March 28, 2024

In East Providence, 2014 is the Year of the Volunteer!

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After years of program cutbacks in schools, city and private events, as well as the effects of a stagnant economy, East Providence bounced back a bit in 2014. Gone is the state ordered budget commission which cut or curtailed spending on needed citywide improvements. However there are those who credit the budget commission with bringing the city out of its' deep fiscal deficit. But gone are some of the politicians and leaders who seemed to intentionally hire employees from outside city boundaries when it appeared that equally or better qualified applicants lived right in town. And gone is a lot of the pessimism that seemed to permeate the city schools, police and other walks of life in East Providence. While all is not perfect and many agree that room for improvement in one of Rhode Island's largest communities still exists, East Providence is a city on the move. However, much of the physical and economic strides forward have been imitated by several volunteer efforts. When city lawmakers couldn't or wouldn't find a way to renovate and repair aging neglected school buildings, volunteers stepped up to the plate. These unpaid volunteers raised funds and provided the necessary labor to plan and finish these projects. When the budget commission and some local officials cut funding for middle school sports, volunteers brought it back by raising awareness and money. Here are some of the community efforts which helped to restore programs and excitement to East Providence:

"You need to support tax hikes if you want everything, including middle school sports…” former budget commission chairman Michael O’Keefe told East Providence residents protesting the cuts in school sports. Taxes wouldn't be raised but from those days a year or so ago, many fundraising efforts were born. The East Providence Middle Schools Athletics Booster Club and Project 106 for middle school sports hit the streets. Fundraisers were held and eventually enough money was raised to reinstate school sports. "We would like to thank all the people who have helped to make us and our mission a success by volunteering their time, donating their hard earned money, attending our fundraisers and voicing their opinions to those in power.

Together we, along with Project 106 and others, managed to bridge the short but painful gap in which there was no sports. Now sports are back in the school department, however there's still a lot of work to be done. Uniforms, equipment and other needs that still have to be met. So we again appeal to your townie pride to help support this cause in any way you can," said a statement on the group's web site.

A Riverside parent became so active in promoting middle school sports and the building of elementary school playgrounds that Jessica Beauchaine decided to successfully seek a seat on the city school committee. "It is with great pleasure and excitement that Project 106 was able to share with the East Providence school committee and community members our recent purchases and donations for EP sports teams. For a recap: 12/13 school year Project 106 contributed over $8,000 in transportation and umpire fees. We purchased basketballs(390.00) for both middle schools as per requested by the school's athletic director. We purchased brand new uniforms for Martin middle school's wrestling team($900.00). During the 13/14 school year, we donated $500.00 to the Riverside competitive cheer team, to cover competition costs. We have voted to donate $900 for uniforms to each middle school's baseball team. We are working with the softball coaches to purchase and update their uniforms and/or equipment. We will be also be donating over 100 track/cross country uniforms (dry fit shirts & shorts) to both Martin and Riverside middle school. The uniforms were displayed and the total cost of these uniforms was $1,700," Beauchaine told middle school supporters last year. Project 106 will continue to play an active and approachable role in East Providence school sports programs. "We thank everyone for their continued support and contributions in making this such a successful organization," added Beauchaine.

Another group raising money, albeit for many years now, is the Friends of Townie Athletics Organization (FTAO). Group spokesperson, Stephanie Vinhateiro said recently that; "For over 25 years, the FTAO has been committed to serving and providing for student-athletes in the city’s middle and high schools. Since its inception, the FTAO has provided funding to each school’s athletic programs so the student-athletes can enjoy the perks of their extracurricular involvement. Among many other things, the FTAO pays for sports equipment, sponsors scholarships and provides all of the funding for events such as awards nights at all three schools, as well as senior night and State Championship dinners for the high school. In order to accomplish all of these efforts, it must raise a substantial amount of money at its annual fundraiser, the Friends of Townie Athletics Organization Annual Golf Tournament," said Vinhateiro. The annual golf tourney is the group's only fundraising event.

