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Spring Trail Status Report
The following Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) sections are open for walking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing, with parking as noted:
> Sterling - from the Cider Mill in the Center to Gates Road (1.7 miles, parking at both ends).> West Boylston/Holden - from Route 140 to River Street (2.9 miles, parking at both ends).
> Holden - from River Street to Manning Street along the connector (1.1 miles, parking at both ends).
> Rutland - Wachusett Street to Holden line along Route 68 (1.2 miles, parking at Wachusett Street. Brush is stacked on the sides, but the the trail is open.)
> Rutland - Miles Road to Route 122 just west of Old Turnpike Road, Oakham (4.1 miles, parking at Miles Road, Rutland State Park entrance road, Route 122 at Midstate Trail and at Route 122 just west of Old Turnpike Road, Oakham).
The following trails are not yet cleared (as of mid-March 2009):
> MCRT Trail connector in Holden from Manning Street to Route 31 at Mill Street and in Rutland from Glenwood Road to Route 56.
> White Oak Trail in Holden, which connects to the Trout Brook trail system.
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Wanted:
Volunteers!
Please share your gifts with us: trailside hospitality, plan a race or organize a family event, lead a walk, share your expertise about nature, help with mailings, write for the newsletter.
If you can help, please contact Colleen today at 508-829-3954 or
colleen.abrams@verizon.net.
Thanks!
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Map Alert!
Greenways Guide
2009 Edition Unveiled
The new Wachusett Greenways Trail Guide, which will be given to each 2009 member, shows the ever-expanding trails and open spaces in the Wachusett region.
The Guide includes a detailed map of trail locations in the region, parking locations, trail highlights, activities permitted, and contact information for the various organizations in the area.
Two of the most popular trails shown in the guide are the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) and the Midstate Trail, which intersect in Rutland.
The guide will also be available for $4 each at the May 11 Greenways annual meeting, to be held at Chocksett School in Sterling and at other Greenways events.
The first edition of the map was printed in 1998. The 2009 update, an enlarged version printed in full color on durable
coated paper, is funded in part by a grant from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
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Finding the Mitten
Families and the young at heart on the Sterling rail trail discover that a white mitten can engage animals of the forest in myriad ways. The story of The Mitten, by Jan Brett, will entrance walkers until March 31.
Would you like to help produce new StoryWalks? Email Margaret Lock at mlock307@verizon.net.
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Wanted!
Summer Youth Interns
You can grow stronger and healthier while you enjoy the outdoors and help keep the Mass Central Rail Trail in great shape. Sign on to help for the summer or a few work days.
Here's your chance to serve. Volunteers from age 12 to 21 please contact Colleen today at 508-829-3954 or check out the Greenways website.
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Go Green!
Get Greenways
e-Connector Online
You're reading the Greenways e-Connector, the online version of the Greenways newsletter. By opting to receive it online, rather than printed and mailed via snail mail, you help reduce paper use and our printing and mailing expenses.
It's easy to share the full-color e-Connector with family and friends by forwarding it from your desktop.
And feel free to add the email addresses of friends and family who should be on our mailing list. Simply click here or the Join Our Mailing List link on our website.
We encourage you to opt out of receiving the paper version. Just watch your postal mail for an invitation to become a Greenways member for 2009 and check off the box to receive the e-Connector. Alternatively, email us.
If you prefer to receive your Greenways news by postal mail, please let us know and we'll continue to send you the printed version of the Greenways Connector.
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Connect with DCR Now!
Contact Paul Jahnige at paul.jahnige@state.ma.us to sign up to receive Connections, the e-newsletter of the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Greenways and Trails Program.
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Summer Reading News
Now available: The long-awaited and expanded second edition of The Central Mass (Marker Press). The book is a comprehensive retelling of the colorful history of the Central Massachusetts RR and the abandoned rail bed of the Central Mass that Wachusett Greenways is refurbishing as the Mass Central Rail Trail.
Greenways is also offering two other railroad history books. Titanic Railroad, by Larry Lowenthal, is the remarkable
story of the Southern New England RR and its far-reaching influence. The third book, One Town and Seven Railroads: Past, Present and Never Were, traces the divisive relationship among operating and might-have-been railroads and trolleys in and around Palmer, MA, dating to 1839.
The Central Mass and Titanic Railroad are priced at $39.95 each. One Town and Seven Railroads is priced at $29.95.
