Local Businesses Donate New Sign to MLK Center

With a united community effort from across Aquidneck Island, there is now a new sign in front of the  The project was organized and overseen by Bob Mastin of Custom House Coffee, an MLK Community Center Board member. 

Mastin spearheaded the project, designed the sign, gained zoning approval and obtained the materials necessary for completion.

“The MLK does a great job in its hunger, education and community programming,” Mastin said.  “I really felt the center needed signage to reflect the good work it does for Newport County.”

Materials and labor were donated by many local contractors: Tom O’Connor of O’Connor’s Art Work in Portsmouth donated the materials and lettering to complete the sign;  Bob Reed, Mike Souza and David Cidade of JAM Construction Company in Middletown did the excavation work, the sign installation, and construction of the planter box; Angelo Botelho of Tumbleweed Landscaping in Middletown donated mulch; Steve Mathias of Contract Design and Automation in Middletown, welded, assembled and painted the sign; Kevin Reed of KMR Construction in Newport aided in the installation of the sign and the planter boxes; and Jerry Borges of Shamrock Electric in Middletown provided the electrical supplies and lighting of the sign. The children enrolled in the MLK’s afterschool programs planted daffodils and tulips for next spring.

“The MLK Community Center has felt like it’s been hidden in plain sight.  So many people on Aquidneck Island have heard of the center, but were unaware that it was located just a block away from City Hall and Broadway in downtown Newport,” said Executive Director Marilyn Warren.  “Our terrific new sign beautifully showcases the work we do.  We are deeply grateful to Bob Mastin and all of these local businesses who generously donated their time, talent, and resources. Now, those who need us can more easily find us.” 

Thanks to the MLK Community Center for providing this information.