MEDIA CONTACTS:
Amy Cicilline
Alyson Novick
Communications & Development Director Director of Development
amyc@newportymca.org
401.847.9200 x140
2nd
Annual
Charlie Holder,
Sr. Memorial
anovick@mlkccenter.org
401.846.4828 x102
5K Raises
$20,000 to benefit Newport County YMCA and MLK Community Center
(Newport, RI, June 16, 2025) – Foggy conditions didn’t stop 290 participants from running and walking in the second annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K race on Saturday, May 17th The event was presented by BRS Building Company. Mr. Holder passed away on Aug. 6, 2023. In his memory, a ll net proceeds from the race again benefited the Newport County YMCA and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center This year each organization received $10,000
Elaine Holder, son Charlie Holder, Jr., daughters Maria Holder and Rachel George, and niece Maureen Weiler presented checks to the Y and the MLK. “I am so grateful to every single person who donated, sponsored, signed up or volunteered at my husband Charlie’s memorial race. We surpassed last year’s numbers and I am over the moon with gratitude and pride,” said Elaine Holder. “Our whole family made the race happen: my children, grandchildren, nieces, cousins. It was really a labor of love.”
Mike Miller, Executive Director of the Newport County YMCA and Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the MLK Center spoke about the impact of the race. “ This donation helps provide summer camp scholarships so all kids can experience what the Y has to offer ,” said Miller. We’re so grateful to the Holder Family for creating this special community event. We will use these funds to offer scholarships to hard working families so dozens of kids can learn and grow in our all-day Preschool,” said Hole Strout.
The 3.1 mile race started and ended at the Y and followed a course around Tuckerman Ave. / Easton’s Point. The race included a competitive 5K Race, a non-competitive 5K Fun Walk, as well as a virtual option. New in 2025 was a special 100-yard Fun Sprint for kids 12 and under before the race began. Rob Berschinski of Washington DC won the race with a time of 18:17, with Brett Ely of Barrington RI seconds behind at 18:33, followed by Jane Kaull of Portsmouth RI at 19:47/
Plans are already underway for next year’s race, scheduled for May 9, 2026. “We’ve had such a great response these past two years. I know my dad is so proud of this race, for what it means for the community, and for the Y and the MLK. We’re already planning for next year”, said Charlie Holder, Jr. “ We’ve got some great ideas to make the race even better. Stay tuned!”
place
Serving Newport County since 1878, the Newport County YMCA is an association of people of all ages, ethnic origins, religious affiliations, and socio -economic levels The basis of the association is founded in Judeo-Christian values, and its purpose is to significantly improve and positively influence the quality of life and social well-being for our members, our families, and our community. Emphasis is placed on the whole person through the programs and activities that help develop spiritual, mental, and physical well -being. The Y is located at located at 792 Valley Rd, Middletown RI . 401-847-9200 or www.newportymca.org
Founded in 1922 and renamed after Dr. King in 1968, the Dr. Martin Luther King, r. Community Center celebrated 100 years of service to the community in 2022. The mission of the MLK Community Center is to nourish, educate, and support Newport County, Rhode Island residents to improve their economic, social, and physical well-being. The Center works to build a strong and inclusive community where all people are empowered to be self-reliant and to live their best quality of life. Last year, the MLK helped over 8,000 people, the most in its history. The MLK is located at 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport RI. 401 -846-4828 or www.MLKCCenter.org
Charlie Holder, Sr. (CREDIT: Elaine Holder)
Runners at the start of the 2025 Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K (CREDIT: Nick Pasyanos)
Elaine Holder congratulates first and second
finishers Rob Berschinski (left) and Brett Ely (right) (CREDIT: Nick Pasyanos)
The Holder Family presents donation checks from the 2025 Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5k to the Newport County YMCA and the MLK Community Center
WHY CHOOSE US?
At Newport Financial, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you build, preserve, and grow your wealth through every stage of life. With a commitment to integrity and client-first service, Newport Financial is the partner you can count on. We utilize a holistic team approach and create customized financial strategies for all the various stages of lives.
ABOUT US
As financial professionals with Prudential Advisors, our primary focus, is to assist individuals, families, and businesses in defining their financial goals and pursuing financial freedom. We provide personal, value-added strategies and financial longevity solutions. Wherever you are on your journey, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.
