Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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In This Edition - March 24, 2021
- In Memoriam: Margaret Carroll
- Adaptive Cycling Returns to the Blackstone River Valley:
- Worcester, MA; Blackstone, MA; Lincoln, RI
- Volunteers-In-Parks Skills Workshop:
- Monday, March 29: Easy Walks in Blackstone Valley Parks with Marjorie Turner Hollman
- National Take a Walk in the Park Day - Tuesday, March 30
- Revolution in the Air - Winter Lecture Series:
- Saturday, April 3: Cotton River-lution: The Blackstone’s Role in the Booming New England Cotton Economy with Allison Meyette, AmeriCorps Vista NPS
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In Memoriam: Margaret Carroll |
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Saying a Fond Farwell to VIP Margaret Carroll
All volunteers make a difference; some give more of their time than others, some go beyond the call of duty and make it a lifetime commitment. This is how we remember VIP Margaret Carroll for her lifetime of making a difference in her beloved town of Millville and throughout the Blackstone River Valley.
Margaret became a Volunteers-In-Park volunteer on January 15, 1990, our first and longest-serving VIP. She earned an award for her 4,000-plus hours of volunteer service. Her dedication and commitment were recognized in 2001 when Margaret received the John H. Chafee Award from the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission. She continued to volunteer for an additional 18 years, in total 31 productive years of volunteering!
Once a teacher, always a teacher! For 37 dedicated years with the Blackstone-Millville School District, Ms. Carroll inspired students, volunteers, and area residents to understand the importance of history and the power of historic places. She led by example, and her passion for sharing her vast knowledge of the Valley was remarkable, and always with kindness, compassion, and her infectious smile.
In 2017 while attending the Blackstone River Greenway dedication, Margaret expressed her “ #1 to do on her bucket list” was to see the Greenway from Blackstone, through Millville to Uxbridge from the seat of a bicycle; which she believed would never happen! Her request became a reality, and Margaret rode the length of the Greenway on a tandem adaptive bicycle. While on this “bucket list ride,” she often asked to stop to share stories along the way, passionately informing all about the history of the railroad, the river, and the Millville Lock. Friends, family, and elected officials celebrated with Margaret, and the town of Millville declared the day “Margaret Carroll Day” (October 12, 2017).
In honor of Margaret and her lifetime of making a difference, BHC will be hosting an adaptive cycling event in her memory on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s “Celebrate Trails Day,” Saturday, April 24, along the Blackstone River Greenway from Blackstone, through Millville to Uxbridge. This special dedication celebrates a trail that Margaret work so hard to see become a reality. To inquire about additional details on this event, click here.
For Margaret's obituary, click here.
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ADAPTIVE CYCLING RETURNS TO THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY
New Programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and All Out Adventures are partnering to bring an adaptive cycling series to the Blackstone River Valley this spring in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All events are free but require advance registration. See event notices below.
To inquire about volunteer opportunities for the adaptive cycling series, click here.
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Adaptive Cycling for Veterans
Tuesdays: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Bikeway
at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center
3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
All Out Adventures, in partnership with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, is pleased to offer adaptive cycling for Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces and their loved ones. This program is funded by the Veterans Adaptive Sports Grant. All ages and abilities welcome.
If you have asked the question, “How can I get exercise despite my injury or disability?” then this program is for you. Try out a recumbent trike and ride around the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center or go for a longer ride on the adjacent Worcester-to-Millbury segment (2.5 miles) of the Blackstone River Bikeway. Recumbent trikes, tandems, and handcycles are comfortable and easy to ride. Three wheels take the balance out of the equation so you can relax and enjoy exercise.
All equipment is provided, but you must pre-register for a time slot by calling All Out Adventures at 413-584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org.
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Celebrate Trails Day – Adaptive Cycling on the Blackstone River Greenway
Saturday, April 24
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Greenway
Blackstone, MA
In recognition of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's "Celebrate Trails Day," Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and All Out Adventures bring adaptive cycling to the Blackstone River Greenway.
Want to explore the beauty of the Blackstone River Greenway but have physical or cognitive limitations that prevent you from doing so? Perhaps you, or someone you know, would enjoy a ride on adaptive cycling equipment to take in the scenic views. Sign up for a free ride today!
All equipment is provided, but you must pre-register for a time slot by calling All Out Adventures at 413-584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org.
BHC is dedicating this event to the memory of Margaret Carroll, who inspired bringing adaptive recreation to the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway.
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Adaptive Cycling on the Blackstone River Bikeway
in Lincoln, RI
Tuesdays: May 4 & 18
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the Blackstone River Bikeway
Lincoln, RI
Want to explore the beauty of the Blackstone River Greenway but have physical or cognitive limitations that prevent you from doing so? Perhaps you, or someone you know, would enjoy a ride on adaptive cycling equipment to take in the scenic views. Sign up for a free ride today!
