[Appies] AMC April Newsletter and Events

[chair at amcworcester.org]

April Newsletter and Events

Happy Spring Members!

Wishing you all the best this Easter and Passover.  As I prepare for  
my winter backpacking trip this weekend at beautiful Zealand Falls hut  
in the Whites, it feels great that it?s time to start springing ahead.  
  There is no time like the present to remove those winter sweaters  
and get motivated to ?Get Out There?!  The AMC can help you shed that  
winter weight and get you out of hibernation.  Our club is a fun and  
social way to enjoy trails, picnics, trail work, cycling, and our  
raging rivers.  Have you ever been white water rafting?  Does it sound  
exciting?  Well it is and if you?ve never been, the West River in  
Southern, VT is a great first experience for both intermediates and  
beginners.  Our New England Rivers are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 and  
the West is rated class 3-4 with lots of fun waves and thrills for  
ages 12+.  Contact me if interested in joining the fun on April 29!   
New members especially welcome.

For those many new members to the club, the chapter welcomes you to  
our family of Worcester county members who have supported the mission  
of the AMC?s conservation, education and recreation initiatives.   
There are many deserving volunteers who provide hours of enjoyment for  
our chapter with their leadership and volunteerism. The Worcester  
chapter is proud to announce a new initiative to recognize our  
volunteers.  Starting this month, we are accepting nominations for  
?Volunteer of the Month.?  If you would like to nominate a person who  
has demonstrated volunteerism of the mission of the AMC, then send an  
email to barbaradyer at hotmail.com with the name and contact information  
of the volunteer and paragraph stating their achievements. In the  
subject line type VOM.  Our executive committee will select names  
randomly on a monthly basis.  Those selected will be eligible for the  
grand prize of a complimentary weekend at any of the AMC destinations  
as well as having their name published in our chapter newsletters.   
Executive Committee members are not eligible.  We would like to  
provide our membership at large this great opportunity so please limit  
your nominations to one person/month and help support our leadership  
appreciation initiative.

This month, an executive committee member who deserves recognition for  
updating our web page regularly, changing over to a new server,  
maintaining our Appies listserve and providing our Executive Committee  
new email accounts (see contacts page) is Jack Downing.  Thanks Jack  
for all your efforts in keeping our members returning to our web page  
often at the rate of 90k hits a month.  The Young Members web page  
will also be changing hands from Paul Gross to Kristen Toohey.  Paul  
deserves outstanding recognition for maintaining the YM page the last  
few years.  Thanks Kristen for taking on a very important position.   
The YM web page with their separate listings can be found at  
http://www.amcworcester.org/ym/.  Check our main web site often for  
our many listings of events at http://www.amcworcester.org.  I?m  
taking a web page course and can see how much work and expertise is  
required to keep our members updated.  Please consider sending our  
webmasters a note to tell them how much you appreciate their efforts!

This month we have many Earth day activities planned with promotions  
of the Al Gore movie and climate warming, earth day cleanups, trail  
work, history walks and projects, dog day opportunities at Noble View,  
nature photography walks, cooking classes, family camping programs,  
leadership training, rock climbing and of course what we are known for  
our many social opportunities.

Members should have received in the mail their newsletters or it can  
be viewed on our web page.  Special thanks goes to our newsletter  
co-chairs Mary MacDonald and Lori Nozzolillo for their efforts and to  
all who continue to contribute to make our newsletter a huge success.   
Be sure to provide us any feedback or offer stories of your adventures  
worth sharing.  We want to hear from you!

Volunteers are needed!  If you have experience in providing programs,  
leading activities, or the desire to contribute your time, then please  
consider volunteering.  We always need leaders and volunteers to step  
up to the plate for membership events, trail and conservation work,  
and leadership and welcome all to get involved, especially new  
members. There are openings on our executive board for Paddle Chair  
and Ski Chair.

The new rail trail in Milford (Upper Charles River Bike Trail) is open  
and the grand celebration will be held on June 16 and we encourage  
volunteers to represent the AMC on this big event.  Visit the website  
www.milfordtrail.org for more information and contact AMC member Pat  
Rosenthal at patrosenthal at comcast.net if you can help out  
volunteering.  Volunteers with canoes are also needed to cleanup  
Milford Pond on Earth Day.  Congratulations Pat for making the vision  
a reality in our Blackstone area!

