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Bristol Warren Community Outreach Lecture Series to Begin Feb 29

2012-01-27T15:24:00.002-05:00

Topic: Internet Safety and Use of Social MediaBRISTOL — The Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF) and the Bristol Warren Regional School District (BWRSD) have partnered on an initiative to engage the community. Together, they are launching a community outreach series to focus on topics of interest to parents, students and members of community.#The series will focus on topics of interest to parents, students and members of the community. The goal of the series is to build awareness around relevant issues and current educational initiatives, help adults and youth meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world, and hone the tools in the parent’s and educator’s toolbox that will support student success. The series is designed to provide a forum for parents, educators and members of the community to share views on a wide range of topics.#The kickoff to the series will be a discussion of “Internet Safety and Use of Social Media.” The featured speaker will be Larry Filippelli, Ed.D. Mr. Filippelli is an instructor at the Johnson and Wales University Graduate School and the assistant superintendent for the Scituate (R.I.) School Department. He is the president/proprietor of Education Consulting Services for the Education Consortium, LLC. Mr. Filippelli was appointed in 2010 to a special R.I. Senate commission to study and make recommendations on the problem of cyberthreats, cyberbullying, bullying and sexting. His interactive lectures focus on cyberbullying and threats, internet safety, and appropriate use of social networking sites for adolescents.#The event will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the historic Bristol Statehouse, 240 High St., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event, which is being underwritten by 'Voices for Bristol,' is free and open to the public.#Sharing the belief that excellence in public education is essential to the economic and social health of the community, BWEF and BWRSD are committed to providing opportunities for dialog for parents, educators, students and community members.#“This series creates a forum for creative thought, innovative problem solving, and practical discussion at a time when public education is experiencing a major transformation,” said schools superintendent Melinda Thies. “At this exciting time, the district is very fortunate to have the advocacy of such a talented partner as BWEF.”#BWEF is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants for educational programs at Bristol and Warren public schools. The Foundation believes strongly that research demonstrates a strong correlation between community involvement in education and its positive effects on achievement#“BWEF exists to help build bridges within the community it serves, not only through the grants it funds, which open new worlds of opportunity to BWRSD students, but also by connecting local citizens to the public schools in a constructive, engaging way, building relationships and expanding support for public education,” said BWEF board chairman Jock Hayes. “This series and partnership with BWRSD is yet another meaningful way that BWEF can support that goal. In an effort to be a relevant as possible, BWRSD and BWEF are hoping to hear from you. They are asking for input from the community on topics for future programs.”

Coggeshall Farm Conference March 2-4

2012-01-27T15:00:00.001-05:00

This came in yesterday from Justin Squizzero from Coggeshall Farm.For registration and a detailed agenda go to:http://www.coggeshallfarm.org/PDFs/Conference%20Program.pdfWe're hosting a conference at Coggeshall Farm Museum, and you're all invited! Ever wanted to know what goes into creating a living history experience? Want to learn more about how historians study the past, recreate its world, and share it with the public? Join experts from across the northeast as they explore just these questions in lectures, discussions, hands-on workshops, and tours. This is the first time Coggeshall Farm Museum has hosted this conference and we're excited to bring the leaders of the field (and barn and farmhouse!) to Bristol.The New England Region of The Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums welcomes anyone interested in agriculture, the past, and how to make them relevent to contempory lives to attend its 2012 Conference hosted by Coggeshall Farm Museum. Session topics range from discussions about animal care in museums to the religious diversity in colonial Rhode Island. Make a felt "Round" hat (all the rage in the 1790s), get your goose cooked, or learn how to carve slate by hand with just a mallet and chisel. Tour historic sites and farms throughout the East Bay and meet the people who bring history to life across the country. Whether you've made a carrer of working in museums or just enjoy learning about the past, this conference has something for you.To download a copy of the Conference Program and Registration Information, please visit our website, www.coggeshallfarm.org/alhfam.html.We hope to see you there!Justin L. SquizzeroDirector of Historic Interpretation Coggeshall FARM MUSEUM401.253.9062www.CoggeshallFarm.org

Concert at St. Michael's Sunday, Feb. 12

2012-01-27T13:42:00.001-05:00

The Community Concert Series@St. Michael's presents the Boston String Quartet, performing "World Song." Come and roam the musical world with original arrangements of classical, jazz, rock and folk favorites, including Bulgarian, Taiwanese and Transylvanian folk songs, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Gershwin, Santana, Tower of Power, and Harry Chapin. The Boston String Quartet is a high-energy ensemble with an unconventional emphasis on rhythm and beats. Since its formation in 2004, the Quartet has been a creative leader in fusing contemporary music with classical tradition, and the Boston Globe credits them with continually "exploring different ways of sparking musical interest." Sunday, February 12, 2012, 3:00 PMSt. Michael's Church, 399 Hope St., BristolTickets: $20, $15 (seniors), $10 (students)Available at Paper Packaging & Panache and at the door.Visit www.ccsatsm.org

or call 253-6084 for more information.

Walley School: Arts in Bristol Forum

2012-01-27T13:36:00.002-05:00

This post comes from RWU's Arnold Robinson - Director of Community Partnerships.Meeting: Wednesday, February 8 6pm with dinner - 6:30pm with out.If you are interested in the future of the Walley School building and its relationship to the arts in Bristol - please try to attend this meeting.January 24, 2012As you may know, during the fall of 2011 two groups of students from Roger Williams University worked with officials from the Town of Bristol to explore ways in which the Walley School (at the corner of High and State Streets) might be reused, with a focus on expanding the arts in Bristol and the East Bay. As part of that effort, there was a public workshop in early October at the Town Hall.The students completed their work in December, and the project Steering Committee is sorting through those results and working to identify potential new uses for Walley School, as well as the Reynolds and Byfield Schools. At the same time we are recognizing that the arts are playing a large role in the cultural and economic life of our community. Within this context, decisions about these Town-owned buildings and coordination of arts development are vitally important to our future.In order to plan for these buildings and identify elements of a shared vision for the arts in our community, there will be an open Vision and Planning meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at the Reynolds School building on High Street. All individuals and organizations interested and involved in arts creation, presentation, development and support are invited to attend, share information and express their opinions.The schedule for the event will include:Pizza, salad, beverages and dessert from 6:00 to 6:30Sharing of information on Steering Committee and Roger Williams student work to date.Brainstorming to formulate a broad, shared vision for the arts in Bristol (and East Bay as necessary), focusing on its role in the cultural, educational and economic life of the community.Formulating conceptual ideas for enhancement, expansion and development of facilities for arts creation, presentation, development and support within Town-owned and other facilities.This session would be open to the public, but we encourage all known stakeholders in the arts communities (performing, visual, arts education and other) to attend, if possible. The RI State Council for the Arts and Town and East Bay leaders are also being invited to participate. Please feel free to invite ant individuals and groups who you think would be interested.The overall objective is to facilitate a session that concludes with a broad vision for the arts in Bristol, shared by the majority, into which a vibrant, refurbished Walley School might play a key role. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sue Contente at 254-3683 so we can plan for food and seating. If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.Thank you!Arnold N. Robinson, AICPDirector, Community Partnerships CenterRoger Williams UniversityOne Old Ferry RoadBristol, RI 02809-2921Phone: (401) 254-3307Fax: (401) 254-3565Email: arobinson@rwu.edu

