Senate passes bill requiring onsite wastewater treatment systems, removal of cesspools

            
Posted by Wayne G. Barber
STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) that would provide for the eventual removal of all cesspools in the state.
 The bill (2015-S 0369A) would amend the Rhode Island Cesspool Act of 2007, including replacing individual sewage disposal systems with onsite wastewater treatment systems and would require cesspool removal or replacement upon the transfer of the property where the cesspool is located under certain circumstances.
 The current law requires the phase-out of cesspools located within 200 feet of a shoreline, wetland or drinking water supply. This bill provides for the eventual removal of all cesspools beyond these 200 foot boundaries.
 “Cesspools are an outdated form of handling wastewater; for this reason, the state banned the installation of new cesspools over 40 years ago,” said Senator Sosnowski. “The main advantage of the using point-of-sale approach for cesspool phase-out is that the cost of replacing a cesspool can be taken into account in the selling price of the home and/or the financing of the home.”
 An onsite wastewater treatment system is any system of piping, tanks, disposal areas, alternative toilets or other facilities designed to function as a unit to convey, store, treat and/or dispose of sanitary sewage by means other than discharge into a public sewer system.
 The legislation provides flexibility when it comes to the responsibility of replacing the cesspool at the point of sale, leaving it to agreement whether it will be the responsibility of the buyer or the seller.
 "The Clean Water Finance Agency has two financing programs to assist homeowners in the cesspool phase-out,” said Senator Sosnowski. “The Community Septic System Loan Program — to repair or replace failing, failed or substandard septic systems — requires a municipal wastewater management plan. The second program, the Sewer Tie-in Loan Fund — for connecting to sewers — does not require a municipal wastewater management plan.”
 The bill, which originally was to take effect upon passage, was amended to take effect Jan. 1, 2016, at the request of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.
 "Passage of this bill will significantly reduce pollution in our state waters and reduce the potential risk of disease caused by inadequately treated wastewater discharges,” said Senator Sosnowski.
 The measure, which passed 35 to 1, now heads to the House of Representatives, where a companion bill (2015-H 5668) has been introduced by Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Dist. 34 South Kingstown, Narragansett).
 For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2457

The Johnstown Flood

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
     

May 31, 1889: “The Johnstown Flood (or Great Flood of 1889 as it became known locally) occurred on May 31, 1889. It was the result of the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam situated 14 miles (23 km) upstream of the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA, made worse by several days of extremely heavy rainfall. The dam's failure unleashed a torrent of 20 million tons of water (4.8 billion U.S. gallons; 18.2 million cubic meters; 18.2 billion litres)….The flood killed 2,209 people and caused $17 million of damage….It was the first major disaster relief effort handled by the new American Red Cross, led by Clara Barton. Support for victims came from all over the United States and 18 foreign countries. After the flood, victims suffered a series of legal defeats in their attempt to recover damages from the dam's owners. Public indignation at that failure prompted the development in American law changing a fault-based regime to strict liability.”

Body Found Under 7 Inches of Concrete in Burrillville

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

   The remains of a man were found Friday under a newly installed concrete pad beneath a deck at a home in Burrillville, WPRI reported.The station said the remains were found buried in a four- to five-foot grave, which was then covered with a layer of concrete several inches thick.For several days, the Burrillville police have been searching a property on Douglas Pike, where a missing Worcester man was visiting on May 5, the last time his family heard from him.Domingo Ortiz, 60, of Worcester, Mass., was missing for about a week, when the Worcester investigation led to Burrillville.Ortiz went to visit residents in the single-family home at 505 Douglas Turnpike on May 5, and has not been heard from since.  Source: Providence Journal Tracee M. Herbaugh and WPRI-TV

RI House GOP Warns of New Convention Center Lease Lessons

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor

 

The House GOP Policy Group continued its review of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority (CCA), releasing a 19 page report on Wednesday detailing RICCA [under]utilization rates and high paying employee benefits, management and marketing, and warned of future pension obligations -- and offered suggestions as to how to address cost-cutting measures.

