A Naturalist indulges in a favorite pursuit

A Naturalist’s Journal Bruce Fellman

We’ve been flirting with Indian Summer at our precise location on the ridge for quite some time, but last Sunday, we finally had an official IS, which we define as an autumn day in which the temperature makes it into the 60s following a stretch of weather during which we’ve had a bona fide killing frost. At home, you’d have to put the date for fulfilling the latter requirement as Friday, November 6.

In Recognition: State Rep. Michael Rice, above, presents a General Assembly citation 

to outgoing and long time South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce board member Paula Spirito.

By HANNAH CONNORTON

NARRAGANSETT - It’s inescapable, the wrath of the economy today - bankrupt
businesses, foreclosed homes, a barely existent employment market in the
state - the list is endless, and growing. Most would assume an
organization committed to promoting spending and growth in local business
would flounder at a time such as this. However, at the Narragansett
Chamber of Commerce (NCC), it’s simply not the case.
The chamber  has seen a membership increase of just over 10 percent in the
past year, raising their roster from 280 businesses to 312.

Thanks to a $40K grant, Families First expands into South County

By MICHAEL SOUZA

PROVIDENCE - Because of a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, Families
First Rhode Island (FFRI) will be expanding into the South County area.
Having received $40,000 from one of the state’s largest benefactors, the
grassroots nonprofit organization can now increase its services to assist
local people in need.
Families First provides in-home evaluations, treatment referrals, social
support, and parenting education to pregnant and postpartum women who are
experiencing or at risk for depression.

By CARL CRITZ

NARRAGANSETT - Council members approved a variety of hotly contested
issues and scheduled upcoming dates for the selection of a new town
manager by the end of 2009 at Monday’s Town Council meeting at the Town
Hall.
The window for submission of applications for town manager has closed as
of Oct. 31, and the  council is moving forward with its considerations. 
They will meet in executive session to narrow the 62 qualified applicants
to eight or nine finalists by the end of the month.

 Council, committee prepare for minimal state funding.

By SARAH TRAVER

WAKEFIELD - Monday evening the Town Council and School Committee met in a
joint work session to get a jump start on the FY2010-2011 budget as well as the status of the FY2009-2010 budget.
School Director of Administrative Services, John Ritchotte, reviewed the 2009-2010 budget for the group. He said there was about a $529,000 positive in the School Fund coming from the charter tuitions, attrition on the salaries and a higher number of retirements than expected.