[Appies] AMC May Newsletter and Events
chair at amcworcester.org
chair at amcworcester.org
Thu May 3 07:44:07 CDT 2007
Happy May Members!
What a great month planned full of plenty of activities for our
members. One day you do not want to miss is our WR Chapter Spring
Picnic on Sunday May 20 from 10-5 at Hopkinton State Park. All are
welcome so bring a friend and your family and join us for hiking,
biking, family activities, paddling, tug of war, volleyball and a
major feast. Last year we had well over 100 people so don?t miss the
fun this year! Please bring a desert or dish to share to compliment
our cookout. RSVP to our Vice Chair sharon_foster2 at yahoo.com[1] if
attending with # in party and see our website for the activities
schedule and all events at http://www.amcworcester.org[2].
The Worcester Chapter retreat at Noble View is only a week away
over Mothers Day weekend. There are a few spaces still available
inside and plenty of camping space so please consider joining us.
It?s sure to be a great event with nearly approximately 35 people
attending so far and it?s FREE! 2 nights lodging in the beautifully
renovated double cottage, 360 acres nestled near the Berkshires, and
plenty of activities for Worcester families and singles. Contact
barbaradyer at hotmail.com[3] if interested.
This past month, a dozen folks from our chapter attended the AMC
Spring Gathering in NY. It was a weekend full of activities,
conferences and workshops. We had a great time enjoying the beautiful
Delaware River Valley and meeting hundreds of other AMC folks from the
12 chapters. Please consider joining us at the Highland Center for
the Fall Gathering in October. The Highland Center is surely a great
place to meet other like-minded AMCers in a comfortable lodge setting
nestled in the spectacular Crawford Notch.
Another big event was our kickoff to our urban park cleanup series
in Worcester. We had a huge turnout who celebrated Earth Day by
volunteering their efforts to help clean up our beloved Worcester
community. Thanks all who came out to help! Next cleanup event is
scheduled for June 23. Please save the date and contact Mary
MacDonald at mmacdona at comcast.net[4] to register. No experience or
tools necessary.
National Trails Day is June 2 and it is an important day to give
back to our community. Please consider offering your time and
services to our Mt. Wachusett events. Training is provided on May
19. See our web site for more information. Our parks are in major
crisis and we need everyone to be involved. Consider being an
activist on June 9 for the Parks Symposium in Worcester.
Our WR Chapter Executive Committee has been busy doing leadership
trainings, trail work, membership drives, attending meetings and
leading activities, plus planning chapter initiatives including
discussing how we can support the AMC?s Maine Woods Initiative. We
are considering providing a grant to build shelters on the 100-mile
wilderness. If you have any interest in becoming part of the planning
of this epic undertaking the AMC has done to protect our Maine North
woods, please join us at the next Chapter Meeting on May 30, or feel
free to send me any feedback. We welcome all and appreciate those who
attend meetings to get educated on how our volunteers work behind the
scenes. We especially appreciate all who step up to the plate.
Volunteers are always needed. Please consider joining the fun!
Congratulations Deb Herlihy, our volunteer of the month, for her
efforts in organizing many of our leader trainings. The following
were nominated as well: TIM SMITH, DEB PHAUP, PATRICIA LAMBERT,
ELAINE CIBELLI, AND FRANK LEDERER. Our monthly winners will be
eligible for a free AMC weekend at any of the destinations. Please
consider nominating a WR chapter volunteer who follows the mission of
the AMC?s vision of conservation, education and recreation. Send name
and email of nominee and paragraph describing the volunteer?s
leadership to barbaradyer at hotmail.com[5] by May 29. WR Chapter
Executive Committee Members are not eligible for nominations, although
deserve exceptional recognition. Thanks to all who wrote in. Keep
them coming?..
We are making great progress with offering new paddling trips but
still looking for a paddle chairperson and a ski chairperson to serve
on our Executive Committee. Thanks to our paddle leaders who have
taken the initiative to get our paddle opportunities flowing along.
The rivers are flowing wildly and calling you to get on them. See our
listings for new paddle trips.
Our Chapter Youth Program is kicking off with another recent
training session. Thanks to those who took the training and are ready
to start leading our youth groups to the great outdoors. Reply to our
CYP coordinator Deb Phaup if interested in learning more about how you
can get involved or if you know of an agency in need of our services
dphaup at verizon.net[6]. We are offering a CPR/First Aid Class on May
9 ? open to all our members. Help save a life!
Our summer newsletter will soon be out so please send our editors
exciting stories all about your adventures such as summer in the AMC,
biking, hiking, family trips, etc. Please submit to
mmacdona at comcast.net[7]. We want to hear from you, our members!
On a personal note, I enjoyed an AMC West River white water rafting
trip, one that will be offered again next fall so stay tuned if
interested. My family took an exciting adventure driving to Florida
along the beautiful Appalachian Mountains that we as the AMC love so
much. A stopover in Blacksburg Virginia was certainly an eye opening
experience with the VA Tech spirit in the air.
April was a very busy month for our chapter and now we are looking
forward to springing into May so it?s time to ?Get Out There? and meet
some other like-minded folks and lose that winter weight. Summer is
just around the corner so consider getting out on the trails and get
fit by participating in all we offer. I look forward to seeing you at
some of our many upcoming events this season as listed below. New and
prospective members are always welcome to our club. Please do not
hesitate to contact me for any chapter related questions or to provide
feedback and suggestions for improving YOUR chapter. As always,
thanks for your support and membership!
Happy Trails,
Barbara Dyer Chapter Chair (508)735-3281 (3-9) or chair at amcworcester.org[8]
MAY EVENTS:
THU., MAY 3. THURS BIKE RIDE FROM DEVENS. Biking. 6pm start.
Status: Open. Meet at parking lot at Jackson Rd and Givry Road.
Parking lot is one mile north of the Jackson Rd entrance to Devens
(exit 37B off of Rte 2). 18-mile ride with hills. Depart right at 6PM
to insure completion prior to dark. Optional dinner afterwards at JP
O'Hanlon's in Ayer. No registration required. Leader: Bill Mullen,
bmullen18 at comcast.net, 978 582-3308.
FRI., MAY 4. MOVIE NITE. Status: Open. Blackstone Valley 14 Cinemas
on Friday May 4, 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
May 2, 2007 No registration required. Leader: Tia Koziak,
ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.
SAT-SUN., MAY 5-6., SOLO - WILDERNESS FIRST AID. Status: Open.
Learn how to manage an emergency in the backcountry from qualified
Solo instructors. This comprehensive two day course at Blackstone
River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, MA covers standard
emergency care with an emphasis on backcountry long-term care and
evacuation. Fees incl., course instruction and meals. Related Web
link. Leader: Debora Herlihy, debora_herlihy at yahoo.com, 508-380-1193.
SAT., MAY 5. CONTOOCOOK RIVER. Status: Open. Cross the border into
Southern N.H. to run the upper reaches of this nice river. No
registration required. Leader: David Miller, pagayeur at verizon.net, 508
853-8964.
SAT., MAY 5. E. PROVIDENCE BIKE PATH. Biking. Status: Open. 28 mi,
beg/int. Next to ocean, through marshlands. Bikes in good repair,
spare tube, repair kit, water, and snacks/lunch required. Bug
repellent, sunscreen, money for ice cream advised. Leader: Elaine
Cibelli, elaine_cibelli at hotmail.com, 508-832-9060; Co-leader: Dawn
Foster, dawnfoster at charter.net, 508-248-9340.
SAT., MAY 5. BERLIN-BOLTON COUNTRY TOUR. Biking. Status: Open.
(Interm) 28 mi. Bolton, Berlin, and Northboro, MA. Mostly quiet back
roads. Moderately hilly. Moderate pace.Route courtesy of Ken Hablow,
Charles River Wheelmen. Related Web link. Leader: Bill Mullen,
bmullen18 at comcast.net, 978 582-3308.
SUN., MAY 6. JOANNE'S SUTTON SMOKER RIDE. Biking. Status: Open.
(Inter) 23 mi. Nice hilly ride through backroads of Sutton. Leader:
Colette Downing, cmdowning at charter.net, 508-865-1194; Co-leader:
Joanne DiStefano, jkdistef at charter.net, 508-865-3104.
SUN., MAY 6. LOCAL WR HISTORY WALK & WR AMC HISTORY PROJECT.
Status: Open. 1) The Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, in
conjunction with other city organiations, such as the Greater
Worcester Land Trust, have 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.
SUN., MAY 6. TRAVELING DINNERS. Status: Open. Monthly Traveling
Dinners this month Sunday May 6, 2007 At Naked Fish Rte 9 Westboro, MA
Meet at 6:00 pm. Please note new time. Full Sea Food Menu. Entrees
from $8.95. Please confirm your attendance no later than Wednesday May
2, 2007. Limited to 20 people so reserve early. No registration
required. Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.
TUE., MAY 8. PIUS LEICESTER RIDE. Biking. 6pm start. Status: Open.
Meeet at St. Pius Church on Rt.9 in Leicester. No registration
required. Leader: Steve Trimby, strimby at aol.com, 508-829-9526.
