Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame to induct new members – here's who is being honored

Jack Perry, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
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The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame will induct nine new members in its 58th induction ceremony Saturday, May 6, at The Crowne Plaza Pavilion in Warwick.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1965 to honor “any individual who has brought credit to Rhode Island, brought Rhode Island into prominence, and contributed to the history and heritage of the state,” according to board president Albert Beauparlant.

Members include Roger Williams, Massasoit, Sen. Claiborne Pell and former nun, attorney general and radio host Arlene Violet.

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Here's a list of this year's inductees, with brief descriptive information provided by the Hall of Fame:

Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson became the second woman and the first African-American jurist confirmed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2010. She will be inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame May 6.
Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson became the second woman and the first African-American jurist confirmed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2010. She will be inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame May 6.

  • Gail Cahalan-Conley, real estate developer, business woman, patron of the arts, philanthropist, humanitarian,and advocate of Native American rights.

  • Steve Kass, national and local radio and TV commentator, animal rights activist,philanthropist, and director of Big Brothers of Rhode Island.

  • Robert “Rocky” Kempenaar, developer of commercial real estate and hotel operations, civic leader, and longtime supporter of the programs of the U.S. Naval War College.

  • Barbara A. Papitto, businesswoman, accountant, philanthropist, and champion of communitiesof color through her Papitto Opportunity Connection.

  • J. Lynn Singleton, manager for more than four decades of the Providence Performing ArtsCenter (PPAC), called by Providence Business News “a driving force in the Rhode Islandbusiness community.”

  • Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson, Rhode Island attorney and Superior Court judge who rose to the high rank ofSenior Justice of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

  • Gene Valicenti, radio host at WPRO and TV anchorman at WJAR who has raised money for charitablecauses and earned many broadcasting awards for excellence.

  • Robert “Bob” Venturini, Rhode Island cable TV host for more than 30 years who is noted not only for hisprogramming but also for his many charitable campaigns, especially his Toys for TotsTelethon.

  • James R. Winoker, successful jewelry manufacturer, real estate developer, historical preservationistand philanthropist.

The ceremony will start with a 5 p.m. social hour, and 6 p.m. dinner, including entertainment and then the inductions. The cost is $105 per person or n or $975 for a table of 10.

Reservations must be purchased by April 29. The invitation and reservation form can be downloaded at www.riheritagehalloffame.com, or emailed to you by calling (401) 273-1787, Penelope Ames, Hall of Fameadministrative assistant.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Nine people will be inducted to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame