[Appies] AMC October Newsletter and Events

[chair at amcworcester.org]

   October, 2007

Happy Fall Members:

What a great time to be out hiking and leaf peaking whether on a group  
outing or enjoying a solitude walk in the park.  The fall is one of my  
favorite times of year to "Get Out There" to explore beautiful New  
England.  People come around the world to visit us and look at what we  
have right here in central Mass.  Take a look at our web page and you  
will see the many event listings offered to our Worcester members.   
Thanks to all who lead these events.  Keep up the good work! For a  
smaller chapter we sure offer a wide variety of listings sure to  
please all.  Check out all the fun we have on our photos link and see  
the fun we had over the summer.   
http://www.amcworcester.org/pix/index.htm[1]

The fall brings our biggest event of the year, our annual dinner and  
dance social.  Please see our webpage for downloadable registration  
form and join us on November 17 at The Manor in W. Boylston for  
dinner, our brief annual meeting followed by "The Insiders" band.   
Same venue and band as last year where we had a blast so be sure to  
save the date.  All are welcome.  Members will receive invitations in  
the mail soon.  We look forward to seeing you there!
http://www.amcworcester.org/allevents.html[2]

Our executive committee will be changing over at our annual meeting to  
welcome our new volunteers as follows:
Sharon Foster - Chair
Steve Ciras - Vice Chair
Bill Zahavi - Treasurer
Michele Simoneau - Secretary
Deb Phaup - At-Large Chapter Youth Program
Don Hoffses - At-Large Mid State Trail
John Gau - Bicycling
Claude Guerlain - Conservation
Scott Karpuk - Conservation
Ed and Pat Fanjoy - Families
Jim Walsh - Programs
Pat Lambert - Hiking
Laura Ruth - Historian
Deb Herlihy - Leadership
Jean McInerney - Membership
Mary MacDonald - Newsletter
Bruce Blais - Endowment
Dave Cole - Paddling
Mary Coz - Publicity
Tia Koziak - Social
Tom Zumwalt - Skiing
John Grote - Technical Climbing
Fred Mezynski - 3rd Wed. Potlucks
John Nieman - 3rd Wed. Potlucks
Steve Crowe - Trails
Jen Eaton - Young Members
Ellen Bailey - Webmaster
Barbara Dyer - Past Chair

Special thanks to the nominations committee who did a great job  
recruiting our quality candidates.  We acknowledge those folks not  
returning to the executive committee for their several years of  
service they have provided our chapter.  Thank you Ken Pickren, Lori  
Nozzollilo, Mike Jones, Jack Downing, and Larry Bliss.

Congratulations to the AMC Greenway Challenge team who had a great day  
at the race this past Saturday coming in at 6 hours and 37 minutes.   
Participants for our team are:  Mary MacDonald - leader, Sharon  
Foster, Jerry Burke, Tricia Kelly, Bill Zahavi, Steve Payne, Shirley  
Cote.  Support Jean McInerney and Mel Lamoureux.  PR - Ellen Bailey.

This past weekend we also had many volunteers working at the Mass  
Outdoor Expo in Sturbridge where thousands of families enjoyed an  
action packed day of outdoor activities.  Thanks goes out to Elaine  
Cibelli, Mary Coz, Deb Phaup, Bruce Blais, Robert Lynch, and Dawn  
Foster.

Congratulations to our volunteer of the month Frank Lederer.  Other  
nominees include Kiirja Paananen and John Griffin.  If you would like  
to nominate a special volunteer, send to barbaradyer at hotmail.com by  
Oct. 24.  Selected volunteers will be eligible to win a free weekend  
at any AMC destination.

September 11 was remembered with a group from our hiking chair Steve  
Ciras's "Flags Over 48" backpack trip where flags were raised over all  
48-4000 footers in NH to honor those from the 9-11 tragedy.

Our Urban Park Cleanup Series was well attended by AMC volunteers and  
various local WR county environmental groups.  Please join us again  
October 27 for our next event.  We need volunteers to cleanup our  
beloved city. 

This month, be sure to take our leader training if interested in  
learning how you can share your local favorite hot spot.  Do some  
trail work at Mt. Wachusett.  Learn geocaching or take a yoga class.   
Sign up for our chapter youth program training, or take Wilderness  
First Aid. Go to a mountains and music concert or take a Halloween  
hike.  We have a plethora of activities to select from so hope to see  
you there!  See our Young Members website for their complete listings  
at http://www.amcworcester.org/ym/[3].

