Moosup Valley Church, 81 Moosup Valley Road in Foster, will hold its annual concert fundraiser on September 21 from 12-5PM on the outdoor stage. Rain date September 28. $20 “suggested” donation includes concert & food, as well as silent auction, vendors & more. Musicians: Earl Faria, Allison Rose, Lisa Couto, Jesse Liam & Atwater/Donnelly. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of family fun! For more info or to be a vendor, contact Laurie at 401-623-0320.
(StatePoint) Whether you live in tight quarters or like many Americans, have a smaller, secondary kitchen in your home, there are strategies for making the most of compact cooking areas, none of which involve compromising style or functionality.
Use Smart Storage
Sneak in extra storage in unexpected places without contributing to kitchen clutter. Install pull-out cabinets. Use an over-the-sink dish drying rack. Mount a magnetic knife sheaf to your backsplash. Use a rolling storage cart that can be moved out of the way when needed, being sure to opt for one with a wooden top to boost your counter real estate. All these solutions will help free up more of your workspace, ensuring you have plenty of room to chop, mix and stir.
Go Multifunctional
Top-notch appliances don’t need to be huge to provide professional-style performance. It’s all about finding models that offer multifunctionality, such as the 30-inch Dolcevita Dual Fuel Range by the Italian brand, Lofra Appliances. A great example of a luxury range uniquely engineered to fit a smaller space, unlike other compact appliances of its size, this one ensures that you can get the aesthetics, powerful BTU output and oven capacity that larger ranges offer. Its convection oven offers nine programmable cooking functions so that you can defrost, grill and bake like a pro, no matter the size of your kitchen.
It’s a good idea to get a bit creative about where appliances will actually fit in your compact kitchen. For example, the 30-inch Wall Oven from Verona is only 24 inches tall, making it the perfect height for an under-the-counter installation. Pair it with a Verona 12-inch, 24-inch or 30-inch cooktop, which have minimal undercounter depth, for a great combination when space is limited.
If you need a second oven, Verona packs two multifunction ovens into one 36-inch range. Both ovens feature optimal amounts of space so you can fit anything from weekday dinners to the Thanksgiving turkey and all of the side dishes to go with it.
Both Verona and Lofra are exclusively imported by EuroChef USA. For more information, visit eurochefusa.com.
Don’t forget to think about your kitchen from a vertical perspective, too. This can help you maximize every square inch of the room. Add hooks to the upper areas of your walls, or even hang items from the ceiling. Put seasonal tools and ingredients up on the highest shelves and rotate them as needed. A small, foldable stepstool takes up almost no storage space but can help you reach those seldom-used items when it’s time.
A cozy kitchen is no cause for distress. Whether it’s throwing an elaborate dinner party or cooking for a busy family, you can get a lot done in your smaller kitchen with wise appliance choices and creative storage solutions.
• To fix a hole in drywall that requires a healthy helping of joint compound, you can cut a piece of screen slightly bigger than the hole and tack it to the inside of the drywall. You also can wad up a piece of aluminum foil and shove it in the hole, pressing it in a bit to create a recess for the compound. The foil will keep the compound at the site of the hole, allowing it to set up instead of fall down.
“To clean the TV remote in my home, I dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol, shake off any excess and use it to gently clean the surface. I do this weekly during cold and flu season.” -- M. in Minnesota
When working with juicy items (lemons, watermelon, etc.) on a cutting board, try placing the board on a kitchen towel. When the juices run over the edge, they will be caught by the towel. Cleanup will be easy!
To keep track of rolls of tape or other rolled items in your shop, hang a length of chain from two “S” hooks on your pegboard. They will be readily accessible, and you can tear off what you need.
• “I recently did a little work on my car, and afterward I washed and waxed it. My tools got pretty grimy, so I cleaned them too. Since I had the wax out, I used it on several of them to keep them from rusting in storage.” — via email
• Add a softener sheet to your vacuum bag or canister when you change it. While you clean, you will distribute the good smell throughout your home. You also can use a cotton ball scented with your favorite essential oil or even perfume.
“If you use those little plastic key-ring cards for store rewards accounts and discount programs, you can keep them easily organized in a small photo brag book. These
• If you have trouble threading needles, try spritzing some hairspray on your finger, and twist the end of the thread. It will keep the fibers together and stiffen it enough to be easily threaded.
books can be found at drugstores and big box retailers, and are meant for a small collection of wallet-size pictures. However, if you put your cards in one, it’s easy to flip through to find the correct card to scan.”
-- R.I. in Arkansas
Fill an easy-to-use hand soap dispenser with body wash or shampoo for kids to use in the bath or shower.
“Here’s a fun idea for place cards at Thanksgiving: Scan in and print out a photo of each guest as a child. Laminate it and attach it to a pretty piece of ribbon with a glue gun. Use the ribbon to tie up a napkin and/or utensils. Guests will have a good time trying to guess who’s who and reminiscing about days gone by.”
-- P.D. in Ontario, Canada
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
Knotty Oak Village Community Hall Bingo is back!! Bingo to be held at 14 Manchester Circle, Coventry on Saturdays at 4PM - doors open at 3PM. Snacks & beverages will be available for purchase.
• It is possible to save a bit of money on car maintenance if you can’t change your own oil. Learn common add-ons you will be offered at oil and lube places. Air filters are surprisingly easy to replace on your own, and so are windshield wipers. Very often, the staff of auto-supply chains will lend you tools or even assist you right in the parking lot.
• Got bug bites? Try these for some relief from the itching of insect bites: apple cider vinegar; a paste of baking soda and water, allowed to dry on the bite; a similar paste of meat tenderizer and water; or antiperspirant.
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
The Coventry Senior Band is looking for Musicians. We are an all-volunteer band that plays at Senior Centers, Nursing Homes, etc. Dust off the old instrument and come have some fun with us! Must be 55 years young and have some weekdays free. Call/ Text David at 368-6895 or email walshdavid170@gmail.com.
The High 5 Pantry at Flat River Tavern, 2260 Flat River Road in Coventry will have an ongoing Food Drive to benefit local Veterans. Please drop off your non-perishable donations anytime during their normal business hours. Call 407-2121 with any questions.
Hope Library, 374 North Road, Hope, is open on Mondays & Fridays from 10AM-5PM, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10AM-8PM & Saturdays from 10AM-2PM. The Library is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 821-7910.
CHURCH OF WEST WARWICK HEAVENLY HEART FOOD PANTRY
First Baptist Church of West Warwick, 1613 Main Street, has their Heavenly Heart Food Pantry open to all from 11AM-2PM on the 1st Saturday of every month.
JOIN CUB
Adventure is waiting! Build Yours. Join Cub Scout Pack 13, Centreville. We meet every Wednesday at 130 Legris Avenue, West Warwick. Please contact James Mclellan at 401-5235723 or jimmac54@cox.net Find us on Facebook, Pack 13 Centreville.
USE OUR FAX SERVICE to send or receive documents... it’s fast, easy, and affordable. Great for sending Insurance Forms, Mortgage Documents, Unemployment Forms, Time Sheets and any paperwork that needs to be received fast. Cost to send: S3 for 1st page, $l each additional page (+tax). Cost to receive: $.75/page (+ tax). The Reminder, 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Phone 8212216, Fax 732-3110.
CRAFTSMAN 22” 5.5 Hp push mower, $50. 38” Yard Machine riding mower, $350. Troy-Bilt rototiller, gear driven, $700. Huskee 10 cu. ft. trailer, $100. Or best offers. All good condition. 647-2831 or 787-7914.
LANAI SET: Practically brand new! Large glass table with 4 high rise chairs, patio couch & chair. $350. Call 919-2507.
CLEANUPS: Attics, cellars, garages, buildings, yards, leaves. Some cleanouts for content. Anything hauled away. Very reasonable. Reliable service! Free estimates. Call for your small moving needs. Lic. #37379/Insured. 30 Years of reliable service. 397-2781 or 741-2781.
WANTED: Antiques and collectibles. Moving or just cleaning out? We pay more for your old jewelry, glassware, furniture, pottery, clocks, paintings, military items, crocks, post cards, cameras, photos, old coins, etc. For prompt and courteous service call Bill, 821-0381.
NEED QUICK CASH?
Sell your no-longer-used items with a REMINDER READER AD. Now it’s easier than ever. Call 8212216 for information. All Credit Cards accepted.
EVERY WEEK “The Reminder” brings you important money saving values from local merchants and service providers. Plus news of what’s going on around town... from Church Bazaars to meetings to helpful hints from experts. “The Reminder”, your local free community paper!
YARD CLEAN-UPS & Grass Mowing: Starting my own business. Very reasonable. Senior Citizens’ Discount. Free estimates. Please call 585-8128.
MAKE YOUR CLASSIFIED POP with a splash of color! For only $1.50 extra, you can draw more attention to your ad.
OLD COINS WANTED: Indian $.01 & Buffalo $.05, Silver Dollars. High prices! 946-1070.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE:
JW Studley & Sons. Cut & split seasoned wood. $250/ cord. Est. 1982. Not a fly by night! 641-0212.
LAWNS CUT & TRIMMED:
$35 Average. Free estimates. Senior Citizens’ Discount. Weekly/Bi-weekly. Call/ Text Sal at 855-9028. Leave message.
AKC GERMAN
SHEPHERDS: Black/black and sable. Come with first shots and lots of love! $950. Call/text 401-216-6733.
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT 4PM
LARGE YARD SALE/ ESTATE SALE! 183
Lockwood Street, West Warwick: Saturday/Sunday, September 21 & 22, 10AM4PM. Stationary items, tools, men’s clothes, framed artwork, household pottery, household decorations, trinket boxes, old/new wicker baskets, books, memorabilia, Asian art (cloisonne) (Imari vases), too many things to mention. Rain date September 28 & 29. NO EARLY BIRDS.
MULTI FAMILY! 105
Clyde Street, West Warwick: September 21. Records, horns, electronics, household goods, clothing, jewelry & Specials. Rain Date September 28.