Camp Rocky Farm in Newport, RI
Day camp: Any girl and genderexpansive youth entering grades K-5.
Where:
Camp Rocky Farm
160 Carroll Ave, Newport, RI
Sessions available:
Session 1: 6/30-7/4
Theme: STEM Quest
Session 2: 7/7-7/11
Theme: Agriculture
Session 3: 7/14-7/18
Theme: Math in Nature
Session 4: 7/21-7/25
Theme: Outdoor Art
Sessions run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Spend the week having fun with your fellow campers doing all your favorite camp activities! Campers will get to participate in activities like: learning survival skills swimming at the beach
hiking playing games archery
arts & crafts s'mores by the campfire
Girl Scout Membership is included! Bussing is available Or drop off/pick up at camp
?
or contact
B I G N E W S F O R
A Q U I D N E C K I S L A N D !
Maria Colón, LMT, CMLDT
L E G A C Y S P A A N D W E L L N E S S N O W
O F F E R I N G M A N U A L L Y M P H A T I C D R A I N A G E
T H E R A P Y W h y M L D ?
M L D i s a g e n t l e a n d n o n - i n v a s i v e m a n u
t h e r a p y c o n d u c t e d b y a C e r t i f i e d P r a c t i t i o
I t e n h a n c e s t h e a c t i v i t y o f t h e l y m p h a t
s y s t e m , b o o s t s i m m u n e f u n c t i o n , a n d r e d
r e c o v e r y t i m e a f t e r s u r g e r y , i n c l u d i n g
c o s m e t i c p r o c e d u r e s . A d d i t i o n a l l y , i t
a l l e v i a t e s f l u i d r e t e n t i o n a n d b l o c k a g e s , e
i n f l a m m a t i o n a n d c h r o n i c p a i n , a n d p r o m
d e t o x i f i c a t i o n , a m o n g m a n y o t h e r b e n e f i
F O R M O R E I N F O & E X C L U S I V E
I N T R O D U C T O R Y O F F E R
V I S I T W W W . L E G A C Y S P A R I . C O M
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Danielle North
VP, Communications & Engagement
401.255.7082
dnorth@centrevillebank.com
Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation Tops $10 Million in Giving; Supports 28 Nonprofits in RI and CT Including $25,000 Grant to Adoption Rhode Island
West Warwick, R.I. (June 2, 2025) – The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to announce that it has surpassed $10 million in total charitable giving since its inception in 2008, marking a significant philanthropic milestone. Coinciding with this announcement, the Charitable Foun dation has awarded its most recent community impact grants to 28 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.
Among this latest round of grantees is Adoption Rhode Island, a leading agency in the Ocean State dedicated to finding permanent families for youth in foster care and providing life -changing services that support their social and economic well-being.
“Reaching $10 million in giving is a proud milestone for us and a reflection of the commitment we’ve made to the communities we serve and the important partnerships we’ve built with organizations who are working every day to remove barriers, uplift lives, and create opportunities,” said Paola Fernandez, SVP of Community Development at Centreville Bank . “From addressing food insecurity and increasing affordable housing opportunities, to education and youth workforce development, these grants represent a shared effort to strengthening every community we serve.”
The Foundation’s latest grants totaling $580,000 will help dozens of nonprofit partners meet urgent needs and build lasting impact:
• Sojourner House and McAuley Ministries are expanding trauma -informed housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse.
• LISC Rhode Island and the Providence Revolving Fund are driving equitable neighborhood development, helping families access affordable housing and stabilizing communities at risk of displacement.
• Beautiful Day and Youth Pride, Inc. are providing critical workforce readiness, mental health, and mentorship services for youth from refugee and LGBTQ+ communities.
“We could not be more grateful to Centreville Bank for recognizing the promise of these youth and making this investment in their progress towards achieving their dreams. With the supportive services that this project will provide, they will have what they need to not only survive, but to thrive,” said Darlene Allen, CEO & Executive Director of Adoption RI.
