All are invited to The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 61 Washington St., for a Candlelight Concert of Remembrance, on Sunday, November 6th at 4 pm; featuring members of St. John’s Choirs, Trinity Church Choir, and Salve Regina University Choir. Fauré Requiem and other works performed with orchestra; Parry’s Jerusalem, and the Navy […]
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Letter: Vote “No” on Question 5
This is NOT a vote on regionalizing the schools in Newport and Middletown. This is merely a vote on creating a central district office. Don’t be fooled by this ballot issue. Newport and Middletown schools will remain separate. In fact, if this ballot item is passed, and Middletown passes its bond question, there will be […]
Letter: Reconsider your position
In response some recent criticisms, I have to say that, if you really care about our kids and our local economy you may want to reconsider your position. Both towns have declining student enrollments. Young families cannot afford to move into either Middletown or Newport, and both schools offer limited curriculums. Middletown is made of […]
Upcoming Adult Programs at the Tiverton Public Library
Submitted by Tiverton Public Library The following is a list of library programs that adults can enjoy in November. Patrons are encouraged to visit tivertonlibrary.org or call 401-625-6796 to learn more and to register. All Month Long Tech Help Tech help is available to anyone who’d like to learn more about their computers and mobile […]
Letter: Fall is coyote “dispersal season” and sightings are on the rise
By now, the behavior patterns of our local coyotes during courting and pup-rearing seasons have become recognizable to many residents. Mating occurs in the early winter and pup-rearing from spring through the summer months. But fall brings another life-cycle event that should be on everyone’s radar—“dispersal season,” when young coyotes leave their packs to strike […]
Letter: Please don’t be misled by a flare (or a decoy flare) – Vote for the kids
Often opposition to a proposal or a new idea is a decoy – a fake substitution or flare intended to distract from something valid or challenging. School regionalization? Watch out for the flares. Flare #1 – Loss of union jobs.Reality – The school population will grow due to students returning to the schools from home […]
DEM will start work on replacing Main Street Boat Ramp in Westerly on November 1
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is pleased to announce that it will start work on replacing the Main Street boat ramp in Westerly on Nov. 1. The popular boat ramp, owned and maintained by DEM, provides access to the Pawcatuck River and is used by recreational boaters and paddlers alike.
The project will include removing and disposing of the existing concrete ramp and building a new 20-foot-wide pre-cast concrete ramp in the same footprint. The new ramp will have adjacent floating docks oriented in an L-shape, replacing the deteriorating fixed-dock system currently in place. The new docks will allow boaters to tie off their vessels, ensuring their launch is safe and convenient, while improving resiliency to rising water levels caused by global warming. The replacement will cost around $500,000 and is being financed by Rhode Island’s share of authorized and appropriated funds from the federal Sports Fish Recreation Act.
“Along with the clear benefit of providing a first-class facility for boaters, anglers, and paddlers to launch onto the Pawcatuck River and points beyond, this replacement project involves the work of a Rhode Island construction firm and local people, which makes it a win-win,” said Governor Dan McKee.
“This project combines and highlights several DEM priorities including clean water, fishery conservation, outdoor recreational opportunities, and ensuring shoreline and fishing access across Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Boat ramps are an important shared, public resource and anglers, recreational boaters, and paddlers from Westerly and beyond rely on the Main Street boat ramp to connect with nature. We’re pleased to announce the start date of this exciting project.”
DEM estimates the work will take seven months, with the ramp remaining closed throughout and reopening around May 1, 2023. The south half of the parking lot, including access to the existing boat ramp, will be closed during the construction. Access to the shoreline of the north half of the ramp property will remain open providing access to the Pawcatuck River for shoreline fishing and car top boats. For alternative public boat ramps, boaters can access the Barn Island boat launch at the end of Palmer Neck Road in Stonington, CT, or the Quonochontaug boat ramp at the end of West Beach Road in Charlestown.
The project was designed by staff of the DEM Division of Planning and Development and The Nature Conservancy. Commonly known as the Dingell-Johnson Act, the Sport Fish Restoration Program is a user-pay, user-benefit program that is derived from taxes on motorboat fuel, fishing equipment, and the purchase of some boats. Administered at the federal level by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the program invests these taxes into financial assistance for state management agencies to implement boating infrastructure improvements. Through it, similar saltwater boat ramp projects have been completed at DEM properties including the Quonnie Breachway, Galilee boat ramp in Narragansett, and Goddard State Park ramp in Warwick. The Main Street boat ramp improvement project will complement millions of dollars that federal, state, municipal, and nonprofit partners have already invested in state boating and fishing access infrastructure.
