www.aarp.org/taxaide

AARP-RI TAX-AIDE PROGRAM IS SOLICITING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MIDDLE AND LOW INCOME TAXPAYERS FILE THEIR PERSONAL INCOME TAX RETURNS IN 2009.   VOLUNTERS ARE TRAINED TO ASSIST FILING BASIC TAX FORMS AND SCHEDULES INCLUDING  THE 1040, 1040A AND 1040 EZ.  TAXPAYERS WITH COMPLEX TAX RETURNS ARE ADVISED TO SEEK PAID TAX ASSISTANCE.

AARP TAX-AIDE IS THE NATION'S LARGEST FREE, VOLUNTEER-RUN TAX COUNSELING AND PREPARATION SERVICE AVAILABLE TO TAXPAYERS WITH MIDDLE AND LOW INCOME WITH SEPCIAL ATTENTION TO THOSE AGE 60 AND OLDER.  THE VOLUNTEERS ARE TRAINED IN COOPERATION WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) TO HELP TAXPAYERS FILE THEIR FEDERAL , STATE AND LOCAL TAX RETURNS AT TAX SITES IN RHODE ISLAND FROM FEBRUARY 1 - APRIL 15.

INTERESTED?  CALL R.I. TAX-AIDE VOLUNTEER, REGGIE NARCISO@401.683.3996 OR E-MAIL rtnarciso@verizon.net.

  Artist Arnold Mesche presents in R.I. for first time

Presented in Rhode Island for the first time, the haunting operatic interiors and florid Floridian landscapes in Arnold Mesches’s work conjure the very human desire to sek refuge and, at the same time suggest the sometimes sinister forces conspiring to prevent one from securing that state of being. 

Mesches is a native new Yorker, now EIGHTY FIVE years of age who has lived and painted prolifically in New York, Los Angeles and now Florida. Selections from Mesches’s series of paintings, Coming Attractions will be on display in the Bannister Gallery at Rhode Island College.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see an incredible artist, actively engaged in his craft/

