In This Issue
We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and that you stay connected with us on social media.
Find our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube channel links at the bottom.
- October is National Go on a Field Trip Month - Take One of our Virtual Field Trips!
- National Manufacturing Day is Friday, October 2nd: Learn About the Blackstone Valley Education Hub
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Celebrate World Smile Day® - Friday, October 2nd
- "Blackstone: What's in a Name?" with Val Stegemoen on October 8 on Zoom
- Volunteers-In-Parks Program News
- Volunteers in the News
- Video Celebrates River Stewards in the Blackstone River Valley
- Corridor Chats: A Visit with Keith Gonsalves at Hunt's Mills
- Blackstone River Valley Coloring Pages
- Become a GearHead Junior Ranger
- Learn How Lobsters Built a Factory - the Riverdale Mills Story
- Celebrate Robert Goddard Day - October 19
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October is National Go on a Field Trip Month |
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Did you know that October is National Go on a Field Trip Month? Did you also know that we have developed a series of virtual field trips to historic homes, museums, and more that you can enjoy from your favorite comfortable chair? |
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Meet the Field Trip Fridays Team! |
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Austin Alexander, Visitor Services Associate at at Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester. |
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Ashley, Quinn, Visitor Services Associate at the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester. |
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Bob Evans (pictured above) is the volunteer leader of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Photography Ambassadors. Current volunteer Photography Ambassadors include Debra Boucher, Carol Dandrade, Silvana Della Camera, Bob Evans, Ellen Kawadler, Sarah Keates, Tony Mistretta, and Rob DeRobertis. Dennis Smith is a former Photography Ambassador who is turning to his passion for painting. Watch for his artwork in our program materials. |
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Want to Go on a Real Field Trip? |
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As social distancing guidelines continue to change, some museums and historic sites throughout the Blackstone River Valley are beginning to reopen. We've noticed that most require a reservation or ticket purchase in advance, and of course, masks are required, and other safety precautions are in place. Also, be sure to check current travel restrictions between Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Here are a few locations we've discovered that have reopened or announced reopening this month. The list continues to grow. If you are curious about a particular location, be sure to check its website and/or social media for current status and procedures.
Note: Due to COVID-19, many locations are unable to offer on-site school tours at this time. Inquire within.
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Outdoor visitor centers at:
Blackstone River State Park, Kelly House Barn, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Thursday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weather permitting, through Oct. 10.
Blackstone River State Park, 1075 Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI
Open every day, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through October 31.
Note: No facilities available.
677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI
Offering special event programs. Check for updates.
42 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI
Now open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
52 Power Street, Providence, RI
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
199 Hope Street, Providence, RI
Thursdays, Fridays, and two Saturdays a month at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
100 South Street, Providence, RI
Reopening October 1
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
Open Thursday - Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA
Walk Thru: Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat., & Sun. from 10:00am - 5:00pm
Columbus Day (October 12): Open as a Walk Thru.
Zoo is open through October 31.
84 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket, RI
Tours on Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., through November 29.
55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA
Reopening October 7
30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA
Now open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Note: Salisbury Mansion remains closed.
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National Manufacturing Day - Friday, October 2nd |
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In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, we introduce you to the Blackstone Valley Education Hub (BVEdHub), an advanced manufacturing training center designed to incubate job opportunities and growth.
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Located in the historic Linwood Mill in Whitinsville, MA, the BVEdHub holds training courses and educational opportunities for businesses and local public schools to equip area students with highly-sought-after advanced manufacturing skills to meet local industry demands. The BVEdHub is the educational nonprofit affiliate of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, also located at the Linwood Mill.
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Its “Fab Lab” is filled with state-of the-art digital fabrication equipment to help provide local students with real-world industry experience. Students work with 3D printing, CNC lathes and milling machines, augmented welding training systems and many other examples of machine shop equipment. An adjacent computer lab runs recent versions of Fusion 360, AutoCAD, MasterCAM, Solidworks, and a variety of Microsoft and Adobe applications.
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In celebration of Massachusetts STEM Week, October 19 to 23, the BVEdHub is offering middle school students small, two-hour, in-person workshops after school (3 p.m. - 5 p.m.), for a small fee. Workshops will include 3D design and printing,
engineering challenges, basic electronics and more. (Note: Proper COVID protocols will be in place.) To learn more, click here.
The BVEdHub’s goal is to meet the workforce needs of the Blackstone Valley, and to enhance educational opportunities for all ages. Curriculums at the EdHub are developed in collaboration with local schools and institutions in order to the meet the needs to ensure employment. This ambitious project was spearheaded by the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Jeannie Hebert along with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Massachusetts Central Workforce Board.
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Celebrate World Smile Day® - Friday, October 2nd
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Do an Act of Kindness. Help One One Person Smile. |
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On Friday, October 2nd, we should all be smiling with pride throughout the Blackstone River Valley. The first Friday of October each year is World Smile Day® celebrating the famous "Smiley Face" and its creator was Harvey Ball from Worcester, MA.
In 1963, Ball was working as a freelance artist for The State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester, MA, (now known as Hanover Insurance) and was asked to create an image to increase employee morale. In less than 10 minutes, he designed the smiley face with one eye bigger than the other. He was paid just $45 for his creation and it went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet!
