Corridor News - December 22, 2023 | |
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Happy Holidays! Wishing you a holiday season full of laughter, good food, and precious memories. Here's to an exciting year ahead!
Two of my own family holiday traditions take place on Christmas Eve. First, we all gather in front of the fireplace to read Clement Clarke Moore’s The Night Before Christmas. Later, when we put out cookies for Santa (and carrots for the reindeer, of course), we have found that good old Saint Nick prefers Brandy Milk Punch as his beverage of choice. We don’t allow him more than one, as he does have a very busy night. The recipe we use is based on one from a mid-19th century book called The Bar-Tenders Guide by Jerry Thomas, one of the first professional bartenders!
Brandy Milk Punch
· 1 ounce Brandy
· 1/2 ounce Dark Rum
· 2 teaspoons Simple Syrup
· 2 dashes Vanilla Extract
· 3 ounces Cream
Shake all ingredients with plenty of cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg.
Happy Christmas!
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Devon Kurtz
Executive Director
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Monday, January 15
MLK Day of Service
We are putting together some volunteer opportunities for MLK Day of Service. If you'd like to get involved, whether volunteering or hosting a volunteer opportunity, reach out to Molly Cardoza at mcardoza@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org.
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Cumberlandite Tours Are Back! | |
Cumberlandite & Elder Ballou Cemetery Tours
Saturday, January 27
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
Elder Ballou Cemetery, Elder Ballou Road, Cumberland, RI
Every rock has a story to tell. Join us as we uncover the stories of Cumberlandite, the State Rock of Rhode Island. Join geologist and Volunteers-In-Parks volunteer Mark Dennen to learn more about Cumberlandite. Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will lead a tour of the Elder Ballou Cemetery.
Please pre-register as space is limited: https://bit.ly/Cumberlandite2024.
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News From Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park | |
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Happy holidays, everyone! It’s hard to believe I am already writing the introduction to our fall/early winter/holiday newsletter since it seems like only a few months ago we were ringing in New Year 2023. Time really flies when you are busy offering numerous public programs, working hard to keep our buildings and grounds maintained, nurturing beautiful flowers, overseeing studies on our historic structures, managing purchasing and divisional budgets, planning for the future of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and hosting multiple special events with our wonderful tribal, nonprofit, municipal and state partners.
As superintendent, I am particularly proud of our expansion of programs and events at Roger Williams National Memorial, our careful repairs and preservation of the bell towers and bell system at the Old Slater Mill, and our increase in community-based programs throughout the Blackstone River Valley in 2023. The Year 2024 promises to be just as busy, with some wonderful winter public programs coming your way in-person and online and with the implementation of our soon-to-be-finalized Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park General Management Plan.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our parks and communities over the next several months, we hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season, and we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
-Superintendent Eric Breitkreutz
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Walk into Winter!
Come explore the Blackstone River Valley!
Join us this December for a series of winter hikes. Together, we’ll check out local wildlife, local wildlife, discover beautiful landscapes, and experience the tranquility of the trail.
Preparations – All hikes are free and begin at 9 a.m. Hikes will last between 60 and 120 minutes (through 11 a.m.). Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring water. Weather cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page: facebook.com/BlackstoneNPS or our park website: nps.gov/blrv. Stay in the know and RSVP at https://bit.ly/BVWinterHikes23.
December 23rd – Mercy Woods Preserve
Enjoy paths of contemplations as we explore the trails at the Mercy Woods Preserve. This picturesque preserve offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Blackstone Valley in winter.
Meeting spot just off Sumner Road. Turn off Wrentham Road (Route 121) onto Sumner Brown Rd. in Cumberland, RI 02864. Parking lot available on the right after you turn onto Sumner Brown Rd.
December 30th – Shining Rock
Journey to Northbridge, MA, for our final hike of 2023. Take in views of the Blackstone Valley and travel with us to Shining Rock.
Meeting at 402 Shining Rock Dr., Northbridge, MA 01534. Parking available at meeting site.
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Work with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Next Year! | |
All of these events are posted to Blackstone Heritage Corridor's events calendar. | |
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Shaw's Gives Back Where It Counts!
Thank you to Shaw's of Whitinsville for selecting Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor as its nonprofit partner for the month of January 2024. We will receive $1 for each $3.00 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag sold during the month of January 2024 at Shaw's, 1177 Providence Road, Whitinsville, MA.
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Get Your Events on Our Calendar! | |
"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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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
With Our Interactive Map!
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If you're looking to spread the word with your events, submit them today!
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Blackstone Heritage Corridor, working with community partners, provides strong leadership to preserve, promote, and celebrate the Valley’s historic, natural and recreational resources for current and future generations. | |
Stay Connected With Us On Social Media! | |
670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242
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