NEWS

Cranston Chatter

By MERI R. KENNEDY
Posted 8/26/20

By MERI R. KENNEDY Volunteers sought for memory loss study Researchers at Butler Hospital are partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to test whether two different healthy lifestyle programs can prevent memory loss in older adults. You may be

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Cranston Chatter

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Volunteers sought for memory loss study

Researchers at Butler Hospital are partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to test whether two different healthy lifestyle programs can prevent memory loss in older adults. You may be eligible to join if you are between the ages of 60-79, do not regularly exercise (generally less than three times per week), and have other risks for memory loss in the future, such as a family history of memory problems or slightly high blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar.

Benefits of participating include regular lifestyle coaching to improve health, a physical exam, and two blood draws and memory checkups per year.

Help prevent memory loss for the next generation. To learn more, call 401-POINTER or email pointer@butler.org.

Lifeguard and ranger jobs available

Lifeguard and ranger jobs are available now at state beaches and parks for the remainder of the 2020 recreation season. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is actively recruiting qualified individuals to fill seasonal employment positions at state beaches, parks, campgrounds and the golf course at Goddard Park through the remainder of the season. Rhode Island residents age 16 and older are encouraged to apply.

Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas, including saltwater beaches such as Roger Wheeler and Scarborough, non-surf beaches such as Goddard, and freshwater beaches such as Burlingame Campground and Lincoln Woods State Park, through Monday, Sept. 7. Hourly rates for lifeguards were raised in 2019 and range from $13.25 to $16.25 an hour, based on location and position level. All lifeguard candidates must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR including infant, child, and adult.

DEM also is seeking park rangers and facilities attendants to work at recreational sites across the state. More than a dozen new seasonal workers are needed. They will be assigned positions at state beaches through Labor Day and will then assist at state campgrounds and the Goddard Park Golf Course until the facilities close in November. Hourly rates for park rangers range from $10.50 to $11.60. Applicants for facilities attendant and park ranger I positions must be 16 years of age or older, and applicants to park ranger positions at levels II and III must be 18 years of age or older.

For a complete list of seasonal employment opportunities and to apply, visit riparks.com/employment.

Most positions are full-time and include weekend and holiday hours. Active senior citizens and retired military personnel who might want to work part-time to make up for the lack of younger applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications must be completed online. Paper applications will not be accepted. The state of Rhode Island is an equal opportunity/diversity employer.

CCAP’s Learn to Earn program

The Comprehensive Community Action Program’s youth employment, training and education programs assist the youth of Rhode Island ages 14-24 through free education, training programs, work readiness and job placement assistance. They provide a full range of services to young people who are enrolled in school or out of school. All enrollees are connected with a case manager to assist them in their education or employment goals throughout the program. Cash incentives and bus tickets are given to those who qualify. Call 480-8984 or visit www.comcap.org for more information.

Park View Veterans Day 5K canceled

An annual Veterans Day tradition in Cranston will not be held this year, school officials have announced. The Park View Middle School Veterans Day 5K is typically held in November, starting and ending at the Roger Williams Park entrance across from the school on Park Avenue. Proceeds from the event support the veteran’s organization Operation Stand Down RI.

“As with virtually every aspect of life, this year is something that we have never experienced or could have possibly imagined,” Principal Cheryl Anderson and race director John Macera wrote in a letter to the community. “Never have we had to put our lives on hold this long and try to plan for the future with so much uncertainty. Due to the financial commitments which are invested in staging this event, we are forced to make this announcement at this time.”

The letter continues: “Out of an abundance of safety for all, the postponement for this year’s race will only strengthen our resolve and give us the opportunity to recalculate to make the 2021 Park View 5K even better. We wish you safety and good health in the coming year.”

CCAP Emergency Housing Assistance

The Comprehensive Community Action Program’s Emergency Housing Assistance program assists individuals/families living in Cranston, Coventry, Scituate and Foster with back rent, security deposits, mortgage assistance, late fees associated with back rent or mortgage, moving costs and utilities. Funding is limited. For more information, call CCAP at 467-7013 or visit www.comcap.org.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Barbara and Kevin Dwares of Cranston are once again collecting individually wrapped desserts such as brownies, cookies, banana breads, cookie bars, etc., to be delivered to Help The Homeless RI on Saturday afternoons. The donations are needed by noon on Fridays. Please drop them off at 46 Balsam Court in Garden City. Please put them in the plastic container located near the breezeway. The bin will be outside every Wednesday through Friday.

Scary Acres RI is hiring

It’s that time of year! Scary Acres RI is now accepting applications for its 2020 fall season.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have reliable transportation to and from the event, and have availability to work the entire season. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. or later. The season begins Aug. 16 and runs through Oct. 30. All hired staff must agree to a zero-tolerance drug policy.

Those hired will receive paid training/rehearsals on site. Available positions include scare actresses/actors and security. Experience is preferred. The pay rate $11.50 per hour.

