FRAMINGHAM, MA - This weekend, June 11th and 12th, 2011, The Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council is holding "RiverFest" its annual celebration of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. The following 3 events are taking place in Framingham.

Paddle The Sudbury River

Saturday, June 11th at 8:30AM - Join Bill Fadden and the Framingham Conservation Commission for a scenic 2 mile paddle on the Sudbury River. *** UPDATED: Although the RiverFest website indicates canoes will be put in at Little Farms Rd, others are putting in at the Central St. / Kellog St. canoe drop at the bottom of the hill by the Learning Center for Deaf Children and paddling to the reservoir in Saxonville *** The Little Farms Rd. landing is located just north of the Cameron School, off Elm Street.  Participants are encouraged to bring personal flotation devices, sun block, water, snacks and bug spray.  Parking is available at both the Kellog St. and the Little Farms Road drop sites.

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Carol Getchell Nature Trail Walk

Saturday June 11th at 2:00PM - a leisurely walk along the Carol Getchell Nature Trail is being hosted by Pam Helinek, Framingham Conservation Commissioner.  Participants will meet at trailhead on Little Farms Road and walk along the Sudbury River enjoying the sights and sounds along the trail which ends at the old Danforth Street Bridge.  Participants are encouraged to bring sun block, water, a snack and bug spray.

About Carol Getchell

Carol Getchell served as Principal of the Mary E. Stapleton Elementary School, ("Saxonville School"), for 27 years -- from 1971 through her retirement in 1998.

She was was an avid nature lover and was also the Founder of the ''Friends of Saxonville'' organization and an early proponent of the creation of the nature trail which runs along the Sudbury River directly behind the school she so loved.

Fittingly, Stapleton parents raised money and surprised Carol with a big green canoe as a thank-you and retirement gift at an assembly at the end of the 1998 school year.

Carol Getchell was always serving children, and in this 1997 photo literally "serving them" at the annual Stapleton Pasta Bash fundraiser.

Service with a smile!

"Miss Getchell" died March 24, 2001. The Carol J. Getchell Nature Trail which was originally called the Saxonville Nature Trail was dedicated and renamed in her honor in the fall of 2001.

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Detail from Frenkel's ''Seasons of the Clear River'' mural, Jesse Smith Library

River Mural Artist Reception at Library

Sunday June 12th, 2011, 3:00PM - 5:00PM - Come to the Framingham Library to view the newly created river mural, and meet the artist, Yetti Frankel, who has brought the river to life! Frenkel has painted murals which can be seen in schools, public libraries, businesses and other locations throughout New England.

For more info about Yetti Frankel, or to view images of other murals she's painted, visit the www.educationalmurals.com website.

The Framingham Public Library is located at 49 Lexington St., Framingham, MA 01702. For library info, call (508) 532-5570 or visit their website at: www.framinghamlibrary.org

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Many other events are scheduled for RiverFest '11 this weekend in towns adjacent to Framingham and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.  For complete information, visit the RiverFest website at:  www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverFest/

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