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Keeping Up with the Times
We're e-Mailing the Connector!
With this issue of the Greenways e-Connector, our newsletter now reaches you for the first time directly via email.
From the convenience of your computer screen, you can stay current on rail trail progress, our events calendar and the many other newsworthy features of the Wachusett Greenways initiative.
And you can easily share the e-Connector with family and friends by forwarding it from your desktop.
By going electronic, we reduce paper use, which also reinforces Greenways' commitment to more sustainable care for our environment.
You have the option to receive our newsletter in its electronic or printed version. You can indicate your choice either when you renew your membership for 2009 or by emailing us at greenways@charter.net.
In the subject line, type either "Connector email" or "Connector print." No further message is necessary, though we welcome hearing from you about your use of the Mass Central Rail Trail or other greenways in the Wachusett region.
You can also simply click on Join Our Maiiling List below.
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A Garden In Memory
Rosalie's Garden grows at the River Street trail head.
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Join Our Newsletter Team!
Would you like to write, share ideas or report highlights about the world of trails and outdoor places?
Here's your opportunity to get the word out about all that is happening with Wachusett Greenways. Join the WG news team. It's a great way to help, learn about trail building and events, and to meet other enthusiastic volunteers.
Contact Viv Ouellette, Newsletter
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Honor and Help
Help Wachusett Greenways build additional miles of the rail trail, while permanently honoring family, loved ones or special friends.
Your leadership gift entitles you to a name inscribed on a granite bench on the trail, or an inscription with others on a granite marker installed at a trail head.
And you'll feel good about sharing something lasting with your community.
For more information, please contact Colleen Abrams, Greenways president, at 508-829-3954 or greenways@charter.net.
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Upcoming Greenways Events
You'll find a full listing of upcoming events sponsored by Wachusett Greenways on our website.
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Greenways Connector
Editors:
Grace Blydenburgh
Ken McDonnell
Peder C. Pedersen
Newsletter Team:
Vivianne Ouellette, Manager
Colleen Abrams
Darcy Adshead
Tim Enman
Ida Nystrom
Photographer:
Hank Ouellette
Wachusett Greenways
Board of Directors:
Colleen Abrams, President
Steve Dubrule, Clerk
Chris Nichols, Treasurer
Margaret Lock
Ken McDonnell
Stan Miller
Ida Nystrom
Ed Yaglou
To submit articles or letters to the editor, please send to
Viv Ouellette at greenways@charter.net
P.O. Box 121
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Wachusett Greenways observes a strict email security policy. We will not give or sell your e-mail address to anyone.
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| Directors' Corner
Marching Ahead
Summer 2008 has come and gone, and it's one Wachusett Greenways will long recall for the opportunity to participate in parades that marked major milestones for the towns of Rutland and West Boylston.
First, at the Fourth of July Golden Jubilee Parade in Rutland, Greenways was privileged to serve as Grand Marshall. This honor not only recognized our service to the Wachusett region, but also gave Greenways volunteers the opportunity to help out with the celebrity pancake breakfast and culminated with judging the entrants in the gala Fourth Parade. In Rutland, signs along the parade route proclaimed, "Thank you, Wachusett Greenways!"
Then, in late September, our volunteers marched in West Boylston's giant, spirited Bicentennial Parade. "We appreciate what you've done to help give us the wonderful rail trail!" exclaimed one resident when she accepted candy from a Greenways marcher who was dressed reminiscent of the 1880s Springdale Woolen Mill village.
When we learned of the upcoming parades, Ruth Spaulding -- stalwart Greenways volunteer and chair of the Springdale Mill Committee -- sprang into action, spearheading construction of a 12-foot scale model of a Mass Central Railroad locomotive and tender, c. 1881.
 Talented Bob Bolton, of Holden, designed the model and, under his expert guidance, countless hours of construction and painting by volunteers resulted in the masterpiece pictured here.
Greenways was honored to share in these two events. We are pleased to join with our neighbors throughout the region and happy to do our part to connect our communities through trails and greenways.
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Grand Marshall of the Rutland Parade
Wachusett Greenways Salutes Fourth of July
This terrific event brought out more Greenways volunteers than we can name. We decorated and rode an antique tractor and wagon as a trail-clearing float, draped with pine saplings. We rode bicycles, marched and carried banners. We built and rode the fabulous 19th century train engine model, cooked sausages the night before and served them with breakfast at 6 a.m., distributed Greenways information and presided as judge for the best floats in the parade. Here are some photos that captured the magic moments.
