Ruth Barge Thumbtzen of Newport and Donna M. Policastro of Providence have been selected to serve on the AARP Executive Council.  They succeed Ronald R. Turgeon of Newport and Gloria Williams of Providence who are tenuring off the Council board.

Ms. Thumbtzen retired from 30 years of teaching at Thompson Middle School in 2001 and has joined the staff of Salve Regina University as Community Service Liaison.  She is active in her city as a volunteer with the Newport Art Museum, Newport Public Schools, and Hammonds Scholarship Fund.

Mrs. Policastro is a Registered Nurse Practitioner and Executive Director of the R.I. State Nurses Association.  She serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Nurses Association and as Board Chair of the Central R.I. area Health Education Center.  She has a Gubernatorial appointment to the R.I.. Board of Nursing Education and Licensure.

"AARP is fortunate to have two more prominent and accomplished members of the community as Executive Council members" said State President, Anthony Regine.  "I look forward to working with them and the other members of the council."