Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor |
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In This Edition - December 14, 2021
- Suzanne Buchanan, BHC's Volunteer Coordinator, Retires
- Molly Cardoza Joins BHC as Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement
- BHC Creates "Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award"
- BHC Receives $500 Donation from Cabot Creamery Co-Operative
- News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
- Work/Life Winter Series
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On December 7, BHC's Volunteer Coordinator Suzanne Buchanan shared her effervescent personality one last time before she set off for retirement. Volunteers and partners were invited to an open house to wish her farewell and welcome BHC's new Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, Molly Cardoza. |
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A Message from BHC's Executive Director, Devon Kurtz |
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It is with mixed feelings that we announce the retirement of our beloved and much-appreciated Volunteer Coordinator, Suzanne Buchannan. She came to BHC with a simple plan just to get the “band back together,” but she has done so much more than that. She completely redesigned, reconfigured, reenergized our lagging volunteer program, and created a truly amazing, and award-winning program that touched the lives of so many through the Blackstone Valley and beyond.
From Suzanne’s work with the Paddle Club to the Bikeway Ambassadors to all of the new volunteer focusses – Cemetery Conservation, Photography, Hiking, Birding, Accessibility, and Plein Air Painting - she has truly embodied her catchphrase of “Imagine the Possibilities.” And, she really has. It has been a joy to work with her as she engaged the entire Valley with her enthusiasm, and she will be much missed by us all. We wish you, Suzanne, all the best during your retirement…we know that you will not be slowing down.
At the same time as we say farewell to Suzanne, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Molly Cardoza, our new Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement. Molly will be well known to many in the Valley as a former DCR Ranger at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, MA. She comes with a wealth of experience in interpretation, visitor engagement, volunteer management, historical research and writing, and Suzanne’s very own seal of approval.
So, farewell Suzanne, with your next adventure – and we know that you won’t be a stranger (in fact, I think Molly has already signed you up to be a VIP) and Welcome, Molly, to BHC!
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A Farewell Message from Suzanne Buchanan, BHC's (Now Retired) Volunteer Coordinator |
Retirement just got “reel!”
As much as I’m sad to say goodbye, I’m excited to be able to spend more time with my family, friends, and the many adventures that await. Who knows, they might get sick of me and ask me to go back to work!
In all seriousness, this is the end of the line for me! I am truly proud to have been a team player with BRVNHC. The many volunteers and partners who have become friends have shown me the meaning of making a difference throughout the Blackstone Valley.
You have all inspired me, and I thank you for all the unique experiences we have shared. As I reflect back on how we have grown the VIP program, I am in awe of what we have accomplished together. Retiring truly is the start of something new. Now it is time for me to imagine my possibilities!
Please welcome Molly Cardoza to the team as Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement. Imagine her possibilities!
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A Welcome Message from Molly |
I am excited to be joining the BHC team and helping to share the magic that is the history and nature of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor! As the new Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement, I am looking forward to working closely with our Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers and partners. In my first couple of weeks at BHC, I have had the pleasure of meeting (and seeing some familiar faces) among some of our volunteers and partners, and I have felt so welcomed by all of you. Thank you! I can’t wait to see what we can create together!
Here is a little bit about me. I have loved history and have been interpreting local history since I was young, starting with working in a local history museum in my hometown of Taunton, MA. I have worked as a costumed interpreter and curator of reproductions at Plimoth Patuxet Museums and was Visitor Services Supervisor at three different Massachusetts State Parks. For the last three years, I have worked at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge. In this role, I developed and led programming about the Blackstone Canal, the history of the Blackstone Valley, and the diverse natural resources of our region. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers during Rides of Discovery, First Day Hikes, Maple Sugaring, and birding walks. During the pandemic, I also served as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Worcester County Food Bank. I have a MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester in England. I am now a proud Worcesterite, and during my downtime, I like to hike, read, and explore new places.
I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of you throughout the Valley!
Molly Cardoza
Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement
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BHC Creates "Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award" |
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At the “Farewell, Suzanne/Welcome, Molly Open House” last week, BHC’s Board Chair Dick Moore announced the creation of the “Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award.” This award was created and supported unanimously by BHC’s Board of Directors.
“The Heritage Corridor’s Volunteers-In-Parks Program is among the genuine treasures of the Blackstone Valley,” Moore noted. “Volunteers are our friends and neighbors who give generously of their time to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Valley residents, students, and visitors in celebrating the “Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution.”
“We decided to name our new “Outstanding Volunteer” Award to honor Suzanne Buchanan, who, throughout her career, inspired volunteers to imagine the possibilities of historic preservation and natural resource conservation! These Valley resources can be the basis for exciting recreation and a vibrant quality of life.”
Award recipients will be volunteers who embody the welcoming spirit and unbridled enthusiasm that Suzanne demonstrated, recorded extraordinary volunteer hours, and encouraged new volunteers.
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BHC Receives $500 Donation From Cabot Creamery Co-Op |
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The Blackstone River Valley Volunteers-In-Parks program received a $500 donation this month from Cabot Creamery Co-Op's Reward Volunteers program.
Volunteers who log their volunteer hours on this site have the chance to earn rewards in cash or prizes for their contributions – and the organizations they serve have the opportunity to win rewards as well.
A shout-out goes to VIP Abigail Epplett for logging her volunteer hours which prompted this cash prize for BHC!