Happy Trails,

Barbara Dyer
Chapter Chair
(508)735-3281 (3-9)
barbaradyer at hotmail.com

October Events:

   FRI., OCTOBER 5. MOVIE NIGHT. Status: Open. Blackstone Valley 14  
Cinemas at 6:15 pm meet at the piano in the main entrance. 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 October 3, 2007 Leader: Tia Koziak,  
ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.

   FRI-MON., OCTOBER 5-8., COLUMBUS DAY AT THE MAINE HOUSE. Status:/  
Wait Listed./ Join us for another beautiful fall weekend at the Maine  
House on the shore of lake Christopher. Trip includes three night's  
lodging (bed linens provided), three breakfasts and lunches and two  
dinners. $150 pp. Cozy couples rooms and comfy bunks. Activities  
include hikng a 4000 footer, and bike rides 40 miles one day and 50-80  
miles the next. Other activities available. For information and  
registration, follow link below. Related Web link. Leader: Tom  
Zumwalt, 508-835-5429; Co-leader: Mary Mac Donald,  
mmacdona at comcast.net; Co-leader: Pat Lambert; Register with: Mary Mac  
Donald, mmacdona at comcast.net; 3206 Maplebrook Rd, Bellingham, MA 02019.

   SAT., OCTOBER 6. GREAT SWAMP. Status: Open. An all day paddle on a  
winding river in Rhode Island's Great Swamp, with lunch at Worden's  
Pond. Fall colors should be out. Leader: David Miller,  
pagayeur at verizon.net, 508-853-8964.

   SAT., OCTOBER 6. MIDSTATE TRAIL SERIES #14. Status: Open. 9 a.m. at  
"graffiti bridge" on Oakmont Ave. in Westminster. From Rte. 140 north,  
cross Rte. 2 overpass and immediately go left onto Town Farm Rd. Hike  
south around beautiful, remote Muddy Pond, 5.8m. No registration  
required. Leader: Tim Driskell, mandmauger at comcast.net, 978-827-3350;  
Leader: Kim Simpson, 508-366-0485.

   SUN., OCTOBER 7. CRANBERRY PICKING HIKE. Status: Open. Meet 2pm at  
Tahanto H.S., Rte. 70, Boylston, MA. Short walk to reservoir, pick  
cranberries at water's edge. Chance for longer hike. No registration  
required. Leader: Ed Fanjoy, edfanjoy at yahoo.com, 508-842-2186;  
Co-leader: Pat Fanjoy.

   SUN., OCTOBER 7. SUNDAY DINNER AT CHUCK'S STEAKHOUSE. Status: Open.  
Sunday dinner at Chuck's Steakhouse on Route 20 in Auburn. Let's meet  
at 6 p.m. Leader: Lori Nuzzolillo, pkjane58 at hotmail.com.

   SAT., OCTOBER 13. FOOTHILLS THEATRE. Status: Open. "The World Goes  
Around" Music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Ticket Price  
$32.00 - $34.00 Kander and Ebb have created two indelible theatre and  
movie classics with Chicago and Cabaret, but their contribution goes  
so much further. This exuberant and acclaimed revue chronicles their  
amazing output of classic songs in new arrangements from those two  
shows as well as Kiss of the Spiderwoman, The Act, The Rink, Funny  
Lady and of course, New York, New York. Optional meet for diner before  
the show at 6:00 pm at Viva Bene, 144 Commercial Street, Worcester.  
Tickets limited to 8 so first come first serve. Please confirm nolater  
than October 13, 2007 Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net,  
508-981-1152.

   SUN., OCTOBER 14. NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY HIKE. Status: Open. Hike Mt  
Watatic at the peak fall foliage weekend for central MA. Wear sturdy  
waterproof hiking boots, sunscreen and bugspray. Bring water, snacks,  
your camera, a windbreaker, and hiking sticks because the beginning of  
the hike has a short but steep ascent. The windswept summit, at 1832  
ft. elevation, can be cool in any season. The loop trail covers almost  
4 mi. round trip. The first section of the loop ascends steep slopes  
and has excellent views from rock outcrops. The second half of the  
loop goes through undulating woods terrain, and crosses over Nutting  
Hill. Related Web link. Leader: Elaine Cibelli,  
elaine_cibelli at hotmail.com, 508-832-9060; Co-leader: Bill Zahavi,  
b.zahavi at gmail.com, 508-335-9343.

