Roads Less Travelled

How a Forgotten Railroad Revived an Entire Small Town

🚀 In this episode, conservationist Michael Calhoun shares the remarkable story behind Oregon’s first rail-trail conversion, the Banks-Vernonia Trail. Michael discusses how abandoned railroad corridors became valuable community assets, the process of earning National Recreation Trail certification, balancing conservation with recreation, and the economic and cultural benefits trails bring to small towns. He also explores trail tourism, forestry, environmental stewardship, and the future of Oregon’s trail networks. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guest:🏡 Michael Calhoun – Conservationist, Trail Advocate, and Board Chair of the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The history behind Oregon’s first rail-trail conversion ✔️ How National Recreation Trail certification works ✔️ The economic impact of trail tourism on rural communities ✔️ Balancing recreation with environmental conservation ✔️ Strategies for preserving railroad heritage and local history ✔️ The importance of urban forestry and dark-sky initiatives ✔️ Advice for grassroots advocates working to save historic rail corridors 🎵 Whether you're a trail enthusiast, conservation advocate, community leader, or history buff, this episode offers valuable insights into preserving the past while building a sustainable future. 💼 Connect with Michael Calhoun: 🌐 Website → https://shorturl.at/E8yBJ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael--calhoun 🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

How Massachusetts Is Building Trails Faster Than Ever

🚀 In this episode, Craig Della Penna sits down with Amanda Lewis, Director of MassTrails at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), to explore the vision, growth, and future of trails across the Commonwealth. Amanda shares how MassTrails is connecting communities through a statewide network of recreational trails and shared-use paths, the impact of the MassTrails Grant Program, innovations in trail mapping and accessibility, the launch of MassTrails10, and what lies ahead for trail development in Massachusetts. Whether you're a trail advocate, planner, municipal leader, or outdoor enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of trails to transform communities. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guest:🏡 Amanda Lewis – Director of MassTrails, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The vision behind MassTrails and how agencies collaborate statewide ✔️ How the MassTrails Grant Program has funded over 500 trail projects ✔️ The role of GIS, digital mapping, and trail data in improving public access ✔️ Why accessibility and equity are central to modern trail planning ✔️ How MassTrails10 is promoting trail tourism and outdoor recreation across Massachusetts 🎵 Whether you're a planner, trail advocate, municipal leader, cyclist, hiker, investor, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of trails and recreation in Massachusetts! 💼 Connect with Amanda Lewis: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-krchak-lewis-b250662a/ 🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

How Massachusetts Could Save Its State Parks Before It’s Too Late

🚀 In this insightful episode, Doug Pizzi, Executive Director of Mass Parks for All, joins Craig Della Penna to discuss the history, funding, and future of Massachusetts state parks. From the origins of America’s first public parks to today’s challenges surrounding conservation funding, Doug shares how public lands impact environmental protection, recreation, public health, and economic growth. The discussion also explores the Mass Central Rail Trail, DCR funding priorities, and why investing in parks is critical for future generations. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guest:🏡 Doug Pizzi – Executive Director, Mass Parks for All Doug Pizzi is the Executive Director of Mass Parks for All, a nonprofit organization advocating for the protection and modernization of public lands. He previously served as Executive Director of Massachusetts Conservation Voters and brings extensive experience in environmental policy, communications, and nonprofit advocacy, including work with organizations such as Friends of the Earth and the National Wildlife Federation. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The history of Massachusetts state parks and conservation ✔️ Why public parks are essential for mental and physical wellbeing ✔️ How Mass Parks for All advocates for better park investment ✔️ The economic and environmental impact of rail trails and outdoor recreation ✔️ How communities can help protect and improve public lands ✔️ The future outlook for conservation and state park funding in Massachusetts 🎵 Whether you're an investor, advocate, outdoor enthusiast, or community leader, this episode offers valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Doug Pizzi: 🌐 Website → https://www.massparksforall.org/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/dougpizzi/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pizzicommunications/ 🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

How to Protect Your Mental Health During a Move

🚀 In this episode, Craig Della Penna sits down with Beth Agostino-Evans, a licensed independent clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health and trauma-informed care. Beth shares her expertise on mental health, emotional resilience, mindfulness, and how outdoor spaces and community wellness initiatives positively impact emotional wellbeing. The conversation also explores the emotional stress tied to buying and selling homes, how repeated relocations affect families, and why having trusted support systems during major life changes is so important. From evidence-based therapy approaches to the long-term impacts of chronic stress, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone navigating transitions, anxiety, or personal growth. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guest:🏡 Beth Agostino-Evans – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Beth Agostino-Evans, MSW, LICSW is a clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience specializing in focused, evidence-based treatment. She serves as the Director of Clinical Services at a mental health agency in the Pioneer Valley. A graduate of Assumption College and Boston University’s Master of Social Work program, Beth brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care, behavioral health, and community-based mental health services. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How outdoor spaces and nature support emotional wellness ✔️ Why buying or selling a home creates emotional stress ✔️ Evidence-based therapy approaches that help clients thrive ✔️ The mental health impact of repeated relocations and life transitions ✔️ Practical mindfulness and self-care strategies during stressful times ✔️ Common misconceptions about therapy and mental health support ✔️ How COVID changed the mental health profession and therapy delivery 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, homeowner, or someone navigating life transitions, this episode offers meaningful mental health insights and practical wellness strategies! 💼 Connect with Beth Agostino-Evans: 🌐 Website → https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1380412 🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Why Cities Fail at Urban Revitalization Projects

🚀 In this inspiring episode, Craig Della Penna sits down with Peter Stanton and Walter Henritze, co-founders of the Union Station Alliance, to discuss the extraordinary grassroots effort that helped save and restore Worcester’s historic Union Station. From abandoned ruins and political resistance to civic pride and urban revival, this conversation explores how passion, persistence, and community activism transformed one of Massachusetts’ most iconic transportation landmarks into a symbol of Worcester’s rebirth. 🎧 Hosted by: Craig Della Penna 👤 Guests:🏡 Peter Stanton – Former Publisher of Worcester Business Journal 🏡 Walter Henritze – Entrepreneur & Civic Advocate Peter Stanton and Walter Henritze are co-founders of the Union Station Alliance, the group that helped drive the successful restoration of Worcester’s historic Union Station. Peter recently retired after 40 years as Publisher of the Worcester Business Journal, while Walter is a serial entrepreneur who has led startups across media, technology, and nonprofit arts. Together, they offer firsthand perspective on the station’s revival and its impact today. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How a small grassroots group helped save Worcester’s Union Station ✔️ The emotional connection communities have to historic train stations ✔️ Why persistence and “showing up” matters in civic activism ✔️ The role historic preservation plays in urban revitalization ✔️ How Union Station became a symbol of Worcester’s momentum and rebirth 🎵 Whether you're an investor, urban planner, preservationist, or community advocate, this episode offers valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Peter Stanton: 🌐 Website → https://www.wbjournal.com/staff/Peter-Stanton 🔗 LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/peter-stanton-02a34a17 💼 Connect with Walter Henritze: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/whenritze 🎧 Follow Craig Della Penna: 🌐 Website → https://www.greenwaysolutions.org/ 🌐 Website → https://www.northamptonrealtor.com/ 🌐 Website →https://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/craigdp413/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdp/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]