Our chapter is proud to announce the inception of the Chapter Youth  
Program and we encourage folks interested in getting involved in  
leading events, skills, or activities for youth agencies.  Consider  
joining in on the fun of getting our next generation of  
conservationists outside enjoying local hikes and activities.  You can  
make a difference!  Special thanks to our new chapter youth program  
coordinator, Deb Phaup, for organizing trainings on April 29, and  
CPR/First Aid open to all members interested on May 9.  Deb can be  
reached at dphaup at verizon.net.

Thank you for supporting our chapter and to all the leaders and  
volunteers who contribute to the success of the club.  Please don?t  
hesitate to contact me for any chapter related inquiries or to provide  
feedback.  We encourage and support your ideas.  I look forward to  
seeing you at some of our upcoming events below.

Happy Earth Day,


Barbara Dyer
Chapter Chair
chair at amcworcester.org
(508)735-3281 (3-9)
www.amcworcester.org


Listing of April Events: (Please print and visit our web page often  
for updates)

Fri-Wed., March 16-October 31. Wednesday Hike Series. Status: Open.  
Join the Wondrous Wednesday Wanderers as we wander the trails  
throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire and who knows  
where else for moderate to sometimes strenuous hikes. No registration  
required. Leader: Fred Bernard, fredber7 at yahoo.com, 978-345-7408;  
Co-leader: Margrette Lock, mlock307 at verizon.net, 978-422-9720.

Fri-Sun., March 30-April 1. Ski for Charity at Sugarloaf USA Now its  
time to start spreading the word! You?re invited! Join us for the  
annual Ski for Charity, a weekend-long event at Sugarloaf/USA in  
Carabassett Valley, ME. Groups from all over New England will be  
joining us for a fun weekend with friends and their friend's friends.  
Anyone is welcome to come. There will be optional social activities  
organized all weekend during the day and in the evenings. Skiing,  
snowboarding, sledding, on mountain activities, live music. When you  
register for the event, you can choose Appalachian Mountain Club -  
Worcester Chapter as the charity you'd like to support (or any other  
charity listed). For more information go to  
http://whizspark.com/es/viewevent.aspx?eid=1962&icid=66635. Questions?  
Contact Luanne Lemieux, WhizSpark Corporation, 508 616 9190.  
llemieux at whizspark.com.

Fri-Sun., March 30-April 1. Zealand Hut and Highland Center Weekend.  
Status: Open. Highland Center/Zealand Falls hut trip. (WR/NH joint  
trip). Join us for a weekend at the Highland Center's Shapleigh studio  
on Friday (bunk and breakfast) and a hike or ski to the hut on  
Saturday, with the opportunity to hike Zealand or enjoy the Falls in  
the area. Approx. $75 pp.incl. 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, and one  
dinner. Lunch and Fri. dinner not provided. Full winter gear required.  
Related Web link. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com;  
Co-leader: Sam Jamke, 603-472-2536.

Sat., March 31. Seven-Mile River. Status: Open. Rescheduled from March  
10 because the river was blocked with ice. A narrow winding stream,  
moderately challenging, and quite scenic. No registration required.  
Leader: David Miller, pagayeur at verizon.net, 508 853-8964.

Sun., April 1. Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary Hike. Status:  
Open. Approx. 5 to 7 Mi hike through Wachusett Meadow Wildlife  
Sanctuary located at 113 Goodnow Rd. This scenic and relatively easy  
hike has one 300 ft. elevation gain. There are opt -out options along  
the way and more trails for those that want to see more. Admission is  
free for MA Audubon members (don't forget your membership card). AMC  
group admission is $2.50 for all others. Limited to 15 people. Bring  
water, snack or lunch, field glasses for bird watching and preferably  
waterproof hiking boots. Related Web link. Leader: Elaine Cibelli,  
elaine_cibelli at hotmail.com, 508-832-9060; Co-leader: Kiirja Paananen,  
khatru24 at yahoo.com, 978-582-9248.

