Mayor Fung Disappointed but Undeterred in Wake of Road Safety Ordinance Vote

Mayor Fung Disappointed but Undeterred in Wake of Road Safety Ordinance Vote

CRANSTON, RI—Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung announced Friday that he is disappointed but not surprised the Democrats on the city’s Ordinance Committee on Thursday night rejected an important road safety ordinance, choosing to play political games instead of serving the public.

Mayor Fung vowed to reintroduce the ordinance next year after a new City Council is inaugurated and fully expects the new council to pass the measure before someone is hurt or killed in a busy city intersection or while standing in a roadway.

“I’m sure the voters of Cranston join in my disappointment that the Democrats on the City Council continued to play politics even after the election has concluded rather than work to ensure that people are safe on our city streets,” commented Mayor Fung. “I am confident the new City Council that takes office in January will use facts and data to base their decision when the ordinance is reintroduced next year.”

Mayor Fung said that the Democrats on the council ignored the prior testimony about crashes and accidents at many of our busy city intersections, and then made false claims that they never were given data compiled by the police department. City records show that information was sent to the City Clerk to be distributed to all council members on Oct. 13 at 7:49 p.m., the same night it was requested and even before last month’s committee meeting was adjourned. (Copies of the e-mail thread is available to reporters upon request).

The mayor said that on this issue, the Democrats covered their ears, blindly reciting false information that the new ordinance might not pass Constitutional muster even though it has already withstood a legal challenge in another jurisdiction.  This ordinance did not restrict speech nor did it prevent people from soliciting from sidewalks or holding signs in view of motorists, contrary to the misguided assertions made by Democrats Thursday night.

The proposed ordinance is clearly intended to ensure all people remain safe on city streets, whether on foot or behind the wheel. It would restrict the passage of money, goods, contraband or other items from a moving motor vehicle. This would affect not just panhandlers, but also everyone who solicits from within the roadway, including firefighters, cheerleaders, churches and other groups.

Mayor Fung also said Cranston will not sit by and wait for the state or other communities to pass similar legislation. The safety of those on and in our roadways is too important of an issue.

State Arts Council Announces Holiday Concert Schedule at RI State House

Over 3,000 Students from 57 Schools to Perform during the Holiday Season

(Providence, RI – November 17, 2016) 

The holiday season is upon us, and the musical talents of Rhode Island school musicians will be showcased as part of a month-long musical celebration of the holidays during the month of December.

"We're pleased to be continuing this holiday tradition of student performances at the Rhode Island State House," said Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. "Over 3,000 student musicians from fifty-seven schools throughout the state will perform at the Rhode Island State House in a special series of musical performances."

The concert series starts on Tuesday, November 29th and runs through Thursday, December 22nd. All concerts are free and open to the public.

The concert series, organized by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, will feature music of the season, performed by students from schools throughout the State of Rhode Island. The performances are all in the Rhode Island State House.

A one page holiday concert flyer can be found at http://www.arts.ri.gov/holiday

The list below is arranged by city/town. For a video that provides a glimpse of the holiday concert season at the Rhode Island State House, see an excerpt of the 2015 performance of the Ponaganset Chamber Chorus from Ponaganset High School in Foster-Glocester at http://www.arts.ri.gov/holiday-video

About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.

List of Holiday Concerts - Arranged by City/Town

Barrington

• Monday, December 5 at 11:30am, Nayatt School Third Grade Chorus from Barrington, under the direction of Mark Vadnais

• Tuesday, December 6 at 9:30am, Primrose Hill 3rd Grade Chorus from Barrington, under the direction of Justin Burde

• Wednesday, December 21 at 9:30am, Sowams School Third Grade Chorus from Barrington, under the direction of Mark Vadnais

• Thursday, December 22 at 10:30am, Barrington Middle School 8th Grade Chorus from Barrington, under the direction of Kerri Thurber

• Thursday, December 22 at 11:30am, Barrington Middle School Jazz Band from Barrington, under the direction of Dail Bienkiewicz

Block Island

• Thursday, December 15 at 11:30am, The UnbelievaBELLS from Block Island, under the direction of Megan Hennessy

