East Providence Dept of Parks & Recreation

eastprovidenceri.net • facebook.com/eprd1

MAIN OFFICE: 610 WATERMAN AVENUE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI 02914 • M-F 8-4

TEL: (401) 435-7511 • FAX: (401) 435-1999

2023 Summer Concert Series

East Providence, RI – The East Providence Recreation Department announces the 2023 Summer Concert line-up. Shows are weather permitting and take place at Rose Larisa Memorial Park located at 701 Bullocks Point Avenue in Riverside. Concerts are

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held on Thursday evenings from June 1 – August 31 and start at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted.

The 2023 “Concerts in the Park” series is sponsored by Navigant Credit Union. The schedule is as follows:

• June 1, *6:30 PM, The Strictly Sentimental Swing Band. Big band jazz and swing.

• June 8, 6:00 PM, Rick Ashman. Oldies and Pop standards.

• June 15, 6:00 PM, RI Wind Ensemble. 50-piece orchestra playing classical, jazz, and contemporary music.

• June 22, 6:00 PM, Playing Mantis. R&B, Classic Rock and Dance covers.

• June 29, 6:00 PM, Atwater-Donnelly. American and Celtic Folk.

• July 6, 6:00 PM, The Reminders. Classic Rock and Pop from the 50’s to today.

• July 13, 6:00 PM, Kelly & the Poor Boys. Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute.

• July 20, 6:00 PM, David Tessier’s All-Star Stars. Classic Rock.

• July 27, 6:00 PM, Vinyl Frontier. Vintage Rock n’ Roll.

• August 3, 6:00 PM, Mixed Emotions. Classic Rock.

• August 10, 6:00 PM, 19th Nervous Breakdown. Rolling Stones tribute.

• August 17, 6:00 PM, The Jesse Liam Band. Pop hits and originals.

• August 24, 6:00 PM, Vini Ames. Oldies Rock n’ Roll Show.

• August 31, 6:00PM, Mojo Rising. Classic Rock.

For more information, please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.

East Providence Recreation Dept. Bus Trips

• July 12: Foster’s Clambakes, Maine. Lobster or Chicken

• August 9: Beauport Cruise, Gloucester, Mass Lobster/Chicken Buffett

• September 12: Aqua Turf Club Brass Attack/Donna Summer Tribute Lunch included

• October 28: Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY

• November 29: Newport Playhouse/ Cabaret Miracle on South Division St. Buffett lunch included PPAC Shows

• September 14 2023: Funny Girl; Buffett dinner/Trolley Ride Davenport Restaurant

• October 22, 2023: Mrs. Doubtfire

• December 28, 2023: Moulin Rouge... Buffett Dinner/Trolley Ride; Danvenport Restaurant

• March 17, 2024: Frozen For reservations, please call Deborah Rochford at 401-437-1577 or 401-435-7513

City of East Providence Establishes Tougher Graffiti Ordinance

The City of East Providence Administration is taking a proactive stance against defacement and graffiti by amending the City’s ordinance with stronger language and fines to combat vandalism in the city. The amended ordinance was approved by the East Providence City Council on May 16, 2023.

Vandalism has been a growing concern in our community, defacing public and private properties, causing economic costs, and impacting the overall aesthetic appeal of our city.

In April, the City announced its establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force to combat graffiti vandalism and encourage residents to report incidents for swift removal and investigation.

“The amendment to the ordinance as well as the establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force is part of the city’s commitment to ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe, clean, and visually appealing for all residents and visitors and that violators are held accountable for their actions,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

The amendment enables the city to have the person who defaces property responsible in the removal of the demage within 10 days and failure to do so results in the matter being referred to the East Providence Municipal Court and the responsible party to be fined:

• $100 for the first offense

• $250 for the second offense

• $500 for each subsequent offense.

It also enables a property owner to recover a fine and damages of up to $1,000 per incident ordered by the court.

The amendment also enables the city to fine any minor or adult placing graffiti on any city-owned property or private property without permission. Violators will be fined:

• $250 and/or 50 hours of community service for the first offense

• $350 and/or 100 hours of community service for the second offense.