Top to bottom: Bob and Carol Oliver lead the way (photo by Jeanine Vitale). Bob Salvadore and his son (photo by Susan Sedgwick). Bob Salvadore created this woodsy float for trail volunteers. Congressman Jim McGovern and Rep. Lew Evangelidis are ready to celebrate the Fourth (photo by Susan Sedgwick).
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Greenways Train Helps Celebrate West Boylston's 200th
Commemorating both today's rail trail and railroading of times gone by, Greenways members joined in West Boylston's 200th Birthday Celebration Parade on September 21. The Greenways parade float featured an artfully crafted model of an 1881 steam engine representing the original use of Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT).
Greenways members walked the parade route, dispensing candy to children, while some rode bikes or "cross-country skied" to show the many uses of our wonderful MCRT. Others rang the train bell, carried banners, drove the truck that pulled the trailer, and waved from the truck bed. Onlookers called out "Thank you for your work to help build the trail we can still enjoy!"
A special thanks to Ruth and Dick Spaulding, who pulled it all together, train model designer Bob Bolton, the Springdale Mill Committee, and to John Scannell and Central Mass Onstage for sharing costumes.
Greenways volunteer Ed Yaglou, playing the 19th century Springdale Mill overseer, kept the "mill workers" in line along the parade route.
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A Vision in the Works
Bob Bolton examines his model of the 1881 Mass Central engine as he envisions the train he would build with help from the Springdale Mill Committee.
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| Seeing the Rail Trail for the First Time
Chances are the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) is a familiar place to you. It may be part of your exercise routine, a favorite family destination or simply a place to walk and reflect. It's probably become such a part of your landscape that it's hard to believe a little over 10 years ago it was an unimproved abandoned railbed running through the woods. Maybe you've even started to take it for granted, in which case it's a good thing new people are constantly discovering the trail, bringing fresh perspectives and appreciation.
Holden resident Dan Petrocelli first learned about the rail trail at Holden Days this past summer. Dan and his son, 8 year-old Thomas, have since visited the trail four times. The pair had explored the bike bath along Route 146 in Milbury, but were happy to find a forested trail closer to home.
"Thomas was ecstatic!" says Dan. "It reminded him of Ireland, it was so green. He's in a position to judge because we visited there recently." Thomas, a new rider, appreciated the freedom of biking without climbing hills or contending with traffic.
Gabe Johnson moved from Rahway, NJ, to Auburn this summer with his wife, Clark University biology faculty member Heather Wiatrowski. He recently explored the West Boylston section of the rail  trail with their two daughters, five- year-old Audrey on her bike and two-year-old Ingrid in her jogging stroller. Gabe managed to coral the kids "only to the I-190 overpass. It was tough to get Audrey to peddle. She just wanted to look at the trees and the rocks. This is a frequent 'problem.'" Gabe had heard from his brother-in-law about the many rail trails in the area, and got directions to the MCRT from the Greenways website. He is especially looking forward to cross country skiing on the trail this winter. The MCRT is a superb example of what volunteers and their town leaders can accomplish through a shared commitment to the community. Next time you find yourself taking it for granted, try to remember how you felt when you first discovered the trail.
Gabe, Heather and Audrey Johnson.
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Eagle Scout Commemorates Rutland Train Wreck
On August 3, 1932, two freight trains on the old Mass Central Railroad (MCRR) -- one traveling east, the other west -- collided head-on half a mile east of Pommogussett Road in Rutland, killing two crew members. The cause of this tragic accident was found to be an error by a dispatcher located in Northampton, who mistakenly gave each train's engineer the right to travel between West Boylston and Rutland that fateful morning.
Some 76 years later, Cody Kennedy, son of Lynda Kennedy of Rutland, completed work for the Eagle Scout badge, Boy Scouting's highest honor, after carrying out a project commemorating the Rutland train wreck. Cody's project included installing a stone memorial marking the exact location of the wreck.
 The site is on the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) between Pommogusset Road and Glenwood Road. He also wrote and published a highly informative booklet describing the accident and the history of the MCRR in Rutland. Cody's booklet is available at the Rutland Library and Town Hall.
Cody says his passion for all things historic set the stage for his project. "After talking with Mr. Williams [Richard, a Rutland native and dedicated Greenways volunteer] and others about the wreck, and researching the accident at the Rutland Historical Society, I got really excited about commemorating the train wreck."
He organized a cookie sale and solicited private donations to finance the memorial stone. Through donated design and printing services for the booklet, Cody has produced a proper commemoration of that dark day in Rutland nearly eight decades ago. It's a fitting display of his resourcefulness, leadership skills and community service to his hometown of Rutland.
Top: The 1932 collision of two freight trains in Rutland killed two trainmen. Below: Eagle Scout Cody Kennedy with the stone memorial marking the location of the accident..
