as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen. DAL
ONGOING FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT VETERANS
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.
FOUNDATION AWARENESS WALK
Join Team Brielle RI as we raise awareness for SturgeWeber Syndrome on Saturday, September 20 from 10am to 2pm, Warwick City Park, 185 Asylum Road, Warwick. Registration begins at 10am and the walk begins at 11am. We hope you stay after the walk for a BYO picnic. There will be a raffle table and t-shirts for sale. Proceeds raised provide programs for children and adults through the foundation.
FIBER ARTS CLUB – NEW!
Bring your own knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other fiber art project and join our new Fiber Arts Club on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, starting in October! All levels are welcome. This will be a space and time for people to bring and work on their own projects, in the company of others. No instruction will be given. Registration is required. Please call the library’s Circulation Desk at 401-822-6200 or stop by the library to register or for more information.
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We’re here to help you do more. Visit us at wavefcu.org or stop by a branch today! THE STURGE-WEBER
Last Will and Testament
FAMILY STORYWALK AT THE COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRAY
On Wednesday, September 17 from 3 pm to 5 pm, families with children of all ages can enjoy an outdoor StoryWalk® at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry. Little Night, Nochecita is a bilingual English/ Spanish picture book by Yuyi Morales. This is a free, dropin family program. This StoryWalk® is weather permitting, with a rain date of September 24. Call Youth Services at 822-9102 with questions. This StoryWalk® is being offered in conjunction with the Literacy Volunteers of Kent Count, a non-profit organization with a nationally recognized Adult Literacy Program serving the R.I. community since 1980.
The banquet hall at VFW Coventry Memorial Post #9404, is available to rent for all occasions: birthdays, weddings, meetings, memorials, etc. Hall rentals help support local Veterans, Post Operations and Veteran Programs. The hall can accommodate up to 125 people. Call: 401-575-8546 for information or visit our hall rental link on our website at www.vfw9404.org.
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN TO KNIT?
If you knit or you would like to learn, join the Knitting Group at the Coventry Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry. The group meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:30AM. This is a great way to socialize and make new friends.
on premises. $900/each. Call 1-860-576-0024.
Classifieds
FREE HORSE MANURE. West Greenwich. Excellent for compost and mulch. Farms, nurseries, etc. welcome! Will help loading large loads. Contact between 9am–5pm. 401-569-6541. Leave a message.
FISHBOWL AQUARIUM:
Puppies for sale, USDA Licensed breeders, shots, warrantied, vet checked. Call for more info 401-822-0075 or www.fishbowlpet.com.
WANTED: JUNK
LAWNMOWERS & air conditioners. Take for free. 401-829-0377.
WANTED: BAR SIGNS. Neon, lighted, old beer cans/ beer taps, any bar items. Will buy one or entire collection. Call: 401-440-5433
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.
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.
PURE BRED SHIH-TZU PUPPIES. Vaccinated, Vet checked, dewormed. Call: April 401-287-5782. MULTI-FAMILY: 1 Kennedy Drive, Coventry. Saturday, September 20. 8am–2pm. Houseware,
CLEANING:
THOROUGH & RELIABLE 18+ Years of experience. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 2483839. **I am fully vaccinated**
FIREWOOD
FOR SALE: JW Studley & Sons. Cut & split seasoned wood. $250/ cord. Est. 1982. Not a fly by night! 641-0212.
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.
102 Weaver Hill Road, West Greenwich. Saturday, Sept. 20. 8am-3pm. Exceptional quality items at great prices!
MULTI-FAMILY YARD
SALE: 292 TRIPPS CORNER ROAD, EXETER. Saturday, September 20th, 8am-1pm. No early birds. Xmas, Books, sport cards, household & yarn.
YARD SALE: 103 LEWIS FARM, GREENE. Sunday, September 21. 9am–3pm. Hunting, fishing, LF-hand bows, housewares, curtains.
AMAZING MULTIFAMILY: 146 Hallville Road, Exeter. Saturday, Sept. 20 & Sunday, Sept. 21. 8am–5pm. Tools, furniture, antiques, home decor, kitchen appliances, holiday decor, clothing and much more. Come early for the best finds!
GIANT MULTI-FAMILY: 176 Howard Avenue, Coventry. Saturday, Sept. 20. 8am–1pm. Weather permitting. Toys in perfect condition, Melissa & Doug toys, games, clothes, kids & adult books, household goods, DVD & Blu-Ray movies.
3492 FLAT RIVER ROAD, COVENTRY. Saturday, Sept. 20. 8am–1pm. Clothing, holiday decorations, household goods, jewelry and tools.
AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIP TO MOHEGAN SUN, NE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip to Mohegan Sun, Sunday, November 9th. Explore an incredible selection of handcrafted treasures at the New England Christmas Festival at Mohegan Sun. On the way home, enjoy a late lunch at Steak Loft in Mystic, CT. Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick up at 9 a.m. from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 5:00 p.m. $129/person. Final payment due: Monday, October 20th. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
SATURDAY GRAB & GO
WEEKLY MEALS
Are you or someone you know in need of food? Vincent de Paul Society of Coventry, 44 Washington Street, Coventry, is offering a warm meal from their Saturday Grab & Go weekly meals every Saturday from 11 – 11:30 AM at the OLC School Gym. One meal per person in the car. For more information, please call 828-3090.
I
May
Novena
Say
days, your prayer will be answered before the 9th day, no matter how impossible it may seem to you.
Don’t forget to thank the Sacred Heart.
Publication promised. Many favors received.
ARTS & CRAFTS, BAKE SALE & RAFFLES
The Coventry Housing North Road Terrace Tenants Association (NRT) holding their Arts & Crafts, Bake Sale and Raffles event on Saturday, October 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NRT, 30 Mulhearn Drive, Coventry. This event is open to the public. NRT is also looking for vendors. Vendor tables are $25.00 each. NRT is requesting that each vendor donate one item for the raffles. Deadline for table reservations is Tuesday, October 7. To reserve a table, please makes checks payable to NRT or North Road Terrace. Mail checks to: Geraldine Lane, Treasurer, 8108 Mulhearn Drive, Coventry, RI 02816. For more detailed information contact: Colleen 401-996-0191.
YARD SALE!
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 182 Sevenmile Road, Hope. Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept 20. From 8am–3pm.