  The final report comes after warning of lease agreement structures ("$450 Million Spent on Convention Center Red Flag for PawSox Deal," "Convention Center Contracts Warning Sign for PawSox Deal") as the first Providence baseball stadium proposal was floated -- and Governor Raimondo and new PawSox ownership are expected to broker a second one.
"The big takeaway is that from the beginning, the issue is that the CCA has been managed poorly -- and the root cause is that the lease takes all accountability off their shoulders," said Representative Patricia Morgan.
"We don't want to tear it down, we just want it to be better," continued Morgan,  "They just haven't been working up to their potential.  It's empty 60% of the time."
The policy group said at the outset that its goal reviewing the CCA lease deal has been to: research spending issues and reveal wasteful practices; encourage the state’s management to operate effectively and efficiently; encourage reform in areas where resources are currently being used poorly or fraudulently; encourage a stronger economic environment and reduce taxes for our beleaguered taxpayers and increase voter knowledge of important state issues and promote civic participation
In its report released on Wednesday, the RPG found private CCA management company SMG has "several collective bargaining agreements, which expire at various dates through December 2016, covering approximately 71% of SMG’s labor force."

RI Convention Ceter

"Collective bargaining agreements expiring prior to June 30, 2015 cover approximately 19% of SMG’s labor force.  This provides an opportunity to reduce overhead and costly work rules," wrote the policy group. "Additional CBA concessions might include the elimination of duplicative work assignments, sharing of personnel across venues wherever possible, realigning pay and benefit compensation to be commiserate with private sector employees."
   Moreover the RPG cautioned that the CCA -- which has seen $450 million invested in it by the state -- might be on the hook for the pensions of the private management company's employees.
“The Authority’s legal counsel has determined that it is reasonably possible that the Authority could be responsible for funding the unfunded pension obligations attributable to SMG’s labor force, past and present, who are beneficiaries of the union-sponsored multi-employer defined benefit plans to which SMG contributes."
Representative Robert Lancia said that while the state needs to identify waste, fraud and abuse, that there needs to be a call to action.
"We had to issue recommendations -- you can highlight all the problems you want, but we need tools, the taxpayer needs to know where we can cut and do better," said Lancia. "We had a series of situations over the years, from the Foundry, the banking crisis, where ultimately it doesn't go well for whatever reason -- but it ultimately it costs the taxpayer.  Those involved say, 'We hear what you're saying, we're sorry, that won't happen again.' But that's not enough anymore.""I think the problem for the average person while they're trying to live their lives, they don't have a clue what's going on, all the while being good citizens, paying taxes," said Lancia.  "When I see this, this is heartbreaking.     You can highlight all the problems you want, but we need tools, the taxpayer needs to know where we can cut and do better."

I’m watching the Bella Hummingbird Nest Cam on explore.org, streaming live from La Verne, California:

I’m watching the Bella Hummingbird Nest Cam on explore.org, streaming live from La Verne, California:

Click on Link.

Please Reconsider when you apply Poisions !

Audubon Photo

         Posted by Wayne G. Barber
So, I was checking my voicemail this morning and there was one from a caller who said that she had her trees sprayed for caterpillars – trees occupied by three bird feeders - and now, she is upset that there are no birds at all for her to watch. She wonders if the spray could possibly have something to do with it. (Yes, spraying pesticides on your trees will have an effect on the songbirds.) It is not uncommon for us to get inquiries such as these, and it is with great frustration and sadness that we often are faced with educating people after the damage has been done. So, please let me take a moment to reach out to our Facebook friends and family and be proactive about this topic. All pesticides are designed to kill. Some are very targeted, such as B. T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) which primarily affects Lepidopterans (moths and butterflies), but most pesticides are broad and indiscriminate. When you make the choice to treat your house or landscape with rodenticides or grub treatment or mosquito foggers or any other pesticide treatment, you have an intent of ridding yourself of a specific creature that you find distasteful. However, nothing in nature exists in a vacuum. Everything is connected. When you affect one population, it has a ripple effect across the populations that depend upon and coexist with it. When you spray insecticide, for instance, it does not just kill the ‘bugs’ you don’t like, but kills all insects, including honeybees, butterflies and ladybugs. Likewise, when you spray, the insects do not simply disappear off the face of the earth. Many live a short time before they perish. In this time, they may be consumed by natural predators, like songbirds, small mammals and other insects. Pesticides may have a direct toxicity to these animals or may build up in their fat or blood and cause illness or death over time. Even so-called “green” chemicals are still intended to kill, and though they may be derived from natural sources or biodegrade quickly, they are still highly toxic to you and other organisms.
Friends, it is so very important in this day and age, with the steady decline of bird populations and the utter devastation of pollinator populations that we humans take a serious, proactive look at the choices we make and the practices we support – either directly or indirectly. It is vital that we do not go blindly into the world, but make ourselves informed and educated about products and practices and about science, industry and nature. Here at Wayne Barbers Outdoor Scene we very much want to help people become educated and able to make informed choices. We are here to answer your questions and point you in the direction of reliable and scientifically accurate information. But we also encourage you to think and question BEFORE you act. Your actions have consequences. Thanks for listening! Source Audubon Press Release.
(Photo Credit http://www.yorku.ca/bstutch/research.htm)

North Smithfield Food Pantry Drop Off Locations

North Smithfield Food Pantry drop-off locations: 

Walmart, Brigido's Market, Stop & Shop, Town Hall, and the Slatersville Congregational Church.  This month's 'Flavor of the Month' is soup.

2015 Municipal Budget Hearing - May 21st, 2015

2015 Municipal Budget Hearing - May 21st, 2015






Click on Link to View,

Rural R.I. Town at Epicenter of Leaking Fuel Tank Story

Rural R.I. Town at Epicenter of Leaking Fuel Tank Story — ecoRI News

Click on Rural, for the complete story.

Burrillville Large Turnout for Memorial Day Ceremony

Father Sheehan did double duty, prayer and anthem and a former Marine. Ted Hebert Jr. heads the group of Veterans.

Well planned event by the entire Town.
Photos by Mr.Ron P. Lapierre

The clouds came in with a little sprinkle but not enough to move the annual event indoors. Well organized and the award winning Burrillville High School Band and award winning choir gave a grammy performance today. Just back from Washington, D.C. with two more awards. Councilmen Place gave a very vivid description of his tour with his departed Capt. that moved the entire crowd.
A very proud day to call Burrillville Home and to say "Thank You,' to all whom served and to all the families who have lost a family member. God Bless our Troops everywhere in the World.

Local Pascoag Rhode Island Artist Awarded National Award

Congratulations Jim !

  

Artist, Author, Friend           Jim Weicherding 

Recently presented with a CITIZEN SERVICE MEDAL & an APPRECIATION AWARD from The US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and The NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION in Washington, DC. for my Creative Dedication & Hard Work to Help Prevent Injuries and Save Lives here in New England & across the USA.

Glocester 89th Annual Ancients & Horribles Parade

89th Annual Ancients & Horribles Parade

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015 @ 4:00 PM

    Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Nothing is sacred as Glocester locals spoof local and national politics during the famous  Ancients & Horribles Parade on the Fourth of July. The parade first wound its way down Main Street in Chepachet in 1926 and, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, has continued to delight Glocester residents (and many others) each and every year since.

The Ancients & Horribles Parade Committee was established at the Glocester Town Council Meeting of April 17, 2003. Terms are ongoing. Committee Membership includes 9 voting members, 1 alternate voting member, and unlimited ad hoc non-voting members. The purpose of the Committee is to organize and oversee all Parade related activities (fireworks, fund raising, grants, vendors, bands, etc.) while observing all Town Ordinances, policies and other guidelines as the Town Council deems necessary.

Keep reading to learn how you can support and be a part of our Town’s tradition.

		HELP WANTED!Volunteers and donations are always needed. Please contact Mike DeGrange, Parade Chair, at ahparade@gmail.com and let him know how you want to help!
		2015 PARADE VENDORS WANTED!Parade vendor spots include: Frozen Lemonade; Ice Cream & Frozen Novelties; Candied Popcorn, Popcorn, Candy, Candy Apples, Cotton Candy, Peanuts & Soda; Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, French Fries, Drinks; Balloons, Flags & Novelties. Spots will be awarded by bid. For additional information, please call the Town Clerk's Office at (401) 568-6206 Extension 0. Bid Deadline: Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 12:00 noon 2015 CARNIVAL FOOD VENDORS WANTED!Food Vendors are being sought for the July 4th Weekend Carnival to be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2015 (12:00 Noon to 11:00 PM), Saturday, July 4th, 2015 (12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM), and Sunday, July 5th, 2015 (12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, or 10:00 PM if fireworks are postponed from Friday evening). The carnival will be located at Glocester Memorial Park (behind the Senior Center) in Chepachet, RI.Bid Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2015 at 4:30pm

Source Town of Glocester

 Press Release

May 18, 2015, North Smithfield Town Council Meeting

05-13-15 Burrillville Town Council Regular Meeting - May 13th, 2015

05-13-15 Burrillville Town Council Regular Meeting - May 13th, 2015

Click on Link.

Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society

Posted by Wayne G.Barber

Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 pm. Following the meeting, Betty Mencucci will present a slideshow on the history of the Harrisville Mill from the early 1800s to Tinkham and Levy and now. The photo below shows Tinkham's new mill in 1911. It was advertised as being the largest concrete fireproof mill of its kind in New England, equipped throughout with electricity. This building is now the Clocktower apartments. Hope to see you at the Bridgeton School, 16 Laurel Hill Ave, Pascoag on Tuesday.
 

RI Has Highest Percentage of Deficient Bridges in Country

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The state of Rhode Island has easily the highest percentage of deficient bridges of any state in the country according to Federal Department of Transportation statistics and data.

Of the state's 766 bridges, 429 of them are considered deficient according to federal statistics. That's 56 percent of the state's bridges.
That puts the state well ahead of the national average. On a national level, roughly 24 percent of the bridges in the country are considered deficient.
There are 610,749, bridges in the nation, and 145,890 are considered deficient.
Neighboring Massachusetts ranks a close second, with 52 percent of its 5,141 bridges being considered as having some level of deficiency. New York came a distant third place in the category of most deficient bridges in the country, with 39 percent of its 17,456 bridges being considered deficient.
About 23 percent of the state's bridges are considered "structurally deficient". Structurally deficient generally means that the condition of the bridge contains a significant defect. To be considered structurally deficient, a bridge's deck, superstructures, substructures, or culvert and retaining wall must receive sub-optimal ratings from inspectors.
There are 174 bridges in the state that are considered structurally deficient.
Another 255 of the state's bridges are considered "functionally obsolete". Functionally obsolete generally means that the bridge in question is not sufficient to meet the use of what it was designed for--meaning it may lack the proper deck geometry, or the proper under-clearances, for instance. That means 33 percent of the state's bridges are considered functionally obsolete.
Neither rating, structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, mean that the bridge is unsafe for travel.
But if a bridge is considered either structurally deficient, or structurally obsolete, it is considered "deficient", according to federal data.
The vast majority of the state's deficient bridges are over 40 years old, according to the data.
 Source GoLocalProv
 

Mushroom Hunting Program

Posted by Wayne G. Barber  6:30pm

 Mushroom Hunting Program

When Wed, May 20, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Where Library Community Room

Description  Hunting RI's amazing wild mushrooms with Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt. Ryan is author and photographer of "Gourmet Mushrooms of Rhode Island" the first book about mushroom hunting in the Ocean State; Emily studies the countless ways mushrooms can be used for cooking, and knows the nutritional values of the local varieties. Please plan to join us for this fascinating free program.

Emily Schmidt and Ryan Bouchard Harrisville Library
photo by Wayne G. Barber

Fantastic power point presentation wild mushroom class. Everything you ever wanted to know about harvesting and cooking the wild mushroom. Thank You from everyone who attended tonight and a big Thank You to the Jesse Smith Harrisville Library for scheduling this informative free event for our citizens. Wayne

Road Map Rhode Island Hearings

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

ROAD MAP RHODE ISLAND is being heard
For all interested parties, there are several pieces of legislation that have been submitted to nullify the negative effects of the RMRI plan. These bills will be heard in the House Finance Committee Thursday, May 21 in the House Finance room #35 (in the basement) at the Rise of the House.
If you wish to come and testify in support of the legislation you should plan to be at the statehouse by 4pm, go down to Room 35 and sign in on the testimony sheets, then you can either observe session from the 3rd floor galleries, or just wait in Room 35. If you wish to show support for the legislation, but not speak on it, then you can sign in and indicate that you "Support" the legislation, but do not wish to testify.  Source Rep. Mike Chippendale

 

Burrillville Police Dept. Fundraiser

The Burrillville Police Department has started a fundraiser for six year veteran Officer/Detective Ryan Hughes. Detective Hughes, an avid fisherman and SCUBA diver who grew up in Narragansett’s Bonnet Shores, is battling cancer and mounting related financial costs. If you can help a fellow fisherman, please visit “Rally for Ryan” at gofundme.com or you can attend the ultimate Rhode Island fundraiser, a dinner at Wright’s Farm in Harrisville on June 24.

R.I. among states looking to give seniors a break.

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The efforts under way in Rhode Island, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota and Maryland seek to stop the exodus of older residents to more tax-friendly places in retirement.About half a dozen states are considering giving new tax breaks to seniors over 65, although they already enjoy favorable treatment by the federal government and by most states on their income and property taxes.For some of the states looking to cut taxes, it's an effort to stop older folks from decamping to more tax-friendly places when they retire. For others, it's a way for lawmakers to curry favor with one of the most politically plugged-in demographic groups, which also is the wealthiest."They are worth more, dollar-wise, than young people," said U.S. Census Bureau spokesman Robert Bernstein.Among the states looking at proposals this year are Rhode Island, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota and Maryland. Most would reduce or do away with state taxes on retirement income.
  Moving to a "tax-friendly state" can be important to many seniors, who aren't wealthy and live on fixed incomes, or who are seeking to get the most from their retirement savings and pensions. Financial publications like Kiplinger' Retirement Report compares the taxes elderly residents face in every state. According to Kiplinger, Iowa is a "not tax-friendly" state and Illinois has a "mixed" tax picture for retirees.
   Maine is not a tax-friendly state, according to Kiplinger, and Republican Gov. Paul LePage wants to change that. He has proposed eliminating the state's income tax entirely. But if he can't do that, he'd like to exempt military pensions and up to $30,000 of other retirement income from income taxes. He has said cutting taxes on military pensions will help convince retired military personnel to stay or move to Maine.In Maryland, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan proposed eliminating over four years income taxes on military and public safety retirement benefits. The Democratic-led legislature trimmed the plan, exempting the first $10,000 of their retirement benefits from taxation. Hogan's press secretary Shareese Churchill, said Hogan plans to sign the bill later this week.
  In Rhode Island, residents currently pay state taxes on Social Security benefits, as well as most other pensions and retirement income. Although some lawmakers want to make most of the retirement income-tax free, Governor Raimondo proposed eliminating the tax on only lower- and middle-income Social Security recipients, a proposal that seems to have more support.
Gary Sasse, a former state revenue director and founding director of Bryant University's Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership, praised the governor.
"That's a fairer and more efficient way to do it," he said. "Some proposals were for exempting Social Security from tax regardless of income. They make the case that it would keep money in the state and improve the economy. There is no empirical evidence to prove that."

"And let's face it," he said, "states offer tax relief to old folks because those folks vote more than anyone else."  Source Providence Journal

Supreme Court Says Felons Don't Lose the Right to Transfer Firearms to Dealers, Others

Supreme Court Says Felons Don't Lose the Right to Transfer Firearms to Dealers, Others : The Outdoor Wire

Click on Supreme Court, for the complete story.

Thing to do this Weekend !

Volvo Ocean Race

Head down to Fort Adams State Park in Newport for the final weekend of the Volvo Ocean Race Newport stop over.
The event's Race Village features close-up views of the racing action, entertainment, food, interactive exhibits for all ages, and much more.
Youth sailing races and high performance race exhibitions will take place as well.

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WaterFire

Head down to Providence on Saturday, May 16 for Waterfire. WaterFire centers around a series of nearly 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.
WaterFire starts at 8 p.m. and admission is free.
Source Go Local Prov

In a warmer world, ticks that spread disease are arriving earlier, expanding their ranges | Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

In a warmer world, ticks that spread disease are arriving earlier, expanding their ranges | Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Click on In a warmer, for the complete story.

Moosup Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. Plant Sale

MOOSUP VALLEY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT is also holding it's annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fire Station, 55 Moosup Valley Road, Foster, RI. Make the loop and go to Maple Dell and Moosup Valley Plant Sales!

Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

New Library Director Appointed

Ms. Beth Ullucci, MLS, former Assistant Director here at JMSL, has been appointed Director of the Jesse Smith Library.

Congratulations, Beth!