Chariho

• Wednesday, December 14 at 10:30am, Chariho Middle School 8th Grade Chorus from Wood River Junction, under the direction of Lynn Dowding

Coventry

• Tuesday, November 29 at 10:30am, Western and Tiogue Elementary School Choruses from Coventry, under the direction of Maria Dinitto

• Wednesday, November 30 at 9:30am, Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School Select Chorus and Concert Band from Coventry, under the direction of Scarlett St. Martin

• Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30am, Coventry High School Concert Ensembles from Coventry, under the direction of Kristen St. Sauveur

• Monday, December 19 at 9:30am, Fr. John V. Doyle School Singing Saints from Coventry, under the direction of Judy Burns

Cranston

• Tuesday, December 13 at 10:30am, Cranston High School East Orchestra from Cranston, under the direction of Pamela lowell

• Tuesday, December 20 at 10:30am, Cranston High School West Orchestra from Cranston, under the direction of Nancy Richardson

Cumberland

• Friday, December 2 at 9:00am, Cumberland High School Clef Singers from Cumberland, under the direction of Janita Ducharme

• Friday, December 2 at 9:30am, Combined Chorus of McCourt and North Cumberland Middle Schools from Cumberland, under the direction of Shannan Davis

• Tuesday, December 20 at 9:00am, Blackstone Valley Prep Allegro Strings from Cumberland, under the direction of Piera Leone

East Greenwich

• Monday, December 19 at 10:30am, Cole Middle School Music from East Greenwich, under the direction of Megan Catelli, Brandon Levesque and Jennifer Armstrong

East Providence

• Wednesday, November 30 at 11:30am, St. Mary Academy-Bay View Orchestra from East Providence, under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Isidoro

• Thursday, December 1 at 9:30am, Riverside Middle School Concert Band from East Providence, under the direction of Mark Maguire

• Friday, December 9 at 10:30am, Martin Middle School Chorus from East Providence, under the direction of Robert Rappa

• Friday, December 9 at 11:30am, East Providence High School Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble from East Providence, under the direction of MaryAnn Lasorsa and Marisa Martinez

• Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30am, Riverside Middle School 7th & 8th grade Combined Chorus from East Providence, under the direction of John Baldaia

Exeter - West Greenwich

• Monday, December 12 at 9:30am, The Exeter-West Greenwich Senior High Chorus from West Greenwich, under the direction of Ronald Runner

• Thursday, December 8 at 11:30am, Deering Middle School Ensembles from West Warwick, under the direction of Patricia Bentley

Foster-Gloucester

• Monday, December 19 at 11:30am, Ponaganset High School Chamber Chorus from North Scituate, under the direction of Derek Sabatini

Jamestown

• Friday, December 9 at 9:30am, Jamestown Jazz Band from Jamestown, under the direction of Karyn Kauffman

Johnston

• Monday, December 5 at 10:30am, St Rocco Choir from Johnston, under the direction of CECELIA RODI

• Friday, December 16 at 9:30am, Ferri Middle School Select Chorus and Band from Johnston, under the direction of Tom Conlon, Chorus Director and Pat Aubin, Band Director

Lincoln

• Monday, December 5 at 9:30am, Lincoln High School Choir from Lincoln, under the direction of Mr. Brandon Lahoud

Little Compton

• Thursday, December 15 at 9:30am, Wilbur & McMahon 7th and 8th Grade Chorus from Little Compton, under the direction of Nicole Oriol

Narragansett

• Wednesday, November 30 at 10:30am, Narragansett Pier Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus from Narragansett, under the direction of Michael Simeone

North Kingstown

• Tuesday, November 29 at 9:30am, Davisville Middle School 8th Grade Strings from North Kingstown, under the direction of Brenda Young-Runner

North Providence

• Wednesday, December 7 at 11:30am, North Providence Middle School Select Band from North Providence, under the direction of Greg Berger

Pawtucket

• Wednesday, December 14 at 11:30am, JM Walsh School for the Arts Chorus from Pawtucket, under the direction of Scott Beauregard

• Friday, December 16 at 11:30am, Shea High School Classic Noise (Glee Club) from Pawtucket, under the direction of Annie Lagace

