A big day at the windmill
The Jamestown Historical Society is thrilled that so many gardeners were interested in the history and working of the mill. The steady stream of visitors throughout the day exceeded our expectations.
We congratulate the garden club on the success of its event. We would like to thank both the members of the club and the Clancys for telling their visitors about the windmill and encouraging them to visit us. Rosemary Enright,
president,
Linnea Petersen, windmill chairwoman,
Jamestown Historical
Society
Let me go back some seventy years when I was playing baseball at the playground adjacent to the Clarke School on North Main Road.
I was shagging fly balls in the outfield and had no glove but would just throw the balls back to my next-door neighbor, who would take me to the field and watch over me. One day as we were on our way home, he turned to me and said, “Here’s my glove, you can have it as I’m leaving to go into the service.” I was so proud to have my own baseball glove.
The fellow who gave it to me was a friend whom I shall never forget. His name was Howard Arnold, who gave his life for his country in France during World War II and for whom the Jamestown Post was co-named.
Bob Fleming,
Braintree, Mass.
Summer concert series thanks
Sunday’s concert wrapped up a series of seven shows which included performances by some of the area’s finest musicians and singers. Audiences as large as 300 to 400 people enjoyed a diverse mix of jazz, swing, pop, choral, and traditional Celtic and American folk music.
I would like to thank once again the local sponsors who continue to make the program a success. They are the Jamestown Press, Conanicut Marine Services, East Ferry Market and Deli, R&R Gallery, Integrated Management Solutions, and 02835 the Jamestown Journal. These loyal sponsors, some of whom have been supporting us since the very beginning, have helped establish Summer Music in Jamestown as a community tradition.
Lastly, a big thank-you to our concertgoers, who enthusiastically support every performer and really make the Sunday concerts worthwhile. Without exception, the artists have remarked about the quality and warmth of the Jamestown audience. I agree with them wholeheartedly. See you next summer!
Matt Bolles,
director of parks
and recreation
All should help keep beach clean
Bolles recommendation to “read last Sunday’s Providence Journal article describing Middletown and Newport’s seaweed problem” still does not address the filth at the Jamestown Beach. Any walk along the Mackerel Cove shoreline will reveal little bits of discarded, soiled diapers (a possible contribution to the higher bacteria count) bottle top lids, plastic containers, half eaten fruits I’ve seen bobbing up and down in the water and other tidbits of human carelessness. Who is responsible for this increased level of beach debris? Seems to me that an education policy should go into effect, both for Bolles, the people who use the beach and anchor in the cove.
Aren’t we all in this together? Don’t we all use the beach, dock at its shores and earn our living from this “slice of paradise,” as described by Sam Bari in his front page Aug. 25 article in the Jamestown Press? My recommendation is that we all, including Bolles, change our attitudes and apply ourselves accordingly to the new challenges that we are facing.
Continuing to just “keep on raking” between 8 and 9 a.m. when knowing that the day’s high tide will be at 10:30 a.m. and that the beachgoers of that day will encounter “tons of seaweed” is unproductive and
Letters continue
on page 14 wasteful. A simple adjustment of time management, whereby possibly raking the beach at 1 p.m., may produce a more agreeable solution for all. Beachgoers should be educated and instructed to pick up after themselves. Trash cans should be numerous and generously positioned throughout the beach. Soiled diapers should not be tossed into the sea nor should toddlers be allowed to swim at the beach without rubber pants. The Jamestown harbormaster should be more involved in monitoring and ticketing any boater who throws his trash overboard. I’ve witnessed many boaters and fisherman alike tossing lit cigarettes overboard. The ocean is not a hugh toilet bowl ready at your disposal. And yes, the town police should ticket parking violators as well as those who litter.
If Bolles description of Mackerel Cove beach as a “tiny shrinking beach” is accurate, then it should be easy for all of us in Jamestown to work together and keep our one and only beach clean. We should be using our brains, not excuses, to resolve a “problem that everyone is talking about.” Waiting for the state or the federal government is not an option. A “Keep Mackerel Cove Beachy Clean” campaign should be started immediately. Flyers should be printed up and left in visible sight at all marinas, places of business, and all public buildings, reminding all of us to keep our shoreline clean. Never mind Middletown and Newport. We’re Jamestown and we’re different.
Cindy Cingone
Jamestown
Lobster Fest thanks
During dinner there was a spectacular fireworks displayed, compliments of a Narragansett beach club. After dinner everyone enjoyed dancing under the stars.
I would like to thank Chopmist Charlie’s catering for the great food, Music Express for the entertainment, Barabara (Paws & Claws) Szepatowski for her generosity and giving the PTO her Ft. Getty reservation for our fund-raiser, everyone who sold and purchased tickets and Liz Greco-Byrne and Susan Piccerelli for all their support, ideas, hard work decorating, and the swift cleanup.
I would also like to thank our raffle donators: Trattoria Simpatico, Chopmist Charlie’s, Slice of Heaven, the Bay Voyage, Page’s Wine & Spirits, Grapes & Gourmet, and Video Showcase,
Thanks again and let’s do it again next year!
Sherri Deacon,
Jamestown PTO
Paddlers raised funds
This is only possible because many volunteers come together and donate some serious weekend time! This year the watchful power boats were crewed by Nancy Henning and Rick Lavoie aboard “Tackless,” Joe Klinger aboard “Aquatones,” the Stanford family aboard “Adventurer,” and John and Joey Langella aboard “Argonaut.” Landside support was Jake Van Reen, car shuttle and tent guy, Chief Bryer and crew (Jamestown Fire Dept.) for food and drinks, and Mike and Paula Swistak, race registration and finish.
To the kayakers, OSS staff, and the folks mentioned above, thanks for your time and dollars. Your generosity is most appreciated, and demonstrate once again why this place is special. Hope to see all of you and more next year!
David Swain, Ocean State Scuba
Deer hunting repsonse
As one who has hunted for 16 years and who has been fortunate to take deer with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and bow and arrow, I would offer your readers my personal views on hunting with bow and arrow based on personal experience. The speed and efficiency at which a properly placed arrow dispatches a deer is simply astounding. The bow and arrow kills, in my experience, as quickly if not quicker than a similar hit from a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader. Death comes in seconds, not minutes or hours. There is nothing cruel about it and the meat helps to provide food for the table for my family and friends. And now with the DEM’s new program, “Hunters and Fishermen for the Hungry,” I can also donate a portion of my harvest to some local food pantries.
I do not attempt to speak for all hunters nor address all arrows or bullets fired at deer. I only speak of my own experience. I have passed all of the DEM’s safety courses and proficiency tests necessary to obtain a permit for last year’s cancelled Beavertail archery hunt and hope to obtain another permit this year. I am willing and waiting to assist the residents of Jamestown in reducing the deer herd if hunting is the solution that is chosen.
One final thought: If contraceptives are to be considered, what are the health risks if a deer on contraceptives is legally harvested on private property and consumed by humans?
Art Chapman, Cranston