Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

June 21, 2018 - Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2018-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join us for a Summer Solstice Bike Ride on June 21st, 2018 at 6 p.m.
Come ride or walk on the newly opened section of the
BFRT. The Friends will provide pizza for a post-ride party!.
Meet at Pedal Power Bike and Ski
176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton
Contact: Tom Michelman
tmichelman@gmail.com, 978-580-6190

May 20, 2018 - Acton's 19th Century Railroad History
2018-05-20 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Acton Public Safety Building, 371 Main Street (Rte. 27), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Acton’s 19th Century Railroad History,
Bill Klauer and Doug Herrick, Co-presidents of the Acton Historical Society, will present a program about how Acton’s 19th-century history and economy were affected by its four railroads. Special focus will be given to the Framingham and Lowell section of the BFRT Phase 2A.
Date: May 20, 2018
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Acton Public Safety Building, 371 Main St. (Rte. 27)

Contact: Doug Herrick doug.herrick@rcn.com

May 11, 2018 - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
2018-05-11 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail for the MassDOT ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
When: Friday, May 11, at 3:30 pm
Where: NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA
Refreshments and Live Music. (And of course, there will be cake!)
Parking at NARA Park or use the trail. For directions and last minute changes go to http://bit.ly/2A-ribbon-cutting

April 28, 2018 - Framingham Earth Day
2018-04-28 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Framingham Center Common, Vernon Street, Framingham, MA, United States
Framingham Earth Day, April 28th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Framingham Center Common (Vernon Street)[or Framingham High School in the event of rain]
Stop by and visit our booth!
www.framinghamearthday.org
Contact: Ed Kross edward.kross@rcn.com

4/21/2018 - Chelmsford, MA - Town-Wide Cleanup
2018-04-21 | MA
Message from:
Glenn Davison
Volunteer Organizer of Volunteers
Chelmsford Town Cleanup
Join us in cleaning up our town by removing the roadside trash that has accumulated over the winter. Help to make Chelmsford a beautiful town. Please pick up litter from your street, park, or any area that needs it.
Gloves and yellow bags are available from the DPW. Put bags out with your trash & report large items to the DPW. You can also drop yellow bags near an intersection and leave a message at sprinklers@greenlawnco.com for pick-up by Green Lawn or call 508-958-4116.
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2018
Time: Throughout the day
Where: All roads and parks
What: Town Litter Cleanup
Get yellow bags and gloves from the Recycling & Solid Waste office: 9 Alpha Road, Chelmsford Monday-Friday 8am till 4pm
For more information: nparlee@TownofChelmsford.us or 978-250-5203

Frequently asked questions:
Where should I clean? Clean the roads near where you live. We are not tracking who cleans which streets or parks. If a road is clean, just move to another location.
I’m busy that Saturday, what should I do? It’s important that we remove the trash. Feel free to pick up trash at a time that is convenient for you.
Can my kids clean too? Yes, but please keep them safely off busy roads. Consider cleaning parks and paths instead.
Where can I get bags? They are available from the Department of Public Works, 9 Alpha Road, Chelmsford Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm.
Once the bags are full what should I do with them? Place them out with your weekly garbage for collection.
When can I pick up bags? 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday, 9 Alpha Road, Chelmsford.
What if I see a tire on the side of the road? Please report all large items to the DPW at 978-250-5270.
What if I see a pothole? Please report it using SeeClickFix

Annual Members Meeting and Board of Directors Election: Sunday, November 19, 1 p.m
2017-11-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
What: Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Inc. Annual Members Meeting.
When: Sunday, November 19, 1 p.m.
Where: Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton
What Happens: Come celebrate the progress of the BFRT in 2017 (there is a lot to celebrate and be thankful for) and see what we have to look forward to in coming years.
The official part of the meeting is voting for slots forthree year membership on the FBFRT Board of Directors. We also present our financial status and plans for the next year, and any other relevant business that the Members want to bring up. This isgreat meeting to attend if you would like to get more involved. If you would like to run for a Board seat, please contact Tom Michelman tmichelman@gmail.com, 978-580-6190 for details.
You have to be a dues paying member to vote (though anyone is welcome to attend). You can join or renew your membership here: https://secure.brucefreemanrailtrail.org/np/clients/fbfrt/membershipJoin.jsp
Light refreshments will be served.