Q2 Charitable Foundation Grantees:
• Adoption Rhode Island
• Amos House
• Back to School Celebration
• Beautiful Day
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County
• Covenant Shelter of New London
• Cranston Public Library Association
• Day Kimball Hospital Foundation
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
• Furniture Bank of Southeastern CT
• Housing Collective
• LISC Rhode Island
• McAuley Ministries
• Meals on Wheels of RI
• Muddy Brook Fire Department
• New London Homeless Hospitality Center
• New London Salvation Army
• New London Youth Affairs
• Newport County YMCA
• NewportFILM
• North Kingstown Food Pantry
• Operation Fuel
• Pomfret Historical Society
• Providence Promise
• Providence Revolving Fund
• Safe Futures
• Sojourner House
• TEEG
• The Autism Project
• The Sharing Locker
• Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp
• Yellow Horse
• Youth Pride, Inc.
• Young Voices
Visit
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/0b35bdde/qIQDGHO0jky5lpEfpZfhbQ?u=http://www.centrevillebank.com/com munity for more information.
About The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation
The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation was established as a nonprofit, charitable organization in 2008 by the Board of Trustees to further the philanthropic mission of Centreville Bank. The Foundation strives to support local community-based organizations tackling the most significant challenges and helping to meet the needs of underserved populations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Grants are considered on a quarterly basis focusing on the following priority areas: education success, economic security, and capacity building. For more information, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/38b07ce6/w57NwXKV_0OfENLdcc8o8Q?u=http://www.centrevillebank.com/Community
About Centreville Bank
Founded in 1828 and headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Centreville Bank is a full -service mutual bank with over $2 billion in assets and 22 locations throughout Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. Centreville understands the unique financial needs of i ndividuals, 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 commi tted 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, or come into a branch or office to learn more.
Let’s celebrate the people, places, and flavors that make Rhode Island the best! Get ready for an unforgettable evening — your ticket includes: Tickets on sale on RIMonthly.com
having difficulty opening these files or have production questions please contact Paul O’Hare at 401.649.4833 pohare@rimonthly.com
FOOD AND DRINKS ALL NIGHT
DANCING, EXCITEMENT AND FUN BLOCK PARTY (PRE-EVENT) LIVE BAND AND DJ Thursday, July 24th, 2025 | WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER | 6:30 -9:30 PM
Iggy's
Wedge India
Del's
Island Coquito
Mavens Deli
Malted Barley
Boba Wave
Tacofied
Grey Sail Brewing
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Heritage Restaurant Group
Legal Sea Foods
Newport Vineyards
Basil & Bunny
CRU PVD/Morins Catering
Savory Fare
Awesome Sweets
Biscotti Bar
South County Distillers
JA Patty
Charcuterie Kreations
Mariela’s Bakery
Catering Gourmet
The Elliotte on Park Squantum Association
Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling
Código 1530
Level 99
Sundaes RIFC
referencing your specific Best of Rhode Island® Award, please be sure to reference the year and which you won – i.e., Best Burger 2011, Newport County. rotate logos. They have been designed to sit square on the page. Do not edit or alter the Best of Rhode Island® is a registered trademark of Rhode Island Monthly Communications, the logo or words without the permission of RIMC is strictly prohibited.
Who: RENEWport and Salve Regina University
What: World Café Conversation About Community & Connection in Newport
Where: Salve Regina University
When: June 2025
Contact: Sue Sipprelle, susansipprelle@renewport.org
World Café Conversation Brings Community Together to Encourage Meaningful Conversation, Build Connections, and Strengthen Democracy
Newport, RI - On Wednesday, June 18, an intergenerational group of 25 people gathered at Salve Regina University to engage in meaningful conversations at a World Café hosted by RENEWport and The David and Carolyn Brodsky Chair in U.S. Constitutional Cultur e and Democracy. Gene Thompson -Grove, facilitator and transformational learning coach, moderated the event.
Participants focused on a series of questions about community in Newport, such as:
· In Newport groups you are part of, when have you felt, ‘I belong. I matter?’
· How do shared values or experiences shape your sense of connection?
· What does your ideal Newport community look like?
· What is one commitment you can make today to create an ideal community in Newport?