CELEBRATE NEW LIBRARY CARD MONTH –WIN A GIFT CARD!
Sign up for a new library card—or renew an expired one—at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, anytime in September and you’ll be entered into a raffle! Adults can win a $25 Ocean State Job Lot gift card, a library tote bag, and a Sweenor’s chocolate bar. One teen winner will receive a $25 Dunkin’ gift card, and one child will win an adorable stuffed animal. Don’t miss your chance—stop by this month and get your library card!
AVOID A CRAPPY
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)
Having trouble paying your heating bill? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income eligible families pay their heating bills. The HEAP is a Primary Grant that is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. You don’t need to have an unpaid bill, you can either rent or own your home, and must meet current gross income guidelines. Please call 732-4660, Ext. 175 for more information.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF KENT COUNTY OFFERS ENGLISH LESSONS
Learn to speak, read & write English. Enroll in Literacy Volunteers of Kent County’s free learning program. In just a few hours per week, you can improve your English skills in speaking, reading and writing. You will be paired with a Tutor who will instruct you, one-on-one according to your individual needs. Lessons are scheduled at your convenience and all information exchanged remains confidential. Please call 8229103 or email lvkc@coventrylibrary.org for more information.
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. DAL
FUN FACT:
If your entire circulatory system—that is, all of your veins, arteries and capillaries—were laid out flat end-to-end, it would extend about 60,000 miles. That’s long enough to go around the world nearly two and a half times!
HOPE LIBRARY HOURS
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.
NARCONON
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.
In need of medical equipment? The following locations are good resources: Robert J. Allen Masonic Medical Equipment Distribution Center, 116 Long Street in Warwick (across from St. Rose & Clement Church). Open Fridays from 9AM-12PM, pre-owned equipment - loaned at no cost. 401-451-0184. Ocean State Center for Independent Living, 1944 Warwick Avenue in Warwick. In need of wheelchairs, grab bars, walkers, transport chairs, toilets, wheelchair ramp, etc.? Call 401-738-1013, Ext. 25 or visit www.oscil.org Coventry-West Greenwich Lions, 401-821-7219.
PrimeTime
LIVING YOUR BEST IN THE PRIME OF YOUR LIFE
Walking to end Alzheimer’s
By HERB WEISS
Earlier this year, the Alzheimer’s Association released its 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which underscores the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s across the United States. Today, over 7 million Americans are living with the disease — 22,000 Rhode Islanders — with numbers expected to rise sharply in the coming decades.
Alongside the devastating emotional impact, Alzheimer’s also places an immense financial burden on families and communities. Over 12 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The Alzheimer’s Association has been at the forefront of the fight against the disease, partic-
ularly through its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Since its inception in 1989, this nationwide initiative has raised billions of dollars for Alzheimer’s care, prevention, treatment and research. The Rhode Island Chapter, which is committed to supporting local families and advancing research, raised significant funds to help those affected by the disease.
The Walks to End Alzheimer’s provide an opportunity for communities to raise awareness and generate crucial funds for Alzheimer’s care and research.
This year, Rhode Island’s five Walk events began on Sept. 7 on Block Island. Newport hosts its walk on Sept. 21, followed by Northern Rhode Island on Sept. 27, Westerly on Oct. 5, and Providence on Oct. 19.
The Rhode Island chapter has a fundraising goal of $730,000 this year.
Kristen Cusato, director of communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut and Rhode Island Chapter, says over 700 participants have already registered for the walks, forming 214 teams. She anticipates this number will grow to 2,700 participants across 372 teams by the time the walks take place.
“These events provide powerful opportunities to unite in the fight against Alzheimer’s while raising essential funds for care, research, and support services,” says Donna McGowan, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter. “Every step taken brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and your participation can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.”
● WALKING to page 10
Flying the not-so-friendly
by LARRY GRIMALDI
On a recent flight to Florida, I was reminded of those little annoyances that make the trip less pleasant. In other words, there are those passengers whose antics make the skies not-so-friendly. I’m sure that if you’ve ever taken a plane trip you have experienced at least one of these aggravations.
The Conniving Conveyance: When booking your flight or even before even arriving at the airport, you are solicited for add-on fees. Those fees often include showing up with more than one bag,
booking priority boarding, or selecting a seat. On some air lines, you pay for drinks and/or pocket sizedsnacks. In some cas es, the airline even charges for water. The moral of the story is simple. Keep your credit card handy!
Middle Seat
Mayhem: If you are very lucky, you will settle into an aisle or windows seat (without paying the extra fee). While
skies
you revel in your good fortune, be aware that the middle seat occupant may find it necessary to get up every 15 minutes.
Moving Marvin: We have all sat behind the person who shifts constantly in their seat. They rarely sit still for more than 30 seconds. Their constant movement creates a bumpy ride, even during the smoothest of flights. Their
alternate move is to flip their seat tray up and down more times than you can count. Marvin is particularly disturbing on a cross-country journey. Marvin is frequently joined by Motion Mabel located in the seat behind you.
Loud Lenny: Lenny assaults the confines of the cabin with a voice approaching the higher level of decibels humanly possible, exceeding interior norms. Lenny’s voice carries from Row 35, where he resides, to Row 15, where you are. Lenny is often accompanied by Loquacious Lorraine who regales you with her complete life story in two hours or less.
●
MY SIDE OF THINGS
are to agencies and organizations, but the connections are built person to person.
A key to healthy connections are caregivers. Some older adults may have a professional, paid caregiver. And other there is almost always a friend, relative, or other loved one who is involved running errands, ensuring medication is taken, sitting bedside. That person may not see themselves as a caregiver, but they are.
The Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island (FCARI) “advocates alongside family caregivers to expand access to services and supports. [They] provide resources, information, and connections to programs that meet the needs of those who provide care for others.”
The alliance is administered by the United Way.
Sometimes the first step in that advocacy is to help caregivers recognize themselves as caregivers. Often people offering support to loved ones say, “I’m just helping my mom” or “this is what family does”. Do -
Caring for the caregiver
by MARIA CIMINI
ing what comes naturally for loved ones doesn’t protect the caregiver from their own stress or burnout. Unpaid family caregiving offers incredible reward to both the caregiver and care recipient, and it can be isolating, stressful, and hard.