Sudbury July 4th Parade
2017-07-04 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | July 4th Parade, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Time: Gather at noon, parade starts at 1pm
Where: Contact Dick Williamson for details
What: Come walk or bike in the parade and hold a sign if you are so inspired
Contact: Dick Williamson williamson01773@yahoo.com, 978-618-5475

Carlisle Old Home Day
2017-06-24 10:30 - 13:00 UTC | Carlisle Old Home Day, Carlisle, MA, United States
Carlisle Town Center @ School Street
What: Volunteer to staff an information table
Contact: Glenn Reed, 978-807-2785 greed@energyfuturesgroup.com

Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2017-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Meet at Chelmsford Center for the Arts (Old Town Hall), 1A North Rd. Chelmsford
Come enjoy a leisurely ride to the current terminus at Rte. 225 and Rte. 27
Contact: Tom Michelman, 978-580-6190, tmichelman@gmail.com

PAWS NE Run for Shelter
2017-05-21 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Byam School, Chelmsford, MA, United States

Conservation Commission Meeting Re: Gervais VW
2017-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
Please support the Rail Trail in Lowell
Gervais VW purchased the BFRT ROW just north of Industrial Ave (and Crosspoint) from PanAm Railways. Gervais wants to expand parking onto the ROW. There may be a way for the BFRT to exist side-by-side with the additional parking on Gervais land or the abutter on the west side of the ROW, AVCARB. Regardless in order to keep the ROW intact and the possibility of the BFRT connecting with the Concord River Greenway in Lowell we need rail trail supporters to attend the Conservation Commission meeting in Lowell.
When: 7:00 pm Wednesday March 22, 2017
Where: Lowell City Hall, Council Chambers 375 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852
RSVP: None needed

BFRT Phase 2B Bridge the Gap Fundraising Campaign Kick-off Meeting
2017-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The BFRT Phase 2B Bridge the Gap committee will execute mailings, write up appeals, contacting the powers that be, social media campaigns, apply for grants, etc.
So please either volunteer (RSVP your interest to me tmichelman@gmail.com, note we already have 11 volunteers, so you will not be alone if you volunteer, and meetings will have pizza) or donate to the BFRT Phase 2B Bridge the Gap Fundraising Campaign, or better yet do both.

Friends Annual Meeting 2016
2016-11-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come see Phase 2A progress!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
1:00 pm Walk to view progress of the trail
2:00 pm Refreshments and meeting
Meeting Location:
Pedal Power Bike and Ski
176 Great Road, (Rte. 2A)
Acton, MA

Thursday November 17, 2016 - Phase 2B 25% Design Public Hearing
2016-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, West Concord, MA, 01742, United States
A photo from several years ago showing the view of the Rt 2 crossing approaching from Concord.
A public hearing to present the 25% design of the Route 2 crossing from Acton to Concord.
Thursday November 17 at 7 p.m. at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street, Concord
Here is a the official Notice for the Phase 2B meeting.

7/17/2016 - Ride for Liv/Run for Live - Trail Event
2016-07-17 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Byam School, Chelmsford, MA, United States
The 2016 Annual Ride for Liv / Run for Liv honors the memory of Olivia Marchand. This event has a little something for everybody, with a 5k run (or walk!) or a 6 or 23-mile bike ride. Join us for a delicious BBQ lunch catered by Bianco’s, children’s events including an obstacle course, crafts and face painting. http://www.liveforliv.com/

Sudbury July 4th Parade 2016
2016-07-04 12:45 - 15:00 UTC | Chiswick Park, off Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at the July 4, 2006 Parade
Sudbury’s July 4th parade is coming soon. Let’s show our continuing support for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail by riding your bike (or walking) in the July 4th parade. http://sudbury.org/parade/
The BFRT group will gather in Chiswick Park, probably in the Emerson parking lot as we did last year. Roads will start to close around 12:45 pm, so come early. Coming by bicycle would make it easier to navigate the roads both before and after the parade. The official start of the parade is 1 pm, but the BFRT group, being near the end of the parade, will probably step out about 1:30 pm.
If you have a yellow BFRT T-shirt, please wear it. T-shirts will be given out to anyone one who doesn’t have a yellow BFRT T-shirt. If you are walking, you will be given a BFRT cap.
Let’s show the Town that we are anxious for the completion of the BFRT.
For questions please contact: Dick Williamson williamson@alum.mit.edu

6/21/2016 Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Public Meeting Sudbury
2016-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Town Hall, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Town of Sudbury BFRT Public Meeting
From the Town Website, in part stated.
We want to Hear from You! Come to the forum with your comments and questions. Email questions to community@sudbury.ma.us in advance. Please put “BFRT” in the subject line of your email and include your name and address for the public record. …Please join us on Tuesday, June 21 2016 from 7:00-9:00 pm at Town Hall for a presentation on the progress of this great resource.

6/21/2016 - Summer Solstice Bike Ride – Arlington
2016-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | MA
Join Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail for its annual summer solstice bike ride.
We will meet at 20 Everett Street Arlington, MA at 6:00 pm, ride over to the Minuteman (entering by at super secret passageway) and travel toward Alewife, take the Alewife Linear Path to the Somerville Community Path to its current terminus, return to Alewife and take the Fitchburg Cutoff Bike Path to its current terminus, then return west on the Minuteman.
At some point I will peel off and go home and fire up the grill and prepare for anyone who wants to come over for burgers and dogs and beverages. Others may want to continue on the Minuteman.
An RSVP for plan attendees would be nice, so I can plan on the amount of food and beverages to have available. You know how to get me in touch. tmichelman@gmail.com. Hope to see you there.

Tuesday March 8, 2016 - Bay Circuit Trail Presentation in Framingham
2016-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | The Heritage, 747 Water Street, Framingham, MA, 01701, United States
Please join the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail for an informative discussion about the Bay Circuit Trail, a permanent trail and greenway extending through 37 towns in Eastern Massachusetts.
When: Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Heritage, 747 Water Street, Framingham, 1-866-477-3715 All are welcome, light refreshments will be served.
Kristen Sykes, Director of Operations for the Bay Circuit Alliance, and Laurie Ullman, BCT Representative, will present a short video about the BCT and the people who are making it happen.
They will also show where the BCT overlaps with the BFRT, where it goes in and near Framingham, and discuss progress being made towards its completion.

Documentary: Rail Road to Rail Trail
2016-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, West Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Rail Road to Rail Trail

“Rail Road to Rail Trail,” a new 30-minute documentary featuring the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, will be shown on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., in West Concord.
Following the video, producer Electa Tritsch and historian Henry Keutmann will discuss their experiences in making the video.
The video introduces viewers to both railroad history and present challenges of turning a defunct rail line into a 21st century transportation and recreation corridor. It is a lively presentation featuring interviews with local public officials and historians, an animated map and a wealth of historical information and photographs.
Tritsch is a Concord resident who has been a practicing archeologist and historian for 30 years. She says it was fun exploring the trail and said “one of the main challenges was finding the story when you are talking about something that doesn’t exist.”
She was a 2014 national award winner from the Alliance for Community Media. She authored the historical novel “Old Wives Tales” and is a member of Concord’s Historical Commission.
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, when complete, will be an approximately 25-mile off-road trail from Lowell in the north to Framingham in the south. The first 6.8 miles in Chelmsford and Westford were opened in 2009. Construction is currently underway to extend the trail south another 5 miles through Acton. The next sections through Concord and Sudbury are currently being designed.
The meeting is sponsored by the Friends of BFRT, and all are welcome. Audience members will also be able to ask questions about the status and progress of the rail trail. Light refreshments will be served.

Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Annual Meeting
2015-11-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Pedal Power Bike & Ski, 176 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Celebrate the Groundbreaking of Phase 2A! Take a walk to see construction progress! Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. Pedal Power Bike and Ski, 176 Great Road (Rte.2A), Acton

Public Informational Meeting for Phase 2C 75% Design
2015-11-17 18:15 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Harvey Wheeler Community Center, West Concord, MA, 01742, United States
MassDOT has scheduled a public informational meeting for the 75% design of the Phase 2C Bruce Freeman Rail Trail for Tuesday, November 17th, at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street, in West Concord. An open house will take place beginning at 6:15 p.m. with the meeting slated to start at 7:00 p.m. The open house will give abutters to the trail an opportunity to review the proposed design of the trail next to their property and ask specific questions.

Ride for Liv/Run for Liv
2015-07-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 4H Fairgrounds/Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Westford, MA, United States
The 2015 Annual Ride for Liv / Run for Liv honors the memory of Olivia Marchand. This event has a little something for everybody, with a 5k run (or walk!) or a 6 or 23-mile bike ride. Join us for a delicious BBQ lunch catered by Bianco’s, children’s events including an obstacle course, crafts and face painting. There will be music and a silent auction, with items ranging from fabulous hotel overnights, to gift certificates for acupuncture and massage.

Sudbury 4th of July Parade
2015-07-04 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Chiswick Park, off Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Come to walk or ride your bicycle in the parade. The Friends of BFRT will be joined by supporters of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Participants will assemble at Chiswick Park off Union Ave. by 12:00 p.m. The parade will start at 1:00 p.m. Contact Dick Williamson for information (williamson@alum.mit.edu 978-618-5475).

Walk for Street Kids
2015-06-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Byam School, Chelmsford, MA, United States
Fund raising walk for street kids.

