August 27, 2026

Click here to view our calendar!

With your membership to the BVCC you are entitled to a FREE membership to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

** To add you to their  database, please complete the application on their website: https://business.worcesterchamber.org/member/NewMemberApp/. 

Please check off ‘to be invoiced’ and select a ‘standard membership.’ Once you submit the application, they will change the fee to $0. In the ‘Comments/Questions section’ of the application, please write ‘BV Member’ Once you set up your login credentials, you will be able to register for events, add reps to your account, access their member directory etc. 

Your contact at Worcester is:

Kristen Luna

Membership Sales and Service Representative

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

508.753.2924, ext. 226  | kluna@worcesterchamber.org

311 Main Street, Suite 200  |  Worcester, MA 01608

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Fall Hike Series Led by Volunteer Trail Ambassadors

Guided hikes scheduled this fall highlight local history, foliage, and stewardship

Blackstone Heritage Corridor (BHC) will host a series of guided hikes led by its volunteer Trail Ambassadors from Sept. 12 through Dec. 19, 2026 offering free opportunities for the public to explore the Blackstone River Valley's trails while learning about its natural and cultural history.

Hikes will take place in both RI and MA, on various Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall season. Each hike will be led by a volunteer Trail Ambassador, who will guide participants along the route while sharing insights into the Valley's history, natural landscape, and ongoing conservation efforts. Each hike is rated moderate to strenuous with terrain descriptions, length, and hike info on the BHC website so hikers can choose the hike that is right for them.

"Fall is one of the best times to be on the trails. In Massachusetts, we'll hike the Grand Trunkline Trail during peak foliage. In Rhode Island, Wolf Hill climbs to Mercer Outlook for views of the Providence skyline. Our Trail Ambassadors know these places really well, and the history of each area." -Ryan Verhoog Recreational Resources Manager, Blackstone Heritage Corridor

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and be prepared for fall conditions. Registration is free but space is limited; sign up at blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/hikes/

The fall hike series is part of BHC's mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the Blackstone Valley’s historic, natural, and recreational resources for current and future generations.

For the full schedule of fall hikes, locations, and registration details, visit blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/hikes/ or contact Kerri Arsenault at 508-234-4242.

The BLUF – Bottom Line Up Front is now available here: The BLUF EOVS Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2026 | Mass.gov

We're excited to introduce a new and improved reading experience. Rather than downloading a PDF, The BLUF is now available as a live webpage on Mass.gov, making it easier to read on any device, navigate between sections, and quickly access the information you need.

This edition includes highlights such as:

• Updates and messages from EOVS leadership
• New and expanded veteran programs and services
• Women Veterans Network news and recognition of the 2026 Deborah Sampson Award recipient
• Resources and opportunities available through local Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)
• Upcoming events, outreach initiatives, and ways to stay connected with EOVS and the veteran community.

We encourage you to explore the new format, share it with your colleagues and communities, and let us know what you think. Your feedback helps us continue improving The BLUF as a valuable resource for Massachusetts veterans, service members, their families, and those who serve them.

Natural Disaster Recovery II Program -

Open for Applications

Program covers weather related losses from 2023-2024

Applications are now available for farmers who suffered losses in 2023 and 2024 due to weather may be eligible for this one-time loss-recovery program. Crop, infrastructure, timber, and other losses totaling more than $2,500 may be eligible.

Applications are open until September 30. Please read the RFR carefully for details about eligibility and reporting requirements.

This block grant program, funded by USDA and administered by MDAR, will cover portions of eligible losses, including:

• Crops, such as fruits and vegetables
• Future economic losses from the loss of perennial plants
• Infrastructure, such as buildings and plasticulture
• Timber
• Bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.

Losses for most categories must represent 15% of the value of the lost crop or infrastructure, and claims must total $2,500 or more for each applicant. All eligibility requirements and additional details can be found in the RFR under “Attachments” at COMMBUYS link here.

Deadline for applications is September 30, 2026 at 4:00pm. Late applications will not be considered.

A video explanation of the program, including a walk-through of the application form, can be found here.

Questions about the program may be submitted to ndr2@mass.gov before August 21. Answers to general questions, but not questions about specific applications or circumstances, will be posted online here.

• Brick Marketing Live Podcast Delivers Expert Insights on AI, SEO, GEO, AI Marketing, Content and Social Media
• Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Fall Hike Series Led by Volunteer Trail Ambassadors