Common Ground January

20
PROVIDENCE – As the sun drenched attendees of Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s inauguration outside the Statehouse, the new chief executive of Rhode Island created a spirit of cooperation embraced by leaders of organized labor. In his inaugural address on Jan. 4, the former United States senator and first independent governor said, “I believe a second chance begins at this very moment…. not just for me, but for our wonderful state of Rhode Island and for each and every one of her citizens.” “A new era has dawned today; wouldn’t you say, Jim?” Maureen G. Martin, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO and director of political activities for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, said after Chafee’s speech. “It sure has,” agreed James P. Riley, secretary- treasurer of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 328. Labor, he said, is optimistic that Rhode Island’s 58th governor and his team will take a different direction then the Carcieri administration did for the past eight years. “Change is what we are looking for,” Riley said, “… I think he will listen to us. … I am already feeling that he wants to operate the governor’s office and state government with an open door policy.” Stan Israel, executive vice president of the New England Health Care Employees Union Local 1199, said unlike his predecessor Gov. Donald Carcieri, Chafee is a “compassionate politician that cares about people.” Israel called Carcieri a cut and slash governor who “gave his rich friends tax breaks.” He said labor and Chafee share many of the same values. According to Israel, development of the port of Providence, wind energy and the knowledge sector within the health care industry are some of the good opportunities the new administration has to stimulate job growth. Michael F. Sabitoni, president of Rhode Island Building Trades Local 271, said that while his union did not endorse Chafee, it will get behind the new governor to do whatever it can to assist with initiating an economic recovery. Chafee’s emphasis on infrastructure improvements “is paramount to attracting businesses” to the Ocean State, Sabitoni said, adding that “it means lots of jobs to the people we represent.” When there is high employment in the building trades, according to the union official, that “drives a lot other industries” and job creation is necessary for a robust economy. “We will do everything we can to help him succeed,” Sabitoni said, explaining labor leaders must seize the chance the governor has given them to work with government officials for change. “There is one universal solution to turning around the economy and that’s more employment opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.” The new governor pledged to devote “every ounce of energy” he has to boosting the economy, saying “I will not rest until we reclaim the promise that lay in the heart of our founder Roger Williams some 375 years ago.” “I ask all Rhode Islanders to join me in boldly reaffirming Roger Williams’ vision of a “civil state” Chafee Continued on page 2 866-53-SOBER (76237) www.TreatmentSolutionsNetwork.com R United Nurses & Allied Professionals Working to improve the lives of our members... and our patients. Join Rhode Island’s largest union of health care professionals. Call 831-3647 or email: [email protected]. For more info, go to www.unap.org. Ground JANUARY 2011 TM RHODE ISLAND FREE OFFER For Union Members! Are You About To Retire? Early Retirement Offer? Mention this ad to receive a FREE analysis of your early retirement package or of your current investment portfolio. We specialize in retirement planning and structuring income from your retirement plan or a lump sum payout from your employer. Jeffrey H Massey, CFP ® Certified Financial Planner And Radio Show Host Massey & Associates, Inc. Locations in Lincoln, East Greenwich & Middletown, RI 401-333-8000 www.JeffreyMassey.com Investment Advisory Services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser Labor leaders laud Governor Chafee’s approach to rebuilding state’s economy By Paul V. Palange Providing all students quality education is Number 1 priority for Frank Flynn By Paul V. Palange PROVIDENCE – One of the first items a visitor notices on the desk of Francis “Frank” J. Flynn is an oversized ceramic pencil and eraser with “Mr. Flynn” printed across the memento. Flynn, who taught for 34 years, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary special education and a master’s degree in special education, both from Rhode Island College. He and his wife, Sharon, who is a nurse at Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, are longtime West Warwick residents. They have three children: Daniel, 29; Sean, 27; and Kathryn, 24. Daniel is a nurse at Miriam Hospital, Providence; Kathryn is a first-grade teacher at the Gladstone Street School in Cranston; and Sean works in the financial sector with Natixis Global in Boston. Students at the May Westcott School in Cranston gave Flynn the ceramic piece more than 30 years ago, and he says it still has sentimental value. Flynn, 56, graduated from Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School but decided to forgo the priesthood and pursue a career teaching special education after volunteering as a teen at the Fogarty Center in North Providence. In addition, the career choice was in keeping with the values stressed by his Irish immigrant parents. They taught their children the importance of being kind and helping their neighbors. Flynn served as chair of the Cranston Teachers Alliance’s negotiating committee for 14 years. He was vice president of the union for three years and president of the local for seven years. The belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to make the world a better place is what motivated Flynn to be a union leader and become head of the state federation. Union work, he says, is “a great opportunity to help a lot of people in a lot of ways. Our mission is to help workers and their families and it is important work. We help people resolve personal crises, we offer support services and we assist young teachers to become better teachers through mentoring.” Flynn succeeds Marcia B. Reback as president of the federation. She retired in November after holding the position for 18 years, and earning a reputation as one of the state’s most effective labor leaders. “It is difficult to follow anyone who is legendary,” Flynn said of his predecessor. “Many of the rights that members of our federation have are directly attributable to her. She was an effective lobbyist.” Flynn Continued on page 2

