CommonGround
JANUARY 2011
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Labor leaders laud Governor Chafee’s approach to rebuilding state’s economy By Paul V. Palange
PROVIDENCE – As the sun drenched attendees of Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s inauguration outside the Statehouse, the new chief executive of Rhode Island created a spirit of cooperation embraced by leaders of organized labor. In his inaugural address on Jan. 4, the former United States senator and first independent governor said, “I believe a second chance begins at this very moment…. not just for me, but for our wonderful state of Rhode Island and for each and every one of her citizens.” “A new era has dawned today; wouldn’t you say, Jim?” Maureen G. Martin, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO and director of political activities for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, said after Chafee’s speech.
“It sure has,” agreed James P. Riley, secretarytreasurer of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 328. Labor, he said, is optimistic that Rhode Island’s 58th governor and his team will take a different direction then the Carcieri administration did for the past eight years. “Change is what we are looking for,” Riley said, “… I think he will listen to us. … I am already feeling that he wants to operate the governor’s office and state government with an open door policy.” Stan Israel, executive vice president of the New England Health Care Employees Union Local 1199, said unlike his predecessor Gov. Donald Carcieri, Chafee is a “compassionate politician that cares about people.” Israel called Carcieri a cut and slash governor who “gave his rich friends tax breaks.” He said labor and Chafee share many of the same values. According to Israel, development of the port of Providence, wind energy and the knowledge sector within the health care industry are some of the good opportunities the new administration has to stimulate job growth. Michael F. Sabitoni, president of Rhode Island Building Trades Local 271, said that while his union did not endorse Chafee, it will get behind
the new governor to do whatever it can to assist with initiating an economic recovery. Chafee’s emphasis on infrastructure improvements “is paramount to attracting businesses” to the Ocean State, Sabitoni said, adding that “it means lots of jobs to the people we represent.” When there is high employment in the building trades, according to the union official, that “drives a lot other industries” and job creation is necessary for a robust economy. “We will do everything we can to help him succeed,” Sabitoni said, explaining labor leaders must seize the chance the governor has given them to work with government officials for change. “There is one universal solution to turning around the economy and that’s more employment opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.” The new governor pledged to devote “every ounce of energy” he has to boosting the economy, saying “I will not rest until we reclaim the promise that lay in the heart of our founder Roger Williams some 375 years ago.” “I ask all Rhode Islanders to join me in boldly reaffirming Roger Williams’ vision of a “civil state” Chafee Continued on page 2
Providing all students quality education is Number 1 priority for Frank Flynn By Paul V. Palange PROVIDENCE – One of the first items a visitor notices on the desk of Francis “Frank” J. Flynn is an oversized ceramic pencil and eraser with “Mr. Flynn” printed across the memento. Flynn, who taught for 34 years, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary special education and a master’s degree in special education, both from Rhode Island College. He and his wife, Sharon, who is a nurse at Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, are longtime West Warwick residents. They have three children: Daniel, 29; Sean, 27; and Kathryn, 24. Daniel is a nurse at Miriam Hospital, Providence; Kathryn is a first-grade teacher at the Primary
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Gladstone Street School in Cranston; and Sean works in the financial sector with Natixis Global in Boston. Students at the May Westcott School in Cranston gave Flynn the ceramic piece more than 30 years ago, and he says it still has sentimental value. Flynn, 56, graduated from Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School but decided to forgo the priesthood and pursue a career teaching special education after volunteering as a teen at the Fogarty Center in North Providence. In addition, the career choice was in keeping with the values stressed by his Irish immigrant parents. They taught their children the importance of being kind and helping their neighbors. Flynn served as chair of the Cranston Teachers Alliance’s negotiating committee for 14 years. He was vice president of the union for three years and president of the local for seven years. The belief that it
is everyone’s responsibility to make the world a better place is what motivated Flynn to be a union leader and become head of the state federation. Union work, he says, is “a great opportunity to help a lot of people in a lot of ways. Our mission is to help workers and their families and it is important work. We help people resolve personal crises, we offer support services and we assist young teachers to become better teachers through mentoring.” Flynn succeeds Marcia B. Reback as president of the federation. She retired in November after holding the position for 18 years, and earning a reputation as one of the state’s most effective labor leaders. “It is difficult to follow anyone who is legendary,” Flynn said of his predecessor. “Many of the rights that members of our federation have are directly attributable to her. She was an effective lobbyist.” Flynn Continued on page 2 R
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Chafee Continued fom page 1 … a vibrant, diverse community that is free of political, cultural and ethnic division. For if we rekindle the vision that created our heritage, there is nothing this state and her people cannot achieve,” Chafee said. The state’s budget crisis and high unemployment rate were decades in the making, Chafee said, stating the poor economy is a “shared legacy of Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, liberals and conservatives. Finger pointing and blame will
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Another front-burner matter is the upheaval at Central Falls High School, where, according to the federation, teachers’ rights were violated in an effort to improve the quality of education delivered to students. Flynn, who taught for 34 years, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary special education and a master’s degree in special education, both from Rhode Island College. He and his wife, Sharon, who is a nurse at Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, are long-time West Warwick residents. SPUMONI’S They have three children: Daniel, 29; Sean, 27; and Kathryn, 24. Daniel is a nurse at Miriam Hospital, Providence;FRI. Kathryn is toa MON. first-grade at the AUGUST 27 AUGUSTteacher 30 Gladstone Street School in Cranston; and Sean works in the financial sector. Flynn promises “to do the best I can” in a demanding job that he hopes to hold for several years. One thing that is unlikely to improve while he heads up the federation, he said, is his golf game. That will have to wait.
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Flynn Continued from page 1 Flynn’s list of priorities to start his first twoyear term include “working hard” to restore respect for public employees, making top-notch education accessible to all students, implementing an evaluation system that roots out ineffective educators and providing teachers and other staff members with the support necessary to do their jobs well. Some of the federation’s most important upcoming battles are the institution of binding arbitration when negotiations hit an impasse, and a provision that maintains working conditions upon the expiration of contracts. According to Flynn, municipalities have the authority to make unilateral changes in the workplace once labor agreements end, which means HOURS: management could even11 decide EXTENDED SUN.-THURS. PM to alter pay scales.FRI.-SAT. MIDNIGHT “There is no way to provide salary BAR & LOUNGE SPECIALS continuation,” Flynn said. “We need something to protect employees should contracts expire.”
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swearing in marked a new beginning for the state. She said the governor has a good team in place and that the new administration has to find the solutions that are always out there. She said her priority will be investing the state’s retirement funds to ease the burden funding pensions places on taxpayers. Such action, she said, will stimulate Rhode Island’s economy. Chafee promised to rescind Carcieri’s E-verify executive order because of the anxiety it has created within the Latino community, and he called on the General Assembly to pass a bill to legalize gay marriage. “Rhode Island today must be as welcoming to all as Roger Williams intended it to be,” he said. “Mark my words, these two actions will do more for economic growth in our state than any economic development loan. Because good business is about treating people right, just as good government is.” Others sworn into office were newly elected Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, incumbent Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and incumbent Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts.