Ball himself created World Smile Day® when he became concerned about the over-commercialization of the Smiley Face. He thought that one day each year should be devoted to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. World Smile Day® has been celebrated since 1999. After Ball died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honor his name and memory.
Who will you share a smile or kind act with today?
Photo of Harvey Ball: Wikimedia Commons
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Join Val Stegemoen on Zoom! |
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Volunteers-In-Parks Program News |
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As we continue to keep a pulse on the VIP program, an invitation was sent to VIP’s extending an opportunity for them to “Connect Through Technology” and join other volunteers in a Zoom meeting. The virtual “Meet & Greet” on September 23rd was very successful. A total of 47 volunteers attended along with BHC staff, volunteers from BHC's Board of Directors, and staff from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park including Supervisory Ranger Kevin Klyberg and new park Superintendent Eric Breitkreutz.
"It was a great chance for Eric to meet our dynamic volunteer team, present updates on the status of the volunteer program, share behind-the-scenes volunteer activities that have taken place since March, and of course, many laughs!," Suzanne Buchanan, Blackstone River Valley Volunteers-In-Parks Coordinator reports. “It filled my heart to see so many smiling faces and to have the volunteers check-in with each other."
"Stay tuned for regular VIP Zoom meetings," Suzanne notes. "Since social distancing guidelines prevents us from having in-person VIP gatherings, we will come to you through technology! Can you give me a thumbs up? Imagine the possibilities!”
SAVE THE DATE: the Next VIP Zoom Meeting will be Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. Watch for more info in your Inbox.
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Willard House & Clock Museum Hosts BHC Photography Ambassadors
Watch for a Field Trip Fridays Video This Fall!
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It was a special behind-the-scenes opportunity for us to create another Field Trip Fridays video and for the museum to have the photos to promote this historic gem.
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Their eye for the details appears with every image taken. They all show up with a camera and the same subject to photograph and each photo is uniquely different. Thank you so much Debra Boucher, Bob Evans, Ellen Kawadler, and Tony Mistretta for sharing your talents!
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The day was as diverse as our volunteer program. BHC's Austin Alexander got a personal experience at the museum for writing and narrating the script and got to meet the photographers whose photos he's been using to create the videos. VIP Abigail Epplett serenaded the photographers with her violin and VIP Dennis Smith sketched the exterior of the museum to create an original watercolor painting. Perhaps a plein air painting session is in the future. Imagine the possibilities! |
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Note: The museum in not open to the public at this time. We gratefully thank Beverly and Sarah for hosting our group of volunteers. They both have amazing knowledge and passion for this historic site and their hospitality was enjoyed and appreciated by all. |
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Volunteers uncover 'lost' cemetery off Elder Ballou Road
WOONSOCKET - Silas Cook, born two decades after the American Revolution, was 58 years old when he died and was buried with his family in a small cemetery off Elder Ballou Road.Isabel Cook, an Aldrich who married into the Cook family, lived to the ...
Read more
www.valleybreeze.com
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Video Celebrates Blackstone Valley River Stewards on World Rivers Day |
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In recognition of World Rivers Day here in the Blackstone River Valley, we celebrate the organizations and people who are committed to the stewardship of rivers in the Blackstone River Watershed.
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Corridor Chats: A Visit with Keith Gonsalves at Hunt's Mills |
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Learn about the storied past of this historic site which sits adjacent to the beautiful Ten Mile River and the popularly photographed horseshoe dam. Keith will show you interesting evidence of the property’s predecessors, the fish ladder where volunteers come to count fish, the stunning gardens maintained by University of Rhode Island Master Gardener volunteers, and much more. Get comfortable. You’re in for a treat!
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Celebrate National Color Day on October 22
With Blackstone River Valley Coloring Pages
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YouTube - Blackstone Heritage Corridor |
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Stay Connected with Us on YouTube! |
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and you will receive notifications when we release new videos.
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Become a Gearhead Junior Ranger |
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Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO! |
Junior Rangers in the Blackstone River Valley are called GearHeads.
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the Gears in their brain; who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures through the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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TRAPPED: HOW LOBSTERS BUILT A FACTORY |
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In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, learn about Riverdale Mills in Northbridge, MA, and what inspired its founder, James Knott, Sr., to create its signature product, Aquamesh. Click here.
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Pictured here with the famous Aquamesh are (left to right) James Knott, Sr., founder of Riverdale Mills, with his son, James Knott, Jr., CEO of Riverdale Mills.
In 2019, James Knott, Jr. earned a 2019 Manufacturing Leadership Award, Visionary Leadership category, from the National Association of Manufacturers. Riverdale Mills celebrates 40 years in business this year.
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Celebrate Robert Goddard Day - October 19 |
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“I imagined how wonderful it would be to make some device which had even the possibility of ascending to Mars, and how it would look on a small scale, if sent up from the meadow at my feet.” - Robert Goddard |
In the afternoon of October 19, 1899, Robert Goddard climbed a tall cherry tree at his Aunt's Farm in Auburn, MA, armed with a saw to trim the dead limbs from tree. It was there he paused and imagined what would become the world's first liquid-fueled rocket. He went on to celebrate October 19 as his "Anniversary Day," and it is now celebrated as Robert Goddard Day. Learn more here.
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Have a Blast Celebrating Robert Goddard! |
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From all of us at BHC, we wish you well and look forward to seeing you soon! |
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