description

Common ground is a newpaper for working families in Rhode Island

Transcript of Common Ground January

Page 1: Common Ground January

PROVIDENCE–AsthesundrenchedattendeesofGov.LincolnChafee’sinaugurationoutsidetheStatehouse,thenewchiefexecutiveofRhodeIslandcreatedaspiritofcooperationembracedbyleadersoforganizedlabor. InhisinauguraladdressonJan.4,theformerUnitedStatessenatorandfirstindependentgovernorsaid,“Ibelieveasecondchancebeginsatthisverymoment….notjustforme,butforourwonderfulstateofRhodeIslandandforeachandeveryoneofhercitizens.” “Anewerahasdawnedtoday;wouldn’tyousay,Jim?”MaureenG.Martin,secretary-treasureroftheAFL-CIOanddirectorofpoliticalactivitiesfortheRhodeIslandFederationofTeachersandHealthProfessionals,saidafterChafee’sspeech.

“Itsurehas,”agreedJamesP.Riley,secretary-treasureroftheUnitedFood&CommercialWorkersUnionLocal328.Labor,hesaid,isoptimisticthatRhodeIsland’s58thgovernorandhisteamwilltakeadifferentdirectionthentheCarcieriadministrationdidforthepasteightyears. “Changeiswhatwearelookingfor,”Rileysaid,“…Ithinkhewilllistentous.…Iamalreadyfeelingthathewantstooperatethegovernor’sofficeandstategovernmentwithanopendoorpolicy.” StanIsrael,executivevicepresidentoftheNewEnglandHealthCareEmployeesUnionLocal1199,saidunlikehispredecessorGov.DonaldCarcieri,Chafeeisa“compassionatepoliticianthatcaresaboutpeople.”IsraelcalledCarcieriacutandslashgovernorwho“gavehisrichfriendstaxbreaks.” HesaidlaborandChafeesharemanyofthesamevalues.AccordingtoIsrael,developmentoftheportofProvidence,windenergyandtheknowledgesectorwithinthehealthcareindustryaresomeofthegoodopportunitiesthenewadministrationhastostimulatejobgrowth. MichaelF.Sabitoni,presidentofRhodeIslandBuildingTradesLocal271,saidthatwhilehisuniondidnotendorseChafee,itwillgetbehind

thenewgovernortodowhateveritcantoassistwithinitiatinganeconomicrecovery. Chafee’semphasisoninfrastructureimprovements“isparamounttoattractingbusinesses”totheOceanState,Sabitonisaid,addingthat“itmeanslotsofjobstothepeoplewerepresent.” Whenthereishighemploymentinthebuildingtrades,accordingtotheunionofficial,that“drivesalototherindustries”andjobcreationisnecessaryforarobusteconomy. “Wewilldoeverythingwecantohelphimsucceed,”Sabitonisaid,explaininglaborleadersmustseizethechancethegovernorhasgiventhemtoworkwithgovernmentofficialsforchange.“Thereisoneuniversalsolutiontoturningaroundtheeconomyandthat’smoreemploymentopportunitiesforallRhodeIslanders.” Thenewgovernorpledgedtodevote“everyounceofenergy”hehastoboostingtheeconomy,saying“IwillnotrestuntilwereclaimthepromisethatlayintheheartofourfounderRogerWilliamssome375yearsago.” “IaskallRhodeIslanderstojoinmeinboldlyreaffirmingRogerWilliams’visionofa“civilstate”

Chafee Continued on page 2

Common

866-53-SOBER (76237) www.TreatmentSolutionsNetwork.com

Primary

Alternate Versions

R

R

R

Join Rhode Island’s largest union of health careprofessionals. Call 831-3674 or email: [email protected] more info, go to www.unap.org.

United Nurses &Allied Professionals

Working to improve thelives of our members...

and our patients.

Join Rhode Island’s largest union of health careprofessionals. Call 831-3647 or email: [email protected]. For more info, go to www.unap.org.

GroundJANUARY 2011

TM

RHODE ISLAND

FREE OFFER For Union Members! Are You About To Retire? Early Retirement Offer?

Mention this ad to receive a FREE

analysis of your early retirement package

or of your current investment portfolio.

Wespecializeinretirementplanningandstructuringincomefromyourretirementplanoralumpsumpayoutfromyouremployer.

Jeffrey H Massey, CFP®

CertifiedFinancialPlanner™

AndRadioShowHostMassey&Associates,Inc.LocationsinLincoln,EastGreenwich&Middletown,RI

401-333-8000

www.JeffreyMassey.com

InvestmentAdvisoryServicesofferedthroughGlobalFinancialPrivateCapital,LLC,anSECRegisteredInvestmentAdviser

Labor leaders laud Governor Chafee’s approach to rebuilding state’s economyBy Paul V. Palange

Providing all students quality education is Number 1 priority for Frank FlynnBy Paul V. Palange

PROVIDENCE–OneofthefirstitemsavisitornoticesonthedeskofFrancis“Frank”J.Flynnisanoversizedceramicpencilanderaserwith“Mr.Flynn”printedacrossthememento. Flynn,whotaughtfor34years,hasa

bachelor’sdegreeinelementaryspecialeducationandamaster’sdegreeinspecialeducation,bothfromRhodeIslandCollege.Heandhiswife,Sharon,whoisanurseatKentCountyMemorialHospitalinWarwick,arelongtimeWestWarwickresidents.Theyhavethreechildren:Daniel,29;Sean,27;andKathryn,24.DanielisanurseatMiriamHospital,Providence;Kathrynisafirst-gradeteacheratthe

