Toyota of Smithfield Column

Silly Laws Silly Laws

It is unlawful to injure a football goal post; doing so is punishable by a $200 fine. (Massachusetts) It is unlawful to injure a football goal post; doing so is punishable by a $200 fine. (Massachusetts) Kites may not be flown within the city limits. (Chicago, Illinois) Kites may not be flown within the city limits. (Chicago, Illinois) Whistling underwater is illegal. (Vermont) Whistling underwater is illegal. (Vermont) It used to be illegal to interrupt a religious meeting by having a horse race. (Spokane, Washington) It used to be illegal to interrupt a religious meeting by having a horse race. (Spokane, Washington) It is illegal to skateboard without a license. (Florida) It is illegal to skateboard without a license. (Florida) You cannot wear roller skates in restrooms. (Portland, Oregon) You cannot wear roller skates in restrooms. (Portland, Oregon) Swearing at someone over the phone in Virginia is punishable by a $100 fine. Swearing at someone over the phone in Virginia is punishable by a $100 fine. Citizens may not swim in the public fountains within the city limits. (Rockville, Maryland) Citizens may not swim in the public fountains within the city limits. (Rockville, Maryland) It is forbidden to run a marathon in less than 3 hours 30 minutes. (Iceland) It is forbidden to run a marathon in less than 3 hours 30 minutes. (Iceland) No person may roller skate and listen to a radio at the same time. (Nashville, TN) No person may roller skate and listen to a radio at the same time. (Nashville, TN) No member of the clergy is allowed to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a church service. (Nicholas County, WV) No member of the clergy is allowed to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a church service. (Nicholas County, WV) No pool tables are allowed in a public establishment, because it supports gambling. (Orland Park, Illinois) No pool tables are allowed in a public establishment, because it supports gambling. (Orland Park, Illinois)

NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW VEHICLE!

By Mark Berger

The need for certified, pre-owned vehicles has never been greater. Many factors continue hurting auto dealers, who struggle to meet customer needs.

Toyota of Smithfield asks vehicle owners to consider bringing in their older car or truck for more fuel-efficient models.

General Manager John Durrani hopes those looking for inventory bring in their used car to take advantage of several dealer incentives.

“Anyone trading in either their used or certified pre-owned cars will receive an additional $1,000 over book value,” he said. “There isn’t a better time for anybody to trade in their cars. Your trade is worth more than it ever has before, and it’s worth more than it’s ever going to be worth.”

The dealership has back orders for weeks and sometimes months on certain models. Durrani said that the market has been “pretty crazy.” With few cars available on their lots, announcing tradeins bonuses has become critical.

Durrani said, “People currently have the means to either purchase a new vehicle or one of the very few remaining used cars. That stems from several rounds of stimulus checks, federal and state governments mailed to families. The task remains because of raised requests.”

“We are appealing to the public for used vehicles. Simply put, we don’t have the inventory to adequately fulfill orders,” Durrani said.

To help facilitate the need for more certified, pre-owned vehicles onto their lot, Toyota of Smithfield also offers 115% of the book value for any used cars. It does not matter whether the customer decides to purchase a car from their lot.

“We will buy your trade, even if you don’t purchase a car from us,” he added.

The dealership holds a monthly private sale. This month’s event is scheduled for Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, by appointment only. Those who attend will be expected to follow social guidelines, but also have access to their inventory. Managers will be there to answer questions and offer additional incentives. Check with the dealership for dates and times.

The Dealership’s Peace of Mind Purchase Process means no hassles over pricing, trade-in values, cash back, and rebate incentives, and the best available leasing and financing terms offered up front. Durrani said that this is just part of the all-around, customer-driven experience he implemented to ensure the process does not get bogged down in miscommunication.

Cars Trucks SUV’s Boats Motorcycles Planes Helicopters

Police / Fire & Military Discounts Commercial & Fleet Accounts

Established in RI 1988 BBB Accredited Ceramic Coating: igl coatings certi ed

401-467-6585 / SunshineAutodc.com 24 Carman Street, Cranston

By: Brian Lowney

The Cape Verdean Museum is an important asset to our community, state, and region, and is dedicated to celebrating the fascinating history and rich culture of Cape Verde and CapeVerdean-Americans.

According to Joseph DaMoura, president of the organization, the institution, which is the first of its kind in the nation, was founded in 2000, by a small group of dedicated volunteers who represented Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The museum opened in East Providence in 2005, and will expand next year to a new facility in Pawtucket next year.

In 2000, 50 families pledged $1,000 each to successfully launch the museum, which continues to flourish and expand.

“We are a 501(3)(c) institution, defined as a non-profit organization, created and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes,” begins DaMoura, noting that the organization’s staff are all volunteers who are committed to the museum’s important goals.

Board members include DaMoura, Hon.Dr. Isadore Raymos, Mayor of East Providence, Yvonne Smart, Corsino Delgado, Marrisa Lopes, Virginia Gonsalves, Sylvia Ann Soares, and Djon Ramos. much more from Cape Verdeans from all over the world,” DaMoura emphasized, adding that the museum was started by Denise Oliveira and a small group of volunteers.

Smart, Education Coordinator, says that “the goals are to preserve and educate.”

“We are here for the community today and for future generations,” she emphasizes. “Families, school groups and scholars have found us to be a ‘one-of-a-kind’ research for the special history of Cape Verdeans.”

She observes that the museum is able to share its important message and rich, diverse history because of the countless contributions that people have donated from throughout the United States and Cape Verde.

“All these times give an important perspective on Cape Verdean history,” Smart adds. “The museum’s exhibits, like Cape Verdeans themselves, cover a lot of territory.”

Board member Gonsalves noted that the museum has become a repository of important historical artifacts. She mentioned that a tour of the museum illustrates the Cape Verde and Cape Verdean-Americans’ important contributions to medicine, education, the culinary arts, sports, entertainment, and government.

One of the museum’s most fascinating exhibits is the section devoted to the migration of people from Cape Verde and the Azores to the United States as whalers and seasonal cranberry harvesters, as well as packet ship passengers settling in Fox Point in Providence, New Bedford and other ports along the coast.

“We celebrate the contributions these families made, whether it’s as whalers, stone masons and longshoremen, or other professions that contribute to our society,” Gonsalves notes.

DaMoura shares that in 2020, the Cape Verdean Museum launched a fundraising campaign for a new museum in Pawtucket. The new home will allow the museum to display more of the collection, expand the research and library area, host larger school visits, and devote space to special exhibits, gallery shows, and other events for the public to enjoy.

“We are grateful for the support received during the last 20 years and we want to keep that momentum going by moving into a new home that allows to truly showcase our collection and host special events, thus raising the visibility of Cape Verdean heritage and developing the museum into a Rhode Island cultural institution that everyone can take pride in,” says DaMoura.

He adds that during the past 15 years since its opening, the museum has welcomed visitors from 32 states and 39 foreign countries. Several schools and college/universities have welcomed students and the museum’s education committee has sponsored a traveling exhibit that has been shown at libraries, schools, festivals, and diversity programs throughout Rhode Island.

According to Smart, two of the museum’s most successful regular events are the Cape Verdean Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Cape Verdean communities of New England, and Tardi Kultural, an arts festival that celebrates the rich culture of Cape Verdean life.

DMoura says that building campaigns have generated financial and moral support from all parts of the country. Board members have organized a Cape Verdean Museum Supporters Club, which for a monthly or annual fee, offers free entrance to the museum, discounts on purchases, certain event discounts, a special edition annual calendar , and other benefits.

For more information or to join the museum, visit the website

capeverdeanmuseum.org

Celebrating Over 30 Years!