Postage is $4.00 for the first book plus $2.00 postage for each additional book purchased.
To order, please contact Ken McDonnell at mcdonnellk@charter.net or 508-829-0336. Or you may purchase the books at Greenways Annual Meeting on May 11 or other Greenways events.
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Four Seasons Exhibit
Moving to Autumn
The Four Seasons Exhibit will be held in the autumn this year. Greenways directors are envisioning the exhibit with a few changes. The first change is that the exhibit will be presented in October 2009 rather than being unveiled at our Annual Meeting in May.
Watch for details on the exhibit and keep capturing your favorite image through paintings, drawings, photographs or other media. We'll all look forward to this popular show!
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Join Our
e-Mail List!
Wachusett Greenways observes a strict email security policy. We will not give or sell your e-mail address to anyone. Period.
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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 Greenways 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 Team Leader, at greenways@charter.net
or 508-829-5341.
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Greenways
e-Connector
Newsletter Team
Vivianne Ouellette, Team Leader
Colleen Abrams
Darcy Adshead
Tim Enman
Ida Nystrom
Editors
Grace Blydenburgh
Ken McDonnell
Peder C. Pedersen
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
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To submit articles or letters to the editor, please send to
Viv Ouellette at greenways@charter.net
or mail to:
Wachusett Greenways
P.O. Box 121
Holden, MA 01520
For news updates, visit our website at www.wachusettgreenways.org.
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DIRECTORS' CORNER
Hope Springs Eternal
In December the Wachusett towns experienced a wild ice storm. In addition to streets strewn with destroyed trees, dangling branches and downed power lines, our trails were covered with a tangle of trees laid across like pickup stix. The storm offered an opportunity for us to serve our neighbors. Many people found dozens of ways to help. Wachusett  Greenways shared in the cooperative spirit as loyal volunteers and new helpers began clearing hundreds of trees on the trail. Many thanks to all!
We invite you to head out to the trails and watch spring unfold. Explore a trail with children. Take a solitary walk. When trails are icy or wet, grab a walking stick or a pair of poles, or slip a pair of grippers over your shoes. Come help clear trails. Join us for the events listed below. Among many others, two great dates are coming up -- our Annual Meeting on May 11 and Family Fun Day on June 20. We hope to welcome you!
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After the Ice Storm
The December ice storm resulted in hundreds of trees down on the Mass Central Rail Trail and White Oak Trail. Dozens of volunteers helped to reopen most of the trail sections. Helpers included the Wachusett Greenways volunteer trail crew and trail patrollers as well as community volunteers, such as the Rutland Boy Scouts.
A special thanks to Dick Williams of Overlook Services, in Rutland, for donating his services to keep volunteers' chainsaws in good order. More work will be done throughout the spring and summer, including chipping and removing brush along the trails as well as new trail clearing. Contact Stan Miller at 508-752-3580 or slmiller50@aol.com to sign on to help.
<-- See the complete trail status report at left.
 
 
Greenways volunteers, under the direction of Stan Miller, bottom left, work to clear the rail trail in hard-hit Rutland.
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Accolades at National Trails Symposium
Wachusett Greenways received unexpected accolades at the American Trails' 19th National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, AR, last November. American Trails honored Greenways with its 2008 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Annual Trail Worker Award, describing our group as "...Massachusetts' premier citizen trail development organization." Greenways was recognized for "...its wide base of support in the community and the construction of miles of rail trail at a fraction of the cost of trails developed elsewhere."
In addition, Craig Della Penna, of Northeast Greenway Solutions, received the Trail Advocacy Award "...for successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance."
Each recipient was honored as an "exceptional example of the inspiring work being done within the trails community." A full write-up and photo can be found on the American Trails website.
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Trails and Healthy Choices Go Together
We all know that exercise is good for us. While many of us struggle with weight gain, the good news, by some estimates, is that over 90% of U.S. residents participate in some type of outdoor recreation, from walking to rock climbing.
The Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) and open spaces of the Wachusett Region provide beautiful, safe, no-cost places for kids and adults to exercise their bodies, minds and souls -- albeit in ways far less challenging than scaling rock faces.
The benefits of outdoor recreation are many, according to Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State University in Ohio:
- Psychological benefits -- Prevention or reduction of stress; increased self esteem, confidence and creativity; spiritual growth; and an increased sense of adventure.
