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Memorial Hospital to Test the Benefits of Aspirin

 PAWTUCKET, RI - In an effort to extend the length of a disability-free life for older adults, researchers from Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island are partnering with colleagues from across the US and Australia in the largest international trial ever sponsored by the US National Institute on Aging (NIA).

The Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study aims to assess whether aspirin can not only prolong life, but a life free of physical disability and/or dementia for healthy older people.

According to Charles Eaton, M.D., principal investigator and director of the Brown University Center for Primary Care and Prevention at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, “This important trial will help determine whether an aspirin a day will help prevent memory loss and promote a long and healthy life.”

While it is known that aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes in people with established heart disease– benefits that clearly outweigh any risks associated with aspirin, such as bleeding– the role of aspirin in people without a history of cardiovascular disease is less certain.  “As the population ages, it is important to identify if there are other subgroups of older adults that may also benefit from a daily dose of a common, inexpensive medication,” notes Dr. Eaton.

To date, very little information is available about the overall effects of aspirin in older adults, because most trials focus on middle-aged people. The ASPREE study, for the first time, will determine whether the potential benefits of low dose aspirin outweigh the risks specifically for people age 70 and over.

“Similar to the landmark Women’s Health Initiative, also conducted at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island,” notes Dr. Eaton, “this study will have a major impact on the treatment of all older adults for years to come.”

The ASPREE study will enroll 6,500 healthy individuals age 70 and over in 12 states in the US and another 12,500 in Australia.  Four hundred of those participants will come from Rhode Island and its surrounding regions. All eligible participants will be randomly assigned to take either low dose aspirin or placebo daily for about 5 years. More information can be found at www.ASPREE.org.

Patients will receive initial measurements on specific health markers, as well as functional and cognitive ability, and changes in these will be monitored throughout the study.

To learn more about participating in this study, please contact Liz Coccio RN  401-729-2183 or email liz_coccio@mhri.org.

The Seekonk Public Library announces the acquisition of OptimalResume, an online resume builder and more.

OptimalResume is a comprehensive web-based program that helps job seekers prepare for employment.  From a single secure online location, job seekers can prepare resumes, cover letters, and online portfolios that demonstrate their competencies.  Job seekers can also perform skills assessments and practice interviewing techniques with a video-based interview preparation module.

Seekonk Public Library cardholders can access the program at www.seekonkpl.org.  Look for the OptimalResume link on the homepage.  Create an account and let OptimalResume help you prepare to get hired.

For more information contact the Seekonk Public Library Adult Services Department at 508-336-8230, ext. 130.

Local Swimmers Were Top Performers for Bluefish Swim Club at New England Swimming Long Course Championship Meets

Fifty-four members of the Bluefish Swim Club qualified for and competed at the New England Swimming 14 and Under Age Group Long Course Championship meet, ranking 2nd place overall with 2,691 points. This Age Group championship meet was held at the Blodgett Pool, Harvard University, July 22-25. More than 500 of the top 14 and younger swimmers from over 50 New England-based swim teams competed at this meet.

In addition, 117 members of the Bluefish Swim Club qualified for and competed at the New England Swimming Long Course Regional Meet, held at McDermott Pool in Warwick, RI, July 9-11. The Regionals are divided into five locations throughout New England to accommodate all swimmers in more than 100 swim teams. The Long Course Regional Meet in Warwick was sponsored by the Bluefish Swim Club and consisted of 475 swimmers from 13 New England-based swim teams.

Claudia Beasley

• ·        At Age Groups, Claudia Beasley, 10, of Mansfield ranked 13th place overall for 10 & Under Girls with 45 points. She earned 6th place in the Female 10 & Under 200-meter freestyle with a swim time of 2:41.69, 9th place in the 400-meter freestyle (5:44.23), 10th place in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:38.66), 11th place in the 200-meter individual medley (IM) (3:06.44) and 100-meter fly (1:29.33), and 13th place in the 100-meter freestyle (1:16.68). Claudia also competed in the 50-meter freestyle and fly. In addition, Claudia was the anchor in the Bluefish Female 10 & Under relay teams that placed 5th in the 400-meter freestyle (5:17.77) and 6th in the 200-meter medley (2:48.25); and she was the lead in the team that placed 6th in the 200-meter freestyle (2:26.15).

Emily Mc Quaid

At Regionals, Emily McQuaid, 13, of Wrentham won the Female 13-14 50-meter freestyle (30.12), and earned 2nd place in the 200-meter fly (2:54.13), 4th place in the 100-meter backstroke (1:18.62) and 100-meter freestyle (1:07.71), and 9th place in the 200-meter backstroke (2:52.49).

