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STORM PRECAUTION!

For people who use life-sustaining medical equipment or take life-sustaining medications, a power outage is a significant problem.

The predicted high winds and rains could cause a power outage.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) urge anyone with a disability, chronic condition, or special healthcare need(s) to enroll in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry.

This registry was created so that there is a reliable system for the identification of Rhode Islanders who require special assistance during emergencies.

Registration only takes a few minutes and can be done online, by mailing a completed registry form to RIEMA, or by phone. To register online or to download a registry form, visit www.health.ri.gov/emregistry. To register by phone, call 222-4616/RI Relay 711. The registration form is available in multiple languages and alternate formats. Information submitted to the registry will be shared with local and state emergency management and responders such as local town/city police or fire.

Family members or caregivers can submit information to the registry on behalf of someone else who is not able to do so independently. If there is more than one person in a household who has a disability, chronic condition or special healthcare need(s), each person should complete a separate registry form.

Upon enrollment in the registry, HEALTH will send a GO-KIT to the individual. This kit contains additional information to help people prepare for an emergency.

The Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is a joint effort of the RIEMA and HEALTH. For regularly updated information on hurricane preparations, visit www.riema.ri.gov
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August Update

Free! Celebrate urban agriculture w/self-tour of six Cmty Gardens 3-5 & potluck 5-7. Sat. Aug. 28. Food&music. www.southsideclt.org.
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If you or someone you know requires special assistance in a civil emergency, consider the Special Needs Emergency Registry.
 www.health.ri.gov/emregistry

September Events

Saturday 9/18 Westbay Yard Sale, Westbay Marketplace,8a.m.-2p.m.
           **Accepting donations Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 at Marketplace**

Annual International Coastal Cleanup
Saturday 9/25, Warwick City Park, 9am-12noon

Join RSVP Saturday, September 25 from 9-noon at Warwick City Park.
Westbay's RSVP team will meet at City Park in Warwick, September 25th at 8:45am. To sign up or obtain info, please call RSVP at Westbay Community Action, 732-4666
x152.
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April 16


FEMA Disaster News
NEW SITE FOR DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER 
IN WESTERLY ON FRIDAY

The federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Westerly Town Hall is relocating on Friday. Its new location will be:

South County Community Action Agency – Open April 16
34 Pond St.   Westerly, R.I. 02891

Hours at the new location will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

For more information
click here:



April 10

As cleanup operations begin, it's crucial the cleanup is done correctly.  Please read this guide.

Creating A Healthy Home
A FIELD GUIDE FOR CLEAN-UP OF FLOODED HOMES

April 7                                   

NEWS
Office of the Governor
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Donations Sought for Flood Recovery Efforts
Central Website Offers Opportunities to Donate or Volunteer

"The public are urged to go to
www.floodrecovery.ri.gov
 and follow the “Donate/Volunteer” link for specific donation information."
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April 2

Westbay Community Action Requests Donations for Flood Relief
Second phase of disaster relief moves into recovery assistance
                    Non-perishable foods, toiletries and gift cards sought

For the release, visit the media room www.westbaycap.org/news_media.asp
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March 23

Westbay Community Action Named a ‘Local Hero’ by Edible Rhody Magazine
2010 Reader’s Choice Local Hero Award as Non-Profit Organization
For the release, visit the media room
www.westbaycap.org/news_media.asp
For more information about the farm, visit the farm webpage
www.westbaycap.org/farmstand.asp
.
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March 2

Westbay Community Action Receives Department of Corrections Award
‘Friend of the Corrections Department Award’ Given to Probation Program Initiative
For the release, visit the media room.
For more information about the program, visit the Probation Program webpage.

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Feb. 26

Westbay Community Action Has Established the Trafalgar East Fire Fund
Relief Efforts Include Food & Clothing Drive

Monetary Donations 
Please make checks out to: Westbay Community Action.
In the memo section indicate: Trafalgar East Fire Fund.

Mail checks
Westbay Community Action Fire Fund
224 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886

Food Donations Drop off Center (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30)
Westbay Marketplace
211 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
we are no longer accepting clothes

_____________________________________________________________________________Feb. Feb.16

Congressman Langevin's Press Conference at Westbay
joined by Mayors Avedisian, Cicilline, Fung, Polisena to mark one year of Stimulus money

Jeanne Gattegno, executive director of Westbay Community Action also spoke about Westbay's adult education program and introduced Director Melanie LaMountain and GED graduates Stephen Westgate and Ian McQuesten.

The Buttonwoods Community Center is home to the Westbay Adult Education Academy. The academy, which is administered by Westbay Community Action Program, received $230,000 in Recovery Act funding. This infusion of funding created four full-time jobs and allowed the program to expand to better meet the community’s demand for GED classes, work readiness and college prep assistance.