- Physical benefits -- Aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness as well as improved functioning of the immune system.
- Social benefits -- Increased pride in one's community and nation along with opportunities for bonding with neighbors.
- Economic benefits -- Employees who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive; outdoor recreation creates job opportunities; and the preservation of outdoor recreation places increases property values.
- Environmental benefits -- Increased environmental awareness leads to increased involvement in environmental issues.
For people living in Central Massachusetts, volunteering to work on Greenways trail crews provides an even greater level of physical activity, and a chance to connect with others.
 Start Kids Early
Outdoor recreation aids childhood development and learning and builds their confidence. Trail activities enhance large motor skills and social skills and help avoid the nationwide trend toward childhood obesity.
Seniors Can Benefit Most
Americans 65 and older are the nation's least active age group. Nearly 40% of people over the age of 55 report no leisure-time physical activity. Research has shown that seniors who have healthy lifestyles that include regular physical activity reduce their risk for chronic diseases and have half the rate of disability of those who do not.
Keep Moving with Greenways
This spring Wachusett Greenways will help host a statewide Keep Moving walk on May 6 at 10 AM on the MCRT. Keep Moving, a network of over 150 local walking clubs across Massachusetts, promotes physical activity and socialization for anyone over age 50. Part of the state's Mass In Motion initiative, Keep Moving clubs have seniors on their feet from Adams to Yarmouth, from Agawam to Winthrop, and in a community near you.
"Being a part of a walking club motivates older adults to stick with a physical activity regime," said Edward Pomfred, R.N., Keep Moving director. "Participating in a club rewards both body and soul. We're delighted to add the MCRT to our growing selection of Keep Moving destinations."
"More than half of adults in our state are overweight or obese, as are one-third of our middle and high school students," said Dr. Judy Ann Bigby, Mass. Secretary of Health and Human Services. "These conditions place enormous burdens on our residents and on our health care system, so it makes sense for us to focus on prevention. That's what Mass In Motion is all about."
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Tim Enman at the Tables
Rail Trail Workouts by the Numbers
As I write this, snow is melting on the ground outside and pounds of holiday meals have accumulated on my waistline. As many of us have spent a moment frowning at a bathroom scale down between our feet (at least those of us who can still see our feet), now is the time to start taking those pounds off.
Thankfully, the Mass Central Rail Trail is here to help. Think of it as a community treadmill. But unlike a treadmill, you get to spend your time out in the fresh air, and you don't need a gym membership (though donations are encouraged!). If you're like me, though, you might miss the encouragement of the "calories burned" readout on your favorite treadmill or elliptical machine.
Below is a table that will help to put your rail trail workout in perspective. It shows the calorie burn for four theoretical trail users across three activities, walking, jogging and cycling. Our theoretical ladies are 5' 6" and 160 lbs., while the gentlemen are 5' 8" and 180 lbs. Each participant has a body mass index of close to 27, making him/her a bit overweight. The workout is assumed to consist of a round trip along the entire Holden-West Boylston section of the trail, about 5.5 miles.
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Age & Gender / Pace (minutes per mile) / Time to Complete / Calories Burned
Walking
50 year-old female / 16:30 / 1 hour 30 min. / 350
50 year-old male / 16:30 / 1:30 / 406
30 year-old female / 16:30 /1:30 / 410
30 year-old male / 16:30 / 1:30 / 439
Running
50 year-old female / 11:00 / 1 hour / 600
50 year-old male / 11:00 / 1:00 / 713
30 year-old female / 11:00 / 1:00 / 720
30 year-old male / 11:00 / 1:00 / 770
Cycling
50 year-old female / 8:10 / 45 min. / 180
50 year-old male / 8:10 / :45 / 214
30 year-old female / 8:10 / :45 / 216
30 year-old male / 8:10 / 45: / 231
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First DCR Award Ceremony
In October 2008 the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) honored Wachusett Greenways by holding their first award ceremony for the annual Recreation Trails Program Grants on the Mass Central Rail Trail. Commissioner Rick Sullivan presented awards to grant recipients from across the Commonwealth.
Rutland Selectman Sheila Dibb, Rep. Lew Evangelidis, Sen. Steve
Brewer, DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan and Rep. Jim O'Day at the MCRT
in Rutland.