There are resources for caregivers to connect with peers, experts, and time off. Throughout the state at senior centers, adult day centers, libraries and places of employment there are caregiver support groups. They are places where caregivers can lean on each other and learn strategies to care for themselves.
Carebreaks, a respite services program funded by Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging through the Older Americans Act and general revenue state funds, is another resource. Caregivers can apply for inhome respite services, adult day, or overnight respite on a sliding scale fee schedule. FCARI promotes these resources, and more. Caregivers can get more information through the Aging and Disability Resource Center (401-462-4444)
or on-line at unitedwayri.org. There is also a state program supporting caregivers. Paid Family Leave, or Temporary Caregivers Insurance (TCI), is a benefit earned by many working Rhode Islanders. Through a payroll deduction, individuals contribute to a fund they may drawn against to care for a loved one. When the law passed in Rhode Island in 2014, workers could take up to four weeks off a year to provide care for a loved one. Since then, the amount of time has increased to seven weeks, and in January it is expanding once again to eight weeks.
TCI’s focus has sometimes been touted as parental leave to allow new parents time to bond with a baby. But it is so much more to it.
Let’s expand the view of this important benefit for workers and families in Rhode Island. TCI offers a tremendous benefit for older adults needing support as they recuperate from illness or return from a rehab stay and for their family members who want to provide such support but can’t afford to take a leave from work or don’t want to jeopardize a job they love.
If your spouse is recovering from surgery or your parent has a short-term illness and you’d like to be by their side
and support their care, TCI may be what is best for you and your family.
Under RI law, workers who contribute to TDI/TCI can take time off of work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, or sibling. Taking advantage of TCI protects your job and the worker-caregiver receives a
Reminders
portion of their regular salary while they care for their loved one. If you have a loved one who will need care, check with your HR department or go online to the RI Department of Labor and Training, dlt.ri.gov/ individuals/temporary-disability-caregiver-insurance to find out if this program is available to support you as you support your loved one.
for choosing a tax preparer
Taxpayers who requested an extension to file have until Oct. 15, 2025, to do so, and some may choose to hire a tax return preparer. Those who do need to understand how to choose a tax preparer wisely and how to work with them.
What to consider when choosing a tax return preparer
Taxpayers should keep these things in mind when looking for a tax return preparer.
• Make sure the preparer is available yearround. If questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the return has been filed.
• Review the preparer’s history. Taxpayers should understand the preparer’s credentials and qualifications and can also check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers for enrolled agents or verify an enrolled agent’s status online.
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau may be a resource for information about the preparer, including any disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. Other resources include the State Board of Accountancy’s website for CPAs and the State
Bar Association for attorneys. Tax return preparers who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program may represent taxpayers in limited situations if they prepared and signed the tax return.
• Ask about service fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of the refund into their own financial accounts. Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than their competitors.
• Ensure the preparer offers IRS e-file. The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit.
Tips for working with a tax preparer These are a few things taxpayers should keep in mind when they work with a tax preparer:
• Good preparers ask to see records and receipts. They’ll also ask questions to determine the client’s total income, deductions, tax credits and other items. Taxpayers should avoid a tax return preparer who e-files using pay stubs instead of W-2s. This is against IRS rules.
• Taxpayers should review the tax return before signing it. They should ask questions if something is unclear or inaccurate.
• Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer – not into the preparer’s bank account. Taxpayers should make sure the routing and bank account numbers on the completed return are accurate.
• Taxpayers are responsible for filing a complete and correct tax return. They should never sign a blank or incomplete return and never hire a tax return preparer who asks them to do so.
• Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or help prepare federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, and they must sign and use that PTIN on any tax return they prepare. Not doing so is a red flag that the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit. Taxpayers should avoid these unethical tax return preparers.
Report misconduct
Taxpayers can report misconduct at www.irs. gov/tax-professionals/ make-a-complaint-abouta-tax-return-preparer on irs.gov.
Hope can show us the way
What is hope?
“A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen” according to the dictionary. It seems that hope is part of our everyday lives, from childhood onward, hoping for all kinds of positive outcomes. From “I hope it doesn’t rain today” to “I hope the roof lasts another year” to “I hope this recipe turns out okay”. It seems like we’re always hoping for something a million times every day.
MY MEMOIRS
by SUSAN DEAN
My newest grandchild is now six months old. Her name is Madeline and she was baptized in July. It was a beautiful summer Sunday. Everyone was there — my daughter, Joy, and her family from Dallas, my daughter, Rachel, and her family, my brother, Rob, and my brother, Doug, and his family from Atlanta.
After the service, we gathered at Rob’s house in Bonnet Shores for an afternoon of leisurely sun and fun, food, conversation, laughs, and lots of reminiscing — especially about the long summer days we remembered spending at this house, built in 1959 by our parents.
The little ones were running around, the teens were gathered in a group, the parents of all the kids were deep in conversation, and us older folks were sort of overseeing, sharing, and remembering.
Remembering when we were the young kids, the teenagers, and eventually the young parents. We could all recall specific times and events so that when someone said, “Remember when…” everybody chimed in with details.
As the day wound down, we took some time to remember our Aunt Madeline — for whom my granddaughter — the star of the day — was named. Aunt Madeline loved my three daughters as if they were her grandkids and spent a lot of time with them as they grew up and later when they were adults. And, of course, Aunt Madeline spent many summer days visiting with our parents at the house in Bonnet, where Rob now lives.
Aunt Madeline died on July 6, 2021, and baby Madeline’s baptism was held on July 6 — four years to the day. My daughter, Gretchen, and her husband, Mike — Madeline’s parents — hadn’t intentionally planned that. July 6th was chosen based on the availability of the church and had the added advantage of everyone being in town for the 4th. The fact that it was the fourth anniversary of Madeline’s death was just happenstance — a coincidence of quiet, happy remembrance — so fitting for a baby sharing her name.
The following day, Gretchen sent me a picture taken during the baptism.