GladstoneStreetSchoolinCranston;andSeanworksinthefinancialsectorwithNatixisGlobalinBoston. StudentsattheMayWestcottSchoolinCranstongaveFlynntheceramicpiecemorethan30yearsago,andhesaysitstillhassentimentalvalue. Flynn,56,graduatedfromOurLadyofProvidenceSeminaryHighSchoolbutdecidedtoforgothepriesthoodandpursueacareerteachingspecialeducationaftervolunteeringasateenattheFogartyCenterinNorthProvidence.Inaddition,thecareerchoicewasinkeepingwiththevaluesstressedbyhisIrishimmigrantparents.Theytaughttheirchildrentheimportanceofbeingkindandhelpingtheirneighbors. FlynnservedaschairoftheCranstonTeachersAlliance’snegotiatingcommitteefor14years.Hewasvicepresidentoftheunionforthreeyearsandpresidentofthelocalforsevenyears.Thebeliefthatit

iseveryone’sresponsibilitytomaketheworldabetterplaceiswhatmotivatedFlynntobeaunionleaderandbecomeheadofthestatefederation. Unionwork,hesays,is“agreatopportunitytohelpalotofpeopleinalotofways.Ourmissionistohelpworkersandtheirfamiliesanditisimportantwork.Wehelppeopleresolvepersonalcrises,weoffersupportservicesandweassistyoungteacherstobecomebetterteachersthroughmentoring.” FlynnsucceedsMarciaB.Rebackaspresidentofthefederation.SheretiredinNovemberafterholdingthepositionfor18years,andearningareputationasoneofthestate’smosteffectivelaborleaders. “Itisdifficulttofollowanyonewhoislegendary,”Flynnsaidofhispredecessor.“Manyoftherightsthatmembersofourfederationhavearedirectlyattributabletoher.Shewasaneffectivelobbyist.”

Flynn Continued on page 2

Page 2: Common Ground January

Page 2 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

John J. Tassoni, Jr. - Publisher

John Houle - Co-Publisher/Editor

Paul V. Palange - Editor

Gregory Sowa - Assistant Editor

Anna Romano - Office Manager

Kerryn Azevedo - Graphic Design

Jen Davey - Web

-

Common Ground, Inc.111 Wayland Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

c. 401.451.1305 f. 401.831.6111

[email protected] www.commongroundnews.net

CommonGround, Inc.

TM

Printed By:The Woonsocket Call

A Union PrinterLoCAL 12N

We sponsor low-cost spaying/neutering clinics,

provide pet adoption services, legal assistance, investigate neglect and

abuse cases, and advocatefor the protection of animals.

To defend the inalienable rights of both companion

animals and wildlife through education, legal and legislative activism.

Annual Membership Fee: $25

DEFENDERS OF ANIMALS P. O. Box 5634

Weybosset Hill Station

Providence, RI 02903-0634

401- 461-1922

www.defendersofanimals.org

TWELVE ACRESSunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

445 DOUGLAS PIKE, SMITHFIELD, RI (From I-295 North or South, Exit 8-A)www.twelveacresbanquet.com • 401-231-7799

1537 NEWPORT AVE.PAWTUCKET, RI726-4449

SpumonisRestaurant.comCannot be combined

with any other promotion or coupon.

SPUMONI’S

SINGLE

LOBSTER$1199

FRI. AUGUST 27 to MON. AUGUST 30

TWIN

LOBSTER$2299

BAKED STUFFED

LOBSTER$1899

✭ All dinners served withFrench Fries, Spaghetti or Ziti & Soup or Salad ✭

OUR NEWBAR & LOUNGE

THURSDAY - LADIES NIGHT

BAR & LOUNGE SPECIALS

EXTENDED HOURS: SUN.-THURS. 11 PMFRI.-SAT. MIDNIGHT

8 PM - 11 PMFREE BAR APPETIZERS

FOR THE LADIESW/BEVERAGE PURCHASE

COUPON

ComplimentaryMIMOSAor BLOODY MARY

With Brunch & Coupon. Must be 21 or older. Exp. September 26, 2010.20% service charge will be added with use of coupon.

EVERY SUNDAY 9:30-1:30$999 $599Children

(3-12 yrs)Adults

Sunday

EVERY SUNDAYBOOK YOURPARTY NOW• Birthdays• Anniversary• Private FunctionsGROUPS WELCOMEAT OUR BRUNCH

Brunch includes:Carving Station • Omelet StationScrambled Eggs • Home Fries • French Toast • Bacon

Breakfast Pastries • Fresh Fruit Display • Breakfast SausageBaked Scrod • Chicken Entrée • Vegetable • Pasta with Sauce

Dessert Station • Coffee, Tea

Adults$1299 $699

Grand Opening

Children(2-10 years)

ClambakesPig RoastOutings

FRI. THROUGH WED.8-11 Sun.-Wed. • 9-12 Fri. & Sat.

1/2 PRICEAPPETIZERSIN OUR LOUNGE

With Brunch & Coupon. Must be 21 or older. Expires January 31, 2011.20% service charge will be added with use of coupon.