Dr. Esselstyn to speak at Kripalu on February 24 in western MA

2012-01-27T13:11:00.001-05:00

http://www.heartattackproof.com/excerpt.htm http://www.heartattackproof.com/excerpt.htmHi PB Blog readers: I have been having some technical difficulties with the blog. According to Google - My browser is outdated and is no longer supported. If this is so, the blog will have to be postponed until a new iMac is purchased.This may not happen for at least several months.The link above is an amazing article about the importance of nutrition/diet in preventing heart attacks. Basically what Dr. Esselstyn says is you can't eat anything that's a mother or that has a face. YOu can't have any dairy or OIL. You can eat all plant based food (no avacados) and fruits with the exception of nuts. (I don't know what he thinks about alcohol...!)Smoking is OUT. All grains are OK.Don't know about you, but this is pretty radical. Let's see if this posts to the blog! If the link is not live, copy and paste it into your browser.Dr. E's book is titled:Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.,MD(This is the diet President Clinton went on.)

Open to all: RWU offers shellfish farming course

2011-12-16T12:27:00.001-05:00

BRISTOL, RI, The Bristol Phoenix - East Bay Newspapers — If you’ve been thinking about starting up a small shellfish farm, the Roger Williams University Center for Economic and Environmental Development is teaching a new 12-week course this winter.

The course will teach the basics of shellfish farming in the waters of Rhode Island and nearby Southern New England, including principles of hatchery, nursery and grow-out operations, risk management, siting, permitting and business management.

The university is enrolling students now to the non-credit course, “Practical Shellfish Farming.” Dale Leavitt, Ph.D., associate professor and aquaculture extension specialist, will teach the course at the Bristol campus.

Twelve classes are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to April 18, weather permitting. The fee for the course and all handout materials is $120. Students may attend classes on a drop-in basis at a rate of $10 per session.

To register for the course, contact Cheryl Francis at 254-3110 or cfrancis@rwu.edu or Dale Leavitt at dleavitt@rwu.edu.

Lee Ann Freitas: Bristol's Local Farmer

2011-12-12T15:18:00.005-05:00

This article recently came out in the Bristol Warren Patch and was written by Esther Trneny. Photo by Esther Trneny. Congratulations to Lee Ann Freitas for starting a chemical free sustainable farm of her own!
"Indie growers is a small farm located in Bristol RI. All vegetables, greens, herbs and edible blossoms are grown independent of chemicals and pesticides. Sustainability and appreciation for Mother Nature are the driving force behind all they do. They strive to bring the farm to YOUR table." From the Indie Growers website: www.indiegrowers.com
http://tinyurl.com/c33kz6z

2011-12-11T13:07:00.002-05:00

Words from Elizabeth Warren's Mass campaign.

Sign seen in NYC

Photo by Dr.Greg Hinson, Birds in Fog, Nantucket

Bristol Harbor's Mysterious Floating Christmas tree!

2011-12-11T08:32:00.005-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/6sqq2m2
Have you seen it? It usually appears for about 48 hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day around Windmill Point.

Why you're not married by Tracy McMillan

2011-12-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/463sq9o

This will take about 10 minutes to read but could save your marriage or encourage you to get married! Would love to hear your comments.

The RWU Barn: A lecture by the guys who made it happen

2011-12-09T11:58:00.006-05:00

The RWU Performing Arts Center Barn: A talk by the guys who made it happen - Kevin Jordan and Bill Grandgeorge. Please click on the image once to enlarge. Event is on Thursday December 15 at the Barn at 7pm. http://barn25.rwu.edu
or call 253 3626. FREE.

Plain food and grateful for it

2011-12-09T08:46:00.003-05:00

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat plain food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
then you are probably the family dog!

British Beer Company may be coming to State Street

2011-12-02T13:08:00.001-05:00

If you are a beer drinker like I am this may be of interest to you.
There is a new business planning to open in a few months (end January at the earliest) on Bristol's State Street where the Anchor Tavern is currently located. It's called the British Beer Company and will serve beer only - over 25 kinds. It is a privately held Formula Business located mostly on Cape Cod with about 10 locations in that area. The owner, Gary Simon, said he has opened a new store every 12 - 18 months - the first one opening 14 years ago in Plymouth MA. The Bristol store will be the first in the state of RI and be very similar in size and design to the one in Plymouth.
Mr. Simon will need to go before the HDC (Thursday Dec 1) and Zoning (Monday Dec 5). At last Wednesday's Town Council (TC) meeting he received conditional approval to open in Bristol. The TC was most concerned about the entertainment license he would inherit (from Mike Ferriera) and wanted to know what the entertainment would be. Simon said that it would be sympatico with a "pub atmosphere" - low key with no rock n roll and that the music would be to 'enhance' the public experience with no amplified music - at most a guitar and singer.
Town Councilor Halsey Herreshoff noted there is something unique about the culture and spirit of an English Pub and said he was grateful this British Beer Company wanted to come to Bristol.
The entertainment license was approved on a 3 month trail basis with a final review in July. Town Solicitor Ursillo wished him well and noted he be sure to comply with the wastewater treatment ordinance.
Photo shows the Plymouth MA business.

CSP: Franklin Street Music before Illumination on Sunday

2011-12-02T12:35:00.002-05:00

Come to support the Community String Project (CSP) and enjoy a lovely festive afternoon from 3 to 5pm before the downtown Grand Illumination. There will be hors d'oeuvres and wine, hot cider, a brief program at 4:00 with performances by young violin and viola students, a string quartet by their instructors, and tours of the stunning historic 3 story home owned by Wendella Jiskoot (restored by Mark Bosco) that has been transformed from the former American Legion Hall.
Sunday, December 4
3 - 5 pm
57 Franklin Street, Bristol RI
Look for the 6' colorful banner hanging from the front porch!
Call 253 6084 for more details.
www.communitystringproject.org

The Community String Project (CSP), a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization, began in July of 2009 with the goal of serving disadvantaged, at- risk youth in the East Bay area through an innovative, school-based music program centered on string instruments.