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.
THU., MAY 10. FOURBORO'S THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE. Biking. 6pm start.
Status: Open. Meet at Linguini's, Rt. 20 Marlboro. 6P, ~15 rolling
miles through Marlboro, Southboro, Westboro and Northboro. No
registration required. Leader: Sharon Foster,
sharon_foster2 at yahoo.com; Co-leader: Mike Jones.
FRI-SUN., MAY 11-13., WORCESTER CHAPTER RETREAT AT NOBLE VIEW.
Status: Open. 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., MAY 11-13., CATCH THE SKIERS AT TUCK'S!. Status: Open.
Hike on Sat. to catch the 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.
SAT., MAY 12. MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND HIKE. Status: Open. Mom deserves
to see how her kid has turned out. Easy hike, followed by dinner at a
Mom-friendly restaurant. Meet at Wachusett Mtn Visitor's center 2pm.
No registration required. Related Web link. Leader: Ed Fanjoy,
edfanjoy at yahoo.com, 508-842-2186; Co-leader: Pat Fanjoy.
SAT., MAY 12. ROYALSTON FALLS. Status: Open. Intermediate approx.
7m to beautifull Royalston Falls. Spring is here and the water should
be flowing strong. Meet at Athol High School. Leader: Dan Bolton, 978
249 2162.
SUN., MAY 13. NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PARK SERIES. Status: Open.
Location: J Harry Rich Forest (Nashua River) Groton - Sand Hill Rd
Parking Lot off Rt 119, Groton. Description: Very flat hike along the
Nashua River and some adjacent rail trail. Could be swampy in spots,
and buggy, prepare accordingly. Generally one sees beaver activity and
birds on the river. Optional loop possible across the street at
Shepley Hill, which is hilly woods. Optional apres-shoot lunch stop
nearby in the center of Groton. 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., MAY 15. NORTHBOROUGH RIDE. Biking. 6pm start. Status: Open.
Meet at Rocky's Ace Hardware on Rt.20 in Northborough No registration
required. Leader: Paul Bowden, pbowden at egenera.com, 978-838-0204.
WED., MAY 16. 3RD WEDNESDAY. Status: Open. 3rd Wednesday Social &
New Member Orientation. Status: Open.7 PM. Northboro Historical
Society, 50 Main St., Rt.20. Claude and Scott our conservation chairs
will show a historical movie in honor of the 100th anniversary of
Northboro Historical Society. And a video on August Camp. Bring dish
to share. New members/visitors welcome. Registration required for new
member orientation (6:30), not for potluck. Register with Jean
McInerney (508-753-2639)or jemcinerney at verizon.net. No registration
required. Leader: Fred Mezynski, 508 853-6098; Co-leader: John Nieman,
508-835-3352.
THU., MAY 17. PINECROFT DAIRY. Biking. 6pm start. Status: Open.
About 17 mi., some hills. Meet behind Pinecroft Dairy. 555 Prospect,
West Boylston. Leader: John Gau, gau_amc at charter.net, 508 853-6254.
THU., MAY 17. MONTHLY DINNER. Status: Open. Please join us on May
17, 2007 at 6:30 pm Leo Turo's Restaurante, 11 Bracket Court
Worcester, MA. 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 May 14, 2007 No
registration required. Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net,
508-981-1152.
SAT., MAY 19. DINNER FIRST MOVIE SECOND. Status: Open. 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 May 16, 2007 No registration
required. Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.
SAT., MAY 19. FARMINGTON RIVER QUICKWATER PADDLE. Status: Open.
(INT)Paddle the exciting Farmington River from Riverton to New
Hartford. We will be shuttled from New Hartford by Main Stream
Outfitters. Full rentals available canoe or kayak. $48/canoe,
$45/kayak, $15/shuttle only. Quickwater and Class I, II rapids. 12
mile downstream trip. Carpool to New Hartford. Limited to 10 persons.
Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, drybag (if available) and change of
clothes. Leader: Jerry Burke, captvt at gmail.com, 978-337-6793;
Co-leader: Mary MacDonald.
SAT., MAY 19. WELCH-DICKEY LOOP. Status: Open. (Intro) This loop
trail over Mt. Welsh and then Mt Dickey affords excellent views for a
modest effort. Fun open ledges interspersed with jack pines and dwarf
birches. Complete loop 4.4 miles, 1800 ft. elevation gain. Related Web
link. Leader: Joe Walsh, 978-928-1107; Co-leader: Colette Downing,
cmdowning at charter.net, 508-865-1194.