Chafee Continued fom page 1…avibrant,diversecommunitythatisfreeofpolitical,culturalandethnicdivision.Forifwerekindlethevisionthatcreatedourheritage,thereisnothingthisstateandherpeoplecannotachieve,”Chafeesaid. Thestate’sbudgetcrisisandhighunemploymentrateweredecadesinthemaking,Chafeesaid,statingthepooreconomyisa“sharedlegacyofDemocratsandRepublicans,businessandlabor,liberalsandconservatives.Fingerpointingandblamewill

donothingtoalleviateoursituation.” Hecalledforanew“eraofpoliticalcollaboration,”andsaid“theonlywaywecanmoveforwardistomoveforwardtogether.” FormerSenatePresidentWilliamV.IronssaidChafee’sconciliatorymessageisanimportantonethatleadersintheGeneralAssemblyandthroughoutthestatecannotignore.Ifdifferencesareputaside,hesaid,officialswilldevelop“commonoutcomesthatarebeneficialtoall.” Anotherformerstatesenator,JohnC.RevensJr.,gavethegovernor’sinauguralspeechhighmarks, sayingChafee“settherighttone”and“tookagoodapproach.”Revensfeelsthegovernorwillbringofficialsandleaderstogetherandhelpthemmakethehardchoicesrequiredtocleanupafiscalmessandpourthefoundationforarobusteconomy. RevensthinkstherewillbelesspartisanshipunderChafee,whichmeansdecisionmakerswillmakemoreprogressondealingwithissuesandresolvingproblems. GinaMarieRaimondo,whowassworninoninaugurationdayasthestate’snewgeneraltreasurer,saidsheishopefulthatChafee’s

swearinginmarkedanewbeginningforthestate.Shesaidthegovernorhasagoodteaminplaceandthatthenewadministrationhastofindthesolutionsthatarealwaysoutthere. Shesaidherprioritywillbeinvestingthestate’sretirementfundstoeasetheburdenfundingpensionsplacesontaxpayers.Suchaction,shesaid,willstimulateRhodeIsland’seconomy. ChafeepromisedtorescindCarcieri’sE-verifyexecutiveorderbecauseoftheanxietyithascreatedwithintheLatinocommunity,andhecalledontheGeneralAssemblytopassabilltolegalizegaymarriage.“RhodeIslandtodaymustbeaswelcomingtoallasRogerWilliamsintendedittobe,”hesaid.“Markmywords,thesetwoactionswilldomoreforeconomicgrowthinourstatethananyeconomicdevelopmentloan.Becausegoodbusinessisabouttreatingpeopleright,justasgoodgovernmentis.” OthersswornintoofficewerenewlyelectedAttorneyGeneralPeterF.Kilmartin,incumbentSecretaryofStateA.RalphMollisandincumbentLt.Gov.ElizabethH.Roberts.

Flynn Continued from page 1 Flynn’slistofprioritiestostarthisfirsttwo-yearterminclude“workinghard”torestorerespect forpublicemployees,makingtop-notcheducationaccessibletoallstudents,implementinganevaluationsystemthatrootsoutineffectiveeducatorsandprovidingteachersandotherstaffmemberswiththesupportnecessarytodotheirjobswell. Someofthefederation’smostimportantupcomingbattlesaretheinstitutionofbindingarbitrationwhennegotiationshitanimpasse,andaprovisionthatmaintainsworkingconditionsupontheexpirationofcontracts.AccordingtoFlynn,municipalitieshavetheauthoritytomakeunilateralchangesintheworkplaceoncelaboragreementsend,whichmeansmanagementcouldevendecidetoalterpayscales. “Thereisnowaytoprovidesalarycontinuation,”Flynnsaid.“Weneedsomethingtoprotectemployeesshouldcontractsexpire.”

Anotherfront-burnermatteristheupheavalatCentralFallsHighSchool,where,accordingtothefederation,teachers’rightswereviolatedinanefforttoimprovethequalityofeducationdeliveredtostudents. Flynn,whotaughtfor34years,hasabachelor’sdegreeinelementaryspecialeducationandamaster’sdegreeinspecialeducation,bothfromRhodeIslandCollege.Heandhiswife,Sharon,whoisanurseatKentCountyMemorialHospitalinWarwick,arelong-timeWestWarwickresidents.Theyhavethreechildren:Daniel,29;Sean,27;andKathryn,24.DanielisanurseatMiriamHospital,Providence;Kathrynisafirst-gradeteacherattheGladstoneStreetSchoolinCranston;andSeanworksinthefinancialsector. Flynnpromises“todothebestIcan”inademandingjobthathehopestoholdforseveralyears.Onethingthatisunlikelytoimprovewhileheheadsupthefederation,hesaid,ishisgolfgame.Thatwillhavetowait.