• Thursday, December 22 at 9:30am, Goff Middle School Concert Band from Pawtucket, under the direction of Donald Dupre

Providence

• Thursday, December 1 at 10:30am, Lillian Feinstein Elementary Classical Guitar Ensemble from Providence, under the direction of Wayne Kilcline

• Wednesday, December 7 at 9:30am, Roger Williams Middle School Chorus from Providence, under the direction of Justine Carufel

• Thursday, December 8 at 10:30am, Nathan Bishop Middle School Chorus and Handbells from Providence, under the direction of Debra Viau

• Thursday, December 15 at 10:30am, Nathanael Greene 8th grade Band from Providence, under the direction of James Suchodolski

• Monday, December 19 at 9:00am, Paul Cuffee Lower School Chorus from Providence, under the direction of Christian Staton

• Tuesday, December 20 at 11:30am, Mount Pleasant High School Chorus and Band from Providence, under the direction of Danielle Trial Lucini

• Tuesday, December 20 at 12 noon, West Broadway Middle School Chorus from Providence, under the direction of Alex Lucini

Scituate

• Tuesday, December 13 at 9:30am, North Scituate Elementary School Chorus from North Scituate, under the direction of Charlotte Ethier

• Monday, December 12 at 10:30am, Clayville Elementary School Chorus and Hope Elementary School Chorus from Clayville, under the direction of Charlotte Ethier

Smithfield

• Thursday, December 1 at 11:30am, Saint Philip Shool Chorus from Smithfield, under the direction of Melissa Roberts

• Tuesday, December 6 at 10:30am, Smithfield High School Chorus from Smithfield, under the direction of Katherine Young

• Tuesday, December 6 at 11:00am, Smithfield High School Band from Smithfield, under the direction of Kelly Chartier

South Kingstown

• Friday, December 16 at 10:30am, Peace Dale Elementary Chorus from South Kingstown, under the direction of Christine Pierce

Warwick

• Friday, December 2 at 10:30am, St. Rose of Lima Chorus from Warwick, under the direction of Mrs. Lorraine Gagnon

• Friday, December 2 at 11:30am, Toll Gate HS Jazz Combo from Warwick, under the direction of Nicholas Reed

• Tuesday, December 6 at 11:30am, Winman Jr. High School Chorale and Orchestra from Warwick, under the direction of Kristine Gervais

Westerly

• Wednesday, December 21 at 11:30am, Westerly High School Chorus from Westerly, under the direction of Sarah Ferry

Woonsocket

• Tuesday, December 13 at 11:30am, Harris Elementary Singers from Woonsocket, under the direction of Kimberly Picard

• Wednesday, December 14 at 9:00am, Woonsocket Middle School 7th Grade Chorus from Woonsocket, under the direction of Lydia Chopoorian and Daniel George

• Wednesday, December 14 at 9:30am, Woonsocket Middle School 8th Grade Chorus from Woonsocket, under the direction of Lydia Chopoorian and Daniel George

Another Cranston Ribbon Cutting! (third this week) Hanna Andersson at Garden City

CRANSTON, RI—Hanna Andersson, a clothing retailer specializing in high-quality and durable outfits and pajamas for children, officially opens in Garden City Center on Friday, Nov. 18.



Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung will be on hand for a ribbon cutting at the new store, located at 5 Hillside Road. The first 500 customers will be given a pair of free long johns and the store is offering $20 gift cards to the first 100 customers on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.



Hanna Andersson is a household name for many families with young children thanks to their 100 percent organic cotton clothes that stand up to playtime, school time and everything in between.



This is the first Hannah Andersson store to open in Rhode Island and another exclusive retailer to join the list of destination stores in Garden City Center in recent years.



The media is invited to attend the event for interview and photo opportunities. It offers strong visuals as scores of parents are expected to be lined up outside the store for the free long john offer. It has also been highly anticipated for months. Story angles include the new store, the remarkable transformation of Garden City Center over the years into the state’s premiere destination shopping center, Cranston’s economic growth and more.

