Cranston Chatter

Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 5/5/16

Family Safety Day

The Cranston Substance Abuse Task Force is hosting Family Safety Day on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bank of America parking lot, 100 Midway Road in Garden …

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Cranston Chatter

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Family Safety Day

The Cranston Substance Abuse Task Force is hosting Family Safety Day on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bank of America parking lot, 100 Midway Road in Garden City. It will be a fun-filled day with activities for the whole family. Free bike helmets will be provided for the first 300 children, and there will be, face painting and crafts, car seat checks, information on bike and fire safety, and more. The event will be held rain or shine.

City to test CodeRED system

On May 12, the city of Cranston will be conducting a performance test of the CodeRED system at 10 a.m., contacting everyone in the city who is currently in the emergency database. Receiving a test message will assure that residents will receive a message when an actual alert is issued by city officials. Residents who have not enrolled to receive CodeRED notifications, or did not receive a test message, should immediately visit the city’s website, cranstonri.com, and click the CodeRED logo to enroll. Those without Internet access may call the Cranston Emergency Management Agency at 401-780-4030 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to provide their information.

CodeRED is a high-speed notification solution allowing messages to quickly delivered to targeted areas or Cranston as a whole in the event of an emergency. Such situations include missing children, boil water advisories, and shelter-in-place alters.

Prom Time at CCAP

Prom Time is a program in which donated prom clothing and accessories are offered free of charge to teens in CCAP’s Youth Center Programs. CCAP’s Operation Prom Dress has over 200 new or gently used dresses of various sizes, along with accessories. Dresses are available on first-come, first-served basis, and participants must be registered in a CCAP Youth Center Program. Hair and makeup gift certificates from Aveda are available while supplies last. For more information and to register, contact one of CCAP’s Youth Centers or call 401-562-8325.

Holly’s Spirit

The seventh annual Holly’s Spirit 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run will be held on May 14 through the streets of Coventry. The proceeds from this event will benefit the Lance Cpl. Holly Charette Foundation.

Holly was a sweet, kind and spirited soul. She joined the Marines after 9/11 because she wanted to do something for her country. Holly was 21 years old, defending our country in Fallujah, Iraq, when her convoy was struck by a suicide bomber on June 23, 2005. Holly was the first female Marine to lose her life during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The foundation was started in 2006 to remember and honor Holly’s name and to help select students from the two high schools that she attended – Cranston High School East and Coventry High School – with books, supplies, and anything else needed to get through their school year.

The run begins at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. start for wheelchairs). This family-friendly event starts at Coventry High School. T-Shirts are given to the first 300 pre-entrants. Awards will be given to top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in various groups.

Registration is available by searching for Holly’s Spirit on active.com or calling 401-392-3596. Entrance fees are $20 per person before May 12, and $25 on race day. The Kids Fun Run fee is $5.

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.

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.

Cranston Community Yard Sale/Car Wash

The class of 2017 at Cranston High School East will hold a yard sale/car wash on May 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is being held outside of Cranston East, with a rain date of May 29. Rental space is available at $10 per space (table not provided) and a $5 car wash. Call the high school at 401-270-8126 for further information.

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.

Katie Lavey Memorial Blood Drive

The 11th annual Katie Lavey Memorial Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, May 11, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Park View Middle School.

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.

Academic News & Notes

The University of Rhode Island’s Public Relations Department, a part of the Harrington School of Communication and Media, presented awards to eight students during recent ceremonies on the Kingston campus. The awards are presented to students who “capture the essence of achievement.” Congratulations to Jenna Cote of Cranston who received the PR Award for Leadership.

As a resident advisor, Cote aims to create a positive experience for students in residential halls at URI. She has also been committed to civic engagement at URI. One of her most memorable experiences was the Alternative Spring Break program, through which she traveled to Charleston, S.C., as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. During that trip, she also worked at a food bank and environmental organization. Cote serves as the Student Alumni Association’s vice president of Diversity and Community Advancement.

Pancake Breakfast

Join the Cranston Rotary for their 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.

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.

Did You Know?

The earliest tributes to Mother’s Day date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated a Mother’s Day of sorts during a festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England, the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday.

In the United States, it started with one woman named Anna Jarvis. Jarvis was an Appalachian homemaker and she organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions of her community. She thought the day would be best advocated by mothers and called the day “Mother’s Work Day.”

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905 her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother.  Anna remembered that her mother said there were many days dedicated to men but not for mothers. Anna then began to lobby the politicians of the time to support a day dedicated to mothers. Anna Jarvis talked to many politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt hoping they would support her campaign.

Jarvis organized a church service to celebrate her mother in 1908 and Anna handed out white carnations to those in attendance because the white carnation was her mother’s favorite flower. Anna Jarvis’ hard work began to pay off five years after that service in 1913. The House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on the day many began calling Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May.

Finally, on May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. (Source: Mother’s Day History)

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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