Vose True Value Hardware Receives NRICA Award

Ann Jalette (left), receiving the award from Sharon Charette, NRICA Chair

The Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts (NRICA) presented Vose True Value Hardware with its Art Award at its recent annual dinner meeting held at St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center.

The award recognizes a person or organization whose arts-related activities and interest have improved the community. Vose True Value Hardware has assisted the organization for a long time, serving as a ticket outlet and helping the NRICA with publicity for events.

Vose True Value Hardware has also been generous with their time and talents by designing and donating beautiful baskets for raffles for the group’s events. Those design talents have also been used to provide stunning centerpieces for the annual Mardi Gras.

Last year, Vose True Value Hardware was one of the key elements that helped the NRICA win most beautiful float at the 2021 Autumnfest Parade.

The NRICA thanked Ann Jalette, Peggy Ganim, the Chomka (Chet and Steve) family, and the folks at Vose True Value Hardware for their constant, enthusiastic, and steadfast support of the NRICA, that helps the group accomplish its mission. 

Valentine, Lemery Earn NRICA Scholarships

The Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts (NRICA) recently presented two scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Chayla Valentine, a graduate of Woonsocket High School, was awarded the Cesare Ferrari Scholarship for the Arts. This scholarship is awarded annually to assist a Woonsocket High School student to take advantage of a formal music education. Ms. Valentine will pursue a degree in musical theater at the University of Rhode Island.

Mya Lemery, a graduate of Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, was awarded the Jack Lawhead Scholarship for the Arts. This scholarship is awarded to assist a Beacon student to pursue a degree in the arts. Ms. Lemery will pursue a degree at Salve Regina University.

Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Nolan-Paul and NRICA Chair Sharon Charette presented the awards at the recent Fresco Italiano: A Night of the Arts held at St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center.

Jack Lawhead and Cesare Ferrari were founding members of the NRICA, that has a vision statement “To upgrade community life by means of the arts.” Members of the NRICA are committed to promoting arts in the community by investing in the education of young artists in the area.