Sun., April 1. Monthly Traveling Dinners. Status: Open. Join us for  
our Monthly Traveling Diners this month Sunday April 1, 2007 At Block  
Five Bistro, 139 Green Street, Worcester, MA Call for directions from  
your location. 508-767-3483. Meet at 5:00 pm. Full Eclectic Menu  
promises to be a dinners delight. Entrees from $8.95. Please confirm  
your attendance to Lori Nozzolillo via e-mail @pkjane58 at hotmail.com no  
later than Wednesday March 28, 2007. Limited to 20 people so reserve  
early Leader: Tia Koziak; Register with: Lori Nozzolillo,  
pkjane58 at hotmail.com.

Sun., April 1. Local WR History Walk & WR AMC History Project. Status:  
Open. 1) The Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, in conjunction with  
other city organizations, such as the Greater Worcester Land Trust,  
has been working hard to create a recreational area at Coe's Pond.  
Meet for a short walk around the pond to see transformation of the  
Coe's Knife Factory site. Prepare for winter weather walking. 2)  
What's been going on in the WR Chapter for 88 years? Bring creativity  
and ideas to work on ongoing project. Come to both walk and project  
party or just one. Walk: 12:30pm, approx 1 hour. Project: 2:00pm. RSVP  
required by February 2nd, 12 noon. Related Web link. Leader: Laura  
Ruth, lrsconnects at yahoo.com, 5087558490; Register with: 4 Rosslare  
Drive, Worcester 01602.

Wed., April 4. Introduction to River Running. Status: Open. Ever  
wanted to learn how to read a river? Learn what a "peel out" or an  
"eddy line" is? Join us at EMS Millbury for a night of whitewater fun!  
We will discuss the basics reading rivers, whitewater rating, paddling  
gear, safety issues, and New England paddling destinations. Where? EMS  
MillburyShoppes at Blackstone Valley70 Worcester Providence  
TurnpikeMillbury, Massachusetts 01527508-865-6776E0144ST at EMS.COM When?  
April 4, 2007, 6:00pm - 8:00pm No registration required. Leader:  
Willow Fury, e0144st at ems.com, 508-865-6776.

Fri-Wed., April 6. Movie Nite. Status: Open. Movie Night: Blackstone  
Valley 14 Cinemas on Friday April 6, 2007, at 6:15 pm meet at the  
piano in the main entrance. The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley located  
at the Intersection of Routes 146 and 122A Millbury, MA 01527 Call for  
directions from your location (508) 853-4000 Please RSVP your  
attendance by Wednesday April 4, 2007 to Tia Koziak via e-mail  
@ma2622 at charter.net. Leader: Tia Koziak.
Sat., April 7. Pat's Tri-Town Tour. Biking. Status: Open. (INT)25-30  
miles thru Westboro, Southboro, Hopkinton. 10:00 A.M. Early season  
training ride with hills. Bring water, snack and repair kit. Optional  
potluck lunch at leader's house. Limited to 10. Rain cancels. Leader:  
Pat Lambert, plambert119 at yahoo.com, 508 366 6164.

Sat., April 7. Dog Day 5. Status: Open. Take Rover for a hike, meet  
other AMC dog lovers and see Noble View, AMC's 360-acre property in  
Western Mass. We will hike approx 2-3 hrs on beautiful trails, and get  
a peek at the newly renovated double cottage. This is an all day trip.  
Leaving Auburn in the AM. Related Web link. Leader: Mary Newth,  
mnewth at netzero.com, 508-756-7385; Co-leader: Rob Robertson.

Sun., April 8. Nature Photography Park Series. Status: Open. April  
Photography walk. Location: Oxbow Wildlife Preserve - Harvard MA, off  
Rt 110description: Very flat hike along the Nashua River and some  
adjacent fields. Could be swampy in spots and buggy, prepare  
accordingly. Generally one sees beaver activity and birds on the  
river. Optional apres-shoot lunch at Bolton Orchards. Since this is a  
photo hike, rain or heavy cloudiness cancels. Time: Contact Leader. No  
registration required. Leader: kiirja paananen, khatru24 at yahoo.com,  
978-582-9248.

