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Artéé Fabrics & Home opensExciting regional retail attractionEarlier this month, Artéé Fabrics and Home opened on Main Street in historic Downtown Pawtucket. With a reference to blossoming cherry trees on Roosevelt Avenue at her grand opening, textiles mogul Arti Mehta proclaimed that Pawtucket would once again blossom.

With over 20 years experience in home furnishings and textiles, Mehta has a long history of design excellence and a reputation for creating high end fabrics. Mehta has big plans for her new retail venture and expects other design-related businesses to follow.

Over 150 people gathered at her grand opening, including Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts and Pawtucket Mayor

James E. Doyle who both assisted with the ribbon cutting.

Mehta thinks her new retail store will do well in Pawtucket because of its great location along the I-95 corridor between Boston and New York. She expects the store to be a regional attraction for New England interior designers and even local homemakers.

Mehta is also the owner of Artee Collections, Inc., which deals in the home furnishing trade with a varied line that includes a large selection of silks, quality embroideries and much more.

Artee Collections adds value to many of the fabrics by printing locally in the Unites States. They also import out of India, Europe and China.

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Theme at 7th Annual Awards Celebration

The Pawtucket Foundation 7th Annual Awards Celebrations is locked in for April 27, 2010. Join us as we honor our Person of the Year, Heritage Award Recipients and present a Special Distinction

recognition. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available. Visit our website for more info: www.pawtucketfoundation.org

Transportation CIrculation Plan

Annual Awards Celebration & Recipients

Shri Yoga Studio

Annual Meeting Recap

RI Cherry Festival Update

IN THIS ISSUE

Executive DirectorThomas A. Mann, Jr.

Program AssociateAaron Hertzberg

The Pawtucket FoundationPO Box 515Pawtucket, RI 02862

T (401) 725-4400F (401) 729-8111

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The crazy maze of one-way streets has long plagued business owners who claim the Downtown traffic pattern is an obstacle in attracting patrons to the growing number of small businesses along Main Street. This may all change thanks to a partnership between the City of Pawtucket and The Pawtucket Foundation.

Earlier last year, The Pawtucket Foundation secured two significant grants for traffic circulation planning. Ocean State Charities and Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Trust both granted the Foundation awards that were successfully leveraged in a larger City proposal to Statewide Planning.

Just months ago, Statwide Planning announced it would grant a total of $80,000 to the City of Pawtucket to design a fix for the antiquated circulator traffic pattern, design streetscape improvements and study other solutions to promote transit oriented development. With matching contributions from The Pawtucket Foundation and City of Pawtucket, a total $100,000 will be allocated to design an overhaul to the Downtown transportation and pedestrian circulation system.

According to the Planning Department, the project will revise traffic circulation patterns, intersections and traffic signalization. It will also assess pedestrian and streetscape improvements that will make Downtown more walkable and attractive to residents, business owners and visitors. The project will look at every mode of transportation from rail, bus, car to bicycle and will integrate a multi-modal solution that best serves land uses in the Downtown.

Over the last decade, nearly 750 new residential units have come on line. Mills are being redeveloped and new businesses are starting to occupy many of the historic buildings in the Downtown urban core. With the prospect of a commuter rail station opening and with the scheduled implementation of a bus rapid transit system serving the Downtown, the opportunity for a transit oriented development plan is ripe, and it will provide not only the design, but a legal framework for continued redevelopment, job growth and investment.

Local business owners feel the momentum. In the last several months, four new businesses have opened on Main Street. Local real estate broker Linda Dewing, of Places &

Spaces Realty, says the phones are ringing. “Last year at this time there was nothing. Now, I find myself really busy,” she commented. This is a great indication that business owners see value in the potential for Downtown. “It’s happening,” says Old School Leather proprietor Mark Bessette, “people are stopping by and they are surprised by what is here.”

When the new traffic and pedestrian circulation plan is complete, City officials will have a good idea of what the cost will be to implement the plan and make the physical improvements that will transform the Downtown. A new $100M Pawtucket River Bridge and the new Conant Street Bridge will have a significantly positive impact on the Downtown. These infrastructure projects will be the catalyst to support continued redevelopment efforts.

Pawtucket Foundation & City partnershipSeeking plan to fix maze of one-way streets

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Senator Jack Reed

Downtown Pawtucket , view of Main Street.

