Newport This Week

NEWS




Sen. Whitehouse on Avoiding the Default

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below today regarding the Senate’s passage of legislation to end the government shutdown and avoid a default:

“This shutdown and near-default crisis was entirely unnecessary and has harmed our economy and our reputation in the world. I’m glad that the Senate was able to craft a bipartisan plan to move past the crisis, so we can turn to the real issues facing our country: creating jobs, supporting the middle class, and fighting climate change. But we also can’t forget: we must never again allow extremist hostagetaking to create this disruption. As Rhode Island continues recovering from the recession, we can’t afford these stratagems.”

Mommy & Me Expo

The Newport Athletic Club is hosting a free education, health and wellness fair for mom, baby and family on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2-6 p.m. There will be a variety of health and wellness vendors and exercise demonstrations. The Newport Athletic Club is located at 66 Valley Rd., Middletown.

SVF Lecture

The Swiss Valley Foundation is hosting a “Farm to Table Lecture” on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. The guest speakers will be Pat Mc- Niff of Pat’s Pastured, which offers pasture-raised and grass-fed meats, and Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames. Advance registration required.

To register, contact SVF Foundation at 401-848-7229 ext 10 or lynne@svffoundation.org.

Rotary Club Social

The Portsmouth Rotary Club will hold its annual Wine and Cheese Social at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Valley Inn, 2221 West Main Rd., Portsmouth. For more information, contact Joseph White at jwhite2412@cox.net or 401-864-7108.

Tower Open

The Miantonomi Tower which is normally closed to the public will be open Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. Newport Tree Warden and Buildings & Grounds Supervisor Scott Wheeler will give a historical and horticultural tour of Miantonomi Park. Enjoy one of Newport’s largest uncultivated open spaces learn about its many species of trees while exploring remnants of colonial fortifications, an unusual geological formation, and of course, Miantonomi Tower itself. Reservations required as space is limited. Tours cost $15 per person, $10 Newport Historical Society members.

To reserve your spot on this special tour, contact the Newport Historical Society at (401)841-8770.

For information on other Newport History Tours, visit newporthistorytours.org

‘One Colonial Woman’s World’ Lecture

The Newport Historical Society will host scholar Michelle Marchetti Coughlin to discuss her new book “One Colonial Woman’s World: The Life and Writings of Mehetabel Chandler Coit,” on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Colony House.

Mehetabel Chandler Coit (1673- 1758), a New England native, wrote what may be the earliest surviving diary by an American woman, recording entries on a broad range of topics as well as poems, recipes, and medical remedies. She began her diary at the age of 15 and kept it intermittently until she was well into her seventies. Her long life covered an eventful period in American history, and the lecture will explore the sometimes surprising ways in which her personal history was linked to broader social and political developments.

Admission is $5, $1 for Newport Historical Society members. To reserve a spot call 401-841-8770.

MLK Holiday Food Baskets

The Martin Luther King Community Center has extended the signup deadline for its holiday food baskets until Friday, Oct. 25. The food baskets will be given to families only. To sign-up visit the center Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. A picture ID, a current piece of mail, and proof of family size is required at the time of signup. For more information, call Bea Brush, Food Pantry Coordinator at 401- 846-4828.

Children’s Hour Exhibit

The Newport Historical Society recently opened a new exhibit, “The Children’s Hour: Three Centuries of Children’s Books and Texts,” at its Museum of Newport History in Brick Market.

The Children’s Hour presents a selection of 18th, 19th and 20th century children’s books and printed materials from the Society’s extensive collection. Highlights include the works of 19th-century Newport authors Susan Coolidge (“What Katy Did”), Laura E. Howe Richards (“Captain January”) and Clement C. Moore (“A Visit from St. Nicholas”). Children’s educational materials will also be exhibited, such as 19th and 20th century primers, a penmanship book and a unique 1803 game comprised of pictures and sight words.

The exhibit is in conjunction with the Rhode Island Center for the Book’s Art of the Book Program celebrating literature created for the young and young at heart. The Children’s Hour exhibit is on the second floor at the Museum of Newport History,127 Thames St. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Admission is free but the suggested donation is $4. For additional information, call 401-841-8770.

Drop-in Art Sessions

Each Sunday until Dec. 15, the Portsmouth Arts Guild Center is open for casual “drop-in” style art sessions from 2 – 5 p.m. It is free for guild members, $5 for non-members. Each week a different subject/ still-life will be provided. You can also work on your own project or from photos. No formal instruction will be given but there will be an optional group critique at the end of each session. All media and levels welcome. For more information, contact Suzanne Lewis at workshops@PortsmouthArts.org or 401-293-5278. The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts is located at 2679 E. Main Rd. Gallery hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Task Force Assessment Results

The Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force will meet at the Newport Public Library on Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. John Mattson, author of the Newport needs assessment, will lead a discussion about the results and answer questions. Ben Ellcome, the NSAPTF coordinator, will also give a report and share information concerning state grants.

Microchip Clinic

To celebrate “Adopt A Shelter Dog Month,” The Potter League is offering an affordable microchip clinic. The microchips will be administered by Dr. Toni Ellis, DVM, of Mobile Veterinary Routine Care on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Potter League for Animals. There is a $25 fee per animal payable on the day of the clinic.

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than two percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners once lost. Most of these were identified with tags or microchips. Basically, pets that have collars with identification tags or microchips find their way home more times than animals that do not have any form of identification; oftentimes the reunion will take place within hours.

A microchip is a tiny radio-frequency identification (RFID) device and is about the size of a grain of rice. The device is implanted under the loose skin between a cat’s shoulder blades also known as the scruff. Once the microchip is in place, there is a simple registration process with the microchip manufacturer. When activated by a specialized handheld scanner, the chip emits an alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies him. Microchips are permanent and are designed to last for the life of the cat. Microchips never need to be charged or replaced and are easily injected using a specialized needle and syringe. It is quick and is practically painless, causing no more discomfort than a routine vaccine injection.

All cats and dogs with microchips should still wear a visible ID collar and tag as backup if possible. The collar and/or tag should have the owner’s contact information, as well as the microchip identification number. All stray animals that come to the Potter League are scanned upon arrival to determine if a microchip is in place.

Call 401-846-8276 or email info@ PotterLeague.org to pre-register. Visit PotterLeague.org for information about this clinic as well as a listing of all the animals available for adoption.

Book Signing

Newport Wine Cellar is hosting E.J. Simon author of “Death Never Sleeps” for a book signing and complimentary wine tasting on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 5-7 p.m. For more information call 401-619-3966.

Teacher Assistant Classes Offered

The Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center is currently enrolling for its Teacher Assistant Training Program which begins in November. Classes are held at the Kennedy School Annex, 740 West Main Rd., Middletown. To register, contact AIALC at 401-847-7171.

AARP Meeting

The Newport Chapter of AARP will have its monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 21 at the Fenner Hall at 1:30 p.m. New members are asked to arrive at 1 p.m. and bring their national AARP card. The guest speaker will be Susan Haley from Home Instead Senior Care. She will present a program on nutrition for seniors with nutrition tips, recipes and information regarding foods that may help or hurt arthritis symptoms.

Members are asked to bring canned goods for local food pantries. For more information, call Jean at 401-846-5146.

Lyme Support Group

An open meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. and on the third Thursdays of following months for anyone who wishes to discuss Lyme disease. This month a community action plan will be discussed. The support group will meet at Harbor House, 111 Washington St., between Van Zandt and Battery. For more information, contact lymenewport@gmail.com.

In Case You’ve Forgotten:

nToll Commission meeting, Oct.
17, 7 p.m., Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center.
nCollege Planning Night, Oct. 17,
6-7:30 p.m., Rogers High School.
nSaturday Fun Night, Oct. 19, The
Hut, 845-5800.

Newport Fire Incident Run Report

During the period from Monday,
Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 13 the
Newport Fire Department responded to a total of 160 calls. Of those,
89 were emergency medical calls,
resulting in 60 patients being transported to the hospital. Additionally, 3 patients were treated on the
scene and 11 patients refused aid
once EMS arrived on the scene.
Fire apparatus was used for 160
responses:
Station 1 – Headquarters/Rescue1
and 3 responded to 70 calls
Station 1 – Engine 1 and 6
responded to 47 calls
Station 2 – Old Fort Road Rescue 2
responded to 29 calls
Station 2 – Old Fort Road Engine 2
responded to 17 calls
Station 5 – Touro Street/Engine 3
and 5 responded to 36 calls

Specific situations fire apparatus
was used for include:
1 – Structure fire
1 – Trash / rubbish fire
1 – Furnace / boiler fire
1 – Smoke scare
1 – Water problem
1 – Gasoline or flammable
liquid spill
1 – Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
4 – Vehicle accidents
2 – Lock outs
5 – Assist public calls
2 – Fire alarms or false calls
16 – Fire alarm soundings
– no fire
6 – Fire alarm malfunctions
– no fire
56 – Engine assist on EMS call