“Look at the angel wings!” she said,
● FLYING from page 7
Bawling Brian and Bellowing Betty: This annoyance does not require a complicated explanation. Their routine consists of constant crying and shrill screams before they fall asleep five minutes before landing
Spring Up Steven and Sling Shot
Sarah: No doubt you have witnessed the passengers who catapult from their seats a mini-second after the engines shut down. Waiting for the jet way to roll up to the aircraft and the door to be opened is not an option. Patience is not an aerial virtue. Those same passengers will immediately clog the aisles hauling their suitcases from the overhead bin anxiously waiting to de-plane. Shadow the Service Dog or Clarence the Service Cat: I have no complaints here. In fact, these service animals are the best travelers. They sit still; they don’t yell or cry; they don’t bounce or shift in their seats; they don’t offer their life stories; and they don’t clog the aisles
awe in her voice.
A golden light, looking very much like the wings of an angel, touches the priest’s head and then beams down onto Madeline’s head as he holds her in his arms. Then another beam of light, looking very much like the wings of a tiny angel, touches Madeline’s head. The scene is absolutely breathtaking.
The interesting thing is, logically speaking, it may have been the reflection from a nearby golden cross. But no one saw this reflection in real time.
I’m inclined to believe that even if it is just a reflection, it is so uniquely and perfectly placed, it seems as though it was placed there by design…by angels, by Aunt Madeline, by this mysterious universe? An ethereal golden visible message of love.
And its presence gives me hope. Hope that there is more to this world than we realize — more than we physically experience in our daily lives. Hope that Madeline and all of my grandchildren will grow and thrive in this world, their world, surrounded by love carrying them through the tough times, and blessed with many more joyful times, with angels by their sides.
A week or two after the baptism, Gretchen spent a day with my cousin, Leslie, cooking together. Leslie is Aunt Madeline’s daughter and they were recreating Aunt Madeline’s recipes. As Leslie was leaving at the end of their cooking marathon, she said, “Whenever I see a hummingbird, I know that my mom is with me.”
Later that day, towards evening, Gretchen saw something fluttering outside her kitchen window. It was a hummingbird — and she’d never seen one in the two years she’s lived there.
Hummingbirds are said to be “Messengers of Hope and Jubilation”.
How absolutely amazing! Was Aunt Madeline visiting? Was she letting us know that love is everlasting? That there’s hope in the blessing of a new little life? That life, in spite of its daily obstacles and difficulties, is a celebration?
The angel wings, the joyful jubilation of a family celebration happening on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, the appearance of the hummingbird — all of it fills me with hope. Not necessarily for a specific outcome: “I hope I can find a parking space” — “I hope I made the right choice”. But perhaps a larger hope — a global hope.
For the planet, for this present time, for the future — hope that love transcends death and we’re being cared for and we’ll be okay. And maybe Aunt Madeline and the angels are showing us the way.
the very moment that the aircraft comes to a stop. In fact, I prefer journeying with them rather than my fellow humans. These are just a few nettling facts about the travails of modern day air travel. Compile your own list. You are free to include some of my complaints. Have a safe and passenger-friendly trip.
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 anthologies, “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volumes I & II. The anthologies are a collection of previously published columns, used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information, or comments, e-mail lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com or visit fruithillpublishing.my.canva.site/
Madeline’s baptism at St Peter’s By-the-Sea in Narragansett. From L-R: Emilia Smoot,
Joy Smoot holding Jack Breen, Matt Smoot and Fr. Craig Swan holding Madeline.
Submitted photo by Susan Dean
Italians in New Jersey and a girl trying to understand the world
Excellent novels from Adriana Trigiani and Gary Shteyngart plus new installments in a pair of sci-fi series are this month’s audiobooks.
By Adriana Trigiani,
Sorvino.
Penguin Audio, 12¼ hours, $25. Available through all Rhode Island public libraries.
This wonderful audiobook is one of the best I’ve listened to in a long time, and perhaps Adriana Trigiani’s best since her terrific 2000 debut, “Big Stone Gap.”
It’s the story of Giusuppina “Jess” Capodimonte Baratta, recently divorced from her gorgeous husband Bobby Bilancia, and living back in her parents’ Lake Como, New Jersey basement. She’s working in her uncle’s marble business, running into Bobby when she’d rather not, engaging in none-too-successful online therapy, being the dutiful daughter, and navigating the treacherous waters of a family where making someone angry can get you “put on the island” — that is, exiled from whoever’s mad at you — for weeks or months. Or years.
Then her life is shaken up unexpectedly, and she moves not to the Hoboken apartment she’d been eyeing, but to her family’s long-lost home: Carrara, Italy, where Michelangelo got much of the marble for his sculptures. And her adventures there — well, I don’t want to tell you too much, but this is the sort of book that’s both heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny, in proportions that seem just right.
Sorvino, an Oscar winner for “Mighty Aphrodite,” gives a performance that made me feel like I knew these characters, reminiscent of the colorful Italian Americans I used to run into while covering Johnston and North Providence for The Providence Journal.
(Though apparently the New Jersey pronunciation of the St. Joseph’s Day pastry is “zepp-oh-lee” instead of “zay-po-luh.”) Sorvino never subjects them to ridicule but makes each of them both distinct and vibrantly alive. What could be better?
“Vera, or Faith”
by ALAN ROSENBERG
By Gary Shteyngart, read by Shannon Tyo and with an author’s note read by Shteyngart. Random House Audio, 6 hours, $22.50. Available through all Rhode Island public libraries.
Vera is a super-smart fifth grader living in Manhattan and trying to figure out the world, find friendship and navigate a complicated family. In this evocative, satirical but ultimately earnest novel by the talented Shteyngart (author of “Lake Success” and “Super Sad True Love Story”), she is the anxious center around which everything revolves.
The book is set in a near future that’s both recognizable and different. Most notably, there’s a movement to amend the Constitution to give citizens who can trace their ancestries back to the American Revolution five-thirds of a vote, since they’re “exceptional” — a clever inversion of the original Constitutional provision that slaves would count as three-fifths of a person. Vera’s family falls on both sides of this divide, since Vera’s birth mother was Korean, while her stepmother, Anne Bradford (whom she calls “AnneMom”), comes from an old New England family.
Vera’s father, Igor Shmulkin, is a Russian Jewish immigrant who runs a fading intellectual magazine he’s desperately trying to sell. He has told Vera that her mother
● WALKING from page 7
Rhode Island communities walk together
With over $1 million currently being invested in local research projects, the chapter’s efforts are directly impacting the lives of Rhode Islanders. “Our funds go directly
left when Vera was young because Vera was hard to take care of, and Vera has no memory of this “MomMom.” But when Vera overhears that “MomMom” is dying, she enlists the aid of her sentient chessboard to try to find her.
