First Beach Cleaup Sept. 19

September 19th is the International Coastal Cleanup, this is run by the Ocean Conservancy Group and hosted in Rhode Island by the Audubon Society and Clean Ocean Access is proud to lead the efforts at Easton’s Beach for the 4th year in a row, it is also the start of the 4th year of Clean Ocean Access, so we look forward to everyone getting involved!

The beach cleanup starts at 9 AM and finishes at 11 AM, parking is in the west-lot.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own gloves, we’ll provide the rest.

This is a rain or shine event, unless we have a hurricane!

Please let me know if you can make the event and how many people are attending and also include your t-shirt size (Adult, S, M, L, XL, XXL).

For more information about the Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup, check out this link:

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=icc_home

For more information about Clean Ocean Access, check out this link:

http://members.cox.net/cleanoceanaccess/

First (Easton's Beach) Beach

My new friend Barry Botelho, owner of the beach food concession stand & the subject of a NDN story (sorry, can't link), sent me some pics of the new prototypes thresher, or is it called a harvester?

I haven't yet seen it actually harvesting, but may be I'll be able to get some video up soon. It certainly makes for a BIG improvement beachwise which I pointed out to Rep. Kennedy when he was here. All that smelly, yucky seaweed which used to accumulate beachront is gone! Along with the smell & flies, bugs, etc. Yahoo! I've been here close to 40 years & it's NEVER been better. Now, if the sun would just shine, shine, shine. Thank god for "tan in a can," the only way a nice Irish girl like me is ever going to tan. The Portuguese part just does me NO GOOD whatsover.

Remember, the beach is still open with food, rides, etc. Myself, I'm partial to the lobster rolls. You can also check out the beach cams. http://www.eastonsbeach.com/ With no closings this year (maybe only one at Atlantic Beach?), it's cleaner than ever there. Now if we could just say the same about the Third Beach area...

Yesterday, I had a tourist laughing at me during my walk. I had on my full length raincoat with the hood up, heavy jeans, & sneakers with socks. Heck, it was in the low 60's, windy, & rainy, and I was in a BAD mood. He looked at me & shoulted, "You look like you're dressed for winter!" Yes, and the problem with that is ???? it's July & FEELS like it. LOL!

Thanks to Barry for the pics. I meet such neat people on the web!

New Stuff

I'm trying to keep up with an event calendar of local doings either for zilch $ or that I like. If you have anything, feel free to send.

I am rightly reminded that whenever it's not a beachy day, the concession stands remain open. Fortunately, a lot of the pollution problems seems to have cleared up with Middletown's sewer work & so this now seems to have little effect here. Yeah!!!

Sometimes I go to First Beach just for a quiet lunch with a lobster roll, few people around, & a gorgeous view- even with the fog/mist. Then maybe a walk. Hopefully, the new thresher will achieve its goal of less of that yucky & stinky red seaweed on First Beach. Just the few times that it has been operational, I've noticed a BIG difference.

Free at First Beach

New for the Summer of 2009- Night time family fun at the Beach beginning July 6

Monday nights- Discount Night- 1/2 price carousel rides, $ 1.00 off admission to the Beach Bounce, 10% off all Easton's Beach clothing and beach accessories at Rosie's beach store, free ice cream for kids 8 and under, 1/2 price pop corn and more.

Tuesday Nights- Family Night- Enjoy a wonderful variety of concert entertainment sponsored by The Newport Recreation Department

Wednesday Nights- Beach Idol Karaoke Night- For Kids 12 and under- Fun competition and applause only- open parents' mic to conclude the evenings

Thursdays- Children's entertainment-Singers, Jugglers, magic and more

Here is their calendar.

Remember, if we get more than an inch of rain, it will be closed due to pollution. No, they haven't yet fixed that problem. But the good news is that with the new thresher, the seaweed problem definitely seems better.

Down (but not out) at First Beach Update

**UPDATE** My new friend, Barry, sent me the lowdown on First Beach. The new harvester should be up & running next week. It was working fine ... until it wasn't. I would imagine there is a learning curve here for the operator(s).

