Jamestown Press

Town budget ready for voters

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

The Town Council unanimously approved the $20 million proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 at its April 30 meeting. The school budget and proposed administrative structure however, continued to be contentious issues. The proposed municipal 2009 budget is $8,466,312, an increase of 3.9 percent over this year's $8.14 million.

Methoprene banned from Jamestown waters

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

The Town Council voted unanimously at the April 30 meeting to stop using methoprene and other toxic chemicals for the islandwide mosquito abatement program. However, the motion to ban the use of the larvicide was not without conditions.

Photo

05/08/2008

Yummy breakfast Christopher Head enjoyed a donut from Allie's Donuts at the Jamestown Baseball opening day ceremonies on Saturday morning. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

A mother for all generations

By Michaela Kennedy — 05/08/2008

Islander Charlotte Richardson marks her 59th Mother's Day this weekend. She observes 60 years of marriage to her husband Victor in the fall. Turning 80 next month, Charlotte has much to celebrate this year. For those who know her, Charlotte holds top place as beloved matriarch on the island.

Photo

05/08/2008

Sheep shearing Zach Turillo, left, and Nicole Croft visit with Tipper, a lamb from Watson Farm, at Melrose school last week in preparation for Saturday's sheep shearing. Read all about the event on page 4. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

Sheep shearing is a sure sign of spring

05/08/2008

Celebrate Spring at Watson Farm's annual Sheep Shearing Day to be held this Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. Located in Jamestown, Historic New England invites the public to this special pre-season Open Farm Day at Watson Farm. It is a great opportunity to watch sheep being shorn, meet the baby lambs and see baby chicks.

Church needs items for festival yard sale

05/08/2008

The annual June Festival at the Central Baptist Church will be Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donations of items to sell will be accepted beginning Saturday, May 17.

Town Council to hold workshop on recycling

05/08/2008

The Town Council will hold a public work session on Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss options to increase recycling and reduce the volume of solid waste transported to the Central Landfill.

Takasawa plays piano concert this Sunday

05/08/2008

Manabu Takasawa, praised for his "sensitive touch" by the Washington Post and his "beautiful sound" by Musica Nova magazine (Japan), will perform a varied program of piano classics at the final Jamestown Community Piano Association concert of the season this Sunday, May 11, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew's Church.

Free compost bags now available

05/08/2008

With the help of two local businesses, Jamestown Hardware and the Secret Garden, the Jamestown Department of Public Works is kicking off its annual composting program with the free distribution of composting bags. These bags can be filled with yard waste and delivered by residents to the transfer station.

'Invisible Children' screening and club

05/08/2008

The Jamestown Invisible Children Club at the Teen Center is now forming and will meet on Monday nights beginning May 12. Invisible Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of people in Uganda.

Book group to discuss Tyler novel Monday

05/08/2008

The next sessions of the Book Discussion Group will be on Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, May 13, at 1 p.m. to discuss "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant," by Anne Tyler.

Island Calendar

05/08/2008

Thursday May 8 Teen center, grades 7 - 12, 2:30 - 6 p.m., recreation center Alcoholics Anonymous, St. Matthew's Church, 5:30 p.m. Gamblers Anonymous, St. Lucy's Church, Middletown, 8 p.m.

Everyone loves sheep shearing day

05/08/2008

Here's an event you won't want to miss: Watson Farm will host its annual Sheep Shearing Day this Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. Take the whole family to the farm. The kids will love it; so will the parents. Watson Farm is a wonderful place to explore. Meet the baby farm critters and hike the farm trails.

Cartoon

05/08/2008

Plans for LNG port not yet dead

05/08/2008

Just when we thought we were safe, Jamestown is again threatened by developers. We learned recently from state Rep. Bruce Long that new plans have surfaced to build an LNG terminal here. Developers now want to build an LNG port facility on Mount Hope Bay from where the LNG could be piped up the Taunton River to Fall River.

"What are your favorite Mother's Day traditions?"