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Pawtucket, Rhode Island (February 24, 2010)… The Pawtucket Foundation announces that Mr. Louis Yip, owner of Pui-O Corporation and founder of China Inn Restaurant, has been recognized as its Person of the Year. This award honors an individual who significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of economic and community life in Pawtucket during the previous year. Also announced were dual recipients of the Heritage Award which recognizes an outstanding long-term commitment to the City of Pawtucket and its residents.  This year’s dual honorees are the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and CEO, Mr. James Hoyt and the YMCA of Pawtucket and Mr. Esselton McNulty, General Director of the YMCA Pawtucket. In addition to the Person of the Year and Heritage Award honorees, Ms. Phyllis Nathanson, a principle at Blackstone Studios, will receive a Special Distinction Award honoring outstanding accomplishments in support of the arts and community revitalization.

The Person of the Year, Heritage and Special Distinction Awards will be presented during the Pawtucket

Foundation’s 7th Annual Awards Celebration to be held at The Pawtucket Armory on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. “The Pawtucket Foundation is pleased to recognize these distinguished individuals and organizations. To honor their dedicated service to the city of Pawtucket, we invite citizens and business leaders to join us at our annual awards night where we will recognize and celebrate their achievements,” said Thomas A. Mann, Jr., executive director of the Pawtucket Foundation.  As

Pawtucket’s premier awards celebration, the event annually attracts 300 business and nonprofit executives, as well as government leaders.  Tickets and sponsorships are available through April 12, 2010.  Information is available on the Foundation’s website at www.pawtucketfoundation.org.

Honorees to be feted at the foundation’s seventh annual awards celebration

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PAWTUCKET’S PREMIER AWARDS CELEBRATION

DATE Tuesday, April 27, 2009

TIME 5:30 PM Reception 6:30 PM Dinner

LOCATION Armory Center for the Arts 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket

COST $150 donation per ticket

PURCHASE www.pawtucketfoundation.org or by calling 401-725-4400.

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Mr. Louis Yip moved to Pawtucket in 1976 with no local connections to open the China Inn.  He worked diligently for nine years growing his restaurant before eventually moving to its current location as part of urban renewal efforts. 

With a philosophy that dollars made in a community should stay in that same community, Mr. Yip began investing in real estate.  In the past 34 years, Mr. Yip has invested more than $30 Million in local development. 

In 1998, he opened the American Heritage River Building on Roosevelt Avenue.  The once blighted factory space has been converted to a mixed use property employing more than 400 people and includes several schools, a Chinese Christian Church and YMCA. 

In 2009, Mr. Yip opened M Residential, a 39-unit mill conversion on the banks of the Blackstone River in Central Falls. After completion, Mr. Yip worked to enhance the streetscapes along Roosevelt Avenue by planting 65 Cherry Trees and helping to organize an inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival. 

In addition, Mr. Yip annually supports the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s Dragon Boat

Festival, is an active member of the Chinese Christian Church, Pawtucket Foundation, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans. 

Through the Luk Charitable

Foundation, Mr. Yip supports higher education opportunities for Chinese Americans and those interested in international opportunities at Brown, Bryant University and University of Rhode Island. 

Mr. Yip is currently converting the historic brick mill building at 501 Roosevelt Avenue in Central Falls to 33 luxury apartments. With the completion of the project, Mr. Yip will have developed more than half a mile of properties along Roosevelt Avenue.

Top: Mr. Louis Yip makes a contribution towards planting 65 Cherry Trees on Roosevelt Avenue.

Below: Mr. Yip, pictured with life long friend and business partner, Sunny Ng, in front of M Residential prior to the Cherry Tree Dedication Ceremony

“The mill rehabilitation projects Mr. Yip has undertaken have reinvigorated our community and restored commercial and residential opportunities along the Blackstone River.”

Robert Billington, Ed.D., Blackstone Valley Tourism Council President and 2008 Heritage Award honoree

Person of the Year

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Founded in 1900, the Club has established a long-standing tradition of caring and supportive involvement with Pawtucket’s youths and their families.  The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people from Pawtucket and surrounding communities to reach their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens. 