And at least one parent or guardian of the minor shall be present for a minimum of 50 percent of the assigned community service.

In addition to the fines, the violator will be made to make restitution to the victim for damages or loss caused by the graffiti and will be forced to remove the graffiti within 24 hours after notice by the city or property owner. Police officers are also authorized to issue a citation for any violation of graffiti.

Lastly, the ordinance will make it unlawful for business owners to provide a minor with graffiti materials such as spray paint without written consent from the minor’s parents or guardian. If a business owner sells to a minor without parental consent, it will be fined $100 for each offense.

“This amended ordinance sends a strong message that graffiti will not be tolerated in East Providence,” East Providence Police Chief Chris Francesconi said. “This ordinance sets forth stricter penalties for those who deface public and private property in our city.”

The City of East Providence encourages residents to play an active role in the eradication of graffiti vandalism by reporting any incidents they come across through the city’s Request for Service reporting tool. Prompt reporting will enable the task force to take swift action in removing the graffiti and investigating the responsible individuals. Property owners, requesting the city to remove the graffiti from their properties, will need to fill out a graffiti removal consent form available here: https://eastprovidenceri.gov/form/ graffiti-removal-consent-form-property-owners To report graffiti vandalism or suspicious activity, residents can:

• call the East Providence Police Department at (401) 435-7600

• use the Tip411 App https://www.tip411.com/tips/eastprovidenceripd/new

• use the Request for Service tool https://eastprovidenceri.qscend. com/311/request/add

• visit the city’s website at www.eastprovidenceri.gov.

Reports can be made anonymously, and all information provided will be treated with confidentiality.

East Prov Organizations Win $1 Million For Housing, Hunger and Health

The East Bay Community Action Program, the Boys & Girls Club and the Newman Congregational Church are among 11 local organizations that received more than $1 million in grants to provide housing, food and behavioral health services from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding was through $20 million ARPA Nonprofit Support Program.

“We are grateful that state leaders believed in our capacity to quickly get this funding into the hands of the nonprofit organizations that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work helping those in their communities recover from the pandemic’s continuing impact on their daily lives,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

East Bay CAP will use its grant to stabilize and expand supportive housing opportunities to over 193 individuals and families.

“Homelessness and housing insecurity continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing our state. These funds are allowing us to be proactive and not just reactionary,” said Rilwan Feyisitan Jr., East Bay CAP’s president and CEO. “We are able to hire more of the necessary additional staffing we need and do strategic planning before the next wave of crises comes crashing. This is not just a luxury, but essential to making real long-term changes in our state.”

The other East Providence organizations receiving grants are Aldersbridge Communities, CareLink, Foster Forward, Horizon Healthcare Partners, PACE Organization of Rhode Island, Good Neighbors, Access To Recovery and We Share Hope .

Governor Dan McKee, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio tapped the Foundation to distribute the funding from Rhode Island’s $1.1 billion share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation for COVID-19 recovery.

“Thank you to Neil Steinberg and the Rhode Island Foundation for getting this critical funding out the door so quickly,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “In just six months, the Rhode Island Foundation has deployed $20 million to the organizations that are many of the unsung heroes of the pandemic, supporting Rhode Islanders as we collectively get back on our feet and move forward. Thank you to all of the grant recipients for your great work.”

The $20 million the Foundation has awarded since December is the single largest pool of grants in the organization’s 107-yearhistory.

“Our nonprofits and community organizations provided critical on the ground supports to Rhode Islanders throughout the COVID pandemic even while facing negative economic impacts themselves,” said Governor McKee. “I want to thank the Rhode Island Foundation for quickly distributing these funds to 240 organizations throughout the state to help them as they continue to recover and grow out of the pandemic.”

The grants targeted organizations that experienced negative economic impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation gave priority to community-based nonprofits serving communities where the need is highest. The Foundation announced the first $8.3 million in grants to 91 nonprofits last December. The final $11.7 million in grants were awarded to 149 organizations over the past four months.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised more than $75 million and awarded nearly $84 million in grants last year. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.