Pawtucket Arts Festival

2008 Schedule
of Events
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Friedrich Schiller’s Don Carlos, a new adaptation written and directed by Tony Estrella presented by the Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., 7 p.m. Special Sneak Preview for Pawtucket Arts Festival attendees. Come early – seating is limited! Tickets available only at noon on September 3 at Visitor Center, Pawtucket Library, Mayor’s Office in City Hall, and the Gamm Theatre. Donations gladly accepted at the door.
Thursday, Sept. 4
John Turco’s Comedy Clubhouse, free comedy show at Corinne’s Banquet Hall, 1593 Newport Ave., 9 p.m. Come early – seating is limited! Tickets available only at noon on September 4 at Visitor Center, Pawtucket Library and Mayor’s Office in City Hall. Show will feature local sensation and national headliner John Turco. Call 401-725-4260 for reservations. For more information: www.thecomedyclubhouse.com.
Friday, Sept. 5
Festival Gala - presented by Hope Artiste Village, RISCA, and the Providence Phoenix, Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Ave., 6–10:30 p.m. Showcasing a Taste of Pawtucket with food, desserts, and samplings from some of Pawtucket’s finest restaurants from 6-8 p.m. Admission: $10 in advance (July 31–August 31) or $15 at the gate. Kids under 10 free. Music by Slippery Sneakers and Buckwheat Zydeco Band www.buckwheatzydeco.com from 6–10 p.m. Fireworks display after music. Live broadcast of On the Town with WHJJ Radio Personality Bruce Newbury, from 6-7:00 p.m., at this event. Beverage sponsors: Abita Beer, Coastal Wine Trail, and Town Wine & Spirits. Cash Bar. Advance tickets available at www.ArtTixRi.com/401-621-6123 or Visitor Center, 175 Main St., 724-2200.
YMCA Family Fun Night - Visitor Center parking lot, 175 Main St., 6 p.m. Family activities, rock climbing wall, face painting, bouncing obstacle course. Disney movie at 8 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater. Admission: $10 in advance (July 31 - August 31) or $15 at the gate. Kids under 10 free. Advance tickets available at www.ArtTixRI.com/401-621-6123 or Visitor Center, 175 Main St., 724-2200.
Saturday, Sept. 6
RI Dragonboat Races and Taiwan Day Festival, presented by Bank of America, The Council for Cultural Affairs, TECO Boston, and WJAR NBC10, School Street Pier, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Teams (all skill levels) race all day. Chinese and Taiwan dance, Chinese Dumpling Eating Contest, martial art and traditional craft demonstrations. Food and beverage vendors on-site. Organized by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, 724-2200.
RI Antiques Mall, 345 Fountain St., 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Appraisal Day: Are Your Heirlooms Actually Treasures? $10 for 1 item or $25 for 3 items. No charge for spectators.
Mixed Magic Theatre, Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, Roosevelt Ave., 8 p.m. The Greatness of Gospel: A musical collection of popular songs from the gospel tradition. Directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. $5 donation.
Magnolia Cajun Band, LeFoyer Club, 151 Fountain St., 7:30–11 p.m. Dance lessons will be given at 7:30 p.m., and Magnolia will perform from 8–11 p.m. Admission $14. LeFoyer Club members $7.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Slater Mill Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival presented by Hope Artiste Village, Working Rhode Island, and Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Noon–5 p.m. Celebrate the experiences, histories, music, and art of the many cultures and communities that built and continue to build Rhode Island and the nation. Featuring music by Joyce Katzberg, Santa Mamba, and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Band. All Children’s Theater will perform its award-winning play, “Mill Girls.” Cultural dance, food, and fine craft.
Dance Rhode Island showcasing Rhode Island’s finest professional dancers: Jump!, Fusionworks, and Cadence Collaborative, The Arts Exchange, Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St., 1–3:30 p.m.
First Annual Antique & Classic Car Exhibit, presented by Apex At Home, Apex Tire and Service, J.T. Leddy Auto Top, and Hopedale Classic Auto Sales, Apex parking lot, Main St., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. DJ music by Big Daddy Kool.
RI Antiques Mall, 345 Fountain St., 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. Dealer Day featuring more than 200 dealers on site.
Mixed Magic Theatre, Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, Roosevelt Ave., 8 p.m. The Greatness of Gospel: A musical collection of popular songs from the gospel tradition. Directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. $5 donation.
An Afternoon of Music & Poetry featuring Sam Hill Quartet and Aurea, Pawtucket Congregational Church, 40 Walcott St., 4–6 p.m.
Walking Tour of Park Place & Church Hill Historic District, Preservation Society of Pawtucket, Noon. One-hour walking tour of current and future improvement projects. Tour departs from Visitor Center, 175 Main St.
Monday, Sept. 8
