In a departure from past practice, the WNIA’s annual meeting was held for the first time at the Warwick Neck Elementary School. For decades, the meeting took place at the Warwick Country Club, but the opportunity to gather at the school built on the strong community relationship between the school and the Association. Meeting at the school also allowed the Association to provide light refreshments, including those generously donated by Presto Strange O.
The meeting began with a report from Association treasurer Cliff Deck noting in particular the WNIA’s continuing maintenance of the Cove park, its $1000 contribution to the school at Christmas, and the receipt of two $1000 state legislative grants sponsored by Senator Mark McKenney and Representative Joseph Solomon. There followed the election of 3 Association board members Heather Rodrigues, Joan Allen, and Rob Baxter) and 2 board officers (Fred Parker, president, and David Parr, vice-president).
Retiring WNIA president Jonathan Knight commented briefly on the highly successful February chili dinner, and the uncertain status of the Warwick Lighthouse and whether it will be put up for public auction. School principal Frank Galligan was introduced and spoke about the school’s achievements during the past year, including increased enrollments, and challenges that lie ahead, notably contending with state as distinct from district test standards.
Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi, the evening’s keynote speaker, engaged the audience with lively accounts of current city budget issues and traffic control problems, and responded to questions on several topics, including the difficulty with off-site parking for the airport, the closing too often of the city’s McDermott swimming pool, and the importance of cutting back phragmites and Japanese knotweed along the water's edges of the Warwick Neck Cove.
Leza and David Williamson, Mayor Frank Picozzi, Ed Ladouceur
Bill Miller and Representative Joseph Solomon