At Age Groups, Emily earned 9th place in the Female 13-14 200-meter breaststroke (2:54.52). She also competed in the 50-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter freestyle; 100-meter breaststroke and fly; and 200-meter and 400-meter IM. In addition, Emily was a key member of the Bluefish Female 13-14 team that earned 4th place in the 400-meter medley relay (4:46.05) and 8th place in the 200-meter freestyle relay (2:03.30), and the anchor in the team that ranked 9th in the 400-meter freestyle relay (4:21.10).

Abigail Martin

• At Regionals, Abigail Martin, 10, of Norton won the Female 10 & Under 200-meter IM (3:19.12), Female 9-10 200-meter freestyle (2:56.58), and 50-meter freestyle (35.83). She also ranked 3rd place in the 100-meter fly (1:40.96), 8th place in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:55.28), and 15th place in the 100-meter freestyle (1:27.32).

At Age Groups, Abigail completed in the Female 10 & Under 50-meter backstroke, freestyle, and fly; and 200-meter freestyle and IM.

The Bluefish Swim Club is a USA Swimming member and a participant in New England Swimming. No matter the swimmer’s age or ability, whether it be competing on its winning 235-member competitive swim team; participating in structured swim lessons for youngsters just learning to swim; or continuing a passion for swimming in the adult Master’s program, the Bluefish Swim Club offers the right program for everyone at its Attleboro High School, Attleboro, MA; Wheaton College, Norton, MA; Cumberland High School, Cumberland, RI; and Raynham Athletic Club, Raynham, MA locations. The team’s competitive program also has practices in Shrewsbury, MA, in addition to the other locations.

The Bluefish started in the 1970s. Since owners Chuck and Christie Batchelor bought the Bluefish in 2005, the team is frequently making national and international news. During his extensive coaching career, Chuck has trained 21 Olympic Trial qualifiers, 37 National qualifiers, 2008 Olympian Elizabeth Beisel, and had six swimmers rank in the top 100 in the world. He was the Assistant Women’s Coach at the 2009 USA Swimming FINA World Championships in Rome, in July 2009; and the Head Women’s Coach at the 2009 USA Swimming Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Guam, in January 2009. The Bluefish Swim Club was recently granted the highest standard, Level 4, in USA Swimming’s Club Recognition Program. Only one other New England swim team has ever achieved this Level 4 standard. In addition, for the second year in a row, USA Swimming’s Club Excellence Program granted the Bluefish Swim Club Gold Medal status, ranking them the seventh highest-scoring team in the country.

The Bluefish Swim Club is a non-profit organization. To make a donation or for additional information about the Bluefish Swim Club, go to: www.bluefishswimclub.com.

Graduating Seniors from Cumberland High & St. Mary’s Bay View Know What it Means to Have a Parent with MS

WARWICK, R.I., July 29, 2010  - The Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors whose mothers have MS. Curtis Jack “C.J” Bare III of Cumberland and Katelyn Perline of Warwick are both National Honor Society members who earned outstanding academic honors and were team captains in Walk MS.

Both Bare and Perline will pursue medical studies. They share a confidence and determination to succeed, which they agree may be the result of caring for an ailing mother and accepting responsibility at a young age.

“I had to mature very quickly and I know how to handle difficult situations and not complain,” said Perline.

When Perline’s mother grew too weak to cook, she spread the word among her teenage friends, who organized a weekly meal delivery for six months. She said her mother’s MS, “helped me to not look at a person and think I know everything about them.” 

Bare agreed, “I grew faster than everyone else because you have more responsibility than anyone else. My mother’s MS has shaped who I am.” 

Bare graduated from Cumberland High School and will be heading to Northeastern University, where he will study pre-med. He plans on being a surgeon. From the National MS Society’s R.I. Chapter, he will receive $1,500 a year for four years. Bare was team captain for a 45-member team for Walk MS. At Cumberland High, Bare played varsity soccer and baseball. He was varsity captain for indoor track and field. Bare also was active with the literary magazine, math team, and concert band, in addition to having a part-time job. He volunteered with the Little League Challenger Program, playing baseball with mentally and physically handicapped children.

Perline recently graduated from St. Mary Academy – Bay View and will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall. She plans to study pre-veterinary science. From the Rhode Island Chapter, she will receive $1,000 a year for four years. Perline was a team captain in Walk MS and active in the Italian Club and Campus TV in addition to having a part-time job. An Irish step dancer, she plans to minor in Italian and study in Italy. 

Both Bare and Perline plan to have work study jobs at their new schools.

The National MS Society believes MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education but the economic impact of MS can be substantial on a family. Direct costs of the disease are estimated at more than $50,000 annually. Also, many people with MS experience a loss in earnings due to the physical demands of the disease, which increase the difficulties of paying for higher education.                    

The Society awarded $610,000 in new scholarships for 2009 and renewed $411,500 in scholarships for a total of more than $1 million. The Society acknowledges the outstanding support of the O’Donnell Family Foundation, Diversified Developers Realty, Teva Neuroscience, Arthur Collias, the Modestus Bauer Foundation, the Kamvar-Schiavoni Scholarship Fund, the ICSC Foundation, and all the supporters of the Kathryn Dailey Scholarship.

Proposed Legislative  Compromise

BOSTON – Thursday, July 29, 2010 – Massachusetts is recovering from the global economic crisis faster and stronger than the rest of the country. We’ve added 45,000 jobs over the past six months, protected education, health care and the environment while passing four responsible and balanced budgets, and seen consumer and business confidence rise significantly.

Governor Patrick understands that we need to stay focused and keep working hard to ensure we stay on the path towards recovery.  That’s why he has pushed for his “Jobs and Relief” package, which would provide small business with help from rising health care costs and access to capital for small businesses, reform CORI, create jobs through destination resorts casinos, and establish a sales tax holiday.

Governor Patrick is working with the Legislature to pass this jobs package. To help achieve this and break the legislative logjam, Governor Patrick has proposed allowing one competitively-bid slot license along with three destination resort casino licenses.  The Governor has requested passage of the other parts of the “Jobs and Relief” package as part of the compromise on expanded gaming.  Those bills include:

1. A proposal to reduce health care costs for small businesses and working families.

2. A proposal to make it easier for small businesses to access capital and create jobs.

3. CORI reform.

4. The sales tax holiday.

5. A proposal to streamline siting for wind-power facilities.

Suggested events for the Weekend of Friday-Monday, August 6-9, 2010 (Rhode Island Victory Day Holiday)

Come and experience the perspective of communities, heritage and nature during the Rhode Island Victory Day holiday period, August 6-9, in the “Ocean State’s” Blackstone River Valley.

This important Southern New England destination not only tells a compelling story of the making of America through the region’s industrial background, it also showcases the significance of how people are connected through their past, from where they live and work, and how natural resources impact quality of life.

 As the summer vacation season starts to wind down, the Blackstone River Valley offers a great close to home venue to discover, relax and learn.

 A Community Celebration

All weekend, August 6-9, be part of the fun and excitement of the annual Cumberland Fest, happening at Diamond Hill Park, Route 114, Cumberland, RI.

This is a festive family oriented event featuring live bands on the park stage, arts and crafts, carnival amusements, food court, a road race, a car show, a dog show, fireworks and more!

Cumberland Fest is now in its 20^th year, with event volunteers organizing the effort each year, with profits supporting local youth sports program.

The town of Cumberland was one of five towns received from Massachusetts by Royal Decree. The town was known as Attleboro Gore until 1746, when it was incorporated in Rhode Island as the town of Cumberland. Cumberland was named in honor of William, the Duke of Cumberland. Cumberland’s early industrial growth centered on the abundant waterpower of the Blackstone and Abbott Run Rivers.

Minerals such as iron and copper were once mined in Cumberland. The town was once known as the mineral deposit of New England because of the extensive mineral deposits within its border. Several shafts — more than 100 years old — are still visible, but mineral deposits are no longer commercially mined.

The town still retains its early rural charm even with the steady growth in industry, commerce and population.

For a complete schedule for Cumberland Fest, call the town’s Parks & Recreation Office at 401-334-9996 or visit the web at www.cumberlandfest.org

History & Antiques

Sunday, August 8, 10 am-4 pm, honor the bicentennial of one of the regions most unique homesites, as the historic Hearthside House hosts an Antique Fair at the location, on the Great Road Historic District (Route 123) Lincoln, RI.

New England based dealers of quality antique and collectable items will showcase their wares. There will be house tours and refreshments as well. Proceeds will benefit the continued restoration of the home, built in 1810 by Stephen Hopkins Smith, from lottery winnings.