State Street Dock Construction Plans

2011-11-30T13:31:00.005-05:00

From the Bristol Warren Patch. This sounds really good. Glad it was stated that this is a deep water boating/fishing pier first and foremost. I hope the lights are dim enough to not block the view of the night stars. Thanks to Jim Dollins, Harbor Commission Vice Chair, and Ed Tanner, Bristol Town Planner, for sending this in. Work began Monday, November 28, 2011.
Photo by Ed Tanner showing State Street Dock looking north as it is today. The vertical concrete on the right is the remains of an old restaurant. Can anyone share details they remember about this building?
http://bristol-warren.patch.com/articles/big-plans-for-state-street-dock#

Please Remember to Shop Locally! You might WIN!

2011-11-29T11:50:00.001-05:00

Raffle drawing at 5pm sharp on Sunday, December 18.
You must be present to win!
Click image once to enlarge.

Nasturtiums still in bloom!

2011-11-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

2011-11-23T10:09:00.002-05:00

Photograph courtesy Coggeshall Farm Museum

John Torgan leaves Save the Bay for The Nature Conservancy

2011-11-22T14:28:00.001-05:00

John Torgan calls himself "a child of Rhode Island waters." So it seems fitting that he will become the new director of ocean and coastal conservation for the RI chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
John Torgan has been the Narragansett Baykeeper for Save the Bay for the last 18 years.
As director of ocean and coastal conservation, Torgan will lead the conservancy's efforts to protect and restore the ecological health of RI's waters and to integrate those efforts across the regional system.
Preserve Bristol wishes him the best of luck!

Remember this over Thanksgiving weekend!

2011-11-22T14:21:00.000-05:00

RI Harvest Calendar

2011-11-21T14:28:00.001-05:00

http://www.farmfresh.org/learn/harvestcalendar.php

Christmas at Blithewold

2011-11-21T13:37:00.001-05:00

Click image once to enlarge.

Your Life Poster

2011-11-20T10:40:00.002-05:00

Bill McCarthy age 94 RIP

2011-11-16T11:36:00.003-05:00

http://www.bristolri.com/obituaries/2011/nov/14/william-mccarthy/

2011-11-16T11:26:00.005-05:00

Herreshoff Museum offering free admission over Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-16T11:01:00.004-05:00

Bristol Residents Weekend is November 26th Saturday and 27th Sunday. The Museum will be offering free admission to all Bristol residents. The weekends festivities will include guided tours and a 10% discount in the Museum gift shop. This is a must-do for any local family, yachting enthusiast, or historian. Come by and share your pride in our beautiful town and its amazing marine history.

Photograph: A new/old Herreshoff H-20 built on Burnside Street in 2010-2011 by Dan Shea, Brad Gove and Halsey Herreshoff, created from an original Captain Nat wooden model. Photo shows them on their maiden sail on Intent in September 2011 in front of "Love Rocks" (Captain Nat's home and studio).

Art Lecture at RWU this Thursday November 17 at 7pm

2011-11-15T13:19:00.003-05:00

Bristolian Jonathan Tavares will be speaking on "The Artistic Legacy of the Renaissance".
A lecture co-sponsored by The Bristol Art Museum and the Roger Williams Program in Art History.
Free and open to the public - reception following the talk.

Click on image once to enlarge.

2nd Story Theatre in Bristol on Saturday Nov 19

2011-11-15T11:46:00.001-05:00

This Saturday, November 19th, brings an opportunity to do two great things at once.... see a 2nd Story Theater production right here in Bristol, and support Mosaico CDC so that it can continue to do its good work in the community.

Click on image once to enlarge. Thanks to Lane Sparkman for reminding us of this!

No winter doldrums at this farm - Mount Hope Farm in Providence Business News

2011-11-13T11:41:00.002-05:00

No winter doldrums at this farm - PBN.com - Providence Business News

Portuguese Cheer for Everybody: Saturday, December 3. 2011

2011-11-11T21:05:00.006-05:00

OUT OF THE GUTTER, a group of comedic young thespians from the other side of the bridge,make their debut in Bristol with their hilarious Christmas show! It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...Portuguese Style! ... As the Portuguese Kids put their unique twist on the Yuletide season! Join them for a night of laughter and holiday fun on Saturday, December 3rd when Out of the Gutter Comedy presents A Very Portuguese Christmas, an English-spoken comedy with a humorous Portuguese twist at Saint Elizabeth Auditorium. For more information or tickets contact the Berta @ 451-2735 or Manuel @ 508-965-0947. Tickets are $15.00. This show has sold out multiple times and has been called their funniest - So don't miss out on A Very Portuguese Christmas!
Click on image once to enlarge. Doors open at 6pm - show starts at 7:30pm.
The event is in English.

For Sale: Beetle Cats

2011-11-11T18:19:00.000-05:00

For Sale: Beetle Cats®

$11,500
A number of lovingly restored Beetle Cats are are available for delivery now at a great price, complete with sails, beautiful bronze hardware and in appropriate colors. The Beetle Company began building these charming catboats in 1921. In 1946, the Concordia Company purchased the molds from John Beetle and continued to build the boats. Today, Beetle, Inc. carries on building them in traditional wood construction. More than 3,000 have been launched. The Beetle Cat is the foundation of the first year of the IYRS Boatbuilding & Restoration program. LOA: 12' 4"; Beam: 6'. Email Terry Nathan for special pricing. tnathan@iyrs.org or 401-848-5777, ext 211.

Mount Hope Farm to have Indoor Winter Farmer's Market starting November 19

2011-11-11T14:46:00.003-05:00

Mount Hope Farm in Bristol RI will be starting the only indoor winter Farmer's Market in the East Bay region on Saturday, November 19, 2011 running through early May 2012. It will be held inside their large heated Barn every Saturday morning from 9 - noon. A partial list of vendors includes:
Windmist Farm from Jamestown (Grass fed lamb, chicken, beef, lamb and goat)
Wishing Stone Farm from Little Compton (fresh produce)
The Sunnyside in Warren - breakfast items
The Local Catch of Narragansett (shellfish and fish)
The Cupcakerie
Provencal Bakery of Middletown (fresh breads)
The Coffee Guy from Middletown
Providence's Farmacy Herbs
Aquidneck Honey (Mello)
Mapleville Farm
Hopefully some Bristol vendors (Andrade's Catch, Nick's Seafood Market, Steve Ramos, Lee Ann Freitas, The BeeHive Cafe, local quahoggers) will be included at a later date.
This is such a spectacular idea! Now we don't have to drive all the way to Pawtucket for fresh winter veggies!
Directions: Drive in the main entrance to Mount Hope Farm at 250 Metacom Ave (Bristol RI 02809) and follow signs for parking. The farm's walking trails are open from dawn to dusk! Dogs are allowed but must be on leash and are expected to be picked up after.
Photograph by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. shows Executive Director, Janet Zwolinski, feeding the farm's Dominique chickens, a heritage breed.

Mona Simpson's beautiful eulogy to her brother Steve Jobs

2011-11-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

http://tinyurl.com/3mrxmxl

Bristol's Holiday Preview is Friday Nov 18

2011-11-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

The 3rd annual Bristol Snowflake Raffle is Sunday December 18.

Don't like those gas guzzling noisy lawn mowers? Hire this shepherd!

2011-11-05T12:21:00.001-04:00

http://tinyurl.com/3nzu5a6

Last of the foggy Morning Glories for 2011

2011-11-03T14:57:00.001-04:00

Community String Project moves to new Byfield Arts Building!

2011-10-28T12:41:00.004-04:00

The COMMUNITY STRING PROJECT is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing affordable and accessible string lessons in the East Bay through an innovative music education program. CSP currently instructs more than 100 students, both adults and children, with 30% of students meeting the criteria for subsidized instruction. Learn more about CSP at www.communitystringproject.org.

Dolphins in Narragansett Bay!

2011-10-28T12:28:00.002-04:00

This just in from Stan Dimock. (Does this mean the Bay is cleaner?):
"We had a very exciting morning at the Save the Bay Center today (10.27.11) when a pod of dolphins appeared right in front of our building. We took the skiff out for a closer look – photos attached. Enjoy!

Stan Dimock
Save the Bay
Operations Assistant"

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-27T14:03:00.005-04:00

Drawings by Juana Medina.

Sunday, October 30 is Bristol's 8th annual Halloween Walk About

2011-10-27T13:04:00.003-04:00

Hey Kids! Take your parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, and favorite goblins to the
8th Annual Downtown HALLOWEEN WALKABOUT on Sunday afternoon (Oct 30) from 1 - 3pm in Downtown Bristol. Sponsored by DBMA Bristol Merchants.

Keep your costume on and run over to The Barn at Mount Hope Farm for Cookies and Punch, more Halloween Games, Art Projects and Festivities beginning at 3:30pm running to 5pm. This is for ages 3 - 10!

Linden Place Guitarist Sunday, November 13

2011-10-27T08:45:00.002-04:00

FRIENDS OF LINDEN PLACE
500 HOPE STREET  P.O. BOX 328  BRISTOL  RHODE ISLAND  02809
401-253-0390 TEL  401-253-4106 FAX  LINDENPLACE.ORG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: SUSAN BATTLE
253-0390 or email sbattle@lindenplace.org

Internationally Acclaimed Classical Guitarist Giovanni DeChiaro to Perform at Linden Place Mansion

Guitarist DeChiaro to present intimate performance in the Linden Place Mansion on Sunday, November 13th at 3:00 PM.

Giovanni DeChiaro has performed seven recitals at Carnegie Hall and recorded four globally televised programs for Eternal Word Television Network and two nationally televised special programs for the PBS network, both of which received Gold Awards and top honors at film festivals.

At concerts in North and South America, Canada, and Europe, DeChiaro has performed for many notable individuals, including Pope John Paul II, Bill and Hillary Clinton, the King of Spain. He has made several recordings, including his own transcriptions of the complete works of Scott Joplin.

Admission is $15.00, $10.00 for members of Linden Place, free for Colt Circle members.
Seating is limited and reservations are requested. For tickets and information, contact the Linden Place office at 401-253-0390. A wine reception to greet the artist will follow the performance.

Providence Performing Arts Center :: Momix: Botanica

2011-10-27T08:34:00.002-04:00

Providence Performing Arts Center :: Momix: Botanica

RI General Assembly Retirement Security Legislation

2011-10-25T14:24:00.005-04:00

Rally to Save Rhode Island!

Last week, Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Governor Lincoln Chafee introduced the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act (RIRSA) of 2011. This legislation needs your help in getting it passed through the Rhode Island General Assembly. Here are ways to support the cause:

1) Attend the Rally to Save Rhode Island this Wednesday, October 26th 4:00PM at the Statehouse Rotunda. We must take this opportunity to show overwhelming support to legislative leaders for this crucial cause.

2) Contact your legislators via the website www.engageri.org Please note: you need to input your FULL address in order for it to produce your legislators. Details:EngageRI at 278-4437 or email at info@engageri.org

3) You can write directly to the general assembly through their newly created website.
(Link is below) The comment section is short, simple and very easy to use. Comments will go directly into the public record.
General Assembly website is: http://pensionreformri.com/contact-form/index.php
or http://www.pensionreformri.com/

Education Event at Barrington High School Wednesday night

2011-10-25T12:52:00.002-04:00

“Where do we go from here — Raising the bar for public school education.” http://tinyurl.com/3nn9a92

Will Dropouts Save America?

2011-10-25T11:58:00.002-04:00

‎"If start-up activity is the true engine of job creation in America, one thing is clear: our current educational system is acting as the brakes. Simply put, from kindergarten through undergraduate and grad school, you learn very few skills or attitudes that would ever help you start a business. Skills like sales, networking, creativity and comfort with failure."

"AFTER all, there is not one job market in America, but two. The formal market we always hear about — jobs that get filled through cold résumé submissions in reply to posted ads — accounts for only about 20 percent of jobs.

The other 80 percent get filled in the informal job market. Any employer knows how the informal job market works: you need a position filled, so you ask your friends, colleagues and current employees if they know anyone who would do a good job.

In this informal job market, the academic requirements listed in job ads tend to be highly negotiable, and far less important than real-world results and the enthusiasm of the personal referral.

Classroom skills may put you at an advantage in the formal market, but in the informal market, street-smart skills and real-world networking are infinitely more important.

Yet our children grow up amid an echo chamber of voices telling them to get good grades, do well on their SATs, and spend an average of $45,000 on tuition — after accounting for scholarships — while taking on $23,000 in debt to get a private four-year college education.

It’s time that we as a nation accepted a basic — and seldom-mentioned — fact. You don’t need a degree (and certainly not an M.B.A.) to start a business and create jobs, nor is it even that helpful, compared with cheaper, faster alternatives." Thank you Kirsten DiChiappari for bring this article to our attention. Full NY Times article October 22, 2011 by Michael Ellsberg here:
http://tinyurl.com/3zh3cm4

Save the Bay Art Show Thursday, November 17

2011-10-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

Save the Bay is having their ART SHOW on Thursday, November 17 from 5:30 - 8pm. $25 includes drinks and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Details? Call 401 272 3540 x140

RWU offers advanced degree in Art History

2011-10-19T14:41:00.005-04:00

Roger Williams University offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts 4+1 Degree Program and a Master of Arts in Art and Architectural History.

