All Pawtucket All The Time

Pictured are (l-r) Bob Conner, general manager, City Councilor-at-large Albert Vitali Jr., Mayor Donald R. Grebien, who brought a congratulatory citation from the city, owner Jack Doherty, who also operates Doherty’s East Ave. Irish Pub in the city, and District 2 City Councilor Mark Wildenhain.

A ceremonial opening was held on Wednesday, Jan. 25 for Sullivan’s Publick House, 572 Armistice Blvd. The new business debuted recently after major renovations to a building that had been vacant for about two years. Doherty described the operation as “a neighborhood pub with good food in a family friendly atmosphere.”

Sullivan’s is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mayor Grebien, Congressman David Cicilline and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras (from left) listen as SBA Administrator Karen Mills makes a point during informational session held at Tolman on Monday, Jan. 23.

Administrator Karen Mills of the U.S. Small Business Administration, at the invitation of Congressman David Cicilline, made a visit to Pawtucket on Monday, Jan.23 where she discussed SBA loan initiatives and other small business programs with several city and town leaders, including her local host Mayor Donald R. Grebien, at an hour-long session in the Tolman High School library.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills discusses small business initiatives with Mayor Grebien in meeting at Tolman High School.

Among those attending were Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, North Smithfield Town Administrator Paulette Hamilton and Bristol Town Administrator Diane Mederos. Mills, whose position was elevated to cabinet status by President Obama, noted her local ties include a cousin in Pawtucket and her husband, Bowdoin College President Barry Mills, who is a native of Warwick.

Blackstone Valley, RI) The Pawtucket Foundation, in partnership with the Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls, is working collaboratively with property owners and local officials to catalyze future investment on the riverfront. “Thanks to private funding from a number of companies as well as The Rhode Island Foundation and Ocean State Charities Trust, The Pawtucket Foundation is prepared to allocate substantial resources to aid in the economic revitalization of the riverfront,” said Thomas Mann, executive director of The Pawtucket Foundation. 

Earlier this year, The Pawtucket Foundation published an organizational strategic plan positioning the business-backed nonprofit to facilitate real estate predevelopment planning activities for mixed-use, retail and recreational use along the historic river and other strategic locations in the City. 

“The City of Pawtucket is always looking for ways to unlock the great development potential of our riverfront,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “We know there is a lot of untapped potential there that could be unlocked with the right type of investment, and my planning staff is working closely with our partners so we can brand our riverfront as the Gateway to Rhode Island and the Blackstone River Valley.”

Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg underscored Mayor Grebien’s enthusiasm for the project. “This is the kind of collaboration we like to support with our grantmaking,” he said, adding, “The study we are funding will help the Pawtucket Foundation and its partners decrease environmental hazards in the community while maximizing the economic development possibilities of these important riverfront land parcels.”

During the last several months, The Pawtucket Foundation and a team of public and private officials, including Gayle Corrigan and Stephen Larrick from the state-appointed receiver’s team in Central Falls, devised a strategy for a public-private venture to coordinate future private land development. The development potential is leveraged by $125M in ongoing transportation-related projects in the area, particularly along the Blackstone River and Roosevelt Avenue Corridor.

Since earlier this spring, The Pawtucket Foundation has been aggressively fundraising and organized a partnership including local government, property owners, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and Slater Mill Museum. The Rhode Island Foundation awarded $38,000 while Ocean State Charities Trust contributed $3,000; other private contributions were also received. The City of Pawtucket is awaiting the outcome of a Statewide Planning Challenge Grant Application submitted jointly with Central Falls and The Pawtucket Foundation.

“With at least six significant sites within the project area primed for redevelopment or infill, the prospect of a new National Park creates the urgency to coordinate future investments,” said Michael Davolio, Director of Planning and Redevelopment at the City of Pawtucket.

The City of Pawtucket and Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency own or control four parcels that will be included in the predevelopment analysis. “This partnership creates a vehicle to look at how we best utilize the property the City controls,” said Davolio, “and we are appreciative of the private sector support to help lead and pay for this important planning work.”

Riverfront predevelopment efforts will likely involve market analysis, urban design, due diligence, environmental stewardship and a public private implementation phase that could potentially create a development district, a package of incentives and expedited permitting process for compatible projects and infrastructure improvements.

Statement of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien

We have lost one of our state’s truly inspiring leaders, a man without pretense who could so easily relate to Rhode Islanders from all walks of life, just as they related to him.

The famous image of Governor Garrahy in his red plaid flannel shirt keeping everyone calm, including young people like me, during the Blizzard of ’78 and leading by example in a time of crisis has become so enduring because it crystallized the man and his character.

His personal story of being born of Irish immigrants, serving in our nation’s military and going on to hold the state’s highest office has remained an inspiring one for succeeding generations.

In his later years he continued his role of public service in the community, including as a member of the R.I. Cancer Council based in Pawtucket. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Margherite, and their children and extended family.

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin issued the following statement on the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy:

“Rhode Island has lost a great leader and statesman.  I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy this morning.  He was one of our most treasured and trusted public officials, and remained a role model for all throughout his life.

“I remember my first encounter with Governor Garrahy in the early 1970’s when he was Lieutenant Governor and attended a ceremony for my Boy Scout troop.  His commitment to youth is a trait I try to emulate to this day.