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do nothing to alleviate our situation.” He called for a new “era of political collaboration,” and said “the only way we can move forward is to move forward together.” Former Senate President William V. Irons said Chafee’s conciliatory message is an important one that leaders in the General Assembly and throughout the state cannot ignore. If differences are put aside, he said, officials will develop “common outcomes that are beneficial to all.” Another former state senator, John C. Revens Jr., gave the governor’s inaugural speech high marks, saying Chafee “set the right tone” and “took a good approach.” Revens feels the governor will bring officials and leaders together and help them make the hard choices required to clean up a fiscal mess and pour the foundation for a robust economy. Revens thinks there will be less partisanship under Chafee, which means decision makers will make more progress on dealing with issues and resolving problems. Gina Marie Raimondo, who was sworn in on inauguration day as the state’s new general treasurer, said she is hopeful that Chafee’s
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Fund provides Local 1033 members chance to continue education PROVIDENCE – The leadership of Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 continues to make providing its members with the opportunity to take continuing education courses a top priority. Through the Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education, Training and Apprenticeship Fund, union members are offered several courses, including stewards, computer, work zone safety and commercial driver’s license training; practical Spanish levels 1 and 2; introduction to Italian; cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid; and ethics in government. A Spanish 1 course recently concluded with a graduation ceremony for 15 Local 1033 members, who are all employed by the Providence School Department as teacher assistants. The class met twice a week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 12 weeks in Local 1033’s training room. “It is so rewarding to see our members being proactive by taking advantage of the training opportunities provided by Local 1033,” said Betty Jackson, the union’s vice president and training liaison. “The information that these brothers and sisters learned in class will help them better connect with the children in the classrooms of Providence.” Business Manager Don Iannazzi, President Vicky Virgilio and the rest of the executive board of Local 1033 offer their sincere congratulations to Noreen Alves, Pearl Bettencourt, Kim Bianco, Gail Brown, Yvonne Elemo, Melissa Jackson, Heather Jones, Wendy Lopes, Michael Moran, Donna Oluyem, Sarirth Pich, Yatleena Prum, Pamela Roane, Pamela Ross and Michele Woods. The apprenticeship fund was established by a declaration of trust, published and executed in 2002 by Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). The fund is the first exclusive public employee training fund established by a LIUNA affiliate and provides the first public employee apprenticeship program in the country. The purpose of the fund is to provide career enhancement, education, professional development and safety training. The fund covers Local 1033 bargaining unit members employed by the City of Providence and the Providence and North Providence school districts.
PROUD GRADUATES Members of Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 show off the certificates they earned for completing a Spanish course offered through the Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education, Training and Apprenticeship Fund.
HARD AT WORK Several people in Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 take one of the many continuing education courses offered at the union’s training center in Providence.
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JANUARY 2011
Identifying addiction problems and the role of the EAP By Steve Miranda
Alcohol and drug abuse cost the American economy well over $180 billion annually, but the real cost is found in the human waste that it causes in our families, the workplace and society in general. While alcohol and other forms of drug addiction are the most serious health problems in our culture, when we speak about addiction today, we are referring to an array of illnesses that have similar symptoms: denial and compulsivity. Addiction is shame-driven, with the addict “using” to avoid emotional pain. Whether it is sex, food, spending or an addiction to another person that causes one to lose his or her identity, addiction is a very serious illness. Without proper evaluation, treatment and counseling and a change in behavior, the end results are always the same: institutionalization, jail or death. Here is a simple test you can take to see where you stand regarding abuse and addiction. Be rigorously honest – you only have one life. 1. Do you use to escape feelings? 2. Does your personality change when you use alcohol or other drugs? 3. Do you “regulate” your drinking or other drug usage? For example, do you plan to only have two drinks at a party, and then drink more? 4. Do you drink or use drugs after promising yourself or a loved one that you will not use again? 5. Is your social life focused around the opportunity to drink or use? 6. Have you had a blackout? 7. Has a family member, friend or employer spoken to you about your drinking? 8. Have you had an alcohol or drug related arrest?
9. Have you spent money on alcohol or other drugs, instead of meeting your financial obligations? 10. Have you tested positive for drugs in an employment drug screen? 11. Have you ever lied about your drinking or using? 12. Do you drink alone? If you answered yes to two of those questions, then your use of alcohol or another drug is causing problems. Fortunately, there is help available. Go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or another form of the 12-step program. Go to see a certified addiction counselor and be evaluated. Talk about the problem. If you admit that you may have a problem, you are more than halfway toward a solution. Remember that addiction is a treatable disease, and that you deserve to get well. While the above information is critical to anyone struggling with the disease of addiction, it is the role of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to be armed with such information and more when it comes to providing solutions in the workplace. The EAP provides confidential accessible services to individual employees in order to restore and strengthen their health and productivity. For decades, EAPs have served individual employees, their families, state managers, supervisors, human resource professionals and union leaders. The EAP seeks concrete, practical solutions to state employees’ personal, family and workplace problems. Doing so improves productivity and reduces poor quality, absenteeism and morale problems. Supervisors also play a significant role in the process. They are in a unique position to identify and encourage employees whose work may be affected by personal or family
Hello, my name is Rachel Tassoni. I am very excited that I have been selected to play on a National Traveling Basketball team. We will play from springtime throughout the summer and will play at locations such as Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. As I said, I am very excited and want to help my family with the cost. To help offset the cost, which is around $1500, the Breakers team is selling advertising space in their program booklet. This booklet will be at our Northeast Tournament which is held over Memorial Day weekend. The three locations include URI, Bryant University, and CCRI in Warwick. We have well over 125 teams which participate; so many, many, people will have exposure to the advertising. I would be thrilled if you would consider some advertisement. Sizes range from business card to a full page. If you are interested in advertising, please email me at bltassoni@yahoo.com. Thank you so much, Rachel Tassoni.
problems. If the problems have become apparent, supervisors are obliged to inform the employee of the counseling resources available through an EAP. Using an EAP is always voluntary. Supervisors cannot force employees to seek assistance, but the process of recognizing problems and responding with an EAP referral is a normal and supportive supervisory responsibility. Supervisors maintain a productive work environment and promote employee development. Referral to an EAP helps accomplish both. Professionalism and confidentiality are the cornerstones of the success of an EAP, and employees have been able to trust that all information will remain confidential. An employee’s EAP experience will not be shared with any person (including supervisory staff ) or agency outside of the program without the client’s written permission. The only exceptions to confidentiality are those situations that are specified under data privacy laws. Essentially, those laws require that counselors report to authorities when they have significant concerns over someone’s safety, especially when that person is a child or vulnerable adult. All clients are given a full explanation of the exceptions and other data privacy practices at the time of intake. It is clear that a business is like a machine – all parts must be operating smoothly to ensure success. It is imperative that you are a productive part of the machine. If you are unable to do your part for any reason, there is help available: the system works if you trust it. Steve Miranda is a treatment consultant for Treatment Solutions Network’s Northeast Region. If you have any questions or know someone who may need his services, you may contact him at stevem@tsnemail.com or (508) 525-5974.
