From the President's desk . . . May 2003

Dear Members,     I am sure that everyone is enjoying the spring weather after such a long, snowy winter.     The Alhambra Cabaret was held at the Post 10, American Legion, on Monday, April 28th. The card tables with flowers and candles added a special touch to the evening's entertainment. The music by the Strictly Sentimental Swing Band of Riverside was great, as usual, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.     Forty-six people took the bus tour of East Providence historic sites on Saturday, May 3rd. The tour took the passengers through Rumford, Phillipsdale, East Providence center and Riverside. Although the tour was not a financial success, I think from all the favorable comments made that we may plan to do it again in the fall. The double-decker bus was a hit even though we almost got stuck when we passed under the Washington Bridge. The bus was 13' 6". The underpass, 13' 9".     I attended a meeting about the fish ladder last week. Rick Greenwood, RI Historic Preservation Commission, expressed his views on the construction of the ladder in the Hunts Mills dam. He requested that as little as possible be removed from the old foundations and whatever is removed be replaced with brick or stone facing.     An Audit and Nominating Committee have been appointed. They will report to the membership at the May 19 meeting.     Edna Anness and Virginia Berwick continue to prepare materials for the RI Treasures Exhibition, May 10 through June 15. A number of articles will be sold at the store in the Convention Center. We are still in need of volunteers for Sunday, May 18th, East Providence volunteer day. Why not join us? It will be an interesting experience.     The society's Board has begun plans for the Annual Meeting/Picnic. Put June 23rd, 4th Monday, on your calendar of coming events.     See you at the May meeting. Remember, it's on Monday, May 19th, a week earlier than usual since the 4th Monday is Memorial Day.                 Dave Kelleher