Coronavirus: Rep. Ruggiero Brings Lunch To Nursing Centers Staffs

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Jamestown, Middletown) visited three Middletown nursing centers on Thursday where she and her staff delivered 36 pizzas to the staffs at Blenheim-Newport, John Clare Retirement and Nursing Center and Grand Islander.

"Front line workers at nursing homes are caring for some of the most at-risk people in Rhode Island, and are working nonstop to protect family members in their care," said Ruggiero, the Democrat who represents Jamestown and Middletown. "The high stakes of keeping the virus out of each center has made their jobs extremely, extremely stressful and difficult every day. Yet, day in and day out, they continue treating our friends and family with a smile and a positive attitude.

"They are the real heroes," she concluded. "I just wanted to say thank you to them for the work and dedication they bring to their job every day through this crisis."

Representative Ruggiero also thanked Constantine Amarant and his family at Aquidneck Restaurant and Pizzeria in Middletown, for handling her large order so well, and to Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Middletown, Portsmouth), who helped behind the scenes.

“It was very much appreciated by the staff of the John Clarke Nursing Center, who felt supported by Representative Ruggiero and her kindness and generosity," said Dru Boiani, director of nursing services at John Clarke Retirement and Nursing Center, in a statement provided by Ruggiero's office. "It was wonderful. This is the first time during this crisis that someone in politics has reached out to the long-term care workers here, and it really did mean a lot to us."

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