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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Rose Jones, 401.330.6748 rose@aquidneckcommunitytable.org

ACT, Partners Kick Off Summer Farmers’ Market Season

Middletown Market Moves to Newport County YMCA

Newport, RI – April 23, 2025 – Aquidneck Community Table (ACT), in partnership with the Newport County YMCA and 11th Hour Racing, will kick off its 2025 summer farmers’ market season at a new location this year. The weekly market, which opens on Saturday, May 3, will be held at the Newport County YMCA in Middletown. ACT’s weekly Wednesday market is scheduled to return to Memorial Boulevard in Newport on May 28.

SATURDAY MARKET

WHEN: Saturday, May 3 thru October 25 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Newport County YMCA – Field Adjacent to Main Facility 792 Valley Road, Middletown

Among the featured food & beverage vendors are Beautiful Day, Chill’s Cheesecakes, Dragonfly Farm, Little Rhody Pasta, NAVAD Bakers, Newport Wine Cellars, Pat’s Pastured, Power of Juice, RI Mushroom Co., Roots Farm, and Wrights Old School Chocolate Other local businesses and community groups participating include My Sweet P’s Flower Farm, B’ Ladies, Black Earth Compost, Peaceful Petals, Child & Family, Boys & Girls Club SNAP Outreach, and Salve Regina University Hydroponics Club.

WEDNESDAY MARKET

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28 (anticipated) thru October 29 | 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Memorial Boulevard, Newport (between Chapel St. and Edgar Ct.)

Among the featured vendors are Aquidneck Farms, Barden Family Orchard, Dee’s Little Sweets, Dragonfly Farm, Fully Rooted, Kristi’s Kraftails, Little Rhody Pasta, Local Patch, My Sweet P’s Flower Farm, NAVAD Bakers, Newport Wine Cellar, Ocean State Juice, Pat’s Pastured, Rhode Island Nut Co., RI Mushroom Co., Roots Farm, Slowhand Sharpening, The Daisy Edition, Triton Seafood, and Wrights Old School Chocolate.

AQUIDNECK COMMUNITY TABLE (ACT)

ACT envisions a strong, fair and resilient food system for Aquidneck Island achieved by meaningfully connecting islanders to healthy, local food and supporting our growers, fishers, and makers to thrive. Our focus every day is on forging these connections through our markets, gardens, and learning programs and anchoring them in a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information about ACT and/or a full list of market vendors, visit www.aquidneckcommunitytable.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @aquidneckcommunitytable.

2025 Events

May 8 2nd Annual Spring Sunset Reception at the Reef

May 17 & 18 9th Annual Newport Oyster & Chowder

Festival (Bowen's Wharf Event / Child & Family Beneficiary)

June 18 11th Annual Townsend Luncheon at OceanCliff

Honorary Chairs, Bart Dunbar and Lisa Lewis, Celebrating

Bart Dunbar’s Retirement from Bowen’s Wharf

July 13 Newport Polo All Charity Day

October 18 & 19 34th Annual Bowen's Wharf Seafood

Festival

(Bowen's Wharf Event / Child & Family Beneficiary)

November 2 42nd Annual Taste of Newport at

The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa

December 6 55th Annual Tree Lighting

(Bowen's Wharf Event)

RHODE ISLAND’S 24 - 7 GYM

BullfrogFit welcomes all ages and all fitness levels. Wherever you are in your life journey , it’s not too late to start.

Mention this ad for a free week trial membership at the gym, and 10% off any personal training packages.

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Deadline April 30, 2025

Aquidneck Island needs more bike racks! Bike Newport is inviting businesses and other destinations on Aquidneck Island to apply to win bike racks so they can invite, welcome, and support their customers and visitors to arrive by bicycle.

The contest is part of “Get There By Bike” – a program to help residents and visitors to replace short distance car travel with bike rides. The effort to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by supporting more bike riding is funded by 11th Hour Racing.

Information, guidelines, and the brief online application can be found at: bikenewportri.org/bike-rack-contest

Applications must be submitted by April 30th. Decisions will be made by May 10th in consultation with the island municipalities, and Bike Newport hopes to complete the installations by the end of May – which, coincidentally, is Bike Month!

WHO: RENEWport, Newport Public Schools, & Community Partners

WHAT : Community Dinner for 3rd and 4th Grade Students & Families

WHEN: April 10, 2025, 5:00 to 6:30 PM

WHERE: Pell Elementary School, 35 Dexter Street, Newport, RI 02840

CONTACT : Sue Sipprelle, 201-406-7680, hello@renewport.org

RENEWport Community Dinner to Connect Families and Build Connections

Newport, RI – RENEWport will host a community dinner for families of Newport children in 3rd and 4th grades on Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Pell Elementary School. Families are invited to connect with friends and local family -focused organizations while enjoying dinner, crafts, music, and more. Dinner is free and attendees are asked to RSVP online – each RSVP will be entered into a raffle to win one of ten $100 Walmart gift cards .

