Leading the way

Nicholas James, a resident of Cranston, recently attended the 2012 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) World Leadership Congress. James joined more than 425 international students representing 15 different countries for the weeklong seminar. James is the son of Jacqueline Kelley and represented Cranston High School West. Founded in 1958, HOBY is the nation's foremost non-profit youth leadership development organization.
Now in its 44th year, the World Leadership Congress is a dynamic leadership program that brings together students from the U.S. and abroad. WLC attendees had access to a distinguished group of leaders from a variety of backgrounds including business, government, international affairs, science and technology, medicine and education. The weeklong program included interactive and dynamic educational sessions, collaborative workshops, leadership exercises, community service projects and individualized trainings.
The Congress was held July 21 to 28 at Loyola University Chicago's Lakeshore Campus. To learn more, visit www.hoby.org.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Stage Actors Live Theater (SALT) and The Waters Edge Café will present “Much Ado About Nothing,” a William Shakespeare comedy, on Aug. 17, 18 and 19, and Aug. 24, 25 and 26, with shows beginning at 7 p.m. There are no reservations necessary; just bring a chair and a $5 donation. Shows run about 90 minutes and feature local music at intermission.
Enjoy SALT’s last show of the season in The Waters Edge parking lot at 2190 Broad Street in Pawtuxet Village.

Moving on up

Cranston resident Robert Baute Jr., an associate in the firm of Edwards Wildman Palmer, LLP, has been elected chairman of the board of Inspiring Minds, a non-profit that provides tutorial and mentoring services, educational resources and individual attention to students in Providence Public Schools.
Edwards Wildman participates in Inspiring Minds’ Power Lunch program, through which attorneys and staff visit local elementary schools once a week to read to the students. Baute has served on the board for three years.
Baute is a member of the audit committee for the city of Cranston and is on the board of incorporators of Kent County Hospital.

New endorsements for Dyszlewski

The Rev. Gene Dyszlewski has earned the endorsement of two progressive women’s groups in the Democratic primary for the District 26 seat in the Rhode Island Senate.
Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island announced that it is backing Rev. Dyszlewski for the Senate seat. Rev. Dyszlewski also won the endorsement of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Organization for Women on Aug. 1.
“Women’s issues have become a prominent concern because some state legislatures are foolishly attempting to erode women’s health care choices,” he said. “We already trust women to make 80 percent of the health care decisions for their families … So, we certainly should trust women with medical decisions over their own bodies.”
To learn more about Rev. Dyszlewski and his campaign, visit www.JustCallMeGene.com.

Vigil for animals

The 18th annual Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil, sponsored by Defenders of Animals, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion. Otis Read and his band, and violist Shelby Koala, will provide entertainment. This event will be held rain or shine at the Mansion, located at 1351 Cranston Street.
For more information, call Defenders of Animals at 461-1922.