Blackstone Heritage Corridor (BHC) celebrated its Champions of the Blackstone Awards Reception in December, highlighting award recipients and Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the Blackstone River Valley.  

Sue Ciaramicoli of Hopedale was awarded a 10-year pin, and was named a VIP volunteer. 

BHC Executive Director Anya Wilczynski congratulated the Corridor’s National Park Service VIP volunteers for contributing $859,521 in service in fiscal year 2025. A total of 234 volunteers logged 24,706 hours—valued at $34.79 per hour. Volunteers who serve 250 or more hours are awarded a complimentary America the Beautiful Pass, granting access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. In addition to Ciaramicoli, 11 other volunteers achieved over 250 hours of service in 2025, including Alan Salemi, Albert Menard, Betty and Carlo Mencucci, Brian Garrett, Bruce DeVault, Edward and Kim Walker, John Marsland, Paul Schaefer, and Rich Keene. 

The event took place at the Singh Performance Center at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, and  recognized John H. Chafee Leadership Award recipients, as well as the Student of the Year, Partner of the Year, and Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year. Bank Hometown and UniBank sponsored the reception. 

About Blackstone Heritage Corridor 

Blackstone Heritage Corridor, in collaboration with community partners, provides strong leadership to preserve, promote, and celebrate the Valley’s historic, natural, and recreational resources for current and future generations. 

Source: BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org