05/08/2008

"I let my wife do whatever she wants!" Jim Britton, Jamestown Hardware

Town budget ready for voters

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

Methoprene banned from Jamestown waters

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

Photo

05/08/2008

Yummy breakfast Christopher Head enjoyed a donut from Allie's Donuts at the Jamestown Baseball opening day ceremonies on Saturday morning. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

A mother for all generations

By Michaela Kennedy — 05/08/2008

Photo

05/08/2008

This week in Island history

Compiled by Sue Maden — 05/08/2008

The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from the Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago came from the collection of the Newport Historical Society. 100 years ago From the Newport Daily News, May 5, 1908 The first catch of any amount of scup along the shore of the island was made yesterday when about 15 barrels were caught by the Northrup traps in the west bay.

Jamestown Historical Society News

By Rosemary Enright — 05/08/2008

We made it! Let the celebration begin! With the help of many people both on and off of Jamestown, the Jamestown Historical Society raised more than the $500,000 we needed to build the vault in the basement of the new Town Hall, renovate the Jamestown Museum at 92 Narragansett Ave., and establish an endowment.

LEGAL NOTICES

05/08/2008

JAMESTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE May 15, 2008 6:00 p.m. Executive Session: RIGL 42-46-5: Exception 2, Litigation re: Retirement Benefits RIGL 42-46-5 Exception 2, Contract Negotiations RIGL 42-46-5:

National Drinking Water Week prompts reminder

05/08/2008

On behalf of water works professionals throughout Rhode Island, I would like to remind the public during National Drinking Water Week (May 4 to 10) about the many vital, but often overlooked, benefits that only tap water delivers.

Toll increases may happen in November

05/08/2008

Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Governor Donald Carcieri from the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and copied to the Jamestown Press. Dear Governor Carcieri, I am writing today on behalf of my board of directors regarding your Blue Ribbon Panel for Transportation Funding.

Thanks for helping renovate hall

05/08/2008

There is nothing greater than a donation of one's time. Bridges, Inc., a local agency committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities, sincerely appreciates all the volunteers associated with Central Baptist Church, St.

Playground has a new tree

05/08/2008

We would like to express our thanks to Matt Largess of Largess Forestry, Inc. for the time and effort he spent to obtain and plant the new tree on the playground at Melrose School. Two weeks ago, all of the kindergarten students gathered around the elm tree for an Arbor Day celebration, which was a great success. Thanks, Matt!

EZPass contract awarded for Newport-Pell Bridge

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced that Caseta Technologies, Inc. was awarded the contract for installation of the EZPass toll collection system on the Newport-Pell Bridge. RITBA Chairman David Darlington made the announcement May 1 at the annual RITBA meeting.

Town looking to fill boards

05/08/2008

Two vacancies exist on the Jamestown Affordable Housing Committee, which acts in an advisory capacity to the Town Council on issues relating to housing. Members sit as a review committee for proposed Housing Trust Fund Projects and conduct studies and analyses of the current housing conditions in Jamestown, to be used as part of the Comprehensive Plan.

Commission looks for cumulative development strain in Jamestown Shores

By Michaela Kennedy — 05/08/2008

A proposed development plan asking for relief from wetlands setback requirements triggered a decision by the Jamestown Conservation Commission to make a site visit to the Jamestown Shores last week. The property in question, at 15 Seaside Ave., is owned by John Hayes and located in a district known for impervious soil and high groundwater threats.

Teachers retiring after 28 years of service

By Michaela Kennedy — 05/08/2008

For two veteran instructors at Jamestown schools, this week, Teacher Appreciation Week, marks the last year they are recognized while still in the classroom. But for many whose lives have been touched by the professional educators, this will not be the last time they will be remembered for their contributions to the raising of Jamestown's youth.

Chamber Chatter

By Vicki de Angeli — 05/08/2008

The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new members to the board of directors: Ann McIntyre of Casita Sea Glass, and Richard Hopkins of the Bay Voyage. The Chamber also extends its heartfelt thanks to Eric Eunis of Eunis & Associates, CPA, for his term on the board and all his work as the Chamber's treasurer.

Coustan honored for "shaking up" system

05/08/2008

Jamestown resident, Donald R. Coustan, M.D. was honored by the Rhode Island Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition at its annual May Breakfast on May 2 at the Radisson Hotel, in Warwick.

Bird-watching excursion planned

05/08/2008

The Norman Bird Sanctuary will make a trip to the Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass., know to be a Mecca for birds and bird watchers during the spring migration. The trip will be on Saturday, May 17, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LNG tanker threat continues

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

Representative Bruce Long (R- Jamestown, Middletown) told the Jamestown Town Council that the Weavers Cove LNG proposal is back on the drawing board in a slightly different form. The new proposal made at the April 30 meeting recommended constructing a Mount Hope Bay water facility on the Rhode Island/ Massachusetts line.

Getting a lift

05/08/2008

Molly Tiexiera gave a horse ride to Kirstin Barrett during the annual Kentucky Derby race at Jamestown school on Monday. Physical Education teacher Joe Ucci puts on the race each year in honor of the famous May Run for the Roses. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

Tree planting

05/08/2008

Representatives from the town and the Jamestown Historical Society gathered for the Arbor Day tree planting at the historical society museum. The tree was donated by the Jamestown Tree Committee. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

The Island Garden

By Roger Marshall — 05/08/2008

Blossoms fall off the plum trees like a winter snowstorm as the apple trees come into bloom. Apricot blossoms have already fallen, the pears are laden with white blossoms, the peaches pink with flowers. The rhododendrons have dropped their first splash of purple and are leafing out.

New tree for the playground

05/08/2008

Kindergarteners planted a tree at the Melrose school playground in recognition of Arbor Day. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

Hansen fills number 2 spot on tennis team

By Rudd Hall — 05/08/2008

The North Kingstown tennis program is looking good this season with the help of Jamestown's Sam Baines and Daniel Hansen. Hansen, a freshman, and Baines, a sophomore, are playing the two and three spots respectively on the varsity tennis team and looking to take the program back to the level it was when the team won the state championship two years ago.

Opening Day

05/08/2008

Kids from military families had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for Jamestown Baseball's opening day ceremonies. Photo by Andrea von Hohenleiten

Register now for women's tennis

05/08/2008

Women's Tennis will be offered this summer by the recreation department. The beginners' class will start Monday, June 2. The intermediate class will start Tuesday, June 3. Each class will run for 10 weeks and will allow up to 18 students.

Lawn school track runners qualify for states

By Stephanie Heelan Cotsonas — 05/08/2008

Lawn Avenue School track coach Nick Alfred is thrilled with the size of his team this year. "This is one of the largest teams who have stuck. A lot of kids usually drop out, but I have 53 kids that compete in the meets. I am really happy because I love to get them interested in track and get them exercising and competing.

Donate old boating equipment to yard sale

05/08/2008

The North Kingstown Sailing Team is looking for donations of nautical items for its fund-raising yard sale, which will be held this Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to noon in the high school cafeteria. Clothing, boat hardware, electronics and small boats are welcome. All items should be in good, working condition.

Jamestown resident to graduate as top music student

05/08/2008

On a summer outing when she was three years old, Jamestown resident Lydia Lis saw a group of students playing violins and immediately decided that she wanted to play violin, too. Nineteen years later she is set to graduate from the University of Rhode Island as the top music student on campus.

Animal shelter to holds flea market

05/08/2008

Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter will host a "Flea Market Extravaganza!" on May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warwick Animal Shelter, 250 Service Rd. (off Jefferson Blvd.), in Warwick. Over the last 6 months, the Warwick Animal Shelter has been overwhelmed by two separate instances of cat hoarding in Warwick.

Hunger awareness day in Peace Dale

05/08/2008

The Hunger Task Force - a joint initiative of the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale and the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America - will sponsor its second annual Community Hunger Awareness Day event on June 5. This year's event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Village Green in Peace Dale.

Diabetes education offered for nurses

05/08/2008

Nurses are invited to attend a "Diabetes Refresher for Nurses" on Thursday, May 29, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Blenheim-Newport, 303 Valley Rd., in Middletown. The program will be presented by Joanne Costello, assistant professor at Rhode Island School of Nursing and Maureen Bouris, director of health services with East Providence Senior Center.

Blood drive at Bowen's Wharf in Newport

05/08/2008

There will be a blood drive at Bowen's Wharf in Newport on Thursday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. The Mobile Donor Coach will be parked in front of Seamen's Church Institute on Market Square. For more information, contact the Rhode Island Blood Center at www.ribc.org.

International Rotary team visits island schools

By Stephanie Heelan Cotsonas — 05/08/2008

The Jamestown Rotary Club had a busy week as they hosted an international Rotary team from India. The team was specifically in Jamestown to learn more about special education and types of education, under the direction of Steve Mecca,

Raffle to benefit skin cancer education project

05/08/2008

Tickets are available for the Melanoma Education Foundation's 8th Annual Calendar Raffle to support skin cancer teacher training and student materials in New England schools. Each ticket enters 31 drawings, starting July 1. Prizes include overnights at Sheraton Boston and Hotel Lenox, gift cards up to $150 each at gourmet restaurants, as well as many others.

Patriotic band concert this weekend

05/08/2008

The Lafayette Band of North Kingstown will perform a free concert, this Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the NK High School Auditorium. The program, of patriotic songs and sing-alongs, is a salute to Armed Forces Day, which falls on May 17.

Ferry service will resume in May

05/08/2008

Jamestown-Newport Ferry service between Jamestown Village, Rose Island, Fort Adams, and Newport Harbor will begin on Memorial Day weekend. Veterans ride free May 24, 25 and 26. The 45-passenger ferry, Jamestown, starts running weekends May 24 through June 15, after which daily service continues through Labor Day.

Art classes in Wickford

05/08/2008

The Wickford Art Association will offer four new classes at their Beach Street location, beginning later this month. A class on Composition, with accomplished watercolorist, Vernon Graham is scheduled to begin June 4. The class will meet on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon for 5 weeks. All mediums and skill levels are welcomed.

Historic mansion open for summer tours

05/08/2008

Linden Place Mansion, built in 1810 by the seafaring General George DeWolf, has opened for visitors for the 2008 season. Guided tours of the estate, featured in the film The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, will be given Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment through Columbus Day.

Bird count changes meeting location

05/08/2008

The 2008 Conanicut Island Spring Bird Count will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Birding enthusiasts should meet at the Jamestown Town Hall, 93 Narragansett Ave. This is a change in location from previous bird counts.

Reed, DiStefano receive accolades

05/08/2008

Two Jamestown residents, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Joseph DiStefano, Esq., were inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame on May 3. The dinner and ceremony, with some 650 in attendance, were held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, in Cranston.

POLICE LOG

05/08/2008

Multiple charges filed in late night fight Michael Cabral, 19, of 950 East Shore Rd., was charged May 4 with driving to endanger resulting in personal injury, failure to assist in a motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian, and leaving the scene of the accident ,after police picked him up on Highland Drive, police said.

FIRE AND EMS RUNS

05/08/2008

Fire runs 9:37 a.m., April 29, Cars 1 and 2, Ladder 1, Tanker 15, Engines 1 and 3 were dispatched to Columbia Avenue for an electrical fire. 2:37 p.m., May 1, Car 1, Ladder 1, Tanker 15, Engines 1, 2 and 3 went to Beavertail Road for a false alarm.