EP Historical Society News

“2nd Sunday” Summer Open House : June 11

Hikes at Hunt’s : 1:30 at the Gazebo Family Games: 1 - 3PM

“Roots” at EPHS : 1-3pm at the Ed Center

John Hunt Museum - 65 Hunts Mills Road - 02916

You have one more open house to view the EP High School

“Student Art Exhibit” featured at the Hunt House again this year. Everyone has been impressed by the quality of work produced by the fine young artists again this year. The show has an emphasis on the history of the area and will be on view for June only. Thank you you to Jade Sisti and her students for this fine contribution to preservation in East Providence. And remember to look for “Veterans With Individual War Memorials” by Susan Cady at the Ed Center library.

Upcoming dates:

• Program at Weaver Library -June 12 - 6:30pm - “90th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps” with Martin Podskoch - details: June Gazette/Facebook/ Weaver site

• Summer exhibit: Heyday of East Providence Amusement Parks

To contact the EPHS: Leave a message at: (401)473-0677 or info@ephist.org

Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry is excited to announce updated hours of operation. Starting June 5th 2023, our Community Kitchen will be open and serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm. You can dine-in or take your meal to go. We offer one meal per person per day, free of charge. We also host a free Bingo Breakfast each Friday morning starting at 9:30am. All are welcome to our Community Kitchen!

Our Food Pantry is open to East Providence residents every Wednesday from 9am-12pm, the last Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm and we are adding an evening pantry on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5-7pm. Our pantry provides non-perishable foods, dairy, fresh produce, bread and frozen meats to residents. This service is free of charge. Please bring a form of identification to register for the pantry.

Good Neighbors is located in the former St. Brendan’s school at 55 Turner Ave. Riverside, RI 02915.

We ask that patrons use our parking lot and entrance in the back of the building on Dorr Avenue.

We are very appreciative of all in-kind donations and community support! If you would like to donate food items, please drop them off between 9am-1pm Monday-Friday. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website to learn more at goodneighborsri.org.

Call or email us with any questions or if you are experiencing a food emergency. We are here to help. Phone: 401-433-0045 Email: info@goodneighborsri.org

Superintendent of Schools, Sandra Forand and the East Providence School Committee announced the winner of the 2023 Districtwide Teacher of the Year. Nominations were received from each individual school in the city. “We are pleased to announce that Kristyn-Anne Pinheiro, of Riverside Middle School is our 2023 Teacher of the Year. Kristyn-Anne has been teaching in the district for three years as a multi-language teacher. It is evident in her everyday interactions with her colleagues and students that she is a driven, organized individual,” said her colleagues in nominating Pinheiro. “She has an energy like no other, working all hours of the day and night to make sure that her students are met with an equitable playing field. As you walk down the halls of RMS, you will often hear Ms. Pinheiro’s voice as she is assisting all students in every class that she co-teaches.”

Pinheiro’s nomination further offered that, “As a teacher, KristynAnne has the ability to multitask unlike no other. There are very few people that can balance all that she deals with in her day-to-day schedule. She often has her computer in front of her working on multiple tasks. She carefully and thoughtfully modifies materials for every lesson, often at a moment’s notice. She manages all manners of student behavior and can teach content and concepts to anyone. She’s a true professional who can think on her feet and adapt to any situation. Students learning English under Kristyn-Anne’s guidance often outperform their peers. We are all lucky to work with her.”

In addition to the support that she provides in the classroom, Pinheiro also leads professional development for her colleagues to help them better support students in their classrooms. Her professional guidance is respected and well received as she is seen as an expert in her field. She takes her professional responsibilities seriously and is constantly seeking ways to better her craft. One of the ways she does this is by being an active member of multiple committees throughout the district. Her hard work supports her colleagues, but most importantly, the MLL students she works to support in order to access the curriculum.

“Kristyn-Anne also leads the way through her constant communication with families, often using different tech tools to communicate effectively. She makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Many of the students she works with are new to this country. KristynAnne is often their point of contact for more than just education. She is kind, caring, and compassionate to all the students and their families, acting as the bridge to their new school community.”

Pinheiro has also worked to build a stronger community at RMS. One way she has done this is through developing the “Giving Closet” at RMS. This is yet another example of her never-ending compassion for others. This “closet” provides clothing for students and their families. Teachers and families can come in and take anything they may need. They are also welcome to leave anything they may no longer need. Kristyn-Anne also successfully put together a Multicultural Night at RMS alongside others. This was an opportunity for students and their families to come together and celebrate the many different cultures we have here at RMS, further strengthening the RMS community.

“We all can relate that many teachers bring work home with them every day,” said her colleagues and administrators. “Kristyn-Anne took it to the next level and added an RMS student to her family. In true Kristyn-Anne style, she heard of a student in a difficult situation and wanted to help. She went home and discussed the situation with her family. In an instant, they agreed that adding this student to their family was the only thing to do. Even though it has only been a few months, this student now beams with happiness as she talks of her mom, dad and siblings. Whether it is taking the kids to hockey, gymnastics, swim, cooking classes, theater, baseball, or any other activities they are involved in, she does it effortlessly.”

East Providence School Level Teachers of the Year

• Keith Anderson- East Providence High School

• Kristyn-Anne Pinheiro-Riverside Riverside Middle School

• Jodie Audet-Martin Middle School

• Kimberly Sherman- Myron J Francis

• Rebekah Vieira-Hennessey Elementary

• Regina Jones- Kent Heights Elementary School

• Nicole Cram-Orlo Avenue Orlo Avenue Elementary

• Kristen Johnson- Oldham PreK

• Abigail Jaffa-Silver Silver Spring Elementary School

• Jalyn Alves-Waddington Elementary School

• Raffi Rachdouni-Whiteknact Elementary

Three from East Providence to receive awards at EBCAP Gala June 15 continued on next page...

The City of East Providence’s Community Development Director, David Bachrach, will be honored by East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) at its 18th Annual Seaside Gala on June 15 at Atlantic Resort Newport. Bachrach will receive EBCAP’s 2023 Public Service Award in recognition of his on-going commitment to supporting EBCAP’s community outreach programs and activities. Specifically, Bachrach is being acknowledged for his leadership and advocacy in support of safe and affordable housing, for his collaboration to help EBCAP better serve its clients, and for actively engaging to improve the well-being of East Providence residents.

Bachrach has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to ensure all residents receive quality health and human services. He has worked closely with EBCAP staff from various departments and programs to further connect community members to essential services. Bachrach is a staunch advocate for East Providence’s low- and moderate-income residents and is actively involved in community-based steering and planning committees, workgroups, weekend outreach events, and other city-wide public service activities. Bachrach has been instrumental in expanding EBCAP’s presence throughout East Providence to help improve the health and well-being of all residents.

EBCAP’s 18th Annual Seaside Gala will also include ceremonies recognizing its 2023 Vision Award honorees. The recipients are Brenda and Cameron Booth of Rumford, RI, volunteers at EBCAP’s Career Closet; Gates of Hope, a Fall River, MA non-profit, that works in partnership with EBCAP’s East Bay Recovery Center to provide food and other resources to community members; Baby Steps Advisory Group members Louisa Boatwright, Amintha Cinotti, Lissa Fernandez, and Linda Finn, for their long-standing commitment and dedication to early childhood education and social development; and Dr. Tonya Glantz, Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College, for her support of EBCAP’s Transgender Whole Health program.

Warwick Teacher, Rumford Resident Runs Providence Marathon to Benefit Make-A-Wish® MA and RI

As official last runner to start, passes 1,509 runners in twist

On Fundraising

Providence, Rhode Island – On Sunday, May 7, Warwick Public Schools art teacher and Rumford resident Joe Belanger ran the Providence Marathon on behalf of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a Team Make-A-Wish member, Belanger’s goal is to raise $2500 to help grant wishes for local children with critical illnesses during the organization’s 40th anniversary year. This year, 19 runners participated on Team Make-A-Wish.

In a twist on traditional fundraising, Belanger was the very last runner to start the marathon. For every runner Belanger passed on the 26.2-mile route, the Integlia Family Foundation and Hill View Partners, both of Providence, each donated $1 to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With just over 1,600 participants, Belanger passed 1,509 runners, finishing in 15th place among all Rhode Island runners and 135th place overall, and yielding an additional $3,018 through the challenge gifts. Taken together with his pre-race fundraising, Belanger has raised over $5,000 through the marathon.