WARWICK--TheAmericanCancerSociety’sRoadtoRecoveryprogramisingreatneedofvolunteerstodrivecancerpatientstoandfromtheirlife-savingchemotherapyand/orradiationtreatments. Anintegralpartoftreatingcancersuccessfullyismakingsurecancerpatientsreceivetheirtreatments,butmanyfindthatmakingtransportationarrangementsisachallenge.TheAmericanCancerSocietyprovidedmorethan800ridestocancerpatientsinRhodeIslandlastyear,butneedsnewvolunteerdriverstokeepupwiththedemandfortransportation. “Thisisaveryworthwhileprogram.Iam

notsurewhogainsmorefromthisprogram,thedriverorthepatient.Thisprogramisneededbecausetherearemanypeoplewhodonothavefamilyorfriendswhocantakethemtotheirtreatment”saidTerryHeath,aRoadtoRecoveryDriverfromWestGreenwich. YoutoocanmakeadifferenceinthefightagainstcancerbybecomingadriverforRoadtoRecovery.Thescheduleforvolunteersisflexible,buttreatmentappointmentsareonweekdays,primarilyduringbusinesshours.Ifyouorsomeoneyouknowisinterestedinbecomingadriver,pleasecontacttheAmericanCancerSocietyat(401)243-2653orvisitcancer.org/driveamile.

Volunteers needed for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program

Page 3: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 3

ER Card is an electronic personal health record (ePHR) service

providing individuals, doctors and other caregivers with anytime,

anywhere access to personal medical information in a secure and

confidential manner. With the ER Card, medical professionals

have instant access by web, phone or fax to:

401-822-1181www.er-card.com

• current medications

• allergies

• chronic conditions

• primary care physician

• physical or verbal limitations

• emergency contacts

• advance directives

• and more

keychain accessory braceletcredit card size

Who knows

your medical

information in

an emergency?

Petrarca & Petrarca

Do you own a vehicle with a model year of 2006 to the present?

• Was the vehicle involved in an accident caused by someone else?

• Was the vehicle repaired?

Then you may be entitled to money for diminished value to your vehicle.

If we agree to handle your matter

we guarantee you willreceive at least $500.00.

Call Us Now!401.273.1111

PROVIDENCE–TheleadershipofPublicEmployees’UnionLocal1033continuestomakeprovidingitsmemberswiththeopportunitytotakecontinuingeducationcoursesatoppriority. ThroughtheRhodeIslandPublicEmployees’Education,TrainingandApprenticeshipFund,unionmembersareofferedseveralcourses,includingstewards,computer,workzonesafetyandcommercialdriver’slicensetraining;practicalSpanishlevels1and2;introductiontoItalian;cardiopulmonaryresuscitationandfirstaid;andethicsingovernment.ASpanish1courserecentlyconcludedwithagraduationceremonyfor15Local1033members,whoareallemployedbytheProvidenceSchoolDepartmentasteacherassistants.Theclassmettwiceaweekfrom6p.m.to8p.m.for12weeksinLocal1033’strainingroom. “ItissorewardingtoseeourmembersbeingproactivebytakingadvantageofthetrainingopportunitiesprovidedbyLocal1033,”saidBettyJackson,theunion’svicepresidentandtrainingliaison.“TheinformationthatthesebrothersandsisterslearnedinclasswillhelpthembetterconnectwiththechildrenintheclassroomsofProvidence.”BusinessManagerDonIannazzi,PresidentVickyVirgilioandtherestoftheexecutiveboardofLocal1033offertheirsincerecongratulationstoNoreenAlves,PearlBettencourt,KimBianco,GailBrown,YvonneElemo,MelissaJackson,HeatherJones,WendyLopes,MichaelMoran,DonnaOluyem,SarirthPich,YatleenaPrum,PamelaRoane,PamelaRossandMicheleWoods. Theapprenticeshipfundwasestablishedbyadeclarationoftrust,publishedandexecutedin2002byPublicEmployees’UnionLocal1033oftheLaborers’InternationalUnionofNorthAmerica(LIUNA).ThefundisthefirstexclusivepublicemployeetrainingfundestablishedbyaLIUNAaffiliateandprovidesthefirstpublicemployeeapprenticeshipprograminthecountry.Thepurposeofthefundistoprovidecareerenhancement,education,professionaldevelopmentandsafetytraining. ThefundcoversLocal1033bargainingunitmembersemployedbytheCityofProvidenceandtheProvidenceandNorthProvidenceschooldistricts.

Fund provides Local 1033 members chance to continue education

PROUD GRADUATES Members of Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 show off the certificates they earned for completing a Spanish course offered through the Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education, Training and Apprenticeship Fund.

HARD AT WORKSeveral people in Public Employees’ Union Local 1033 take one of the many continuing education courses offered at the union’s training center in Providence.

The Boston Newspaper Printing Pressmen’s Union Local 3

Martin A. Callaghan

President

79 Parkingway Quincy, MA 2169 Tel: 617-328-7705 Fax: 617-328-6912

172 Longfellow Street

Providence, RI 02907 Tel: 401-781-1007 Fax: 401-461-2121

Representing Newspaper & Commercial Pressmen, Bindery Operators, Specialty, HVAC, Maintenance

and Electrical Technicians in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut

Page 4: Common Ground January

Page 4 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

AlcoholanddrugabusecosttheAmericaneconomywellover$180billionannually,buttherealcostisfoundinthehumanwastethatitcausesinourfamilies,theworkplaceandsocietyingeneral. Whilealcoholandotherformsofdrugaddictionarethemostserioushealthproblemsinourculture,whenwespeakaboutaddictiontoday,wearereferringtoanarrayofillnessesthathavesimilarsymptoms:denialandcompulsivity.Addictionisshame-driven,withtheaddict“using”toavoidemotionalpain.Whetheritissex,food,spendingoranaddictiontoanotherpersonthatcausesonetolosehisorheridentity,addictionisaveryseriousillness.Withoutproperevaluation,treatmentandcounselingandachangeinbehavior,theendresultsarealwaysthesame:institutionalization,jailordeath. Hereisasimpletestyoucantaketoseewhereyoustandregardingabuseandaddiction.Berigorouslyhonest–youonlyhaveonelife. 1. Doyouusetoescapefeelings? 2. Doesyourpersonalitychangewhenyou usealcoholorotherdrugs? 3. Doyou“regulate”yourdrinkingor otherdrugusage?Forexample, doyouplantoonlyhavetwodrinksata party,andthendrinkmore? 4. Doyoudrinkorusedrugsafter promisingyourselforalovedonethat youwillnotuseagain? 5. Isyoursociallifefocusedaroundthe opportunitytodrinkoruse? 6. Haveyouhadablackout? 7. Hasafamilymember,friendor employerspokentoyouaboutyour drinking? 8. Haveyouhadanalcoholordrugrelated arrest?

9. Haveyouspentmoneyonalcoholor otherdrugs,insteadofmeetingyour financialobligations? 10.Haveyoutestedpositivefordrugsinan employmentdrugscreen? 11.Haveyoueverliedaboutyourdrinking orusing? 12.Doyoudrinkalone? Ifyouansweredyestotwoofthosequestions,thenyouruseofalcoholoranotherdrugiscausingproblems. Fortunately,thereishelpavailable.GotoanAlcoholicsAnonymousmeetingoranotherformofthe12-stepprogram.Gotoseeacertifiedaddictioncounselorandbeevaluated.Talkabouttheproblem.Ifyouadmitthatyoumayhaveaproblem,youaremorethanhalfwaytowardasolution.Rememberthataddictionisatreatabledisease,andthatyoudeservetogetwell. Whiletheaboveinformationiscriticaltoanyonestrugglingwiththediseaseofaddiction,itistheroleoftheEmployeeAssistanceProgram(EAP)tobearmedwithsuchinformationandmorewhenitcomestoprovidingsolutionsintheworkplace.TheEAPprovidesconfidentialaccessibleservicestoindividualemployeesinordertorestoreandstrengthentheirhealthandproductivity. Fordecades,EAPshaveservedindividualemployees,theirfamilies,statemanagers,supervisors,humanresourceprofessionalsandunionleaders.TheEAPseeksconcrete,practicalsolutionstostateemployees’personal,familyandworkplaceproblems.Doingsoimprovesproductivityandreducespoorquality,absenteeismandmoraleproblems. Supervisorsalsoplayasignificantroleintheprocess.Theyareinauniquepositiontoidentifyandencourageemployeeswhoseworkmaybeaffectedbypersonalorfamily

problems.Iftheproblemshavebecomeapparent,supervisorsareobligedtoinformtheemployeeofthecounselingresourcesavailablethroughanEAP.UsinganEAPisalwaysvoluntary.Supervisorscannotforceemployeestoseekassistance,buttheprocessofrecognizingproblemsandrespondingwithanEAPreferralisanormalandsupportivesupervisoryresponsibility.Supervisorsmaintainaproductiveworkenvironmentandpromoteemployeedevelopment.ReferraltoanEAPhelpsaccomplishboth. ProfessionalismandconfidentialityarethecornerstonesofthesuccessofanEAP,andemployeeshavebeenabletotrustthatallinformationwillremainconfidential. Anemployee’sEAPexperiencewillnotbesharedwithanyperson(includingsupervisorystaff )oragencyoutsideoftheprogramwithouttheclient’swrittenpermission.Theonlyexceptionstoconfidentialityarethosesituationsthatarespecifiedunderdataprivacylaws.Essentially,thoselawsrequirethatcounselorsreporttoauthoritieswhentheyhavesignificantconcernsoversomeone’ssafety,especiallywhenthatpersonisachildorvulnerableadult.Allclientsaregivenafullexplanationoftheexceptionsandotherdataprivacypracticesatthetimeofintake. Itisclearthatabusinessislikeamachine–allpartsmustbeoperatingsmoothlytoensuresuccess.Itisimperativethatyouareaproductivepartofthemachine.Ifyouareunabletodoyourpartforanyreason,thereishelpavailable:thesystemworksifyoutrustit. Steve Miranda is a treatment consultant for Treatment Solutions Network’s Northeast Region. If you have any questions or know someone who may need his services, you may contact him at [email protected] or (508) 525-5974.

Identifying addiction problems and the role of the EAPBy Steve Miranda

NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB Every Game, Every Day

COME UNLEASH YOURSELF! 181 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI (formerly Rocco Italian Osteria) • 401-231-4777

Hello, my name is Rachel Tassoni. I am very excited that I have been selected to play on a National Traveling Basketball team. We will play from springtime throughout the summer and will play at locations such as Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. As I said, I am very excited and want to help my family with the cost. To help offset the cost, which is around $1500, the Breakers team is selling advertising space in their program booklet. This booklet will be at our Northeast Tournament which is held over Memorial Day weekend. The three locations include URI, Bryant University, and CCRI in Warwick. We have well over 125 teams which participate; so many, many, people will have exposure to the advertising. I would be thrilled if you would consider some advertisement. Sizes range from business card to a full page. If you are interested in advertising, please email me at [email protected].

