By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — A city resident known for his dedication to the Portuguese community and a restaurant that is considered to be a local landmark are both being honored through recent actions approved by the City Council.

At a meeting on July 8, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution to dedicate the playground on Smithfield Avenue to William San Bento Sr., the father of State Rep. William San Bento Jr., who represents the Fairlawn district. The resolution was requested by Councilor James Chadwick Jr. 
While never holding an elected position himself, the elder San Bento, who came to Pawtucket from Portugal in 1936, was long active in city politics and civic organizations. A World War II veteran, he was involved in numerous events involving the local Portuguese community, including serving as the first and longtime chairman of the Day of Portugal Parade, a founding member of the Portuguese-American Committee in Pawtucket, and a member of the Seven Castles Club.
The playground, which is located between Owen Avenue and Morris Avenue, is just across the street and a block up from the San Bento Real Estate and Insurance Agency.
By another resolution, requested by Council President Henry S. Kinch, Jr., the intersection of Newport Avenue and Armistice Boulevard, at the site of Kip's restaurant, will be officially dedicated as Kip's Corner.
Kip's Restaurant, considered a “culinary institution” by scores of local residents, will be celebrating its 50th year in business on July 28. The resolution states that the City Council “wishes to recognize Kip's restaurant for five decades of outstanding service to the residents of Pawtucket and wishes them many years of continued success satisfying the palates of Pawtucket residents.”
In other matters, the council approved the appointment of Patricia McAlpine, of 123 Cottage St., Pawtucket, was appointed as a member of the Riverfront Commission.
A resolution of the City Council involving the conveyance of city property at 25 Andrew Ferland Way, which is the site of the Dennis M. Lynch Ice Arena, was referred to the City's Property Committee. The matter of the sale of the ice arena to a private company is expected to be taken up at the Council's next meeting on July 22 at 12 noon.
Also, the City Council's Board of License Commissioners approved a request from the owner of Restaurant Di Nos at 908 Main St., to serve food and alcoholic beverages and have bands play throughout the day in the parking lot on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 8 p.m.
The council also approved a petition for a temporary entertainment license allowing the Clube Social Portuguese to conduct an annual picnic and festival with live music and traditional food in the parking lot at 131 Water St. on Friday, Aug. 14, Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16. The request would involve closing the Water Street Extension from Division Street to School Street on those dates.
A petition was also granted to Mixed Magic Theatre for a license to conduct a live theatre at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre on Aug. 13, 14, 14, 21 and 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.