March 6, 2007 Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release 738-2000, ext. 6205
*** Photo Opportunity/Press Release ***
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Jane Hayward, director of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, and Ray Di Pasquale, president of the Community College of Rhode Island, will raise the Irish and Italian flags, respectively, during the city’s annual festivities to celebrate the feast days of St. Joseph and St. Patrick. The event will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16, on the steps of City Hall.
The celebration, which will be emceed by City Treasurer David Olsen, will include prayers by Brother Thomas Leto, principal of Bishop Hendricken High School, and Rev. Brian Wood, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church. The Pilgrim High and Warwick Vets high school bands, members of the Goulding School of Irish Dance, the Drew Corcoran Orchestra and soloist Brad Logan will perform for the crowd. Mayor Avedisian will give brief remarks, and the Warwick Police and Fire department honor guards will be on hand to present colors.
Following the ceremony, additional musical and dancing performances will be held upstairs in City Council Chambers. Refreshments will include corned beef sandwiches, zeppoles, cookies, pizza, coffee and punch and will be available on the main and lower levels of City Hall. (Please note that refreshments will not be allowed in Council Chambers).
In case of inclement weather, the 10 a.m. ceremony will be moved upstairs to City Council Chambers.