More than 4,000 youth now benefit from participation in Club programs and activities.  Now in its 110th year, the Club was

recently named a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder, recognizing efforts to sustain, strengthen and grow our communities. 

The Club’s 14 full-time and 40 part-time youth development professionals operate year-round programs and summer day camps at two Club-owned locations: the Alfred Elson, Jr. Clubhouse and Camp Ramsbottom in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

James R. Hoyt, Jr., CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket since 2004 and a staff member since 1977, has dedicated his professional career to helping the Club provide valuable

opportunities and experiences to the city’s youth.   Mr. Hoyt’s visionary leadership has allowed the Club to prosper in good times and successfully reach organizational goals in challenging times. 

A staunch advocate of education, Mr. Hoyt has enhanced the Club’s tutoring, mentoring and learning programs so that education and recreation open equal paths to all Club members.  His efforts to close the opportunity gap for all children were embodied this year when Club member, Carolina Correa, was chosen as the 2009-2010 National Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America from among 4.5 million eligible youth nationwide.

Top: James Hoyt, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket 2010 Heritage Award Honoree

Left: Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket member and 2009-2010 National Youth of the Year, Carolina Correa pictured with President Barack Obama

“The Club epitomizes positive youth development. Our community is a better place because of the work that Jim and the organization contribute on a daily basis.”

Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr., Collette Vacations

Heritage Award

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The YMCA has been locally providing services to develop mind, body and spirit; recognize and fulfill family and community responsibilities; and improve health and life-styles regardless of age, sex, race or religion since 1889.  In 1907, the organization

constructed its own building on Summer Street.  A 2007 renovation of the property received the national YMCA Facility Excellence Award, on its way to becoming the largest YMCA in Rhode Island.  Over the last century, the YMCA has

worked to add facilities and expand its services to annually reach more than 22,000 men, women and children at four Pawtucket branches.  More than 300 children are enrolled in childcare programs, making the YMCA of Pawtucket the largest childcare provider in the Blackstone Valley.   As a YMCA staff member since 1969 and in

his current role since 1979, Mr. McNulty has dedicated himself to ensuring expanding services, offering first rate facilities and budget responsibility.  Mr. McNulty has helped grow the organization’s budget tenfold, creating the $8 million organization that exists today.  During the budget expansion, Mr. McNulty oversaw the development of expanded childcare services, improved facilities at MacColl Field YMCA and the $9 Million Summer Street renovation.  Mr. McNulty also worked to establish Rhode Island’s first Cardiac Rehabilitation program at the YMCA, in partnership with Memorial Hospital.

“The investments the YMCA has made under Mr. McNulty’s direction will have lasting benefits not just for youth and families, but also for our downtown community.”

John J. Partridge, Esq., Partridge Snow & Hahn

Top left:Aerobics class during the early years of the YMCA.

Top right: The YMCA of Pawtucket downtown facility pictured prior to its September 16, 1907 dedication.

Bottom Left:Esselton McNultyGeneral DirectorYMCA Asociation of Pawtucket,2010 Heritage Award Honoree

Heritage Award

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Ms. Phyllis Nathanson has worked as a local catalyst in Pawtucket for more than 25 years.  In 1985, Ms. Nathanson and her husband Morris, purchased the property now known as Blackstone Studios with the vision of creating a live/work community of artists and designers.  Ms. Nathanson began attracting high quality tenants, pioneering Pawtucket’s arts resurgence. 

When the nearby J & K Sales building went up for sale in 2000; the Nathanson’s saw an opportunity to expand their artist model and worked to attract a developer with a similar vision.  Ms. Nathanson worked quickly once a developer was secured, selling more than $4 million in pre-sales without the benefit of a model unit.  By completion, Ms. Nathanson brokered deals for 87% of the units, ensuring the project’s success.  In 2001, Ms. Nathanson helped convince the

Gamm Theatre, then based in Providence, to explore the Pawtucket Armory as a new home.  Once the City agreed to offer the space to the Gamm for $1, it was Ms. Nathanson’s dollar that was used to secure the purchase.  In addition to the Gamm Theatre, Ms. Nathanson has worked to bring the annual Foundry Art Show to Pawtucket and eventually to the Armory where it has made a home for the past seven years.  Recently, Ms. Nathanson helped to secure Artee Fabrics & Home’s new store location at 228 Main Street in downtown.  Ms. Nathanson continues to be a driving force in luring economic development in Pawtucket.

