New Single-Use Plastic Bag Regulations for Westerly, RI

Beginning January 1, 2020 new Single-Use Plastic Bag Regulations will be in effect.

For further information please review the approved regulations and the Joint Committee on Plastics Utilization and Commerce web page.

Single-Use Plastic Bag Regulations

https://ecode360.com/34194822

Joint Committee on Plastics Utilization and Commerce Web Page

http://www.westerlyri.gov/698/Plastics-Utilization-and-Commerce

Mayor Grebien Welcomes All to Holiday Dinner

To Take Place December 4^th

PAWTUCKET – Mayor Donald R. Grebien cordially invites the Pawtucket community to attend the annual Mayor’s Holiday Dinner, to be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Holy Family Parish Hall (195 Walcott Street, Pawtucket).

The long standing tradition is free and open to all city residents and is sponsored by the generous donations of food, money, and volunteer help from area businesses and individuals. The dinner has always enjoyed the company of “celebrity guests” that serve as our wait staff for the day.

Transportation to and from the holiday dinner will be provided with a continuous shuttle beginning at 11:30 a.m. from the following locations:

·       Leon Mathieu Senior Center, 420 Main Street

·       Fogarty Manor Parking Lot, 214 Roosevelt Avenue

·       Kennedy Manor Parking Lot, 175 Broad Street

·       St. Germain Manor Parking Lot, 401 Mineral Spring Avenue

·       Slater Hill House Parking Lot, 8 George Street

·       Towers East Parking Lot, 75 East Avenue

For people looking for more information about the event, or for people who would like to know how they can help, the Mayor’s office can be reached by calling 401-728-0500 Extension 281. Interested parties may also email amartins@pawtucketri.com for further information.

Bigelow Center Activities and Events for the weeks of November 18, 2019

The events listed below are coming up at Bigelow Center in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Bigelow will show the movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” on Friday, November 22.

Volunteers wanted! We’re looking for a few good volunteers to help during lunch. Please stop by the front desk if
you have an hour to spare (11:45-12:45) to help serve lunch. Click here to sign up.

Critical Conversations
Tuesday, November 19 at 12 Noon
If something were to happen to you or someone in your family… are your loved ones prepared for the situation?

This discussion will focus on how to broach the topic, what needs to be addressed, and introduces a “Contingency Organizer” that can assist in capturing critical information before there is a need. Larry Rollins, CFP and Jim Hughes, CFP. Sturges Ridge presents. Registration required.

The Revolutionary Spies of Fairfield
Wednesday, November 20 at 10:30 AM
Join us at the Bigelow Center for a special program presented by Walt Matis, of the Fairfield Museum. One of the most successful spy operations on either side of the war was the Culper Spy Ring. The Spy Ring was created by George Washington to obtain intelligence about the British. Benjamin Tallmadge was key in creating the spy ring.

Tallmadge became General George Washington’s chief intelligence officer, rising the rank of Colonel. The "Culper"
name was suggested by Washington, inspired by Culpeper County, Virginia. Tallmadge identified childhood friends
from Setauket. Many of them lived within a mile of each other and grew up together. He recruited them to take part in the spy ring, including Caleb Brewster, Abraham Woodhull, Austin Roe, and Nancy Strong. Registration required.

Caregivers’ Forum at the Bigelow Center
Continue the conversation about being a Caregiver. Please join us for a guided discussion about the challenges &
issues experienced by Caregivers. Wednesday, 11/20 from 3:30—4:30. Moderated by Melissa DiVito and David
Magner, Early Memory Loss Program Coordinator at Grasmere on Park, a program of Jewish Senior Services.

Friends Fall Thursday Nights conclude this week November 21: Mark Albertson presents Manipulation of Consent. As the standard by which we judge the strength of American democracy, public opinion—its origins, its development, and its influence—is a key concern of modern political science. Operating at both the individual level and the collective level, public preferences are
quite complex. Mark Alberton presents the origins of public opinion, the state of contemporary public knowledge
about politics, and the ways that political elites shape and measure public opinion.

Light supper served at 5:45. The program begin at 6:30. Cost: $5 per person. Advance PAID Registration required by Wednesday.

A Rockwell Christmas. Start at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge before setting off to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. The museum holds the largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Highlights include favorites from Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers and the powerful Four Freedoms painting. Before heading back to Fairfield, enjoy a leisurely drive through forest Park’s Bright Nights while listening to holiday music. See a variety of designs, animals and objects lit up for the holidays. Date: December 10, 2019. Time: 9:00 departure. 7:45 p.m. estimated return. Cost: $114 per person, limit 52.