Visit the hiring kiosk outside the farm store at 2150 Scituate Ave. in Hope for details and to fill out an application. Applications are available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All staff must follow all state-issued and company policies for protecting themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. This includes being able and willing to wear proper protection equipment and practicing social distancing.

For questions, email brianscaryacres@gmail.com.

RI Dream Center seeking donations of water

The Rhode Island Dream Center is collecting cases of bottled water to give to people experiencing homelessness. The center’s food truck is headed back out on the streets to serve food and water to those in need. Summer heat can be a time of true misery for the homeless, as many are forced to spend the majority of their day outside on the streets, in the heat, with limited access to any water.

The goal of the drive is to collect and give out 650 bottles of water each week during these hot summer months. All cases of water can be dropped off at the Rhode Island Dream Center, at 330 Park Ave. in Cranston, Monday-Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To learn more, visit www.cranstonri.com or follow the organization on Facebook.www.cranstonri.com

CCAP launches new online benefits application platform

As part of its continuous effort to provide the best possible service, the Comprehensive Community Action Program, or CCAP, has announced the launch of its new online application platform, which can be found at www.apply.ComCap.org.

With a goal of expanding access to CCAP social services programs, the application portal will improve clients’ access to up-to-date housing and utility assistance program information, allow clients to upload documents and electronically sign applications and make it easy to access benefits.

CCAP is one of Rhode Island’s largest organizations dedicated solely to fighting the war on poverty. For a full list of CCAP programs and services, visit www.ComCap.org.

For questions about the new portal, email info@ComCap.org or call 467-7013.

Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble auditions

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble is looking for the finest student musicians in grades seven through 12 for the upcoming 2020-21 performance season. The Youth Ensemble is part of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Music School.

Directed by Dr. David Neves, a nationally recognized music educator and conductor, the Youth Wind Ensemble includes over 75 band students from throughout the state.

The ensemble performs three concerts during the school year and members are recognized as being amongst the best players in Rhode Island. All students who love performing band music, play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments, and are looking for a challenging musical experience should audition.

Auditions will continue throughout the summer but interested students should audition as soon as possible before the groups are filled.

For questions or more information about auditions, contact Christine Eldridge at celdridge@ri-philharmonic.org, Neves at dneves@ri-philharmonic.org or visit www.riphil.wordpress.com.

Cranston Arts Commission open invitation

The Cranston Arts Commission would like to invite all Cranston artists to submit a picture, story or video of their work to be shared on the commission’s Facebook page and website. Work from all artists is being sought, including poets, storytellers, photographers, musicians, actors and painters. There is no age restriction or deadline.

To participate, use #ArtHeals when posting to the commission’s social media, email cranstonartscommission@gmail.com or visit www.cranstonartscommission.org.

CCAP Food Bank offers help, seeks donations

The COVID-19 public health emergency is creating an urgent food security challenge for households in the community. CCAP’s Food Bank, located at 311 Doric Ave., lower level, can help, and can be reached by calling 467-7013.

The Food Bank’s hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30-6:30 p.m.; and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Food Bank has suspended walk-in service. Clients can pick up their regular monthly pre-made food bags at the Food Bank window.

Donations may be made at CCAP’s location at 311 Doric Ave. in Cranston on any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., excluding holidays.

CCAP is seeking paper goods, cleaning products and a range of nonperishable food items. Specifically sought are peanut butter, whole wheat pasta, tuna, brown rice, canned and dried beans, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned soups and stews, granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce, breakfast cereals and extra virgin olive oil.

For more information, call 467-7013 or visit www.comcap.org.

Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market

The Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon until late October. It is held at 60 Rhodes Place in Cranston.

The market’s organizers have made some changes to keep vendors and patrons safe. All foot traffic is now one-way from start to finish. Stands are more than 8 feet apart to create social distancing space and cones clearly mark where to stand. Masks must be worn by all visitors and vendors, and hand-washing stations can be found throughout the market. Visitors are additionally encouraged to keep their pets at home.

Parking for the market is in the upper parking lot, and no eating is permitted while shopping at the market.

For more information, visit www.pawtuxetmarket.com.

50th reunion for Cranston East rescheduled

The Cranston High School East class of 1970 has rescheduled its 50th reunion to Aug. 7, 2021, at the Cranston Country Club. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner and music by Tommy Tunes. The Reunion Committee is seeking help in locating classmates. Please send information to Jim Brailsford at jimbo521@cox.net or Barbara Russo at twinn52@yahoo.com.

Trash and yard waste

Trash pick-up is continuing a normal schedule, while yard waste pick-up will be on residents’ usual trash day until mid-December. For more information, visit cranstonri.com.

Did you know?

“Summer” came from the Old English name for that time of year, sumor ... It then began to pick up steam and became common in the 16th century – about the same time “fall” popped up as the name for the season. Before the season was autumn or fall in English, though, it was called “harvest.” (Source: Summer Fun Facts)

To submit your news from the community, email Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.com. Photos in jpg format are accepted and news can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email today and see your news in our column in the Cranston Herald.

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