Cranston Chatter

By Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 4/28/16

Pastore Foundation to hold 10th anniversary fundraiser

The Peter T. Pastore Jr. Charitable Foundation has announced that its 10th anniversary fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 12, from 6 …

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Pastore Foundation to hold 10th anniversary fundraiser

The Peter T. Pastore Jr. Charitable Foundation has announced that its 10th anniversary fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chapel Grille, 3000 Chapel View Boulevard in Cranston. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser help fulfill the foundation’s mission to mobilize the generous spirit of the community in support of education, sports and recreational activities, and human services for youth in Cranston and surrounding communities.

“I am truly grateful for the tireless efforts of our dedicated board members, friends and community supporters who, for ten years, have honored Peter’s legacy,” said Dr. Louise DiChiara Pastore, chair of the foundation. “This year’s fundraiser will be a special celebration of the foundation’s commitment to advancing Peter’s vision and to make a difference in the lives of youth who are in need throughout our community.”

The foundation was established in honor of former Cranston City Council President Peter T. Pastore Jr., who passed away in June 2006. Since its inception in 2007, the foundation has donated more than $100,000 to local beneficiaries, including the Pastore Youth Center at the Cranston YMCA, CLCF Sports, CABINS (Community Against Bullying in Schools), Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, AccessPoint Rhode Island’s Cornerstone School, and Special Olympics Rhode Island.

Tickets for the May 12 fundraiser are $50 per person, which includes a buffet and cash bar. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the BankNewport branch at 875 Pontiac Ave. in Cranston, or by contacting event chair Greg Ventura at greg_ventura@hotmail.com. Tickets can also purchased at the door the night of the event.

Book sale at William Hall Library

The Cranston Public Library Association (CPLA) will hold a book sale benefiting Cranston Public Library at the William Hall Library on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale will feature gently-used books, movies, CDs, and LPs. Prices begin at 50 cents per item. Attendees are also invited to participate in a raffle featuring prizes provided by local businesses and organizations. The CPLA is the non-profit fundraising arm of the Cranston Public Library, and assists the library in providing programs and services that exceed the level of tax-based funding. CPLA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3, making all contributions fully tax deductible. For more information about the book sale or the CPLA, contact CPLA@cranstonlibrary.org. The William Hall Library is located at 1825 Broad St.

Tree program deadline extended

Mayor Allan Fung has announced the extension of the deadline for residents to apply for the 2016 Cranston Neighborhood Tree Planting Program. Once again, the RI Tree Council, a non-profit organization, will administer the program on behalf of the city.

“We continue to make Cranston one of the best places to live by contributing to the ‘greening’ of the city via this collaborative program with the Rhode Island Tree Council,” the mayor said through a statement. “I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the natural beauty of our city.”

The trees are between eight and 10 feet tall with a four- to six-foot crown spread. They will be furnished and installed in spring 2016 at no cost to the homeowner (a $250 value). Trees must be planted on the homeowner’s private property. There are only 40 trees available for the spring 2016 campaign.

To obtain forms and parameters of the program’s requirements, please contact the Tree Council at 401-764-5885 or ritree@ritree.org. The application deadline is May 1. A free tree will be awarded to the first 40 applicants who meet the program requirements.

Yard waste pickup

Yard waste pickup began Monday, April 4. Residents may put yard waste out on their regular trash and recycling pickup day.

Cranston Corner

The mayor’s office has launched “The Cranston Corner,” which provides periodic city news updates and alerts – including during inclement weather – via email. To sign up, visit the city’s website, cranstonri.com.

Upcycled art gardens at libraries

A recent collaboration between Cranston Public Library and Artists’ Exchange is about to produce some remarkable results – upcycled gardens for library lawns.

During the months of April and May, instructors and volunteers from Artists’ Exchange will hold free, drop-in craft sessions for children and teens at various Cranston Public Library locations. During the programs, Cranston youth will transform ordinary recyclables into blooms and blossoms fit for the season. The outcome? Unique pick-a-flower art installations to tie the community together in support of local arts and Earth Day.

Drop-in events will take place on various Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Any interested crafter, ages 10 and up, is invited to drop in and participate. No sign-up or registration is required.

Sessions will be held at the Oak Lawn Branch on Saturday, April 30; the Central Library on Saturday, May 7; and the William Hall Library on Saturday, May 14.

Each participating location is currently accepting donations of clean recyclables for use in this project. Needed materials include wire coat hangers, soda cans and bottles, two-liter soda bottles, water bottles, and colored plastic caps.