GIANT MULTI FAMILY!
176 Howard Avenue, Coventry: September 21, 8AM-1PM (weather permitting). New toys, used toys, clothes, games, household, kid’s books, DVD’s & Blu-Rays, activity sets & so much more. Don’t miss this!
55 ROBINSON WAY (off Pulaski Street), West Warwick: September 21, 7AM-1PM. Last one of the season!
MULTI FAMILY! 3471 Flat River Road, Coventry: September 21, 8AM-12PM. Household, tools, clothes, Halloween costumes & much more. Rain date September 28.
27 VALLEY CREST ROAD, Coventry: September 21, 8AM-?. Lamps, (3) A/C’s, Dynotrap bug killer, Thermos tailgate grill, Igloo rolling cooler, LL Bean screenhouse, household, K’NEX, miscellaneous. Rain date September 22.
Thanksgiving Novena to ST. JUDE
O Holy St. Jude Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ. Faithful intercessor of all who invoke this special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glory Be’s. Publication must be promised. St Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. This novena has never been known to fail. It helped me. Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayers. RSTP
www.childrensskating.wixsite.com/Warwick Contact Lee Horner 508-274-5218 • Lee.lmh2006@gmail.com
skate with Luke, Landon & Lily!
SATURDAY GRAB & GO WEEKLY MEALS
Are you or is someone you know an elder in Coventry or West Warwick? St. Vincent de Paul Society is offering a warm meal from their Saturday Grab & Go weekly meals. To schedule a delivery or pick up of a warm meal, please call 828-3090 before 3PM on Wednesdays. If picking up your meal, please go to the OLC School Gym, 445 Washington Street in Coventry, between 11AM-12PM on Saturday.
YELLOW HORSE EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITIES &
In partnership with the unique attributes of the horse, Yellow Horse facilitates social, emotional and behavioral growth and learning to children, adults, families and the community through equine assisted activities and therapy programs. We are looking for volunteers to join our Yellow Horse family. Horse experience is not necessary; just a positive attitude and desire to participate! Free training provided. Ages 15 and Up. Located at 40 Collins Road in Ashaway. For more information visit www.yellow-horse-equine.com or email volunteer@yellowhorseri.com
Project Hand Up is a supplemental program provided for working people and elderly in the community to be able to affordably shop for groceries for a suggested donation. They are located at 15 Factory Street in West Warwick. Suggested donation is $6 for 3 bags of groceries. HOURS: If you are 60 & older or a Veteran (Veteran Card required), you can shop on any day regardless of your last name. Tuesdays 3-5PM for anyone with the last name that begins with A-K, Thursdays 3-5PM for last names beginning with L-Z & Fridays 3-4:30PM for anyone who missed their shopping day. Picture ID’s required, one purchase per family, trunks must be cleaned out to allow for groceries. Please visit projecthandup.net or find them on Facebook for more information.
Did you know that the Coventry Public Library has a Library of Things that you can borrow such as: a telescope, ghost hunting kit, pop-up tent, wildlife camera, blood pressure monitor, bird watching kit, pickle ball set, lawn games, fishing poles, cake pans in many shapes and forms, VHS to DVD / digital converter, power meter, universal travel adapter, and more! For more information visit the Circulation Desk or call 822-9100 and press 1!
(StatePoint) When a new school year begins, most teachers don’t wait long before they begin scheduling tests, and assigning loads of homework and reading assignments. Here are three tips for helping kids stay on top of all their coursework:
1. Focus on organization: One of the most valuable life skills a student can develop while in school is time management. Teach kids how to prioritize assignments with upcoming deadlines and those which are easy to knock off their to-do list. Encourage them to find an organizational tool, such as an academic planner or calendar, that works for them. Depending on their preferences and learning style, they may prefer to use app-based tools. The important thing is that they always know what is on their to-do list and when it must be completed by. If they are struggling, help them chunk their afternoon into segments so that they budget enough time for each of their tasks.
One of the most valuable life skills a student can develop while in school is time management. Teach kids how to prioritize assignments with upcoming deadlines and those which are easy to knock off their to-do list.
2. Equip them with high-quality math tools: Math can be a frustrating subject for many students. To make learning simpler, equip them with tools that are incredibly easy to use. With Natural Textbook Display and an intuitive icon menu, the fx-9750GIII graphing calculator from Casio is a solid, affordable choice for quickly grasping new mathematical concepts. And because it features nearly 3,000 functions, including graph plotting, probability distribution, vector arithmetic and spreadsheets, students at all levels will find it an invaluable tool, particularly during test-taking season, as its exam mode makes it approved for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP tests. The fx-9750GIII is also capable of programming in CASIO Basic
and MicroPython, and Python files are easily stored and transferred via USB to a computer.
3. Set boundaries: As a parent, it’s essential that you support your child in their academic pursuits, however being too hands-on during homework time could lead them to rely on you to provide them with answers, not guidance. While this approach may mean they turn their assignments in on time, if they aren’t absorbing the material themselves they could quickly fall behind in the classroom. Set clear boundaries about what your after-school role will be and stick to it. You can also foster your child’s independence and confidence by helping them differentiate between reliable educational resources and misinformation.
With the right tools and habits, students can keep up with their assignments and make the most of their study time.
From string lights and throw pillows to removable wallpaper, all students need is a little creativity and the right products to make a dorm room home.
(StatePoint) A dorm room is not just a place to rest one’s head at night, it’s where students will have late night study sessions, relax after a long day of classes, and make memories with new friends. That’s why many undergraduates are taking measures to make the space feel like it’s their own. For style inspiration, as well as dorm-friendly décor that can be easily removed at the end of the year, visit www.duckbrand.com.
(Family Features) As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler months. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your haven of comfort stays warm, inviting and energyefficient throughout fall and winter.
Consider these home projects from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products – a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more – based on Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report to get your home ready for the cooler seasons.
Upgrade Your Garage New garage doors typically come with energy-efficient features and advanced security measures but are also relatively low-cost updates compared to the significant perceived value and resale benefits. In fact, replacing a garage door boasts a 193% return on investment, according to the report. Pairing new garage doors with updated trim can also offer a tight seal from exterior elements such as wind, snow and water.
Insulate for a Warmer Interior Insulated siding can play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s thermal performance. By providing an additional layer of protection, it helps reduce heat loss, ensuring your home remains
SUMMER CLEAN-UP: Yards raked, lawns mowed, shrubs trimmed, trees cut down, brush hauled away, debris hauled away. Quality work. Excellent rates. Doug, 826-3444.
ELECTRICIAN: No job too small. Free estimates. RI #A4602. Insured. Jay, 8262826.
warm and your energy bills stay manageable. Plus, according to the report, vinyl siding replacement has an 80.2% return on investment.
An option like CraneBoard Solid Core Siding from Westlake Royal Building Products offers superior durability and insulation. Its solid core construction provides added strength and impact resistance while also contributing to better energy efficiency. In addition, the solid core reduces external noise and is designed to endure extreme weather conditions.
Leak-Proof Your Home’s Windows Windows can be substantial energy drainers and let warmth out when they’re not properly sealed. If you notice a draft coming in around your windows, sealing cracks or gaps with aesthetically pleasing trim can make a significant difference in keeping the heat in and chilly air out. For extreme drafts, consider replacing windows altogether, which can provide sellers with an average 67.1% return on vinyl window replacement, according to the report.
Shield Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line
of defense against the elements. Check for damaged shingles or tiles and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks. If a roof replacement is needed – which provides a 56.9% return on investment using asphalt shingles, according to the report – consider incorporating a highquality roofing underlayment to provide an extra layer of protection against water, heavy snow and ice. For example, Sol-R-Skin BLUE, an external insulating underlayment from Westlake Royal Building Products, complements steep slope roofing. This underlayment serves as a secondary water protective layer, energy-saving radiant barrier and above-deck roof insulation blanket that is all-in-one. It incorporates an anti-glare coating in cool blue, making it easier and safer to install than alternative shiny radiant barrier options.
To learn more about highperformance products for your home, visit WestlakeRoyalBuilding Products.com.
(StatePoint) A leaky faucet, pipe or toilet is more than just a nuisance, it can lead to unhealthy mold growth and cause costly damage to your home. Such issues are more common than you may think. In fact, two out of five homeowners have experienced water damage.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to detect a leak. Beyond the typical warning signs, such as higher than usual water bills and unexplained damp spots on walls and ceilings, new products can help you detect and address water leaks right away.
GENERATORS: Transfer switches installed. Master Electrician. RI #A4602. Insured. Call Jay, 826-2826.
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff from Moen, for example, is a game-changing smart water device that offers 24/7 leak detection. If the system detects a leak, your smart water valve will automatically turn off your water to prevent flooding. Water damage can have potentially devastating impacts. By being vigilant and relying on innovative solutions, you can protect your home, your health and your wallet.
CHOICE SOFTWASHING: Residential & Commercial. Fully Insured. Homes + Decks + Garages + Walkways + Patios + Sheds and more. Call Jon, 401-241-7136.
SELBY TREE SERVICE: Tree removal, tree trimming & stump grinding, yard clean up. Expert Climber. Free estimates. Contact 286-1407.
(NAPSI)—After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators and other small-engine equipment for winter use. How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
“Preparation is everything. Understanding how to operate and maintain your equipment safely is key,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines and remember to keep kids and dogs away from operating equipment. What you do now when you put away your equipment also sets you up for an easier spring start.”
Here are seven tips from OPEI to ensure snow throwers will be ready when the flakes fly, and that your lawn mower and other spring equipment will be available for use when warmer temperatures return.
#1—Review owner’s manuals. Re-familiarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment, and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.
#2—Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small-engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
#3—Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then
restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.
#4—Charge the battery. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climatecontrolled structure.
#5—Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
#6—Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items from your yard that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
#7—Have the right weatherappropriate extension cord for your generator. Keep heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window or near any air intake for a building.
Learn More For further facts and tips, visit www.OPEI.org.
WEDNESDAY
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, will once again hold Bingo on Wednesdays from 1:30-4PM. The cost is $6 for 8 games. Please note that prizes have gone up as well as adding an additional Special & Quickie. You must be 18 years or older to play.
Did you know you can borrow passes to local museums from the Coventry Public Library? Our museum passes can be picked up from the library at 1672 Flat River Road, and allow free or discounted entrance to museums such as the Nathaniel Greene Homestead, the Paine House Museum, Mystic Seaport Museum, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and more! Stop by, see our website, or give us a call at 822-6200 for more information. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club is looking for individuals or businesses who are interested in helping the local communities of West Warwick, Coventry & West Greenwich! For more information please email pvrotaryevents@gmail.com or call 401-589-1321.
AARP Chapter 2210 has planned a Foliage in the White Mountains Tour on October 3. You will enjoy lunch at the White Mountain Hotel, have time to browse the village of North Conway, then continue along the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. Bus pickup from the Exit 19 Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road at 7AM, return time is approximately 7:30PM. Cost is $129/person. For more information call Maureen at 828-5188 or Anne at 263-4274.
The Paine House, 7 Station Street in Coventry is looking for volunteer Tour Guides to share this unique historical site with the general public. Can you spare a few hours once or twice a month? All training and materials will be provided, no special skills required. This opportunity is suitable for High School students to adults. Training classes for the 2022 season will begin soon. If interested, call Bob at 439-7513 or email info@ westernrihistory.org
All meals include milk, coffee or tea, bread/margarine
Wed. 9/18: Lentil vegetable soup, pork loin w/gravy, rice pilaf w/mushrooms, green beans, whole wheat roll and cake. OPTION: Seafood salad plate. Thurs. 9/19: Vegetable soup, baked ham w/gravy, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, sliced peaches, whole wheat roll. OPTION: Chicken salad sandwich.
Fri. 9/20: Tossed salad, sloppy joe, cole slaw, roasted sliced potatoes, tropical fruit, whole wheat roll. OPTION: Ham & cheese on wheat.
Mon. 9/23: Tuscan white bean soup, Greek style chicken thighs, parsley potatoes, Florentine rice, whole wheat roll, oatmeal cookie. OPTION: Turkey sandwich on wheat. Tues. 9/24: Tomato soup, shepherd’s pie, mashed potato, mixed vegetables, roll, sliced peaches. OPTION: Chef’s salad.
Wed. 9/18: Veg. lentil soup, pork loin w/gravy, rice pilaf w/mushrooms, green beans, roll, dessert. OPTION: Seafood salad plate.
Thurs. 9/19: Vegetable soup, baked ham, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, dessert. OPTION: Chicken salad sandwich.
Fri. 9/20: Tossed salad, sloppy joe, cole slaw, roasted sliced potatoes, dessert. OPTION: Ham & cheese on wheat.
Mon. 9/23: White bean soup, Greek chicken thighs, parsley potato, Florentine rice, dessert. OPTION: Turkey sandwich on wheat. Tues. 9/24: Tomato soup, shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dessert. OPTION: Chef’s salad.
Drug overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death in the Unites States with heroin & other opiates being the largest contributor. If your loved one is struggling with drug abuse of any kind, now is the time to get them the help they need. If you believe one of your loved ones is abusing drugs, learn how you can make a difference by visiting narcononnewliferetreat.org/drug-rehab
death largest of any believe make narcononnewliferetreat.org/drug-rehab
Ready for Open Enrollment? With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025.
Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place between October 15 and December 7, 2024. Here are a few things to know:
Check for plan changes: If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes. Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which you can expect to receive in September.
Research your coverage: There are a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network. You should also review each plan’s formulary – that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan. You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (i.e., premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.
Look for value: No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras like over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.
Understand your plan: Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter. org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans.
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025.
Eureka! The four by twenty-eight foot urban “farm” on the side of my garage, that small patch in the corner of the yard, and in the flower bed (which we were doubtful would grow anything) yielded a bountiful harvest of tomatoes.
by LARRY GRIMALDI
Before revealing my favorite ways of eating garden tomatoes, let’s start by researching a continuing controversy. Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
Depending on the source, it can be one or the other. To my amazement, it was the Supreme Court in the case of Nixon v. Hadden in 1893 that defined the tomatoes as a vegetable. (I will leave it to you to research WHY this case ended up in the Supreme Court).
Botanically, they are classified as a fruit because they are a seed-bearing plant. Regardless of which definition you choose, garden-grown tomatoes are an epicurean delight. This year, we planted Big Boys, Better Boys, San Marzano, grape, and cherry tomatoes.
A simple and delicious way to eat a tomato is freshlypicked from the garden and paired with sliced Mozzarella cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped off with a sprig of basil. This type of salad nirvana requires a few slices of hard crusted Italian bread and a glass of red wine to complete the feast.
I also recommend thick slices of tomatoes on cheeseburgers or hamburgers with onions and lettuce. You can add mustard or ketchup, or even bacon if you like; but too many garnishes blunt the taste of a ripe tomato. Mayonnaise is a definite no-no.
My wife loves to put grape and cherry tomatoes in our garden salads, but I am not a fan of either variety. To me, these mini-bites are like giving me a small sliver of a Snickers bar. It’s just not enough.
Tomato slices are also the key to a savory BLT. I prefer my bread toasted. Mayonnaise is acceptable for this sandwich.
You can add tomatoes to a grilled cheese sandwich or to add zest to your Marguerita pizza. I’ve never done it, but I imagine you can make your own tomato soup.
Above all, I love making a gravy (sauce to others) for macaroni (pasta to you) to be used for a Sunday dinner later in the year. Some people can their tomato harvest. We freeze the “fruits” of our labor.
While San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for Marinara (meatless) gravy we use all varieties of our tomatoes in when making ours. Cover the bottom of your pot with olive oil and roast (do not burn) minced or chopped garlic. Wash the tomatoes and throw them in the blender with basil and pour the mixture into the pot to simmer.
While the gravy will most likely be pink at the beginning, it will eventually turn bright red. We add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, a small can of tomato paste (for a thicker consistency), and Italian seasoning to our gravy. If you prefer, you can add a pinch of sugar and/or a little red wine.
Some alternate recipes call for not using olive oil, using just San Marzano tomatoes (less seeds in the finished product), or grinding up the garlic and oregano in the blender with the tomatoes.
Be sure to have some fresh Italian bread on hand to sample your simmering creation. You can also combine it with meatballs, pepperoni, porkchop, or braciole for a meat gravy.
If your imagination has piqued, scan the Internet for other garden-tomato recipes. In a recent search, I discovered a site listing 37 ways to prepare and eat these vegetables/fruits. Or, you can create your own dish. Tomato dishes are limited only by your imagination. Mangia!
WHY IS IT THAT: The millisecond your plane pulls into the gate and the engine stops, passengers eject themselves from their seats as if they were launched by a catapult?
Larry Grimaldi is a freelance writer from North Providence. Larry and his wife Kathy are co-authors of “Wandering Across America,” a chronicle of their cross-country road trip, and “Cooking with Mammie,” a collection of family recipes prepared with their grandchildren. He has also written the column anthologies “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volumes I & II.” Columns reissued in these books are used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information, or comments, e-mail lvgrimaldi49@
by ELAINE M. DECKER
A Canadian friend on Facebook blogs about her rescue cat. Recently a neighbor in her condominium complained about the cat’s hairballs and dingleberries. I’m not sure how the neighbor would even know about these, as the cat stays inside or on the balcony. The neighbor must be a nosy balcony peeper with a dangling microphone. Anyone who has ever had cat knows that a hairball gives plenty of notice as the cat hacks one up. But on a balcony, I would think the sound would be muffled by the wind.
I’ve often wondered why some people call them hairballs and others call them fur balls.
This is what my brief research determined. Technically the term fur is used with mammals with thick body hair (and therefore cats) while it’s still attached.
Hairballs describe the fur that cats swallow and then hack up. If the fur is sparse, as with humans, we generally call it hair even while it’s still attached.
If you’d like more detail on this distinction, visit: thesprucepets.com/cat-fur-vshair-554813
We call it hair once it’s fallen out onto our clothes or our furniture and we’re trying to brush it off.
Dingleberries were new to me. It turns out they collect around the exit hatch at the cat’s rear, especially on those with long hair. They require constant, fastidious grooming to prevent blockage. The balcony peeper might have observed that, especially if she uses binoculars. I imagine a persistent peeper would. They’d undoubtedly have a kit with all their peeping tools in it. And a notepad to keep track of their findings by date and time to report to the condo board.
The dingleberry name reminded me of one of those silly jokes from decades ago. “What do you call red crepe paper that hangs from the ceiling? A dingle dangle. What do you call green crepe paper that hangs from the ceiling? Crepe paper. Dingle dangles only come in red.” I warned you that it was silly.\ Getting back to the dingleberries at a cat’s exit hatch—this could get gross. I’ve had nine cats in about forty years. None were long hair and all of the females were spayed. I never noticed any dingleberries. What I did notice was that when some of my girls got older, their lower bellies began to droop and they flopped when they walked. The hair at their back belly also got longer. I referred to
it all as their fuzzy baggies I came up with that name from a commercial on the radio for Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio wine. A man was in a liquor store wanting to order it but couldn’t pronounce it. One of his attempts was Fuzzy Baggies. He finally settled on Fizzy What’s It, as I recall. Stella Periwinkle, one of my current girls, now has fuzzy baggies. Kallie Jasmine is more petite and is still svelte. Once I had dingleberries on my radar, I decided to inspect Stella’s exit hatch. What I found shocked me. Dingleberries galore, some larger ones almost blocking that out ramp. I pulled one or two off for her, taking some fur along with it. She was not pleased so I stopped. There must have been at least four to six of those buggers still there. I decided to make this a multi-day project with regular inspections once I had her completely de-dingleberried. Don’t even ask where that project stands.
Just to be safe, I also checked Kallie’s rear end. No dingleberries there; no surprise because her fur is not very long. However, she seems to be more prone to hacking up hairballs than Stella is. Her pre-hack meow is so pitiful that I usually have plenty of time to find her and catch the blob in a tissue as it comes up. I say usually because there are occasions that I don’t get there on time. Cleaning throw up on carpeting is not pleasant. Neither is stepping on a dried up hairball days after it was deposited. I imagine that happens when I’m out on errands. Once those dry, they blend in with the Oriental rugs and it can be weeks before I happen upon them.
It took a friend’s Facebook post on hairballs and dingleberries to get me thinking about all of this. I hope my column has you searching your rugs and examining your pet’s exit ramps, too.
Copyright 2024 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Downsizing—A Humorous Guide, 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. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com
I’ve been blessed with a large loving family. We grew up with sixteen first cousins and many second and third cousins as well. We’re still in touch and see each other often. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by my original extended family, but I’m doubly fortunate to have another family - my singing family.
My friend, Coleen, and I have been attending vocal workshops given by the Western Wind Vocal Ensemble since 2007. The Western Wind is a world-renowned a cappella group of six professional singers out of New York City who provide workshops throughout the year in small-group ensemble a cappella singing.
When Coleen and I began we attended one weekend workshop every summer. We were placed in a small group under the tutelage of one of the professional Western Wind singers based on our ability to sight-read. We had one day - Saturday - to learn all kinds of music - Renaissance, folk, popular - in many different languages. Add that to a cappella sightreading - challenging and scary, but exciting and rewarding - a whirlwind of a day.
Saturday night was seminar night. Each group performed whatever they’d worked on all day. The Western Wind professionals then gave their feedback - always gently and kindly - with ways to improve, from rearranging the small group physically on-stage to giving advice on vocal ensemblesinging technique - providing feedback in a million different ways to help each group gel into its best version of itself.
Sunday was back to work - deciding what to keep and what to let go - until each group had its repertoire ready to present at the final concert in the afternoon. No feedback at this one - wherever the weekend’s work landed, that was what was recorded, applauded, and celebrated. Then hugs and good-byes all around and we were home again, wondering, “Did this really happen??” It was over in a flash, it seemed - all that work - tough, but exhilarating, and Coleen and I looked forward to the next year when we’d return to do it all over again.
The Western Wind also offers week-long workshops and Coleen and I eventually added a 5-day in August along with our weekend in June, and it wasn’t long before we gave up the weekend and switched over to attending both 5-day workshops - in June and in August.
The workshops are usually held on college campuses where all of us - Western Wind mentors and participants alike - stay together in a dorm and eat in the dining hall. There’s much more music to learn and a seminar is held every night to receive feedback. Classes are offered in vocal technique, music history, and sight-reading. We also have an opportunity to form our own pop/jazz or continuo group outside of our assigned ensemble group for participation in specialized pop/jazz and continuo end-of-week concerts. Each pop/jazz group gives themselves a name and sings one song. Five of us sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” this past August, and we called ourselves “The Windchimes”. It’s always a scramble getting five singers together, because everyone has other rehearsal obligations. Often it’s 15 minutes here and there at odd times throughout the week. Rushing around, finding rehearsal space, assigning parts, and putting it all together in the space of a few days is anxiety-provoking, but it’s a good kind of angst and thoroughly rewarding in every way.
Eating a variety of foods from all food groups can help supply the nutrients a person needs as they age. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy; includes lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
Eat fruits and vegetables. They can be fresh, frozen or canned. Eat more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
Vary protein choices with more fish, beans and peas. Eat at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day. Choose whole grains whenever possible.
Have three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy (milk, yogurt or cheese) that are fortified with vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy.
Make the fats you eat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.
Include Physical Activity to your Daily Routine. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is the best recipe for health and fitness. Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day — this even can be broken into three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
For someone who is currently inactive, it’s a good idea to start with a few minutes of activity, such as walking, and gradually increase this time as they become stronger. And always check with a health-care provider before beginning a new physical activity program.
(content courtesy eatright org)
After the seminars each night there’s a dorm party where we talk, laugh, and relax together. The whole experience reminds me of my college days - living in a dorm (especially the shared bathroom far, far away…at the end of the hall), worry and uncertainty over tackling something challenging, and the lasting friendships formed, too.
The week-long workshops offer another benefit - the Silly Seminar. Where grown adults show another side of them-
by SUSAN DEAN
selves performing silly skits. Coleen and I witnessed our first Silly Seminar in 2016 as part of the audience, and we’re not exactly sure how it happened, but on the drive home that year we started talking to each other using an exaggerated Rhode Island accent, making it up as we went along with lots of “Not for nuttin’, but”s and “Let’s pock the cah and go fuh cawfee - ya know that place where Almacs used to be?” We laughed so hard I nearly drove off the road.
So the following summer we created two characters“Vhonda (Rhonda) and “Glaw-wee-uh” (Gloria) - of course we drop all of our “R” sounds - and put together over-the-top outfits (lots of jewelry, make-up, teased hair - everything in an exaggerated manner) and wrote a script. Think “Laverne and Shirley” Rhode Island-style. Since then, “The Rhode Island Girls”, as we’ve come to be known, have made an appearance at every Western Wind Silly Seminar. But this year turned out to be extra special. After our skit,
four of our friends, Mitchell, Evan, Bert, and Russell - guys we’ve known for years from our Western Wind summerssang a song titled “Rhode Island is Famous for You” and dedicated it to Coleen and me. Its lyrics end with “Now get it straight - it’s the Ocean State that’s really pretty proud of you!”
Our black mascara, blue eye-shadow, bright red rouge, and purple lipstick became messy rivulets composed of happy tears as these four guys sang to us in perfect harmony. Beautiful, touching, tender, directly from their hearts to ours. We’ve met so many wonderful people from all over the world at our Western Wind workshops. People, like us, return year after year - for the challenge, the music, the fun, and for the reunion - sharing this amazing week with friends. Friends who feel like family.
I’m lucky enough to have two more singing families locally. I’ve sung with the West Bay Chorale (info@westbaychorale.org) in Warwick since 1988 and the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (info@ricco.org) in Providence since 2015. My love of music started in childhood, but these two organizations are “where it all began” for me - where I honed my musical skills and experienced the works of the great masters and composers. And where music and singing continue to fill my soul as we start our new seasons. Both groups are open to new singers - and singing with friends is a sure-fire way to experience “joyful aging” - uplifting, lifeaffirming, and fun.
Next summer, Coleen and I will reunite with our Western Wind family (westernwind.org) - participants and mentors alike. Mitchell, Evan, Bert, and Russell said it with a song - family is where you truly feel a sense of belonging. We’ve already started working on our next skit and look forward to the fun, the laughter, the music - the joy of being together again - with dear friends in a place that feels like home.
Elder Abuse comes in many forms, from physical injury to the more frequent financial harm usually caused by someone known to the victim.
Often elders may not know where to turn or how to get help when they’re in trouble. Or they may be afraid of the consequences of reporting their caregiver, the person they rely on for assistance.
Fortunately, in Rhode Island, there is a resource to support and protect this vulnerable population, the Saint Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice.
The program’s activities are diverse and usually occur behind the scenes to protect the individuals involved. During the past year, for example, the Haven and its partners played a critical role in assisting the Warwick Police Department in apprehending suspects in a “grandchild in distress” scam, preventing the victimization of an elder couple.
The Haven’s primary focus is to connect elder victims with the resources they need to resolve their crisis. When necessary, the program will provide them with temporary shelter at a local eldercare facility so they have a safe place to stay.
In the meantime, an Elder Justice Advocate develops a safety plan and identifies support for both their immediate and long-term needs. The Advocate also connects the elder with legal assistance and, ultimately, helps plan their safe transition back into the community.
In 2023, the Haven provided services to 56 new clients, with 20 of those given access to shelter.
The Haven for Elder Justice is a program of Saint Elizabeth Community and part of the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ) a collaboration of more than thirty community-based organizations committed to protecting and serving our elder neighbors.
Partners include members of the majority of the state’s relevant state elder protection programs, law enforcement agencies, elder case management agencies, domestic violence centers, housing, LGBT services, nursing professionals, legal officers, community policing and others.
Moving forward, the RICEJ will institutionalize its efforts with a particular emphasis on traditionally underserved populations including individuals with disabilities, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, persons with limited English proficiency and members of the LGBT community.
For more information, please visit stelizabethcommunity.org/haven or rielderjustice.org
RI law requires those who suspect a Rhode Island resident is a victim of any form of elder abuse to report to the RI Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) Adult Protective Services Unit online at oha.ri.gov or by calling OHA at 401- 462-0555. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are confidential.
by MEG CHEVALIER IRS/SPEC
The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to consider using the end of the summer to make tax withholding or payment updates to avoid a potential surprise next year at tax time. While most taxpayers get a refund after filing their taxes, many also find they unexpectedly owe taxes. This can be due to a life or job change for which they did not make the necessary tax adjustment during the year.
Those who should be especially careful are:
• Gig economy workers
• Those with a “side hustle.”
• Anyone earning income not subject to withholding.
These individuals should check the amount they pay, or the amount of tax they have withheld throughout the year, to bring the tax they pay closer to what is owed. The IRS has a special Tax Withholding Estimator that can help taxpayers align their tax withholding or tax payments with what they owe. The IRS reminds taxpayers that tax planning done now can save time and frustration later. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
How refunds work
The federal tax system is pay-as-you-go. Taxpayers pay tax as they earn wages or receive income during the year. For many, taxes are withheld from their paycheck by their employer and then given over to the IRS on their behalf. Others, such as gig economy workers, make or should make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year to stay current. A refund normally results when too much is withheld or paid throughout the year. Recent IRS statistics show that two-thirds of taxpayers received a refund so far in 2024. As of mid-May, nearly $270 billion in refunds went to taxpayers with the average refund just under $2,900.
Avoid an unexpected bill
On the other hand, many taxpayers end up with estimated tax penalties because they underpay throughout the year. The penalty amount varies but for some it can be several hundred dollars. Adjusting withholding on paychecks or the amount of estimated tax payments can help prevent penalties. This is especially important for self-employed people, including those in
the gig economy, those with more than one job and those with major changes in their life, like a recent marriage or a new child. With that in mind, the IRS encourages taxpayers to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to help better align their tax withholding or tax payments with what they owe.
Tax Withholding Estimator
This handy tool on IRS.gov helps people figure the amount of federal income tax they should pay during the year. All that’s needed for taxpayers to use it are paystubs for all their jobs or other income information, such as from side jobs, self-employment or investment income, and a copy of their 2023 tax year return.
People can use the Tax Withholding Estimator to:
• Estimate their federal income tax withholding.
• See how a refund, take-home pay or tax due are affected by withholding amounts.
• Choose an estimated withholding amount that works for them and their family.
If a withholding change is needed upon completion, taxpayers should adjust their withholding by submitting a new Form W-4 to their employer or pension provider. They can also adjust quarterly estimated tax payments as appropriate.
IRS also reminds people to use the Tax Withholding Estimator if there’s a major life change such as
• New job or other paid work
• Major income change.
• Marriage.
• Childbirth or adoption.
• New home purchase.
While the Tax Withholding Estimator works for most taxpayers, people with more complex tax situations should instead use the instructions in Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax This includes taxpayers who owe Alternative Minimum Tax or certain other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends.
For additional information please visit irs.gov/tax withholding estimator FAQs. perform an
by DON DRAKE CONNELLY LAW OFFICES, LTD.
The distinction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) often creates a great deal of confusion. Both programs employ identical medical criteria to assess disability based on medical evidence and functional capabilities, and they fall under the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration, contributing to the misconceptions surrounding their disparities.
SSDI is classified as an “entitlement” program, with benefits supported by Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and the self-employed. These taxes are designated to specific trust funds. Eligibility for these benefits depends on an individual’s work history or, in some cases, their spouse’s or parent’s work history. The benefit amount is based on the individual’s earnings.
In contrast, SSI is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources. Here, resources refer to an individual’s assets or possessions. Unlike the Social Security benefit programs, SSI is financed by general tax revenues rather than the Social Security trust funds. The benefit amount is determined by Federal and State laws, taking into consideration the recipient’s place of residence, household composition, assets, and total income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a vital program that provides financial support to individuals with limited income and assets. This program is based on financial need rather than a recipient’s work history, and it is financed not by the Social Security trust fund but by general tax funds.
Eligibility for SSI necessitates very constrained income and assets, and qualified individuals may also be entitled to Medicaid in the state of their residence based on income requirements. Furthermore, SSI recipients may be eligible for food stamps, with the amount received contingent on their location and monthly income.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, individuals must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability criteria. These criteria signify an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a lasting or expected-to-last medical condition or a condition resulting in death.
Moreover, SSI applicants must possess limited assets of less than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a married couple), with select assets such
as a primary residence and one vehicle not factored into this limit.
Income plays a pivotal role in SSI eligibility, with individuals with minimal income from any source more likely to qualify. SSI payments are reduced by each dollar of countable income received, with the government considering various sources of income, including non-cash assistance.
The maximum SSI payment for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 monthly for a couple.
The SSI State Supplemental Payment (SSP) program provides a supplementary sum to individuals receiving federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain non-SSI recipients. This program aims to assist low-income individuals with disabilities and elderly adults with limited resources to cover their daily expenses.
Rhode Island offers varying supplement amounts depending on the living arrangement. For individuals residing in their household, the supplement is $39.92 per month, while those living in the household of another receive $51.92 per month. Couples residing in their household are entitled to $79.38 per month, and those living in the household of another qualify for $97.30 per month. Moreover, individuals in a Title XIX facility are eligible for a supplement of $20.00 per month.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is funded through the payroll taxes of employed individuals. Those who receive SSDI benefits are considered “insured” due to their work history and contributions to the Social Security trust fund through Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Social Security taxes. Eligibility for SSDI requires a specific number of work years, a defined number of work credits, and an age limit of sixty-five.
After receiving SSDI benefits for two years, disabled individuals become eligible for Medicare. Additionally, under the SSDI program, the spouse and dependent children of a disabled individual are entitled to receive partial dependent benefits. However, only adults over eighteen can receive the SSDI disability benefit.
A mandatory five-month waiting period
for benefits requires claimants to wait five months after becoming disabled before receiving SSDI benefits. Once the waiting period has passed, the monthly benefit amount is calculated based on the individual’s earnings record, similar to the Social Security retirement benefit calculation.
Approval rates for SSDI are generally higher than those for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must meet medical and nonmedical criteria. The medical requirement involves meeting the government’s definition of disability, rendering the individual unable to work for at least a year due to a medical condition outlined in the SSA Blue Book. Additionally, individuals must have worked and paid taxes for specific years, typically requiring forty work credits for eligibility.
Earning up to four credits each year is possible, with the required amount for a work credit subject to change from year to year. For instance, in 2024, 1 credit can be earned for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income, and four credits can be earned once $6,920 is earned for the year.
Social Security Disability benefits can remain active if the individual is disabled. If benefits are received until age 65, SSDI benefits will cease, and retirement benefits will commence. In essence, SSDI benefits transition to Social Security retirement benefits. In 2024, the maximum monthly amount an individual can receive from the SSDI program is $3,822.
In 2024, individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can earn up to $1,550 a month ($2,590 for blind workers) without any reduction in benefits. This provision can double a beneficiary’s income, receiving the average
With over 34,000 circulation in the West Bay area, this is the perfect place to reach seniors and caregivers.
benefit of $1,538. During a nine-month trial work period and a three-month grace period, beneficiaries may earn unlimited amounts without jeopardizing their benefits while testing their ability to return to work. Furthermore, SSDI beneficiaries are eligible for extended Medicare coverage to assist their transition back to the workforce. Given the relatively low SSDI benefits, it is expected that beneficiaries would seek to supplement their income by taking advantage of these provisions if they can do so.
Mix of SSI and SSDI?
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is possible and offers two key advantages. Firstly, applying for both programs may result in higher monthly payments. Additionally, while there are waiting periods for SSDI, SSI does not have the same waiting period. Consequently, if you are approved for benefits quickly but still have to wait for your first SSDI check, receiving interim SSI payments can provide essential financial assistance.
A Final Word
Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to disability. The eligibility for each program is determined by various factors, such as work history, financial resources, and the benefits each program offers. Determining the most suitable program for an individual requires careful consideration of these variables.
Americans 50 and over decide elections and can force action on the issues that matter most to us.
That’s why AARP Rhode Island has collected the most up-to-date election information for you. You can find out about key voting deadlines, polling places and how to cast your ballot. Make sure the candidates hear from you. Get the latest Rhode Island election information at aarp.org/RIvotes
by CATHERINE TAYLOR
AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how we live as we age, which includes maintaining the ability to drive safely as long as possible.
For most people, their cars are key to mobility and independence. That’s an important reason why we all need to stay sharp and think safety.
Since the inception of AARP Driver Safety in 1979, AARP has reached more than 20 million people. We believe this is crucial as the number of older drivers continues to grow. One estimate shows the number of drivers 65 and older increasing by 77% in the next 20 years. While older drivers are generally safe drivers, they have a higher risk of injury or death when involved in crashes.
AARP Driver Safety is celebrating its 45th anniversary by providing useful tips and resources to help you stay safe behind the wheel. For example: According to the most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) data from 2021, 13% of reported motor-vehicle crashes were the result of distracted driving. Improve your safety by stowing your phone away completely out of sight and properly restraining your pet safely in a crate or harness.
With the driving landscape rapidly changing – from the traffic laws and roadways to the vehicles and the technology in them – we’re helping drivers keep up with these changes.
AARP’s flagship program, the award-winning AARP Smart Driver course, is the nation’s largest and longest-running driver safety course designed specifically for drivers aged 50 and older.
Driver Safety is made possible in Rhode Island by a dedicated corps of volunteers, led by State Coordinator Lorna Oinonen – who also was our 2021 Andrus Award for Volunteer Service winner. Lorna’s highly trained instructors, part of an AARP nationwide team of 4,500 volunteers, conduct our in-person smart Driver courses.
The Driver Safety team serves every corner of Rhode Island. Coming up on October 7 is a 1:30 p.m. class at East Greenwich’s TCE Swift Community Center. Call 401886-8669 to sign up. You can find more dates and locations at www.aarp.org/RIEvents.
The Smart Driver course is interactive and engaging with knowledge checks and videos from experts. It focuses on areas where older drivers could benefit, and it also focuses on statespecific driving laws.
While there is a $25 fee for participants on the Smart Driver Course ($20 for AARP members), it covers the costs to run the course, including take-home materials like the Participant Guidebook and Worksheet. Completion may qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance. Restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details.
According to a survey of participants who completed the course:
90% have changed at least one risky driving behavior.
92% would recommend the course to a friend.
97% consider themselves a confident driver.
AARP Driver Safety offers other in-person or online programs and a handy mobile app: There’s more to safe driving than how you drive. The CarFit® program can show you how having the proper fit inside your vehicle can make a big difference and help protect you and those around you. Learn more at www.car-fit.org. If you are driving a car with the latest car tech features, AARP’s Smart DriverTEK workshops familiarize you with new enhancements you may not quite understand and other convenient features you have yet to discover.
The free AARP SafeTrip� app lets you securely monitor and analyze your driving behaviors while rewarding your safe driving. To download the app or learn more, visit www.aarp. org/safetrip. To learn more about AARP Driver Safety, visit www.aarpdriversafety.org. Meanwhile, drive safely this fall and every season of the year.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER ONLINE EVENTS
September 19, 1 p.m. - Free Social Security Webinar
September 24, October 8, 4 p.m. - Tai Ch/Qi Gong
September 25, 6 p.m. - Laughter Yoga
October 9, 1 p.m. - Everybody Dance!
October 11, 11 a.m. - ADU Design Webinar
October 24, 4 p.m. - RI Healthy Cooking
AARP-RI SPONSORED IN-PERSON EVENTS
September 27, October 18, 7:30 p.m. - Newport Classical Fall Chamber Series
October 7, 10 a.m. and October 24, 4 p.m. - Newport Slave History Medallion Tour
October 17, 5 p.m. - Bike Newport Full Moon Bike Ride
Learn more and register at aarp.org/RIEvents
The World Stroke Organization reports that a person suffers a stroke once every three seconds across the globe each day. Globally, there are roughly 12.2 million new strokes each year, and one in four individuals age 25 and older will have a stroke at some point in their lifetime. In its “Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022,” the WSO reported that the number of individuals who will have a stroke in their lifetime had increased by 50 percent over the previous 17 years, which underscores a need for the general public to better understand stroke and its controllable risk factors. Such variables include avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, minimizing if not eliminating alcohol consumption, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
Arthritis is a series of conditions that primarily affects joint health. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The University of Michigan Health says osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out, and the condition usually begins in an isolated joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. RA targets the joints, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. The Cleveland Clinic says that osteoarthritis is generally diagnosed in adults older than age 50. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
BY JENNIFER COATES
My journey as a spotlight writer began thirteen years ago in the backyard of a longtime friend. There, a conversation with the former spotlight author led to an opportunity that would introduce me to a whole world. That day, that conversation, launched me on a journey of discovery, knowledge, enduring friendships, and wonder. Let me explain.
The highly accomplished philanthropist Melinda Gates defined the word “wonder” in her book “The Moment of Lift”. She writes: “Wonder has two meanings for me. It can mean awe and it can mean curiosity.”
As I have interviewed the owners of local businesses throughout our whole region, I have been filled with wonder – the kind that fills you with awe and the kind that feeds your curiosity.
As I have interviewed the owners of local businesses throughout our whole region, I have been filled with wonder — the kind that fills you with awe and the kind that feeds your curiosity. “Awe” because I have felt the passion of each business owner for what they do. “Curiosity” because I could never learn enough about each business, even the ones that seemed at first glance to have the least appeal.
One example of this is an assignment I had to interview the owner of a shop that sold propane. The shop’s office was shabby and worn-out, reminiscent of some longforgotten roadside gas station on a deserted highway. The owner of this 50-year-old business was equally as “rough around the edges”, but I knew he had a softer side
when I saw the photos of his grandchildren plastered on the station’s walls. Like with every interview, I paused and took in the whole scene, gleaning what I could from the cues around me.
At first, I could only think of two questions to ask him about propane, a topic that I immediately thought boring, at best. Once I got talking to this business owner, however, that impression changed immediately. He became animated and excited talking about how his family got in the business over half a century ago and about the many uses and benefits of propane. Our conversation/interview lasted nearly an hour as I was caught up in his enthusiasm. What I came away from here was that sense of wonder that Melinda Gates described — awe for this man’s pure passion, and a curiosity about something that I had once known little about.
This one interview has stuck in my mind over the many years that I have been writing for Beacon Media, formally known as Beacon Communications. It is emblematic of how virtually every story has begun and ended for me. I have learned how much these businessmen and women love what they do, no matter what it seems like at face value. Most have invested their every penny into their product or service. Most have sacrificed everything to be successful, and many have survived natural disasters and even pandemics. Yet many have also failed, and I have felt a deep pang of sorrow when I drive by their shuttered stores or offices, knowing that what was lost was so much more than a business, but rather a dream, sometimes a lifetime of dreams.
What will keep the dreams and goals of these many diverse business owners alive is your continued patronage. Shop at your local stores. Support your local, family-run restaurants, salons, service stations, retail stores and propane dealerships! They need you to stay alive. We need them to thrive.
821-2216 lindan@rhodybeat.com melissam@rhodybeat.com
MELISSA MILLER
account executive Serving Coventry, Exeter, West Greenwich, Providence melissam@rhodybeat.com 401-732-3100
LINDA NADEAU
account executive
Serving West Warwick, Cranston, East Greenwich, North Kingstown lindan@rhodybeat.com 401-732-3100
1944 WARWICK AVENUE, WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND 02889
HAVE A WILL?
let the state of RI control what happens to your assets. Contact Roy & Cook, Attorneys
C OY OOK & Attorneys at Law Edward C. Roy, Jr., Esquire edward_roy@hotmail.com Geralyn M. Cook, Esquire geri_cook@hotmail.com
Edward C. Roy, Jr., Esquire edward_roy@hotmail.com Geralyn M. Cook, Esquire geri_cook@hotmail.com
The Cpl. Holly Charette Memorial Motorcycle Run will be held on September 29. Registration begins at 8AM at the Rolfe Square Post Office in Cranston, Kick Stands up at 10AM. Steak Fry follows at 2PM at 22 Whipple Drive in Charlestown. Tickets are $25 per person and include Dinner. All pre-registered riders (by September 15 - No ticket sales after September 22) are automatically guaranteed a t-shirt. Scholarship recipients to be awarded at the Dinner. Holly was a sweet, kind and spirited soul. She joined the Marines after September 11 because she wanted to do something for her country. Holly was just 21 years old when her convoy was struck by a suicide bomber on June 23, 2005. Holly was the first female Marine to lose her life during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Proceeds benefit the Holly Charette Scholarship Fund. Please contact 227-5140 or email runforholly@gmail.com for tickets or more information. Visit cplhollycharettescholarship.com for additional information on becoming a sponsor or to make a donation. The Run is limited to 200 tickets.
The games garner the bulk of fans’ attention when football season kicks off each year at the end of summer. While the exciting action on the gridiron is a cause for celebration among millions of football fans, the food enjoyed during game day provides much to look forward to as well.
Certain foods have become part and parcel of watching a particular sport. For example, who can attend a baseball game and resist the temptation to indulge in a hot dog? For football fans, chicken wings are the go-to game day dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare chicken wings, but fans who like their game day grub to have a little kick can try this recipe for “Spicy Soy Chicken Wings” courtesy of Andrew Schloss’s “Cooking Slow: Recipes for Slowing Down and Cooking More” (Chronicle Books).
Spicy Soy Chicken Wings Makes 4 servings
4 lbs. chicken wings, cut into sections at the joints, tapered wing tips trimmed and discarded
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup soy sauce
2/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot chili powder, preferably habanero
2 garlic cloves, minced
• Combine the chicken wing pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper in a large zippered plastic bag. Close the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 225 F. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish in a single layer without crowding. In a small saucepan, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cayenne, chili powder, and garlic and heat to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook until the chicken is nearly falling off the bone, about 3 hours.
• Raise the oven temperature to 450 F and continue baking until the chicken browns and the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Watch carefully near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat and serve.
Variation: In a slow cooker: Follow the recipe, cooking the chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours, instead of a baking dish in the oven. When the wings are cooked through, transfer to a bowl. Simmer the sauce with the lid of the cooker off until it thickens, about 10 minutes longer. Toss the wings in the thickened sauce and serve. TF249240
“The Penguin” (TV-MA) -HBO’s fall rollout begins with the premiere of this crime-drama series based on the DC Comics supervillain Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. Reprising his role from the 2022 film “The Batman,” Colin Farrell transforms himself from head to toe once again to portray the menacing Gotham City mobster. Set one week after the film’s events, Gotham is in the middle of a gang war following the death of Carmine Falcone, and the Penguin sees this chaos as his chance to step up and take control of Gotham’s streets. But it won’t exactly be easy, as Carmine’s psychopathic daughter, Sofia (Cristin Milioti), is granted release from Arkham Asylum and has her own ambitions at the forefront of her mind. The first episode premieres Sept. 19, with subsequent episodes released every Thursday. (Max)
“His Three Daughters” (R) -- This cozy, heartwarming film follows three estranged sisters -- Katie (Carrie Coon), Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) -- who are forced to band together to take care of their dying father, Vincent. These three sisters are incredibly different from each other, and at first, their differences only seem to weigh down the already tragic situation they’ve been placed in. But as they watch over and take care of Vincent, who’s receiving hospice care in their childhood apartment, each sister starts their own grieving process. At the same time, the tense dynamics between the sisters finally begin to mend. Premieres Sept. 20. (Netflix)
“Child Star” (TV-MA) -- This documentary film directed by singer Demi Lovato and Nicola Marsh breaks down the enigmatic life of being a successful child star in Hollywood. Lovato called up a few of her fellow child stars to help her in this endeavor, including Drew Barrymore (“E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial”), Kenan Thompson (“All That”), JoJo Siwa (“Dance Moms”), Alyson Stoner (“The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”), Raven-Symone
(“The Cosby Show”), and Christina Ricci (“The Addams Family”). These stars describe what it was like to ascend to fame at such a young age, the pressures and joys that accompanied this fame, and how some of them naturally gravitated to drugs and alcohol to relieve their stress. Check it out on Sept. 17. (Hulu)
“Dancing with the Stars: Season 33” (TV-PG) -- America’s favorite ballroom dance competition is back for its 33rd season! The cast of celebrities this year consists of an interesting and varied group of actors, reality stars, Olympians, models and even a fake heiress! Some of the competitors cha-chacha-ing their way to the Mirrorball Trophy are former “Real Housewife of Atlanta” Phaedra Parks; the prolific Eric Roberts (“Babylon”); former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard; and U.S. Olympians Ilona Maher, who dominated in rugby, and Stephen Nedoroscik, who was the pommel horse specialist on the men’s gymnastics team. The competition begins on Sept. 17! (Disney+)
Help Wanted
Jobs Wanted Childcare
OIL TRUCK DRIVER WANTED: Local work. Must have CDL & Hazmat. Experience preferred but will train. Family owned company. Call 539-2900 or 821-4447 for details.
CLEANERS: 1st & 2nd Shift, 20-25 hours per week, Monday-Saturday. $15/hour. Must have valid Driver’s License, reliable vehicle and clean BCI. Great job for retirees! Call 301-1162.
CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN/ TRAINEES: $700+/Week. Valid Driver’s License. BCI required. Call Joe, 258-9648.
AWESOME CLEANING: Get ready for the holidays! My services include construction cleanouts, junk removal, hoarder cleanouts, vacation rentals. move-in/move-out, one time deep cleaning. Reliable and experienced, thorough, excellent references. Weekly, biweekly or monthly. Free estimates. $25 Discount for 1st time clients. 662-4005.
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10 Reservoir Rd Lichtenberg, Stephen and Vieira, Jessica L Detken, Caleb S and Detken, Shantel L
13 Lane E Dugdale, Claire Kelly, Timothy
13 Seneca St Calligano, Corey and Calligano, Janet A Oginski, James L
14 Niverville St D & Gail A Conceicao Irt and Dunne, Michelle L Heav, Thida and Ouch, Poly 9/3
14 Niverville St D & Gail A Conceicao Irt and Dunne, Michelle L Heav,
Bromley, Melisa A Jefferson,
Scheer, Keri Ruggieri, Sofia M
and Domina, Margaret M Vickers, Beth
Juniper Hill Dr Gavin, Martin T and Gavin, Deborah Alcala, Vanessa
25 Lane A Savage Jr, Robbie Seyboth, Kyle
18 Wood Cove Dr Domina, Robert M and Domina, Margaret M Vickers, Beth
28 Arbor Dr Weigert, Brandon Silva, Jonathan and Silva, Amanda
29 Milton Ln Jacques, Kevin J and Jacques, Karen E Eraina Tierney 1st Party and Arruda, John T 8/27
36 Clark Mill St Blanchette, Robert J Corsi, Michael 8/30
423 Fairview Ave Mcnell, Shawn Bevans, Derek 8/29 $303,000
29 Milton Ln Jacques, Kevin J and Jacques, Karen E Eraina Tierney 1st Party and Arruda, John T 8/27
5 View Rd Heon, Christopher J Plowman, Drew E and Plowman, Marina S 8/30 $595,000
36 Clark Mill St Blanchette, Robert J Corsi, Michael 8/30 $375,000
50 Ames St Craig Deborah J Est and Jordan 3rd, James L Nason, Michael J and Buzzo, Ana C 8/29 $357,000
423 Fairview Ave Mcnell, Shawn Bevans, Derek 8/29 $303,000
5 View Rd Heon, Christopher J Plowman, Drew E and Plowman, Marina S 8/30 $595,000
5896 Flat River Rd Emery 2nd, John E Whitney, James 8/30 $420,000
7 Kelly Ln Webb, Elaine Zonfrillo, Patricia 8/28 $168,500
50 Ames St Craig Deborah J Est and Jordan 3rd, James L Nason, Michael J and Buzzo, Ana C 8/29 $357,000
5896 Flat River Rd Emery 2nd, John E Whitney, James 8/30 $420,000
87 Sherwood Valley Ln Dabrosca, Marie E Tempo Holdings LLC $70,000
7 Kelly Ln Webb, Elaine Zonfrillo, Patricia 8/28 $168,500
9 Cantaberry Ln Fuller Karen S Est and Fuller, Christopher Evans, Grace and Nardone, Dawn 8/27 $64,000
9 Cantaberry Ln Fuller Lee C Est and Fuller, Christopher Evans, Grace and Nardone, Dawn 8/27 $64,000
87 Sherwood Valley Ln Dabrosca, Marie E Tempo Holdings LLC 8/26 $70,000
95 Read School House Rd Drew, Kerri A Naylor 3rd, William Y and Magner, Sydney M 8/26 $425,000
9 Cantaberry Ln Fuller Karen S Est and Fuller, Christopher Evans, Grace and Nardone, Dawn 8/27 $64,000
9 Cantaberry Ln Fuller Lee C Est and Fuller, Christopher Evans, Grace and Nardone, Dawn 8/27 $64,000
95 Read School House Rd Drew, Kerri A Naylor 3rd, William Y and Magner, Sydney M 8/26 $425,000
102 Rolfe Sq Liberman Rlty LLC Yang, Xichun and Wang, Qiue 8/29 $500,000
121 Crest Dr Nader-Sims, Barbara P Prasad, Leela and Prasad, Baba C 8/29 $1,250,000
102 Rolfe Sq Liberman Rlty LLC Yang, Xichun and Wang, Qiue 8/29 $500,000
1289 Cranston St Bucket List LLC Makor, Kwayah and Makor, Alexandra 8/28 $549,000
130 Zinnia Dr Mark J Richards T and Duelm, Shelton Laplante Estates LLC 8/28 $111,890
130 Zinnia Dr Richards, James J and Duelm, Shelton Laplante Estates LLC 8/28 $223,110
121 Crest Dr Nader-Sims, Barbara P Prasad, Leela and Prasad, Baba C 8/29 $1,250,000 1289 Cranston St Bucket List LLC Makor, Kwayah and Makor, Alexandra 8/28 $549,000
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 717 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
130 Zinnia Dr Mark J Richards T and Duelm, Shelton Laplante Estates LLC 8/28 $111,890
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 718 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
130 Zinnia Dr Richards, James J and Duelm, Shelton Laplante Estates LLC 8/28 $223,110
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 719 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 717 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 718 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
163 Magnolia St Corey, Katherine E David, Jessica M 8/29 $425,000
195 Main St Lot 124 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
16 Fyffe Ave Lot 719 Cardullo, Joanne and Robbio, Louis F Amc Prop LLC 8/27 $285,000
163 Magnolia St Corey, Katherine E David, Jessica M 8/29 $425,000
195 Main St Lot 125 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
195 Main St Lot 4 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
195 Main St Lot 124 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
195 Main St Lot 125 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
195 Main St Lot 5 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
2 Vera St Difazio 2nd, Albert C Rodriguez, Roberto C and Colon, Melissa 8/27 $522,000
195 Main St Lot 4 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
21 Cleveland Ave Anderson, Jeffrey E and Anderson, Dawn M Nunez, Katherine D and Perdomo, Ruth E 8/27 $356,000
195 Main St Lot 5 Hanson, Benjamin and Hanson, Colleen Conway, Richard and Conway, Tamrra 8/27 $360,000
212 Lawnacre Dr Hsu, Yu-Cheng Mellyn, Susan J and Mellyn-Mason, Genevieve 8/26 $515,000
2 Vera St Difazio 2nd, Albert C Rodriguez, Roberto C and Colon, Melissa 8/27 $522,000
21 Cleveland Ave Anderson, Jeffrey E and Anderson, Dawn M Nunez, Katherine D and Perdomo, Ruth E 8/27 $356,000
212 Lawnacre Dr Hsu, Yu-Cheng Mellyn, Susan J and Mellyn-Mason, Genevieve 8/26 $515,000
257 E View Ave Moll, Robert E New Era LLC 8/28 $520,000 Scituate Ave Lot A Serrocha, Jacqueline A Agnoli, Steven J 8/27 $310,000
30 Gaglione Ct Yenuck, David M Abbasi, Zainab and Farukhuddin, Fnu 8/27 $575,000
257 E View Ave Moll, Robert E New Era LLC 8/28 $520,000
36 Dekalb St Barreiros, Maria A Jones, Jonathan N 8/26 $370,000
295 Scituate Ave Lot A Serrocha, Jacqueline A Agnoli, Steven J 8/27 $310,000
43 Eden Crest Dr Bliss, Brian A Rodriguez, Rosa C 8/29 $485,000
30 Gaglione Ct Yenuck, David M Abbasi, Zainab and Farukhuddin, Fnu 8/27 $575,000
590 Pippin Orchard Rd Fishback, Barry K and Fishback, Donna L Bordieri, David J and Sartini, Michelle M 8/27 $706,500
36 Dekalb St Barreiros, Maria A Jones, Jonathan N 8/26 $370,000
601 Laurel Hill Ave Ros, Sokeo Mendez, Jorge M 8/26 $345,000
43 Eden Crest Dr Bliss, Brian A Rodriguez, Rosa C 8/29 $485,000
68 2nd Ave Piscopiello, Richard T Dealeman, Ana L 8/29 $420,000
590 Pippin Orchard Rd Fishback, Barry K and Fishback, Donna L Bordieri, David J and Sartini, Michelle M 8/27 $706,500
601 Laurel Hill Ave Ros, Sokeo Mendez, Jorge M 8/26 $345,000
68 2nd Ave Piscopiello, Richard T Dealeman, Ana L 8/29 $420,000
1001 Main St Lot 20 Disegna, Ross P Mcardle, Barbara 8/28 $400,000
1425 Diplomat Dr Schwager, Mark L and Flanagan, Patricia J Hirsch Flt and Hirsch, David S 8/29 $860,000
163 Peirce St Knight, Russell P and Knight, Mary L Beaudette, Aaron and Anheier, Stacey 8/30 $1,315,000
1001 Main St Lot 20 Disegna, Ross P Mcardle, Barbara 8/28 $400,000
176 Cindyann Dr Gonzalez-Guzman, Dania Pellettieri, Cortmey and Pellettieri, Michael A 8/29 $955,000
1425 Diplomat Dr Schwager, Mark L and Flanagan, Patricia J Hirsch Flt and Hirsch, David S 8/29 $860,000
214 Vistas Ct Lot 214 Thornhill Fret and Thornhill, William M Accetta, Karen 8/26 $555,000
163 Peirce St Knight, Russell P and Knight, Mary L Beaudette, Aaron and Anheier, Stacey 8/30 $1,315,000
32 Laurel Ln Werner Rappelt Irt and Rappelt, Werner Grenier, Evan T and Brodeur, Michelle J 8/28 $410,000
176 Cindyann Dr Gonzalez-Guzman, Dania Pellettieri, Cortmey and Pellettieri, Michael A 8/29 $955,000
68 Great Rd Tovar, Alison and Serre, Thomas Greenberg, Scott H and Greenberg, Hayley 8/29 $1,310,000
214 Vistas Ct Lot 214 Thornhill Fret and Thornhill, William M Accetta, Karen 8/26 $555,000
32 Laurel Ln Werner Rappelt Irt and Rappelt, Werner Grenier, Evan T and Brodeur, Michelle J 8/28 $410,000
70 Ann Dr Muskus, Bartosz P and Marzan, Hazel V Trabucco, Jonathan D 8/30 $752,000
68 Great Rd Tovar, Alison and Serre, Thomas Greenberg, Scott H and Greenberg, Hayley 8/29 $1,310,000
70 Ann Dr Muskus, Bartosz P and Marzan, Hazel V Trabucco, Jonathan D 8/30 $752,000
75 Brookside Dr Bravo, David and Bravo, Johanna P Wyman, Kevin and Wyman, Kristine 8/29 $590,000 837 Division Rd Donovan, Jennifer K and Castillo, Miguel A Ota, Yoshitaka and Ota, Satomi 8/26 $730,000
75 Brookside Dr Bravo, David and Bravo, Johanna P Wyman, Kevin and Wyman, Kristine 8/29 $590,000
837 Division Rd Donovan, Jennifer K and Castillo, Miguel A Ota, Yoshitaka and Ota, Satomi 8/26 $730,000
Working with a real estate agent can give both buyers and sellers an edge in what continues to be a challenging real estate market. Agents, brokers and Realtors ® are professionals who have distinct expertise and knowledge of the process of buying and selling homes. That expertise is evidenced by how many people rely on real estate professionals each year. A 2022 Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends report found 88 percent of homeowners choose to list their homes with a real estate agent when it comes time to sell.
Individuals understand that it can be in their best interests to work with real estate professionals, but they may not know where to look as they seek to work with one. Here are some tips for finding the right match in a real estate professional.
• Know the difference in real estate professionals . Real estate agents are required by the state in which they operate to pass a real estate license exam. Real estate brokers take it a step further and undergo additional training, which could bring additional experience to the table. Realtors ® are members of the National Association of Realtors ® and beholden to its strict code of ethics. These individuals also may have undergone additional training that qualifies them to work with certain types of clients, such as seniors.
• Seek referrals Friends or family members, or even others in the community, can put people in touch with real estate professionals. When asking for referrals, individuals can inquire about certain professionals and how they handled buying and/or selling a home.
• Work with the right type of agent. Generally speaking, real estate agents either work with buyers or sellers in the transaction. Many will do both, but some specialize in buying or selling. Find a professional who either does both or specializes in your position.
• Research an agent’s online presence. Use the internet to see if the agent has a website, a particular philosophy or a specialty. This also may be a place to check online reviews. Don’t be dissuaded by one or two poor reviews. However, if there are many, it may be best to look elsewhere.
• Meet and interview potential agents. Individuals should speak with a couple of real estate professionals to see what they offer. This is a good way to determine if there is a connection there, and whether the agent will get the results needed. A well-prepared agent will come with data, including “comps” of properties in the area. Professionals typically have information about the current market trends and a portfolio of the homes they have brokered recently.
• Go with gut instincts. If it’s between two people of equal qualification, select the person with whom you have a stronger rapport. This person will be guiding you through a sizable financial transaction, so comfort level is important.
Finding the right real estate professional can take some time. But the right professional will guide clients through the often complex and occasionally frustrating process of buying or selling property. RE244813
CESSPOOL SERVICE
CHEVALIER CESSPOOL CLEANERS: Cesspools and septic tanks pumped. New systems installed. Sewer connections. 736-8313.
ELECTRICAL
JADE ELECTRIC: Wiring, emergencies. Prompt and courteous. 828-5908, 738-7835. Lic.# A1538. Insured.
RICHARD J. PIZZI Electrical Contractor: 550 Providence Street, West Warwick. Residential Wiring (home repairs). No job too small. A145, insured. 580-8803.
FACSIMILE SERVICE
THE REMINDER’S FAX SERVICE. Now you can send or receive letters, statements, invoices, etc. in seconds by using The Reminder Fax Service. Want more details? Call The Reminder and ask about our fax: 821-2216. Fax Number: 732-3110. To Send: $3.00 (+tax) for the first page, $1.00 for every additional page. To receive: 75¢ ea. page (+tax).
FENCE INSTALLATION & REPAIR
VENTURA FENCE CO., INC.: Serving Rhode Island since 1975 for all your fencing needs. Insured. RI Reg #7260. Call anytime 821-7200.
K.C. FENCE CO.: There’s no job too big or too small... We do them all! Specializing in all types of fencing. In business for over 40 years. RI Reg. #15748. Insured. 397-5076.
Project Linus of RI invites you to participate in their Fall Blanket Making Day from 10:30AM-1:30PM on October 5 at William Hall Library, 1825 Broad Street, Cranston. Join Project Linus to learn to make a blanket, knot, crochet, and/or tie fleece and meet other “Blanketeers”. Bring along a sewing machine if you’re making a quilt or want to start a new project with provided materials. Snacks provided. Project Linus is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization. For more information email Martha at esholes@aol.com
MOFFITT & ASSOCIATES, LLC.: Financial Services and Investments, Retirement Planning and 401K rollovers. www.moffittassociates.com 1260 Main St. (Rte. 117), Coventry (401)828-0097.
LEWIS & CLARKE ENTERPRISES, INC.: New homes, additions, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, roofs, and repairs. 345-3227. RI Reg. #5646.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION
ALL SEASONS LAWNCARE, INC.: Full Service Landscape Maintenance and Construction Company. Now doing walkways, patios & firepits. 732-7993. RI Reg. #43492.
WINFIELD TERMITE & PEST CONTROL: All your pest needs. 821-7800.
KENT COUNTY PEST CONTROL, LLC: Residential and Commercial. Certified in Industrial, Structural and Health Related Pest Control. 100% Guaranteed. 401-569-0212.
PLUMBING & HEATING
JOHN P. KEOGH PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING: Electric sewer rooter service. Master Plumber Lic. #1881. 401-862-8810.
A GOOD PLUMBER: Plumbing, heating, drain cleaning. 808-2284. RI Lic. #MP002399. MA Lic. #30436.
POWER WASHING
THOR’S PRESSURE & SOFT WASH: Commercial & Residential. Roof & Exterior Cleaning. Fully licensed and insured. RI Registration GC-46062. Free Estimates. Call Thor, 401-441-8672. facebook.com/
& HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1679 Main Street in West Warwick, is pleased to announce that John Kostrzewa will be our speaker on September 28, at 2PM. As author of “Walking Rhode Island”, a regular feature in The Sunday Providence Journal, he will share stories and images from his explorations of the geological features, wildlife and historical landmarks in our state. Public is invited. No charge.
By Lucie Winborne
• In the hit film “Back to the Future,” the time machine was originally an old fridge. According to HuffPost, “Ultimately, it was determined that it probably was not a good idea to use a refrigerator in such a manner as kids might want to reenact the scene.”
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Chapel of
22) Disruptive family disputes need to be settled so that everyone can move on. Avoid assuming this burden alone, though. Ask — no, demand help with this problem.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) After much traveling this year, you’re due for some relaxed time with family and friends. Use this period to check out situations that will soon require a lot of serious decision-making.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) That elusive goal you’d been hoping to claim is still just out of reach. But something else has come along that could prove to be just as desirable, if only you would take the time to check it out.
Impatience with those who don’t keep up with you can cause resistance, which, in turn, can lead to more delays. It’s best to be helpful and supportive if you want good results.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A surprise announcement from a colleague could put you on the defense. Gather your facts and respond. You’ll soon find the situation shifting in your favor.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The time spent away from a project pays off with a new awareness of options that you hadn’t considered before. Weigh them carefully before deciding which to choose.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Keep that keen Bovine mind focused on your financial situation as it begins to undergo some changes. Consider your money moves carefully. Avoid impulsive investments.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Consider confronting a personal conflict while there’s still time to work things out. A delay can cause more problems. A longtime colleague might offer to mediate.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ll need to adjust some of your financial plans now that things are changing more quickly than you expected. All the facts you need haven’t yet emerged, so move cautiously.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Some emerging matters could impede the Lion’s progress in completing an important project. Best advice: Deal with them now before they can create costly delays.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Patience is called for as you await word on an important workplace situation. A personal circumstance, however, could benefit by your taking immediate action.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Congratulations! This is the week you’ve been waiting for. After a period of sudden stops and fitful starts, your plans can now move ahead without significant disruptions.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Don’t lose confidence in yourself. Those doubters are likely to back off if you demand that they show solid proof as to why they think your ideas won’t work.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a good time to get away for some much-needed rest and relaxation. You’ll return refreshed and ready to take on a workplace challenge that awaits you.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A temporary setback might cause some unsettling moments for the usually sure-footed Goat. But keep going! The path ahead gets easier as you move forward.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Confidence grows as you work your way through some knotty situations. Watch out for distractions from wellmeaning supporters who could slow things down.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) There’s welcome news from the workplace. There could also be good news involving a relationship that has long held a special meaning for you.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Consider spending more time contemplating the possibilities of an offer before opting to accept or reject it. But once you make a decision, act on it.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You still might need to cut some lingering ties to a situation that no longer has the appeal it once held. In the meantime, you can start to explore other opportunities.
BORN THIS WEEK: Your sense of what’s right can inspire others if you remember not to push too hard to make your case. Moderation works best for you. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc. 257
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You’re in an exceptionally strong position this week to make decisions on many still-unresolved matters, especially those involving close personal relationships.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The week starts off with some positive movement in several areas. A special person becomes a partner in at least one of the major plans you’ll be working on.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your aspect continues to favor an expanding vista. This could be a good time to make a career move, and taking an out-of-town job could be a good way to do it.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Personal and professional relationships dominate this period. Try to keep things uncomplicated in order to avoid misunderstandings that can cause problems down the line.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’re in a very strong position this week to tie up loose ends in as many areas as possible. Someone close to you has advice you might want to heed.
BORN THIS WEEK: You work hard and get things done. You also inspire others to do their best. You would do well heading up a major corporation.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