More details on the fair are available by contacting 401-726-0597 or go to www.hearthsidehouse.org

Summer on the water

The Rhode Island holiday weekend is a wonderful time to enjoy leisurely water recreation in one of the region’s popular parks, and see breathtaking vistas along a part of the Blackstone American Heritage River.

Sunday, August 8, 10 am-3 pm, spend the day at Lincoln Woods State Park, located off Route 146, Lincoln, RI, and enjoy a Family Fun Paddle, presented by EMS Kayak School.

Meet at the kayak rental site, next to the Frank Moody Beach on Olney Pond, for instruction on kayaking.

Call EMS to register or for details at 1-866-635-2925. For more details on Lincoln Woods, call the RI Division of Parks at 401-222-2632, or go online at www.riparks.com

Also, every Sunday, enjoy a scenic and interpretive journey aboard the 49-passenger Blackstone Valley Explorer riverboat.

Tour along a hidden stretch of the Blackstone River in a densely urbanized area featuring amazing nature and wildlife.

Cruises depart hourly at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm from Central Falls Landing, at the corner Broad Street & Madeira Avenue, Central Falls, RI.

Tickets for tours are $10/adults and $8/seniors and children. For tour information call 401-724-2200 or see the website at www.rivertourblackstone.com

Office Hours Cancelled for Full Formal Session

Representative Bill Bowles and Representative Betty Poirier will not hold their regular hours this Friday July 30^th due to the House of Representatives schedule Please contact Representative Bill Bowles at (617) 722- 2400 or via email at bill.bowles@state.ma.us. Representative Poirier can be reached at (617)722-2100 or via email at elizabeth.poirier@state.ma.us.

If you’d like more information on this topic or an interview, please contact the office of State Representative Bill Bowles by calling 617-722-2425 or emailing bill.bowles@state.ma.us

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY SEEKS ITS NEXT TINY TIM!
ANNOUNCING OPEN CHILD ACTOR CALL  

Trinity Repertory Company will be holding an open call for child actors on Saturday, September 18, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cardi’s Furniture Superstore (Route 1A, South Attleboro, MA) for its 34^th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, directed by Michael Perlman.

Children ages 8-12 are welcome to audition, although children who turn 13 before December 31, 2010, are not eligible. No appointment is necessary for the auditions. For directions, please visit www.cardis.com.

Before arriving at the audition, all children and parents should visit Trinity Rep’s website at www.trinityrep.com to download the Audition Packet, comprised of the Audition Fact Sheet and Child Actor Audition Info, which includes information about rehearsal schedules and requirements, and the Audition Script.

All who audition should be ready to sing 30 seconds of their favorite holiday song to be sung without accompaniment. Children must also be prepared to read the audition scene. Rehearsals for the child actors will begin the week of October 27^th. Performances of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming, presented by Cardi’s Furniture Superstores, run November 18 to December 31 at Trinity Rep.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Silver Alert Legislation Passes Senate  

BOSTON, MA – Senator Jim Timilty (D-Walpole), co-sponsor of the Silver Alert Program legislation, is pleased to announce that the bill was passed to be engrossed unanimously today. 

“I was very glad to see that such important legislation was passed today in the Senate, said Timilty.  “This is an important piece for the safety of many of our seniors who live with Alzheimer’s and dementia.” 

Wandering is the most prevalent and life threatening behavior associated with Alzheimer’s.  The Silver Alert Program aims to protect people with Alzheimer’s by teaching best practices to emergency personnel and ensuring that public safety officials are prepared to coordinate a police response and subsequent search and rescue procedure if someone with Alzheimer’s is missing in your city or town.

Some of Timilty’s colleagues discussed situations in their districts where the lack of an organized network had resulted in tragedy.  “The incident this April in my district of Holbrook where an elderly man became disoriented and was found dead days later less than two miles

from his home highlights the need for the Silver Alert system and the tools it will offer public safety personnel in these critical incidents,” said Senator Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy).

The Silver Alert system will operate similar to the Amber Alert system, which facilitates the search and rescue procedure for missing children.  Massachusetts is the 27^th state to pass legislation that prepares public safety officials to deal with missing elders with Alzheimer’s.

DARTMOUTH – Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Antonio P. Castro Aranda of the PAIR (Political Asylum Immigration Representation) Project for his assistance to the BCSO Immigration Detention Program.

Mr. Aranda along with Ms. Jennifer Ihns Charles facilitated the translation of a newly developed Orientation Video for Immigration Detainees from English into Portuguese and Spanish. The PAIR Project consists of a group of volunteer attorneys that offer Pro Bono legal assistance to Immigration Detainees.