Senator Bill Conley Gets Field Scoreboard Funding:
The East Providence High School softball team led by veteran coach Rob Traverse raised thousands of dollars to renovate and construct a field with dugouts behind the high school. “Once they cut money for transportation to Pierce Stadium, we’ve had concerns,” said coach and guidance counselor, Rob Traverse. “Parents were concerned that older students were driving younger students to the home games in their own cars. Liability questions were raised and we also had to get all of our equipment to the field,” said Traverse. So the high school softball team and coach, went out and raised funds to rehabilitate the field. The effort raised over $18,000. “We need the funds to fix the practice field at school so it would be suitable for high school caliber softball,” Traverse told the Reporter last year when the team received a $7,000 legislative grant from Representative Joy Hearn, District 66. Later Coach Traverse and some of his senior players received a second legislative grant. Senator Daniel DaPonte and Representative Helio Melo teamed up to secure a $6,000 grant. “This is an example of investing in our schools and athletic programs,” Senator DaPonte told Traverse and his players. “Since the budget commission stopped the funding for this transportation to Pierce, these donations are a big help,” Traverse said. And Senator Bill Conley secured a grant to purchase a scoreboard for the softball team. Almost every other sports team at EPHS and the middle schools is also actively raising money for uniforms, officials fees, equipment, etc.

Carl Sweeney is a school maintenance worker for East Providence. Getting around to all of the city schools and being a lifelong city resident, has revealed to him how many people struggle to provide enough for their families. “I know I can’t help everyone in need but I try to make a difference with those that I can,” Sweeney told the Reporter in an interview recently. Sweeney and his family began an effort four years ago which they have named the “Hope and Faith Drive.” Almost five years later the Sweeny’s have provided food, goods and services for over 20 families in need each month. “Our drive began by asking some of our families and friends to donate $1.00 each month to help buy food to give to those who we knew needed it most,” said Sweeney. “In just a few months that one dollar turned into much more. As people learned of this effort we soon received donations from many others. We have received contributions from local sporting goods organizations and from summer camp programs. Children in our community have had lemonade stands and birthday parties with proceeds going to our "Hope and Faith Drive", continued Sweeney.

One local child who decided to help Sweeney is Oldham School's Kai Reed. Reed had organized a fundraising effort for homeless individuals. In order to do this, 8 year old Reed (he was 7 at the time) had set up a table in his school with backpacks. His goal was to fill several backpacks with supplies that would benefit homeless families. Elaine Allen, Oldham Principal at the time and schools Superintendent, Kim Mercer are big supporters of the effort. Reed has hung posters around school and his fellow students and school staff have been bringing in items for the backpack project. "Kai and his mom have been working together to find ways to collect supplies as well as raising some money. "Kai's eyes just light up when he talks about ways to help the homeless. He has so many ideas," said Sweeney. "I would like to get backpacks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bottled water, small blankets, socks, first aid supplies, and other items," suggested the young volunteer. He even suggests a place where people can go to get some of these items. "It seems that Kai and his Mom take trips to the dollar store to acquire many of these goods," Sweeney relates.

Another famous EP volunteer is world renown athlete, Townie grad, Kevin Robinson or K-Rob as he is better known. "The mission of the K-Rob Foundation is to help the underprivileged children of East Providence stay involved in sports," says the BMX X-game gold medal winner. In May of 2010 Kevin announced the K-Rob foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in East Providence. The K-Rob annual Family Fun Festival and bowling and other events, all raise money for his community projects. "Spread the word," says Robinson. "We need to keep our youth involved!" K-Rob is also an inspirational speaker at many schools in the city.

