The Blackstone Heritage Corridor, a nonprofit collaborating with community partners to provide strong leadership to preserve, promote and celebrate the Blackstone Valley’s resources for current and future generations, held its 2024 “Champions of the Blackstone” awards reception to recognize dedicated volunteers and recipients of the John H. Chafee Leadership Award.

“Our dedicated supporters and volunteers are the fabric of the Corridor and play a vital role in the preservation of its historic, natural and recreational resources,” said Blackstone Heritage Corridor Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “Their commitment has improved the quality of life for the communities within the Corridor and we are deeply thankful for their service and leadership.”

The awards reception, sponsored by Rushford & Sons Brewhouse of Upton, was held Dec. 5 at the Singh Performance Center at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill in Whitinsville.

Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award

Phil Johanson, of Sutton, Mass., earned the Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing his role as the Trail Ambassador leading hikes in the Massachusetts section of the Corridor. Buchanan had served as the volunteer program coordinator for 23 years.

“Suzanne showed us that the natural and cultural resources in the Blackstone Heritage Corridor can be the basis for exciting recreation and a vibrant quality of life,” said Dennis Rice, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Phil Johanson realizes this vision on every hike, carefully researching each site, developing descriptions of landmarks, identifying guest speakers and warmly welcoming participants to each outing.”

John H. Chafee Leadership Awards

Bruce Curliss, of North Providence, R.I., and Richard Keene, of North Smithfield, R.I., were each honored as recipients of the John H. Chafee Leadership Award, recognizing individuals who have worked on projects that promote cultural heritage, environmental conservation, economic development, and the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. The award honors the late senator’s legacy of making environmental matters a priority, including successful advocacy for the preservation and development of the Corridor.

The National Park Service nominated Curliss, noting his advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental stewardship. Curliss serves as the waterways advocate for the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band and executive director of the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone. His most prominent project includes writing and narrating “Kittacuck Speaks,” a film that brings to life the indigenous perspectives of the Blackstone River.

Keene was nominated by Jeff Harris and Elizabeth Faricy of the North Smithfield Heritage Association, where Keene has been president since 2018. They noted that Keene has embodied the qualities of outstanding leadership, and through the association has advanced cultural heritage through cemetery restoration projects, historical preservation, and the dutiful protection of natural areas.

Student of the Year Awards

Jack Carlin, of Uxbridge, Mass., and William Dempsey, of Framingham, Mass., earned the Student of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding students who have worked on projects that promote cultural heritage and environmental conservation in the Valley.

Carlin and Dempsey were nominated by Ranger Viola Bramel of West Hill Dam for executing Eagle Scout projects in the park in Uxbridge. Carlin, a student at Whitinsville Christian School and a scout with Troop 155 of Whitinsville, built and installed six wood duck boxes, replacing some that were destroyed by a winter storm earlier this year. Dempsey, a student at Keefe Tech, built and installed 16 bluebird boxes at the park. He is with Crew 129 of Franklin and Troop 78 of Framingham.

Partner of the Year Awards

East Providence Historical Society and The Geezers Trail Crew each earned the Partner of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding partner organizations that have worked on projects that promote cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and the quality of life in the Valley.

Volunteers-in-Parks Recognition

The event also celebrated volunteers with the National Park Service’s Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program for dedicating over $1 million in service and 31,233 volunteer hours over the past year. The VIP program, a program of the National Park Service and administered by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, is made up of over 250 volunteers that share their time and expertise with visitors throughout the Valley.

Park volunteers who serve 250 hours earn a complimentary America the Beautiful Pass, providing them free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Nineteen of BHC’s volunteers earned a 2024 pass: Sue Ciaramicoli, Richard Keene, John Marsland, Paul Schaefer, Al Menard, Keith Hainley, Betty Mencucci, Bruce DeVault, Al Salemi, Brian Garrett, Charlie Wilson, Cheryl Thompson, Justine Brewer, Christine Watkins, Kim Walker, Pat Giles, Bill Ela, Norma Bedrosian, and Ken Ethier.

Volunteer milestones were also celebrated. Those earning a five-year pin include Bill Beitler, Jeffrey Brodeur, Abigail Epplett, William Marengo, Skye Pechie, and Steve Pechie. Justine Brewer earned a 15-year pin, Susan Shea earned a 25-year pin, and Val Stegemoen earned a 30-year pin.

To learn more about the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, visit BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.