GI Joe & The Almighty Heros: An evening with creator Donald Levine, Visitor Center, 175 Main St., 7 p.m. Meet the creator of the toy action figure that put Pawtucket’s Hasbro Toy on the map. Exhibit: Sept. 8–27, Slater Mill Gallery, Visitor Center, 175 Main St., daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Pawtucket Nite Out presented by Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket. Annual parade from Tolman High School to Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Ave. Rock climbing, karaoke, Providence Roller Derby, and entertainment. 6–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Youth Art Exhibit & Awards, presented by Pawtucket Public Library, Summer St., 6:30–8:30 p.m. Pawtucket’s up-and-coming young artists
will be showcased at this juried exhibit. Pawtucket high school students will present works in a variety of media.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Pawtucket Arts Collaborative Annual Open Juried Exhibit, Reception Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m., PAC Gallery, Visitor Center, 175 Main St. Aug. 31–Oct. 25 open daily 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Pawtucket Gateway Design Competition, presented by The City of Pawtucket and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley Historic Heritage Corridor, 7 p.m., PAC Gallery, Visitor Center, 175 Main St. Award presentation to winners Nick Hollibaugh and Joshua Enck.
Friday, Sept. 12
Third Annual Hope Artiste Village Open House, 1005 Main St., 5 p.m.–midnight. Free food,
live music, and artists showcase.
Pawtucket Preservation Society celebrates its 30th year of “preserving the arts of our ancestors” at a 30th Anniversary Dinner, 6 p.m., To Kalon Club, 26 Main St. Public is invited. Reservations for the dinner are required. For more information, contact Paul Mowrey of the Society at 725-9581. Tickets are $75 per person.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Stone Soup Folk Fest presented by Cox Media, Schofield Printing, and Motif, Slater Memorial Park, 1–5 p.m. Featuring folk music by Barnacle, Stingy Brimm, and Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem.
Arts Fest 2008, Slater Memorial Park, 10 a.m.–
5 p.m. More than 70 artist booths. Raku firing & demonstrations by Dew Claw Studios. Glaze and fire a pre-made, pre-purchased bowl. Live demo
of flame-worked & blown-glass pendants by Dichroic Fusion.
RI Philharmonic Pops in the Park presented by The Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance, Slater Memorial Park, 5:30 p.m. RI Philharmonic’s last concert of the Summer Pops Series, with resident conductor Francisco Noya. Bring blankets and chairs! Fireworks following. Rain date Sept. 14. The Shanagans will perform at 4 p.m.
Day for Kids Festival & Battle of the Bands presented by Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, The Matlet Group, and The Times, One Moeller Place, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. An afternoon of fun activities including art exhibits, dance, and Battle of Bands. Friends of Pawtucket Public Library presents Greg Cooney and the YMCA will present a rock-climbing wall, bouncing obstacle course, and other fun activities. The Mix 98.5 FM Ice Cream Truck will be passing out free ice cream.
Third Annual Paint Rhode Island presented by RI Watercolor Society, Slater Memorial Park, 1–8 p.m. Showcases works by the area’s top watercolorists. Exhibit: Sept. 13–Oct. 2. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
1685 Daggett House, Slater Memorial Park, 3–
5 p.m. Open for tours prior to the RI Philharmonic’s Pops in the Park.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Stone Soup Folk Fest presented by Cox Media, Schofield Printing, and Motif, Slater Memorial Park, 1–5 p.m. Featuring music by The Low Anthem, Jim’s Big Ego, and Northern Lights.
Arts Fest 2008, Slater Memorial Park, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. More than 70 artist booths. Raku firing & demonstrations by Dew Claw Studios. Glaze and fire a pre-made, pre-purchased bowl. Live demo of flame-worked and blown-glass pendants by Dichroic Fusion.
Awards Ceremony for Winners of ‘Doorways & Gateways in Pawtucket,’ the 2008 ‘City in Focus’ Photo Contest. Presented by the City of Pawtucket and The Camera Werks, Visitor Center, 175 Main St., 2 p.m. Meet the judges. Mayor James E. Doyle will announce the winners.
Third Annual Paint Rhode Island presented by RI Watercolor Society, Slater Memorial Park, 1–5 p.m. Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony featuring paintings created by the area’s top watercolorists. Exhibit: Sept. 13–Oct. 2. Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Staged Reading of Screenplay Hiding Emily by Kristine Ochu. Presented by Pawtucket Scripts & The RI Film Collaborative – Visitor Center Theater, 175 Main St., 7 p.m. Admission $10, seniors $5, kids under 10 free.
Friday, Sept. 19
Performance by Greg Abate, nationally known jazz musician, The Blackstone, Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., 6:30–9:30 p.m. Admission $10. Cash bar. Advance tickets available at www.ArtTixRi.com/401-621-6123 or Visitor Center, 175 Main St., 724-2200.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Music and Art Start, presented by Pawtucket Day Child Development Center, 25 Thornley St., 11 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Hands-on art activities for kids. Brent Bachelder, guest artist and muralist, will present a free interactive art workshop. Call
722-7000 or visit www.pawtucketday.com.