This event is organized in partnership with Newport Public Schools and a range of organizations, including the Newport Police Department. Performances will be staged by Newport Sings, Newport Contemporary Ballet , and Newport Children’s Theater. Partner organizations will provide activities such as Newport Festivals Foundation and Newport Classical with an ‘instrument petting zoo,’ TeamFAME with tennis, Newport Historical Society with colonial games, and Newport Art House with daffodil face painting. This is the second community dinner hosted by RENEWport – following the success of a January 2025 dinner for K -2 families.

Ellen Pinnock, Co -President of RENEWport said, “ I’m excited for our second RENEWport community dinner. It's essential that we continue to strengthen the connection between schools and our community. We want kids and families to know they have the support and commitment of so many organizations that not only care about their well-being and education, but also want them to be engaged and have fun!”

RENEWport brings together nonprofit and business leaders, government officials, community organizations, and citizens to tackle local challenges. RENEWport is committed to creating a caring pipeline into the public schools and connecting individuals of all ages with needed resources. Sue Sipprelle, Co -President of RENEWport said, “The goal of this dinner is for families to enjoy themselves together and build connections. At RENEWport, we believe that when parents and the broader community are involved in ou r schools, the entire city benefits.”

Also by RENEWport - on April 15, 2025, RENEWport and Salve Regina University will host famed political scientist and Harvard Professor, Robert D. Putnam, for a talk on the collapse and revival of the American community. In the weeks prior to this event, there will be a series of community-based Newport Together events, coordinated by RENEWport

More information can be found at www.renewport.org or by contacting Sue Sipprelle at hello@renewport.org or 201-406-7680.

The Portillo family of Newport at RENEWport's community dinner, Jan. 2025.

The Le gendary Wailers Featuring Junior Marvin

To Headline IYRS Summer Gal a on 7/12

Newport, R.I. - IYRS School of Technology & Trades along with event chairs Barbara van Beuren and Steve Glascock and Anne and Matt Hamilton will host its 28th annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday, July 12 at 6 p.m. at IYRS, 449 Thames Street, Newport, R.I. with musical guest The Legendary Wailers Featuring Junior Marvin.

“IYRS is excited to host an iconic reggae band this summer,” said Liz Isdale, Director of Philanthropy at IYRS. “We hope to draw familiar faces as well as new ones to experience and celebrate the craftsman, innovation and community spirit at IYRS.”

As a school of marine trades and advanced technologies, IYRS teaches students the skills of boatbuilding, marine systems, digital modeling & fabrication and composites technology. In addition to hard skills, they also teach skills like project management, time management, work ethic and collaboration. Upon graduation, students advance in their careers or enter new careers in the marine industry, motorsport, aerospace, defense, sporting goods and other industries. In 2024, 90% of students had a job at graduation.

“The IYRS Gala is our anchor event that brings our friends and community together to provide support for the IYRS student experience,” said IYRS President Kern Maass. “We look forward to opening our campus to new guests, some of whom have never set foot on our campus before. From the cedar scent of Restoration Hall where our boats are built to the skill-building and innovation that happens in The Brooks Building, IYRS is truly a special place that leads the nation for trade schools in marine-based and advanced technologies programs. We always jump at the chance to share what we and our students do, with the world.”

Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. Those interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities can visit iyrs.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships-grants. Those interested in attending the IYRS Summer Gala can visit iyrs.edu/2025gala to purchase tickets. To contribute to the IYRS student experience, visit iyrs.edu/give

May is Mental Health Month FAQs

What’s our ask?

We’re reaching out to ask if you would “ ”

Contact: Danielle North VP, Communications & Engagement

401.255.7082

dnorth@centrevillebank.com

Centreville Bank Breaks Ground on First Full-Service Branch Location in Middletown, Rhode Island

Centreville Bank’s 23rd location marks a significant milestone in expansion and commitment to growth on Aquidneck Island

Middletown, RI (April 21, 2025) – Centreville Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony today of its first full-service branch in Middletown, Rhode Island, at 160 East Main Road, marking the Bank’s planned 23rd location and it’s first ground-up construction since 2020.

This new full-service location, expected to open by late fall 2025, underscores Centreville Bank’s commitment to strategic growth and deepening its presence on Aquidneck Island, where it already serves customers through its loan production office in Middletown at 1171 Aquidneck Ave, and its Newport branch, located at 580 Thames St. The new Middletown location will include a state-of-the-art banking center, drive-up teller and ATM lanes, private offices for financial consultations, and a welcoming lobby designed with customer experience in mind.

“Breaking ground on our second full-service branch on Aquidneck Island is truly a milestone moment for Centreville Bank” said Lee Merrill, EVP, Chief Lending Officer. “This branch represents one of five branches throughout Rhode Island that Centreville Bank is planning to open in 2025, and we’re excited to continue our expansion with this brandnew build in Middletown.”