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Springdale Mill Annual Celebration
On Sunday, September 28, clouds and mist alternated with peeks of sun, encouraging cyclists and walkers to make their way to the Springdale Mill site. Greenways' first-ever StoryWalk connected people with writing and nature and led visitors along from the Oakdale entrance to the celebration (see next article).
At the Mill site, interpretive plaques with text and illustrations gave viewers a tour through the 1880s woolen mill operations and life in a mill village. Along with a treasure hunt, wool carding and music, youngsters enjoyed climbing aboard the scale-model replica of an 1880s Mass Central Railroad engine and tender built this year.
The Paddock LePage Band provided wonderful music. Their railroad and mill-themed songs along with rousing standards tickled ears, inspired sing-alongs, and prompted toes to tap, greatly adding to the festivities. The program was supported in part by a grant from the Holden Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Thanks to Leroux Meats, Clearview Orchards of Sterling, Stop and Shop, and Pepsi, which contributed food. Springdale Mill Committee chair Ruth Spaulding and her family baked delicious cookies.
In the words of enthusiastic six year-old, Niko Coccio, "Guys, guys! If you don't want to get wet, come over here! We have blue sky." Niko's proclamation aptly reflected the spirit of the day.
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Story Walk Connects Readers with Nature
The annual Springdale Mill celebration this fall served to debut "Story Walk," a new and enjoyable way for families to experience the rail trail. Each page of David Ezra Stein's colorful book Leaves is posted along the Mass Central Rail Trail between the entrance in West Boylston and the Springdale Mill site in Holden. As the reader walks  along the trail, the story unfolds with a young bear's first experience of seeing leaves falling from the trees, followed by his winter in hibernation, and finally the budding that announces the beginning of new leaves in the spring. While posting the Story Walk pages one windy afternoon, Margaret noticed many adults engaged in the story. Her crowning moment occurred when the Assumption College girls' cross country team passed by, and without breaking stride, one of the girls yelled out the text of each page to the other runners!
Margaret recently checked the comments book, and there were many very favorable entries. "Please leave it up, and please do more books" was a recurring theme. Under "ages of children" Margaret read "young at heart" and "inner child," so it's not just kids enjoying it!
The first Greenways StoryWalk will be followed by new stories placed on the MCRT in different seasons. Margaret welcomes your suggestions of favorite stories for future Story Walks. Please send your ideas to greenways@charter.net.
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Third Annual Family Fun Day
Perfect weather attracted a large crowd to enjoy Greenways' Third Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 14. Greeters welcomed children and their families at the entrance to the Mass Central Rail Trail in West Boylston.
Participants could choose to go on a treasure hunt, create nature-inspired art work or have novel designs painted on their faces. Fritz' bike shop offered free bike adjustments and the West Boylston police fitted helmets. After lunch, DCR rangers led a bike parade to the rousing music of the Paddock LePage Band. New this year, children joined in on sack races and other team games.
The "Rail Trail Tellers," led by Katie Green, made their debut. Katie offered a series of workshops to train the Tellers. They played out their parts in yarns about railroad history, some true and some with a nod to Paul Bunyon, all of them most entertaining. This exceptional program was supported in part by a grant from the West Boylston Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Here are some photographs of this enjoyable event.
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Railroad Tall Tales and Music Brightens Family Events
Wachusett Greenways' two major family events this year. 2008 was the first time Greenways applied to the Cultural Councils and the awards had a very positive impact on both events.
Through a generous grant from the West Boylston Cultural Council, Katie Green and her storytellers delighted the audience at Greenways' Family Fun Day with "Tales on Trails." Thanks to funding by the Holden Cultural Council, on September 28 the Springdale Mill Site Springdale Mill Site on the Mass Central Rail Trail was the scene for the lively, music of the Paddock LePage Band. Thanks to both West Boylston and Holden Cultural Councils for supporting our annual family events with such stellar entertainment.
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| Nurture with Nature
Blackberry picking in August in Rutland nurtures a love of the outdoors for these youngsters.
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Bicycle Helmets: It's a No-Brainer!
The rail trail is a perfect place for young cyclists to gain two-wheel skills and confidence on a safe, picturesque pathway without the distractions of auto traffic and intersections that can add risk for cyclists.
Most parents insist that their kids wear bike helmets, a simple safety practice. Too often, though, you'll see families of helmeted children with parents riding along without helmets. Grown-ups have lots of reasons for going lidless: "Helmets are hot and uncomfortable." "They mess up my hair." "I'm an adult. I won't have an accident." These excuses are unwise, for a number of reasons.
