Tonight's AIPC "Celebration of People" to Honor Late Dr. Robert J. Quigley

"Celebration of the People and Places of Aquidneck Island," tonight's Aquidneck Island Planning Commission anniversary dinner, will honor the late Dr. Robert J. Quigley of Portsmouth, an AIPC founding member whose service to the organization spans 25 years.

So far, more than 170 guests have pre-registered for the event, according to AIPC Executive Director Tina Dolen on Tuesday night.

The event will be held at the . “There is no charge for the event, but contributions to the new fund will be greatly appreciated,” Dolen said in a recent announcement.

Dr. Quigley served as chairman of the state of Rhode Island Department of Health – Health Services Committee. He was also past president of the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society and, for years, dedicated his time to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Advisory Committee and the Portsmouth Planning Board, according to a statement released by the AIPC. 

“As chairman of the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission and chairman of the West Side Master Plan Task Force, Dr. Quigley was a visionary in planning for Aquidneck Island,” current AIPC Chairman Richard P. Adams said in an announcement. 

Dr. Quigley helped set professional chiropractic standards for Massachusetts and Rhode Island and on state and national levels. He was named "Chiropractor of the Year" in 1994 and "Newport Daily News Citizen of the Year" for 2001.

He was a graduate of Rogers High School, Rhode Island College and the Chiropractic Institute of New York. He passed away in September of 2010. 

Peter Janaros, engineer for the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, was a founder of the AIPC along with Dr. Quigley and other dedicated individuals. In 1985, Dr. Quigley led the AIPC to play a significant role in developing the  structure and goals of what became the first regional planning authority in the state.

The evening program schedule includes a jazz and classical piano performance by Lois Vaughan, the introduction of the new Dr. Robert J. Quigley Excellence in Planning Fund, presentations and awards. 

The first three awards to be announced at the dinner will be presented by a member of the Quigley family, according to Dolen. 

The dinner also will include a presentation to honor the great variety of places and people on Aquidneck Island, as well as a special tribute presentation to Dr. Quigley, stated Dolen.

The AIPC also is expected to announce a new partnership program to begin over the next few months, she said 

Due to a surge in reservations in recent days, AIPC Executive Director Tina Dolen announced the reservation period would be extended to accomodate recent interest. To find out if reservations continue to be accepted, email tina@aquidneckplanning.org or call 401-845-9299. A cash cocktail hour will precede a dinner donated by the Atlantic Beach Club.