Senior Studio Exhibit

The Cranston High School East class of 2016 Senior Studio Exhibit will be on display from May 12-26 at The Artists’ Exchange, located at 50 Rolfe Square. An opening reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. Students whose work will be featured are Saiya Chik, Isabel Nagy, Donita Irwin, Brady Curran, Soreyane San, Cynthia Gatua, Chrissna Chum, Marissa Nelson, Carla Dominguez, Ainsley Campbell, Alexandra Santos, Genna Companatico, and Angel Cajigas-Arbelo.

May is National Foster Care Month

Family Service of RI is celebrating May as National Foster Care Month by holding an informational open house for anyone interested in learning about foster parenting on May 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Family Service of RI, 134 Thurbers Ave. in Providence. Foster parents receive tax-free dollars to support the placement, free medical coverage for the child, and a clothing allowance, along with 24/7 support. For more information, call 401-331-1350, ext. 3305, email wrightgr@familyserviceri.org, or visit familyserviceri.org.

May Breakfast for Defenders of Animals

There will be a May Breakfast held on May 1 at 10 a.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston to benefit Defenders of Animals. Reservations are $25 per person and musical entertainment will be provided. Seating is limited, and tickets are available now by calling Defenders of Animals at 401-461-1922.

Academics News & Notes

Congratulations to Shannon Mitchell of Cranston who was nominated for a Student Employee Award at the second annual Student Employee Recognition Event on April 11 at Champlain College’s campus in Burlington, Vt.

University of Rhode Island student Joe Mattiello of Cranston has been selected for the university’s 2016 Energy Fellows Program. The Energy Fellows Program provides URI undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience addressing real-world energy issues. The Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams with staff, faculty or outside organizations on one or more projects.

Combined class reunion

On Saturday, Aug. 13, beginning at noon, there will be a joint class reunion for the Cranston High School East classes of 1966 and 1981 at the Masonic Youth Center, 116 Long St., Warwick. There is no fee. Bring your own food and beverages. They will be celebrating their 50th and 35th year reunion, respectively. The events are for classmates and invited guests only. Richard Carlson is serving as the class administrator for 1966 and Glenn Carlson for 1981. Richard may be reached at 401-744-8635, or you may contact Greg Oden at 401-965-0983. Glenn may be reached at 401-641-8251. For further details, visit classreport.org.

Save the date

The second annual CCAP Chip for Charity and Community Awards Dinner will kick-off with a round of golf along beautiful Greenwich Bay, followed by the 2016 dinner honoring Cranston Mayor Allan Fung. This is the largest fundraiser CCAP hosts during the year to benefit its programs and services. Last year, CCAP provided $2 million in uncompensated services to those in need in the community. For information on sponsorship opportunities, golf registration, or to purchase tickets, contact Lee Beliveau at 401-562-8353 or beliveau@comcap.org.

Almost May Breakfast

Woodridge Congregational Church welcomes members of the community to its 34th annual Almost May Gourmet Breakfast on April 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Donations are $9 for adults and $5 for children ages three to 10. On the menu for the all-you-can-eat breakfast will be eggs, frittatas, johnny cakes, waffles, ham, sausage, corned beef hash, home fries, baked beans, strudel, muffins, assorted pastry, coffee, tea, juice, and milk. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 401-942-0662 or email woodridgechurch@verizon.net.

Pancake Breakfast

Join the Cranston Rotary for its Pancake Breakfast on May 15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Cranston Career and Technical Center (100 Metropolitan Ave.). The price is $7 per person and tickets are available from a Rotarian or the YMCA. It is an all you can eat breakfast. All proceeds support charitable work by the Rotary Club in Cranston.

St. Mary School Cranston searching for alumni

The bells of St. Mary School are calling all alumni for a celebration of 65 years of excellence in Catholic education on Sept. 17, 2016. To achieve this, the school is seeking input to compile an up-to-date database in order to contact as many as possible, beginning with the very first graduating class of 1960. Those responding should furnish the following: full name (maiden if applicable), current complete address, phone number indicating land and cell, email address, and graduation year. Submit via one of these methods: email to llepore@stmaryschoolri.org, Facebook (visit St Mary’s School Cranston Alumni), place a form in the collection basket at St. Mary Church in an envelope marked “Alumni,” or mail information to ALUMNI, St. Mary School, 85 Chester Ave., Cranston, RI 02920. It is gratefully appreciated that everyone reading this pass it on and share with other alumni.

Did You Know?

Memorial Day or Decoration Day is observed, in most states of the United States, on the last Monday in May. It is a legal holiday and is observed in memory of those who died while serving the United States in war. The graves of the war heroes are decorated with flowers. It was first observed in 1866. (Source: May Fun Facts)

To submit your news from the community, email Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.com. Photos in jpg format are accepted and news can range from community events, promotions, academic news and non-profit events. Email today and see your news in our column in the Cranston Herald. Please include a daytime telephone number in case we require any further information. Be sure to check out our website at www.cranstononline.com.

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