Councilwoman Ryan to Host Dedication Ceremony for the Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center

Councilwoman Ryan to Host Dedication Ceremony for the Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center

Providence City Council Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan, (Ward 5) will host a ceremony to name the Providence Ward 5 recreation center after long-time community volunteer, coach, and public servant Armand E. Batastini Jr. The dedication will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. at 50 Obadiah Brown Road in Providence. The newly named recreation center is located behind the Pleasant View Elementary School.

“I’m humbled to honor Armand E. Batastini Jr. with this much-deserved recognition,” stated City Council Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan. “Armand has been a force for good in the state of Rhode Island and the city of Providence for decades. Not just from his 60-years of coaching young people in basketball or from being the founder of the Elmhurst Little League, but as a public servant as well.  He serves as an inspiration to me and countless others in our pursuit to serve the people of Providence and the great state of Rhode Island.  It’s for these reasons that I’m grateful to be able to ensure that his legacy will live on with the naming of the Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center for the decades to come. Congratulations Coach!”

Batastini is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island and has been an active member in the Ward 5 community for many years.  He served as the Rhode Island State Representative for District 8, which included the Elmhurst and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods of Providence, from 1977 to 1992, working as the Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims and the Vice-Chairperson on the Health, Education and Welfare Committee. In addition to his nearly 20-years in public office, he spent 36-years in the Providence School Department as a student support specialist. Over his long and illustrious career, he has been very involved in youth sports, founding and acting as a board member for the Elmhurst Little League and coaching St. Pius CYO basketball teams for over 60 years. Known as Coach to many, he currently serves as Chairman of the 5th Ward Democratic Committee and Vice Chair of the Democratic City Committee.

Armand E. Batastini Jr. and his wife Mary are the proud parents of four children and five grandchildren. He is a Navy veteran, a graduate of Providence College and holds a Master’s Degree from Boston University in Physical Education.

The Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center provides safe quality after-school programming for neighborhood children to participate in sports, get homework help, receive tutoring services, and have a healthy meal.  They offer basketball, wrestling, indoor and outdoor soccer, year-round swim for students and even adult and senior swim.

There will be a reception, hosted by the family, following the dedication ceremony from 5 pm – 7 pm at The Jake (Ladder 133) located at 133 Douglas Avenue in Providence.

Councilwoman LaFortune, Lt. Governor McKee, Rep. Regunberg and Members of the Haitian Community to Host Press Conference Condemning President Trump’s Most Recent Racist Remarks

Councilwoman LaFortune, Lt. Governor McKee, Rep. Regunberg and Members of the Haitian Community to Host Press Conference Condemning President Trump’s Most Recent Racist Remarks

The national media recently reported racist and derogatory comments made by President Trump against Haitians and other immigrant communities. Haitians in Rhode Island stand together to condemn the President’s racist and xenophobic comments.

“The Haitian community has withstood over 200 years of racism and various forms of oppression,” stated Providence Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune, Ward Three.  “And on the eighth anniversary of the most devastating earthquake to impact humanity, The President should be recognizing the many lives lost, not insulting Haitians and other immigrant communities.”

The ongoing systemic discrimination against Haitians and other immigrant communities deserves global attention. Haitians throughout history has made significant economic, cultural and educational contributions to our local and international communities.

We invite the Rhode Island community, leaders, partners, and elected officials to join us on Sunday, January, 14th at 2pm at the Dorcas International Institute to stand against the President’s racist rhetoric.

Councilwoman Castillo Attends Recreation Center Reopening

Councilwoman Castillo Attends Recreation Center Reopening

Ribbon Cutting at Sackett Street Center


Councilwoman Castillo was joined by city, state and school officials on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at a newly remodeled Sackett Street Recreation Center to cut the ribbon and open the gym for use.

This newly renovated space will be used by the school and after school programs for kids to exercise, build team work and learn from adult mentors.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a performance in the newly remodeled gymnasium by a group of traditional Latin dancers from the area.

 

See more Council News Items >

Acting Council President Matos Joins the Walking Bus

Acting Council President Matos Joins the Walking Bus

When the Bus Is Not An Option


Acting Council President Matos joins Principal Brent Kermen, members of the Providence Police Department and volunteers on the Walking Bus route at William D’abate Elementary School.

The walking bus is comprised of volunteers who help provide a safe and timely passage to school for students whom the bus does not service.

Read more about walking bus routes and how you can start one in your community

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