Blackstone Valley Tourism Council: Travel, heritage, visitors, visitor center, lodging, dining, tours, Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, National Parks, Industrial Revolution, historic sites, economic development in Rhode Island

News

Media Release

RELEASE DATE:
September 13, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT:
Donna Houle, Program Manager, 401-724-2200

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council celebrates World Tourism Day at 21st Annual Reception, Dinner and Silent Auction Wednesday, September, 27, 2006

Awards to recognize Valley residents active in arts, entertainment, economic development and public service

Earlier this year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) awarded the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) with the prestigious 2006 UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Tourism Destination.

The award, presented for the first time, recognizes BVTC "for contributing to positive change with regards to community values in Rhode Island over the past 20 years."
As part of this global recognition, the BVTC invites the general public to attend the agency’s 21st Annual Reception, Dinner and Silent Auction that is being held in conjunction with the international celebration of World Tourism Day, Wednesday, September 27, 2006.

The BVTC event is being held at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Tickets for the meeting are $50.00 per person. Choice of Chicken Francaise or Vegetarian dinner selection. The gathering will feature the following:

5:30 pm Reception and Silent Auction
7:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Awards Presentation

This year’s award recipients reflect the region’s rich cultural diversity reflected in the nine communities BVTC represents.

The 2006 BVTC Award Winners are:

Footprints in History Recognition:

Looff Carousel, Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket, RI

As a centerpiece of Slater Memorial Park, The Charles Looff Carousel was built in 1894, installed in the park in 1910 and restored in 1978. It is a free standing carousel and represents the quality craftsmanship Mr. Looff was known for nationally.

Blackstone Valley Community Innovation Award:

This award is presented to individuals and organizations in Rhode Island’s Blackstone River Valley that sustain or enhance the geographical character of the area’s environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents.

Phyllis Van Orden Nathanson, Pawtucket, RI: Arts & Business Development

Mrs. Nathanson is being recognized for her efforts in pioneering live/work space for artists that helped to spark the development of Pawtucket’s Arts & Entertainment District. Along with her husband, designer Morris Nathanson, the couple has been involved in converting former mills over the past two decades, retaining the historic industrial character of the buildings, while providing work spaces and residences for artists.

Joseph Garlick, Woonsocket, RI: Executive Director, Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation

Mr. Garlick is being recognized for work since 1994 in preserving the integrity and character of neighborhood housing, which reflects the history and culture of Woonsocket. Under his leadership, the Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation developed $8 million in single family housing, $28 million in rental housing and developed 2200 square feet of neighborhood office space and 23 thousand square feet of neighborhood community and commercial space.

William Blackstone Society Induction

The William Blackstone Award is named after the minister who, in 1635, became the first European settler in the region that now bears his name. The award, presented since 1988, recognizes those who reflect Blackstone's ideals of improving quality of life through sense of place.

John A. Worsley, Ph.D., educator, professional musician

Dr. Worsley, a Pawtucket, RI resident, is recognized throughout Southern New England as one of the most talented jazz pianists performing in numerous local concerts over the years. As Executive Director of the Pawtucket Arts Council Dr. Worsley managed a wide range of musical productions including fellow locally renowned jazz artist Scott Hamilton, among others.

Joseph H. O'Donnell, Jr., Lt. Governor of Rhode Island, 1967-1969

(Posthumously) A lifelong North Smithfield, RI native, Mr. O’Donnell was active in promoting the quality of life in town and throughout the Blackstone River Valley. A long time insurance executive, Mr. O’Donnell also had a distinguished career in public service. He served on the North Smithfield School Committee 1956-1962, and was the Director of the RI Department of Administration under Governor John H. Chafee 1963-1966. As the Director of Administration, Mr. O’Donnell oversaw the management of RI State Government departments and agencies. In 1966, the people of Rhode Island chose Mr. O’Donnell as Lt. Governor. During his tenure in elective office, Mr. O’Donnell worked closely with Governor Chafee in carrying out major policies that improved the state’s infrastructure and quality of life during an unprecedented period of growth in the state during the mid 1960’s.

Don’t miss an impressive evening honoring BVTC for its world status accomplishments and to honor exceptional community leaders that have helped to shape the region.

Please make reservations NOW and order tickets online or by telephone.

Order Tickets Online

or via email or phone: 401-724-2200

BVTC is the State of Rhode Island regional designated tourism development organization representing the communities of Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Smithfield, and Woonsocket.

Back to News

Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, On the banks of the Blackstone, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
1-800-454-BVTC (2882) Local: 401-724-2200 Fax: 401-724-1342 info@tourblackstone.com