Artist Angelo Marinosci, Jr., a Johnston native who's now a resident of Warren, has a son attending school in Riverside, East Providence and gives us a peek into one activity there.

[Check out our recent profile on Angelo here.]

On May 4, James Oldham Elementary school held a terrific "Family Night" at the movies showing "Chip Wrecked" with Alvin and the gang on board — well, almost...

The night was a well-coordinated effort on the part of "new" Principal Kathleen Caffrey, who was at the helm, and staff, PTA members, and all sorts of useful and helpful people who managed great coordination and found backers on all levels to get the community involvement where it is most needed — in the school, in the form of goodies and all sorts of things.

The kids all had a fine time — and the parents enjoyed the movie choice, and there were terrific goodies and refreshments at very affordable prices... hmmmm the goodies.... In all it went very well.

My son, Arcangelo, was looking forward to this all week and the next day told me the best part was "You were there, Dad!" — the reason behind the entire undertaking to get the parents involved.

In addition there is a "Pepsi Refresher" (challenge?) coming up on Saturday, May 19 from 8 am to 4 pm, where the people from Pepsi will show up to paint and do all sorts of remedial work at the school and a good parent turnout is very crucial and needed for the success of that.

Upon "invitation" of Principal Caffrey, my name was the first on the list — I'd encourage other parents to do the same and see you there....with a paint brush in hand... a slightly larger brush than usual.

Once again, THANK YOU JAMES OLDHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for doing a great job for our kids and the community — remember, teachers are our real heroes!