SIK Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Pawtucket, Rhode Island - Please join Support is Key (SIK) Clothing LLC and owner Joey ‘Cash’ Debarros in the third annual SIK Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Aside from 500 turkeys, free kid jackets and Domino’s Pizza will also be given away for free.

Support is Key Clothing was a brand started right in Pawtucket by Joey Cash six years ago. Part of the funds raised through sales are used to give back to the community with

When: November 17^th from 1pm to 5pm

Where: 574 Main Street, Pawtucket, 02860

Westerly Fall Rabies Clinic

Sunday, October 20, 2019
Fall Rabies Clinic. Dogs on leashes, cats in carriers, bring any previous vaccination history with you if available.

Date:

October 20, 2019

Time:

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Time Details:

Sunday, October 20, 2019 10:00 AM-Noon

Location:

View Facility

Animal Shelter

Address:

33 Larry Hirsch Lane
Westerly, RI 02891

Cost:

$10.00 cash only Cats and Dogs

Mayor Elorza Invites Residents to Celebrate the Pedestrian Bridge During PRONK!

Culture and community collide during the City’s annual celebration of art and activism

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza will join Department of Art, Culture + Tourism Director Stephanie Fortunato, WaterFire Providence Executive Artistic Director Barnaby Evans, BIG NAZO’s renegade circus family, PRONK! (Providence HONK!) artists and community members for a music-filled extravaganza on the pedestrian bridge. The celebration will kick off on the steps of the bridge (South Water Street side) at 6:00 PM, where a moment of silence will recognize the native inhabitants of the land. Following the land acknowledgement, a torch procession across the bridge, courtesy of WaterFire Providence, will illuminate performances by visual artists and PRONK! bands.

For over a decade, PRONK! has drawn national acclaim for its signature blend of art and activism. Every October, musicians from around the globe descend on Providence as part of a national street band movement.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy PRONK! festivities, including a parade around the City, before the bridge celebration begins. For more details on PRONK!, including a full schedule of events, visit: http://providencehonkfest.org/

WHO:                   Mayor Jorge O. Elorza; Department of Art, Culture + Tourism Director Stephanie Fortunato; WaterFire Providence Executive Artistic Director Barnaby Evans; PRONK! artists, BIG NAZO; and community partners

WHAT:                 A celebration of music, public space, and community

WHERE:               The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

WHEN:                 Monday, October 14, 2019, from 6 PM to 7 PM

Youth to Senior Snow Shoveling Program Continues in Pawtucket

Pawtucket, Rhode Island – Mayor Donald R. Grebien and the Pawtucket City Council have announced that the Pawtucket’s Youth to Senior Shoveling Program is now accepting requests from Pawtucket seniors to be placed on the list to be matched with a snow shoveling volunteer for this winter. After another successful season last year matching dedicated youth volunteers with senior citizens from the Pawtucket community who need assistance in shoveling their stairs and sidewalks, the City of Pawtucket is proud to continue this program for the 8th year.

The program was spearheaded by Beth Roberge who will be stepping aside after seven years as Senior Liaison.

“I cannot put into words how thankful I am for her service to our community and the senior population as she began and elevated the program. It truly flourished under her leadership and care, gaining notoriety from various media outlets and questions from other cities throughout the country on her template for success,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien.

For this year, Homeless Liaison, Thomas Hodge, will take on the responsibility of the Senior Liaison

Pawtucket to Form New Charter Review Commission

Welcoming Interested Residents to be Join the Commission

Pawtucket – Mayor Donald R. Grebien announced that he is seeking applicants to serve on the Charter Review Commission that will review the governing document of the city and make recommendations for potential changes that would go before voters on the November 2020 ballot.

“The Charter Review Commission will play a truly important role in our city moving forward through the evaluation of our Charter. We ask our residents interested in community involvement to take part in serving,” said Mayor Grebien.

The commission will consist of nine or eleven members, chosen so as to be broadly representative of the residents of the city. Meetings of the charter review panel will be duly posted open meetings that will include opportunity for input by the general public.

In 2016, voters approved two of the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations: Replacing charter language related to ethics reviews with a simple requirement that elected officials comply with the Rhode Island Code of Ethics and eliminating references to certain city positions that are no longer filled while adding other positions that have been created.

“Since that time, there may be other charter sections that may now warrant thorough review and potential changes,” said Mayor Grebien. “For the benefit of transparent and responsive city government, I firmly believe it’s well worth undertaking this effort.”

Letters of interest and resumes will be accepted through August 28, 2019 with the commission to hold its initial organizational meeting on or about October 1^st. Residents who served on the last charter panel, will also be considered and are invited to update their resumes. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the city. By charter, members of the commission serve without financial compensation and the panel must conclude its work within one year of when it is formed. Draft amendments to the charter must be submitted to the Mayor and City Council for consideration to appear on the ballot

Any resulting recommendations for charter changes would require approval by voters on the November 2020 ballot in order to take effect.