NEW beginning fall 2011, the Master of Arts in Art and Architectural History can be completed in one or two years (12 courses/36 credits and 1 internship), depending on the undergraduate degree of the entering students. The degree can be completed in one year by students holding an undergraduate degree in art history or historic preservation or in two years by those who have completed an undergraduate degree in another field.

The program includes a flexible schedule with evening courses and many travel courses offered for credit or audit. Those interested may begin by auditing two courses. For more information contact Professor Rebecca Leuchak, Art and Architectural History Program Coordinator in the School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation at 401.254.3011 or email her at rleuchak@rwu.edu

Photo above: Students discuss a work of art at MOMA in New York City.

Herreshoff offering Free Admission to Bristol residents over Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-10-19T13:22:00.003-04:00

Bristol Residents Weekend is November 26th and 27th. The Museum will be offering free admission to all Bristol residents. The weekends festivities will include guided tours and a 10% discount in the Museum gift shop. This is a must-do for any local family, yachting enthusiast, or historian. Come by and share your pride for our beautiful town and its amazing history.

Fresh Ideas from new RWU President, Donald Farish

2011-10-18T07:45:00.005-04:00

The excerpts below are from Monday October 17, 2011 article in Providence Business News by Denise Perreault:

•"In BRISTOL, Dr. Farish is working with town officials on several projects, including conversion of the former Wally School into an arts center and preservation of an historic building at Colt State Park."

And this on the BUSINESS School:
•"I just met [recently] with the dean of the School of Business, Jerry Dauterive, and said, “I really would like you to take a run at developing a program on entrepreneurship.”

We have someone that I’ve met who may be a prospective donor for such a program, to help get it off the ground. That’s something I helped oversee [at Rowan] that was very successful and it would be here as well.

• I’ve asked the dean also to take a long, hard look at an MBA program because the idea of combining a law school degree with an MBA is a very attractive educational package and I think we could pull that off quite nicely. … It is very likely we could have an MBA program probably two years from now. … We are doing a needs assessment.

Reminder: Warren Walkabout is Sunday Oct 23, Noon -5 pm

2011-10-17T12:23:00.001-04:00

Don't miss a chance to ride a DRAGON at Frerich's Farm!

Local Food and Farm Forum October 26

2011-10-16T13:16:00.002-04:00

Local Food and Farming Community Forum
WHEN Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 6 – 9pm
WHERE CCRI, One John H. Chafee Blvd., Newport, RI
EVENT TYPE What Grows On in RI! www.whatgrowsonri.com
TOWN/CITY (RI) Newport
CATEGORIES Farming, Food
ORGANIZED BY Aquidneck Land Trust, AYERSfoundation, A Market, and Keenwah Eatery
GROUP HOMEPAGE www.ailt.org
INTENDED AUDIENCE General
CALENDAR BY www.whatgrowsonri.com
NOTE
local food growers, producers, advocates and supporters of local food and farming will gather at CCRI - Newport campus auditorium for the first annual Food & Farming Community Forum, sponsored by A Market and Keenwah Eatery.
The Forum will focus on the importance of an abundant local food harvest to the economic well-being and health of Aquidneck Island and to the state as a whole. "This is an opportunity for our community to come together to discuss the most vital issues around local food, and how supporting local food helps our economy," says Kyle Hence, forum organizer, "and we are honored to have a great group of panelists joining us."

Participating panelists include Ken Ayars, Chief of Agriculture at the Rhode Island DEM, Ted Clement, head of the Aquidneck Land Trust

Inauguration of Donald Farish: New RWU President

2011-10-16T12:09:00.007-04:00

Last week there were many events tied to the inauguration of Dr. Donald Farish - the new RWU President. (We are actually getting a'two fer' with his wife Maia who is very active on campus as well as in the community!) One of the things that interest me about Dr. Farish's approach to RWU and the community is his desire to ramp up 'continuing education' and online learning in all its aspects. "Given the unemployment crisis facing America, the university must find new ways to prepare “adult learners” — those other than the typical 18- to 22-year-old undergraduate served at Roger Williams University — to find new niches in the workforce and to continue their education." Right now RWU offers online degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. As Dr. Farish puts it, "Getting a BA Degree is no longer a vaccine against ignorance. Booster shots are needed to stay up to date." Because RWU has niche majors in construction management, criminal justice, architecture, law, business and engineering - the CE certification programs, if they ever happen, might be in these related fields - but not exclusively. If you think continuing education is a good idea for RWU, I suggest you email or call the president's office and let them know. Dr. Farish will need your support in persuading the administration and faculty of same. I don't have his email but try dfarish@rwu.edu
Here is a link to a short interview with Dr. Farish by Elizabeth Harrison from WRNI radio on October 13, 2011.
http://tinyurl.com/3pmgy4g
PS: This from a recent article in Providence Business News:
"In BRISTOL, he is working with town officials on several projects, including conversion of the former Wally School into an arts center and preservation of an historic building at Colt State Park."
And this excerpt from PBN on the BUSINESS School.
"I just met [recently] with the dean of the School of Business, Jerry Dauterive, and said, “I really would like you to take a run at developing a program on entrepreneurship.”

We have someone that I’ve met who may be a prospective donor for such a program, to help get it off the ground. That’s something I helped oversee [at Rowan] that was very successful and it would be here as well.

I’ve asked the dean also to take a long, hard look at an MBA program because the idea of combining a law school degree with an MBA is a very attractive educational package and I think we could pull that off quite nicely. … It is very likely we could have an MBA program probably two years from now. … We are doing a needs assessment.

NEW WRNI signal problems in the East Bay

2011-10-16T11:33:00.003-04:00

Are you having trouble hearing the new WRNI NPR radio signal at 88.1?
So is everyone else in the East Bay! Until they figure out how to fix it, please know that you can find it at 102.7 FM on your dial as well!
www.wrni.org
news@wrni.org

Elise Arsenault to teach youth acting classes at Reynolds School

2011-10-15T12:00:00.002-04:00

The Bristol Department of Parks & Recreation is offering an eight-week Young Actors Workshop for children ages 8-13, beginning October 22nd. This workshop will be directed by Elise Arsenault, a versatile performer and teaching artist (Washington National Opera Outreach, Missoula Children’s Theatre, 2nd Story Theatre). The workshop will be held at the Reynolds School on High Street on Saturday mornings from 8:30am – 10:30am. The cost for the eight-week program is $75. Please call the Bristol Department of Parks & Recreation at 253-1611 to register. For more information, send emails to elise.arsenault@gmail.com. For more info on Elise please go to her website. She is the daughter Denise and Bob Arsenault of Bristol.
http://elisearsenault.com/default.aspx

Burano, Italy

2011-10-14T14:54:00.000-04:00

Recent photograph by Michael Gerhardt.