Recreational boating and fishing are ingrained in the culture of the Ocean State. They also are important economic drivers: 54,000 boats use Rhode Island waters each year, including more than 40,000 registered to RI owners. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, and attracting tourism. According to the USFWS, there are around 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. Recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.
The engineering design firm on the project is GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. GZA’s services include engineering, design, permitting, and construction phase oversight for a total of $66,300. The construction work will be done by Atlantic Marine Construction LLC out of Westerly.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
DEM announces RI’s first domestic avian flu case, found in Newport County
Photo credit: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) / USDA The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today is announcing that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agency, has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a noncommercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Newport […]
DEM cautions drivers to be alert for deer crossing roadways during mating season
PROVIDENCE, RI – With days growing shorter, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) cautions motorists to be on high alert for deer crossing roadways, particularly at dawn and dusk. The deer breeding season (known as the “rut”) begins in late October and continues through November until early December. Deer tend to move around more frequently during this time, and November is typically the peak period for collisions with motor vehicles.
Some tips for avoiding or mitigating auto collisions with deer include:
o Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
o Follow the speed limit; keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
o Always use seat belts, since most injuries occur to drivers who are not belted.
o If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane; swerving sharply can cause an even more serious crash.
o If you see a deer while operating a motor vehicle, proceed with caution and expect more than just one deer to appear.
Anyone who strikes a deer should exercise caution when approaching the deer, as it may only be stunned, and a person could become seriously injured by a wounded animal’s attempt to escape. In accordance with state law, any deer-vehicle collision must be reported to DEM’s 24-hour dispatch office at 222-3070, as well as to local police and the driver’s insurance company. Motorists also can notify the dispatcher if you see an injured or road-killed deer. Though small consolation, the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident may choose to keep the deer with a permit from DEM. The owner may request a permit when calling the 24-hour dispatch office to report the accident.
DEM works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat in Rhode Island forests and management areas to ensure healthier, more diverse, and abundant wildlife populations. White-tailed deer are a common sight in Rhode Island, with large populations all over the state, including many of the Bay Islands. Hunting has proven to be the most cost-effective, efficient, and successful method of controlling deer populations, which in turn ensures that the population remains in balance with ecological and social factors. Hunting deer is a traditional use of this natural resource for meat and hide. To learn about the latest deer harvest and deer hunter summary, please visit the DEM website. This information serves as a guide to future management decisions to ensure there is continued hunting opportunity for hunters while maintaining a healthy deer population.
Hunting has a long tradition in Rhode Island, supporting family customs, connecting people with nature, and attracting tourism to the state. Hunters provide funding for wildlife conservation through their purchase of firearms and ammunition through the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, and through the purchase of their state hunting licenses. Hunters and anglers purchase around 70,000 licenses, permits, stamps, and tags each year and contribute more than $235 million to the state economy.
Also, DEM is seeking a Wildlife Recovery Seasonal Assistant to work with the DEM Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). This position is responsible for assisting and supporting the recovery, disposal, and care of sick, injured, and/or dead wildlife; including owls, hawks, eagles, and especially deer killed by auto strikes. By joining #TeamDEM, you will support the agency’s mission of protecting natural resources, public health, and public safety. A full description of this opportunity and an application are available online. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 12, 2022 at 11:59 PM.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Follow DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife for more information on deer hunting and other timely updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rifishwildlife and Instagram (@ri.fishwildlife).
