for our children. It had a sacred quality to it- it was an honor to serve with these very conscientious and caring members of this committee.

In general, our work included meeting every other Tuesday with additional sub- committee responsibilities. Although I expected the work to be intense, it was less demanding than I imagined. It is a commitment, no question, but also rewarding in the tangible results that we achieved.

When I served, I remember having a conversation with someone who had concerns about an issue and kept saying “ they do this, they do that,” and my response was “There is no they, I am they.” It is a convenient myth to think that someone “out there” is doing something to us. Whatever administrative body you think is running things, it is us- our neighbors, our friends, people like you and me who are volunteering, who are trying to do the right thing for our children and our town. We do it because we want to walk the talk, because education is a priority and we are willing to take the time to give back to our community in this way.

It’s time to step up, Franklin, and show up and participate! We can’t complain about who gets voted in or what’s being done if we have a chance to take part, and we don’t. Two years ago, there was no competition for the two open seats on the School Committee- seven people ran for seven seats. Apathy. Let’s not do that again. It is embarrassing for our town. Care enough about the education in this town to take part. Please.
 
Nomination papers will be available for pick up at the Town Clerk’s office the first week in August. At that point you will receive more detailed information. Papers are due back around mid-September.

Enjoy this last month of summer and please consider this transformative experience of serving the schools and your community here in Franklin.

Pamela McIntyre
508-520-4033
pamelamcintyre@comcast.net

Franklin Town Common
Franklin Town Common

Guidelines for the "Voices of Franklin" series can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Enrich your community and join the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC)


The FCC grants funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support such non-profit organizations and programs as The 4th of July Celebration, Concerts on the Common, Franklin Public Library, Franklin Historical Museum, Franklin Public Schools, local Arts and Cultural events and so much more.  

Are you a Franklin resident who would like to share your interests in arts and culture? Contact the FCC by email above and learn about this committee.  Unless otherwise indicated, meetings take place every 2nd Monday of the month from September through June.  Time commitment is limited to a couple of hours a month, rewards are limitless.


Contact:
Address:
279 East Central Street
PMB 284
Franklin, MA 02038
Meetings:
7 p.m. on 2nd Monday of each month from September to May (no December meeting) in the 1st floor conference room #106 unless otherwise noted as follows...




The Franklin Cultural Council is always seeking residents 
who are interested in enriching our community 
through the arts and sciences as a member of the FCC.

Time requirements are limited to a few hours a month, 
but the cultural rewards are unlimited!

Contact the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC)




Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum


Here are the FCC 2015 Grant Recipients:

  • Live Arts
  • Attleboro Arts Museum/High Art Text as Words
  • Mass Audubon Society
  • Helen Keller Elementary/Plymouth Plantation
  • Combating Hate and Prejudice
  • Annie Sullivan Middle School/ Remote Control Program
  • Benjamin Franklin CCPS/ Musician Betrand Laurence
  • Benjamin Franklin CCPS/ Author workshops
  • FPAC/Whatever Theatre Festival
  • Franklin Art Assoc/ Monthly demonstrations
  • Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival/HMMS
  • Helen Keller /Science Sizzlers
  • Horace Mann Middle School/Midsummer's Night Dream
  • Annie Sullivan Middle School/field trip
  • Prolatio Singers & Players
  • Southeastern Mass Comm Concert Band
  • 4th of July Coalition
  • Concerts on Common
  • Friends of Franklin Historical Museum

This was shared from the Franklin Art Association email to their members

In the News: sexting law, veterans unemployment, PMC water stop



In the years since, the number of adolescents who say they have sent a naked or sexually provocative picture has only increased. Indeed, about 20 to 30 percent of teens have sexted, according to the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University. 
A definitive answer may be coming now that the state Legislature has taken up the debate. State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, recently filed a bill that would amend the state’s child pornography laws to make sexting between minors a noncriminal offense or misdemeanor. 
Currently, teenagers in Massachusetts arrested for sexting can be charged with a felony for child pornography. And if convicted, they would be required to register as a sex offender.
Continue reading the article
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150801/NEWS/150809584/1994/NEWS


Alhough declining, the veteran unemployment rate is still higher than local veterans agents would like it to be due to a handful of factors. 
Dale Kurtz, Franklin's veterans agent, said many employers look down on physical or emotional issues veterans brought back from the battlefields.“A lot of companies try to (look past those issues) but don’t,” said Kurtz. 
Something as simple as reliable transportation can be a challenge to getting veterans back to work.
Continue reading the article
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150801/NEWS/150809583/1994/NEWS


As it has for many years before, Franklin served as a way station for Saturday's Pan-Mass Challenge, the cross-state bike ride to raise funds to fight cancer. 
Throngs of riders stopped at the Remington Middle School to rest, hydrate and prepare for the remainder of the ride to Provincetown. All were raising money for research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 
Franklin resident Jim McCusker, one of the volunteer organizers at the site, was in the midst of things, using his cowbell to direct riders to the appropriate location.
Continue reading the article
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150801/NEWS/150809582/1994/NEWS

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Empty Bowls - Food Pantry Fund Raiser at the Franklin Cultural Festival

Some of the 300 hand crafted 'empty bowls' prepared by the Franklin Art Association to be sold and the proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

The empty bowls will be on sale at the Town Common Saturday from 12 - 2:00 PM and again on Sunday at THE BLACK BOX parking lot from 12 - 5:00 PM

empty bowls
empty bowls
Over 300 bowls were made by Franklin Art Association members, then glazed and fired with help from Brenna Johnson, ceramics teacher at Franklin High School.

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Franklin Cultural Festival - Saturday Schedule

Saturday, August 1

Performances 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Kevin T. Wolfe Band 


Kevin T Wolfe band to perform on the Town Common
Kevin T Wolfe band to perform on the Town Common


2:30 PM to 3:00 PM - Dean College and The Star Players Massachusetts, preview The Wiz 

 
a preview of The Wiz will be shared at 2:30 on the Town Common
a preview of The Wiz will be shared at 2:30 on the Town Common

The Franklin Library 

1:00 PM - All Hands Drumming

all hand's drumming means the audience gets to participate
all hand's drumming means the audience gets to participate

The Sculpture Park 

12:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance and Franklin Art Center


rehearsal near Ursus, the great bear sculpture
rehearsal near Ursus, the great bear sculpture
1:00 PM - Dean College Palladino School of Dance and Franklin Art Center


THE BLACK BOX 

4:00 PM - School House Rock (ticket purchase required)

FSPA performs School House Rock at THE BLACK BOX (ticket purchase required)
FSPA performs School House Rock at THE BLACK BOX (ticket purchase required)

7:30 PM - FPAC: One Acts

Events 

on The Town Common 

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Watercolor Painting  and Mural Painting for adults and children, FAA

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Fashion design with newspaper and dance for children and adults: FAA and Dean College

Franklin Methodist Church 

-- FAA Art and Photography and Robots and Magical Machines

Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here
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/

Franklin Public Schools: Summer 2015 Reading & Math All Grades



Elementary Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:


Middle School Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:

Franklin High School Summer Reading 2015




Franklin High School
Franklin High School
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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. 


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 
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:





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:


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:


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 



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: 


August 6 - Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park national park service
                   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



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.