Explorer Post 405 set for 21st Macaroni & Meatball Dinner

Johnston Sun Rise ·

It’s a tradition Johnston Police Lt. Joseph Salvadore once helped make a success during his younger years as a member of Explorer Post 405.

It’s a tradition that Sunday will mark 21 years, and one that is vital to the sustained success of the Johnston Police Department’s award-winning junior law enforcement program.

Explorer Post 405’s annual Macaroni & Meatball Dinner on Sunday will be open to the public, and officers like Capt. Thomas H. Dolan are hoping for a big turnout inside Kelley Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 at 1418 Plainfield St. on the Cranston-Johnston line.

Allegra Graziano, who was recently installed as Post 405’s new chief, said the family-style meal will begin at 1 p.m. and continue to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, and those under the age of 10 are admitted free.

“This dinner is always a fun event,” said George Arakelian, who owns A Custom Car Stereo Center on Atwood Avenue and serves as vice president of the Friends of the Explorers Advisory Board. “Ralph [DeFusco] always does a great job. His food is excellent, and we guarantee that no one will go home hungry.”

The menu for Sunday’s dinner includes macaroni, meatballs, salad, bread, and dessert. The event will also feature a number of raffles and prizes and is used strictly as a means to raise revenue for operating expenses associated with Explorer Post 405, which is made up on young people ages 14 to 20 who have expressed an interest in pursuing law enforcement as a career.

Although tickets can be purchased at the door on Sunday, tables can be reserved by calling Arakelian at 401-946-0010 or Dolan at 401-757-3100, ext. 3138.

John Bousquet, who serves as current president of the Friends of Explorers Post 405, also has tickets and can be reached at 401-529-4359. Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian, the adult advisory group’s treasurer, is also taking ticket reservations at 401-499-1317.