In 2008 the Recreation Trails Program awarded grants to 25 projects, totaling $600,000. This grant program is part of the National Recreational Trails Program, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA). In Massachusetts, Recreational Trail Program (RTP) money is programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Plan by the Executive Office of Transportation. The RTP funds are then administered by the DCR in partnership with the Mass. Recreational Trails Advisory Board.
Wachusett Greenways received a 2008 grant of $50,000 to help construct 0.9 miles of the Rail Trail in Oakham. Greenways has received seven grants from the Recreational Trails Program and completed more than 14 miles of trail
with the goal of completing the 30-mile midsection of the 104-mile Mass Central Rail Trail.
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MCRT Mini-Bridge Construction
This mini-bridge is just a few hundred yards west of Muddy Pond outlet in Oakham on the Mass Central Rail Trail. The bridge was designed and constructed by Ed Yaglou and Bruce Pennino with the assistance of other Greenways volunteers. It's built to handle the weight of construction vehicles as trail construction continues in 2009 one mile farther west to the Route 122 crossing.
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MCRT Construction Continues West in 2009
DCR GRANTS ADVANCE THE RAIL TRAIL
The Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) will extend one mile west in Oakham as construction begins this spring. Two Parker Brook crossings will be bridged as part of the trail development. A Mass. Recreational Trails grant administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will help fund the project along with donated services and funds from Wachusett Greenways.
A third Parker Brook crossing is also planned west of the Route 122 trail crossing. This bridge installation will be part of the next mile of trail from the Route 122 crossing to Coldbrook Station. A DCR partnership matching grant along with Greenways donations will assist in funding. A Recreational Trails Grant is also under DCR's review for this ambitious project.
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Bancroft Students Pitch in Again
 
Students from the Bancroft School, in Worcester, enjoyed perfect weather for a day of clearing at the Trout Brook Reservation field in February. The energetic team of students contributes three community service days each year.
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Tick Talk: Avoiding Lyme Disease
By Marianne Allen Jeneski, R.N.
With spring fast approaching, it's important to protect ourselves, our families and our pets from ticks, those tiny (about the size of a numeral of the year on a penny) but potentially disabling nuisances hiding in our woods and meadows. Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease, whose bacterium can infect several parts of the body, producing serious symptoms.
Left undiagnosed and untreated, over time about 60% of Lyme patients may suffer intermittent bouts of arthritis, particularly the knees. Up to 5% of untreated patients may develop chronic neurological complaints months or years after the infection. Symptoms may include shooting pains, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and problems with concentration and short-term memory.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease is important and is easily missed. A common Lyme myth is that the "heralding" sign of the disease -- a bull's eye rash -- is always present. Roughly 80% of Lyme patients present no rash at all. The offending tick usually has to be attached longer than a day or two to cause the Lyme infection, but many patients who are later diagnosed with Lyme were never aware of a tick bite.
If you believe you've been bitten, it's important to consult your health-care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Foregoing treatment can result in the crippling, chronic and life-altering symptoms mentioned above. Ask for antibiotics recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Unfortunately, current tests for Lyme may return false negatives. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion from a physician with extensive experience treating Lyme disease. Lyme symptoms may mimic other diseases. Some patients with Lyme disease have been diagnosed as victims of stroke, mental illness, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, and other serious conditions.
Receiving late or no treatment can cause complicated recoveries. Fortunately, once the appropriate treatment is started patients improve significantly.
Several websites provide information on the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease. Visit the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) at www.ilads.org and other sites and discuss your concerns with your health provider.
Please do NOT let ticks undermine your outdoor activities. Rather, become educated and proactively protective. Enjoy the outdoors, but care for yourself, your children and your pets.
Prevention!
Be alert for ticks:
- Tuck your pant legs into your socks. Wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into your pants.
- Wear light colored clothing and inspect clothes often for ticks. Have a companion inspect your back.
- Apply repellent according to label instructions. Apply on clothing rather than skin where possible.
- Once inside, remove clothing and wash it, and inspect yourself for ticks.
- Inspect children (pets, too) at least once daily for ticks. When in heavily infested areas, inspect children every three to four hours.
How to Remove Ticks
Prompt removal of ticks decreases the chances of getting Lyme disease. The proper and easiest method is to grasp the tick with fine tweezers, as near the skin as you can, and gently pull it straight out. Be careful not to squeeze the tick when removing it, which could result in more bacteria being injected. Do not try to remove the tick with your fingers or attempt to remove with matches, nail polish or Vaseline. Cleanse the affected skin and your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then apply antiseptic.