羅德島華人協會獲頒全美州務卿協會獎

右起，章賢信，吳子平，才旭(左一)等人代表羅島華協
領獎。

羅德島州州務卿Nellie M. Gorbea於11月16日下午，在州政府大樓表揚獲得2016全美州務卿協會獎章獎的2名個人，3個機構。

獲獎者包括代表普域敦斯市的羅州參議員Harold M. Metts ，Ani Haroian，以及美國多明尼加人(DominicanosUSA)，世代公民(Generation Citizen)，羅德島華人協會(Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans)等3個組織。

羅德島華人協會由會長吳子平，董事章賢信，才旭等有4人做代表，出席領獎。

羅德島州務卿Nellie M. Gorbea表示，羅德島很幸運，有這麼一群多元的社區領袖，在各行各業中啟發民眾更積極的參與他們所生活的社區。

羅德島州參議會議長M. Teresa Paiva-Weed，眾議會議長Nicholas Mattiello也特地出席致詞，讚揚獲獎者。

M. Teresa Paiva Weed在致詞時，陳述了各人級機構的獲獎理由。 參議員Metts 是因為他在民權及公民教育上展現的領導力; Ani Haroian在整個羅德島州致力推廣公民參與30餘年，已成為亞美尼亞美人議題的全國領袖; “美國多明尼加人”促使數以千計的拉丁裔人登記成為選民，協助推動在羅德島州通過網上選民登記法; 世代公民致力確保所有學生獲得有效行動的公民教育; 羅德島華人協會增加了整個羅德島州華裔美人及其他亞裔公民參與。

州務卿Gorbea表示，這些獲獎者提醒了大家，公民參與對羅州成功多重要。作為領袖，大家必須要為所有的羅德島人創造機會，參與會影響到他們的那些對話。

全美州務卿協會獎章獎是由全美州務卿協會設立，表揚傑出的公眾服務及公民參與。每個州務卿每年有機會最多表揚5名，展現了傑出公民領導力的個人或機構。

全美州務卿協會創立於1904年，是美國最早一個由公職人員成立的非牟利專業協會。

Five RI civic leaders receive the 2016 National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea recognized two individuals and three institutions with the 2016 NASS Medallion Award at a ceremony held this afternoon at the State House.

State Senator Harold M. Metts of Providence; Ani Haroian of Providence; DominicanosUSA; Generation Citizen; and the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans all received the NASS Medallion Award from Secretary Gorbea.

"Rhode Island is fortunate to have such a diverse group of community leaders," Secretary Gorbea said. "Leaders who inspire Rhode Islanders from all walks of life into taking a more active role in their community."

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva-Weed and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello also addressed the gathering and praised the honorees.

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed said, "The Senate extends its sincere congratulations to all of today's NASS Medallion Award recipients. These organizations and individuals, including Senator Harold Metts, truly exemplify outstanding civic leadership, from the classroom to the community. We are grateful for their dedication and service."

Senator Metts was recognized for his leadership in civil rights and civic education; Ani Haroian was recognized for her efforts as a leading national advocate for Armenian American issues and for dedicating more than three decades of her life to promoting civic participation across Rhode Island; DominicanosUSA was recognized for its work to register thousands of Latinos and for their part in helping to push for legislation that made Online Voter Registration law in Rhode Island; Generation Citizen was recognized for their work to ensure that all students receive an effective action civics education; and the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans were recognized for their role in increasing civic participation among Chinese Americans and other Americans of Asian descent across the state of Rhode Island.

"Today's honorees remind us that civic participation is critical to our success as a state," Secretary Gorbea added. "As leaders we must create the opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to be a part of the conversations that affect them."

The NASS Medallion award was created by the National Association of Secretaries of State to recognize outstanding public service and civic engagement. Secretaries of State are given the opportunity to award up to five NASS Medallions each year to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated remarkable civic leadership in their state. Founded in 1904, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) is the oldest nonpartisan, professional association of public officials in the United States.

Drum & Bugle Corps Competition Summer Music Preview Returns to Cranston in 2017

Drum & Bugle Corps Competition Summer Music Preview Returns to Cranston in 2017

CRANSTON, RI—On the heels of a successful first performance at Cranston Stadium this past summer, the annual Fourth of July Drum and Bugle Corps Competition Summer Music Preview will return to the city once again in 2017, Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung announced Monday.