Thank you so much, Rachel Tassoni.

Page 5: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 5

ARTHUR A. COIA

ALBERT J. LEPORE

GEORGE L. SANTOPIETRO

ARMAND E. SABITONI

JAMES J. LEPORE

ALBERT J. LEPORE JR.

MARIA SCARAMUZZO-CONTE

ALFREDO T. CONTE

SHERI M. LEPORE

JOHN F. CASCIONE

PETER J. COMERFORD

MARK SALES

RANDALL J. LEVESQUE

COURTNEY L. MANCHESTER

LESLIE N. TUCHAPSKY

COUNSELORS AT LAW

A Tradition of Client Satisfaction for 40 Years

• Workers’ Compensation

• Automobile Accidents

• Slip and Fall

• Civil Litigation

• Divorce / Child Custody

• Real Estate

• Tax and Financial Planning

• Wills, Trusts and Probate

• Immigration

• Traffic Violations

• Consumer Transactions

• Criminal Litigation

• Bankruptcy

• Medical Malpractice

• Social Security Disability

The Law Firm of Coia & Lepore, Ltd. is proud of its tradition of providing outstanding Legal

Services to satisfied individuals and families. In addition, Coia & Lepore, Ltd. represents more

than twenty union entities including, but not limited to, Laborers, Teamsters and Public Service

Employees throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

We invite you to browse our new website at

www.coialepore.com

OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE:

CONTINUING OUR LONGSTANDING PRACTICE, WE DO NOT CHARGE A FEE FOR INITIAL CONSULTATIONS

401.751.5522

BEE GREEN!!24 Hour Service!!

Now Is The Time To Fill Your Tank!!

RI 401-231-3681 MA 508-883-9100 www.beewarm.com FULL TIME SERVICE DEPARTMENT

• Service Contracts Available!• Competitive Pricing• Budgets• Assistance Programs

Wesco Oil CompanyLic.# 343

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - LOCAL UNION 99

Allen P. Durand John P. Shalvey Business Manager President

22 Amflex Drive • Cranston, R.I. 02921 (401) 946-9900 • Fax (401) 946-9907

WWW.IBEWLU99.ORG

Page 6: Common Ground January

Page 6 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

PROVIDENCEAUTO BODY, INC.

Auto Body Work - Estimates - Unconditional 100% Lifetime Guarantee

“Rhode Island’s Largest Volume Auto Body Repair Facility”

• Unibody Specialists • Environmentally Safe Spray Booths

• State of the Art Equipment • Substitute Vehicles Available

- 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE -

350 Silver Spring Street, Providence, R.I. 02904

phone: 401.861.2211 fax: 401.421.3160

John & Sandra Petrarca and the staff of Providence Auto Body

Editor’s note: The following article is the last of a two-part series on Americans’ diets. Part one addressed how society’s fast food culture has increased the prevalence of diet-related diseases that are frequently fatal. Part two looks at how simple diet changes can reverse that trend.Although exercise is important for improving fitness, it isn’t enough. A beneficial diet is the other half of the equation people must have for good health.

How do you begin? DianneEsplin,aregistereddieticianfromCalifornia,recommendsthatyougraduallycutthesizeofeachofyourmeals,andthatyoueatfourtosixsmallmealsthroughoutthedayinsteadofthreelargemeals.Remindyourselftoeatattherighttimes,butdon’tsnackoncaloriesinbetween;trycrunchyceleryinstead.Ifyoueatevery2½to3hours,you’llneverbesohungrythatyou’llovereat. Acoolglassofwaterwithlemonorasteamingcupofnon-caffeinatedteahelpstofillyourstomachandholdcravingsatbay.Esplinsuggestskeepingbottledwaterwithinreachallthetimeandtakingaswigwheneveryoufeelhungry.Inaddition,youshoulddrinkatleasteightcupsofwatereachdaytostayhydrated,andrememberthatcaffeinateddrinksdon’tcountbutjuicesdo. Payattentiontoyourportionsizes,andeatthree-quartersofacuptoonecupofcomplexcarbohydratesateachmeal.Complexcarbohydratesarestarchessuchaspotatoes,brownriceandwholewheatbreads.Esplinsays,“Yourportionofleanmeatshouldbeaboutthesizeofadeckofcards,notyourpalmsincesomepeoplehavebigpalms.”Also,eataboutafist-fulleachoffruitsandvegetables,whichisaneasymethodtocontrolportionsizesandeattherightcombinationsoffoods. Don’tdenyyourselfallfat.Whilelow-fatandzero-fatsubstitutesareagoodalternative,

adiettoolowinfatwillmakeyoufeelasifyouarestarvingallthetime,whichleadstobingeing.Somehealthyfatssuchasoliveoil,flaxoil,nutsinmoderationandfishoilarenecessary,too. Giveyourstomachthatfullfeelingitcraves.Ifyoualwayshavefruit,carrotsticksoranotherhealthysnackaroundthehouseandworkplaceandwhileyouareontheroad,youcanfendofftheurgeforquick,high-fatfoodsources. Whilebillionsarespentongimmickydietsandfoodadvertising,fartoolittlemoneyisspentonnutritioneducation.