Letter: Vote for Xay and feel good
With all that is going on in the world – Putin’s invasion of Ukraine along with nuclear weapons threats, increasing negative impacts of climate change, rising gun violence, surging cost- of- living expenses – here is something you can feel good about. You can to Vote on November 8th to elect Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong […]
Letter: Robert Power is the right person at the right time for our Newport School Committee
At certain times, the right person is in the right position at the right time. Although it might seem eons until the November election, I would like to strongly recommend you consider voting for Robert Power for Newport School Committee. I have worked with him on several projects and can personally tell you he […]
Letter – Jamie Bova: I am proud to endorse Stephanie Smyth and Katherine Jessup for Newport City Council At-Large
After serving on the City Council for six years, I’ve seen firsthand the qualities that make someone an engaged and effective Councilor. With that experience in mind, I am proud to endorse Stephanie A. Smyth and Katherine A. Jessup for Newport City Council At-Large. These women have been canvassing throughout Newport, talking about the issues […]
Fall arrives at the Norman Bird Sanctuary with fun for the whole family
By Norman Bird Sanctuary Autumn has arrived at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, bringing with it fun for the whole family and plenty of opportunities to get outside this fall. Following the successful return of the Harvest Fair, the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s fall lineup is full of engaging, educational, and festive activities for participants of all […]
RIDOH, DEM recommend avoiding contact and water recreation with a section of Stafford Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contacting Stafford Pond in Tiverton in the vicinity of the boat ramp located off Stafford Pond Road (aka Route 81) due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can […]
Letter: Support Smyth for Newport City Council At-Large
I am writing to express my support for Stephanie Smyth’s campaign for Newport City Council. I did not know Steph prior to her announcement that she would run for one of the Council’s at-large seats. I attended one of her early Meet and Greet events at the Elks and I was excited to learn that she […]
Newport County Youth Chorus “Helping Hands” class begins November 1
By Newport County Youth Chorus The Newport County Youth Chorus is welcoming students in grades 2 through 4 to join us for our next 6-week session entitled “Helping Hands”. During this session, we will learn songs about friendship and helping others who are in need. Classes are offered on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:30 pm […]
Wheelchair Tennis Champions Esther Vergeer, Rick Draney Join Daniel Nestor and six returning players on International Tennis Hall of Fame’s ballot for 2023 induction
By the International Tennis Hall of Fame Wheelchair tennis legends Esther Vergeer of the Netherlands and Rick Draney of the United States join seven accomplished ATP and WTA players on the ballot for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. Draney and Vergeer are nominated for the Hall of Fame’s Wheelchair Tennis Category. In the […]
Grant award from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation supports the exploration of innovative human capital work in Newport
By Highlander Institute, in partnership with Newport Community School As reports of teacher shortages continue to dominate education news, Highlander Institute and Newport Community School are pleased to announce a new partnership with the van Beuren Charitable Foundation (vBCF) and Newport Public Schools (NPS). The two-fold project seeks to build the capacity of NPS Paraprofessionals […]
Letter – James Dring: Yes, I support regionalization
Yes, I support regionalization. At its core, it is a regionalization of the administration of the two schools. Newport will receive 46 million dollars paid over the life of the bond that was passed to build a new Rogers High School and to add a new addition to Pell School. The 46 million will be […]
Letter: Vote to regionalize our Newport-Middletown schools
It’s time we voted to merge into one vibrant Regional School District. The state-of-the-art buildings and the new money from the State that are proposed should school regionalization pass are just that—BUILDINGS and MONEY. It is what we do with these resources that will determine the expanded and improved educational benefits that will be available […]
Letter – Newport Voters: Our community needs you to reject Question 5
I am a parent of young children in Newport and am highly invested in our public schools. I have attended several public meetings discussing the proposal to regionalize Newport and Middletown schools. While I would be thrilled to support a plan to unify our two small school systems; to create opportunities to expand AP courses, […]
Gov. Mckee declares October as Farm to School Month, state announces $260,000 local fresh food to schools program
PROVIDENCE, RI – With Governor Dan McKee proclaiming October as Farm to School Month across Rhode Island, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing a $260,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School grant award. The statewide proclamation aligns with National Farm to School Month, which Congress designated in 2010 as an annual showcase of food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with nutritious, local ingredients. The award will provide Rhode Island Farm to School (RIF2S) funding allowing the network to boost local procurement for Rhode Island schools, hire a full-time Farm and Sea to School Coordinator, and expand funding for the RIF2S Network which has expanded the RIF2S network throughout Rhode Island.
“As a dad and the husband of a teacher, I know the importance of having fresh, local fruits and vegetables in our schools,” Governor McKee said. “That’s why as Governor, I’m honored to proclaim October as Farm to School Month. Thanks to our very strong public-private food system partnership, school districts across Rhode Island are buying and serving locally-grown produce while ensuring high nutrition standards at the same time. Encouraging kids to eat healthier while supporting local farmers is a win-win. It also makes our food supply chain more resilient. I’m proud of the progress we’re making.”
“Food, nutrition, and gardening education programs empower students to make informed choices, form lifelong healthy habits, improve eating behaviors, and enhance academic achievement – so, obtaining this USDA Farm to School grant award is a very big deal and a tribute to the effectiveness of all partners involved in the endeavor,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The fact that RIF2S also helps local farmers and stimulates the Rhode Island economy makes it a win on every level.”
“We are thrilled to work together with our partners to expand Rhode Island Farm to School and bring nutritious meals to all children, regardless of their zip code,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Angélica Infante-Green. “Thank you to Rhode Island’s farmers, educators, and wellness advocates who help our children learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to the great impact these new RIF2S investments will have on our school communities.”
“Rhode Island’s small farms, fishers, and local food producers have taken advantage of the ‘buy local’ movement through farmers markets and CSAs. However, they face barriers to accessing institutional markets which offer more consistent and high volume sales but require standardized products, connections to certain distributors, and for K-12, strict nutrition requirements to meet national school lunch standards,” said CommerceRI Director of Food Strategy Julianne Stelmaszyk. “We look forward to partnering with DEM and RIDE to hire the State’s first Farm & Sea to School Coordinator to provide important value chain coordination, build stronger connections across the supply chain, and support school food service operators in identifying strategies to serve more locally grown, caught, and harvested food in schools. This a clear win for our kids and our small businesses.”
“Farm Fresh Rhode Island is excited to work with DEM and the RI Farm to School Network to continue to build strong relationships between schools and the local food system,” said Farm Fresh Rhode Island Co-Executive Director Jesse Rye. “Forging transparent sourcing relationships helps to ensure that local farmers, fishers, and food makers play a significant role in providing nutritious school meals to Rhode Island’s students. Local food in schools contributes to a more resilient supply chain that is better for the environment and bolsters local economies.”
“We’re seeing a growing interest for Farm to School in communities across the state. Families, students, and educators are becoming more knowledgeable about where their food come from along with its economic and environmental impact,” said RI Healthy Schools Coalition Co-Director Karin Wetherill. “There’s always excitement when local fresh foods are prepared and served in school cafeterias. They taste great, after all!”
The RIF2S Project began in 1999 with the goal of improving children’s nutrition, support sustainable agriculture, and preserve open space and the quality of Rhode Island’s environment by integrating locally grown foods into school cafeterias.
Recently, farm to school at the statewide level has been re-energized through the creation of the Rhode Island Farm to School Network. It’s a joint initiative of DEM, the Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition, CommerceRI Director of Food Strategy, and Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI). In the past two years, the RIF2S network has worked to engage partners to develop, expand, and strengthen local procurement, education, and gardening initiatives through unified advocacy, organization, and funding to address the growth and sustainability of a statewide program. The RIF2S network seeks to engage partners across the state to develop, expand, and strengthen local purchasing, education, and gardening initiatives and welcomes individuals from the school, farm/food producer, and community sectors to join.
With the announcement of this new funding comes new priorities and partners are especially committed to increasing local procurement.
The new funding will be mobilized to support the following three key objectives:
o Hire a Farm and Sea to School Coordinator to address distribution barriers to increasing procurement of locally produced, caught, and harvested foods and to increase engagement with members of the RI Farm to School Network from underserved and underrepresented communities.
o Establish a comprehensive action plan to provide a road map to expand access to local food and agricultural education across all school districts in Rhode Island.
o Energize and engage a broader and more diverse group of farmers, fishers, and food producers to solve distribution barriers that limit the ability of schools to source more regionally produced foods.
To celebrate a yearly Farm to School tradition, the 2022 RIF2S network’s “Apple Crunch” event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19, when students across Rhode Island will set their watches for 12 PM and bite into locally grown apples! Classrooms and cafeterias or school groups anywhere can participate by registering online to get an Apple Crunch Celebration Guide with ideas on how to assemble a planning team, source local apples, incorporate farm to school education, and promote activities. Share videos and photos on social media with #RIAppleCrunch22.
If you are passionate about Rhode Island Farm to School and connecting children with locally grown and nutritious foods, please visit and get involved by visiting the Rhode Island Farm to School Network at www.rifarmtochool.org. There are many events and fun filled resources to explore!
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
Letter: These Midterm elections are pivotal
While we may wonder at times what one man can do, we are given some very clear examples. Take the global economic shutdown and pandemic response by the former administration. Not asking, for public health reasons, for all Americans to observe social distance and vaccination led directly to the deaths of 250,000 Americans who could […]
Fundraiser for Lucy’s Hearth planned for October 19
By Family Service of Rhode Island on behalf of Lucy’s Hearth At a time when the lack of affordable housing and rising inflation is affecting us all, it has also pushed more children and families experiencing homelessness into temporary shelters than ever before. To raise awareness about this huge need and recognize those that are helping […]
Senator Reed-backed Bill to help states with energy and cost saving weatherization upgrades gets included in NDAA
via Senator Jack Reed’s office WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help more families lower household energy costs, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Coons (D-DE) on the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act (S. 3769) to improve delivery of weatherization assistance while reducing aggregate […]