Tag Archives: all out adventures

by | September 18, 2019 · 11:28 am

Adaptive Kayaking at Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

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Launching the first group off into Lake Quinsigamond

The rule, when working with folks with special needs, whether elderly, those with cognitive or physical disabilities, or any other special needs, is to be ready to adapt. The Adaptive Kayaking program the Blackstone Heritage Corridor planned with their partners, All Out Adventures, was scheduled for this fall at Wallum Lake, Douglas. The four sessions planned began in Douglas. Then Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) reared its head and the town of Douglas, along with many other towns in Massachusetts, was considered to be under critical threat of people contracting the serious, even fatal disease. Continue reading →

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by | August 29, 2019 · 10:13 am

Wallum Lake, Douglas, Adaptive Kayaking!

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Suzanne Buchanan, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Volunteer coordinator, having some fun at Wallum Lake

A perfect late summer morning drew participants from throughout the Blackstone Valley to Wallum Lake for the first of this season’s Adaptive Kayaking opportunities at Douglas State Park. Continue reading →

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by | May 22, 2019 · 8:52 pm

Till Next Time–Wrap up of Adaptive Biking in the Blackstone Valley for 2019

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A perfect day on the Blackstone Greenway

For all the rain we had this spring, somehow every single scheduled date for the Adaptive Biking program in the Blackstone Valley brought, if not bright sunny skies, at least a reprieve from the near constant rain we have experienced of late. The last date, held in Blackstone, brought clear skies, and a festive mood. Continue reading →

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by | May 15, 2019 · 5:13 pm

Adaptive Biking Again? Third Time is a Charm in Worcester

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A parade of bikes sets off from the Worcester Visitor Center

Perhaps you have noticed we’ve been talking a lot about adaptive biking when you check in here. For the month of May, it’s been at the top of my “to do” list.  You see, I am not only a National Park Volunteer with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor (VIP), I am also a participant in these adaptive biking events. There is still time to participate in the last two events, but you must register. To register for the remaining rides in May, call 413-584-2052. Continue reading →

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by | May 9, 2019 · 3:22 pm

Adaptive Biking again–Blackstone in May

Volunteer groupLast year we had one opportunity to participate in an adaptive biking program in the Blackstone Valley. Thanks to the generosity of the MADCR Universal Access Program, which funded these rides, 5 different dates in May 2019 have been made available to area residents who might want to take advantage of getting out on a bike regardless of one’s capabilities. Registration is required. To register for the remaining rides in May, call 413-584-2052. Continue reading →

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by | June 7, 2018 · 5:22 pm

Joy on the Bike Path–Adaptive Cycling in Blackstone

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Suzanne was a one-woman cheering squad for riders venturing out on the trail

It was a day of joy as adaptive cycling came to the Blackstone River Greenway in Blackstone for those with special needs of many kinds.  The event was in the planning stages back when snow was on the ground last January. That’s how long it takes to get this many moving parts lined up, making sure everything will run smoothly. And in fact everything did come together. Many of us understand the woman who came back from her ride and said, “My face hurts from smiling!” Indeed, others of us felt the same way from smiling all day. Continue reading →

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by | April 13, 2018 · 2:55 pm

The Joys of Volunteering!

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Getting practice helping a person into an adaptive bicycle

I come from a long line of volunteers. My parents often volunteered their time, volunteered their home, made meals for those in need, and simply modeled that when you have the resources to share, it’s a nice feeling to offer a hand when the need is apparent.

Volunteering also has benefits. Sometimes it’s simply creating the opportunity to get to know other like-minded folks who also enjoy spending time helping others. Other times you see that your meager efforts have made a difference. Sometimes you have a chance to get behind the scenes, or understand better what it takes to host an event. I like the chance to do a task that keeps my hands busy while sharing a job, be it painting, cleaning, or making pies or salads with others who have raised their hands to pitch in. Continue reading →

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by | October 12, 2017 · 4:06 pm

Dreams come true on the Blackstone River Bikeway

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She’s off! Margaret Carroll (waving in back on the tandem) gets her wish of touring the Blackstone Bikeway

Margaret Carroll is a fixture in Millville, and renowned throughout the Blackstone River Valley for her grasp of historical detail, and passion to preserve the past for the future. At the recent ribbon cutting, officially (after a year!) opening up the Bikeway, Margaret, who attended the ceremony, noted that she walked the trail back when it was first being talked about, some thirty years ago. She had worked hard to help make the trail a reality. She said she wished she could travel on the trail again now that it is finished, but figured it would never happen.  Continue reading →

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