Shteyngart mostly plays this book with a straight face, though there’s a hilarious moment in which PTA mothers at Vera’s overprivileged school complain to the principal that the homework is so hard, they’re having a difficult time doing it for their kids. And in telling it from Vera’s point of view — including her keeping a notebook full of “Things I Need to Learn About” — she lets us see both the confusing face of childhood and the increasingly unbalanced world we’re creating.
Tyo reads Vera with an appealing aspect of a kid desperately trying to be a grown up, and the rest of the book’s characters with just enough differentiation to create a worthwhile canvas for Vera to respond to.
“Infinite Archive: The Midsolar Murders, Book 3 of 3”
By Mur Lafferty, read by Kelsey Navarro Foster. Penguin Audio, 10¼ hours, $22.
Mallory Viridian is still living on Space Station Infinity, and still worried that she’s a magnet for murders (which, in classic lem-
back into the community to support various programs and services,” McGowan says. “These efforts help individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their loved ones, and anyone eager to join us in the fight.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many, according to McGowan. “It’s truly incredible,” she says. “After the program and Promise Garden ceremony, you realize you’re not in this battle alone. It’s the largest support group, where you can share your story and feel a sense of connection.”
It’s not too late to register or volunteer for a local walk. Individuals can still participate, fundraise or sign up as volunteers for event setup, registration and more.
If you have any ques-
ons-to-lemonade fashion, she turns into good-selling mystery novels). And now she’s got something more to worry about.
There’s a convention of mystery fans headed for Infinity on a sentient starship, and Mallory’s literary agent has arranged for her to be the keynote speaker when it arrives. So both a speech and the probable murder that this convention will bring … and she’s got new responsibilities, too, as “mother” to a baby spaceship. Plus, there’s the rock-creature Tina, from a prison planet, who’s returning to Infinity with a catlike alien creature that’s used to being worshiped. (Really, though, aren’t all cats used to being worshiped?)
If all this sounds a little silly, the talented Lafferty makes it sing. And worry not if you’re just starting with this series in what’s said to be its final book; there’s just enough background so you won’t feel lost, without making Lafferty fans impatient to get on with the action.
Navarro Foster does her usual excellent job of bringing Mallory and the rest of the crew to life with varied voices that let you know instantly who’s talking.
“The Pilot: The Last Horizon, Book Four”
By Will Wight, read by Travis Baldree. Audible Studios, 10¾ hours, $33.90.
This latest book in a series about a sentient starship and its oddball, powerful crew focuses on Omega, the psychopathic shape-shifting pilot. He’s kind of a Joker on interga-
lactic steroids, able to regenerate when turned into goo, move through subspace, and grow new eyes and mouths at will. But now he’s got a backstory that helps explain his twisted ways. And this time we also meet his equally nutsy and superskilled daughter. She’s working for an evil cabal called Solstice, which Omega has spent his life fighting. But their meeting won’t be a simple one-on-one battle. No, the whole crew naturally gets involved, including archmage Varic Vallenar, the Last Horizon’s captain; Karoshan Queen Shyrax, with problems of her own; and the manifested spirit of the starship.
At times, this book feels like a lot of mumbo-jumbo, and good luck following what’s happening if you haven’t listened to the series’ earlier books. But there’s plenty of satisfying action, too, and some pleasing scenes with Varic’s amoral father, tycoon Venry Vallenar.
As always, the whole thing is held together by Baldree’s peerless narration. He’s a man of, if not 1,000 voices, certainly enough to populate this large cast with individualized, character-driven tones. You’re never in doubt as to who’s speaking, or the level of their anger or sincerity — or sanity. And that’s a real treat.
Alan Rosenberg, of Warwick, is a retired executive editor of The Providence Journal and has been reviewing audiobooks for more than two decades. Reach him at AlanRosenbergRI@gmail.com.
September 7
Fred Benson Town Beach, Block Island September 21
Fort Adams State Park, Newport September 27
Village of North Scituate October 5
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly October 19
Roger Williams Park, Providence
tions about Alzheimer’s or dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-2723900 or visit alz.org/ri.
Herb Weiss is a Pawtucket-based writer who has covered aging, health care and medical issues for over 45 years.
“The View from Lake Como: A Novel”
read by Mira
Don’t let the state of RI control what happens to your assets. Contact Roy & Cook, Attorneys at Law Today!
C OY OOK & Attorneys at Law
Edward C. Roy, Jr., Esquire edward_roy@hotmail.com
Geralyn M. Cook, Esquire geri_cook@hotmail.com 577 Tiogue Avenue, 2nd Floor, Coventry, RI 02816
Esquire
Phone: 401-823-0488 Fax: 401-823-0486
edward_roy@hotmail.com
Geralyn M. Cook, Esquire geri_cook@hotmail.com 577 Tiogue Avenue, 2nd Floor Coventry, RI 02816
By JENNIFER COATES
You may not guess that in a modest office overlooking busy Tiogue Ave, longtime attorney Geralyn Cook has been fighting for her clients nearly every day for nearly 40 years, 34 of which have been in her own practice. This is an incredible milestone on its own! In this file-filled, paper-stacked, bustling office and in the hallowed rooms of local courthouses, clients new and old will find Attorney Cook advocating for them until the best possible results are achieved. This is one attorney that you can count on.
On any given day, Attorney Cook can be found pouring over briefs, reports and documents before running out to court to represent her clients. Sometimes, it is those big milestone moments that she is tackling, and other times, it is the mundane stuff that make up the “bread and butter” of law practices such as hers; the kind of day-today stuff that matters a lot to the people she calls clients, and friends.
Perhaps it is a task such as settling a dispute on a will when no beneficiary was
established. Perhaps it is a big task like negotiating the terms of a divorce or fighting an eviction. Attorney Cook cares about them all and gives them each their allotted share of attention, time, work, and professional counsel.
Roy & Cook is a general practice law firm that has been helping clients from every walk of life since it first opened its doors in 1991. Attorney Cook is an experienced professional whose longevity can be attributed to years of fighting hard for her clients through the often-difficult times and trials in their lives. She is dependable and steadfast.
Ms. Cook specializes in a comprehensive and inclusive list of services, ranging from Family and Divorce law to Mediation, Probate, Estates, Wills, Trusts and Guardianships. Her expertise and legal work also include Personal Injury, criminal matters, landlord-tenant matters
and evictions. Even in these unsettling times, these legal issues persist and, in many cases, become more problematic and disruptive.
If you find yourself in need of legal representation
in any of these matters, you need a trusted and knowledgeable team behind you. Attorney Cook is ready to take your call.
Roy & Cook, Attorneys-at-Law, can be reached at
Attorney Geralyn Cook is seen here pausing from a busy day of work at the firm she shares with law partner Edward Roy. This longstanding law practice is ready to represent you, even — and especially — in these challenging times.
THE MAN AND HIS MAPS
MATTESON:
GEORGE
Join Linda and Steve Kornatz to learn about local mapmaker George Matteson on Thursday, September 18 from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry. Matteson spent his life surveying the Coventry and Scituate backwoods, digging into local legends, and preserving our rich history. He was a forest ranger for over 40 years and served as a search and rescue specialist taking part in more than 9,000 rescues of lost hunters and hikers, 100 plane crash rescue missions and myriad forest fire patrols. Coventry’s own Paul St. Amand, who has carefully preserved his grandfather’s maps and legacy, will be displaying many of the maps at the program. Free and open to the public. No registration required, but if you would like a friendly reminder before the event, call Jessica at 401-822-9104 or email JCoppa@CoventryLibrary. org to register.
AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIP TO SALEM CROSS INN
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip Salem Cross Inn, Tuesday, December 9th. Enjoy a New England Winter Experience with cider reception, horse-drawn wagon ride and Fireplace Feast at Salem Cross Inn in MA. Afterward, enjoy shopping at Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield, MA. Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick up at 9:15 a.m. from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 7:30 p.m. $154/person. Final payment due: Tuesday, November 11th. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDES NEEDED
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.
PARLONS FRANCAIS!
Parlons Francais meetings will be held from 6-8PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the West Warwick Youth Center, Factory Street, West Warwick. Anyone wishing to revive their French-Canadian heritage is welcome. Please call Edith at 9190075 or Linda at 580-7832 with any questions.
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.
PROJECT FRIENDS
Project Friends is a State of RI licensed community-based day service program developed in 1992 for adults with developmental disabilities. Each individual has a plan that offers choices of activities which build independence, adult daily living skills, socialization, self-esteem and confidence. Participants are supported by case aides. If you would like more information about Project Friends, please feel free to call Marlena or Lisa at 822-9144.
SIGN UP FOR IMPORTANT TOWN INFORMATION ALERTS
CodeRed is a very helpful service in which you can receive important town information in a timely manner. Alerts include important town matters, COVID-19 vaccinations, weather emergencies, sex offender notifications, etc. To sign up for automated calls and/or texts on your cell phone or landline, register your phone numbers at the town’s website, www. coventryri.org or through the Coventry Police Dept. website, www.coventrypd.org.
Rewriting the Rules of Retirement
things you love. A reverse mortgage can help you fund them.
Pay o your existing mortgage to eliminate monthly payments 1
Get additional income tax-free cash to use for what matters most 2
Continue to own your home just like a traditional mortgage
Common questions about reverse mortgages
Homeownership is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited long-term, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?
People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a “reverse mortgage,” this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home,
or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home.
In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the same condition as when the reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance
grows. The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home.
What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying property-related expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible.
How is a reverse mortgage paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not
free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.
Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.
Home Improvement
PETE’S PAINTING
FINANCIAL SERVICES
CHEVALIER CESSPOOL CLEANERS: Cesspools and septic tanks pumped. New systems installed.
MOFFITT & ASSOCIATES, LLC.: Financial Services and Investments, Retirement Planning and 401K rollovers. www.moffittassociates.com 1260 Main St. (Rte. 117), Coventry (401) 828-0097.
PLUMBING & HEATING
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.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
LEWIS & CLARKE ENTERPRISES, INC.: New homes, additions, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, roofs, and repairs. 345-3227. RI Reg. #5646.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
ALL SEASONS LAWNCARE, INC.: Full Service Landscape Maintenance Company. Offering Fall & Spring clean ups. Shrubs, trimming, aerating, overseeding. Call 732-7993. RI Reg. #43492.
PEST CONTROL
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.
JOHN P. KEOGH PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING: Electric sewer rooter service. Master Plumber Lic. #1881. 401-862-8810.
Saints John & Paul Parish, 341 S Main Street, Coventry will offer The Bible Timeline series each Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture. No registration fee and materials will be provided at no cost. Bring a Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church. Refreshments will be available. For more information, visit ascensionpress.com, or contact John Murray at jmurray3477@gmail.com.