Save the Date: Bristol's Holiday Preview

2011-10-13T18:22:00.010-04:00

Friday, November 18 from 5 – 9 pm

Blackberrys finally back up and running. Maybe its time for that new iPhone 4S

2011-10-13T18:19:00.002-04:00

BlackBerry Service Is Back Up

After four days of service interruptions, Research in Motion says it has fixed its technical issues. The delay in emails and messages began Monday and outraged BlackBerry users across five continents. Executives at RIM haven't been able to explain the outage, and frustrated customers took to forums and Twitter, swearing to switch smartphones. It's bad timing for RIM, as the new iPhone 4S will be released tomorrow and is already raking in rave reviews.

Sundays at Mount Hope Farm

2011-10-13T14:14:00.005-04:00

Education Forum in Barrington, October 26 at 7pm

2011-10-13T13:43:00.005-04:00

http://www.barringtoneducation.org/where-do-we-go-from-here/

Or call: 401 245 5000

AMORITA Boat Restoration Lecture Dec 1 at Herreshoff

2011-10-13T12:08:00.006-04:00

SAVE the DATE

Herreshoff Marine Museum and Points East Publishing begin their off season lecture series

on Thursday evening, December 1 at 7pm featuring Bill Doyle and Jed Pearsall discussing their restoration of AMORITA. (I think this is the NY 30 that sank off of Jamestown after a collision a few years ago.)

Verizon 4G: Bristol not on the list!

2011-10-13T08:32:00.001-04:00

4G Verizon coverage is coming to RI on November 17 but not to the East Bay. East PVD and PVD are the closest!

http://www.pbn.com/Verizon-brings-4G-to-Greater-Providence,61816

Promet Marine in PVD sold to metal exporter recycler

2011-10-13T08:25:00.003-04:00

Promet will continue ship repair but on a much smaller scale. The site includes more than nine acres, a 600-foot pier with rail service and two deep-water berths. It is owned and operated by two brothers, Joel and David Cohen, 76 and 73.

http://tinyurl.com/66q3u88

East Bay Sailing Foundation Sailing School!

2011-10-12T13:04:00.004-04:00

Below is a link to a wonderful article about the East Bay Sailing Foundation Adult Sailing Classes held out of the Bristol Yacht Club during the summer, directed by Jim Dollins. It's a terrific program with very qualified instructors and is highly recommended! (I've been a student for the past two summers!)

http://tinyurl.com/45xhwja

Bristol Economic Development Forum on Thursday at 7pm at Bristol Statehouse

2011-10-12T12:21:00.003-04:00

Click on image once to enlarge.

Tonight at RWU! President’s Distinguished Lecture – Ambassador Andrew Young

2011-10-12T12:13:00.000-04:00

President’s Distinguished Lecture – Ambassador Andrew Young

V*!amYEg5M5!3R Hacked!

2011-10-11T17:32:00.002-04:00

This article will make you think a little harder about your G Mail account, the strength of your password(s) and your "in cloud" security. Article by James Fallows about the hacking of his wife's G mail account.

Hacked! - The Atlantic

New Mobile Vet in Bristol/Warren area

2011-10-10T17:16:00.003-04:00

Jennifer Trachtman, veterinarian, has started a new mobile vet service

called Bayside Mobile Vet Care. She will come to your home!

401 310 0346

http://www.baysidemobilevet.com/our-team.htm

Her email is:

drjen@baysidemobilevet.com

Warren Walkabout is Sunday October 23

2011-10-10T16:59:00.004-04:00

Warren Walkabout is Sunday October 23 from noon to 5pm
www.discoverwarren.com

See the open artist studios, enjoy sidewalk sales, taste samplings of Warren's finest cuisine!

Most things are within a short walk but there is a free trolley courtesy of Columbus Credit Union as well as a dragon ride to Frerich's Farm to see the pumpkin patch!

*Food Samplings at restaurants around town
*Sidewalk Sales
*Self-Guided Walking Tour
*Live Artisan Demonstrations
*Live Music
*Free Trolley Rides courtesy of Columbus Credit Union

www.discoverwarren.com

Reminder: Business & Education Forum Thursday

2011-10-09T10:55:00.003-04:00

Reminder: BUSINESS & EDUCATION Forum THursday October 13 at 7pm

The Bristol Economic Development Commission is hosting its second annual public forum. This years event is entitled "Business and Education: Collaborating on 21st Century Workforce Needs" and will be held on October 13, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Old State House, High St., Bristol, RI.
http://www.eastbayri.com/news/2011/oct/07/economic-development-group-hosts-forum-education/

October 10: Roger Williams to Offer Special Screening of Celebrated Film 'One Water'

2011-10-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

Roger Williams to Offer Special Screening of Celebrated Film 'One Water'

Last full Waterfire tomorrow night

2011-10-07T20:13:00.002-04:00

FOOD: Can't stop thinking about it!

2011-10-07T20:04:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/nGeKSiCQkPw

Steve Jobs - Dead at 56

2011-10-07T19:32:00.011-04:00

Photo above: Steve Jobs and his wife around 2006.

Top photo: In his office in 2008.

From a graduation speech he gave at Stanford University in 2005.
Knowing you are going to die is the reality trump card for all of us...
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

From David Pogue, NYT: "Mr. Jobs didn’t buy into focus groups, groupthink or decision by committee. At its core, Apple existed to execute the visions in his brain. He oversaw every button, every corner, every chime. He lost sleep over the fonts in the menus, the cardboard of the packaging, the color of the power cord."

To the Editor:

Steven P. Jobs leveraged technology to improve and transform the way in which we work and play. He made business sexy.

His contributions to the human condition are inestimable. I’m of the generation that grew up with black-and-white television, transistor radios, manual typewriters and rotary phones. I can truly appreciate how his extraordinary vision has enriched my life.

BARRY K. HERMAN
Radnor, Pa., Oct. 6, 2011

Note: PB Blogger is from this generation as well!

From an October 7, 2011 NY Times article by James Stewart:

“He was really unique, brilliant, demanding and difficult,” Mr. Norman said. “Like him or not, it doesn’t matter; he redefined the music industry, the cellphone industry, computers and animation. You cannot deny the impact he had on the company, the industry and our culture.”

Steve Jobs obits NY Times October 5, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/business/steve-jobs-of-apple-dies-at-56.html

Business & Education Forum Thursday Oct 13

2011-10-07T18:51:00.001-04:00

Business and Education Forum this Thursday
The Bristol Economic Development Commission is hosting its second annual public forum. This years event is entitled "Business and Education: Collaborating on 21st Century Workforce Needs" and will be held on October 13, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Old State House, High St., Bristol, RI.
http://www.eastbayri.com/news/2011/oct/07/economic-development-group-hosts-forum-education/

Gay Bashing?

