BVIN members coming back from a tour on the Blackstone Valley EXPLORER

Blackstone Valley Interpreters Network
The Blackstone Valley Interpreters Network (BVIN) continues to explore, network and highlight the interpretive opportunities throughout the Blackstone Valley. Its goal is to bring together guides from the region to share stories, to highlight Valley sites, trade solutions and network. “Through this group, we aim to create new and innovative ways of sharing the wonderful resources of the Blackstone River Valley with our visitors. Imagine how much we have to learn from one another!” Chairperson and VIP Pat Perry enthusiastically shared. Members meet on the first Tuesday evening of the month at a different interpretive site. There is no charge to join the group started by a several Certified Interpreter Guides (CIG) from the Blackstone Valley and is supported by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission through its Volunteer in Parks (VIP) program. To learn more about the BVIN give Pat a call at 401-762-0358 or e-mail her at bvin@cox.net.

Top                  Page 1                     Page 2

The Paddle Club at Bowdish Reservoir

Blackstone Valley Paddle Club
The Paddle Club offers trips through August 28, 2007. Paddlers who are members have the opportunity to explore a different waterway every Tuesday night, meeting at 6:15 p.m. on the water in the Blackstone River Valley. Improve your paddling skills, find the best paddling locations in the Valley, learn about water quality or just enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with friends.

There is plenty of time to participate this summer with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club. Attendance for this year has been great and the Volunteer “Team Leaders” have created a wonderful summer long program. A Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association (RICKA) membership fee of $15.00 is required, as is an additional $10.00 BVPC membership fee. The $10.00 Blackstone Valley Paddle Club membership fee is good for the entire 2007 season. If you are a current RICKA member, come to a Blackstone Paddler's event and you may join for the additional $10.00 membership fee at your first event. There are no trip charges. You may also print out the application and join at any time. 

Due to popular demand the Paddle Club now has rental boats for paddlers on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month. (Membership requirements are waived for those paddlers renting boats on our rental nights). For more information on the rentals, please see the Paddle Club website.

The fourth Thursday of the month will be solely devoted to training those paddlers interested in learning basic strokes that will allow them to better control of their boat whether they paddle a canoe or kayak. Renal boats are also available on training nights. Training nights are free of charge this year and included with your membership or boat rental. No trips are offered on these evenings. 

Questions? Contact VIP Cheryl at StoneFoxFarm@juno.com or 401-647-5887

Top                Page 1                     Page 2

Thursday Night Walkabouts Off to a Great Start!
Once again the National Park Service rangers of the Blackstone River Valley and their volunteer partners are offering Thursday Night Walkabouts. The Walkabout series has become a summer tradition in the Blackstone Valley over the past decade. Every week from June through August, the public is invited to visit of one of the special places of the Valley that we call home.

According to Ranger Kevin Klyberg, “We really enjoy doing these Walkabouts because it gives us a chance to take people to some of the often overlooked jewels of the Blackstone Valley. Some of these tours are old favorites, but they also give us a reason to do some more research and to learn new stories to share with others. The Walkabouts also give us a way to promote some of our partner sites too.”

Over the past two seasons, a number of the programs have been created and presented by people who took a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training seminar sponsored by The Commission in 2006. “We viewed the Walkabouts as the perfect forum for our certified guides to show off their new skills,” said volunteer coordinator Ranger Suzanne Buchanan. 

Some of the new programs this year include: A tour of downtown Pawtucket with the docents from Slater Mill, a visit to the Valentine Whitman, Jr. House in Lincoln and tours of Farnumsville and Mendon, Massachusetts.

The remaining Walkabout Schedule includes:
August 9 Millville Lock
August 16 Valentine Whitman, Jr. House, Lincoln
August 22 Harris Pond and Social Village, Woonsocket (Special Wednesday Walkabout)
August 23 Scull Rock Lock and Blackstone Canal tour, Uxbridge
August 30 Mendon

All of the programs are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information about these programs, please contact the Heritage Corridor at (401) 762-0440 or link here.

Top                  Page 1                     Page 2

Footsteps in History Organizers Expand Web Site
Footsteps in History organizers have expanded their web site designed to reach participants and site staff alike. Both the 2005 and 2006 final report have been added, a schedule for 24 / 24 – events held on 24 weekends in the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley -- an Event Calendar, and a photo gallery for each of the Footsteps in History communities. The gallery has room many more images so please send yours today. Also, if you would like to participate in the Footsteps in History open house on Columbus Day Weekend, October 6 - 8 please contact Lorraine Provencher at 401-724-2200 or visit www.footstepsinhistory.com for details. Digital images of previous events can be mailed to bvfootsteps@aol.com

Top                  Page 1                     Page 2

Disclaimer
The Heritage Corridor News is a publication of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor Commission. Content selected for publication is at the discretion of the Heritage Corridor Commission and must demonstrate substantial Commission involvement. For more information or questions on the newsletter e-mail us or contact Hal Welch at 401.762.0250.