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SPRING 2009
Upcoming Greenways Events
Reservations are suggested for all outings so that we can contact you if date or other changes needs to be made. Please contact each event leader for more information and to register. Additional events may be added and will be posted on our website.
We'll also be emailing updates and reminders using the ConstantContact messaging system, which is how we distribute the e-Connector.
Trail Clearing
We're on a roll to clear a new mile of rail trail and to finish clean-up from the ice storm. All volunteers are welcomed to assist on Saturdays or weekdays.
Dates already set are March 21, 25, 28 and April 4 and 6. Please give your email or phone contact to Stan Miller (slmiller50@aol.com or 508-752-3580), so he can let you know when and where clearing is planned. Many thanks to all who are helping!
March 24 - Tuesday - 9 AM
Walk four miles on the southwest side of Wachusett Reservoir with Jack Downes (978-422-6204). Bring a picnic lunch.
April 16 - Thursday - 1:30 PM
Take Dottie's Walk in the new Hubbardston Open Space Area with Sue Hall (508-886-4061). Enjoy an easy two to three mile walk.
April 23 - Thursday - 9 AM
Be amazed as you discover the tracks and signs of animals along the rail trail next to Thayer Pond in Rutland. Walker Korby, Trustees of Reservations educator, will lead the walk from 9 AM to noon. Bring a snack or lunch. Register with Colleen (508-829-3954) or colleen.abrams@verizon.net.
April 28 - Tuesday - 9 AM
Hike with Jack Downes (978-422-6204) four miles on the northwest side of the Quabbin. Bring lunch.
May - Monday/Wednesday - 6 PM
Weather and work contingent bike rides begin at 6 PM at the Holden municipal parking lot (location of Holden Farmers Market) on May 4, 13, 18, 25 and 27. Various backroad rides through Wachusett towns, from Holden out Whitney/Princeton streets to Rutland/Princeton, incorporating views of Jordan Dairy Farm, Overlook Farm, Alta Vista Bison Farm, Mount Wachusett and sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Rides are about 90 minutes and rated moderate. Call ahead to confirm, Steve Dubrule (508 829-1769).
May 3 - Sunday - 1 PM
Guided hike at Mass Audubon's new Burncoat Pond Sanctuary in Spencer with Ron Wolanin. Contact Ida Nystrom (508-829-9709) to register.
May 6 - Wednesday - 10 AM
Join Ed Pomfred, Director of the Mass. Keep Moving Program for a walk on the rail trail. Choose a one- or three-mile walk and bring a bag lunch. To sign up, contact Ed at 617-624-5972 or Edward.Pomfred@state.ma.us.
May 11 - Monday - 6 PM
Enjoy the Greenways Annual Meeting with a delicious pot luck dinner and live music by Chas & Deb. Learn about Wachusett Greenways and how you can connect with us. Chocksett School, 34 Boutelle Road, Sterling. Call Nancy Lucier (508-835-3490) with questions.
May 15, 7:30 AM
Bird watching at Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Still River Depot Road, Harvard, MA, meet in parking area, preregistration not required. Ending around 11 a.m. Walk will be canceled if heavy rain is forecast. Wendy Miller (wmiller29@verizon.net).
May 19 - Tuesday - 9 AM
Bike the Rhode Iland section of the Blackstone River Bikeway. Start in Cumberland and bike south to Wilbur Kelly House Museum of Transportation History. Optional ride to Slater Mill in Pawtucket for the history of RI industrial revolution. Next, bike north to Woonsocket terminus (21 miles total), stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. On the drive home stop at Wright's Farm for ice cream. Yum! Meet at 9 AM for car pooling. Call Chris Nichols to register (978-464-2328).
June 1 - Monday - 6:30 PM
Flower Walk at Moore State Park, Paxton. Contact Park Directors Lois or Denis Melican (508-752-1809) for information.
June 19 - Friday - 7 PM
Summer solstice canoeing on West Washacum Pond, Sterling. Food and fun will follow on Margaret Lock's deck overlooking the pond (978-422-9720). You must supply your own canoe.
June 20 - Saturday - 11 AM - 3 PM
Come on out to Greenways Family Fun Day at the rail trail in West Boylston. Fun - Food - Games - Music - StoryWalk - and the bike and stroller parade at 1 PM.
