To the Editor: 

On September 27 a neighborhood, city and state officials gathered to celebrate the 18th annual Pontiac Village Fall Festival and to pay tribute to two special people, Mr. Edward P. Hrabcsak and Mrs. Shirley Whitney, who together have given over 62 years of volunteer service to their beloved neighborhood, the Historic Pontiac Village.

 Ed had been the Pontiac Village Association’s president 27 years. His untimely death last year left a hole in the heart of the neighborhood. His contributions to Pontiac Village and the city of Warwick as a whole are too numerous to list, but as a fitting tribute and reminder of his legacy, the city and the village dedicated and named the newly renovated tennis and basketball courts in his honor.

Neighbors and officials from the city and state also took the opportunity to recognize another prominent citizen of Pontiac who has made contributions to the neighborhood association for over 35 years. Shirley Whitney has been the resident historian and secretary since the village association’s inception. She continues to be a tenacious fighter for Pontiac and has a well-earned reputation for being very well prepared for every meeting. All who know her respect her vast knowledge and love of the village.

State Representative David Bennett, Mayor Avedisian, Council Chairwoman Donna Travis and Councilman Joseph Gallucci presented proclamations and honored both families. The village has also been the recent focus of a special effort by the city to fix, repair and clean the park and the streets, making Pontiac shine like the jewel she is.

We would like to thank the Reverend Philip Devens of All Saint’s Episcopal Church, who opened and closed the ceremony, State Senator Erin Lynch, State Representative David Bennett, Mayor Scott Avedisian, Council President Donna Travis, Councilman Joseph Gallucci, former Councilman Raymond Gallucci, Warwick Chief of Police Stephen McCartney, Warwick Community Police Officers David Picozzi and Warwick Department of Public Works, and Michael Rooney and Warwick Parks and Recreation for their efforts. In addition, we want to thank Aram Garabedian, Andy’s Landscape Nursery, Earl Greco, Phred’s Drug and Albanese’s Delizioso of Cranston for their support.

Our Historic Village of Pontiac has been indelibly changed for the better by the hard work, love and dedication of these two wonderful friends and neighbors. We are forever grateful to them and their families.

David W. Bouchard

President,

Pontiac Village

Association, Inc.