He uses real butter, fresh lettuce, & Hellman's mayo for the twin lobster rolls. "Broadwalk" fries which are twice the cost of regular ones, but "worth it," are used. Portion size has been increased rather than profit now that the lobster costs have decreased. He uses frozen lobster. I didn't even realize that they froze lobster. I thought that it was only canned. They are super and I am fussy about these as I so seldom have one. Eat one & save the other for later. Or better yet- bring a friend! Buy local! Pray for sun & warm weather, too! ***


More correctly, I suppose it's Easton's Beach. I've been eagerly awaiting the new thresher which is supposed to control or eliminate the awful red seaweed there. Yuck! Unfortunately, I understand that the first time out it blew one of its balloon tires- not an auspicious sign. So no-go for awhile, but who swims now anyway besides the polar bears? On this promise of reduced seaweed, I am purcashing a beach sticker.

I love this beach! Close to me, picturesque, good parking, a nice walkway, & just downright pretty. If you have never tried the snackbar- do! Get the twin lobster rolls with fries. What a deal for $11 when compared to the current fresh market price of $24 for one elsewhere! Now I'm assuming it's canned lobster, but still -darn good with large chunks, a light mayo, & lettuce. It doesn't overflow so you can actually hold it in your hand while eating. Sitting at the beach in the sunlight while deliciously warm and eating lobster. Life is good.

You can always get a deal by parking, paying the fee, getting your snackbar recipe, & then being reimbused everything but $2. Same deal with the carousel. Sounds like a plan to me. Let's be honest here. Riding the carousel is fun at any age.

Their website also has two good webcams of the beach.

Middletown Council & Harbormaster

In Mon. Council meeting, resident Art Benner spoke to the harbor ordinance. I mistakingly thought that it called for an increase in various costs to the public, but actually it was calling for a $25 fee to tie up to the town's 5 new public moorings at Third Beach. Hey, Mrs. Know-It-All doesn't know EVERYTHING.


Art brings up several valid points- mainly concerning the Harbormaster (Steve Ponte). This summer job is 5 days/wk.- no weekends when it's the busiest.

There are 70 moorings which bring in $100/yr. There is a waiting list of appx. 10 yrs. People often sublease these moorings. Now before a harbormaster, this was all income. Even with the pumping fees which the Harbormaster manages, thuis program falls short of $.

So why have a Harbormaster at all is Benner's valid question. The loss of this job would cost elem. Principal Ponte no severe hardship and all the other members of his family are town employees. We would then regain an income from Third Beach.

I've been at Second & Third Beaches where there were FIVE cop cars present. FIVE. And on more than one occasion. When there is a problem at the beaches who handles the problems- lifeguards & police. I'm wondering if at some point this job was originally funded through fed'l funding for homeland security. Well, it ain't now.

So here are Art's thoughts.

And a big thanks to John McDaid at Hard Deadlines who explained to me how to get video off the t.v. & my son who helped me with the finer points. I'm still working out kinks, but it's still pretty neat overall, I think.

Middletown Council Meets

It was quiet & short- for me not the Council. They met before for a budget workshop & after for negotiations with the Police Dept. Lucky me.

State Rep. Ruggiero gave a lege update. Funny, with new Rep./Sen., they do that now. She is focusing on the tax exemption for sr. (I think that will be a local vote) & the charter changes. She is opposed to DOT taking over local bridges, favors net metering. She said that the biggest issues facing the lege are pension reform & local revenue sharing. She shes herself as an "extension to your team [Council]." Finally, someone who gets it.

The wind turbine ordinance is still being worked on & so was cont'd. 3 testified as to the need to slow traffic on Forest Ave. with a "Stop" sign- Bill Medeiros, Bruce Ryerson, Bruce Long. This now gets sent to the police for a review/study.

An interesting discussion took place during the ordinance to raise harbor fees. Art Benner addressed the need for a Harbor Master. While the Town Admin. "Wuite Man" Brown said that this job is self-sustaining (I think, I couldn't hear him will), Benner pointed out that these moorings at Third Beach used to bring in income (what an idea!). 70 mooring at $100/each. There is a 10 yr. waiting list & owners often sublet them. Brown also said that the town provides pumping services for a few. Benner also reminded everyone that no one is there on weekends when there is the most boat traffic.

Benner brought up some valid points. We could provide zilch & make bucks. Eliminating this summer job would cause little hardship to locals. Steve Ponte, current harbor master, is also an elem. principal. In point of fact, every member of his family is town employed. I'm with Benner on this one.

I've been at Second/Third Beach when 5 police cars have been present. Really. 5. On more than one occasion. All on break? The ordinance will be read again next time & voted on.

That's about it. You can always check out the agenda for specific info. Everything passed.

I'll try & post up some more video- maybe tomorrow if my efforts suceed.

Middletown Summer Beach Jobs

I never rec'd a response from the town regarding these summer jobs. For months I've been watching the "Employment" section on their website, even reading Twitter. Nothing. I received info from a Councilor that they advertised in the daily rag. Anyone see it?

Thanks for nothing. Kind of makes you think that the fix is in, doesn't it? So my best advice is- apply whenever. They are not referred to as the "Middletown Scholarship" for nothing. A big thumbs down for this procedure fto the town & the Beach Commission.

Here Comes the Sun!

What's that big golden glow in the sky? I can actually see birds AND planes. The fog & dark sky has FINALLY lifted. It STOPPED raining. Talk about depressing weather. But wait! It's coming back tomorrow. Lucky us. No duckies have showed up in my backyard pond/depression. No ibis' wandering around either. What's up?

I gotta go enjoy while I can. Maybe today is a bike ride. At least a walk.

On Sat. there is a town budget hearing from 9-2. You can also buy beach passes at the Second Beach gazebo on Sat. & Sun. from 9-3 How come I haven't seen any postings for beach jobs on the town's site??? I've been watching for a LONG time. Nothing on their Twitter site either. I asked & am eagerly awaiting.

Carnival at First Beach

It will be here throughout the weekend. Sat. a.am. is the Soapbox Derby, all brought to you by the Newport Lions Club. Not nearly as much fun as the old Gaslight events they used to hold (gambling PLUS a show), but, it's what we've got now.

Surf's Up, Dude!

It's nice to see them out. Although there was surf yesterday, no one was out. Maybe due to the very high winds? Many were at First Beach with a handful at Second. I can't wait for that new machine at First (Easton's) which is supposed to eliminate the seaweed!

Easton's Point Beach Cleanup

Join Clean Ocean Access on Sat., April 11th at Easton Point at the Tuckerman Right of Way. Look for the Clean Ocean Access & CRMC signage.

Second Beach- Handcuffed!

***I'm updating because I forgot to mention the two Councilors who spoke in opposition to the new ordinance. It's difficult being in the minority. They were Councilors VonVillas & Sylvia with Councilor Silveira (also on record as being opposed) being absent. Is this new ordinance a slam dunk? I'm afraid that it is unless people speak up! With such an ordinance, making ANY changes- like adding bathrooms or a new beach pavilion, could well be adios. All this other crap that's being thrown in is just that- it's supposed to make you afraid very afraid. After all, it's certainly worked before. Don't kid yourself- you ARE in control. All this does is take a good bit of that away. Why give up any rights at the beach at all?

Here is the Daily News' take on the attempt by the Council to encumber this area with a new ordinace. "During Monday’s meeting, most on the council agreed that people should have a chance to speak on any major changes, but Miller warned that the more restrictive an ordinance, the more likelihood there would be of unintended consequences." (NDN) You should listen to your lawyer.

This translates as legal-eagle talk for: you might want it to say & mean this, but who knows? What it actually comes down to is this: some of you blooming idiots out there (and you know who you are), might not have a lick of sense when you elect a future Council. So we'll fix that! Encumbering this property when you don't have to is ridiculous. It's like tying your hands because they might do something in the future that you don't like. They might concentrate instead on cleaning up the one beach area we already do have & are having problems with. They might want to consider how local gov't will run with ever-decreasing funding. They might want to- THINK!

Help Keep Clean Beaches

Clean Ocean Access 2009 Water Testing Program: Volunteers needed! Here is a summary of what we do, pay close attention to slide #7 “Scheduling methodology” as that is the level of commitment needed to make this a success. It's easy!
http://members.cox.net/coa_water/2008_water_testing_procedure_and_guidelines.pdf

2009 Public Access Program: We need your help with this program this year. 2 times per month we need someone to perform a survey at Tuckermans and Ruggles and update a simple one page document. Then, 4 times a year we need someone to write a simple report summarizing the status. This is a great way to get involved with the CRMC “adopt a right of right of way” program and your effort becomes the catalyst towards our next step of goals. Come to the meeting on the 21st to learn more about our future goals.