Tue., April 10. The Climate Project: A Seminar on Global Warming.  
Status: Open. Please join us for a seminar discussing one of today's  
hottest topics; Global Warming. Mark Durrenberger of Hudson is the  
owner of New England Breeze, a business that sells and installs  
renewable energy systems including small wind turbines. In early  
January, Mark made his way to Nashville Tennessee, where former Vice  
President Al Gore trained Mark and 200 others to give this  
presentation on global climate change. This is the same presentation  
in the award-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth". This event  
is sure to open your eyes to how we are treating the Earth. This event  
will take place at Marlboro Public Library at 7 PM. Seating is  
limited. Please register in advance. See This website provides some  
information about this event:http://theclimateproject.org/. Leader:  
Jennifer Eaton, jeneaton99 at gmail.com; Register with: Kristen Toohey,  
kris2e at aol.com, 508-259-8226.

Tues., April 10.  Deadline for entering listings into the magazine.

Wed., April 11. Creative Gourmet Cooking for Tripping Companions.  
Status: Open. 6:30 - 9:30 pm. The Lodge building, YMCA Camp  
Harrington, Boylston MA. Fee: $10.00 (check made out to AMC). Come  
learn all about cooking for hungry co-travelers. See how much fun it  
is to make your favorite delicious dishes, including pancakes,  
vegetarian soup, and sun-dried tomato pesto - pasta! Be prepared to  
impress your fellow travelers with breakfast and dinner meals that are  
deeply nourishing and low cost, full of delightful flavors, are easy  
to bring in a backpack, and leave little trace in the kitchen. At the  
same time enjoy the camaraderie of lasting friendships with aspiring  
cooks. This class is feral levels. Cooking experience is welcome but  
not required. Come hungry! Related Web link. Leader: Cees van Eijk,  
dutchy2usa at hotmail.com, 508-329-2042; Register with: Bill Zahavi,  
b.zahavi at gmail.com, 508-335-8343.

Sat., April 14. Assabet and Concord Rivers. Status: Open. With lunch  
under the historic Old North Bridge, a good beginner's trip. Leader:  
David Miller, pagayeur at verizon.net, 508-853-8964.

Sat-Sun., April 14-15., Reconstruction work Pine Hill Trail. Status:  
Open. Join along in setting rock steps, building rock structures for  
drainage and waterbars and setting scree walls for trail definition.  
Join experienced leaders to learn the fundamentals of safely moving  
rock, trail stabilization and treadway protection. Learn the  
mechanical advantage of moving rocks with a griphoist and highline  
system. Tremendous opportunity to be involved in a local project whose  
results will be around for decades. Tools and training available,  
bring lunch, water, and work gloves. Related Web link. Leader: Steve  
Crowe, sunshineturf at 110.net, 508-892-3042; Register with leader.

Sat-Sun., April 14-15., Leadership Training. Status: Open. For those  
interesting in leading Worcester Chapter Trips and Activities.  
Qualifies participants to co-lead hiking, biking, paddling and YM  
activities. Focus on trip planning, organization, safety, leadership  
styles, and group dynamics. Location: Boylston MA. Cost $25 included  
materials, instruction and lunch. Preference given to Worcester  
Chapter Trip participants. Scholarships available for Worcester  
Chapter Members. Contact L for more info or to register. Leader: Mike  
Jones, mjones330 at comcast.net, 978-562-4494.

Sat-Sun., April 14-15., Hiker Trail Workshop. Status: Open. Ever  
wonder how that rock got in just the right spot to take your next step  
or who built that run off channel in just the right spot? Hikers and  
hike leaders have been invited to come join the Trails Committee and  
the Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation to give your thanks,  
learn, appreciate and pay back those folks behind the scenes. Join us  
as we help with trail maintenance on Wachusett Mtn. You'll have lots  
of fun and never look at a trail the same way again. No experience  
necessary. Do it for one or both days. Tools supplied Bring water,  
packable lunch/snacks, work gloves, and wear sturdy boots and clothing  
appropriate for conditions. Leader: Steve Ciras,  
worcamchiking at yahoo.com, 508 769 9351.