 

Thursday, May 14

All day

 Project Chick

All day

 Friends Spring Silent Auction

6:00pm

 Knitting (All Ages)

Friday, May 15

All day

 Project Chick

All day

 Friends Spring Silent Auction

7:00pm

 Friday Night Coffeehouse

WhenFri, May 15, 7pm – 9pm

WhereLibrary Community Room (map)

DescriptionSummer is not far away. Join us for a little music and some friendly company in our final "Coffeehouse" of 2015. Tonight: Mr. Whodo performs. Doors open at 6:30. Admission is FREE. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and your local Dunkin Donuts.

more details»  

May 11, 2015, North Smithfield Town Council Meeting

Newport Opens New Public State Peir at Fort Adams State Park, Newport

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 

NEWPORT - Governor Gina M. Raimondo, Rhode Island Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Director of the Department of Environmental Management Janet Coit today officially opened the new public pier at Fort Adams State Park. Construction on the pier began in April 2014 to improve public access to Narragansett Bay.

 

"Increasing public access to Narragansett Bay is a great way to attract visitors to one of our beautiful state parks," Governor Raimondo said. "Completing this type of project demonstrates Rhode Island is ready to welcome residents and tourists alike to enjoy all our state has to offer."

 

"This investment in a new pier enables us to attract world-class events to Newport and enhances public access to the Bay," said Senate President Paiva Weed. "Fort Adams State Park is an asset that promotes economic development and tourism, and this investment benefits the community of Newport and the State of Rhode Island."

 

"Expanding the park's ability to welcome more boats of varying sizes is important as we work to attract even more visitors and water-related events," said Director Coit. "This strategic investment will help promote Fort Adams as an accessible and welcoming destination for years to come."

 

Funded through the state's annual capital improvement program, the new North Pier is one of several capital improvements at Fort Adams State Park.

 

The 240-foot long pier - with seven rows of floating docks and a public pump out station - was designed by Louis Berger architects and St. Jean Engineering, both of Providence. Middletown based construction group Reagan Construction completed the work.

 

The new North Pier will also be the home of the Oliver Hazard Perry, the state's official Tall Ship.

Woonsocket Plaza Sold for $22 Million !

Today's 5-9-15 Pro-Jo in the Real Estate Transactions on page 6 posted WP Woonsocket Association to Woonsocket Mall LLC 2000 Diamond Hill Road for $22.0 Million
 I wonder what the new business plans will be for $22 million ?

Glocester Prescrition Medication Drug Drop Off Box

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Glocester Police Department has recently acquired a prescription medication drop box where you may drop off your unwanted/unused prescription medications so that they may be safely destroyed. This drop box is available at the station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

May 4, 2015, Part 1 of 3, North Smithfield Town Council Meeting

Bedding Plants, Flowers Available at Farmers’ Markets for Mother’s Day, Memorial Day

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that three farmers’ markets located in state parks are now open on a weekly basis. For the first few weeks, the popular markets primarily will offer bedding plants, hanging plants, cut flowers, meat, early vegetable crops, honey, and maple syrup. As traditional local summer crops become available, more vendors will participate.

"Farmers' markets are great places to get delicious and freshly-harvested local foods direct from the farm to your kitchen table," said DEM Director Janet Coit.  "In addition to offering an opportunity to buy the freshest produce, meats and seafood possible, farmers' markets are great places to purchase beautiful bedding plants and flowers – especially with Mother’s Day just a few days away.” 

The farmers' markets in DEM-operated parks and market hours of operation are:

• Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick , Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The opening of the DEM Farmers' Markets coincides with the opening of many other farmers' markets throughout the state. Several additional farmers’ markets operated by DEM will open in late July through late October, including:

• Capitol Hill Farmers’ Market in Providence , Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on July 9.

• Johnston Farmers’ Market at Memorial Park on Route 6 ( Hartford Avenue ), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 27.    Most vendors at every DEM Farmers' market accept farmers' market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) administered by the Department of Health (to purchase fruits and vegetables). The successful Senior Farmers' Nutrition Program for purchase of fruits and vegetables, administered by DEM for the past eight years, will be offered at all DEM markets as the season progresses. The coupons are expected to be available at senior centers sometime in July. To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs.   

Farming is an integral part of the state's economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island 's open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh and local produce, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island 's own Rhody Fresh milk, in RI agriculture contributes $239 million annually to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries.

DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing, which helps farmers with marketing info rmation, offers a free brochure that lists the locations of all farmers' markets and roadside stands, along with addresses, hours, days and months of operation, and telephone numbers. The brochure is available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Agriculture in Rhode Island ” on the left side of the homepage, then “RI Ag Products.”  To participate in the state farmers' markets, or to receive a copy of the brochure by mail, please contact the Division at 222-2781.   

DEM ANNOUNCES WEEKEND OPENING OF STATE BEACHES BEGINNING SATURDAY, MAY 9

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 

PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management announces that state beaches in South County will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on Saturday, May 9.  Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler and Misquamicut state beaches will be open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, from May 9 until Memorial Day to accommodate early beach-goers and advance season pass sales. All state beaches will be open on a daily basis from Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer outdoor recreation season, until Labor Day. 

 

The beaches at Lincoln Woods State Park and Goddard Memorial State Park beach will be open Saturdays and Sundays, beginning May 9, weather permitting. The remaining non-surf state beaches, Burlingame picnic area, Pulaski Park and Fort Adams State Park will be open daily beginning Saturday, May 23 until Labor Day.

 

"We're excited to welcome Rhode Islanders and visitors back to Rhode Island ’s spectacular state beaches for the season," said DEM Director Janet Coit.  "Our world-class, state-of-the-art beach facilities are among the state's major tourist attractions and generate millions of dollars for the local and state economy every year.  Enjoying these beautiful beaches with family, friends and visitors creates memories that will last a lifetime.” 

 

            The fee structure for the 2015 season will remain the same as the previous four years. The daily beach parking fee for residents is $10 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays.  The daily non-resident beach parking fee is $20 on weekdays and $28 on weekends and holidays.  The fee for a season pass remains at $60 for residents and $120 for non-residents. 

 

Senior citizens 65 years and older will continue to enjoy half-price rates on daily beach parking fees; those rates are $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays.  Non-resident senior beach parking fees are $10 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays.  The fee for a season pass is $30 for resident seniors and $60 for non-resident seniors.

Parking fees at state beaches are based solely upon the registration (i.e. license plate) of each vehicle entering the beach facilities. All Rhode Island-registered vehicles will be subject to resident parking rates (daily and seasonal); vehicles without Rhode Island plates will be subject to non-resident rates (daily and seasonal). The regulations define a vehicle as any street legal equipment, motorized or non-motorized, properly registered for over-the-road travel.

 

R.I. DEM. Janet Coit

DEM is still accepting applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities. Entry level and senior lifeguard positions are available at numerous locations throughout the state. All lifeguard positions require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and senior lifesaving. Information about DEM and all lifeguard and seasonal positions is available on the parks website, www.riparks.com.

 

The state's job application process has been automated and is available online at www.apply.ri.gov. First-time users must create an account and select a Username and Password. After an account has been established, applicants can build an application by clicking on the "Build Job Application" link. This application can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening. Paper applications are no longer being accepted. 

 

For those who do not have online access, a computer kiosk is available in DEM's Office of Human Resources at 235 Promenade Street , Room 350, Providence , weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to electronically apply for seasonal positions.

 

Rhode Island is proud to support “Navy Week” throughout many locations in Rhode Island during the last week of May. As a closeout to the weeklong event, the Popular Music Group (rock band) from Navy Band Northeast stationed in Newport will perform free concerts at Misquamicut State Beach on Saturday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. and at Scarborough State Beach on Sunday, May 31 at 1:00pm.

 

Burrillville Farmers Market May thru October Saturday 9:30am to 12:30pm

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Burrillville Farmers Market Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the promotion and marketing of local farm and garden products in the Town of Burrillville and surrounding areas, and to stimulate public interest in the consumption of local farm and garden products. The market supports local farms and products and helps to preserve farms and land that support farming and, thus, improve the quality of rural life in the Burrillville area.
Our StorySince its beginning in 2007, the Burrillville Farmers' Market located in the center of Harrisville , has been growing bigger and better each year. Dedicated to preserving Burrillville's rural character and fine quality of life, farms and growers bring high quality local products directly to the community every Saturday from May through October from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
From the expected to the unexpected, we have it all! Fresh beef, honey, baked good, eggs, cut flowers, plants, wool, entertainment, children's programs, educational literature and guest experts — each market brings something new and different. Come see what's growing on in our town!