Executive Director's Message
Happy holidays! Winter has arrived, but that should not stop us from enjoying our beautiful valley. There is an abundance of events – both indoor and outdoor – that the Blackstone Valley has to offer. For example, many of our historic homes are dressed in their holiday finest and have open houses and special events scheduled; holiday festivals, parades, tree lightings and concerts abound. The change of season also gives us a fresh perspective on the outdoors, whether it is exploring trails, ice skating or, when the first big snow falls, cross country skiing or snowshoeing in one of our fine state parks. Find out more about what’s happening at www.EventBlackstone.com. And during this holiday season, why don’t you also consider visiting one of our unique specialty shops or galleries to support our local merchants?

As we approach the end of the year, it is time to reflect on all of the good work done this year and in years past to preserve the Corridor’s heritage and resources. If you know a person or organization that has done exceptional work this past year and in prior years in support of the Heritage Corridor, you can download a nomination for the Senator John H. Chafee Heritage Award here.

Speaking of people who have done exceptional work for the Corridor, we are sorry to see our deputy and acting director leave us. Please join us as we say thank you and farewell to Tom Ross on December 19, and at the same time celebrate the holiday spirit, here at the Depot.

On behalf of all the staff, best wishes to you and your family!

Jan Reitsma
Executive Director

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Roger Williams National Memorial ornament on White House tree
The Roger Williams National Memorial ornament is prominently displayed on this year’s official White House Christmas Tree. The tree is the centerpiece of elaborate decorations celebrating the theme of “Holiday in the National Parks.” “It is an amazing honor for the National Park Service to be selected as the theme for the White House holiday decorations by the President and Mrs. Bush,” said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. “Mrs. Bush is the best champion for our national parks, and the beautiful decorations in each state room showcase the natural and historical treasures found in parks throughout the country.”

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Seeking Nominations for Chafee Heritage Awards
The Corridor Commission is seeking nominations for this year’s John H. Chafee Heritage Awards. Individuals, groups or students who have played leadership roles in projects, programs, and institutions that promote our cultural heritage, the preservation of the corridor’s natural resources and/or those who strive to enrich the quality of life in the valley, may be nominated. The Heritage Awards were created to recognize those individuals or groups who have time and again demonstrated significant achievement in promoting the vision and ideals of Senator John H. Chafee.

Nominations should include a one page overview of the accomplishments of the organization, individual or student. Heritage Corridor Commissioners and staff are not eligible. Nominations must be received at the Heritage Corridor office by close of business Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

For more information, contact Meghan Couture at 401-762-0250 x10 or for a nomination form and other details, click here.

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Mass DCR

Blackstone Gorge Overlook Improvements Construction has begun at the Blackstone Gorge to make improvements to the overlook adjacent to the scenic historic dam. The project is a result of the partnership between the Heritage Corridor, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MADCR) and the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA). The “facelift” at the Gorge includes a new, handicapped-accessible trail, slope stabilization, river access improvements, landscaping, fencing and interpretive signage. Construction began in October and should be completed in December. Signs and additional landscaping will be finished in the spring, in time for the new paddling season. An interpretive sign at the overlook will inform the public about the history of the area and a second wayside sign will provide paddlers with information about the Blackstone River. When finished, this work completes the park improvements that started with the construction of the parking area by MADCR and the Corridor in 2002.

For more information, e-mail us

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