Sun., April 15. Untaxing Road Bike Ride. Biking. Status: Open.  
(intermediate). Approx. 20 mi., 12mph pace. Worcester, Boylston.  
Sunday P.M. Rain/fog/freeze cancels. Leader: John Gau,  
gau_amc at charter.net, 508 853-6254.

Wed., April 18. 3rd Wednesday Social. Status: Open. 3rd Wednesday  
Social & New Member Orientation.Status: Open. 7pm. Northboro  
Historical Society, 50 Main St., Rt.20. John Wojdak will present his  
trip to Alaska. Bring dish to share. New members/visitors always  
welcome. Registration required for new member orientation (6:30), not  
for potluck. Register with Jean McInerney at 508-753-2639 or  
jemcinerney at verizon.net No registration required. Leader: Fred  
Mezynski, 508 853-6098; Co-leader: John Nieman, jhnatlc at verizon.net,  
508-835-3352.

Thu., April 19. Monthly New Member Dinner. Status: Open. Please join  
us for our Monthly Dinner scheduled for April 19, 2007 at 6:30 pm Leo  
Turo's Restaurante, 11 Bracket Court Worcester, MA. The restaurant is  
located just off Shrewsbury Street the famous Italian section of  
Worcester. Entrees include Northern Italian fare including salads,  
pasta and seafood. Prices range from $9.95. Moderately priced menu.  
Call for directions from your location 508-753-9490. Limited to 20  
people so reserve early. Please RSVP no later than April 16, 2007  
Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net; Leader: Jean Clark,  
jemcinerney at verizon.net.

Sun., April 22. Wachusett Jaunt. Status: Canceled. Join the group for  
a midday jaunt up Mt. Wachusett. 4 mi. via Balance Rock, Old Indian,  
and Semuhenna trails. Bring water, snacks, lunch for the summit.  
Limited to 10. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Pat Lambert,  
plambert119 at yahoo.com, 508 366 6164; Co-leader: Laura Ruth,  
lrsconnects at yahoo.com, 508-755-8490.

Sun., April 22. Beginner Hike. Status: Open. First monthly very  
beginner hike, meet at Mt Wachusett visitor information at 10:00.  
Princeton, MA. Wachusett is the highest mountain in Massachusetts east  
of the Connecticut River and stands some 2,006 feet above sea level at  
its peak. Our panoramic summit views include sights of Boston to the  
east. We will take a very easy trail to the top, stop often as needed,  
and have lunch at picnic table at the top of Mt Wachusett. Bring/wear  
hiking boots or high top sneakers, water and snacks. Please confirm  
your attendance no later than April 18. 2007 Leader: Tia Koziak,  
ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.

Wed., April 25.  Boylston:  Worcester Chapter Meeting open to all  
members.  Get involved at the next level and join us for dinner and  
planning of events and other initiatives.  Register with leader:  
barbaradyer at hotmail.com.
Fri., April 27. Inconvenient Truth Movie and Potluck Social. Status:  
Open. Join us for a conservation social event to watch the Al Gore  
movie at the YMCA Camp Harrington in Boylston. Bring a potluck dish to  
share. Chapter will provide drinks and popcorn and paper products.  
Dinner from 6-7 and movie begins at 7:00. Registration required with  
leader. New and prospective members welcome. Limited to 20. Related  
Web link. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.

Sat., April 28. Hiking, Camping, and Traveling with Children. Status:  
Open. Hiking, Camping, and Traveling with small children: FREE! Learn  
the basics of how to engage young children in the great outdoors and  
what gear you need to begin to explore the many local opportunities we  
have for families for hiking, biking, paddling and camping. Children  
enjoy being around other children so join us for a presentation from  
10-12 at Broadmeadow Brook followed by a short hike (rain or shine).  
Snacks provided. Register with leader Related Web link. Leader:  
Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.

Sat., April 28. 2007 Second Annual Earth Day Cleanup. Status: Open.  
Join the AMC Worcester Chapter as they team up with the Regional  
Environmental Council Of Worcester for the second year to help clean  
up Crystal Park. All tools supplied. Bring water and wear sturdy boots  
and clothing appropriate for conditions. Time 9am - Noon. Leader: Mary  
MacDonald, mmacdona at comcast.net, 508-498-4943; Co-leader: Bill Zahavi,  
b.zahavi at gmail.com.