As part of today’s groundbreaking ceremony, representatives from Centreville Bank also celebrated a topping-off of soil, marking the beginning of construction on the East Main Road location. Customers interested in opening an account or exploring Centreville Bank’s full suite of services are encouraged to visit the nearby Newport branch at 580 Thames Street where the team is available to assist during the Middletown branch’s construction.

“As we celebrate 197 years in Rhode Island, Centreville Bank continues to make meaningful progress,” said Hal Horvat, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Centreville Bank. “Opening a brand-new, from-the-ground-up branch is a strong reflection of our long-term commitment to growth and being a trusted financial partner for our customers on Aquidneck Island and throughout the state.”

About Centreville Bank

Founded in 1828 and headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Centreville Bank is a full-service mutual bank with over $2.8 billion in assets and 22 locations throughout Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. Centreville understands the unique financial needs of individuals, families and businesses and offers a wide range of personal banking and commercial banking products and services including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, mortgages, business loans and more. Centreville is committed to its employees and the communities it serves, always striving to help people make progress and achieve their financial goals. That is progress on purpose. Visit centrevillebank.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram,

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England

Dear Corporate Community Partners,

I am reaching out to you on behalf of Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England to ask for your support during the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is much more than just a fundraiser. It teaches girls essential life skills such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Every purchase directly benefits our local members, ensuring they have access to camp and other enriching experiences, leadership development opportunities, and community service projects. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds stay local, supporting Girl Scouts in our community.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England is piloting a new Corporate Cookie Donor Buyout Program. By purchasing Girl Scout Cookies, your company can make a meaningful impact in several ways. Whether you choose to share them with your employees as a token of appreciation, distribute them to customers as a thoughtful gesture, use them as a treat at company events, or donate them to a local organization through our Cookie Share Program, your support will go a long way in making a difference.

The attached flyer outlines the program we are piloting. We hope to feature you and your company as one of our first Cookie Donor Buyout partners!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. Your generosity and commitment to the community are truly appreciated.

Best,

Ginger Lallo, COO Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England glallo@gssne.org

Cookie Donor Buyout

2025 Cookie Season

Empower the leaders of tomorrow by participating in the Cookie Donor Buyout program– a pathway to supporting future entrepreneurs and supercharging troop activities.

With your generous support, you're not just purchasing cookies; you're investing in the dreams and ambitions of young girls. As a girl-led organization, these enterprising young minds decide how to allocate the funds from their cookie sales. Whether it's forming a robotics team, embarking on impactful service projects, embracing the great outdoors, or seeking new learning experiences and coveted patches – your support makes it all possible. Join us in ensuring that every girl, regardless of circumstance, can access these life-enriching opportunities.

Purchase cookies to keep or pay it forward by donating the cookies you purchase to our frontline heroes or the charity of your choice!

$2,400

$1,800

•400 cookie boxes to donate or keep*

•Recognition on social media & website (video)

$1,200

•300 cookie boxes to donate or keep*

•Recognition on social media & website (photos)

•200 boxes to donate or keep*

•Recognition on social media & website (photos)

•100 boxes to donate or keep*

•Recognition on social media & website (photos)

*if donor wishes to keep cookies, tax-deductible amount will decrease due to goods being exchanged

858 West Main Road

Middletown, RI 02842

Immediate Release Contact: Courtney Hunter 401.619.1754

chunter@peoplescu.com

GREATER NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES

PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS Wins 2025 Award in Big Business Category

MIDDLETOWN, RI (April 11, 2025): People’s Credit Union (PCU) has been presented with the 2025 Excellence in Business Award by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce (GNCC). Recognized in the Big Business (50+ employees) category, the award honors PCU’s outstanding business achievement in the Greater Newport region, with criteria based on demonstrating business excellence, customer service, revenue and personnel growth, sustainable business practices, and new product and service offerings.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Greater Newport Chamber for our commitment to excellence and community impact. We also want to express our admiration for the other outstanding businesses that were nominated,” said Sean Daly, Head of People’s Credit Union. “At the heart of our organization is a commitment to bring positive change to the community. This award is a meaningful reflection of the ongoing efforts by the entire People’s team to deliver on that commitment.”

Award nominations and applications were reviewed by a volunteer committee comprised of representatives from the GNCC’s Board of Directors. This year, there were over forty nominations, and three finalists were invited to apply in each of six categories: Woman and Minority Owned, Micro (fewer than 5 employees), Small Business (5 to 49 Employees), Big Business (50 or more employees), Non-Profit, and Emerging Leaders.

Edward T. Lopes, Jr., Vice Chairman of People’s Credit Union Board of Directors (far left), and Sean Daly, Head of People’s Credit Union (far right) are pictured with members of their team accepting the Excellence in Business Award from the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce .

RHODE ISLAND COMPASSION INSPIRES GLOBAL IMPACT

In South Africa, we provide individuals and institutions in underserved regions with the academic resources needed to ensure educational and career opportunities that will promote just, civil, and hopeful societies. Education Focus Volunteerism Here & Abroad Indigenous Agenda Sustainable Change