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JANUARY 2011
Simple changes will lead to healthier diet By Malcolm Tinkham
Editor’s note: The following article is the last of a two-part series on Americans’ diets. Part one addressed how society’s fast food culture has increased the prevalence of diet-related diseases that are frequently fatal. Part two looks at how simple diet changes can reverse that trend. Although exercise is important for improving fitness, it isn’t enough. A beneficial diet is the other half of the equation people must have for good health. How do you begin? Dianne Esplin, a registered dietician from California, recommends that you gradually cut the size of each of your meals, and that you eat four to six small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Remind yourself to eat at the right times, but don’t snack on calories in between; try crunchy celery instead. If you eat every 2 ½ to 3 hours, you’ll never be so hungry that you’ll overeat. A cool glass of water with lemon or a steaming cup of non-caffeinated tea helps to fill your stomach and hold cravings at bay. Esplin suggests keeping bottled water within reach all the time and taking a swig whenever you feel hungry. In addition, you should drink at least eight cups of water each day to stay hydrated, and remember that caffeinated drinks don’t count but juices do. Pay attention to your portion sizes, and eat three-quarters of a cup to one cup of complex carbohydrates at each meal. Complex carbohydrates are starches such as potatoes, brown rice and whole wheat breads. Esplin says, “Your portion of lean meat should be about the size of a deck of cards, not your palm since some people have big palms.” Also, eat about a fist-full each of fruits and vegetables, which is an easy method to control portion sizes and eat the right combinations of foods. Don’t deny yourself all fat. While low-fat and zero-fat substitutes are a good alternative,
a diet too low in fat will make you feel as if you are starving all the time, which leads to bingeing. Some healthy fats such as olive oil, flax oil, nuts in moderation and fish oil are necessary, too. Give your stomach that full feeling it craves. If you always have fruit, carrot sticks or another healthy snack around the house and workplace and while you are on the road, you can fend off the urge for quick, high-fat food sources. While billions are spent on gimmicky diets and food advertising, far too little money is spent on nutrition education. Protein: Get it right The benefits of a healthier diet are obvious. Yet, according to Dr. Dean Ornish, a clinical professor and founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, the large number of cardiovascular diseases that kill so many people around the world is not only preventable, but often reversible by simply changing diets and lifestyles. Evidence is accumulating that diets with reduced carbohydrates and increased levels of high quality protein are effective for weight loss. Such diets appear to provide a metabolic advantage during restricted energy intake that targets increased loss of body fat while reducing loss of lean tissue and stabilizing regulations of blood glucose. Most adults would benefit from eating more than the recommended daily intake of 56 grams of protein, says Dr. Donald Layman, a professor emeritus of nutrition at the University of Illinois and a pioneer in metabolic research. The benefit goes beyond muscles, he says. Protein dulls hunger and can help prevent obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Layman’s research dispels many common myths, including the myth that all weight loss is good. In fact, some weight loss can actually be unhealthy. Another common myth is that all
dietary fats make you fat. In fact, consuming moderate amounts of fat can actually help you burn body fat. And that all protein is protein; all equal in benefit. Muscle is the metabolic furnace that burns fat. If you are trying to lose weight, you must maintain healthy muscle. Dr. Layman’s research discovered that the branched-chain amino acid leucine is a key to the metabolic advantage of a higher protein diet because of its unique roles in regulation of muscle protein synthesis, insulin signaling and glucose recycling via alanine. Furthermore, the research suggests that increased use of high quality protein at breakfast may be important for the metabolic advantage of a higher protein diet. Small changes get big improvements Dr. Layman’s findings are that people require a macro-balance of high quality protein, starchy carbohydrates and sugary fruits, and smart carbohydrates and healthy fats. Layman says to follow the simple rule of consuming an equal ratio of protein and starchy carbohydrates and enjoying all the smart carbohydrates you want. Start your day by giving your body the precise macro-balance proportions that will maintain healthy blood sugar levels and energize your lean muscles for fat burning. The type of protein you consume is also critical to maximizing your results How much protein do you need? Step on a scale and be honest with yourself about your workout regimen. According to Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, who studies exercise and nutrition at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, highly trained athletes thrive on .77 of grams of daily protein per pound of body weight. That’s 139 grams for a 180-pound man. Continued on Next Page
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Common Ground
Continued from Previous Page Men who exercise five or more days a week for an hour or longer need to consume .55 grams of protein per pound of body weight, and men who work out three to five days a week for 45 minutes to an hour need .45 grams of protein per pound. So a 180-pound guy who works out regularly needs about 80 grams of protein a day. Extra protein won’t wreck your kidneys. “Taking in more than the recommended dose won’t confer more benefit. It won’t hurt you, but you’ll just burn it off as extra energy,” Dr. Tarnopolsky says. It’s not all the same Many foods, including nuts and beans, can provide a good dose of protein. But the best sources are dairy products, eggs, meat and fish, Layman says. Animal protein is complete because it contains the right proportions of the essential amino acids your body can’t synthesize on its own. It’s possible to build complete protein from plant-based foods by combining legumes, nuts and grains at one meal or over the course of a day. But you’ll need to consume 20 to 25 percent more plant-based protein to reap the benefits that animal-derived sources provide, says Dr. Tarnopolsky. Also, beans and legumes have carbohydrates that make it harder to lose weight. So if protein can help keep weight off, is a chicken wing dipped in blue-cheese dressing a diet secret? Not quite: Total calories still count. Scale down your fat and carbohydrate intake to make room for lean protein such as eggs, low-fat milk, yogurt, lean meat and fish. However, if you’re struggling with your weight, fat itself is not the culprit: carbohydrates are the likely problem. Fat will help keep you
full, while carbohydrates can put you on a bloodsugar roller coaster that produces hunger pangs after you eat. Timing is everything “At any given moment, even at rest, your body is breaking down and building protein,” says Dr. Jeffrey Volek, a registered dietician and a nutrition and exercise researcher at the University of Connecticut. “Every time you eat at least 30 grams of protein,” Layman says, “you trigger a burst of protein synthesis that lasts about three hours.” Think about it. You eat most of your protein at dinner, which means you could be fueling muscle growth for only a few hours a day and breaking down muscle the rest of the time, Layman says, pointing out that muscle is the metabolic furnace that burns fat. Instead, you should spread out your protein intake. If you are trying to lose weight, you must maintain healthy muscle. Your body can process only so much protein in a single sitting. A recent study from the University of Texas found that consuming 90 grams of protein at one meal provides the same benefit as eating 30 grams. It’s like a gas tank, says study author Dr. Douglas PaddonJones. “There’s only so much you can put in to maximize performance; the rest is spillover.” Eating protein at all three meals and snacking two or three times a day on proteins such as cheese, jerky, and milk will help you eat less overall. People who start the day with a proteinrich breakfast consume 200 fewer calories a day than those who chow down on a carbohydrate heavy breakfast such as a jam-smeared bagel. Ending the day with a steak dinner doesn’t have
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the same appetite-quenching effect, Layman says. Powders are for everyone Everyone – not just muscle heads – can benefit from the quick hit of amino acids provided by a protein supplement, bar or shake. Your best bet is a fast-absorbing, high quality whey protein powder derived from milk. “It appears in your bloodstream 15 minutes after you consume it,” Volek says. Not only is a complete meal shake good for you, it’s fast, easy and convenient. Never skip meals because it slows down your metabolism. Always have a shake available for those times when you need to eat but can’t find anything fast that’s healthy. Whey protein is also the best source of leucine, which activates protein synthesis, according to Volek. Whey contains 10 percent leucine while other animal-based proteins have as little as 5 percent. Casein, another milk protein sold in supplement form, provides a slower-absorbing but more sustained source of amino acids, making it a great choice for a snack before you hit the sack. “Casein should help you maintain a positive protein balance during the night,” says Volek. Building muscle while you sleep? Thanks to protein, anything’s possible. Malcolm Tinkham is president of The Healthy Benefits in Cumberland. Contact him at mtinkham@thehealthybenefits.com. References for the article included: Adina Steiman, Mens’ Health, A Report of the Surgeon General: Physical Activity and Healthy Adults; (n.d.) and Benefits of Being Fit (April 2003), both retrieved Oct. 13, 2004; Dianne Esplin, personal interview, Oct. 19, 2004.