January 10th 10 AM-Noon: Coastal Cleanup #1 at Third Beach in Middletown RI. If you would like to help with the management/logistics of the cleanups just send us an email or contact us at the next cleanup and we can get you involved with a leadership role for the coastal cleanup program.

January 21st 7 PM-8:30 monthly meeting at Newport Library. Show up and share ideas. To be a member in COA, you just need to show up.

January 24th 7 PM-1 AM: 3rd Annual Slideshow and fundraiser at Easton’s Point Pub, Middletown, RI. Tickets are 10 dollars. This year we have 4 bands, 1 DJ, at least 7 Photographers and surf merchandise from over 11 companies including surfboard, wetsuit, clothing, sunglasses and other great stuff! ~ Tickets go on sale at Easton’s Point on January 7th. Get your ticket now, the show has sold out well in advance of the date for the past 2 years and turning down people at the door is never fun.

New Year's Plunge at First Beach

Check out: http://www.newportpolarbears.bravehost.com/

Click here fand here for webcam views.

Nothing to do every Sunday around noon? Want to meet a fun group of people? High tolerance for pain? Interested in raising funds for charity? Boy, have I got a group for you!


This used to be a small, local community event on every New Year's Day. Not so any longer! Come early for parking on New Year's Day. BTW, I test the water weekly. Don't buy the 47 degree water temp. that they mention below Think around 40! So come already!!! It's a hoot! And have some $ in your pocket if you please.

THE NEWPORT POLAR BEARS
Easton's Beach
Newport, Rhode Island

Sunday's Newport Beach Weather Report
Beach report --December 14, 2008
Air temp 34 Water temp 47
Beach closed - no swimming per city of newport
Everyone's welcome to join us at - Easton's Beach - Newport

Come on in! The water is great this time of year - -Join us any Sunday at noon, show up with your bathing suit and towel and let's go for a swim!

2009 NEW YEARS DAY SWIM
This Year Will Benefit Ellary Rose Kinnane. Ellary is one year old and has been diagnosed with a 1 one in 50,000 births neuromuscular disorder. Please read the full story here Ellary bio


"A WISH COME TRUE"
Your contributions will help a child's wish TAKE OFF!!!! All Donations go to; A Wish Come True, Inc. 1010 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-781-9199

email awish@awishcometrue.org Web http://www.awish.org/

A Special Thanks To Roz Rustigian for Rustigian Rugs generous donation of extremely beautiful rugs and a beautiful ships pillow to the RAFFLE at the Atlantic Beach Club

The Newport Polar Bears (a rather loose knit group) are winter (brrrr) swimmers at Easton's Beach in Newport, RI. Every Sunday, at NOON sharp, there are anywhere from 4 to 12 of us nuts that go for a dip into the Atlantic Ocean.

Come join us, because no matter what the weather, we still go for a swim. Now you may ask, is it cold, let me tell you, there have been some bad days!

But right now some of the nicest swimming water is available. So you couch potatoes, male or female, get up, grab your bathing suit and a towel; (no wet suits allowed).

Try something really different, come on down to Easton's Beach in Newport and jump in the ocean. We do have a place to change......

e-mail for more info: cwwright@cox.net

Local News & Happenings

Sorry for the lack of postings recently. I travelled to Missouri (heart of the Bible belt), found out why I always have such a pain -in-the-neck (no, it's not my sons or husband, but rather arthritis)), knit 2 scarves, & am preparing for Thanksgiving. Once again my NEW laptop is in the shop (#3).

Turkeys for sale (no, I'm not talking about our local politicans): Check out Simmons Farm at $4.89/lb. They led short but happy lives there. E-mail Karla with requested size at simmonsfarm@cox.net or call 848-9910 soon!!! Pick-up is next Mon. afternoon.

Cookie Exchange this Sun. afternoon at Middletown Public Library at 3. Bring cookies that you want to exchange. I'll never forget the yr. I participated in one of these at school & had to make 12 dozen cookies in a galley kitchen with a toddler underfoot while working full-time. E-mail your RSVP to dmmhl@aol.com. Requested but not required. I need to look up that no-bake recipe...

Easton's Beach water temp is 44.5. It dropped 10 points from last week! It's light when I go test it with my partner around 6:15 AM, but just barely. When it's dark we have to keep our headlights on.

So much news (little of it good) and so little time. So respond with topics that you are interested in. And pray for my laptop. Praise Jesus! (oops- left over from my Bible Belt travels).

