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The Reporter December 2021
Center in December to speak about transportation services. This is a great time to ask a RIPTA Representative what they offer for services as well as see what bus routes are available near you. See you there!
Healthy Heart Nutrition Program Shop Smart for a Healthy Heart December 30th 10:30-11:30 am
Join us for a nutritional presentation on food shopping for those living with high blood pressure. We’ll share food tips to help you make better choices at the grocery store without breaking the bank. Plus, learn how certain substitutions and spices can help you ditch the salt and elevate your meal without raising your blood pressure. This presentation is mandatory for those participating in the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. Seats are limited. Please call 435-7800 to register.
January’s Book Club Selection Wed, Jan 19th at 10:00 am.
January’s book selection is: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Discover a new way to connect yourself with others by joining the Senior Center Book Club hosted by the Weaver Library. Book clubs help improve brain function and expand vocabulary. Stay sharp by diving into a good book. Please see Senior Center receptionist to sign up and receive a loaner book.
Fitness Classes
• Zumba Gold: Mondays -10:30-11:30. Instructor-Sue Young. Cost-$2.00. Registration Required- Limited to 22 Participants • Line Dancing: Mondays-1:30-2:30. Instructor-Sue Young. Cost-$2.00. Registration Required-Limited to 20 Participants • Chair Exercise: Tuesdays-10:45-11:45. Instructor-Cynthia Charron. Cost-$2.00. Registration Required-Limited to 25 Participants • Pace Chair Exercise: Weds and Fri 10:45-11:45. Instructor-Muriel Woodcock. Cost– No Cost. Registration Required-Limit to 25 Participants • 2 0 / 2 0 / 2 0 E x e r c i s e : T h u r s days-9:30-10:30 Instructor-Robin Cullinan. Cost-$2.00. Registration Required-Limit to 25 Participants
Computer Instruction
Chrome Book computers available to use or bring your own laptop or tablet. Call 401-435-7800 or stop by the Senior Center reception desk for more information and to register. • Computer Basics with Amanda Thursdays, starting 1/6/22. Cost: Free. Registering now for January’s 4 -week session.
Age Well Get Connected:
Sponsored by Eastbay Community Action • Computer Classes Dec.22th –10:3011:30. Do you want to learn how to refill your prescriptions using your computer? If so, this is the class for you. • Monthly Computer Classes for Older Adults 4th Wednesday of each month.
Need Assistance With Your Smart Phone?
Drop by the East Providence Senior Center on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2nd, from 1PM-2PM Learn some tips and tricks with your Smart Phone! No registration required
East Providence Senior Center Holiday Celebration
Friday, Dec 17th, 10:00am -11:30am
Make a center piece for your holiday table. Bring a $5.00 gift to exchange. Holiday Music and Yummy Treats.
Coffee with the Mayor
Come have your morning coffee and a chat with Mayor Bob DaSilva Wednesday, December 9th from 9:00 am-10:00 am at East Providence Senior Center.
URI SNAP Education
Wed, Dec 15th 10:30 am-11:30 am
Holiday Sugar Swaps: We will be doing a granola recipe. Come learn how to be more mindful when eating during the holidays. Call 401-435-7800 to register
Mindful Meditation Fridays at 11:00 am
Join us every Friday for an hour of mindful meditation.
Reach 100% of your customers! Call 508.252.6575 to advertise!
ARPA Funds Present Opportunity To Address Food Insecurity Through Retail SNAP Incentive Program
By Sen. Valarie J. Lawson and Dr. Amy Nunn The number of families and children going hungry in Rhode Island has reached a crisis point. As Rhode Island leaders debate how to allocate $1.1 billion in federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we have a generational opportunity to address this crisis head-on. According to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, one in four local households are experiencing hunger. This marks the highest hunger rate Rhode Island has reported in decades, and puts us near the bottom of the nation when it comes to food security. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this unfortunate trend, leading to a 65 percent increase in local households that rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on their tables. While SNAP benefits are certainly crucial resources in Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities, we know these dollars can only go so far to truly address the realities of hunger. The average cost of a healthy, nutrient-rich meal, according to Feeding America, is around $3.23. The discrepancy between benefits received and the real cost of nutritious food is forcing far too many families to stretch their budgets by opting for cheaper, unhealthy options. As rapid inflation leads to fresh produce becoming even more expensive, this problem is trending toward getting worse before it gets better. That’s why we are urging Governor McKee and Rhode Island leaders to allocate $25 million in ARPA funds to create what’s known as a Retail SNAP Incentive Program on a statewide level. The program we and other elected leaders and public health advocates across the state are supporting would provide SNAP beneficiaries in Rhode Island with a 50 percent discount on fresh fruits and vegetables when they pay with their benefits in retail settings. In essence, this program would double low-income individuals’ purchasing power in produce aisles across the state, directly leading to increased sales for grocers and significantly improved health outcomes for Rhode Island’s underserved populations.