To apply to serve on the commission, send a letter of interest and resume to: Wil Arboleda, Mayor’s Office, Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or by email to warboleda@pawtucketri.com.

Local Musicians to Perform an Outdoor Concert of Music of the 1940s

Local Musicians Suzanne Sheridan, Greg DeTroy & John Mobilio to Perform an Outdoor Concert of Music of the 1940s at Norwalk Historical Society Museum

(NORWALK, CT) Travel back in time to the 1940s! Join the Norwalk Historical Society for an end of summer outdoor concert, “As Time Goes By...Music of the 1940s”, featuring local musician Suzanne Sheridan with Greg DeTroy on keyboards and John Mobilio on standup bass.  The concert takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 3:00pm outside on the new patio at the Norwalk Historical Society Museum overlooking the Norwalk River.  The trio will be performing classic songs of the era such as “I’ll Be Seeing You”, “As Time Goes By” as well as many others from Cole Porter and George Gershwin. 1940’s inspired refreshments will be served! Event also includes a viewing of the society’s new World War 2 exhibit, “Caught in the Crosshairs: The Secret of the Norden Bombsight”.  Tickets are $20 for adults & $15 for Seniors (65+) and can be purchased athttps://musicofthe1940s.brownpapertickets.com/, by calling 203-846-0525, and at the door. Advanced ticket purchase highly recommended. 

The Norwalk Historical Society Museum entrance and parking is available at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Avenue.  The museum is in the red brick house with blue double front doors, next to the Norwalk Health Dept.  If there is inclement weather, the concert will be held at an alternate location indoors at the townhouse at Mill Hill Historic Park 2 East Wall Street in Norwalk. People will be notified via email, social media and the website.

About Suzanne Sheridan 
Suzanne is a professional photographer, professional singer/songwriter/philosopher & co-owner of The Legacy Project USA. For five years she hosted and performed at a series called “Coffeehouse at the Wheelers” for the Westport Historical Society. The concerts she developed – tributes to Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Carole King, Carly Simon, James Taylor, and the Great American Songbook – have gone on to other venues such as Voices Café and to other countries such as Canada and Australia. Her musical career began with singing jingles for Pepsi and Hasbro Toys and writing and performing her original songs in many venues. She has won awards and recognition for her music and many will recognize a song she co-wrote with her life partner Rozanne Gates – “90 Pound Suburban Housewife Driving in Her SUV.”  Ms. Sheridan performs many musical styles and genres including the American Songbook of classic American songs by songwriters such as Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, and Cole Porter:https://www.suzannesheridanmusic.com & https://www.suzannesheridan.com.

For more information visitwww.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, e-mailinfo@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org , or call 203-846-0525. The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  

Miss America Announces 2020 Competition Date!

The following is news shared from Miss America on the competition dates.

The 2020 Miss America Competition Live on NBC December 19, 2020 from Mohegan Sun Arena

Miss America friends and fans,  We are thrilled to join NBC in sharing the news that Miss America 2020 will air live on NBC on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 8-10 PM ET from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

Mohegan Sun is a premiere entertainment destination with plenty of entertainment options for Miss America fans. Mohegan Sun Arena is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar, Venues Now and the Academy of Country Music Awards. More information about this amazing property can be found HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage for travel information.  An initial room block for Miss America Friends & Family is in place.

RESERVATIONS

More details on the show and competition week, including when tickets will go on sale, will be coming soon!   Miss America 2020 is underway!

High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield Celebrates 30 Years!

Fairfield, Connecticut - First Selectman Mike Tetreau is pleased to announce that the High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield (HSSFF) is celebrating 30 years of providing scholarships to graduating seniors at Fairfield's public high schools! In honor of this milestone, First Selectman Tetreau has issued town proclamations for both Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe high schools.

The HSSFF has awarded approximately $2 million in scholarships to graduates since its inception and will present 140 scholarships to graduating seniors on June 13, 2019, the night before graduation, at Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe’s annual Awards Night celebrations.

These scholarships are funded by contributions from individuals, families, service and social organizations, businesses and bequests. About 40 percent of its scholarships are needs based, while the remainder recognize students for academic pursuits, leadership, music achievement, athletic accomplishments, and community service, among other criteria. HSSFF also administers scholarships for each Fairfield school PTA, as well as the Fairfield PTA Council.