In the category of fire prevention,
the department performed 7 smoke
alarm / CO inspections prior to property sales, 21 life safety / site inspections, 4 fire system plan reviews, and
did 26 tent inspections / plan reviews.
FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE:
Cooking Safety Facts – More fires
start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home. These cooking
fires are common — and deadly. On
average, they cause 44 percent of
home fires, 15 percent of home fire
deaths, and 38 percent of home fire
injuries each year. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking
fires with frying being the number
one activity associated with cooking
fires. 3 out of 5 people injured during
cooking fires were injured while trying to fight the fire themselves. Get
out- Stay out- Call 911.
Information provided by
FM Wayne Clark, ADSFM

Newport Police Log

During the period from Monday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 13, the Newport Police Department responded to 602 calls. Of those, 112 were motor vehicle related; there were 77 motor vehicle violations issued and 35 accident reports. One bicycle violation and skateboard violation were also issued. Police performed 1 liquor establishment check, responded to 1 call regarding shots fired: Saturday, Oct. 12 on Cliff Walk and Ledge Rd. and 4 suicide calls. 5 private tows were made. The police also responded to 14 noise complaints, 13 animal complaints, 32 home/business alarm calls, and 9 incidents of vandalism. They also transported 5 prisoners, provided escort for 5 funerals, and performed 1 school security check at the Pell School. They recorded 7 instances of assisting other police departments and 7 other agencies.

In addition, 29 arrests were made
for the following violations:
n 7 arrests were made for outstanding bench warrants.
n 7 arrests were made for simple
assault.
n3 arrests were made for public
urination.
n3 arrests were made for noise
violations.
n 1 arrest was made for larceny.
n1 arrest was made for vandalism. n 1 arrest was made for disorderly conduct.
n 1 arrest was made for DUI.
n1 arrest was made for tampering with a vehicle.
n1 arrest was made for leaving
the scene of a collision.
n1 arrest was made for conspiracy. n1 arrest was made for carrying
a weapon while intoxicated.
n1 arrest was made for possession of narcotics.
n1 arrest was made for 1st degree child molestation.

Municipal Court

Due to the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, municipal court was not in session. Judge J. Russell Jackson will resume court on Oct. 21.

Save the Date: Dual Cocktail Fundraisers

The Maher Center’s Annual Cocktail Celebration will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island from 4:30– 7 p.m. The evening will be filled with community spirit, food, drinks, silent and live auctions, raffles and entertainment by a quartet from Larry Brown’s Swinglane Orchestra. The center will also sponsor a special fundraising effort that evening to raise funds to purchase a van for client transportation. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased by calling the Maher Center at 401-846-4600.

The Edward King House will hold its Annual CocktailParty on Saturday Oct. 26 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The fundraising event will feature hors d’oeuvres from Newport’s finest restaurants, cocktails, music by Hugo D’Ascentis and gift certificate raffles. Proceeds from the event will benefit programming for seniors age 50 and above. Tickets are $30 and available at the King House in advance only. For more information, contact 401-846-7426 or info@edwardkinghouse.org.

Norumbega Harmony to Perform

As part of its yearlong Spectacle of Toleration project, the Newport Historical Society, in partnership with Trinity Church, will present the musical group Norumbega Harmony in a concert at Trinity Church on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 pm.

Founded in 1976 at Wellesley College, Norumbega Harmony practices the tradition of the itinerant singing school. This school gave birth to Sacred Harp singing four part shape note scores in full voice as members successively lead tunes from the center of the hollow square. The group’s repertoire consists of music from the colonial and Revolutionary eras of New England, as well as music from the Sacred Harp and American folk-hymn traditions.

Led by singing master Dr. Stephen Marini, professor of religion at Wellesley College, the internationally known group has performed more than 100 concerts around New England and has also released three recordings and published a collection of early New England psalmody.

The concert is free and sponsored by the Spectacle of Toleration, donations are welcome. To reserve visit norumbegaharmony. eventbrite.com.

‘Newport Awheel’

The Breakers Stable will be the site of a lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 23 showcasing some of the great moments in transportation history that took place right here in Newport. Collections inventory specialist Elizabeth Warburton will trace the automobile’s early history on the island and show related pieces from the Preservation Society’s archive and collection. The lecture begins at 11 a.m. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. Advance registration is requested. Register online for “Newport Awheel” at newportmansions.org or call 401-847-1000 x154.


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