Sat., April 28. Boynton Park. Status: Open. Mid Day hike, possibly 3  
hrs. Wooded trails just outside Worcester. Terrain is hilly - one very  
steep part. Beautiful Cascade Waterfall. Waterproof boots recommended.  
Must bring plenty of water and a snack. Well-behaved dogs on leash  
welcome. Must register all dogs. No registration required. Related Web  
link. Leader: Mary Newth, mnewth at netzero.com; Co-leader: TBD.

Sat., April 28. Rock Climbing. Status: Open. The Worcester Chapter  
will be offering beginner classes in technical rock climbing starting  
with the first class on Saturday April 28. No previous rock climbing  
experience or equipment is required. The classes will be taught at  
Crow Hill in Leominster State Forest. Also experienced climbers  
interested in climbing, please call. We will be climbing throughout  
the year, so if you cannot make the first class you will be able to  
learn at a later date. Leader: John Grote, john_c_g at msn.com,  
508-756-3778.

Sat., April 28. Brooks Woodland Preserve. Status: Open. Very scenic 7  
mi hike in the Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham, Ma. Meet at the  
Petersham common. No registration required. Leader: Don Flye,  
978-724-3318; Co-leader: Dan Bolton, 978-249-2162.

Sat., April 28. Beg. Mtn. Bike Ride-W. Boylston Rail Trail. Biking.  
Status: Open. 12-14 mile mtn. bike ride on hard packed dirt rail  
trail. Patch kit, spare tube and water required. Bike must be in ready  
to ride shape. Leader: Elaine Cibelli, elaine_cibelli at hotmail.com,  
508-832-9060.

Sat., April 28. Dinner First Movie Second. Status: Open. Dinner First  
Movie Second: Saturday April 28, 2007. Dinner before the show at  
O'Conner's Restaurant 1160 West Boylston Street Worcester, MA meet at  
5:00 pm, at dinner we will decide on a movie. Please RSVP your  
attendance by Wednesday April 25, 2007 to Lori Nozzolillo via e-mail  
@pkjane58 at hotmail.com No registration required. Leader: Tia Koziak,  
ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.

Sun., April 29. Rail Trail Hike. Status: Open. Sterling, MA Meet at  
the Cider Mill antique store off Rt. 12 on Waushaccum St. Easy flat  
hike on Rail Trail 2-4 miles past Waushaccum Pond. Great for kids,  
followed by a stop at a kid-friendly restaurant. No registration  
required. Leader: Ed Fanjoy, edfanjoy at yahoo.com, 508-842-2186;  
Co-leader: Pat Fanjoy.

Sun., April 29. White Water Rafting on Vermont's West River. Status:  
Open. Ride Class 3-4 whitewater with Crabapple Whitewater in Southern  
Vermont. Exciting river for intermediate or first time rafters. It's  
always more fun with an AMC group! Ages 12+ welcome. Cost: $100 which  
includes rafting, lunch, instruction and guide. Wetsuit not included.  
Sorry no refunds. Register with leader. Related Web link. Leader:  
Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.

Trips and Programs:

Sat-Sun., April 14-15., Leadership Training. Status: Open. For those  
interesting in leading Worcester Chapter Trips and Activities.  
Qualifies participants to co-lead hiking, biking, paddling and YM  
activities. Focus on trip planning, organization, safety, leadership  
styles, and group dynamics. Location: Boylston MA. Cost $25 included  
materials, instruction and lunch. Preference given to Worcester  
Chapter Trip participants. Scholarships available for Worcester  
Chapter Members. Contact L for more info or to register. Leader: Mike  
Jones, mjones330 at comcast.net, 978-562-4494.

April 29, Chapter Youth Training.  Status:  Open.  Open to all  
interested in working as leaders for our youth program.  To learn more  
how you can make the difference in the life of a child and follow our  
mission of ?No Child Left Inside?, contact Deb Phaup at  
dphaup at verizon.net.   Training will be held in Northboro from 9-3.