“Ms. Nathanson is an outstanding advocate for the Pawtucket Arts and Entertainment District. Her charisma and dedication attracts residents and businesses that will sustain Pawtucket’s resurgence.”

Herb Weiss, City of Pawtucket Economic and Cultural Affairs officer and 2004 Person of the Year

Top: Phyllis Nathanson, 2010 Special Distinction honoree;

Right: Riverfront Lofts

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Collette Vacations has been honored with a 2010 Editor’s Pick Award in the categories of Best Tour Operator, Escorted and Best Tour Operator, Europe as part of the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence) Awards.

 Now in its fifth year, the goal of TravelAge West’s WAVE Awards is to give travel agents in the Western U.S. the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel-supplier partners.

 The Editor’s Picks were chosen by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the entire editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

 “I believe our picks this year reflect the best of the best, as my team and I considered a wide-range of attributes and

features when evaluating these travel companies,” said Shapiro. “As a result, I think all of the Editor’s Pick winners should be very proud of this acknowledgement.”

 In addition to this distinction, Editor’s Pick honorees are also in the running for a WAVE Award to be determined by a TravelAge West readers’ choice poll conducted during the month of April. The voting is open to readers of the publication, as well as to all visitors to the magazine’s Web site, TravelAgeWest.com.

 Editor’s Pick recipients will be celebrated at the WAVE Awards gala dinner on June 10 at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, Calif., where the readers’ choice winners will be announced as well. TravelAge West will produce a special WAVE Awards Spotlight Issue due out in August 2010, highlighting each nominated company.

When it opens in March, Shri Studio is set to become the largest Yoga studio in the state of Rhode Island. The studio will teach all levels of yoga with an emphasis on vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga and restorative yoga.

 The 3,000 square foot studio offers a full schedule for all levels of instruction, as well as a handful of free classes and mediations each week.

The business will be opening in the McDevitt Building, 21 Broad Street. The McDevitt is under its own revitalization as windows and facades have been replaced and refurbished over the last year.

Shri-Studios has documented much of the building’s progress with pictures on their website, helping to promote the

economic resurgence of Pawtucket’s urban core. This practice fits into the studio’s belief that “yoga is for every-BODY, and for that reason we're teaching yoga classes in a centralized, downtown district that is in the midst of a  rebirth.”  

Shri brags that their yoga classes are more affordable than most studios in Southern

New England, and portions of funds raised in some of their yoga classes will be donated to local charities. The staff is committed to assisting in Pawtucket’s revitalization.

The studio is one of many new additions to downtown in recent months. Old School Leathersmith, the Cup & Saucer, Artee Fabrics and Home and Peace Love Studios

have all opened with in the last six months on nearby Main Street.

Visit the Shri Studio’s website at www.shri-studio.com.

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“Yoga is for every-BODY, and for that reason we’re teaching yoga classes in a centralized downtown district that is in the midst of a rebirth”

Shri Studio Staff

Collette Vacations honored2010 editor’s pick honoree by TravelAge West 

Shri Studios set to open in downtown PawtucketUrban Revitalization Yoga comes to McDevitt Building

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During the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Executive Director, Thomas Mann announced the winner of the Downtown Name-the-Neighborhood contest.  DOWNTUCKET, a catchy mashing of Downtown and Pawtucket, submitted by downtown resident Alison Bologna, was chosen by a judging panel as the winning entry. 

For her effort, Bologna was presented with a check for $500 and will be recognized by the Foundation at their

Seventh Annual Awards Celebration on April 27, 2010. As part of Bologna's submission, she citied Downtucket as the kind of unique and edgy name that helps to define an urban district that is already attracting trendsetters. 

Having selected a winner, The Foundation pledged to continue working with the City, businesses and residents to develop a marketing campaign for the downtown.