2011-10-07T13:52:00.002-04:00

Thank you Susan Remieres Donovan for this photo!

Yogawoman at Jane Pickens October 17 at 7pm

2011-10-07T13:49:00.002-04:00

Through rich personal stories, YOGAWOMAN reveals how yoga has utterly transformed the lives of thousands of over-stimulated, overscheduled, and multitasking modern women. From the buzzing streets of Manhattan to the dusty slums of Kenya, from the golden beaches of Australia to the serene piazzas of Italy, the film follows the heart-rending stories of women who have found a lifeline through this magical and mystical practice.

Bristol Yoga Studio may show this movie in Bristol! If so, details to follow.

October 10: Blithewold Sale!

2011-10-07T13:47:00.000-04:00

End-of-Season Tag Sale is on Monday the 10th from 11am-3pm! We've got to clear out the Shop Store Room to make way for Christmas goodies. Take advantage of the good prices and find some lovely gifts for friends, family and maybe one for you too! This rain or shine event will take place in Blithewold's historic Carriage House. These items will be priced to move, so park nearby for easy loading!!

University Invites Local Community to Join in Celebrating Inauguration Week 2011

2011-10-05T17:34:00.000-04:00

University Invites Local Community to Join in Celebrating Inauguration Week starting Monday October 10 - Oct 14 2011

Tiverton Four Corners: Bazaar to support indigenous cultures

2011-07-28T08:57:00.000-04:00

Cultural Survival is a nonprofit organization that hosts fundraising bazaars around the region to support indigenous communities. The ninth annual Cultural Survival Summer Bazaar will be held in Tiverton Four Corners on the lawn of the Soule-Seabury House. Attendees will have the opportunity to brose handcrafts including Kenyan wood carvings, hand-woven rugs, jewelry, clothing and other offerings from a variety of indigenous peoples while listening to Ecuadorian and Native American music and sampling Thai and Wampanoag food.

When: Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Soule-Seabury House, 3852 Main Road, Tiverton
Additional Information: Free and open to the public. For more information, visit the website.
Website: www.culturalsurvival.org

Bristol: Art exhibit on the Fence!

2011-07-28T08:54:00.003-04:00

Art exhibit takes to the fences
The members of the Bristol Art Museum and Portsmouth Art Guild will host the fifth annual Art al Fresco event in front of Linden Place Museum this Sunday. The artwork from more than 30 regional artists will be displayed along the iron fence. Visitors are invited to stroll down the sidewalk in front of Linden Place to view the pieces, which make use of a variety of media including acrylics, watercolors and more. In case of inclement weather, the local artists’ exhibit and sale will be moved to the following Sunday, Aug. 7.

When: Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Aug. 7)
Where: Linden Place, 500 Hope St., Bristol
Additional Information: Free and open to the public. For more information, visit the website.
Website: www.bristolartmuseum.org

Bristol Dept. of Community Development on FaceBook!

2011-07-23T22:15:00.004-04:00

This email sent in recently from Ed Tanner, Bristol Town Planner. This page will be an important source for info as the Downtown Hope Street Reconstruction Project begins. Check it out!
"I just wanted to let you know that the Department of Community Development has created a page on Facebook. It has only been up for about 24 hours, but we hope to fill it with useful information to let the public know about the various projects, meetings, and other good things happening in our department. We will specifically use this site to keep the public informed about progress with the Downtown Hope Street Reconstruction Project. You can use the link below to view the page, and if you are a Facebook user, you can “Like” the page so that you receive updates whenever something new is posted. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who you think would be interested. Thanks!
Ed"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Town-of-Bristol-Rhode-Island-Department-of-Community-Development/106241876141708

RI Education at Sea school Forum in Newport July 25

2011-07-23T12:34:00.005-04:00

When this vessel is finally built, this will be an amazing maritime education program for all Rhode Islanders! The vessel will serve as a platform from which students of all ages can learn about sail training, navigation, oceanography, the marine trades and Rhode Island’s rich maritime history.
http://www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org/wordpress/?p=260

TF Green Airport at 1pm: 98 in the shade

2011-07-22T13:48:00.001-04:00

From Fred Campagna:
‎1 pm update: TF Green 98°, 71° dew point, feels like 106°
New Bedford 100°, 71° dew point, feels like 109°
Newport 91°, 79° dew point, feels like 107°

Bassett Bash in Colt Park

2011-07-21T16:51:00.006-04:00

Bassett Hound (Breed Reunion) Bash in Colt Park on Sunday, July 24 from 1- 3pm.
Come for a day of family fun. All dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long.

Mike Gerhardt Photos of Patagonia at Starbucks

2011-07-20T13:07:00.005-04:00

Mike Gerhardt will be showing photographs from his recent trip to Patagonia at the Starbucks in Barrington starting August 1, 2011. Please give it a look when you are next in the area! The preview photos I've seen are breathtaking!
Below is Mike's descriptive write up the trip.

PATAGNIA is a large region at the southern tip of South America. A small portion (including Tiera del Fuego) is governed by Argentina, with the large majority of the territory being part of Chile. The land area of Patagonia comprises over 1,000,000 square kilometers with a very low population density (under 2 persons per square kilometer). Large areas of semi-desert are used for sheep grazing, but the most distinctive features of the region are the ice fields (the largest in the Southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica) and the accompanying glaciers associated with the southern Andes. There is considerable wild life, including the ubiquitous Guanacos (relative of the lama), Darwin’s Rhea and Magellan Penguins.

Our trip included a cruise through the Straits of Magellan, a navigable route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans discovered in 1520 as part of Magellan’s global circumnavigation. He named the region Patagonia after the spanish word for “giant” because the native inhabitants were on average ten inches taller then the typical Spanish person of the time (in a later era the indigenous people were hunted to extinction by European sheep herders). At the southernmost tip of Patagonia (and, in fact, of America) lies the notorious Cape Horn (500 miles from the Antarctica mainland and 2,300 miles from the South Pole), famous for the treacherous weather of the Drake Passage.

Careful scientific observation is providing evidence that Patagonian ice sheets and glaciers are receding at an alarming rate, with global warming seen as the prime culprit.
Furthermore, a recent proposal by Chile to build to build five or more large hydro electric dams in Patagonia has been opposed by many environmental groups as a threat to its unique eco-system.

Hottest week of the summer to start tomorrow!