The Rhode Island Health Information Exchange Bill (S2679/H7409) became law on July 10, 2008 without Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri's signature.  AARP-RI in partnerhship with the Rhode Island Quality Insitute, a collaboration of every constituency of health care leadership, as well as health insurance providers, consumers and the public , woked on co-drafting the legislation.  During the year-long process of preparing the legislation, input was received from collaborating agencies and members of the community.  The purpose statement of the Act states the new law is, among other things, "to establish safeguards and confidentiality protections for the Health Information Exchange and to improve the quality, safety and value of health care."  The act included provisions for participation, regulatory oversight, an advisory commission, disclosure and safeguards, among other aspects.  Laura Adams, CEO of the Quality Insitute noted that the provisions for safeguards to privacy will  increase the public confidence and encourage more people to participate.  One of the more controversial and labor intensive bills of the 2008 general Assembly, AARP State Director Kathleen Connell, a former R.N and prior R.I. state senator, prosented oral and written testimony in support of the bill at the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

  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."

-  Mt. Hope High School in Bristol will be honored with a $ 10,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Innovation announced today by AARP-RI state director, Kathleen Connell.    The award honors AARP founder and former high school principal, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and AARP’s 50^th anniversary, which is being celebrated in 2008.  Ann Gardella, AARP Executive Council member and past president of the Rhode Island Retired Teachers’ Association chairs the anniversary event.

After careful review of the entries received from across the state, the submission by Donald Rebello, principal of Mt. Hope High School for its Proficiency-Based Diploma program was selected to receive this first-ever award from AARP.  “We were delighted to receive so many outstanding entries from public high schools across our state,” said Kathleen Connell, “and Mt. Hope’s implementation of the new Mt. Hope High School Proficiency-Based Diploma program is a clear example of innovation that makes us proud of our public schools.”

Three years ago, Mt. Hope High school embarked on a mission to reinvent itself.  Plagued by years of sub-par performance on state assessments and a general lack of rigor and high expectations, the school community set forth a plan to redefine the way they educate their students.  The primary objective of the school was to move from a system of graduation relying on seat time to one based on demonstration of proficiency and the application of learning for all students. The implementation of the new Mt. Hope High School Proficiency-Based Diploma has revitalized the school, revolutionized the way student achievement is looked at and given meaning to the diploma.  Last year, 88% of the students were deemed proficient.  In 2002, Mt. Hope was near the bottom of the state in English Language Arts test scores.  Currently, they rank 4^th in reading and writing in all of Rhode Island.   In October 2007, Mt. Hope - a school placed on accreditation probation by the N.E. Association of Schools and colleges in the late 1990’s - was identified as one of sixteen model schools in New England.

AARP received assistance from the Rhode Island Retired Teachers’ Association in promoting the availability of the award to high school principals across the state.  Principals were asked to provide a 500-word description of a successful program or practice that demonstrated successful innovation in student achievement or contributed to an improved environment for students, the school or the community served by the school.

A selection panel composed of key AARP volunteers and retired educators screened and judged the entries.  The Ethel Percy Andrus for Innovation Award and $ 10,000 check from AARP will be presented in April.

AARP-RI supported Senate bill S2382, as amended, Monitoring the Occurrence of Hospital Acquired  Infections, a bill relating to health care quality, which passed the Senate recently.  Infections in hospitals is a growing and serious problem and "transparency" is encouraged to allow consumers to have the information they need to get the safest medical care possible.  The bill would add hospital-acquired infections to the list of those matters requiring reporting by hospitals in Rhode Island e.g., fires or internal disasters, poisoning involving patients of the facility, kidnapping and inpatient psychiartic and minor escapes, etc.

The bill requires that any reportable incident in a hospital relating to hospital-acquired infrctions must be reported within 72 hours of when the complications relating to the hospital-acquired infection occurred.  AARP-RI presented testimony in favor of the bill during committee hearings.

Rules and regulations regarding the porcess of reporting by health care professionals will be promulated by the Department of Health.  Members are asked to call their legislators to urge their support.

When passed, the act will take effect on January 1, 2009.

The economic stimulus tax form 1040A must be submitted to the IRS prior to October 15, 2008, not April 15.  There is adequate time for all to file.

You MUST file a tax return in order to receive your rebate check.  AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are availabe at sites around the state. Call 1-888-227-7669 to find a site near you.  Or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide

If you have income of $3,000 or more, you are entitled to the rebate. Your Social Security is considered income.