Real Estate Transactions
111 Wood Cove Dr Casilio, Justin D and Casilio, Christine A Drury, Alexander S and Drury, Amber L 8/29 $630,000
14 Deer Run Dr Schulenberger, Robert and Schulenberger, Angela Cathers, Jaimee M 8/25 $415,000
17 Linwood Dr Garman, Keith and Garman, Kathryn Mcqueen, Anthony and Mcqueen, Meagan 8/27 $415,000
20 Twin Lakes Ave Dimuccio Rita M T Est Rhode Island Housing 8/28 $1,529
26 Cobblestone Ter Walter P Hennessy T and Hennessy, Walter P Pelchat, Bradley and Pelchat, Andrea 8/26 $525,000
3 Walker Ln Andrade, Jessica and Cochrane, Michael Russo, Nicholas M and Zarb, Amanda 8/25 $540,000
311 Arnold Rd Mottram, Roy O and Fed Home Loan Mtg Corp Pnc Mortgage 8/25 $181,000
444 Washington St Rafael Q Cortes T and Bonet, Carmen R Mastrostefano, Colby and Rotondo, Demetrius 8/29 $495,000
5 Haywood Rd Pittaro Jr, James V and Pittaro, Karla A Jervis Jr, Ethan 8/28 $465,500
580 Weaver Hill Rd Markarian, Marc P Patenaude, Kehly 8/26 $390,000
620 Weaver Hill Rd Berkel, Kaitlyn R and Espinosa, Ashley M Altieri, Kyle and Altieri, Kayleigh C 8/29 $650,000
CRANSTON
1 Gray Coach Ln Lot 105 Izzo, Karen M Castillo, Luis R 8/27 $395,000
106 Pleasant St Try, Heang C Chay, Somnang and Sisaket, Chamfa 8/27 $590,000
106 Pleasant St Lot 1058 Try, Heang C Chay, Somnang and Sisaket, Chamfa 8/27 $590,000
11 Nickerson St Gonzalez, Rigoberto C and Francisco, Bertilia Hanna, Shawky and Hanna, Laurice 8/28 $430,000
125 Smith St Mulvey, Bob and Mulvey, Mary B Xing, Hang 8/25 $335,000
132 Hoffman Ave Lot 202 Judy L Gershman T and Gershman, Judy L Mccall, Robert and Mccall, Janice 8/29 $324,900
132 Hoffman Ave Lot 116 Calise, Carol Sannio Capital LLC 8/29 $249,000
14 Willow Dr Mccall, Robert E and Mccall, Janice M Bradley, Rebecca and Lepage, Katherine 8/29 $560,000
15 Lilac Cir Dequattro, Thomas A and Dequattro, Paula A Zeigler, Nicholas 8/26 $630,000
157 Arnold Ave Zelinski, Thomas R and Fox, Grace E Edwards, Christian and Lipking, Talia 8/29 $725,000
158 Woodland Ave Roosevelt Associates Rigp Dorsey Arlene M Est 8/25 $1
1611 Hope Rd Warner Gloria P Est and Blanding Jr, David M Lake View Development LLC 8/29 $500,000
175 Oakland Ave Thompson, Tessa B Frenchtown Cap Partners L 8/29 $330,000
175 Oakland Ave Lot 2871 Thompson, Tessa B Frenchtown Cap Partners L 8/29 $330,000
20 Birch View Ct Lot 20 Holland, Scott W and Holland, Mary J Daou, Michael 8/29 $590,000
20 Stratford Rd Mcdowell, Julia and Magaziner, Seth Leeman, Mark 8/29 $500,000
20 Stratford Rd Lot 2430 Mcdowell, Julia and Magaziner, Seth Leeman, Mark 8/29 $500,000
21 Hope Hill Ter Miller Properties LLC Lombardi, Steven J and Sinapi, Anne J 8/28 $630,000
247 Oaklawn Ave Gershman, Eric and Liberman, Kate Costigan, Dennis A and Koube, Annie E 8/29 $895,000
266 Auburn St Peralta-Tejada, Romery and Deperalta, Madelline E Bonilla, Hedy 8/28 $400,000
281 Auburn St Cummings, Guy E Vasquez, Alexis and Vasquez Jr, Alexis 8/29 $515,000
30 NewwoodDr Blais, Joshua D Sanchez, Angel D and Sanchez, Jillian D 8/25 $445,000
32 Sweet Pea Dr Lot 32 Insana, Mathew J and Smith, Dolores F Golovina, Oksana V and Lasky, Roy E 8/25 $560,000
348 Union Ave Diaz Mercedes, Luis A Gutierrez, Ingrid Y 8/29 $650,000
40 Rockcrest Dr Nichols, Kenneth G Sim, Sopheap and Sitt, Michael 8/28 $528,000
492 Oaklawn Ave Brown, Patrick J and Brown, Victoria Ramirez, Jose 8/26 $425,000
5 Chaloner Ct Kue, Mai Try, Heang C and Oneil, Justin T 8/28 $615,000
51 Woodlawn Dr Santilli, Carl S and Santilli, Elizabeth P Santilli, Kathryn M 8/26 $348,300
59 Colonial Ave Virginia M Carty Irt and Harrington, Mary H Caparco Investments LLC 8/28 $435,000
61 Kimberly Ln Morrocco, Gary A Poulos Jr, Alva and Putrus, Rachel 8/27 $850,000
66 Chestnut Ave Vilardo, Saverio and Vilardo, Gail M Muzyczka, Zoe and Muzyczka, Kelly 8/28 $486,000
71 Vinton Ave Lamb, Mark C and Lamb, Jean M Rossi, Carmine and Gluch, Lindsay E 8/29
832 Atwood Ave Beacon Hill Assoc LLC Lpi Properties LLC
91 Coldbrook Dr Depalo, Vera A and Depalo, Nicholas J Daquila, Michael and Filippone, Giana
Calaman Rd Angelina, Thomas M Zenith Construction LLC 8/26 $310,000
EAST GREENWICH
160 Crompton Rd Bogat LLC Osenkowski, Mark and Osenkowski, Gina 8/25 $1
45 Burns Way Stephen Antonio Cardi RET and Cardi, Stephen A Pierse, Heather and
79 Pilgrim Dr Ryan Jr, Michael F Cichocki, Luke S and Gagosian, Christina E
81 Pender Ave Simpson, Kathryn M and Berube, Jesse D Whitham, Danielle
82 Vera St
Osage Dr Carignan, Zachary and Carignan, Anne Moree, Rachel and Dutra, Christopher 8/19
WEST WARWICK
515 Wakefield St Cameron P Uinn Ft and Revens Jr, John C Gallaher, Dandie
Real Estate
Apartments for Rent Garage for
WEST WARWICK: LARGE 3BDS., 2 private decks, off street parking, heat included. $2200/ month. 1st & security. Call Mickey: 401-952-6513.
38 ANTHONY STREET, COVENTRY. 4bd, 1bth. Heat & electricity not included. $2000/mo. Application fee $50. Call: 401-556-0611.
COMMERCIAL GARAGE AVAILABLE: 1300sq.ft for contractor, plumber, electrician, etc. Large overhead door. $1,500/mo. 401-946-1070
By MATTHEW LAWRENCE Beacon Media Contributor
Rhode Island pool players have been racking up some big wins lately, from a seniors championship at Mohegan Sun to a second-place showing last month at the World Pool Championships in Las Vegas.
Four men and one woman won $5,000 after placing second in the American Poolplayers Association (APA) Team Captains Championship. Assembled at the last minute, the team members hadn’t even met before arriving at the Westgate Resort & Casino.
“In order to be on a Captains team, you have to have been a team Captain for two sessions in the last year,” explains Shira Simon. “You can build your own team but with a very limited number of people to choose from.”