TOWN MEETINGS

05/08/2008

Monday, May 12 7 p.m., Town Hall, the Town Council meets. Tuesday, May 13 7 p.m., Town Hall, the Wind Committee meets. Wednesday, May 14 7 p.m., Town Hall, the Harbor Management Commission meets. Thursday, May 15 7 p.m., Lawn Avenue School library, the School Committee meets.

TOWN HALL RECORDS

05/08/2008

Building permits Paul Sullivan and Gloria Dahl received a permit April 23 to add a second floor bathroom at 30 Providence Ave., work estimated to cost $25,000. Greg Kohler received a permit April 25 to replace windows and sub-flooring in an enclosed porch at 14 Union St., work estimated to cost $3,500.

Madeline Bronovitsky, 88

05/08/2008

Madeline (Horton) Bronovitsky, 88, of Warwick, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Kent Regency. She was the wife of the late Alek Bronovitsky. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late George W. and Mary (Adams) Horton, she lived in Warwick and formerly resided in Jamestown and Narragansett.

Grace Walls, 97

05/08/2008

Grace Butterworth Walls, 97, died peacefully Wednesday morning at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence following a short illness. She was the wife of the late Alden R. Walls, a prominent Narragansett Bay yachtsman.

A mother's day story

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

When I was a kid, one of the biggest challenges in life was deciding what to buy Mom for Mother's Day. For some reason, gifts that mom was sure to like were always too expensive. And the things we could afford, we didn't think she'd like.

The Walrus Says

By Jim Munro — 05/08/2008

We were looking for a Mother's Day item for the column, so we asked Cathryn Jamieson if she had any ideas. After all, at her salon she comes in contact with a lot of island mothers. Without hesitation she replied, "Karen Rafanelli. She is one of the best mothers I know," she said.

Everyone loves sheep shearing day

05/08/2008

Cartoon

05/08/2008

Plans for LNG port not yet dead

05/08/2008

"What are your favorite Mother's Day traditions?"

05/08/2008

"I let my wife do whatever she wants!" Jim Britton, Jamestown Hardware

National Drinking Water Week prompts reminder

05/08/2008

Toll increases may happen in November

05/08/2008

Thanks for helping renovate hall

05/08/2008

Playground has a new tree

05/08/2008

A mother's day story

By Sam Bari — 05/08/2008

Sheep shearing is a sure sign of spring

05/08/2008

Church needs items for festival yard sale

05/08/2008

The annual June Festival at the Central Baptist Church will be Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donations of items to sell will be accepted beginning Saturday, May 17.

Town Council to hold workshop on recycling

05/08/2008

Takasawa plays piano concert this Sunday

05/08/2008

Free compost bags now available

05/08/2008

'Invisible Children' screening and club

05/08/2008

Book group to discuss Tyler novel Monday

05/08/2008

The next sessions of the Book Discussion Group will be on Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, May 13, at 1 p.m. to discuss "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant," by Anne Tyler.

Island Calendar

05/08/2008

Thursday May 8 Teen center, grades 7 - 12, 2:30 - 6 p.m., recreation center Alcoholics Anonymous, St. Matthew's Church, 5:30 p.m. Gamblers Anonymous, St. Lucy's Church, Middletown, 8 p.m.

The Walrus Says

By Jim Munro — 05/08/2008

This week in Island history

Compiled by Sue Maden — 05/08/2008

Jamestown Historical Society News

By Rosemary Enright — 05/08/2008

Madeline Bronovitsky, 88

05/08/2008

Grace Walls, 97

05/08/2008

POLICE LOG

05/08/2008

FIRE AND EMS RUNS

05/08/2008

TOWN MEETINGS

05/08/2008

TOWN HALL RECORDS

05/08/2008

LEGAL NOTICES

05/08/2008

JAMESTOWN SCHOOL COMMITTEE May 15, 2008 6:00 p.m. Executive Session: RIGL 42-46-5: Exception 2, Litigation re: Retirement Benefits RIGL 42-46-5 Exception 2, Contract Negotiations RIGL 42-46-5: