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Back To School

Lifelong Learning with Art Classes Prepping for the new School Year Q & A with Elementary School Principal Cheri Sacco

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September 2017

Pr i m e Ti m e September 2017 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com Editor / Creative Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS Michael Cerio, Don Fowler, Elaine M. Decker, Meg Chevalier, Larry Grimaldi, Mike Fink, Rhonda Taddie, Michelle LaFrance PRODUCTION Lisa Bourque Yuettner Brian Geary

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Back to School

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Bob Giberti, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski

Q&A with Cheri Sacco

Never Stop Learning

Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com

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b y michael ceri o

Back to School’s Not Just for Kids It wasn’t even the end of July when my 7-year-old son came bursting into the kitchen after hearing his mother and I talking about the errands we wanted to get done. “School supplies—yeah, we’re definitely doing that.” We were a little surprised; not because he doesn’t love school (he does), but because of the timing. I liked school, too, but I don’t think I was giving it much thought in July. Nevertheless, considering shopping isn’t high on either kid’s list, we took the small victory and crossed it off the to-do list. Once home and putting everything away just to take it out six weeks later, I started to think about this Back to School issue. I guess you could say there was some unintentional inspiration. With this the first full school year of my mother being retired, the now-grandmother of three is able to get more involved in what happens during the weekdays than her working schedule allowed for.

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You see, my grandparents played a huge role in my school years, particularly through the fifth grade. My mother’s mom would often be the one to take me for my St. Augustine uniforms and school supplies. When it was school fundraiser time, she’d pick me up every Wednesday and we’d go to all the places where she knew people—I was always one of the top sellers. Looking back, I’m sure I didn’t realize how much this not only helped my parents at the time, but influenced me. On my father’s side, there was more of the same. Every Tuesday, he and I would have dinner at my grandparents and spend the night. Before school the next morning, my grandmother would make a feast for breakfast because, “You can’t go to school if you’re hungry.” And I’m pretty sure I was the only third grader with a meatball sandwich and thermos of pastina for lunch. Of course, once I got older—and after countless other times of helping with rides, homework and bake sales—my

Q&A with Cheri Sacco Principal of Stadium Elementary School in Cranston

grandparents were still there, at band concerts, baseball and basketball games, and all of the important milestones. As I’m sure you can tell if you’ve read this far, I haven’t forgotten any of it. It was also during this trip down memory lane that I started to wonder about the ways grandparents and older adults impact the school year of today, particularly at a time when most can agree that many parents are working more than ever and family structures have changed. So I reached out to Cheri Sacco, the principal of Stadium Elementary School in Cranston, to learn about what goes into kicking-off a new school year and about grandparents’ influences at her school and on her students. A true “Cranstonian,” Cheri attended Glen Hills Elementary School, Western Hills Middle School, and graduated from Cranston West before beginning her teaching career in the city in 1989. In September of 2012, Cheri became the principal of Stadium Elementary School.

She and her husband, Craig, who himself is a teacher at Cranston West, met in middle school and have three children, Justin, Kyle and Nicole. PrimeTime: When preparing for a new school year, what is the first thing you do and how early do you get started? Sacco: This particular summer has been a little different because my school has been closed so new sprinklers could be installed. But typically, we do a lot of reorganizing, cleaning and sorting to make sure everything is ready to go. Right now, however, everything in our building is boxed and in storage pods; desks, chairs, everything. So that last week before school starts is going to be all hands on deck, and while I think most schools are full of people helping one another, our school is really unique in that way—my staff is so supportive of each other. Knowing we had to empty our classrooms, ev-

September 2017

back to school were concerned about their age and being able to keep up with them. Well, it’s no longer temporary and they are just the best parents for these kids. We had a fall festival, and seeing them build a scarecrow together was amazing. But what are equally amazing are the working relationships with extended families. Even though a grandparent may be the primary caretaker, they always invite mom and dad to school activities and that’s to the benefit of the children. Like they say, it takes a village. We also have a number of students who have grandparents living with them at home, some who have come from other countries and get to make their culture such a large part of the child’s day-to-day life. Grandparents just have so much to share in addition to the amazing family support. A grandparent’s influence can really shape who a child becomes in life. PrimeTime: What do you feel are the benefits to a school when there’s an engaged population of older adults?

eryone helped each other do some of our school year prep back in June, like decorating classroom walls and getting new bulletin boards hung up. Our school really is like a family. Personally, one of the biggest things I have to do is scheduling, which I start shortly after the end of the previous year. I want to maximize the common planning time my teachers have together during the year, so I create literacy and math blocks that coincide with when students have art or gym so teachers can work together. There’s a lot of moving parts to this, but research shows that collaboration makes for a better teacher, which is why it’s such a big part of my summer, especially when you’re introducing a new reading series and a new science program as we’re doing this year.

Sacco: As far as the amount of instruction, our kindergarteners came out of the year already having been exposed to some of what they’ll do to begin first grade. For a school like ours to be able to get that running start is huge—some of our students come in knowing their letters and numbers, and for others, it’s somewhat new. So with full-day, we can focus our curriculum in ways that we couldn’t in half-day and that helps to get our students on the same ground. What we want is to have even stronger first graders entering first grade, and we are already seeing that after just one year. I also think that fullday has helped parents in terms of daycare and peace of mind. Not only is the learning day longer for their children, parents don’t need to worry about where they’ll need to spend the other half of the day.

PrimeTime: Personally, what is your favorite part of the start of a new school PrimeTime: With a number of families year? having two working parents or a different structure at home, do you have Sacco: Interestingly enough, even grandparents and older caregivers that when I was a kid and the summers seemed take on primary roles with your students much longer than they do today, I always during the school year? looked forward to going back to school; I think it’s how I knew I wanted to become a teacher. Today, my favorite thing about Sacco: I have always had some grandgoing back is seeing all of my students, parents as primary caretakers at the difwelcoming them back, meeting new faces ferent schools I’ve been at, and Stadium and greeting everyone every day. I just is no different. Grandparents play a huge love hearing about all of the things they role in transportation at our school—it’s a did over the summer. It’s also pretty amaz- dynamic that I just love to see, how kids’ ing how quickly you get settled in. By the faces light up when they see grandma or second day, you walk the halls and see kids grandpa. Grandparents get to enjoy the and it’s like they never left—no one like a kids in a different way. They’ve raised quiet school; schools are supposed to be their families and this is another chance bustling with activity and excitement. to recapture that and have a positive influence on another generation in their PrimeTime: This is the second year of family. There are also a lot of reasons full-day Kindergarten in Cranston—how why grandparents may take over parentdid your students and families receive ing responsibilities. I have one family that this pretty big change? comes to mind that took in their three grandchildren temporarily because they September 2017

Sacco: I have a really great PTO that plans an annual family event; one year it’ll be a fall festival and the following year it will be a winter festival—it’s really a lot of fun. Well, every year, we always have a number of grandparents who want to help out, whether they are helping to run the games or snack tables; we’ve even had a horse and carriage in the past. But we also have high school students who are volunteering and so it becomes multigenerational and I think that’s a really strong snapshot of what our community is all about—everyone coming together to be there for our youngest students. I also think that grandparents offer a different perspective on life and, sometimes, command a different level of authority. During parent-teacher conferences, we offer morning and evening times to accommodate families’ schedules. So many families include the grandparents in these conferences and we welcome that, especially when a grandparent shares in the parenting responsibilities. I’ll never forget this one young boy who had been having a difficult year and for his parent-teacher conference, his mother brought along grandma. Well, that grandmother had such a positive influence on this young boy that you could almost see him flipping the switch in his mind as she listened to the teacher. It meant something to that child to see his grandmother in that conference and he had such a great rest of the year. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my career. But sometimes, grandparents may not even be grandparents—they may be older adults who are lifelong friends of the family. We’ve had that happen, too, where a student may call them grandma or grandpa and there’s no relation at all. That is also amazing to me; when people who are older give so much of themselves, whether it’s time, money or emotional support to make a positive impact in a child’s life. PrimeTime: Do you have opportunities at Stadium Elementary where you’re looking for volunteers and that may be of interest to grandparents or older adults? Sacco: Oh, very much so. My teachers are always looking for help, even with something as simple as having a volunteer come in to help make copies for classroom activities. We’re also always looking for people who want to work directly with kids. As long as they are BCI-certified and have completed a volunteer form, we can always use more mentors. If you enjoy reading with and to kids, our library is a great place to volunteer—sometimes, our librarian can also use help checking books in and helping our students. Something I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t been able to yet is have a mural painted on the wall as part of a before or after school program. I know there are a lot of people in our community with special talents who may want to be a part of this and help us get it off the ground. This past spring, a bunch of us and a number of families spent an afternoon digging out some old bushes and weeding the grounds of the school. I’d like to do that again, maybe as a fall Saturday event that would be open to anyone who wanted to help. I’ve also been thinking about an “Adopt-a-Spot” program where a family would, in essence, take ownership over their own little space at our school, which I think would further enhance the family feel of Stadium. But no matter what someone’s interests or talents may be, we are always open for help. Anyone who is interested in volunteering or becoming a mentor can simply give us a call (401-270-8188). PrimeTime: If people could know just one thing about you or Stadium Elementary, what would you want it to be? Sacco: This is a great question… I want people to know we’re making a difference. I remember my husband asking me why I wanted to leave the classroom to become a principal and saying, “Look at all the notes you get about the difference you make.” It wasn’t necessarily an easy decision, but I recall thinking to myself that if I can make a difference for 25 students each year, how could I not take the opportunity to make a difference for hundreds more through working with teachers and the district? My school works very hard on the whole child; the importance of good decision-making and problem solving, but also being a good friend and a good person. Our influence isn’t solely on academics—we want to influence their entire life.

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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT by DON FOWLER

b y elaine m . dec k er

You Won’t Believe What Makes Us Fat Like many women my age, I have difficulty losing weight. Let me be honest here. It’s a struggle for me to keep from putting on the pounds, never mind losing them. As a result, I tune in to news items that provide any clues as to what makes us fat. The past several weeks brought a bonanza of new information. Unfortunately, most of it will prove useless for me. The first surprise is that a dirty home can make you fat. According to the NY Daily News, researchers at Duke University discovered a link between dust particles and weight gain. In laymen’s terms, the chemicals in dirt can change our body’s metabolism, resulting in more fat cells. Actually, it was mice’s metabolism, not human’s, but when it comes to scientific findings, what starts with mice eventually finds its way up the food chain. My friends know I’m not exactly a model homemaker. I’ve often said that I clean the house twice a year or when we’re expecting company, whichever comes first. We don’t socialize much. I’m not sure if that’s a cause or an effect of my cleaning schedule. Either way, it explains a lot about my expanding waistline. A few days after the dirty home tidbit I read that decluttering your home can help you lose weight. The AARP magazine recently ran the article: “To Lose Weight, Put Your Home on a Diet.” In it they reported: “Studies suggest that the same genes that cause people to hoard stuff can lead to obesity.” They surmised that this harks back to primitive times when supplies of food and rocks (for protection) were amassed to ensure survival. When we put our Providence house on the market, my real estate agent was brutal about having me get rid of the clutter. Sure enough, I shed some poundage, and not just the weight of the items I was donating or throwing out. My body trimmed down a bit, too. I assumed my weight loss was because I was carrying so many boxes of books from

our third floor to the first. Apparently the loss was also due to the decluttering process itself. Although I know that I should continue to shed belongings, I’ve reached the point where there’s not a lot of stuff here that’s just… well, stuff. Most of my clutter has a lot of history and emotional baggage tangled up in it. So there’s not much hope of a new decluttering phase helping me to lose weight. Besides, not much of what I have left is food or rocks, so in my case, there’s obviously something else involved besides primitive survival genes. The third news item on this topic was an article from Cell Metabolism that I found in thecut.com and it was the unkindest cut of all. It seems that researchers at UC-Berkeley conducted a study that suggests that smelling your food before you eat it could cause you to gain weight. It has something to do with the body’s sense of smell being tied into storing fat instead of burning it off. I’ll bet anything it’s those damn survival genes again. This is a distressing finding. How many times have you been dining at Gregg’s with a friend and said: “Just let me have a quick whiff of that Death by Chocolate cake before you eat it”? OK. Maybe it was more like: “Just let me have a teensy forkful of that cake,” but still. Now we can’t even sniff something decadent without risking ballooning up? It’s bad enough I have to sleep with earplugs (to drown out my husband’s snoring and my cat’s nighttime “hunting”). Now I’m going to have to eat with a clothespin on my nose. Life is so unfair. Copyright 2017 Business Theatre Unlimited

Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. She’s also been featured in ReaderSupportedNews. org. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com.

The Classics 5 Jazz Quintet at the Weaver Library The Weaver Library is delighted to offer one more concert before summer officially ends, coming indoors to the Champlin Program Room for the Classics 5 Jazz Quintet on Monday, September 11, 2017 at 7pm. Director Al Testa, who plays the trumpet and flugelhorn, keeps the quintet on their toes with music from the Great American song book as well as classic American doo-wop, light rock, and a little country, all done stylistically with jazz improvisation. The Quintet includes Testa, of North Providence, James Seabury of East Providence on lead jazz guitar, Paul Gruttaduria of Smithfield on drums and vocals, Mike Verrichia of Scituate on electric/upright bass, and the lovely and Carine Paul of Johnston on vocals. Feeling nostalgic about summer’s end? Let a concert of music spanning the decades ease you into fall. The concert is free and open to all. 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence, RI Call the library at 434-2453 for more information, or visit eastprovidencelibrary.org. | PrimeTime

Exciting Fall Theatre & Concert Lineup Get out your September calendar and circle the dates of some exciting theatre performances in Rhode Island this September and October. GAMM Pawtucket’s Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre will present Oscar Wilde’s “Trivial Comedy for Serious People”, “The Importance of Being Ernest” during September and October. This farcical masterpiece has been done by professional and amateur theatre companies around the world for decades. Under the direction of Fred Sullivan, Jr., it is sure to get the professional treatment only Gamm can give it. Call 723-4266 for information and reservations. ARCTIC PLAYHOUSE One of Rhode Island’s up and coming theatre groups, West Warwick’s Arctic Playhouse kicks off its fall season with Ernest Thompson’s “On Golden Pond”, the beautiful love story of a couple returning to their summer home for the 48th year. The production is scheduled for September 29 and 30 and October 1,5, 6, and 7. Call 573-3443 for information and reservations. PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The National Tour of Tony Award-Winning “Les Miserables” launches in Providence September 21-30, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. I’ve been going to the theatre for well over 60 years, and “Les Miz” is my all-time favorite. Don’t miss it. For reservations, call 421-ARTS.

Woonsocket’s Stadium Theatre Leads The Way If you are looking for a major success story in Rhode Island’s world of arts and entertainment, look no further than Woonsocket’s Stadium Theatre. The 18th century neo-classical building opened in the center of the thriving industrial city in 1926 as a vaudeville house. There were three shows a day, seven days a week back then, with international entertainers like Al Jolson, Will Rogers, and Charlie Chaplin gracing the stage, and silent movies filling the screen. The Stadium got its name from being one of the early stadium seating theatres, which made it easy for all patrons to see the stage. Alas, vaudeville died, the old mills closed, the theatre, like Providence’s Columbus Theatre, turned to X-rated movies to pay the rent before closing its doors in 1985. Like the Providence Performing Arts Center, the old, neglected building faced the wrecking ball in the early 1990’s until a forward-thinking Mayor Francis Lanctot started a Save the Stadium campaign and raised over 3 million dollars in 1998, formed a non-profit foundation, recruited hundreds of volunteers and donors, and in 2001 the building had been successfully renovated . Today, The Stadium Theatre fills more dates and brings more entertainment to Northern Rhode Island than must venues in the state. We recently travelled “all the way to Woonsocket” from Cranston, up Route 95 to Route 146, through Park Square and straight into the center of the city (20 miles/a half hour to drive and park for free) to see the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Walking through the entranceway and into the lobby was like going back to the Glenn Miller ‘40’s. There’s not a bad seat in the auditorium and the sound is excellent. Last season over 100,000 people enjoyed an event at the theatre. Professional world-touring artists like Liza Minelli, Cher, and George Winston have played the Stadium. The Farrely Brothers premiered their hit movie, “There’s Something About Mary” there. A wide variety of entertainment scheduled for the fall including country star Sara Evans, the Marshall Tucker Band, the New Shanghai Circus, and many tribute bands. You can check out upcoming shows on line at stadiumtheatre.com, pick a show that interests you, and enjoy this gem of a theatre. While you’re there, you may want to check out Chan’s, our favorite place for “Egg Rolls and Jazz”, just two blocks down Main Street. September 2017

lifestyles WILBURY THEATRE Providence’s Wilbury Theatre, located in the historic former Trinity Church on Broad St., presents Harold Pinter’s chilling “The Caretaker”, starring one of Rhode Island’s finest actors, Richard Donnelly as the title character, scheduled for Sept.-Oct. Call 400-7100 for information and reservations. EPIC THEATRE Cranston’s Epic Theatre presents “House Arrest”, by Anna Deavue Smith, modern look at the presidency through the eyes of those in the inner circle, and those in the outer circle. September running. Check them out at www.epictheatre.org. TRINITY REP Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning repertory company offers two plays about working class struggles. Arthur Miller’s classic “Death of a Salesman”, directed by Brian McEleneny and Dominique Morriseau’s “Skeleton Crew”, about factory workers in Detroit will be on stage upstairs and down September 26-October 26. BURBAGE THEATRE Burbage Theatre will present “Galileo” at their theatre space at Aurora, 276 Westminster St. in Providence through September 16. Tickets are $20. Call 484-0355 for reservations. RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE The Performing Arts Series at Rhode Island College opens on Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Sapinsley Hall with “Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook. If you are a fan of Carole King and the “Tapestry” album, you will not want to miss this premiere tribute by Suzanne O. Davis. Tickets available on line at www. ric.edu/pas, or call 456-8144. General admission $35. Seniors $30 RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra opens its season on Saturday, September 16 at 8:00 p.m. with James Sommerville, former Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and principal horn of the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducting. Guest violinist will join the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. For tickets, call 246-7000.

ELVES FOR ELDERS Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Purple Cat Winery 11 Money Hill Road, Chepachet Wednesday, October 18th 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Appetizers & Dessert Purchase Tickets for $25 at: www.eventbrite.com

September 2017

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Artists’ ExchAngE

fr E E clAssEs

fo r

sE n iors

(s mAl l fE E fo

r mAtEr iAls)

Classes in:

Art Theater Ceramics 490-9475

Call for more info 50 Rolfe Sq., CRanSton

www.artists-exchange.org

Computer Classes North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone St., North Kingstown 401-294-3306 www.nklibrary.org

Tech Drop-in

Saturday, September 23 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ask a specific question for instruction on e-Readers, Hoopla, and Freegal. Bring your devices, plugs/cords and passwords.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Thursdays, September 14, 21, & October 5 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This one-hour, three-session class will get you started in using this simple and effective tool to create presentations. Basic computer skills are required. Participants should attend all three sessions. Please register.

Introduction to Gmail

Saturday, October 7 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This class will shows you how to create a free email (Gmail) account and the basics of how to send and receive email. Basic computer skills are necessary. Please register.

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back to school

Never Stop Learning Have you resolved to learn something new and expand your horizons and for the sake of a more fulfilling life? It is one thing for adults decide to something new, but quite another to narrow down how you will enhance your knowledge or experiences. Don’t be discouraged by the adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It’s never to late to move out of your comfort zone, and these ideas may help you do just that.

• Learn a new language. If you have always dreamed of traveling internationally and speaking in a country’s native tongue, begin taking lessons. A Gallup Poll indicates that only about 25 percent of Americans can speak another language sufficiently enough to carry on a conversation, although many agree that knowing a second language is a good skill to have. In addition to private tutors or classes at nearby community colleges, make use of foreign language apps and computer programs, which allow you to practice in the comforts of home. Depending on how much time you can devote to studying, it may be just a matter of a few months before you have mastered a new language. How quickly you pick up a new language may be affected by

Retirement 101

your knowledge of other languages. For example, if you already speak Spanish, learning French or Italian maybe easier because of similarities between these widely spoken romance languages.

• Take up a new sport or hobby.

Hobbies and sports appeal to all types of people. Adults who never participated in sports as a child may find their interest piqued upon joining an adult league. Don’t underestimate your potential abilities on the playing fields or with regard to certain hobbies. Give painting, woodworking, papercrafting, and other hands-on hobbies a go and you may be surprised to discover the talent lies within.

• Go back to school. Even if you al-

ready have a degree, don’t be hesitant to pursue additional education. In 2013, a report in The Wall Street Journal indicated that just 29 percent of college students fit the ‘traditional’ student mold. That means nontraditional students, many of whom are adults, make up the majority of students on campus. Many local colleges and universities offer distance learning or adult education programs. Speak with a curriculum advisor about a particular school’s offerings and

find out if you’re eligible for reduced tuition or financial aid.

• See new sights. If travel is a passion of yours, make sure your passport is current and start making plans to visit areas of the world you have always wanted to visit. Perhaps there are particular ancient ruins you hope to see, or maybe you want to trace your genealogy back to your ancestral homeland. Trying something new is easier than one may think, and it can make for a great resolution and a more fulfilling life with lots of precious memories.

Go Back To ARTSchool www.artists-exchange.org www.rhodeislandwatercolorsociety www.nancystephenartschool.com www.ce.risd.edu/adults www.newportartmuseum.org www.bluedoorartstudio.com

Are You Ready for Retirement?

Tips for Creating a Joyful Retirement Wednesday, September 6 6:30-8:00 p.m. A ninety-minute presentation to help individuals plan for a joyful retirement Nora Hall, author of Survive Your Husband’s Retirement: Tips for Staying Happily Married, will present a threepart, 90-minute workshop to help participants identify their goals for retirement and how they will achieve joyful and supportive relationships in this new life stage. Successful retirement living requires more than a good financial plan. Registration preferred. North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone St., North Kingstown, RI 401-294-3306

Driving Skills An AARP Smart Driver Course will be offered at Swift on Wednesday, September 27 from 1:00 - 5:30 p.m. Successful completion of the course qualifies those 55 and older for a discount on auto insurance. The fee for the class is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration and payment are requested by Friday, September 22nd. Walk-ins will be accepted if space is available. Please contact Erin McAndrew at 886-8669, ext. 1 or emcandrew@eastgreenwichri.com to register.

Painting & Drawing A few good reasons to get creative

• IMPROVED CREATIVITY For right-brained or artistic people, painting and drawing can be a great way of enhancing the creative skills that they already manifest. On the other hand, leftbrained or analytical people can also stimulate their creativity and improve it. • IMPROVED MEMORY Painting and drawing can help boost recall and memory skills in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through imagination and thinking. • IMPROVED PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS Painting and drawing can promote the development of critical thinking and problem solving. Art can enable an individual to realize that there can be more than one solution to a single problem. • Improved MOBILITY Holding a brush or pencil to create artwork helps develop more efficient hand movements. Signals can be effectively sent from the brain to the motor neurons that would deliver the specific action that must be performed. As a result, fine motor skills are improved. September 2017

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There is a certain tangible and undeniable energy at Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Johnston. Throughout the Manor’s various common areas, people are busy talking and engaging with one another. In the hallways, nurses and caregivers are bustling from room to room tending to some residents while other residents are found eating in the dining areas located on each floor or basking in the sun on one of the manor’s breezy outdoor terraces. This is a happy place where the staff and residents are intertwined like family and where every effort has been made to make this “home away from home” as welcoming as possible. No space is busier at Cherry Hill Manor than its modern, well-equipped, and recently renovated therapy room. On any given day, the center’s dedicated team of therapists can be seen huddled around those short-term patients who have come to recover from any number of conditions ~ surgeries, falls or injuries, cardiac or stroke incidents, amputations, even ongoing therapy for Parkinson and other Neurological diseases. The center offers premier inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as an in-house physician. Each patient has an individualized care plan that is designed to their exact needs, all with the end goal of a successful transition back into the community. There is even a special home-like transitional suite reserved just for those who are nearing discharge. The explicit goal of the entire staff at Cherry Hill Manor’s Rehabilitation Center is to help their patients recover and return to a life of mobility, strength and independence. Here, the patient is seen as a whole person whose emotional and social recovery are equally as important as their physical recovery. Though many of the Manor’s amenities are designed to meet the needs of their long-term residents, patients in the Rehab center can enjoy these homelike features as well. They include cable TV in each room, restaurant-style dining, access to computers, a beauty salon and so much more. There is always something going on at Cherry Hill Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a longtime mainstay on the landscape of the city of Johnston, though its rehab patients reign from across the state. Loraine DiLorenzo, the Manor’s enthusiastic and multitalented Director of Marketing, is quick to explain that those who are seeking rehabilitative services are free to choose which facility they would like to recover in ~ this is an important choice that is to be decided by the patient and his or her family. She strongly advises that those who have foreknowledge of a planned surgery come and tour the facility, ask questions, visit one of the Manor’s semi-private and private rooms, and meet the therapy team. A complete and comprehensive program awaits you at Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cherry Hill Manor is located on Two Cherry Hill Road in Johnston. For more information, call Admission’s Director, Amanda Thompson, at (401) 231-3102 or their 24/7 hotline #401-626-7058. Visit their website at www.CherryHillManorNursingCenter.com.

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Ellie Brown of Providence has been a professional artist for the past 20 years. Ellie holds an M.F.A. in photography from San Jose State University. After a career in Philadelphia, Ellie returned to New England to be closer to her father, who was diagnosed at the young age of 64 with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Upon learning of her father’s diagnosis, Ellie began to capture his disease through documentary photography. Two years have passed since her father’s diagnosis and she has been inspired to host the “Care (Give and Take)” exhibition at the New Hope Art Gallery at the Cranston Senior Center occurring November 2017 through March 2018. Ellie was awarded a grant from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to partially support the exhibit. She has begun to curate artwork from artists who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease/ dementia. What makes this exhibition special is that the artists’ work about the disease will be paired with a piece of work from their loved one with the disease. The idea to create this community based exhibit spurred not only from her father’s diagnosis, but also curiosity to see who else is developing artwork around the disease. She is eagerly anticipating a successful turnout for the opening of the exhibition

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in November. She hopes that newcomers will enter this space and find work that resonates with them. The New Hope Art Gallery, located in the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center, is a rotating exhibition space open to all local, national, special needs, student, and senior artists and features more than 400 pieces of art. The exhibition will also include artwork made from seniors in the memory care unit at the Senior Center. Ellie was born with an artistic hand. Her mother was a lifetime artist and her father has always had a creative gene. Ellie shared a most cherished memory of her father. At the time, Ellie was living in Philadelphia and she was graced with a visit from her father. Ellie had been flipping through her fourth grade diary when her father decided to jokingly read it aloud in a very theatrical and dramatic way. Hearing the male voice read the words of a young girl inspired Ellie to make a play out of the diary. This surprise inspiration led to a successful theatrical performance, that her father was able to attend. Through their journey, she has utilized her artistic talents as a coping mechanism as her father progresses further into the disease. Still in the early stages of the disease, her father remains lucid. She depicts her father’s experience of hallucinations,

Respite, 2016, by Ellie Brown

Care(Give and Take)Exhibition

dizziness, and memory problems as he shares them with her, and incorporates her own reactions to his symptoms into her artwork. Ellie has found her practice has changed over time since the affects of Alzheimer’s came knocking at their door. Her artwork began as documentary photography until her father no longer felt comfortable with the images he saw of himself as his disease progressed. It became clear to Ellie that she needed to take these photographs and turn them into something else. She began to make gel medium transfers which degrades the image so she can draw into it. “It was a blessing in disguise that my father did not want to be photographed anymore, as this new approach more succinctly captures the nuances, metaphors, and subtleties of the disease, than the straight photography,” explained Ellie. Those who view Ellie’s pieces have been able to connect to the artwork and their experience of the disease on a deeper level. Throughout her travels, she has found most people know someone who has been affected by the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death, including more than 200,000 individuals under age 65 with youngeronset Alzheimer’s. Without a cure, those numbers are expected to triple by 2050. Ellie has been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association in her participation at the Providence Walk to End Alzheimer’s® last year and she plans to walk again this year in honor of her father. She has also attended the Association’s support groups which she has found beneficial. “Everyone in the group is at a different stage of the disease with their loved one. It is helpful to hear all of the facets. The individuals in the group are supportive and we share the laughter necessary to keep us moving forward. The laughter is what I appreciate most of all,” shared Ellie. Ellie has also developed a limited edition print photograph and has been donating the proceeds from the sales of

the piece of the Alzheimer’s Association. She is “grateful for the Alzheimer’s Association on so many levels from their work in advancing research to the care and support provided in the community.” Ellie encourages caregivers and people with the disease to use art as a way to express themselves through the progression of Alzheimer’s as the benefits are well documented. During one of her visits to her father, the two drew together, which she could see relaxed him. She took this drawing and is having it framed for the exhibit. Her father also takes comfort in music and singing. He strongly feels that music is what is saving him from sinking into a pit of despair, as he says “I am the star of singing!” “For those who are artists,” Ellie says, “this is a great way to channel the emotional toll caregivers and family members experience.” From an artistic outlook, Ellie looks at everything in life as imagery or inspiration, “I don’t know how not to do that. To me everything is potential material for art in my life. Most of my projects have been based in my reality. Alzheimer’s is now my family’s reality.” If you are a visual artist creating work about Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia, please submit work for this juried exhibition. Selected work will be based on artist merit and strength of the paired work from your loved one with the disease (alive or deceased). If no artwork is available, a photograph, letter or other ephemera will suffice. The deadline for entry is September 1, 2017. The exhibit will open to the public in November. For more information visit www.elliebrown. com/call-for-entry-care-give-and-take/ or contact ellie@elliebrown.com. About the Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. September 2017

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

LIFESTYLES

by MIKE FINK

Summer’s End They have a place near ours, one of those wee abodes they now call “tiny houses.” Used to be a common Rhode Island idea, a retreat for midsummer from the weedy dog days of late July and August until the return on Labor Day. Frank and Robin Giordano’s humble hut (my wife labels ours a “shanty” or a “cabin” or even a “hovel”) has a most hospitable screened in porch and a wide lawn. Down the lane off Middlebridge Road they moor their various boats that welcome their dogs and devoted friends, neighbors, family, and us and our guests. But my story is focused on Frank: he is a retired fire-fighter who now spends his off-season days as a volunteer at a Florida rescue-zoo. (If I can call it that.) It’s where abandoned pets, dislocated wildlife, or wounded creatures, and circus performers out of work go in their retirement. They are confined of course in cages...to protect themselves and the visitors. Now, this Frank, he is by nature not only a rescuer but also a friendly host and a fabulous storyteller. His fingertips, unlike mine, are skilfull and expressive, both on modern computers and other high-

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Plus, if it is a male, it cannot stop growing, and becomes an enormous challenge to the zoo. Not to Frank. He likes everybody, everything, every soul trapped within its body and its species. Frank’s current favorite is a giant bear, the same kind that swallowed “Grizzly Man” if you happened to catch that cinematic documentary a few summers ago. Well, if Frank and Robin’s grand-children...or a visitor’s kids or nephews or nieces, Frank can with gesture and amiable voice get that ferocious and fierce passenger from Noah’s Ark to pose for, to wave at, to dance for, the small delighted small fry. Now, my son likes to mock me a bit and says, that I like to think of myself as a faithful nature boy but it’s all from books and songs and my sentimental vanity. While Frank is the real thing, not the fake. I have to admit my boy has something there. I look up to Frank for his virtues and talents and admire him for his sterling good-nature. As

for Robin, she’s his partner in so many ways---if I’m enriched by Frank’s visits to my rocking chairs or my pop-ins to his/their comfortable porch, I’m totally happy and grateful to accept a glass of vodka and tonic with Robin. These are the hours that make July and August such a heavenly haven for the distressed to use Roger Williams’ phrase for his mission, after a tough winter and uncertain spring. I bet you all likewise have somebody close at hand who reassures you that we human beings can get along, after all, with whatever the skies above us bring to.

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tech (to me) gadgets, but, amazingly, on almost everything material, living or merely damaged by time, neglect, or accident. So, at this sort-of zoo, Frank has amazed even himself with the power of sheer good-will and kindly smiles and calming words. Yes! Frank shows me on his phonecamera a drama: a daily deed of derring-do. A large crocodile/alligator will cross a lagoon when Frank summons him. There is no explanation. It’s not for food. It’s for friendship! Now, these scary lizard-reptiles keep growing, so this alliance began when the reptile was small or at least not huge. But now it has become a rather intimidating “monster” and Robin is a bit worried and anxious that it might forget its good-will gratitude and turn on, and even EAT his chum! Even Frank himself is a bit concerned...but also mildly proud of his prowess. He tells me there is likewise a beast called,...get this computer, and don’t change my spelling here--a LIGER. No, not a tiger. It seems that a lion and a tiger can breed, although the offspring cannot successfully go on with the dynasty, it is sterile.

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Know Before You Say No to Hospice and Palliative Care “I should have called hospice sooner.” This lament is echoed by so many of our patients and families. In our society, Hospice is a frightening word but think of it this way; Helping Our Sickest Patients Improve Comfort at End of life. Just this week my colleague had three examples of the phone call that came too late. One of her patients died one hour after her at home admission, one died in the hospital as the doctor was signing the patient on to services, and the third one died the day after an informational visit, with the family contemplating if it was too soon for hospice. Hospice has been around since the Middle Ages in one form or another when monks used to take in the wounded and other travelers. The word hospice comes from the Latin meaning both host and guest. The physician who is known as the mother of modern day hospice is Dame Cicely Saunders of the United Kingdom who formed St Christopher’s Hospice in 1967. In America, Dr. Patricia Wald, Dean of Yale School of Nursing went to study at St. Christopher’s and started America’s first hospice in Branford Ct. in 1974. Legislature was introduced at that time to have end of life care as a hospice benefit, but this wasn’t fully enacted until 1986. Another words Hospice is a fully covered Medicare benefit, greatly underutilized by the dying. Palliative care is a medical specialty; like cardiology and orthopedics, the practitioner visits are billed through Medicare Part B. The services provided are for the seriously ill who may have pain, shortness of breath, nausea and other symptoms related to their illness and important discussions about their goals for end of life care. These services are often provided at the same time patients are getting skilled care in nursing homes and even those receiving radiation, chemotherapy and other aggressive treatments. Remember, all Hospice is Palliative care, but all Palliative care is not Hospice. Think about a silver dollar. The traditional health care model gives us one side of the coin. In the hospital, at rehab, in clinics all care is focused on CURE. All documentation required by the insurance companies to continue therapies, tests and treatments must reflect a consistent improvement of patient climbing toward

their curative goals. When this approach begins to fail, the coin is flipped to the side, and the care model becomes COMFORT. All documentation required by Medicare must reflect a continued decline. Is there weight loss, weakness, increasing symptoms related to a patient’s serious disease, does the patient require more help with everyday activities? This is the Hospice side of the silver dollar. Providing comfort, symptom management and improving quality of life when time is limited for the patient. It typically is not provided at the same time as curative treatment and testing. Palliative care allows the patient to have the whole silver dollar. Aggressive treatments and therapies can continue but the patient’s symptoms throughout will be addressed more thoroughly and managed well. Discussions about what is important for patients as their disease progresses and their individualized needs and goals will be discussed and planned. Often a palliative patient’s disease will necessitate hospice at some point. During this time, care will begin with an experienced hospice team to support the patient and all family members during this difficult time. For many, the hardest time is after the patient dies. Part of the wonderful hospice benefit is providing bereavement services for at least a year to any friend or family member who was on the service. Even after forty years with patients on hospice; myths and “fake news” abound. These myths include; Hospice kills people and hastens death, I must give up my doctor, they will take away all my medication, they will kill me with Morphine, it is only for patient’s dying of cancer, they provide caregivers to move in and care for the dying, I must move to a nursing home, and there are many more. The point is, please contact your local hospice if you have any questions. There are no fees and someone will be happy to help you navigate and understand your end of life care. Thank you for the opportunity to write this educational series. I hope many questions have been answered over the last few months. If you need more information, I can be reached through Hope Hospice and Palliative Care at 415-4200. Every day I am truly grateful, that my life’s work fills my soul.

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lifestyles

Uncle Mike & The Zero Hour In the late 1950s and early 1960s, my family spent many Sunday summer afternoons at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick. My father, mother, sister, and I were often joined by a contingent of aunts, uncles, and cousins. While I don’t remember who was responsible for staking out the area for our outing, I do remember that the site had to have a lot of shade trees. There were not many trees in the inner city of our Providence tenement house and the cool breezes were a welcome relief for my father and uncles from their workdays in hot, humid mills and jewelry shops. To call this weekly gathering a picnic would be misleading. In true Italian family tradition, we packed up our entire Sunday dinner (salad, pasta, chicken and potatoes, etc.) for the ride to Goddard Park. Metal green coolers held chilled 7 ounce bottles of Narragansett beer, soda, and summer fruits. Portable radios broadcast the familiar voice of Red Sox announcer Curt Gowdy describing the action for both ends of a

September 2017

double header. Sometime during the afternoon, one of the adults would walk the kids down to the beach for a swim. These outdoor parties were filled with lively conversation (our parents, aunts, and uncles would switch to Italian if our parents didn’t want us to understand what they were saying), laughter, and frequent debates about the Red Sox and Yankees. Since the Sox were not very good in those days, the ongoing discussion would always end up with the Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio question. Who was the better player? It all seems pretty idyllic, doesn’t it? And it was, until that fateful Sunday about the middle of August each year. Every kid knew it was coming, but we were powerless to stop it…Uncle Mike’s annual heralding of the upcoming school year. I loved Uncle Mike. He was a happy person who joked often. He was the creator of the family’s heirloom meatball recipe. For all his good qualities, he had a particularly aggravating way of delivering his annual message. Uncle Mike

would lean back, beer in hand, and announce, “Zero Hour is coming.” We all knew what he was talking about. Webster’s dictionary describes Zero Hour as, “The time when a military operation is scheduled to begin.” For a kid, Zero Hour was scheduled to invade and conquer our summer vacation right after Labor Day. From our juvenile perspective, September was a cruel month. Uncle Mike’s warning made us realize that our endless sandlot baseball season, played on a dusty neighborhood playground, would be ending soon. Our bike adventures would be cut short. Long hours in the sun would somehow become long days sitting in hard uncomfortable wooden chairs. We knew our freedom would be suddenly and unceremoniously yanked from us. Uncle Mike’s yearly proclamation of Zero Hour was verified by those annoying radio, television, and newspaper ads for “Back to School” sales. From the moment Uncle Mike declared that the school year was just around the corner, it seemed that the black cloud hov-

ered over the last precious days of our summer vacation. Today, I’m sure that today’s schoolchildren feel even more harassed even by the early and constant barrage of “Back to School” ads and the constant online reminders. I feel badly for my grandchildren. Many school systems now begin the academic year before Labor Day, so the summer recess could be even shorter than in my era. Uncle Mike would undoubtedly break out in a wide grin, despite the fact that he would have to move his dire warning of the impending school year up a week or so. Out of sympathy for my grandchildren, I have no desire to continue Uncle Mike’s Zero Hour tradition. We will, however, continue to use his family recipe for meatballs! Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com

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Identity theft protection Identity theft happens when someone steals personal information for financial gain. Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses another person’s stolen Social Security number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) to file a tax return to obtain a fraudulent refund. Many people first find out they are victims of identity theft when they submit their tax returns. That’s because the IRS lets them know someone else already used their SSN to file. The IRS continues to work hard to stop identity theft with a strategy of prevention, detection and victim assistance. So far, the agency has stopped millions of dollars from getting into the hands of thieves. Check out these tips on how to protect against identity theft: 1. Taxes. Security. Together. The IRS, the states and the tax industry need everyone’s help. The IRS launched The Taxes. Security. Together. awareness campaign in 2015 to inform people about ways to protect their personal, tax and financial data. Learn more at www.IRS.gov/TaxesSecurityTogether. 2. Protect Personal and Financial Records. Taxpayers should not carry their Social Security card in their wallet or purse. They should only provide their Social Security number if it’s necessary. Protect personal information at home and protect personal computers with anti-spam and anti-virus software. Routinely change passwords for online accounts. 3. Don’t Fall for Scams. Criminals often try to impersonate banks, credit card companies and even the IRS hoping to steal personal data. Learn to recognize and avoid those fake communications. Also, the IRS will not call a taxpayer threatening a lawsuit, arrest or to demand immediate payment. Beware of threatening phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. 4. Report Tax-Related ID Theft. Here’s what taxpayers should do if they cannot e-file their return because someone already filed using their SSN:

* File a tax return by paper and pay any taxes owed. * File an IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Print the form and mail or fax it according to the instructions. Include it with the paper tax return and/or attach a police report describing the theft if available. * File a report with the Federal Trade Commission using the FTC Complaint Assistant. * Contact Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov and type in “identity theft” in the search box. * Contact financial institutions to report the alleged identity theft. * Contact one of the three credit bureaus so they can place a fraud alert or credit freeze on the affected account. * Check with the applicable state tax agency to see if there are additional steps to take at the state level. 5. IRS Letters. If the IRS identifies a suspicious tax return with a taxpayer’s stolen SSN, that taxpayer may receive a letter asking them verify their identity by calling a special number or visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. 6. IP PIN. If a taxpayer is a confirmed ID theft victim, the IRS may issue them an IP PIN. The IP PIN is a unique sixdigit number that the taxpayer uses to efile their tax return. Each year, they will receive an IRS letter with a new IP PIN. 7. Report Suspicious Activity. If taxpayers suspect or know of an individual or business that is committing tax fraud, they can visit IRS.gov and follow the chart on How to Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity. 8. Service Options. Information about tax-related identity theft is available online. The IRS has a special section on IRS.gov devoted to identity theft and information for victims to obtain assistance. Avoid scams. The IRS does not initiate contact using social media or text message. The first contact normally comes in the mail. Those wondering if they owe money to the IRS can view their tax account information on IRS. gov to find out.

The Village at Waterman Lake Grandparents Day Carnival Grandparents are the stars at the Grandparents Day Carnival at The Village at Waterman Lake on Sunday, September 10, from 12 noon to 2:30 pm. The event for Courtyard and Atrium residents and their families features food, fun, and music. There will be popcorn, cotton candy, and a cookout at noon, plus carnival games and prizes, face painting and more for the children. Singer Kim Oakes will entertain with songs of the past and present. A highlight of the day is the visit of live llamas from Dandy Acres Llama Farm. The carnival takes place rain or shine. For more information and to reserve your place, call The Courtyard Front Desk, 401-949-8933. The Village at Waterman Lake is located at 715 Putnam Pike in Greenville, Rhode Island. Family owned and operated since 1990, The Village at Waterman Lake offers catered retirement living, catered assisted living, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s, and skilled nursing. September 2017

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