Updates will be posted on our website www.wachusettgreenways.org,
or call Events Director Ida Nystrom (508-829-9709).
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DCR Convenes Bike and Pedestrian Team
What's your happiest memory? The stories .poured forth as participants in the new Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Bicycle and Pedestrian Working Group gathered from around the state at Walden Pond on a cold day in February. Gary Briere, DCR's Recreation Bureau Chief, led the animated participants as they shared the thrill of leaving one's own yard headed downhill on a big wheeler or watching a child's first bicycle ride.
Others spoke of big rides, such as the Iowa RAGBRAI or the unity of touring en masse over New York City bridges and along city streets. Each person expressed a heartfelt commitment to helping others experience the joy and freedom of enjoying the outdoors.
DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan convened nonprofit groups and state agencies to guide the commission in its bicycle and pedestrian activities and investments and, at the same time, share information about activities being undertaken by Working Group members.
The Working Group will be engaged in a variety of areas including:
- Planning bicycle and pedestrian transportation networks and projects.
- Reviewing design and engineering for specific projects.
- Contributing to education programs designed to improve public awareness and safety.
- Developing programs and promotions that encourage cycling and walking.
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SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS
Rachel Bradley
Holden resident Rachel Bradley brings her energy, organizational skills and enthusiasm for working with people to her lifelong interest in our natural environment. Wachusett Greenways is the lucky beneficiary.
About 10 years ago, when Rachel's good friend, the late Rosalie Corcoran, asked her to join Greenways, she was ready. Clearing and maintaining trails seemed like a natural initiation to Greenways and afforded Rachel the opportunity to get close to nature.
No task is ever too big for this energetic woman, so when volunteers were needed for the silent auction committee, the Family Fun Day planning and the cookbook co-chair position, Rachel took on leadership responsibilities. Over the past few years, she has been involved in hospitality events, newsletter writing, the traveling art show and the development of Rosalie's Garden.
As an employee of Sam's Club, Rachel's innumerable hours of volunteer work made her eligible for the club's matching grants to non-profit agencies. Rachel's natural ability to bring out the best in people is reflected in her work as a greeter at Sam's Club and in her relationships with other Greenways volunteers.
In 1971 when Rachel's husband, Jere, was called to duty with the Army Medical Corps in Germany, the family, including six-month old son Sean, packed up and went overseas. While there, they took every opportunity to explore nature, often joined by their German counterparts in extended hiking adventures.
In subsequent years, the Bradleys moved on to Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and then back to Massachusetts. The Bradleys continue to enjoy camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and hiking. Both Rachel and her husband are Eucharistic ministers at St. George's Church. Rachel founded the Greeters' ministry, and the couple volunteers whenever there is a need.
Why be so involved? "I feel privileged to be here at this particular time, and to help in any way I can to preserve and protect the environment," says Rachel. "We are stewards of the land, and we must pass on the torch to future generations."
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Illuminating the Night
FOR A NEW MOON WALK
Luminaries and holiday music enticed visitors to follow a brightly lit trail leading to the Jeremiah Kaplan Bridge, in Holden, on the Rail Trail on November 28. Wachusett Greenway.s volunteers hosted the evening, where music, baked goodies and warm beverages combined to foster camaraderie.
Event attendance was excellent, with about 100 adults and children following the candle-lit trail. With the event taking place the evening after the Thanksgiving holiday, it was evident that Greenways entertained several out of town visitors.
Storyteller Gwen Callahan provided a special and unexpected treat as she captured visitors' attention with her fantastic tales at the New Moon Walk in November.
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We shall miss four good friends of Wachusett Greenways who died this winter.
Pearl Towle's smile lit up the whole room, and
she was a great encourager of our efforts. She lived 101 years enjoying
the great outdoors. Pearl hiked all the 4,000 footers in the Northeast
with her husband. Dan Harrington died in December. Dan and
Ann Harrington contributed to help build the rail trail as part of
their legacy of philanthropy. They were avid walkers throughout Holden.
In 2009, we lost two more good friends: Chris Erickson
had completed his Eagle Scout on the Rail Trail in 1999 where he helped
build the Springdale Mill River Walk and Interpretive Site. Ray Stewart, from Rutland, was a
stalwart and cheerful volunteer who helped regularly with trail
clearing and greatly enjoyed the outdoors. Each of these friends shared generously with Wachusett Greenways and we are thankful for them.
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