2011-07-17T21:46:00.002-04:00

This just in from Fred Campagna, Bristol's very own weatherman:
"Hottest week of the year ahead of us...near 90° with a strong/severe t-storm threat tomorrow Monday. 85-90° Tue/Wed. 90°+ Thu, Fri, and possibly Saturday. 95° likely one of those days, maybe 100° in some spots"

Fales Farm to remain a farm in perpetuity

2011-07-15T17:27:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to the Fales Family, Ed Tanner and Diane Mederos who made this transaction happen! Thirty-six acres preserved from being a 69 house development will remain in agricultural use for perpetuity. Big Thanks to the Fales Family, Town of Bristol, RI DEM, the USDA, NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) for their huge support. What a fabulous project! http://tinyurl.com/63o4yzh

Bristol Land Trust looking for two new Board Members

2011-07-14T16:42:00.001-04:00

The Bristol Land Conservation Trust is looking for two Board members to serve one to three years.

The Bristol Land Conservation Trust (BLCT) is a small, all-volunteer 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to acquire land to be kept as open space forever. The Trust preserves land in its natural state to retain the beauty of our Town landscape and preserve conservation and geological values. The Trust can also hold conservation easements on open space in addition to acquiring land directly.

The BLCT meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM at the Bristol Statehouse, downstairs south meeting room, and as required if additional meetings are needed. We do help out in the Spring with the Town clean-up on our land, and we do have to do walk-throughs of our property from time to time and cut some grass and rake some leaves at street-side. Two years ago we started a biennial event called the “Bristol Conservation Summit,” a gathering of conservation-minded people from the various conservation organizations in Town. This year we celebrated 25 years and awarded our first Excellence in Conservation Award.

Although not required to be on the Directors Board, some knowledge of the basic principles of conservation are helpful, as is some knowledge of ecology, biology, geology, and just basic general science. More importantly, however, is an interest in preserving open space and just general enthusiasm. Through the two groups mentioned below, there is much expertise available with respect to the management of land trusts, the legal tools needed, and the science and biology required.

The BLCT is a member of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, a group which assists the numerous land trusts in Rhode Island in many ways. Their Executive Director is the point-person for all land trusts and keeps us informed regularly about matters of land trust importance. The Land Trust Council is essentially the advocacy organization for the land trusts in our state. One of their highlights each year is the co-sponsoring of the “Land & Water Summit” at the University of Rhode Island in March, when a day is devoted to learning about how to better do our work and to network.

The national advocacy organization for all land trusts is the LTA – the Land Trust Alliance, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The LTA organizes an annual convention or “Rally” which moves around to a new location each year. This year it is being held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The LTA runs a top-notch organization and provides much management, scientific, and legal assistance. The BLCT is an LTA member.

If there are any questions,please call Ray Payson at 253-0247 or email him at
Ray_payson@earthlink.net.

July 2011

Mount Hope Farm Cool Jazz on Sunday, August 21, 2011

2011-07-13T12:32:00.003-04:00

Click on image once to enlarge.

Bristol Watershed Meeting July 28 at Town Hall

2011-07-13T10:56:00.005-04:00

What makes Bristol special? One thing is Narragansett Bay!
If you are at all concerned with Bristol's water and its quality this meeting is for you. Bristol is in two watersheds - both originate in MA - so it is confusing to begin with! The meeting is at Bristol Town Hall at 10 am on Thursday, July 28. Go to this website www.fbenvironmental.com and click on 'Project Postings' to find land and water maps of our watershed and to read preliminary notes from an earlier meeting. Please pass the word along to anyone you think might be interested.

Warren Quahog and Art Festival this weekend

2011-07-13T10:54:00.003-04:00

Click on image once to enlarge.

Trash Bash tonight at Sail Newport

2011-07-12T09:11:00.002-04:00

Sail Newport, RI’s largest public sailing center, is hosting the Rozalia Project, Clean the Bay and Sailors for the Sea for the city’s first Trash Bash – a celebration for a clean ocean. This event is meant to bring awareness to the issues related to marine debris, its causes and its preventability. The Trash Bash will take place from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM on Wednesday July 13, 2011 at the Sail Newport facility located at 60 Fort Adams Drive in Newport. The event is free and open to the public. Call 401-835-6388 for details. For details on the Rozalia Project (the Stan Dimocks of the sea) go to www.rozaliaproject.org They were docked at the Herreshoff pier for two days this week. Great people. Great project!

Herreshoff Yacht Sales launches in Bristol!

2011-07-09T19:41:00.002-04:00

Click on image once to enlarge.

The value of women over 50!

2011-07-09T11:15:00.004-04:00

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 50.
Thank you KM for sending this in and making me aware of this segment!

"As I grow in age, I value women over 50 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 50 will never wake you in the middle of the night & ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 50 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She goes and does something, she wants to do, & it's usually more interesting.

Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 50.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest.. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 50, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!"

For the record, this blogger is divorced (happily not remarried) and over 50!

If you need a laugh! (esp dog lovers)

2011-07-07T12:35:00.005-04:00

http://youtu.be/nGeKSiCQkPw

It's beautiful! Yoga at Blithewold in Bristol RI every Monday at 11 am

2011-06-20T15:14:00.012-04:00

Bristol Yoga Studio and Blithewold have teamed up to offer a YOGA class every Monday morning at 11 am with instructor Christine Reed, co-owner of the Bristol Yoga Studio. (www.bristolyogastudio.com) The class is for all levels. Bring a mat or a towel and wear comfortable clothing. Just do it!

Local growing season veggie chart

2011-06-17T13:45:00.003-04:00

Click chart once to enlarge.

Free Bristol Yoga Series on Sundays from 6-7 pm all Summer

2011-06-16T14:18:00.005-04:00

This sounds like a really good deal and a great way to meet the many instructors at Bristol Yoga Studio and to learn about Yoga as well. Bristol Yoga Studio is located at the southeast corner of Franklin and Hope Streets in Bristol. For more info go to:
www.bristolyogastudio.com
Click on text image once to enlarge.

Boston Bruins do it!

2011-06-16T08:41:00.005-04:00

Thank you Kristen Browne for this image.

Vegetable Gardening Tips and Tricks June 25

2011-06-14T20:27:00.003-04:00

About the Presenter:
Rosanne Sherry is the URI Cooperative Extension Master Gardener State Coordinator for the URI Outreach Center. She has held this position since 1988. She worked in garden centers for 10 years prior to working at URI. She is also a URI Master Gardener and graduated from the program in 1980. Over the years she has written garden columns in local newspapers and has been a guest on numerous radio programs. She is also a regular speaker for garden clubs and civic organizations throughout RI and SE MA in her capacity as a Master Gardener.

Her garden passions are to help other gardeners enjoy their gardens
and the surrounding environment in a more ecological way. Her own
garden and landscape reflect her passion for the birds.

This lecture is on basic organic gardening tips and techniques in the
vegetable garden.
http://conta.cc/l3MKYL