HSSFF President April Burggraf said, “We are grateful for the support HSSFF receives each year

City of Providence Releases First Annual RePowerPVD Report

Fogarty Elementary School distinguished as part of buildings participating in voluntary energy reduction program that realized savings of $345,000, reduced carbon footprint

PROVIDENCE R.I.- Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Director of Sustainability Leah Bamberger today announced the release of the City of Providence’sfirst annual RePowerPVD report that highlights the successes of a voluntary energy reduction program for large buildings throughout the capital city. Energy used in buildings is one of the leading sources of climate pollution locally, accounting for roughly 70 percent of the city’s carbon footprint. The RePowerPVD program challenges large buildings throughout Providence to reduce their energy usage by 20 percent compared to a baseline taken in 2015.

“The threat of climate change is so great that we can no longer wait for Washington to lead the way,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “That’s why Providence is taking the initiative to reduce its climate footprint as part of our goal to become a carbon neutral city by 2050. I thank the participants for their commitment to a greener and more sustainable Providence.”

The RePowerPVD report, prepared by City’s Office of Sustainability, identifies $345,000 in total energy cost savings, a total energy use reduction of 17,769 MMBtu and a greenhouse gas reduction of 1042.5 Metric Tons CO2e realized by participating properties. The total measured energy reduction of participating buildings is equivalent to removing 221 cars from the road for one year or the annual average electricity use for 182 households.

The report identifies Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in the South Providence neighborhood as the first-ever participating building to have reduced its energy usage by more than 20 percent by 2025 as compared to a baseline taken in 2015. The school achieved a 26 percent energy use reduction this year as compared to its 2015 baseline.

Mayor Elorza launched the RePowerPVD buildings energy challenge in 2018, which has since enrolled over 1,737,156 Gross Square Feet of Providence building space. In addition to highlighting the progress made during the first year of the program, the report also features three new projects that are enrolled in the RePowerPVD “Race to Zero” competition, where properties compete to become the first Zero Energy Building (ZEB) in Providence. Participants include Truth Box, Inc., Sheridan Small Homes by ONE Neighborhood Builders, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo Education Center.

“By committing to energy conservation, these RePowerPVD property owners are saving money and protecting the planet and future generations,” said Leah Bamberger, Director of Sustainability. “Retrofitting Providence’s existing buildings to be more energy efficient is critical to creating a healthier, cleaner Providence for current and future generations to enjoy.”

The RePowerPVD report complements the Municipal Energy Report for Fiscal Year 2018, which showcases multiple improvements in energy use within City-owned facilities. Some notable achievements include:

·         Reduction of building and outdoor lighting energy use by 15 percent since FY10

·         The City’s expenditures on energy have declined by 33 percent since FY10

·         Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities have decreased 30 percent since FY10, a 2.4 percent improvement from last year

·         Recent investments in lighting and mechanical efficiency measures have reduced electricity consumption by 32 percent since FY10 and 13.5 percent since last year

·         The City has converted all its 16,800 streetlights to smart LED fixtures, estimated to save $18.9 million in the next ten years, and expected to reduce City carbon emissions by about 9,441 metric tons annually

·         15 buildings increased their Energy Star scores between FY17 and FY18

"Sailing Western Penobscot Bay" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Sailing Western Penobscot Bay" by Doug Mills

America's oldest schooner, Lewis R French, built 1871, sailing western Penobscot Bay near Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

'Schooner American Eagle" The Maine Windjammer Project

 'Schooner American Eagle" by Doug Mills

Schooner American Eagle, built 1930, sailing past Owls Head on her way back to her home port of Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

Connecticut and Rhode Island 7 Day Forecast

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 45. East wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday

A chance of rain before noon, then a chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com

People's Credit Union Wins Best Credit Union from Readers of Newport Life Magazine

People's Credit Union was recently awarded Newport Life Magazine's Best of Newport County's Best Bank/Credit Union.

This fun and spirited award is voted on by the magazine's readers and residents of Newport County. People's is proud that its members helped to recognize their financial institution as "best of." One of People's Credit Union's core values is providing an extraordinary member experience. This core value, which is a cornerstone of the organization, speaks volumes about People's Credit Union and its commitment to those that choose to bank there.

"At People's Credit Union, it is our mission to provide our members with more than just a place to do their banking. The 'People Helping People' philosophy is who we are and how we do business. We give our members the tools to achieve their financial goals through our products, services and technologies, while also striving to deliver the best member experience. We are honored to receive this award." commented Ellen Ford, People's President and CEO.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S CREDIT UNION
People's offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People's Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government.  For more information about People's Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com.

"Majestic Schooner Heritage" the Maine Windjammer Project

"Majestic Schooner Heritage" by Doug Mills

The majestic schooner Heritage under full sail at Rockland Maine.

Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project

The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.

This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.

For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com