Wed., May 9. CPR and First Aid Course. Status: Open. Attention Leaders  
and Members: Join the Worcester Chapter for a course in CPR and First  
Aid. Cost is $55. Location: National Safety Council in W. Boylston  
from 6-10. All are welcome. Register with leader. Leader: Deb Phaup,  
dphaup at verizon.net.

Fri-Sun., May 11-13., Catch the Skiers at Tuck's!. Status: Open. Hike  
on Sat. to catch the spring skiing action on Tuckerman's Ravine.  
$105.88 gets you 2 nights at Joe Dodge Lodge, dinners on Fri. & Sat.,  
breakfast on Sat. Payment due by April 1. Limited to 12. Fill out  
registration form using the following link: Related Web link. Leader:  
Pat Lambert, plambert119 at yahoo.com, 508-366-6164; Co-leader: Mary  
MacDonald, mmacdona at comcast.net, 508-498-4943; Register with: Mary  
MacDonald, mmacdona at comcast.net, 508-498-4943.

Fri-Sun., May 11-13., Worcester Chapter Retreat at Noble View. Status:  
Wait list for cottage, plenty of camping available. FREE! All  
interested Worcester Chapter members are welcome at no cost as an  
appreciation by the Noble View Committee for our grant we provided for  
their renovations. Join our chapter's members for a weekend of options  
of socializing, hiking, trail work, paddling, Six Flags, or shopping  
in the Berkshires. Food not provided - potluck recommended.  
Accommodations in bunks sitting on 360 acres or bring a tent. This is  
a rustic retreat with an outhouse and no running water, but fabulous  
lodge with bunkrooms, kitchen facilities, fireplace, living room and  
plenty of space. Families and new members welcome. No pets. Related  
Web link. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.

Fri-Sun., June 8-10., 4th Annual Donna Aube Memorial Weekend-Martha's  
Vineyard. Biking. Status: Open. (INTRO) Biking and Swimming on  
beautiful Martha's Vineyard. Spend 2 nights in the Wesley Hotel,  
conveniently located in Oaks Bluff. 1 qn. bed $270, 2 dbl beds, $145  
pp Full pymt must be received by 4/30/07. No refunds after 5/1/07  
unless you are able to fill the space. Send check to Frieda Coursen,  
187 Brookway Dr., Northbridge MA 01534. Leader: Dave Laska,  
davelaska at verizon.net; Co-leader: Frieda Coursen,  
fcoursen0953 at charter.net.

Sat., June 9. Massachusetts Park Conference. "Partners in Parks:  
Celebrating and Restoring Massachusetts' Public Places". 9 a.m. to 5  
p.m. at the Worcester Technical High School in Worcester, Mass. Many  
of you live near and care about local state parks. AMC is helping to  
organize a statewide forum at Worcester Technical High School to bring  
together park advocates like you, state agency personnel and dozens of  
supporting organizations to celebrate and further invest in  
Massachusetts? public lands. This will be a statewide working session  
for everyone who wants to see the Commonwealth?s forests and parks  
achieve their potential as wonderful places to work, play and be  
restored. For more information and to register, please visit  
http://www.conservationandrecreationcampaign.org Registration opens  
March 1. For details, contact Julie Wormser at jwormser at outdoors.org.  
See the PDF flyer: Mass_Parks_2007.pdf

Fri-Sun., June 15-17., Alpine Gardens Hike. Status: Open. Explore the  
Alpine Flowers in bloom. Sat. ~8-10 mile hike intermediate pace from  
Pinkham. Tent. Plan is to hike up via Boott Spur, across Alpine Garden  
and down either Tucks or Nelson Crag depending on weather and  
conditions. Summitting Washington is not an objective of this trip.  
Sun. Leaders Choice. Cost $110 includes 2 nights lodging at Pinkham, 2  
brkfst, 1 dinner. Ltd. to 10. Register by May 15th. Leader: Sharon  
Foster, sharon_foster2 at yahoo.com, 978 562-4494.

Sat., June 16:  Milford:  Charles River Bike Trail Dedication:   
www.milfordtrail.org or Pat Rosenthal at patrosenthal at charter.net.   
Volunteers needed to represent the AMC!