March 21

Our city suffered a devastating tragedy of the worst (shooting of a child by the father who then turned the gun on himself)  kind this morning. We are blessed to have such outstanding police and fire departments to watch over us. Sometimes we take them for granted and although they are heroes, they are also humans and are affected by these situations. The Mayor was on hand today and could see it in their eyes and body language, as the Mayor is certainly struggling with it as well. If you see an officer or firefighter in your travels, throw them a wave or give them a thank you. Thanks to Father Marciano our chaplain. He is always there to bring comfort to not only victims but to our first responders. The Mayor’s Office started receiving inquiries from people about how to help the family. If there is a call for help City Hall will pass it on. Warwick is such a wonderful community that really looks out for each other. Say a prayer, hug your loved ones. We’ll mourn and heal as a community.

 Today’s been a rough day for all of us. The Mayor received calls from fellow municipal leaders, and Congressman Magaziner expressing their sorrow and support. Governor McKee also contacted the Mayor and offered state resources to help both the family and the first responders that were affected by this and the city very grateful to the Governor for his support in this situation. The Mayor asks that everyone be respectful and not use this post for political bashing.

March 22

The contractor will be closing the roadway adjacent to the Oakland Beach Splash-pad and Playground project site in order to install the necessary drainage infrastructure. The work will begin Monday, March 25th and it is anticipated to be finished by the end of day Tuesday, March 26th. Traffic will be diverted through the Top of the Bay parking lot for those constituents who wish to access the Oakland Beach Parking lot. There will be an officer present to control the traffic. (Top of the Bay is closed on Mondays).

 This morning, Mayor Picozzi got to visit Greenwood School and read to Ms. Medeiro’s and Ms. Evan’s first grade classes. Being with these cherubs for a little while was like therapy for the Mayor’s soul. Children are his very favorite thing in the world!!

March 23

This past Saturday the Mayor was honored to be included in two very special events. He participated in the Glimmer of Hope’s Runway for a Cure at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, joining TV personalities Shannon Hegy, Erica Ricci, Mario Hilario, Sam Read, Lindsay Iadeluca, and radio personality and legend Brian Mulhearn, and dozens of others to escort down the runway children that have been affected by cancer. The Mayor escorted Olivia who is a beautiful and charming five-year-old that absolutely captured the Mayor’s heart!! Olivia is in remission!!

 Then it was off to West Warwick for a very special Funny4Funds event. This event was to mark the organization exceeding the ten-million-dollar mark raised for causes in ten years. The founders Bill Simas and Mike Murray had asked the Mayor to choose one of organizations that the evenings proceeds would go to. The Mayor chose the Tomorrow Fund which received $5,000. Mayor Picozzi was honored to receive the big check with the Director of the Tomorrow Fund Lisa Abbenante.  He been to many Funny4Funds performances but Saturday night they took it to another level. The organization has grown and grown and is now in other states. The next ten million will take far less than ten years to raise. Even with the torrential downpours both events were sold out. Incredible, dedicated people in both organizations. WJAR morning anchor Alison Bologna was also in attendance. And the Mayor was so grateful that money was raised for children battling cancer which is near and dear to his heart.

March 24

Thousands have braved the cold temps to come to City Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event is co-sponsored by the City and the Tri City Elks. Big thanks to all the volunteers that made this a special day for the kids!!! This looked to be the largest turnout ever!!!

 Conimicut Village Association’s annual Easter Egg Hunt which was held at Clegg Field. It was a great turnout enjoyed by many kids and their families. A big tip of the hat to the volunteers of the CVA that do so much for the community.

March 26

Warwick has about 200 homes that still have lead pipe services. Warwick went out to bid and will hire a contractor to remove them and install new service pipes. The cost is approximately 2.5 million dollars. This is being paid for out of the Water Department’s enterprise fund. The work is scheduled to begin in May and be completed by October 1st. This will make our water system completely lead free. If you have a lead service pipe you would have been notified quite a while ago. Records are kept.

 Mayor Picozzi hand delivered citations today to the Toll Gate girls basketball team for winning the Division III Championship! You all make Warwick proud.