Beach Clean-Ups- Sept. 20

The ICC program is a worldwide event and Audubon Society sponsors the event in Rhode Island. The slogan for the event is “Keep the Sea Free of Debris.” Recently, an Osprey added a piece of plastic to their nest and the entanglement resulted in the death of one of the young birds.




So pick-a-beach. Contact them by Sept. 1 & you'll likely receive a t-shirt. SO fashion-forward.


Nine a.m. till Noon on Sat., Sept. 20.



Newport: First Beach- COA'S Dave McLaughlin

Ft. Adams- Red Godin, 413-6090

King's Beach- Tom Freeman- 848-7619

Rose Island- Reada Evans- 847-4242


Middletown

Second Beach- Liz Abramek, 654-9640

Sachuest Point- Gary Paquette

Third Beach- Catherine Arning, 846-2577


Tiverton

Grinnell's Beach/Fogland Point- Diane Sunderland- 624-8207


Little Compton

Little Compton's town shoreline in various locations Sandra Farr, 635-8640



There are more locations, but I tire of typing (Jamestown, Prudence Is., Portsmouth). For more info call the main sponsor, the Audubon Soc. at 949-5454 or Fri.'s NDN.

Fun at First Beach

The "Newport Daily News" in an article by Jim Gillis posted the event schedule. I love these things! Take your kids & go with pizza or subs & chairs. As adults take your chairs & whatever. The snack bar is usually often- love those lobster rolls (double for ? $12). Here goes:

All shows begin at 6 p.m. Parking is free after 5 p.m. In the event of rain, shows will be rescheduled; to check, call 845-5810 after 4 p.m.

Family Night concert series- July 8: The John Moitoza Band, sponsored by former Mayor Charles Hambly.
- July 15: Abbey Rhode, sponsored in memory of Angela Pedorella Regine.
- July 22: Lois Vaughan Jazz Quintet, sponsored by Newport Hospital.
- July 29: Larry Brown’s Swinglane, sponsored in honor of the McLoones and “all of our cousins.”
- Aug. 5: Avenue A, sponsored by Sardella’s Restaurant. - Aug. 12: Bandstand Revue, sponsored by Bernard and Doris Nemtzow.
- Aug. 19: The Black Tie Band with Nancy Paolino, sponsored by the Dewey-Desrosiers Family.

Children’s Night series Sponsored by Bank Newport and co-sponsored by the Newport Yachting Center.- July 10: Wayne From Maine.
- July 17: Vic and Sticks Storytime Band (co-sponsored in honor of the McLoones and “all of our cousins”).
- July 24: Jay Mankita.
- July 31: Tommy James.
- Aug. 7: Toe Jam Puppet Band.
- Aug. 14: T-Bone.

It's a Beach Week!

Temp checked out this AM at close to70 degrees! It doesn't get much warmer than that. It must be a surge from the jet stream.

Could be good surfe late, but not now. It's also quite foggy- you can hear the ocean but it was difficult to spot. Some seaweed- depends where you are on the beach.

Both Easton's & Atlantic Beach (Middletown side) are open!

The testing is done by Clean Ocean Acess on a weekly basis. I missed their recent picnic- darn!

Beach Bond- No; Open Space- Yes

Projo's busy little beaver, Meaghan Wims, sucessfully squeezed yet another story out of Middletown's Mon. Council meeting. This one concerned the Council's refusal to place a 5 mil beach bond request on the ballot. Meanwhile the Newport Daily News gives us "killer" bus stories.

I was rather surprised by the vote myself. The three "Nay" voters (DiPalma, Silveira, & Sylvia) seemed not so concerned on the need for a new beach pavilion, but rather by the indebtedness the town would incur. They indicated that after the previous school budget hearing with complaints by every speaker over the more than $100,000 slash, it was hard to say "yes" to this but "no" to the schools (see previous posting on Council meeting). Point well taken.

I like placing bond requests up for a public vote- all of them. The plan was to build a building similar to Newport's. It would also have a multi-purpose room available for community use and/or rental. I hope that they will stick with it & give it a try next time around. The key is to garnering public support & lots of persistence.

However, the Open Space bond (a mil) rec'd a go. It could be because the later brought signs- really good ones! Large cows playing soccer with "Support Open Space" on them. If someone has a pic, please send!