First, accidents can happen to all of us. If you fall you can easily take a bump on the head. Helmets help avoid lumps and, in more serious situations, brain injury -- or worse.
Second, consider the hidden messages you send to your children by insisting they wear a helmet but don't don one yourself - that when they get to be "grown-up" it's OK not to  wear a helmet. Sooner or later, your children will join their friends for a ride without you around. Clearly, you'll want them to wear helmets when they're out of your sight. Wearing a helmet every time you ride sets the right example and offers you real protection.
Helmets Reduce Head Injury!
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%.
Helmets also offer substantial protection to the forehead and midface. Study after study points to the benefits helmets provide in preventing or limiting head trauma for cyclists of all ages.
Correct fit and proper positioning of helmets are essential to reducing injury. Children who wear their helmets tipped back on their heads have a 52% greater risk of head injury than those who wear their helmets centered snug and low on their foreheads.
Do enjoy all the benefits of family bicycling on the rail trail -- time together, fun, fitness, fresh air and the great outdoors. And please make helmets for everyone -- mom, dad and the kids -- a routine part of mounting up every time you're out there.
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The Trail Grows On -- A Mile a Year
The summer of 2008 was an exceptionally productive season for construction on the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT). For regular users of the trail, the most noticeable change may be the stonedust "paving" of four trail sections in Holden and Rutland, made possible by Wachusett Greenways' first Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Partnership Grant in concert with matching gifts from Greenways donors. Contractor Mike Grady of JR Grady and Sons was hired to make some repairs and add the smooth new trail surface.
A DCR Recreational Trails Grant helped with construction of the trail in Rutland stretching a mile from Route 122 at the intersection with the Midstate Trail west to the Muddy Pond outlet. Bob Salvadore was contracted to complete this construction.
A short but very exciting new section of trail was made possible through the generosity of the Camarra and Veaudry families, who donated easements that allow the trail to pass  through their land between Miles Road and Route 56 in Rutland. Contractor Mark Sadowski completed the base construction of this section as well as the final touches on the base construction from Miles Road west to the Charnock Cut. With a productive summer past, Greenways looks forward to construction of the trail in Oakham from the Muddy Pond outlet west to the Route 122 crossing. The trail development began in 2008 and will be completed in 2009 with support from a Recreational Trails Grant administered by the DCR.
 Greenways has also begun planning 2009-10 construction of the next mile west in Oakham from the Route 122 crossing to Coldbrook Station. We have applied for two grants, a Recreational Trails Grant and a DCR Partnership Matching grant, to assist in completing this ambitious project.
Thanks to the efforts of Wachusett Greenways and partners, the MCRT continues to grow and connect communities in the Wachusett region. It's all possible because of your support.
Top: Processing gravel for trail use. Bottom: Miles Road construction, Rutland.
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L to R: Jess Bisbee, Jess Rozek, Tyquel Sylvester, Oliver Townsend, Nicholas Rivera and Rocco Diverdi (not pictured) served as summer interns.
Super Intern Team for 2008
Several energetic, dedicated young people served as summer interns this year. They joined together as an effective team who helped care for the Springdale Mill Site and the rail trail. We look forward to a spring reunion with new interns joining the crew. Check the Greenways website for more information and to sign up.
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Map Alert!
Greenways Guide on the Horizon
The long-awaited Wachusett Greenways Guide, a detailed map of the greenways and trails within the Wachusett region, is nearly ready to be printed. The first edition of the map was printed in 1998 with assistance from a Greenways and Trails Demonstration Grant from the Department of Environmental Management (now DCR). The new edition will be printed with support from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
Updating the map involved researching new trails and greenways and checking the status of existing open space. The Guide team worked to make the map as clear and easy-to-read as possible while including any exceptional features of the major trails. The map provides links to more detailed online maps, and a matrix that summarizes all the activities permitted in conserved lands, making it easy to select a destination for your choice of passive outdoor recreation.
New Greenways board member Steven Dubrule shepherded this project, with help from Chris Nichols, Grace Blydenburgh and Colleen Abrams. The team consulted a host of state and town officials and conservationists.
"This was such a positive experience. We met so many interesting and dedicated people," says Steve, "and I was amazed at how much open space is available." Vin Antil, GIS manager of the Trustees of Reservations, donated his services to create the map. Adshead Graphics designed the Guide. We have high hopes that each Greenways member will receive the new map before snow flies.
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Thank You!
Wachusett Greenways appreciates your support, both your financial donations and your volunteer efforts. To make a contribution toward extending the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT), please visit our website and click on Contribute to Greenways. To become a Greenways member, click on Become a Member. We hope to see you out on the rail trail soon! | |
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