Newport Groups Land Legislative Grants

Newport Rep. Peter Martin was doling out checks this week at the Rhode Island State House to a number of community groups and organizations.

The groups received legislative grants — distributed by members of the Rhode Island General Assembly every year to area charities and groups.

This year, Martin delivered a $1,000 check to Michelle Duga, superintendent of Seamen's Church Institute in Newport. The money will go to support their "soup to the docks" program which provides food for the fishing industry at the state pier. The program feeds more than 6,000 every year.

He also delivered a $2,500 chick to Rick Nagele, executive director fo the Fort Adams Trust. The money will go to enhance the gift shop operations and exhibit cases.

"This is part of a program to move the gift shop to the more visible State Park visitor center," Martin said. 

And $2,500 went to the Edward King House in Newport, a senior center with more than 700 members. The money, accepted on behalf of the senior center by King House Executive Director Carmela Greer, will go to upgrade the centers outdated computer system.