Recognizing that Rocky Point is still an “al-luring” place for many Rhode Islanders, the Rocky Point Foundation, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and elected officials will be fishing for ideas as the state works to revitalize the former amusement park property.

WHO: Rocky Point Foundation and Saltwater Anglers Association members, DEM Director Janet Coit, members of the general public

WHAT: A “casting for ideas” event to begin discussions about possible future uses for Rocky Point property

WHEN and WHERE: Saturday at noon at Rocky Point in front of the former site of the saltwater pool

PHOTO OPPORTUNIITES: Rhode Islanders of all ages and special guests will cast fishing rods for a number of items tethered offshore to floating plastic bottles. As items are reeled in, participants will be asked to share thoughts for the park, using the items, such as a running shoe, lobster cutout, walking stick, cut as a jumping-off point for discussion of future park uses.
The Rocky Point Foundation mascot, Rocky Lobsta’, will also be making an appearance.

Saturday’s event is meant to get people thinking about possible uses for the 82 acres that the state recently acquired.

It’s also meant to bring attention to a public workshop that will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. The meeting, meant to solicit ideas for the property, is hosted by the Rocky Point Foundation with the approval of the state Department of Environmental Management, which will receive a report on the Foundation’s findings. Additional workshops may be held at locations throughout the state depending on interest.

For more information about the May 7 workshop, please call John Howell at 732-3100.

Many city employees take part in “Casual Fridays,” which raise funds for charitable causes. On Friday, casual day will also be “Denim Day,” as the city takes part in an international campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault, Mayor Scott Avedisian said. Flyers will be posted in departments to explain Denim Day to the public, he said.

This will be the second annual Rhode Island Denim Day, sponsored and promoted by Day One, an agency providing services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes and educating the public throughout the state. Among their numerous services is a 24-hour victims of crime helpline, which is 1-800-494-8100. The city also took part in last year’s event.

Mayor Scott Avedisian and Colonel Stephen McCartney are encouraging residents who have expired and/or unwanted prescription medications to take advantage of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 27. The Warwick Police Department will join more than two dozen other law enforcement agencies throughout the state for this initiative. 

Residents are encouraged to bring prescription drugs to Police headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive in Apponaug, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Officers will ensure that the medications are disposed of properly.

NATIONAL GRID REMINDS NEW ENGLAND CUSTOMERS OF PAYMENT SCAM

Customer Phone Payments Are Accepted, But Never Demanded

WALTHAM. Mass. -- National Grid again is reminding its customers of a nationwide utility bill scam.  National Grid electric customers have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to work for National Grid.  These scammers demand payment, through a pre-paid card, on past due balances for electric accounts and threaten customers that their service will immediately be shut-off for non-payment.  In some cases the caller also tells the customer that they may have a faulty meter that is dangerous and in need of replacing for a substantial fee.  The electric meter is the property of National Grid. Customers are not responsible for meter replacement costs. Callers are then directed to purchase a pre-paid card to make an immediate payment in order to keep their power on.

National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but never demands direct payment over the telephone.  If customers wish, they can arrange for a payment by check, credit card or debit card if they speak directly to a customer service representative.  Payment can also be made by credit card or debit card without a representative’s assistance.  Customers who have received calls demanding immediate payment through a pre-paid card or who may have been given fraudulent phone numbers for National Grid should make note of the company’s published customer service number.  To verify information and for any billing-related questions in New England, customers should call National Grid’s Customer Contact Center at
1-800-322-3223.  

In recognition of activities around the world that will mark the 43rd annual Earth Day celebration, Mayor Scott Avedisian has signed a proclamation declaring April 22 as Earth Day in the City of Warwick, and is encouraging residents and businesses to take part in local events.

The proclamation recognizes that the global community faces extraordinary challenges, such as health issues, food and water shortages and economic struggles, and that all people have a “right to a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth.” It also encourages residents, businesses and institutions to use the day to “commit to building a sustainable and green economy.”

CRANSTON/WARWICK LINE – It’s not unusual to hear of a little rivalry between Rhode Island’s municipalities, but Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung will be taking their fight to the street – literally – tomorrow morning.

At the word of Pawtuxet Rangers Colonel Ron Barnes, the two mayors, yielding their weapons, will walk several paces, turn, and face off in a duel.

Mayor Scott Avedisian will join Fire Chief Edmund Armstrong, the Board of Public Safety and other department officials at a ceremony Thursday night to celebrate the graduation of Recruit Class 2012-2. The event begins at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 3275 Post Road.

Rangers learned by chance it was up for auction and worked quickly to secure its purchase

WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian, Pawtuxet Rangers Colonel Ron Barnes, and Janet Hartman, a Pawtuxet Village Association board member and associate member of the Rangers, will hold a press conference to announce a fundraising effort to pay for the preservation and display of a 236-year old copy of the Rangers’ Charter. The event will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Rangers’ Armory, 59 Remington Street.

The Rangers’ original Charter was issued in 1774; however, the Rangers have not owned anything dating to their Colonial existence. By chance, late last year they learned that a copy of the Charter, made by Company Clerk John Waterman, Jr., between 1777 and 1778, was to be auctioned by the Skinner Auction House in Boston.