Patch Facts

Five Things: Clean Up Trails at a Hike Through the Middlesex Fells Reservation

Check out the "Patch Facts" column for March 18.

1. In case you missed it: Looking to buy a home in Stoneham? Check out Saturday's "House Hunt" column for a sampling of open houses scheduled for Sunday. 2. Take a hike: The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation are putting on a hike 'n carry trip starting from 2-4 p.m. Clean up trail debris using bags and gloves, both of which will be suppied. Also, you can count the trip as tow hours toward community service, if necessary. The free, all-ages hike starts at 10 Fellsway East, Melrose, at the Gate 53 parking area.  3. Adopt a cat: Brewster the cat is the latest "PAWS Pet of the Week" that needs a new home. Will you bring home this friendly cat? 4. Advertise with us: Have a business in the Stoneham area and want to get the word out …

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Ranger: Interest Groups Can Blame Themselves for Fells Rule-Breaking

Stakeholders like the Friends of the Fells and FellsDOG could focus more on encouraging members to follow rules, a park ranger said Wednesday.

There's a "culture of non-compliance" when it comes to rules in Middlesex Fells Reservation, and the people most passionate about the area are in part to blame, according to one official. Breaking of rules in the 2,600-acre reservation stems partly from stakeholder groups, who are more interested in focusing on the behavior of others than educating their members on Fells rules, Curt Rudge, Chief Ranger for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, said in a public hearing Wednesday. The Friends of the Fells, the New England Mountain Biking Association and Fells Dog Owner Group - the three major activist groups when it comes to the Fells - promote their own interests and “are focused on their own goals," when they could be focusing on …

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 20

Here is a quick summary of things you may need to know about what's happening in Stoneham.

1. Say a prayer: Local churches offering worship services include: 2. Take a hike! The Breakheart-Fells Hiking Club is slated to meet at 11 a.m. at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center, 177 Forest St., Saugus. The hike, which will be followed up by a potluck lunch, will include traveling from Breakheart Hill, Lake Trails, and Ridge Link to Saugus River. For more information on forming a group or to make reservations, contact Rose at St. Joseph rectory at 617-697-0888. 3. Brunch time! There is live entertainment scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Fat Cactus, 215 Broadway, Lynnfield. 4. B-4: Adult Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham, 15 Dale Court, Stoneham. For details on prizes and admission card prices…

Patch Facts

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 28

Curious what's going on in and around Stoneham? Here is a quick summary.

1. The ZooLights showcase, which features roughly 250,000 decorative lights and other holiday attractions, at Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., is expected to be open from 5-9 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per person, $4 per member and children under 2 get in free. 2. The weekly Community Dinner Program will take place at the First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., at 5:45 p.m. The interfaith program provides hot, nutritious meals to the community. 3. The Friends of the Middlesex Fells will co-sponsor the "Babes in the Woods" hike for kids from 10-11:30 a.m. at 5 South Border Road, Medford. The free hike, led by Terry Murray, begins at the Bellevue Pond parking lot and proceeds to Pine Hill. Note: The hike may be canceled if it rains. 4. Public skating…

Ski Club Has Local Roots

Skidaddlers Ski and Sports Club may have its lodge in Bartlett, NH, but it was founded more than 50 years ago in Stoneham and most of its current membership resides in Massachusetts.

Tim Bowers joined the "Stoneham" Skidaddlers Ski and Sports Club five years ago, thinking he could find fellow companions to ski with and enjoy the outdoors. Little did he know  he'd find much more within the group, including a position on the Board of Directors and a steady girlfriend. "Many people come just for the company and to go skiing," said Bowers. "The Club is for people who have like-minded interests. We're all skiers, kayakers, and outdoorsy types." During his first two years with the Club, Bowers was the lodge manager, which is a position that answers to the Board of Directors, enforces rules in the lodge, orders supplies and handles other matters related to the Club. In his third year with the Club, he was elected by the Board…

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