There is also East Providence teacher and coach Michael Solitro and his relatively new "Opportunity Knocks" non-profit charity. Solitro and Joseph DeRita, along with others have newly formed this charity to help those in need. "Townie Pride seems to grow every day in East Providence," said Solitro. Opportunity Knocks is a RI based 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire generosity and develop opportunity for "our fellow person." Solitro and volunteers extend their charity to other needy Rhode Islanders when needs arise. The group recently visited the Crossroads homeless shelter. "What a day! Opportunity Knocks was able to surprise 60 plus people at Crossroads of RI last month with presents, a luncheon, tons of supplies to help these families get back on their feet, and of course the big guy in red! It was the most incredible experience since myself and Joe have begun this endeavor. To see the look on those young children's faces, and at least wash away some of their hardships for a couple of hours, was the most rewarding experience ever," said Solitro. Solitro also wanted to thank the students and staff at Riverside Middle school where he teaches, for all of their efforts in raising a total of 464 items for their latest charity delivery. "It was so nice to see such generosity from our families of East Providence andd the RMS community."

The Annual Joe Silva Memorial Toy Drive collected hundreds of toys, food and money for those less fortunate in the city. For over 20 years Joseph Silva ran a very successful toy drive and Christmas Toy Drive Dinner with the support of the Knights of Columbus, local business, friends, family and supporters throughout the state. After Silva's recent passing, his daughter Julie Silva continues her Dad's work. "Today I write to ask for your help to continue to make my Dad's legacy a reality. We know that hard times face many but for that same reason the need is greater to help these children. The list of children keeps growing so your support is more important than ever before to help make this year's holiday season one a deserving child will never forget," Silva writes to residents. "This is our 2nd Annual Joseph Silva Memorial Toy Drive & Dinner and our hope is to be as successful as past events but we need your help to achieve our goals. This Christmas the Silva toy drive has collected and distributed over 900 gifts to needy children and families. "The past two years you have seen my struggles and you have been so thoughtful and kind. Your always thinking of other families, and for me and my children. Again, for my second year, you have brought tears to my eyes. Tears of happiness, you show the true value of Christmas," said a letter written to Julie Silva by a Silva fundraiser recipient.

And many more groups exist to help those in need. Area politicos delivered food baskets for the holidays. "We've raised thousands of dollars and delivered many turkeys and dinners to area residents," said city Democratic Party Chairman John Faria at a December holiday fundraiser.

But the city's biggest benefactor just may be EPHS graduate John Carnevale. Since graduating from East Providence High in 2000, John Carnavale has been busy changing the world brick by brick. Carnavale was a star three sport student-athlete at EPHS and very bright. He received an engineering degree from the prestigious Worcester Polytechnic Institute and accepted a job at Raytheon. He doesn't look like your stereotypical mechanical engineer, with his long dreadlocks but to say that Carnavale is a special person is a major understatement to his friends and classmates. During a solo humanitarian trip to Uganda in 2009, John witnessed first-hand how the lack of basic medical care in the third world could effortlessly turn a preventable disease into a childhood killer. Carnavale contracted an aggressive strand of malaria. While sick with the virus, he made the promise to a Ugandan friend of returning to the US, saving his own money he made an as engineer, and then returning to Uganda to build a hospital for those in need. A year later he returned to Uganda to build The Donna Carnevale Medical Center, named after his mother "as a tribute to her unselfish lifestyle," Carnavale told the Reporter previously. Carnevale returned to Uganda and in addition to building a hospital, Carnavale also constructed a small guest house for parents and families of sick children to stay in while their patients are hospitalized. Carnavale named the guest house after his grandmother, Camilla Carnevale. Then the Carnavale team raised money to add a dental clinic to the existing medical center.