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Common Ground
JANUARY 2011
Walkway brings veterans, students and construction community together When instructors and students at the Construction Career Academy in Cranston received a request to assist with building an access ramp for the physically handicapped at a military community center, they didn’t hesitate to help. Under the direction of Joseph Vitullo Jr., field representative for the Construction and General Laborers’ Local 271, and Mike Perrotta and Ray Johnson, construction craft laborer instructors, several students assisted with building the 135-foot-long ramp at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich. Military personnel and their family members participate in educational and recreational programs at the center. However, people with physical disabilities were not able to access the building from the front parking lot. For several months, seniors in the construction craft laborers program worked on various phases of the construction project, including excavation, site preparation and pouring concrete. The project came together when Christine Driscoll, the center’s behavioral liaison to the Rhode Island National Guard, reached out to Richard Eckler of Helmets to Hard Hats, which connects veterans with careers in the construction industry. Eckler then turned to Michael F. Sabitoni, president of the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council and business manager of Local 271. “When Mr. Eckler told me about the dire need for a handicap ramp at the center, I brought it to the attention of our friends in the building trades who sprang into action to bring their expertise to the project,” Sabitoni said. “We couldn’t be more proud of the Construction Career Academy students and the building trade instructors who volunteered their time and talent and did an outstanding job. “This project would have never been accomplished without the support of our contractor partners, Cherokee and D’Ambra Construction, as well as the Cardi Corp., which donated the materials for the project,” he added.
The building trade affiliates that donated time and resources included Local 271, Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ Local 40, Operating Engineers’ Local 57 and Iron Workers’ Local 37. Expressing her gratitude, Driscoll said, “Our facility is now fully accessible to all active military members and veterans. All persons can now enter the building and also participate in ceremonial marches with the accessible walkway into the main entrance. A wish shared with Mr. Eckler at a yellow ribbon event for returning service members is now a reality through the help of the Rhode Island building trades, the laborers’ Construction Career Academy and the generous companies that donated the needed construction materials. Thank you so very much.”
Proud of a ramp built at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich for people with physical disabilities are, from left, Paul Volpe, instructor at the New England Laborers’ Training Academy; Mike Perrotta, construction craft laborers instructor; students; Anthony D’Antuono, business manager of the Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ Local 40; Joseph Vitullo Jr., Local 271 field representative; and Louis Fresolone, president of Cherokee Construction.
Joseph Vitullo Jr., field representative for the Construction and General Laborers’ Local 271, looks on as material is dumped at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich to level a ramp built to make the facility handicapped accessible.
Students from the Construction Career Academy in Cranston hone their skills while assisting with the building of an access ramp for the physically handicapped at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich.
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Common Ground
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Common Ground
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Common Ground
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Common Ground
JANUARY 2011
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Eye On Rhode Island
Page 13
OPINION
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Flight of the Earls’ is a myth with no basis For the last five years, a corrosive myth put forward by special interest groups and certain political pundits is that Rhode Island is driving away its taxpaying population because of the tax and budget decisions being made in our state. This myth, which I call the “Flight of the Earls” myth, has no foundation in fact as research from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Rhode Island Division of Taxation and early Census Bureau projections predicted. With the release of the 2010 census figures, the myth should disappear like other poorly constructed political clichés. But sadly this is not to be. In his regular Tuesday commentary column on Dec. 28, “Census numbers tell an ominous tale for Rhode Island,” “Providence Journal” Deputy Editorial Page Editor Edward Achorn can’t seem to admit that he and the paper were wrong for the last several years about why people were fleeing Rhode Island. He laments that Rhode Island showed slow population growth during the last decade. However, if one checks back, Mr. Achorn and “The Journal” not only predicted population losses, they claimed outward migration was an ongoing phenomenon. In an April 24, 2009, unsigned lead editorial, “Not an Economic Island,” “The Journal” wrote: “In 2005-06, even before the recession, more than 8,200 taxpayers fled Rhode Island, and that flight seems to be accelerating.” It wasn’t so, and I pointed it out on the political blog RIFUTURE.org at the time, using the most up-to-date data from the IRS. The data proved the opposite to be true: Rhode Island was adding population, especially taxpaying population; at the same time “The Journal” was claiming our so-called high tax policy was driving them away. Why is this important? Because tax policy discussions and budget decisions should be
informed by the facts, not hysteria. In this case, “The Journal” is not entirely to blame. The numbers it cited in its editorial came from the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, which published the numbers as part of a campaign to preserve the so-called “Flat Tax” for high-income earners. (They referred to the mythical flight of taxpayers as a “stampede.”) Let me explain how the “Flight of the Earls” myth works: The corporate special interests lobby the General Assembly, saying highincome taxpayers (meaning the employer class) are leaving Rhode Island by the limousine load and we need to provide tax incentives to make them stay. They provide poorly researched data, supplied by right-wing blogs, which they claim shows that people are fleeing. Because this narrative fits into the prepackaged storyline of certain conservative columnists, powerful lobby groups, anti-tax zealots, the editorial board of the paper of record and the Republican governor, the General Assembly acquiesces to the demand. The result? Taxes are cut for the elite, services are cut for the poor and property taxes go up for the middle class. The outrage is that the “Flight of the Earls” is based on bad data and easily provable falsehoods. In several of his columns over multiple years (such as those on 11/30/10, 2/9/10, 9/22/09, 9/8/09,3/31/09, 4/1/08, for only a select sample), Mr. Achorn explicitly claims that people are “fleeing” Rhode Island for myriad reasons, mostly because of our tax structure and, in his opinion, omnipotent public employee unions. If Mr. Achorn had taken only a moment to fact-check his own claims, he would have discovered that Rhode Island’s population is the highest it has ever been. According to the Census Bureau, our population was 428,556 in 1900. For the last 50 years, the numbers are: 859,488 (1960), 946,725 (1970), 947,154 (1980), 1,003,464 (1990) and 1,048,319 (2000). Current census
figures show us at 1,053,209. Like I wrote at the time of the April editorial mentioned above, the arguments about the “Flight of the Earls” and people fleeing Rhode Island simply do not match the facts. The focus on the “Flight of the Earls” is a manufactured distraction, diverting attention away from a much more significant shift in Rhode Island during the last decade: the shift of the tax burden onto the backs of the middle and working classes. Despite the arguments from certain elements in the corporate community, Rhode Island added high-income taxpayers in the middle years of the decade. In 2005, there were 11,913 people with incomes over $200,000 a year. By 2008, the number climbed to 12,515. Taxpayers in the $100,000 to $200,000 range grew from 41,817 to 51,904 in the same period. This was the very same period of time that “The Journal” was editorializing that those high-income taxpayers were fleeing the state, calling for action to keep them here. Action was taken, and we are paying for it with budget deficits. The “Flight of the Earls” was always a myth, put forward by people with a political agenda looking to cut taxes on the elite and shift the burden of paying for government onto the backs of the middle and working classes. Now that the census numbers confirm what the IRS and state Division of Taxation numbers have already shown, Mr. Achorn and “The Providence Journal” do a disservice to the state and to the overall debate about our future by perpetuating the myth. As one of the people who moved into Rhode Island during the very time Mr. Achorn says people were “fleeing,” I can state unequivocally that I still find much to celebrate about the communities and people of my adopted home state. I hope he can find a way to do the same. Posted by Pat Crowley in Taxes and submitted to “The Providence Journal” on Dec. 29, 2010.
Looking ahead to the new administration Governor selects task force on health care reform in Rhode Island By Elizabeth H. Roberts As chair of Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s Health Care Reform Task Force, I am eagerly anticipating his executive order that will address the structure and expectations of the panel. The governor has said he will issue the order soon after his inauguration. My staff and members of the Chafee transition team have discussed how best to organize the task force and its goals. After the executive order is issued, I will reconvene the Healthy Rhode Island Task Force for a thorough discussion of the work ahead, committees that must keep meeting and new panels that have to be formed. The Health Care Reform and Healthy Rhode Island task forces will coordinate efforts and build on work that has already been completed. The collaboration is exciting, and I am enthusiastically looking forward to heading up efforts to implement health care reform. Stay tuned for updates.
Operation Holiday Cheer I am happy to report that the 8th Annual Operation Holiday Cheer event on Dec. 18, at the North Main Street Armory in Providence, was an overwhelming success. We were joined by Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray and Brigadier Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin of the Rhode Island National Guard, and former Lt. Gov. Charlie Fogarty, who first organized Operation Holiday Cheer in 2002. Corporate and community sponsors donated their time, money, staff, products and services. Nearly 200 volunteers from around the state helped pack and ship tens of thousands of dollars in donated wish list items from sponsors and the community to send to our troops abroad. The outpouring of generosity and support was truly inspiring. Corporate and community sponsors that helped out included: AAA Southern New England, American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter, Alpha Graphics, Amica Mutual
Insurance Co., Autocrat, Bank of America, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Banneker Industries, Boy Scouts of America Narragansett Council, CVS Caremark, Dunkin’ Donuts, East Bay Newspapers, Electric Boat Employees Association, Gloucester Senior Center, Gloucester Tax Assessors and Town Employees, GTECH, Hasbro, Home Depot, Lincoln High School, National Grid, New England Patriots, Ocean State Job Lot, Pawtucket Red Sox, “Providence Journal,” Rhode Island Convention Center, Rhode Island National Guard and its family members, Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp., Trails End Popcorn, United States Postal Service and Van Arpin Van Lines. Thank you to everyone involved for making this year’s effort such a rousing success! Elizabeth H. Roberts is lieutenant governor of Rhode Island.
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Common Ground
JANUARY 2011
Economic activity makes Providence hub of opportunity By Laurie White We were struck by news the other day that a prominent travel and lifestyle website picked Providence as one of the 10 most underrated cities in the United States. From our vantage point, we are keenly aware of all that has happened in the last 18 months to turn up the buzz and fulfill the promise that “Providence experience delivers big.” Now all of the readers of ShermansTravel.com can discover it for themselves. They begin with the obvious. Yes, cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago are among the most well-known in America, but then they go on to tell the world that there are many other fabulous – albeit smaller – American cities that just don’t get their fair share of the spotlight. “Whether their proximity to a larger metropolis steals their thunder or a recent city makeover remains undiscovered by the masses, the cities on our list are often overlooked by even the savviest of travelers,” says ShermansTravel.com. The website beckons readers to broaden the scope of their destinations to include “some less-talked-about places with great art scenes, friendly locals, delectable cuisine and rich history.” Because we are in the trenches dayto-day, we take the progress for granted. Until, of course, travel reviews or accidental
conversations with newcomers crystallize the experience in fresh, new ways. And those are essential elements for turning up the buzz and keeping the economy growing across the board. What makes a city good to visit makes it a good place to live or do business. The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce is immersed in growing the economic base of the state’s capital. We are energized by actions taken in recent months by the corporate, entrepreneurial, hospital, education and cultural sectors to invest tens of millions of dollars in the center of the capital city and in our neighborhoods. Considering that Providence was the cradle of entrepreneurship in the early 19th century, it is appropriate to celebrate the re-emergence of a new brand of entrepreneurial energy. Rich targets of opportunity exist in behavioral and preventive health care, medical devices, services, food sciences, design, green energy, financial services and digital media. And those sectors -- where Providence truly has a distinct advantage -- provide jobs across all points of the skills spectrum. United Natural Foods, Nabsys, Edysia, Ecolect, Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals and the young startups emerging from the Beta Spring, and Social Spring boot camps have cast a whole new light on the Providence scene. The
Providence Geeks -- with whom we share our work – is trumpeting virally that Providence has more social venture enterprises than perhaps any major city in America. Visitors -permanent and episodic -- are being drawn to Providence precisely because Providence is fun, artsy, accessible, historic and gastronomically inclined (It has great food). Recent work done by the Chamber and the Providence Foundation in conjunction with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities finds that young college graduates are eager to stick around if we can help students better connect with established employers, entrepreneurs and startups. The research even suggests that we should expand the definition of entrepreneur to include bands, artists and gamers. As Mayor Angel Taveras starts his term, we feel confident that he will have eager and willing partners in the business, academic, health care and civic communities to take the city to its next level of growth and fiscal stability. ShermansTravel.com has chosen wisely. Let the remake continue. Laurie White is president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at lwhite@provchamber.com.
Whitehouse joins colleagues to push for Social Security boost By John A. Pernorio Washington, D.C. -- With seniors in Rhode Island and across the country facing a second consecutive year with no increase in their Social Security benefits, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is co-sponsoring the Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act, which would provide a one-time payment of $250 to
all Social Security recipients to help compensate for the lack of a cost of living adjustment (COLA). “By passing the Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act, we can show our seniors that they are not forgotten, and, in turn, provide a valuable boost to the grocery stores, pharmacies
and shopping centers that remain such an integral part of our economy,” said Whitehouse. More than 205,000 Rhode Islanders receive Social Security benefits. The influx of one-time payments would bring more than $51 million to the state -- funding that would be spent quickly and be a boost to our economy.
Alliance praises defeat of proposed Social Security cuts Rhode Island retirees temporarily dodged a bullet when members of the National Commission on Fiscal Reform and Responsibility rejected their co-chairs’ proposal to drastically cut Social Security benefits and increase the retirement age. We should never try to balance the budget on the backs of current and future retirees, particularly when Social Security has not added 1 cent to the deficit. Now that the commission has closed its doors, we hope that we can have a more honest debate about federal spending. While
it was encouraging to hear panel members acknowledge there is no link between Social Security and the deficit, it was also galling that many of the commission members pushing draconian cuts in Social Security are also the ones leading the fight to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Social Security is one of America’s greatest success stories, one that has kept generations of seniors out of poverty. We hope defeat of the proposal is the beginning of a new chapter in the debate on the future of retirement in America, one that seeks to strengthen the
economic well-being of millions of seniors who are struggling to make ends meet. Social Security did not create our nation’s fiscal problems, nor should it be used to fix them. On behalf of the 30,000 members of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans, I want to thank the commission members who had the courage to stand up for our nation’s retirees and workers. John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans. Contact him at (401) 722-2770 or japernorio_riara@ hotmail.com.
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A progressive labor union representing more than 80,000 men and women in professional, technical, administrative and associated occupations.
President
1300 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, RI 02886 E-mail: local310@buwc.necoxmail.com
Office: (401) 738-8007 Cell: (401) 932-3642 Fax: (401) 738-1180
685 Warren Avenue East Providence, RI 02914
SCREEN-WORKS
DISCOUNT OIL BROKERS
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349-4485 • 349-4358 •866-737-9662
(401) 946-9940/946-3710 Fax: (401) 946-5060 E-mail: bac1ri@verizon.net
PAUL R. ENOS Vice President INTERNATIONAL UNION OF
BRICKLAYERS & ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL # 3 R.I.
POST OFFICE PLAZA 150 MIDWAY ROAD SUITE 153 CRANSTON, RI 02920-5743
Page 16
Common Ground
JANUARY 2011
2010/11 PROVIDENCE BRUINS HOME SCHEDULE FEBRUARY
OCTOBER Fri.
8
Springfield Falcons
7:05 p.m.
Fri.
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Springfield Falcons
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Springfield Falcons
7:05 p.m.
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Hershey Bears
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Sun. 17
Hartford Wolf Pack
4:05 p.m.
Sun. 13
Hartford Wolf Pack
4:05 p.m.
Fri.
Albany Devils
7:05 p.m.
Fri.
Portland Pirates
7:05 p.m.
Worcester Sharks
1:05 p.m.
Sun. 20
Worcester Sharks
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Charlotte Checkers
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Bridgeport Sound Tigers
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Abbotsford Heat
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Bridgeport Sound Tigers
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Abbotsford Heat
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Bridgeport Sound Tigers
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Worcester Sharks
7:05 p.m.
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Worcester Sharks
7:05 p.m.
Portland Pirates
4:05 p.m.
Sun. 20
Portland Pirates
4:05 p.m.
Sun. 27
Hartford Wolf Pack
4:05 p.m.
Hartford Wolf Pack
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 28 DECEMBER
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18
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APRIL
Sun. 5
Manchester Monarchs
4:05 p.m.
Fri.
Fri.
Portland Pirates
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 3
Worcester Sharks
4:05 p.m.
Sun. 12
Springfield Falcons
4:05 p.m.
Fri.
Portland Pirates
7:05 p.m.
Fri.
Charlotte Checkers
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 10
Manchester Monarchs
4:05 p.m.
Springfield Falcons
4:05 p.m.
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Manchester Monarchs
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 9
Binghamton Senators
4:05 p.m.
Fri.
W-B/Scranton Penguins
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 16
Worcester Sharks
4:05 p.m.
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Manchester Monarchs
7:05 p.m.
Sun. 23
Manchester Monarchs
4:05 p.m.
Fri.
Portland Pirates
7:05 p.m.
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Hartford Wolf Pack
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JANUARY Fri.
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For more inFormation, please contact the providence Bruins www.providencebruins.com
(P) 401-273-5000
1 LaSalle Square - Providence, RI - 02903
(F) 401-273-5004
Providence’s Bravest Providence’s Bravest Providence’s Bravest Serving the City of Serving Providence sinceof1854 the City Providence since 1854
Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers
Serving the City of Providence since 1854
PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS OF FIRE FIGHTERS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
“Representing Those Who Work the Toughest Beat in the State”
PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS
-OFFICERSDave Mellon …….……….………………..President Bob Miller ………….……………1st Vice President Bob Lantagne ..…………………..2nd Vice President
Paul A. Doughty,Paul President A. Doughty, President
Michael Hogan.……………………..…….Treasurer
Doughty, President Philip F. Paul Fiore,A.Vice President Philip F. Fiore, Vice President
John Meehan………………………………Secretary
F. Fiore, President Scott Philip G. Mello, Secretary ScottVice G. Mello, Secretary
Mike McKenna...……….……….Financial Secretary -EXECUTIVE BOARD
Ken Rivard
Manny Leander
Bill Bove
Alan Depalo
John Bray
Jeff Golding
Joe Lopes
David Pezza
Mark Vierra
Letizia Signore
Adam Klaus
Carlos Oviedo
Justin Pelissey
Keeping Your Community Safe
Scott G.John Mello, Secretary Treasurer John F. Woodard, Treasurer F. Woodard, John F. Woodard, Treasurer Executive Board Executive Representatives Board Representatives ExecutiveJ.Board Representatives Christopher Jannitto Christopher J. Jannitto Joseph P. Moreino P. Moreino ChristopherJoseph J. Jannitto Hans Ramsden Hans Ramsden Joseph P. Moreino Wayne C. Oliveira Wayne C. Oliveira Hans Ramsden Zachariah Kenyon Wayne C.Zachariah Oliveira Kenyon Anthony Toro Anthony Toro Zachariah Kenyon Anthony Toro
92 Printery Street 92 Printery Street Providence, RI 02904 Providence, 92 Printery Street RI 02904 401-272-7999 (O)401-272-7999 (O) Providence, RI 02904 401-274-7999 (F)401-274-7999 (F) 401-272-7999 (O) 401-274-7999 (F)
Paul A. Doughty Paul A. Dough 401-569-4444 401-569-4444 Paul A. Doughty 401-569-4444 local799.com local799.com local799.com
JANUARY 2011
Common Ground
Page 17
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Maffe Financial Group Inc 875 Centerville Road Warwick, Rhode Island Office: 401-828-2090x305 Cell: 401-529-5110 www.maffefinancialgroup.com
Looking for some good news for a change? TM
View past issues at www.commongroundnews.net. Rhode Island's only newspaper for unions, and about unions.
Page 18
Common Ground
The Loss of a Companion Animal… Rainbow Bridge
JANUARY 2011
Two Great Locals – One Strong Union
Author unknown The Boston Printing Pressmen’s Union Local 3
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine; and our friends are warm and comfortable.
The Providence Printing Pressmen’s Union Local 12
The Members of Local 3 & Local 12 are proud to announce our merger and affiliation. We look forward to continuing our work on behalf of our members across New England.
All the animals that have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
Martin A. Callaghan President Kevin M. Toomey Secretary-Treasurer
Proud to Represent Newspaper, Commercial, & Specialty Pressmen, Bindery Operators, HVAC, Maintenance and Electrical Technicians in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
Dear Friends: The best part of the season is remembering those who make the holidays meaningful.
You have been spotted.
I wish you all the love and happiness this season can bring, and may it follow you throughout the coming New Year.
And when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Compliments of
172 Longfellow Providence, RI 02907 Tel: 401-781-1007 Fax: 401-461-2121
79 Parkingway Quincy, MA 02169 Tel: 617-328-7705 Fax: 617-328-6912
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.
Submitted by Dennis Tabella, director of Defenders of Animals Inc. For more information, call (401) 461-1922; e-mail defendersanimals@aol.com; or go to www.defendersofanimals.org.
Stephen M. Sullivan Vice President
I thank all of my friends, supporters and workers that assisted and voted for me in my re-election campaign and a special thank you to my constituents, especially those who allowed me to place my campaign signs on their property. Once again it is my honor to represent your interests at the State House
May your Holiday Season be joyous and healthy.
Dear Friends:
Senator Frank A. Ciccone
The best part of the season is remembering those who make the holidays meaningful. I wish you all the love and happiness this season can bring, and may it follow you throughout the coming New Year.
Rhode Island Carpenters Local Union 94
International Union ofall of my friends, supporters and workers that assisted and voted I thank for me in my re-election campaign and a special thank you to my Operating Engineers constituents, especially those who allowed me to place my campaign signs on their property. Once again it is my honor to represent your interests at the State House
LOCAL UNION 57
Providence, Rhode Island May your Holiday Season be joyous and healthy.
Senator Frank A. Ciccone
David F. Palmisciano President Thomas J. Savoie Vice President
James J. White Business Manager and President
Timothy E. Quillen Vice President and Bus. Agent
Gregory E. Olson Treasurer and Bus. Agent
William F. Holmes Financial Secretary W. Paul Lander trustee 14 Jefferson Park Road Warwick, RI 02888 401.467.7070
JANUARY 2011
Common Ground
Page 19
DIRECTORY OF UNION SERVICES BARBERS & HAIRDRESSERS Some barbers and hairdressers are organized by UFCW Local 328. For a list of union barber shops and hairdressers, please contact Local 328 at (401) 861-0300 or www.ufcw328.org
BUILDING TRADES For home and business construction, repairs, or additions please contact one of the following unions for a reputable contractor in your area. For general questions or help please call Build RI at (401) 553-2100 or www.BuildRI.org Boilermakers Local No. 29 (617) 328-8400 Bricklayers Local No.1 (401) 946-9940 Carpenters Local No. 94 (401) 467-7070 Elevator Constructors Local No. 39 (401) 423-2293 Glaziers Local No. 1333 (401) 781-4736 Heat and Frost Insulators Local No. 6 (617) 436-4666 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 99 (401) 946-9900 International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 57 (401) 421-6678 Iron Workers Local Local No. 37 (401) 438-1111 Laborers Local No. 271 (401) 331-9682 Painters & Allied Trades District Council 11 (401) 467-7010 Plaster & Masons Local No. 40 (401) 943-1185 Plumbers & Pipefitters Local No. 51 (401) 943-3033 Rhode Island Building Trades (401) 438-1111 Roofers & Waterproofers Local No. 33 (781) 341-9192 Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 17 (401) 831-7150 Sprinkler Fitters Local No. 676 (860) 666-4447 Teamsters Local No. 251 (401) 434-0454
BUS SERVICES RIPTA Rhode Island Public Transit Authority 265 Melrose Street Providence, RI 02907 (401) 781-9400 www.ripta.com Peter Pan Bus Lines Corporate Headquarters P.O. Box 1776 Springfield, MA 01102-1776 1-800-237-8747 ext. 1209 www.peterpanbus.com
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS To arrange on-site child care coverage for your meetings or conferences, or to locate a DCYF-licensed home-based child care provider in your neighborhood or near your workplace, contact the union of home-based child care providers, District 1199 SEIU, at (401) 457-5099 or www. seiu1199ne.org
DELIVERY SERVICES United Parcel Service The Teamsters Local 251 represent Rhode Island’s UPS workers. For the outlet nearest you, or to schedule a home pick up, please contact UPS at www.ups.com or 1-800-PICK-UPS. United States Postal Service Your local post office is represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (a division of the Laborers Union.) www.usps.com
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Credit union employees are organized by UFCW Local 328. Rhode Island Credit Union www.ricreditunion.org Providence Branch 160 Francis Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 751-7440 Cranston Branch 570 Pontiac Avenue Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 941-8770 Bristol Branch 390 Metacom Avenue Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-1313 URI Branch URI Memorial Union Kingston, RI 02881 (401) 789-0253 Dexter Credit Union www.dextercu.org 1 Village Plaza Way North Scituate, RI 02857 (401) 934-7600 934 Dexter Street Central Falls, RI 02863 (401) 724-6200 Woodlawn Federal Credit Union 744 Main Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 728-8300 The Carpenters’ Union represents: First Trade Union Bank www.ftubhb.com 14 Jefferson Park Road Warwick, RI 02888 1-800-242-0272
FUNCTION FACILITIES Biltmore Hotel 11 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 455-3027 Scott Connery, Director of Catering Brown University 45 Prospect St. Providence, RI 02912 (401) 863-1075 Cynthia Schwartz, Director of University Event Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 (401) 232-6921 Sheila Guay, Director of Events Community College of Rhode Island Knight Campus, Warwick Flanagan Campus, Lincoln Liston Campus, Providence Newport Campus CCRI Downcity (401) 825-2015 Edna Mattson Dunkin Donuts Center 1 LaSalle Square Providence, RI 02903 (401) 331-0700 ext. 150 Robert Sturm, Event Manager Newport Grand 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-5000 ext. 157 David Rollin Providence College 549 River Avenue Providence, RI 02918 (401) 865-1000 ext. 2070 Victoria Mocshu
Rhode Island College 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue Providence, RI 02908 (401)456-8022 Kathy Sasso RI Convention Center 1 Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903 (401)-458-6002 Antonia Anthony, Director of Event Services Roger Williams Park Casino 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02905 (401) 785-9450 ext. 240 Lisa Gonzales, Casino Event Planner Roger Williams University 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-1040 ext. 3793 Allison Chase-Padula Twin River 1600 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865 (401) 723-3200 ext. 8497 Alana Barts University of Rhode Island Kingston, Alton Jones Campus Providence Campus (401) 874-2214 Sherry Davis
HOSPITALS UNAP members work at the following locations: • Fatima Hospital • Greater RI Visiting Nurse Service • Homestead Group • Kent Hospital • Landmark Medical Center • Memorial Hospital • Rehabilitation Hospital of RI • Rhode Island Hospital • RI Community Living & Support Services • RI Dept of Human Services • RI Veterans’ Home • URI, CCRI, RIC Health Services • Westerly Hospital (Professional & Technical) • Westerly Hospital (Service & Maintenance) • Zambarano Hospital SEIU 1199 members work at the following locations: • Butler Hospital • Women & Infants Hospital
JANITORIAL SERVICES Some janitorial companies are organized by SEIU Local 615. For a list of unionized janitorial services, contact the Local 615 office at (401) 521-6150 or visit their website at www.seiu615.org.