All equipment is provided, but you must pre-register for a time slot by calling All Out Adventures at 413-584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
REINTRODUCING ADAPTIVE CYCLING PROGRAMS
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Inquire about volunteering for one or more of the seven adaptive cycling events we have planned for this spring, supporting people with mobility limitations to enjoy the outdoors from the seat of a bicycle.
Several socially distanced volunteer opportunities each day are needed for the success of the program. If you feel comfortable volunteering, please support these events.
All Out Adventures (AOA) will once again be our fabulous partner. Since late last summer, AOA has been coordinating adaptive programs and has excellent COVID guidelines to follow. Volunteer shifts can be split for a few hours.
Volunteers will not be riding on the same equipment with the guests this year, but it is okay to sign up to chaperone a ride and get exercise.
We plan to stagger guest arrival times to reduce the number of people gathering at one time to sign in and depart for their ride.
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VIP SKILLS WORKSHOP SERIES |
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Plan Your Itinerary for National Take a Walk in the Park Day - March 30 |
Finding Easy Walks in Blackstone Valley Parks
Monday, March 29
7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
On Zoom
Join VIP Marjorie Turner Hollman, author of the Easy Walks in Massachusetts book series and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are, to get some ideas for great parks to visit in the Blackstone Valley to celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30th. This virtual event is also a great opportunity to plan a spot to celebrate National Walking Day on April 7th.
Marjorie will also share some tips on "six must-haves for your next Easy Walk" and recommendations for additional items that are "good to have" depending on the weather, time of day, and destination.
Participate in this unique Skills Workshop from the comfort of your own device. RSVP at the link below and you will be signed up to attend the virtual Skills Workshop. You can record your volunteer time under training. Open to the public.
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When we saw National Take a Walk in the Park Day on the calendar this year, we set out to create a resource to list the many beautiful parks throughout the Blackstone River Valley. We discovered an interactive map program that provides navigation to each location, along with photos and other helpful information. We partnered with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to identify and catalog parks throughout the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and are excited to share the map featuring 100 locations where you can celebrate.
The list includes more than just parks! It also features many walking trails and access points to the Blackstone River Bikeway/Greenway. Why would we do that? Because National Walking Day is coming up on Wednesday, April 7, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Celebrate Trails Day is Saturday, April 24, and National Trails Day is on Saturday, June 5. We hope you enjoy this new resource!
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REVOLUTION IN THE AIR - WINTER LECTURE SERIES |
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The last lecture in the series is on Saturday, April 3. See details below.
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Cotton River-lution: The Blackstone’s Role in the Booming New England Cotton Economy
Saturday, April 3
2:00 p.m.
On Zoom
Speaker: Allison Meyette, AmeriCorps Vista, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
The Blackstone River runs for 48 miles, beginning in Worcester, MA, and terminating under the Main Street Bridge in Pawtucket, RI. America’s cotton industry may have begun with Samuel Slater’s thread-spinning mill on the Pawtucket banks of the Blackstone, but it was the rapidly exponential boom of textile mills creeping northward that truly indicated the rise of a revolution.
"America’s hardest-working river” carried that were strikingly modern - including transportation of people and products, refining the textile industry, and indications of the aftermath of great success: in other words, the Blackstone River itself showcases the rise, height, and fall of its Valley’s entire central industry.
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This award honors Bonnie's significant outreach, education, and advocacy work to protect our region's water resources. Bonnie's efforts include managing BHC's Trash Responsibly and Adopt-a-Storm-Drain awareness programs, her school outreach to educate students on the importance of protecting the water environment, and environmental cleanup and recycling events.
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Watch the "Revolution in the Air" Winter Lecture Series on YouTube |
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Recordings of the Winter Lecture Series are posted to Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park's YouTube channel.
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Lecture #4:
Ethnic Politics in the Catholic Church in Rhode Island
with Evelyn Sterne, Professor at the University of Rhode Island
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VISITING THE VALLEY UPDATE |
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While many heritage centers and historical sites remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is still much to explore within the Blackstone River Valley. Our network of outdoor areas, bikeways and greenways, and nature trails are open and ready to welcome you. Be sure to visit our website and view the Get Lost Guide for some great ideas. And don’t miss our GearHeads Junior Ranger page for the kids in your family! When visiting the Valley, be sure to wear your face mask and practice social distancing.
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor office in Whitinsville, MA, and the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester are open by appointment only. We can provide you with maps for the Corridor and the Blackstone River Bikeway and suggest places for outdoor recreation. We can also direct you to any historical sites and events that may have limited access, and you can stamp your National Park passport!
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Become a GearHead Junior Ranger |
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"Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO!"
The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country, each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. Here in the Blackstone River Valley, Junior Rangers are called GearHeads. What's a GearHead, you might ask?
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the Gears in their brain, who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures throughout the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity, and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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From all of us at BHC, we wish you well and look forward to seeing you soon! |
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