   SUN., OCTOBER 14. CENTRAL MASS SPECTACULAR!. Biking. Status: Open.  
(Interm.) Pedal 32 miles on the prettiest roads in Massachusetts. Come  
experience ridge views ablaze with fall colors. Ride through North  
Brookfield, Oakham, Barre, and New Braintree. Pace: 12-15 mph. Hilly.  
Ride starts from North Brookfield Common, Rt 67, in North Brookfield  
at 10:30am. Lunch stop at Subway in Barre. Bring extra tube and pump.  
Rain cancels. No registration required. Related Web link. Leader: Jack  
Downing, jack.downing at yahoo.com, 508-294-3406; Leader: Colette  
Downing, cmdowning at charter.net, 508-865-1194.

   SUN., OCTOBER 14. MIDSTATE TRAIL SERIES #15. Status: Open. Meet at  
NOON in Westminster at Stone Hill Road/Narrows Road. From Boston area  
take Rte. 2 west, exit 27. Take left at exit, crossing Rte. 2 onto  
Narrows Rd. Drive straight to fork at Stone Hill Rd. where trail  
crosses. From Worcester area, take Rte. 140 north, take right onto  
Gatehouse Road just before ski area entrance; follow about 2 miles and  
turn right onto Stone Hill Road, drive to bottom of hill at corner  
with Narrows Road and park along brook. Leave some cars and drive to  
graffiti bridge on Oakmont Ave. Hike south, by Round Meadow Pond and  
Wachusett Village Inn, about 5 miles. No registration required.  
Leader: Jeanne Gilleney-Decenzo, mandmauger at comcast.net, 508-852-6882;  
Leader: Robert Juckins, 508-829-0901.

   WED., OCTOBER 17. 3RD WEDNESDAY SOCIAL. Status: Open. 3rd Wednesday  
Social & New Member Orientation. Status: Open. 7 PM. Northboro  
Historical Society, 50 Main St., Rt.20. Laura Ruth our Historian will  
present a Brief Walk through History of Worcester Chapter. Bring dish  
to share. New menber/visitors 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, fmezynski at yahoo.com, 508 853-6098;  
Co-leader: John Nieman, jhnatlc at verizon.net, 508-835-3352.

   THU., OCTOBER 18. MONTHLY DINNER. Status: Open. Meet at 6:30 pm  
Block Five Bistro, 139 Green Street, Worcester, MA This is a bistro  
style restaurant with an eclectic spin on traditional American fare.  
Prices range from $9.95. Moderately priced menu. Limited to 20 people  
so reserve early. Please RSVP no later than October 15, 2007 Related  
Web link. Leader: Tia Koziak, ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.

   SAT., OCTOBER 20. BEGINNER BIKE RIDE. Biking. Status: Open. Come  
out for a fun day biking the Nashua River Bike Trail. 11 miles each  
way. Leader Mary MacDonald, Co-leader Jean McInerney, contact Jean for  
details. jemcinerney at verizon.net Leader: Mary MacDonald; Co-leader:  
Jean McInerney, jemcinerney at verizon.net.

   SAT., OCTOBER 20. WELLS STATE PARK. Status: Open. Approx. 5 mi.  
moderate hike. Terrain has 1 steep downgrade which can be tricky with  
the fall leaves, and some rocky portions. Great overlook view at  
Carpenter's Rocks. Sturdy shoes/boots a must. Bring plenty of water  
and a snack. Related Web link. Leader: Mary Newth, mnewth at netzero.com;  
Co-leader: TBA.

   SAT., OCTOBER 20. MT. WACHUSETT FAMILIES FOLIAGE HIKE/APPLEFEST.  
Status: Open. View the peak colors at the summit of Mt. Wachusett for  
this gentle relaxed hike especially offered to families, new members  
and beginner hikers. All are welcome! Bring sturdy shoes, water, and  
picnic/snacks. Recommended for ages 5+. Approx. 2-3 hours RT. Meet at  
10:00 a.m. inside ranger station just past the ski area. Registration  
required with leader. Rain cancels. As an option afterwards stay for  
the 24th Annual AppleFest, the popular fall festival celebration  
including over 60 craft exhibitors, farmers' market, special family  
fun side shows with traditional New England flair. Don't miss the very  
popular pie-eating contests where you could win great prizes! Kids  
entertainment includes, magicians, jugglers, clowns, pony rides, and  
moon bounces! Peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Related Web  
link. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281.

   SAT., OCTOBER 20. DINNER FIRST MOVIE SECOND. Status: Open. Dinner  
before the show at BOCADO 82 winter Street, Worcester, MA meet at 5:30  
pm, Bocato is inspired by Mediterranean Cuisine, served through a  
savory mix of tapas plates At dinner we will decide on a movie. Please  
RSVP your attendance by Wednesday October 17, 2007 Leader: Tia Koziak,  
ma2622 at charter.net, 508-981-1152.