Carnevale is back living in East Providence for the time being and while still involved in worldwide philanthropy he has focused on his home town. "I hold the city of East Providence so very close to my heart, as do I with my loyal friends and my wonderful family. When I see our hometown struggling I feel nothing more than obligated to step up and help see it to better times. I want to do something amazing for the East Providence Community and most importantly for our greatest resource, our students," said Carnavale. He has an impressive following of friends, family and colleagues. "Of all of my experiences up to this time, I can truly say I have come to understand the power of unity. "Thousands of students and Townie fans from around the state pass through the East Providence High School Gymnasium every year. Built in the 1950’s, the EP Gymnasium was constructed to provide a top notch health education facility for the students as well as provide the finest athletic programs in the state, a resource for strengthening athleticism, team building, and health education development. For many years our community has enjoyed thousands of memorable events held inside the East Providence High School Gymnasium. However, due to a struggling economy, lack of funds, and low morale in the city, what was once considered a top health education facility in the state is now viewed as a symbol of our trying times," said Carnevale. Well the rest is history. Without a dime in local budget funding, Carnevale and his army of friends and other residents have finished the high school gym restoration. "The gym is beautiful, probably better than when it was built," said EPHS Athletic Director Bob Duarte. Carnevale did not stop there. Both Martin and Riverside Middle Schools have had their gymnasiums totally rehabbed with gleaming hardwood floors and fresh paint everywhere. The Carnevale group has also helped out with other school projects.

In a holiday blog to friends, Carnevale writes: "I hope you all are doing extremely well and had a wonderful holiday with your families! And as with any holiday season, we are very excited to share our hearts and GIVE BACK to those who need it most! With that said, I am very excited to announce our most important educational project to date! The Tech Refresh Project is an effort that is going to bring tons of modern technology (laptops, tablets, computers) into the East Providence high school coming in this September! We are so excited to bring this team back together for this amazing effort and totally hit a homerun for our students and teachers in this community! This project is a first of its kind and will truly change the way our students learn and gain knowledge; it will add to a solid educational platform and help propel as one of the tops in Rhode Island!" Carnevale has been quietly meeting with school and city officials and would like to see the technology needs of the city, especially the high school, be improved. "At this point in time, we are truly ready to kick this thing off as another proud grassroots effort and we would like nothing more than to bring this amazing team back together again to unite our citizens, community leaders, and local businesses for a project bigger than us all. This project without a doubt will be an absolute homerun with regards to bringing technology in to better enhance our students learning environment. I set the initial fundraising goal at $40,000 dollars and roughly 250/300 computers. I should have some really good news in the next couple of days which will certainly allow these figures to grow, upping our abilities to bring even more technology into East Providence High School! Also incorporating business sponsors, city and state assistance, there is no doubt our funding for this project will go through the roof as long as we work very hard as a united team to solidify a great final proposal and incorporate sustainability the entire way through! In other words this project has the potential to be one of the largest and probably most important education implementations for a long time. That being said, it's time to unite." he said.

"We all know what a project like this means for this city! Everything! Monster Fundraisers, new friendships, empowering teachers and students, and anything else needed to totally rock this city! I can't thank you all enough for your past efforts giving your heart, your time, and your hard earned money to help move this city forward! Honestly, there is no way we can stop here because we are on the verge of bringing this city back the confidence and pride it truly deserves! We need to increase modern technology in the high school to ensure our students have the necessary resources to prepare them for the outside world and give them the confidence to be everything they can! We got this TOWNIES! As a team, we can make an unbelievable impact in these students education. Let's seize this great opportunity and continue to UNITE this city!" implores an energetic Carnevale.

The high school and middle school gymnasiums are now complete. If John Carnevale, Joe Wahl and a few hundred of their Townie friends have their way, our schools will soon have the best technology available and at least an upgraded computer inventory. Something that they have lacked for awhile. "We have great schools, teachers and students," said Carnevale. "I want to see our students stay here an attend EPHS. It is a great school and can offer as much as LaSalle or Hendricken if we provide the tools needed for our students," he added.

(Note: If your organization provides for needy in the area and wasn't mentioned here, email the writer at bobrodericks@gmail.com and we will write about your efforts.)

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