Erika Sidor

View of model of Blackstone Canal on Harding Street

CanalFest in Worcester a Big Success!
The waters of the Blackstone Canal once again drew crowds of enthusiastic supporters heralding the rebirth of the Canal District in Worcester. A large contingent of volunteer carpenters from Local 107 of the New England Region Carpenters Union plied their trade as they re-created the historic Blackstone Canal on top of its original route on Harding Street. A great collaboration of carpenters, a crew from the Worcester Department of Public Works, and CanalFest volunteers transformed Harding Street into an oasis of water and plants in the heart of a thriving area of redevelopment in the heart of Worcester.

As part of the Commission’s preservation efforts, the recreating of the canal plays a major role in telling the story of the canal, its history and impact on the development of the Blackstone Valley and Worcester. It helps people see the possibilities of a watered section of the Canal along Harding Street, from behind Union Station down to Kelly Square. Congressman James McGovern is working on getting significant funding for the canal project that includes re-watering the re-created canal.

Just in its second year, CanalFest has become a huge attraction. Despite record-breaking heat, thousands watched as traditional dancers from Vietnam, the Latin countries of the Americas, Greece, Poland and Ireland performed throughout the day bringing the once heavily industrialized Island section of Worcester back to life.

For more information on CanalFest, contact Lead Ranger Chuck Arning at the Commission, at 401-762-0440 or e-mail us.

Trainings from West Virginia to You in the Blackstone River Valley
During the week of July 16-20, 2007, VIP Pat Perry, chairperson of the Blackstone Valley Interpreters Network (BVIN) and Ranger Suzanne Buchanan attended the National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide train the trainer course held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepardstown, West Virginia. The extensive training will enable VIP Perry and Ranger Buchanan to teach and certify those participating in the Certified Interpreters Guide Course. The course will be offered throughout the Blackstone River Valley using the curriculum designated by NAI to teach the course locally. It will, also, enhance the services of the BVIN.

“I was very proud and honored to have been sponsored by the VIP program and NAI to go to the training for the Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) in West Virginia,” Perry said. “The facilities were amazing in their conservation efforts and the thoughtfulness of the accommodations. The class was intense and there was homework almost each night! It culminated on the final day with a videotaped presentation of the instructors and fellow students.”

My fellow students were wonderful! Meeting the others ranks among the highlights of the trip. I do hope to keep in contact with all of them,” said VIP Perry. “Our goal is to kick off the training sessions in early January 2008. They will consist of a 32 hour certificate course possibly offered over two days for several weeks. Scheduling the courses in such a way will make the training sessions more accessible for those who participate,” said Ranger Buchanan.