The “World Café” method facilitates conversation and connection; participants discuss a question in a small group, then move on to a new table to consider the next question with a different group of people. This approach exposes each participant to as many points of view as possible. The room buzzed with energy and conversations focused on civic engagement.
Leah Spengler, Salve student and Brodsky fellow, said, “This World Café allowed me to go beyond the borders of Salve to hear stories, forge connections and brainstorm change with a diverse group of leaders in the Newport community. This event left me feeli ng capable, connected, and hopeful that the changes we envision for Newport are possible when we join together.”
Participants said they found the experience significant and asked when the next World Café would be held. Attendee David Mirkin said, “I connected with several individuals who, like me, are looking for something here in Newport they can feel passionate abo ut and gain the motivation and opportunity to take action. Another outcome was listening to people express issues adversely impacting them personally and realizing that I have the ability to help through my own personal acts.”
Jennie Batcher, Salve student and Brodsky fellow, said, “It was wonderful to hear the different experiences from people around Newport and how it shapes their thoughts and values. The variety of people in Newport and the connections forged with those simil ar and different from us creates our unique community. I love meeting new people and hearing the issues they care about.” Another World Café will be held in August, exact date to be announced. Please visit RENEWport’s website for more information: www.renewport.org.
Charcuterie Boards
Impress your guests with our artfully crafted charcuterie boards, featuring a delectable selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments
Make your event unforgettable with our custom-branded drinkware options, perfect for showcasing your unique style or company logo Custom Branded
For Immediate Release
Contact: Spencer Gossy
Regan Communications Group (401) 269-6441
sgossy@regancomm.com
OceanPoint Marine Lending Welcomes JP Shipman as Yacht Finance Specialist
Luxury marine industry veteran joins growing team of recreational lending experts
Newport, RI - (June XX, 2025) – OceanPoint Marine Lending, a division of BankNewport, is pleased to announce the addition of JP Shipman as Yacht Finance Specialist. In this role, Shipman will deliver professional yacht financing solutions for a wide range of clients, from $25,000 tende rs to $25 million superyachts.
Shipman is a resident of Florida servicing the areas of Naples and Palm Beach, in addition to Newport, Rhode Island and Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Shipman brings more than two decades of experience in the superyacht industry, including roles in brokerage, charter, new builds, and operational consulting. Prior to joining OceanPoint, he held leadership roles at firms such as Superyacht Lending, Camper & Nicholsons, Engel & Völkers Yachting, and Northrop & Joh nson. He is a past board member of the International Superyacht Society and an active member of the U.S. Superyacht Association and The International Seakeepers Society.
“JP’s deep knowledge of the superyacht space, combined with his extensive network and client -first approach will be an asset to our growing team,” said Dustin Howard, Vice President, National Sales Manager at OceanPoint Marine Lending. “We are thrilled to welcome him aboard and continue enhancing our offerings for high -end recreational lending.”
About OceanPoint Marine Lending:
OceanPoint Marine Lending, a division of BankNewport, is a recreational financing company specializing in marine and recreati onal vehicle (RV) loan originations. With one of the largest networks of quality bank lenders in the industry, OceanPoint offers c ompetitive and flexible marine and RV financing programs, including new and used boat/RV purchases, refinancing options, limited and ful l-time charter, live-aboard, and older boat financing. OceanPoint’s team of lending specialists averages over 20 years of industry experience and is dedicated to helping customers make their dream of boat and RV ownership a reality. For more information, please visit www.oceanpointmarinelending.com
About BankNewport:
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for f amilies and businesses throughout Rhode Island. BankNewport is one of the oldest banks in the United States and, as a mutual organi zation, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and the community for 206 years. BankNewport has nineteen bra nch locations, a community lending center in Central Falls, and a commercial lending office in Providence. OceanPoint Ma rine Lending, a business line of BankNewport, specializes in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs.
Through its All In Giving program, BankNewport is committed to supporting nonprofits with areas of impact focused on basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, healthy lives, arts and culture, and the environment. BankNewport has awarded over $7.7 million in grants, sponsorships, and donations over the past five years to a wide range of nonprofits to help strengthen and enrich lives and communities throughout Rhode Island. Financial education and community service performed by employees to tals 10,000 hours annually. For more information, please visit www.BankNewport.com.