   SAT., OCTOBER 20. MIDSTATE TRAIL SERIES #16. Status: Open. Meet 9  
a.m. at Wachusett Mtn. Ski Area. From Boston area, take Route 2 west  
to exit 25 onto Route 140 heading south, take right at ski area sign.  
 From Worcester area, take Rte.190 to exit 5. Go north on Rte. 140 for  
9.5 miles to Wachusett Mt. entrance on left. Meet in main parking lot,  
along edge on the right side, near where trail enters woods. Leave  
some cars and drive to corner of Stone Hill and Narrows roads in  
Westminster. Hike south over Crow Hill ledges and by Redemption Rock  
to ski area, 5 miles. No registration required. Leader: Don Hoffses,  
mandmauger at comcast.net, 508-869-0062; Leader: Andrew Herbert,  
508-829-2374.

   SUN., OCTOBER 21. MUSIC AND MOUNTAINS. Status: Open. Join us for an  
intimate evening with singer/songwriter Andrew McKnight, an AMC  
favorite. He revels in Appalachian history and sings songs encouraging  
preservation of this great nation of ours. "With a voice reminiscent  
of Don McLean, McKnight traverses from old-time Appalachian tunes to  
contemporary folk and blues, all backed up by his dead-on guitar  
playing" - The Boston Globe. Since permanently leaving his corporate  
environmental engineering career in 1996, the award-winning folk and  
Americana singer/songwriter and Falling Mountain recording artist has  
traced a musical journey of nearly half a million miles of blue  
highways and small towns nationwide, and earned him a wealth of  
critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response for his four CDs and  
captivating performances. Register with leader. Cost $10 for members  
and $12 non-members. Limited seating in cozy atmosphere at YMCA lodge  
in Boylston. Bring a potluck to share. Event begins at 6:00 p.m.  
Related Web link. Leader: Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com,  
508-735-3281.

   WED., OCTOBER 24. WR CHAPTER MEETING. 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.

   FRI., OCTOBER 26. HALLOWEEN FLASHLIGHT HIKE. Status: Open. Join  
other families for a fun night in the dark for our 3rd annual  
Halloween hike. Easy hike along pasture at Breakneck Hill Conservation  
Land suitable for all ages. Meet at 6:00. Bring flashlight, warm  
clothes, water and snack, sneakers ok. Prepare for about an hour hike  
with large group w/break to look at the stars and hear the night  
sounds and optional visit to see the famous belted galloway cows.  
Registration required w/leader. Directions will be sent. Rain  
postpones. New members especially welcome. Related Web link. Leader:  
Barbara Dyer, barbaradyer at hotmail.com, 508-735-3281; Co-leader: TBD.

   SAT., OCTOBER 27. MIDSTATE TRAIL SERIES #17. Status: Open. Meet 9  
a.m. at trail crossing at junction of Route 62 and Ball Hill Road in  
Princeton. From Worcester area follow Route 31 north out of Holden,  
after Princeton town line take left onto Ball Hill Road and drive to  
end. From Boston area head west on Route 2 to Fitchburg then south on  
Route 31. Stay on 31 to Princeton Center then head west on Route 62  
for 2.3 miles to Ball Hill Rd. Leave some cars and drive to parking  
lot of Wachusett Mtn. Ski Area. Hike south over mountain and through  
Wachusett Meadows Audubon Preserve, 6.2 miles. No registration  
required. Leader: Bob Dral, mandmauger at comcast.net, 978-464-5175;  
Leader: Robert Juckins, 508-829-0901.

   SAT., OCTOBER 27. #5 URBAN PARK CLEANUP SERIES. Status: Open.  
Adopt-A-City-Park Series Morning Fun/Work time in Worcester. Status:  
Open. Volunteers needed to help "clean up our own backyard." Tools and  
protective gloves supplied. For park location details please contact  
leader. Leader: Mary MacDonald, mmacdona at comcast.net.

   SUN., OCTOBER 28. GEOCACHING IN CALLAHAN STATE FOREST. Status:  
Open. Learn more about this new family-oriented sport. We're going to  
find one, possibly two easy caches in the Marlboro side of Callahan,  
off Broadmeadow Rd. All ages welcome. 2pm meet, followed by dinner at  
a kid-friendly restaurant! No registration required. Leader: Ed  
Fanjoy; Co-leader: Pat Fanjoy.



Links:
------
[1] http://www.amcworcester.org/pix/index.htm
[2] http://www.amcworcester.org/allevents.html
[3] http://www.amcworcester.org/ym/

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