The leading corporate sponsor for EBCAP’s 18th Annual Seaside Gala is Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Tickets for the gala are on sale now on EBCAP’s website, www.ebcap.org. For more information contact Event Coordinator, Maggie Laurianno, at 401.847.7821 ext. 1539.

The fundraising portion of EBCAP’s 18th Annual Seaside Gala will feature an online auction, offering a variety of dining, hotel stays, travel, family fun, sports tickets, and more. Auction items are available for preview now at biddingforgood.com/EBCAP. Featured items will include a Holland America Line Cruise for two people to either Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Canada/New England, a round of golf for four people at Newport Country Club, a two-person Island Tour at Newport Helicopter Tours, and a Sunset Cruise on a private sailboat for up to six people. The auction opens on June 1 and closes on June 15. All are welcome to register and bid. East Bay Community Action Program is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation that provides a wide array of health and human services to the residents of Rhode Island’s East Bay, including the municipalities of East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown.

Belanger has supported Make-A-Wish in many ways, including running on Team Make-A-Wish for the Boston Marathon and the ASICS Falmouth Road Race, Taken together with his Providence Marathon fundraising, he has now raised over $20,000 to make wishes come true. The Warwick art teacher has also hosted several art parties through the Wish Community program, which connects wish recipients and their families with one another through events, activities, and other opportunities. Outside of his work in the Warwick Public Schools, Belanger enjoys spending time with his family and dogs and his hobbies include cooking and wood and metal fabrication.

“I support Make-A-Wish because the service they provide can transform a wish recipient’s life as well as the people in their orbit,” says Belanger. “As an educator and a runner, the communities we support and that support us can be full of enormous amounts of positivity, and we all benefit from that.”

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island was the official charity partner of the 2023 Providence Marathon and Half Marathon, in partnership with Ventures Endurance, part of Gannett’s USA TODAY NETWORK. The race runs through historic downtown sites and offers scenic views of the Providence River and city neighborhoods.

“We were honored to be the official charity partner of such an iconic Providence event,” said Michael Vieira, Rhode Island Regional Director of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, “The funds raised through this opportunity will help us grant incredible and necessary wishes for Rhode Island children who deserve the hope and joy that a wish provides. The stories of the runners on Team Make-A-Wish are incredibly moving, and we’re thrilled to give them the platform to honor our mission by running. The makeup of the team is an example of the community involved with granting every wish.”

Before the race, wish recipient Kaylee Chambers, 17, of Woonsocket, RI, sang the national anthem. Kaylee, diagnosed with cancer, had her wish to meet singer Lauren Daigle granted in 2021. Wish recipient Abigail Vallejos of Providence, RI, who received her wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort in 2020, served as Race Starter, helping count down to the start.

A post-race party for all runners was hosted by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Ventures Endurance in collaboration with in-kind partners Good Dogg Hard Seltzer, Fiddlehead Brewing, and Narragansett Brewing.

To support Joe Belanger and Team Make-A-Wish in their fundraising efforts, visit massri.wish.org/pvdmarathon. Donations to runners will be accepted through May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and find out how you can get involved during its 40th anniversary year, visit massri.wish.org/40.

More information about the Providence Marathon and Half Marathon is available at https://providencemarathon.com.

Congratulations

Aryanna Pinheiro Machado

Aryanna Pinheiro Machado of East Providence graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rhode Island College on May 13, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Aryanna was the recipient of The Excellence in History Award, as well as an active member of The History Club. Aryanna is continuing her education at Rhode Island College in the Post Graduate Program.

Tess Briden and Her Team Tied for 12th in the World at the First Robotics World Championship in Texas

Tess Briden, a resident of East Providence, and 11th grader at St. Mary Academy Bay View is part of the 78 Air Strike First Robotics Competition Team based at the U.S. Naval Undersea War College in Newport. The team competed at the World Championship in Houston TX in April where they tied for 12th in the world. The competition included 600 teams from 18 different countries.