NEWSPAPERS Common Ground News www.commongroundnews.net Subscribe 401.451.1305 Providence Journal www.projo.com Subscribe (401) 277-7600 Pawtucket Times www.pawtuckettimes.com Subscribe (401) 722-4000 Woonsocket Call www.woonsocketcall.com Subscribe (401) 767-8522
PRINTERS, BANNERS & SIGNS B Sign Graphics 27 Libera Street Cranston, RI 02920 Phone: (401) 943-6941 Fax: (401) 943-2287 Checkmate Consulting Group & Printing 461 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 Phone: (401) 885-0666 Fax: (401) 885-0775 Cogens, Inc. 1 Virginia Avenue Providence, RI 02905 Phone: (401) 421-4436 Fax: (401) 331-9032 Crownmark 109 Fletcher Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 Phone: (401) 943-1112 Fax: (401) 943-1113 Dorrance Engraving 635 Prospect Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 725-0504 Fax: (401) 725-0504 East Coast Screen Printing 22 Partridge Street Providence, RI 02908 Phone: (401) 272-1166 Fax: (401) 272-1167 Federal Signs 135 Dean Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 421-3400 Fax: (401) 351-2233 Financial Innovations 1 Weingeroff Blvd. Cranston, RI 02919 Phone: (401) 467-3170 Fax: (401) 467-3570 JB Foley Printing 1469 Broad Street Providence, RI 02905 Phone: (401) 467-3616 Fax: (401) 467-8309 Lamar Outdoor Advertising 360 Warren Avenue E. Providence, RI 02914 Phone: (401) 421-4504, Fax: (401) 421-4757 Mandeville Sign Co. 676 George Wash. Hwy. Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: (401) 334-9100 Fax: (401) 334-7799 Regine Printing Co., Inc. 208 Laurel Hill Avenue Providence, RI 02909 Phone: (401) 943-3404 Fax (401) 944-1228 R.I. Litho Printing, Inc. 1395 Atwood Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 Phone: (401) 275-0760 Fax: (401) 464-6002 Screen Works, LLC 62 South Main Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: (401) 692-0304 Sheahan Printing Corp. 1 Front Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: (401) 273-7272 Fax: (401) 769-9206
PUBLIC SCHOOLS All public school employees are organized by the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals or the National Education Association of Rhode Island. The following Charter Schools are also unionized: • Laborers Charter School • Textron Charter School • Times 2 Charter School
RECYCLING AND TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES Waste Management of Rhode Island (800) 972-4545
SUPERMARKETS Supermarket employees at the stores listed below are members of UFCW Local 328 or UFCW Local 791. Super Stop and Shop • Bristol • Coventry • Cumberland • Johnston • Lincoln • Middletown • Narragansett • Newport • North Kingstown • North Providence • North Smithfield • Pawtucket • Providence • Richmond • Smithfield • Warwick • Westerly Shaw’s Supermarket • Barrington • Garden City • Cranston • East Providence • Riverside • Johnston • Middletown • North Providence • Pawtucket • Providence • Wakefield • Warwick • Lakewood • Westerly • Woonsocket Eastside Marketplace • Providence Brigidos IGA • Pascoag • North Scituate
Don’t Miss Grand Union Family Markets • South Yarmouth • Provincetown • Buzzards Bay • South Yarmouth C-Town Supermarket • Pawtucket
Don’t Miss TELEPHONE, INTERNET & CABLE SERVICES
An informative, one-hour AT&T Wireless
weekly show highlighting 1 (800) 897-7046
Sign Lite, Inc. 6 Corporate Drive N. Haven, CT 06473 Phone: 1-800-544-0854 Fax: (203) 234-8344
issues and events affecting Union members recieve special
The Sign Shoppe P.O. Box 2296 Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: (401) 364-7442
An informative, TUESDAY 7one-hour P.M.
Tarvis Graphics Inc. 21 Sabin Street Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 726-5530 Fax: (401) 723-6420
www.wireless.att.com
discounts on AT&T wireless working families. service plans. For more infomation to to www.unionplus.org Verizon
weekly show Verizon, whosehighlighting employees THURSDAY 8 P.M.are members of the International
issues and events SATURDAY 5affecting P.M. Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers Local 2323, can working provide for all families. of your home and office internet, telephone 14 and COX cable CHANNEL TV needs through Verizon’s new FiOS (Fiber Optic TUESDAY P.M. VERIZON FIOS 7 CHANNEL 33 Service) network.
THURSDAY 8 P.M.
NURSING HOMES SEIU 1199 members work at the following locations: • Bannister House • Charlesgate Nursing Center • Country Gardens Skilled Nursing • Crawford Skilled Nursing • Greenville Skilled Nursing • Hopkins Manor • Pawtucket Skilled Nursing • Parkview Associates • United Methodist Health Care Center
PUBLIC RELATIONS Checkmate Consulting Group & Printing 461 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 Phone: (401) 885-0666 Fax: (401) 885-0775 The Sentinel Group, LLC 111 Wayland Avenue Providence, RI 02906 Phone: (401) 451-1305 Fax: (401) 831.6111
Simply call 1-888-Get FiOS or SATURDAY 1-888-591-6076. 5 P.M. Or contact IBEW 2323 at (401) 732-IBEW (4239).
COX CHANNEL 14
IBEW 2323 VERIZON FIOS CHANNEL 1150 New London Avenue 33 Cranston, RI 02920
P.O. Box 7613 Warwick, RI 02887 (401) 751-7100
P.O. Box 7613 Warwick, RI 02887 (401) 751-7100
BUY Union Products. USE Union Services. Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!
BUY Union Products. USE Union Services. Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!
Page 20
Common Ground
JANUARY 2011
Affordable Hearing Solution HOME EQUIT Y LINE OF CRE DIT Introductory Fixed Rate for First 12 Billing Cycles
1
Thereafter, remaining term will automatically convert to a variable rate of interest as low as prime minus 0.50%
.75 2.75 %
APR*
%
APR*
No Title Fee • No Application Fee • No Closing Costs
Only your imagination stands in your way now. This special introductory rate on a Home Equity Line of Credit won’t last long. Come in today and take advantage of this extraordinary low rate. And Journey on. Call 401.233.4700, or visit navigantcu.org
Enjoy Life’s Journey
Advertised Introductory *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 1.75% is the lowest available and is fixed for the first 12 months. Offer applicable for applicants with a credit score of 680 or higher. After initial 12 monthly billing cycles, rate automatically reverts to a variable rate of interest as low as Prime minus 0.50% as published in The Wall Street Journal 30 days before the date of any rate adjustment. As of 9/1/2010 Prime Rate was 3.25%. Interest rate and line amount determined by individual creditworthiness and subject to loan-to-value ratio of 80%. Offer limited to 1-4 family owner-occupied primary residence properties only. Property insurance (and flood insurance if applicable) required. Offer and rate is subject to change at any time without notice. Other terms and restrictions may apply. APR will not exceed 21% with a minimum rate of 2.75%. If home equity line is paid in full and closed within twelve (12) months from the opening date, a prepayment penalty may apply. RI: up to but not to exceed 2% of the balance due at time of payoff; MA: remaining balance of first year’s interest or amount equal to last 3 months’ interest, whichever is less. Existing NCU home equity lines/loans are not eligible for refinance with this promotion. Other rates and terms available. Inquire for full details.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ LOCAL UNION 1033
Representing the Public Servants who make government work!
Partnering with Rhode Island’s Municipalities to Provide the Most Effective and Cost-efficient Public Employee Benefits
The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Health Services Fund
The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Legal Services Fund
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES = PUBLIC SERVICE Cranston Crossing Guards
Lincoln Highway Department Providence School Department Narragansett Bay Commission City of Providence North Providence Crossing Guards Providence Civic Center Authority Warwick Crossing Guards Lincoln Town Hall
Town of North Kingstown Providence Community Action Program Lincoln Public Library Town of North Providence Narragansett Town Hall Lincoln Water Commission R.I. Department of Transportation North Providence School Department
DONALD S. IANNAZZI, ESQ. Business Manager
VICKI A. VIRGILIO President
The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education, Training and Apprenticeship Fund
Donald S. Iannazzi, Esq., Chairman Vicki A. Virgilio Trustee
Pasquale T. D’Amico Trustee
Sharen Gleckman Trustee
Joseph F. Kenney Trustee
Betty Jackson Liaison
Chris Lombardi Coordinator
Rhode Island’s Union Built, Operated and Staffed Facilities Roger Williams Park Casino accommodating 50 - 300 (401) 941-5640 (401) 785-9450
city center skating rink accommodating groups from 10 - 400 (401) 331-5544 ext. 5