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On December 19, 2014, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park was named the 402nd unit of the National Park Service. Over the past seven years, “the Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution," has continued to evolve and grow in partnership with Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Most recently, the park has taken ownership of a place with great national significance, Old Slater Mill National Historic Site in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Looking ahead to the future, park staff are eager to continue working with neighbors and stakeholders from throughout the Blackstone Valley. The tremendous amount of work done by our staff, as well as our core partners, in such a small amount of time is a tremendous accomplishment, and we look forward to expanding our public programs and water recreation along the Blackstone River tributary and Blackstone Canal in the near future. We thank everyone for their continued support and hope to see you at the park in 2022!
Eric Breitkreutz
Superintendent
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
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News from Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park |
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Visitor Services Update at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark |
Ranger-led programs will be offered in the Slater Mill on Friday, December 17, and Saturday, December 18, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. These tours are approximately 30 minutes in length and are open to all. You do not need to make a reservation.
Please note that the Visitor Center at the Slater Mill site (67 Roosevelt Ave.) will be closed on Friday, December 24, Saturday, December 25, as well as Friday, December 31, and Saturday, January 1, 2022. Slater Mill will reopen in Spring 2022. To learn more, visit nps.gov/blrv.
If you are interested in learning about more history that was made in the Heritage Corridor at a National Park, the Roger Williams National Memorial visitor center is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., located at 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI.
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Stay Connected This Winter With the Work/Life Virtual Series |
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Join us for a free virtual series of winter workshops on how people have worked, rested, and played in the Blackstone River Valley. Together with historians, artists, and craftspeople, we’ll explore the struggle for a balanced life of work and wellness.
These 60-minute discussions will take place on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM.
January 29 - Discussion on Work
What is it like to work in a restored mill building?
Join us for a brief ranger-led history of Slater Mill and an insiders' view of Hope Artiste Village. We'll be joined by the Outsider Collective and Anastasia Azure, artists who work in the Hope complex. Together, we will talk about new uses for old buildings in and around Pawtucket, and how concepts of work have changed over time.
February 12 - Discussion on Rest
During the past two years, a staggering number of people have left their jobs in the midst of a global pandemic. Millions of workers have also reported unprecedented levels of burnout. With this in mind, what can histories of workplace injuries and mental health teach us today? For this discussion, labor history scholar Robert Forrant will offer an overview and history of how industrial accidents have been managed. We'll also be joined by Paul Piwko with Alexandra Orlandi, who coordinate the National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc. They will share the local history of the movement for mindfulness and wellness at work.
February 26 - Discussion on Play
What do you do with your free time? For centuries, workers who have reported their time or been bound to a clock have struggled for more opportunities for leisure. During this talk, rangers will offer a short history of Slater Mill, as both an industrial workplace and later, as a place where people could ride bicycles for pleasure indoors. We'll also be joined by Joe LyonWurm, the founder of Pedal Powered Anthropology, a highly creative approach to blending fitness and education about human history.
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Congrats to Ranger Kevin and Ranger John on 25 Years of Service! |
Thank you, and congratulations to Kevin Klyberg and John McNiff for their reaching 25 years in the National Park Service. They both started their service with the National Park Service on November 24th, only 25 short years ago.
Both Kevin and John have been integral parts of both Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial and continue today as exemplary leadership cornerstones for the parks.
Congratulations to you both on your terrific milestone, and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our parks!
Pictured left to right: John McNiff and Kevin Klyberg. NPS file photo.
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Year-End Giving to Support Blackstone Heritage Corridor |
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Help Keep the Gears of Progress Turning!
Please Consider a Year-End Gift for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor!
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Together, with the support of friends like you, our communities established the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in 1986. During that time, we have led the efforts to preserve this amazing, living landscape and created a national park to interpret the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Today, we ask you to help us continue this important work.
YOUR SUPPORT OF BLACKSTONE HERITAGE CORRIDOR HELPS US TO:
- Partner with nonprofits, businesses, and residents to restore, retain and reinvigorate the Valley;
- Coordinate enthusiastic volunteers to work on behalf of BRVNHC and its partners;
- Facilitate a variety of programs and events to connect people to the National Heritage Corridor and its nationally significant resources;
- Provide services to the 25 communities that make up the Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and,
- Act as the local coordinating entity of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
Make a contribution today and invest in the future of the
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor!
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NEW DONATION FEATURE! We've added a "Sustaining Donation" option where you can opt for regular monthly donations of $10, $25, $50, or $100.
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Thank You For Your Support |
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We send our heartfelt thanks to all who generously donated on #GivingTuesday this year. Thank you for investing in the future of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and supporting the important work we do to preserve and promote the historic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources within the National Heritage Corridor. |
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Switch to AmazonSmile and Shop to Support BHC! |
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Did you know that if you shop on Amazon that you can support the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor with your purchases? By switching your browser to Smile.Amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
You can use this unique link provided by AmazonSmile to get started and have your percentage donated to BHC:
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Become a GearHead Junior Ranger |
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"Explore, Discover, Protect, and GO!"
The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country, each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. Here in the Blackstone River Valley, Junior Rangers are called GearHeads. What's a GearHead, you might ask?
GearHead (n.): a kid, powered by the gears in their brain, who explores nature, discovers history, protects the environment, and goes on adventures throughout the Blackstone River Valley.
Click through the GearHeads website and claim your Junior Ranger status today! Submit a completed activity, and we'll send you a Junior Ranger badge!
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New GearHeads Workstations! |
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Thanks to donors from our 2020 Giving Tuesday campaign, we were able to produce two GearHeads Junior Ranger workstations to inspire young minds in creativity and learning! |
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This workstation is at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester (3 Paul Clancy Way), open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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This workstation is currently at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor office located 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA, open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
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Navigate & Explore the Blackstone River Valley
with our Interactive Map!
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To all of our friends, volunteers, partners, and supporters, we wish you a very bright and happy holiday season and a very happy New Year! |
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670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
(508) 234-4242
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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