See Westbay in the News page for coverage links.
   
More photos on Adult Ed webpage

The Congressman & Mayors listen to Jeanne's presentation                                                     
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Feb. 1 
Westbay Hires Steve Stycos 
to Manage Community Garden for 2010                           

Westbay Community Action enters 5th season growing food for low income residents

Steve Stycos worked previously at Zephyr Farm and has 18 years of experience organizing community activities, including Pawtuxet Village Farmers’ Market
• Westbay Community Action’s garden provides fresh produce for 3,000 Kent County households

For the release, visit the media room.
For more information about the farm, visit the farm webpage.

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Current Events


8/28 FREE Providence cmty garden tours 3-5 & pot luck 5-7.www.southsideclt.org.
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9/18 Westbay Yard Sale
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9/25, Warwick City Park
3rd Annual International Coastal Cleanup

Join RSVP Saturday, September 25 from 9-noon at Warwick City Park.

Westbay's RSVP team will meet at City Park in Warwick, September 25th at 8:45am.

To sign up or obtain info, please call RSVP at Westbay Community Action, 732-4666
x152.
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March 25
Second Annual Pasta Dinner Night
March 25, 5:30-7:30

Who doesn't enjoy a big Italian dinner, shared with family and friends?
Sharing a meal is a simple, yet important way for families, generations, and communities to stay connected. It's also a wonderful way to help us raise much needed funds to continue serving our neighbors in crisis.

Join us for a fun night of conversation over salad, pasta with meatballs, rolls, beverage and dessert - sprinkled with a surprise or two for the kids!

$10.00 adults, $8.00 seniors, children 5-12 $5.00. Children younger than 5 dine free.

Thursday, March 25, 2010
5:30-7:30
Knights of Columbus Hall
Corner of Sandy Lane and Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889

Dinner the way it was meant to be.


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Jan. 29
Rhode Island Housing Network
First Time House Buyer's Course
Free
six week course begins Wednesday, Feb. 17 
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Course will review credit reports, types of mortgages/financing, closing costs and other topics.


Registration Required
401-521-1461

When
February 17 and 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24

Where
224 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
 


Starting January 25, 2010
Free Tax Preparation for Taxpayers Who Qualify


The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
& Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs

Call for Appointment: 732-4666, select 5 RSVP, x 121


PAST NEWS & EVENTS
                            
December 21 & 22
Rotary International Donations

Warwick Rotary made it possible for 100 families to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner by donating 100 turkeys, while Westbay provided the trimmings, and East Greenwich Rotary donated boxes of oranges and grapefruits.

December 21, 2009
John Hancock 2nd Annual Cookie Contest
Raises $3,012 for Westbay
!



A small group of holiday bakers from the Warwick office of John Hancock Insurance Company, delighted discriminating judges, when they baked several dozen cookies for the annual cookie-tasting. Judges donated $25 or more, for a chance at guilt-free munching! Donations from the judges and other loyal cookie fans, were generously matched by John Hancock.

Last year’s Cookie Queen, Gail Trapp, retained her baking crown, as she was chosen 2009 Cookie Queen. This year's favorite cookie was her Black n' Tan Delight.

The fun and delicious contest raised $6,037.00, to be shared evenly between Westbay and House of Hope.


December 12, 2009                                                     
Annual Christmas Toy Drive

Westbay Community Action teamed up with long-term sponsor, Hasbro, to distribute dolls, games, action figures, and other toys to 1,200 families.  Hats and gloves were also given for each child. The hats were donated by The Providence Journal.
 
December 8, 2009

Rhode Island Foundation announces $450,000 emergency community grant



Daniel Kertzner, grant programs officer (in shirt and tie), with Jeanne Gattegno, president & CEO of Westbay Community Action Program (with scarf) and other members of the Westbay CAP staff 

More than 1,300 needy Rhode Island families will receive utilities and heating assistance. Nearly a thousand will receive emergency housing assistance and critical prescription assistance. And more than 250,000 pounds of food will be made available to the increasing number of Rhode Island families who must rely on emergency food pantries and soup kitchens. click here for info  

November 17, 2009
Pay fines at library with food donations

Do you have overdue books or fines on your library card? Since November is traditionally a month for giving, combine giving overdue books back to the library with making a food donation. From Sunday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 29, library patrons will be able to turn in overdue books and have the fines reduced or even eliminated with a food donation. With each donation of a non-perishable food item, fines will be reduced by $3. This is the first time the Warwick Public Library is providing a Food for Fines week.

All the food collected will be given to West Bay Community Action. The Circulation Department will be happy to answer any questions about the Food for Fines program at 739-5440, ext. 4. click here for info

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