Simon and business partner Justin Wales are league
operators. They run the Rhode Island Chapter of the APA. The national APA decides how many teams get sent to Las Vegas, and Rhode Island got two. One team won a qualifier.
“For the other slot, I wanted to build a team from my captains who were already out there,” says Simon. “I had six teams in mind, I said let’s build a captain’s team from those six teams. It didn’t work out in the end because of timing, so I found three of those captains and they called in Jason and Kristin Frost and everyone flew out to Las Vegas.”
“The other guys are Bobby Vazquez, Evan Damian and Phil Riggi, Jr. Evan and Phil knew each other but they didn’t know Bobby. We formed the whole team just by texting. They all met in the pool.”
“They’re all great people,” says Justin Wales. “The captain, Bobby Vazquez, has been playing
Job Market
for well over twenty years.”
The team was named Bobby V’s.
Teams rotate players of different skill levels and alternate between playing 8-ball and 9-ball. (Simon explains that 8-ball is the most familiar version of the game. It’s played with 15 balls and the winner needs to sink eight of them to win, which is where the name comes from. With 9-ball, only nine balls are on the table, and they need to be hit in numerical order.)
“It’s a super-fast, very cool format,” says Simon, adding that racks (rounds, basically) only last a few minutes each.
Though the team lost their first match, they recovered quickly. “We lost our first match of the tournament and unfortunately we lost the last match of the tournament,” says Jason Frost of Coventry. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to
have shared the experience with. We shared so many laughs throughout the days and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
ETX Elite, a team from Tyler, Texas, ultimately won the $10,000 prize.
Aside from the captains, the Rhode Island APA chapter sent six eight-person teams to Las Vegas, out of about 1,500 who compete in local league play.
The American Poolplayers Association is the largest amateur pool league in the world, says Simon. There are chapters in 49 states — all but North Dakota — as well as in Canada and even far-off places like Japan and Singapore, with a total membership of about 250,000 people.
Back on the east coast, an interleague APA tournament took place at Mohegan Sun in July, and Rhode Islanders won big there, too.
“We had a senior doubles team,” says Simon. “It was the first time they tried this. You had to be at least 55 to play. We had a local qualifier and this guy Russ Micheli from Cranston, who is 63, won with this other guy Frank who was 90. Doubles events happen every two hours, and Frank realized he wouldn’t be able to play the tournament all day without a break, so Russ
got this other guy George Berube to play at the last minute, and they ended up winning the whole tournament. Then they both wanted to be back home to play league that night, so they almost didn’t stay to get the trophy.” They also won $1,400.
At the same tournament, a Rhode Island Masters team won, beating 47 other teams for first place and a $3,000 prize. Captain Ryan Lineham of West Warwick, his son Evan Moreau of Hope Valley, Kerry McAuliffe of Lawrence, Mass. and Leann D’Ettore of Narragansett beat a Connecticut-based team in the finals.
As franchise owners, Simon and Wales handle administrative duties, which means setting matches set up at dozens of locations across the state, from small bars with only one or two pool tables to larger halls like Snookers in Providence or The Joint in Cranston. The places with small tables host travel leagues on slower nights of the week.
“My teams travel from place to place,” Simon says. “Delaware and Hawaii are the only other states with one statewide league. For instance, there are at least five (leagues) in Massachusetts.”
Players are given handicaps, so newcomers and younger players have a shot against more seasoned players. “We’re about having the most fun, and making memories out of these events and experiences,” says Simon.
“It’s based on how many times you approach the table,” Simon says. “Someone who gets all their balls in at once approaches the table a lot less often than someone who misses a lot and has to keep trying. The system’s way more complicated than that, but that’s the most barebones way to explain it.”
“You can’t just stack teams with great players,” Wales says. “You need different skill levels.”
“Anyone can play and anyone can win,” he adds.
“Playing pool is secondary to relationship building. Pool is a great unifier of people and that’s really what we’re all about.” He says he knows several married couples who first met playing pool in the APA league together.
The fall league is going now, and there’s still time for late-forming teams to enter. The next session starts in early January. For more info, visit apa401.com.
Jason Frost of Coventry, Evan Damian of Cranston, Kristin Frost of Coventry, Bobby Vazquez of Providence, and Phil Riggi of Warwick with their new trophies. Beacon Media photo by Matthew Lawrence
Entertainment & Events
AARP CHAPTER 2210 ATLANTIC CITY RESORTS TRIP
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip to Resorts Atlantic City, Sun-Tues, January 4–6, 2026. Enjoy Resorts vibrant casino and diverse dining options. Bonus Package includes $20 slot play and 2 Meal Credits (up to $20 value each) per person (must be 21 or older). Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick-up at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. $399/person with Single Occupancy, $299/person with Double Occupancy, $289/per person with Triple Occupancy. Final payment due: Tuesday, November 13. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
•
• Watermelons were often used as canteens by early explorers and travelers.
• The world’s largest playable guitar is 43.5 feet long.
• Before an NHL game, hockey pucks are frozen to make them glide more
smoothly and reduce bouncing.
• The U.S. postmaster general was in the line of succession to the presidency until 1971.
• In the late 18th century, Sweden’s King Gustav III tried to prove that coffee was a deadly substance by
DINNER & COMEDY SHOW
Williams Shields Post 43, 662 West Shore Road, Warwick will be holding a dinner and comedy show on September 26. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Adult comedy presented by John Perrotta Comedy Factory. Dinner includes: American chop suey, salad, bread and dessert. Tickets: $20pp. Tables of 8 or more may be reserved at time of purchase. Reservations: Mel Higgins 401-7142275 or Sue Brawner 401-258 8115. Proceeds benefit Kids Christmas Party.
making one twin drink coffee and the second one tea on a daily basis, while betting on which would be the first to succumb. Both twins survived and outlived both the king and the doctors conducting the experiment.
• The tobacco industry spends
almost $4 billion per year to promote smoking, more than is spent advertising and promoting any other product.
• Seven percent of Americans steal toilet paper rolls in hotels or motels.
• About 70-75% of the world’s population doesn’t even use toilet paper. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
• The ancient Greeks believed that amethysts could ward off intoxication and hangovers, so they often drank wine from cups carved from the gemstone.
