Blackstone River Boosters Wanted For 2022 Chafee Awards

WORCESTER, MA — Do you know someone who's organized a litter cleanup, led a tour or taught a class connected to the Blackstone River Valley? The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor wants to hear from you.

Nominations for the 2022 John H. Chafee Heritage Awards are open now. The awards, named for the former Rhode Island governor and U.S. Senator, honor people and groups who are corridor boosters.

"This award honors individuals or groups who have worked on projects, programs, and institutions that promote the cultural heritage and the preservation of natural areas and strive to enrich the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley," the heritage corridor said in a recent news release.

Chafee helped lead the cleanup of the Blackstone River in the 1970s, and more broadly supported the passage of the Clean Water Act, and helped design the Superfund toxic waste cleanup program.

In 2021, the award recipients were U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, Rhode Island U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Sutton resident Ross Weaver, Cumberland resident John Marsland and students from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School.

To nominate someone for the award, visit the heritage corridor website. You can also email nominations todkurtz@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org. Nominations are due by Nov. 30.