Phase 2A Groundbreaking | June 25, 2015 | Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
2015-06-25 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Photo from 2007 Groundbreaking ceremony in Chelmsford for Phase 1
Please join us for the Groundbreaking event of Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on Thursday June 25 at 11 am at NARA Park 25 Ledge Rock Way Acton, MA.
Official MassDOT invite can be found here. http://brucefreemanrailtrail.org/pdf/6-25-BFRT_INVITEdocx.pdf
MassDOT with the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (FBFRT) and Town of Acton are acting as hosts. Governor Baker and MassDOT will be represented by Stephanie Pollack Secretary of Transportation. Other confirmed attendees include Senator Jamie Eldridge, the Freeman family, former Commissioner of MassHighway Luisa Paiewonsky among others. Other dignitaries are also invited, but not yet confirmed.
After a short ceremony the FBFRT will provide lunch for attendees.
Directions: Just pull into the parking lot by the bath house at the southern end of NARA Park (25 Ledge Rock Way on Google Maps takes you to the northern parking lot). The groundbreaking ceremony will be a few steps onto the trail very near the southern parking lot. The luncheon will be at the bath house pavilion adjacent to parking lot. There is also a tent cover to the side of it.
An RSVP via EventBrite while not necessary is requested for this free and open event so we can order the appropriate amount of food.

Concord River Greenway walk
2015-06-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Lowell Cemetary, Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA, United States
Concord River Greenway walk in Lowell, 9 a.m. Park and meet at the Lawrence Street entrance to the Lowell Cemetery. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes. Please RSVP to jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org or call 978-934-0030.

2015 Summer Solstice Bike Ride
2015-06-19 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Bedford Terminus of Minuteman Bikeway, Depot Park, Bedford, MA, United States
Summer Solstice Bike Ride, 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Bedford terminus of Minuteman Bikeway, South Road and Loomis Street. Ice cream stop in Lexington Center.
Directions to Bedford Terminus: Coming from Interstate 95 (MA-Rte 128), take exit 31B for Routes 4/225 North toward Bedford. At the fourth traffic signal (and CVS store), turn left on Loomis St. Go to end of street to intersection with South Rd. The bikeway is adjacent to the Freight House [area map]. Three trails come together at Depot Park (see area map).

Planning Meeting for Phase 2A Groundbreaking
2015-05-28 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
After a long, long, wait we expect the notice proceed for Phase 2A (Acton, Carlisle & Westford) construction to be issued in the next two weeks. In anticipation we will meet with at least one Town of Acton representative on Thursday May 28 at 6:30 pm at the Bathhouse Pavilion of NARA Park 25 Ledge Rock Way Acton, MA to get oriented with the NARA site and discuss logistics. The onsite meeting will be brief as mosquitoes are in abundance. We will retreat and reconvene the meeting to Pedal Power at 176 Great Road Acton, when the mosquitoes overwhelm us. There is plenty to do for volunteers: outreach, planning, solicitation of donations for food, coordination with the Town, communication with invited guests, etc (many hands make light work). If you want to get more involved with the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, this is a good way to try it out with discrete tasks. Show up, or contact me tmichelman@gmail.com 978-580-6190 if you would like

Nobscot Village Public Workshop
2015-02-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Heritage Community Center, 747 Water Street, Framingham, MA, 01701, United States
FRAMINGHAM VILLAGE COMMERCIAL CENTERS
STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Town of Framingham, Massachusetts
The Town of Framingham EDIC is undertaking a planning and market analysis study focused on a strategic economic development plan for the village commercial centers of Saxonville and Nobscot in North Framingham. The strategic economic development plan is focused on identifying actions that will lead to investment in both Saxonville and Nobscot. The study focuses on an area approximately one quarter mile from the main intersection of both village commercial centers.
This work is an implementation effort that was recommended in the Master Land Use Plan that was adopted by the Town in 2012. This study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of market forces and opportunities within each village commercial center and create an urban design vision to guide public sector decisions including zoning revisions, public investment and engagement with private sector owners and developers. The strategic plan looks to answer three basic questions for Saxonville and Nobscot:
•What should the village commercial center be?
•How should it look?
•How do we get there?
The Town of Framingham solicited requests for proposals for professional assistance by a land use planning, economic development and urban design consultant to lead this effort. The Cecil Group, a planning and design firm located in Boston, was selected with their economic development subconsultant FXM Associates.
The consultant team will seek input from the community to better understand the issues and opportunities of the study areas and to identify a shared community vision for the village centers to help shape economic development strategies. This public outreach will include stakeholder interviews, presentations at EDIC regular meetings, and three public meetings in each village center.
The planning study is expected to be complete by the end of June 2015. The following schedule provides expected timeframes for key milestones in the planning process:
•Initial Public Meetings- February 2015
•Alternative Approaches Public Meetings- April 2015
•Final Public Meetings- June 2015