Momentum ^Bridge to prosperity theme for 9th Annual Meeting

Momentum set the tone for The Pawtucket Foundation's Ninth Annual meeting hosted Tuesday at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center.  Eighty guests attended as the Foundation highlighted accomplishments, announced award winners, welcomed board members and outlined a direction for the organization and the community.  The meeting opened with a rousing

performance of the National Anthem by students from the J.M. Walsh School for the Arts.  Foundation Vice Chairman, Kevin Tracy, presided over the meeting, welcoming guests and introduced Mayor James E Doyle and Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis who both made remarks. Mayor Doyle thanked the

Foundation for their efforts through their existence calling the group one of the City's "greatest partners."  He went on to add that "the handprint of The Pawtucket Foundation can be seen in every success the City has had over the last nine years." Rhode Island Department of

Transportation, Director, Michael Lewis, stepped forward to commend the Foundation's leadership on transportation issues.  Lewis focused on the important synergy the Foundation has created in marketing the City.  He also highlighted the architecturally significant design for the planned Bridge 550.  Also of note by Lewis, was his commitment to continue

work to expand commuter rail throughout Rhode Island. Tracy then called the business

portion of the meeting to order.  Board Treasurer, Karl Kozak offered the Foundation's annual financial report, stressing the importance of the Foundation's more than 110 contributing members.  Tracy moved on to thank outgoing board members Richard Sugerman and Richard Kazarian for their years of dedication and service.  Executive Director, Thomas Mann, later announced that Kazarian had been granted Director Emeritus status and presented him with a personally made artistic rendering. 

Foundation Executive Director, Thomas Mann, presentation Momentum: ^Building a bridge to prosperity, a progression from last year's Blueprint presentation.  Momentum outlines the Foundation's

progress as they strive to revitalize the downtown, capitalize on the river and rebuild transportation gateways.  Mann went on to highlight the

wealth of activity in Pawtucket's central core.  Mann urged the City and State to continue to focus economic and transportation resources to help create a pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented community.  He explained that the construction of a commuter rail stop, completion of the Blackstone Valley Bike Path and RIPTA's upgrading of bus rapid transit lines are all pivotal to the future success of Pawtucket.

In closing, Tracy sent Foundation members away with wisdom likened to New England Patriots Head Coach, Bill Belichick, declaring we have the resources and talent in place, "now, it's all about execution."

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Downtown Naming Contest Winner Announced: Downtucket a starting place for discussion

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Get ready to run...or walk. Registration is now available for the inaugural Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival to be held May 1st on Roosevelt Avenue in Central Falls and Pawtucket.

The festival is planned to help celebrate the planting of 65 Cherry Trees along the once industrial corridor. With the rehabilitation of historic mills and return of commercial and residential opportunities along the Blackstone River, The Pawtucket Foundation worked with private donors, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and Cities of Central Falls and Pawtucket to plant the trees last spring.

The cherry tree planting was the brainchild of local developer and 2010 Person of the Year, Louis Yip. Mr. Yip made a significant contribution towards the planting and helped rally other private donors to ensure the projects success.

Organizers have chosen the May 1st date to coincide with the expected blossoming of the trees. Proceeds from the festival will help to pay for the continued maintenance of the trees and planting of additional trees in the project area.

The festival, planned at Mr. Yip’s recently opened M Residential, will feature a mix of activities for individuals of all ages. At

9:00 AM, a 5 kilometer, 3.1 mile, run/walk will be held through the streets of Central Falls and Pawtucket, starting and finishing among the cherry trees. Families and members of the public are encouraged to pack the viewing area to help cheer on the finishers. The competition is open to all, but will lure serious runners by offering $275 in prize money in male and female categories. Early sign up is encouraged, at a rate of $25 including a hearty breakfast following the race.

Those not participating in the run/walk can still enjoy the May Breakfast. A Rhode Island tradition, May Breakfast bring families and friends together to enjoy a meal and celebrate spring. The festival offers the added bonus of enjoying the beautifully blossoming trees.

In addition to the run/walk, the festival will feature a Cherry Pie Bake-Off with both professional and amateur divisions and $200 in prize money on the line.

Whether its for the run/walk, breakfast, or bake-off, registration is available online or by calling 401-724-2200.

5K and May Breakfast coming to Roosevelt AveSign up now for the Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival

www.richerryblossomfestival.com

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Winter Scene The falls at Slater Mill

FOUNDATIONFOCUSWINTER 2010 Edition

The Pawtucket Foundation67 Park PlacePawtucket, Rhode Island 02862

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