SAT., MAY 19. WACHUSETT TRAIL MAINTAINING TRAINING. Status: Open.
One day workshop on trail maintaining skills which will help provide
the needed instruction to assist interested individuals building
competency in trail maintenance and further improvement to the trails.
Everything from painting blazes to moving big rocks will be covered.
No experience necessary. Tools supplied. Bring water, packable
lunch/snacks, work gloves, and wear sturdy boots and clothing
appropriate for conditions. No registration required. Related Web
link. Leader: Don Hoffses, rockypond at charter.net, (508)869-0062.
SAT., MAY 19. WACHUSETT JAUNT. Status: Open. 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. Related Web link. Leader: Pat Lambert,
plambert119 at yahoo.com, 508 366 6164; Co-leader: Laura Ruth,
lrsconnects at yahoo.com, 508-755-8490.
SUN., MAY 20. WORCESTER CHAPTER SPRING PICNIC. Status: Open.
Hopkinton State Park. Fun starts at 10A. Please join us for a fun
filled day. Activities for all ages and abilities. Hiking, Biking,
Paddling, Swimming, Games. BBQ Lunch. We'll provide burgers, hot dogs
and drinks. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Check the
Worcester Chapter Website for more details. All are Welcome. Please
RVSP (email preferred) if attending with # adults/children by May
10th. Leader: Sharon Foster, sharon_foster2 at yahoo.com.
SUN., MAY 20. QUABBIN HIKE. Status: Open. Historic Quabbin 6 mi
scenic hike over back roads to Millington and Puppyville. See pictures
of these past Villages as of the 1920s. Meet at the New Salem General
Store, Rt 202. No registration required. Leader: Don Flye,
flye at trysb.net, 978-724-3318; Co-leader: Dan Bolton, 978-249-2162.
TUE., MAY 22. GRAFTON P.O. PUB RIDE. Biking. 6pm start. Status:
Open. Meet at Old Post Office Pub on RT.140 in Grafton. No
registration required. Leader: Pat Fanjoy, pfanjoy at yahoo.com,
508-842-2186.
TUE., MAY 22. TUESDAY NITE BIKE RIDE. Biking. 6pm start. Status:
Open. Meet at The Post Office Pub off Rt. 140 in North Grafton, MA.
Approx. 12 miles with rolling hills through Grafton and Westborough.
No registration required. Leader: Pat Fanjoy, pfanjoy at yahoo.com,
508-842-2186.
SAT., MAY 26. ASHUELOT COVERED BRIDGE BIKE TOUR. Biking. Status:
Open. (Beginner/Interm) Pedal through 6 historic covered bridges in
the shadow of Mt Monadnock, starting in Swanzey, NH just south of
Keene. You qualify for this ride if you've done at least a 20-mile
ride recently. The tour is about 34 miles of mostly flat, 12-15 mph
take-time-to-smell the flowers riding. Bring water, spare tube, and
camera (optional). Bring lunch or buy at halfway point. Ride starts
from Monadnock Regional High School parking lot at 10:30am. Rain date
is Sunday, 5/27. Register with leader. Click link for directions.
Related Web link. Leader: Jack Downing, gratefulwarrior at yahoo.com,
508-294-3406.
SUN., MAY 27. VERY BEGINNER HIKES. Status: Open. Second in a series
of monthly very beginner hikes, 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 Wednesday May
23, 2007. Limited to 15 people so reserve early. No registration
required. Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.
TUE., MAY 29. HOLDEN/JEFFERSON RIDE. Biking. 6pm start. Status:
Open. La Bussola, Holden. 1 Princton Rd./Rte 122A (north of W.R.H.S.
on R) Some hills. No registration required. Leader: Dave Laska,
davelaska at verizon.net, 508 829-9155.
WED., MAY 30. WR CHAPTER MEETING-LAST WED. OF THE MONTH. Status:
Open. Join the Worcester Chapter Team of volunteers for a planning
session for the chapter initiatives. New members especially welcome to
get involved. Volunteers and leaders are always needed. If you would
like to learn more about how you can volunteer for the largest
regional conservation, education and recreation organization, please
join us for dinner and our monthly meetings every last Wed. of the
month in Boylston. Register with leader. Leader: Barbara Dyer,
barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.
Links:
------
[1] mailto:sharon_foster2 at yahoo.com
[2] http://www.amcworcester.org/
[3] mailto:barbaradyer at hotmail.com
[4] mailto:mmacdona at comcast.net
[5] mailto:barbaradyer at hotmail.com
[6] mailto:dphaup at verizon.net
[7] mailto:mmacdona at comcast.net
[8] mailto:chair at amcworcester.org
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