“His steady and comforting presence helped all Rhode Islanders get through the Blizzard of ’78.  It was in large part through his persistence that Rhode Island was declared a federal disaster after the storm.  Although Governor Garrahy will always be most remembered as a beloved statesman, he will also be remembered as one who lived the American Dream, starting out as a Narragansett beer salesman, rising through the ranks politically to governor, and then becoming a skilled businessman.  His acumen and expertise was consistently sought by others.

“Governor Garrahy was a true statesman, gentleman and family man, and will be missed greatly.  My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Margherite, their five children, and their entire family.” 

Attention New England sports fans, 

Southwest Airlines has added special service between Providence and Indianapolis to its flight lineup just in time for the big game!  These flights will occur on Friday, February 3rd and Monday, February 6th only.  

Flights depart Green Airport in Providence at 5:00pm and arrive in Indianapolis at 8:00pm.  Return flights will depart Indianapolis at 8:35pm and arrive in Providence at 11:00pm.  

Travelers in the Boston area can also take advantage of these flight opportunities by taking MBTA commuter rail service to get to the airport.  Since these flights are in demand, we encourage booking soon. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.southwest.com

5th Annual Torch Run Plunge

*  NEW LOCATION: Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick  

*  Registration begins at 10:00am

*  Games on the beach begin at 11:15am

*  Heated men’s and ladies changing tents  

*  Post Plunge Party at The Carousel at Goddard Park
*  Create your own Firstgiving fundraising page at: 
    www.firstgiving.com/soriTR
 *  Donation: $50 minimum donation to plunge! 

*  Incentives, the more you raise the more you get!   
*  All non-plungers can join the party for a $15.00 donation   

*  Great food from Eddie’s BBQ and music by 3D DJ Service

*  PLUNGE at 12:00pm

2012 Fact/Incentive Sheet

Please call Special Olympics Rhode Island for additional information or email    Tracy Garabedian at tracy@specialolympicsri.org. 

Citizens Bank Foundation and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Admission to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center will be free on the first Saturday of every month, courtesy of a grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation.  

Families can explore environmental exhibits representing Rhode Island’s diverse habitats, from upland meadow and cornfields to wetlands, salt marshes and the Narragansett Bay shoreline. 

Situated on the beautiful 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy beautiful nature trails. The Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of education programs as well as outreach to schools throughout the state. 

The following programs are free:

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Environmental Education Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Spot the Valentine Hearts: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Can you spot all 10 Valentine Hearts in our exhibit hall? Spot them all and get a special sticker to take home.  

• Nature Craft: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Nature Story: 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center 

1401 Hope Street (Route 114)

Bristol, R.I.

The Rhode Island Post Card Club holds its next meeting on Sunday January 29th from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Knights of Columbus, 1 Volturno Street in North Providence.

The hall is easily accessible from Route 95 by taking the Branch Ave. exit and heading west. Turn right at the third traffic light onto Charles St. and then left onto Volturno.

Post cards of all descriptions including town views and holiday greetings will be available including antique Valentine’s Day cards, which you can send to someone special for about the same cost as a new card. There is no admission charge.

Pell Grants Helped Providence Resident Afford College

In the past year, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has been fighting hard to protect the Pell Grant program from harmful budget cuts.  As he prepares to continue that fight in the New Year, Whitehouse today announced that Travis Escobar, a Rhode Island College student who relies on Pell Grants to afford college, will be his guest at President Obama’s State of the Union address this Tuesday.

“As the cost of higher education continues to skryrocket in our country, Pell Grants are now more vital than ever to Rhode Island families, and I’m committed to protecting this program from any attacks in Congress,” said Whitehouse.  “Travis’ story is a great example of how Pell Grants can help our kids achieve their dreams, and I’m glad he’ll be joining me to help send a message to Washington: don’t cut Pell Grants.”

Travis Escobar is the first member of his family to attend college.  He is now in his junior year at Rhode Island College, where he majors in political science, and is serving his second term as president of the student government.

“I love this country because any hard working individual can achieve the ‘American Dream,’” said Escobar.  “I would not be able to work toward my dream of becoming a congressman if it wasn’t for Pell Grants.  I would like to thank Senator Whitehouse for inviting me to help promote this message that Pell Grants give young Americans a chance to chase their dream.  I look forward to hearing what the President has to say as he, along with my family, inspired me to pursue a life in public service.”

Last year, House Republicans attempted to slash funding for Pell Grants, passing a budget resolution that would have cut grant funding for over a million students by an average of $1,775.  Then, near the end of the debt ceiling debate in July, The Hill newspaper reported that some Republican House Members were opposing funding for Pell Grants – with some even calling the program “welfare” for our kids.  At the same time, the number of students receiving Pell Grants increased by 16 percent between school years 2009-10 and 2010-11, and the purchasing power of these grants has declined.  Today, the maximum Pell grant covers 32 percent of the cost of four year public university tuition – down from 72 percent in 1976.

Last fall, Whitehouse led a colloquy on the Senate floor with his colleagues to urge Congress to protect the Pell Grant program, and introduced a resolution to make it clear that the program should not be cut in any deficit reduction package.  He also published a piece in the Huffington Post about the importance of preserving the program.