The 28^th annual show, which features drum and bugle corps from around the country, is scheduled for July 3. After such a successful experience this past summer, Summer Music Preview Chairman Tony Mederos said the show will be even bigger next year with nine World Class corps in the lineup, up from the six that performed in 2016.

“Our first year in Cranston was a great success and working together with all the City of Cranston officials made our experience even better,” Mederos said.

The Summer Music Preview is one of the highlights of Independence Day celebrations in Rhode Island every year. The event moved to Cranston from Bristol after it outgrew its previous venue in that town. Cranston Stadium has much more room for performers, equipment and associated vehicles. It can also handle larger crowds with a seating capacity of about 3,000.

The event falls under the umbrella of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, which also organizes the Bristol Fourth of July Parade—the longest running parade in America celebrating its 232^nd anniversary next year.

“Cranston residents can feel proud that our great city has become a host venue for one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country,” commented Mayor Fung. “Cranston Stadium is one of the city’s numerous gems that make us a unique and desirable place to live. I would like to thank the Bristol Fourth of July Committee and the Summer Music Preview organizers for their commitment to Cranston.”

Links:

Bristol Fourth of July Committee: http://www.july4thbristolri.com/summer.music.preview.htm

克蘭斯頓市第3年獲選為全美50個最宜居住城市之一

Cranston Named one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live for Third Year in a Row

24/7 Wall Street bestows honor as city continues economic and civic renaissance

CRANSTON, RI—For the third year in a row, Cranston has been named one of America’s 50 “best cities to live” by 24/7 Wall Street.

Calling Cranston “the most livable city in Rhode Island and one of the most livable in New England,” the editors of 24/7 Wall Street noted Cranston’s quality of life, strong finances and low crime rate as some of the key factors used to determine this year’s ranking.

This year, Cranston climbed up the list from No. 41 to No. 34, ahead of Boca Raton, FL, and just below Charleston, SC.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that Cranston has once again received national recognition for being a great place to live and work by 24/7 Wall Street,” commented Mayor Allan W. Fung. “We are the only city in Rhode Island to earn this distinction and one of the few cities in the country to make the list for three years in a row.”

Mayor Fung said the ranking reflects the remarkable progress Cranston has made in recent years as his administration has worked to improve the city’s finances, promote an attractive business climate and enhance quality of life for all Cranston residents.

“We’ve held the line on taxes and attracted businesses, both big and small. Our rainy day fund is more than $20 million and the largest of any community in Rhode Island. We have quality schools, an accredited and accomplished police department and a diverse and growing business community,” Mayor Fung said. “I am proud that Cranston is being nationally recognized as a great place to live and work and wish to thank everyone in the community who have helped make this happen.”

According to 24/7 Wall Street, “city residents can take advantage of cultural venues in neighboring Providence, the largest city in the state, while enjoying some better living conditions in their home city.”

The report also noted Cranston’s violent crime rate is 75 percent lower than the capital city. It boasts a lower unemployment rate and working-age adults are more likely to be gainfully employed, too.

The website also noted that Cranston residents have relatively high salaries as compared to the rest of the state and the real estate market has bounced back in a big way. The median home value in the city is pegged at $223,300—a whopping $23,100 increase from 2015.

The rankings were based on a methodology that factored in raw data about crime rates, employment growth, access to restaurants and attractions, education, environment, health and housing affordability, among others.

All 50 cities reported job growth at or better than the national growth rate and household incomes that exceed the national annual household income of $55,775.

Cranston is one of 550 cities with populations of more than 65,000 that were considered for the ranking.

Mayor Fung noted that the ranking shows that Cranston’s turnaround, which began when he first was elected in 2008, is in full force.

“When I first came into office, the city was reeling from being slapped with junk bond status, huge deficits and structural problems that nobody thought could be fixed,” Mayor Fung said. “Today, we have the highest bond rating the city has seen in more than 20 years and people are flocking to the city to live and work.”

Links:

24/7 Wall Street 50 Best Cities release:

http://247wallst.com/special-report/2016/10/26/americas-50-best-cities-to-live-in/

Methodology: http://247wallst.com/special-report/2016/10/26/americas-50-best-cities-to-live-in/12/