Walgreens steps up to help with after school rec program

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena is a huge advocate of education. After all, he doubles as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Management Training (EMT) at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Polisena will also tell you “we have great programs for senior citizens and great sorts of programs in town.” However, the mayor is fully aware that there’s a need for more after-school programs so that kids aren’t just hanging around doing nothing.

Thus, Polisena called upon Dan Mazzulla, Johnston’s director of parks and director, to try and come up with a plan that would incorporate education, health and academics during those sometimes troublesome after-school hours.

Last Thursday morning, Polisena and Mazzulla and Shannon Pero, the Parks and Recreation Nights and Weekends Supervisor, announced what promises to be a new and exciting after-school program for students who attend Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School.

In the middle of it all was David Martin, store manager and Community Leader for Walgreens, which has signed on to provide what Polisena called “healthy snacks and a special T-shirt for every student that participates in the program.

“This will be a fantastic program for our children,” Polisena said. “But quite frankly, this program wouldn’t have gotten off the ground with Walgreens. We had a difficult time finding a corporate sponsor. We couldn’t do this without a corporate sponsor. As soon as we talked with Walgreens, there was no hesitation; they stepped up to the plate and were also excited about what the program could do for our children during the after school hours.”

The “After School Program” will be administered by the Johnston Parks and Recreation Department with Pero and Program Coordinator Matt LaFazia, the mayor announced, leading the way.

“Man, did I ever hit the jackpot when we hired Shannon,” Polisena said. “She’s got a college degree in education. She knows a lot about recreation…and this program will be in the competent hands of Matt LaFazia and Shannon.”

Polisena also heaped words of praise upon Mazzulla, stating, “When you look up the word recreation in the dictionary you’ll see Dan’s name. He continues to do a great, great job with our parks and recreation programs.”

Yet, the mayor emphasized time and again the “After School Program” would have never been possible had Walgreens not agreed to sponsor and support the program.

“It was amazing,” Polisena noted. “Walgreens was the only local corporate sponsor that wanted to talk to us. I’m personally humbled that Walgreens stepped up to the plate. Now, the kids will have a place to go and be with their friends after school and exercise their minds and bodies. I’ve always believed that we’re put on earth to make this placer better; we want to make it better for our children of today and tomorrow.”

Mazzulla and Pero, meanwhile, announced they hope to kick the “After School Program” off on Nov. 12. The program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Nov. 12 and operated immediately following dismissal from school until 4:45 p.m. The program will offer one day of academic help and quiet activities such as doing homework and one day of fitness. Students who enroll must attend both days. Academic help will be held at Ferri Middle School while bus transportation will be provided to Rainone Gym for the fitness day. All participants will receive a T-shirt and healthy after school snack, courtesy of Walgreens.

“It’s amazing how many kids get hungry after school between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m.,” Mazzulla said. “Now, this will be a great opportunity for the kids to combine education and athletics…we certainly hope parents and kids get behind it and realize the importance of being involved in an after school program.”

Mazzulla, who Polisena emphasized “is really good for kids and our town,” said, “There’s long-time positive effects from being involved in an after school program. It builds self-esteem, let alone all the physical aspects. A snack is a healthy component and, quite simply, it is much better than just going home after school.”

Enrollment is now being accepted at the new Johnston Parks and Recreation office or by calling 272-3460. The fee is only $35 per student.

Like Polisena, LaFazia, Pero and Martin – as well as other people connected tithe program – Mazzulla said it best.

“The parents have to believe in it,” Mazzulla said. “And the kids have to believe in it, too. We’re hoping that the parents show the kids the way; this can be a great program with a great corporate sponsor like Walgreens.”