Protein: Get it right Thebenefitsofahealthierdietareobvious.Yet,accordingtoDr.DeanOrnish,aclinicalprofessorandfounderofthePreventiveMedicineResearchInstitute,thelargenumberofcardiovasculardiseasesthatkillsomanypeoplearoundtheworldisnotonlypreventable,butoftenreversiblebysimplychangingdietsandlifestyles. Evidenceisaccumulatingthatdietswithreducedcarbohydratesandincreasedlevelsofhighqualityproteinareeffectiveforweightloss.Suchdietsappeartoprovideametabolicadvantageduringrestrictedenergyintakethattargetsincreasedlossofbodyfatwhilereducinglossofleantissueandstabilizingregulationsofbloodglucose. Mostadultswouldbenefitfromeatingmorethantherecommendeddailyintakeof56gramsofprotein,saysDr.DonaldLayman,aprofessoremeritusofnutritionattheUniversityofIllinoisandapioneerinmetabolicresearch.Thebenefitgoesbeyondmuscles,hesays.Proteindullshungerandcanhelppreventobesity,diabetesandheartdisease. Layman’sresearchdispelsmanycommonmyths,includingthemyththatallweightlossisgood.Infact,someweightlosscanactuallybeunhealthy.Anothercommonmythisthatall

dietaryfatsmakeyoufat.Infact,consumingmoderateamountsoffatcanactuallyhelpyouburnbodyfat.Andthatallproteinisprotein;allequalinbenefit. Muscleisthemetabolicfurnacethatburnsfat.Ifyouaretryingtoloseweight,youmustmaintainhealthymuscle. Dr.Layman’sresearchdiscoveredthatthebranched-chainaminoacidleucineisakeytothemetabolicadvantageofahigherproteindietbecauseofitsuniquerolesinregulationofmuscleproteinsynthesis,insulinsignalingandglucoserecyclingviaalanine.Furthermore,theresearchsuggeststhatincreaseduseofhighqualityproteinatbreakfastmaybeimportantforthemetabolicadvantageofahigherproteindiet.

Small changes get big improvements Dr.Layman’sfindingsarethatpeoplerequireamacro-balanceofhighqualityprotein,starchycarbohydratesandsugaryfruits,andsmartcarbohydratesandhealthyfats.Laymansaystofollowthesimpleruleofconsuminganequalratioofproteinandstarchycarbohydratesandenjoyingallthesmartcarbohydratesyouwant. Startyourdaybygivingyourbodytheprecisemacro-balanceproportionsthatwillmaintainhealthybloodsugarlevelsandenergizeyourleanmusclesforfatburning.Thetypeofproteinyouconsumeisalsocriticaltomaximizingyourresults

How much protein do you need? Steponascaleandbehonestwithyourselfaboutyourworkoutregimen.AccordingtoDr.MarkTarnopolsky,whostudiesexerciseandnutritionatMcMasterUniversityinHamilton,Ontario,highlytrainedathletesthriveon.77ofgramsofdailyproteinperpoundofbodyweight.That’s139gramsfora180-poundman.

Continued on Next Page

Simple changes willlead to healthier diet By Malcolm Tinkham

Page 7: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 7

Homeowners Welcome!

Affiliated with the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS

121 BRIGHTRIDGE AVENUE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02914www.teamsterslocal251.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD BUSINESS AGENTS Joseph J. Bairos Steven Labrie Secretary-Treasurer Principal Executive Officer Kevin Reddy Kevin Reddy Joseph Boyajian President Daniel Manocchio James Croce Vice President Michael Nunes Recording Secretary Dennis Mello Trustee Susan Folan Trustee Janet O’Grady Trustee

Douglas TeoliAsst. Business Agent

David DemuthOrganizerAsst. Business Agent

Linda RussolinoAsst. Business Agent

Continued from Previous Page Menwhoexercisefiveormoredaysaweekforanhourorlongerneedtoconsume.55gramsofproteinperpoundofbodyweight,andmenwhoworkoutthreetofivedaysaweekfor45minutestoanhourneed.45gramsofproteinperpound.Soa180-poundguywhoworksoutregularlyneedsabout80gramsofproteinaday.Extraproteinwon’twreckyourkidneys.“Takinginmorethantherecommendeddosewon’tconfermorebenefit.Itwon’thurtyou,butyou’lljustburnitoffasextraenergy,”Dr.Tarnopolskysays.

It’s not all the same Manyfoods,includingnutsandbeans,canprovideagooddoseofprotein.Butthebestsourcesaredairyproducts,eggs,meatandfish,Laymansays.Animalproteiniscompletebecauseitcontainstherightproportionsoftheessentialaminoacidsyourbodycan’tsynthesizeonitsown. It’spossibletobuildcompleteproteinfromplant-basedfoodsbycombininglegumes,nutsandgrainsatonemealoroverthecourseofaday.Butyou’llneedtoconsume20to25percentmoreplant-basedproteintoreapthebenefitsthatanimal-derivedsourcesprovide,saysDr.Tarnopolsky.Also,beansandlegumeshavecarbohydratesthatmakeithardertoloseweight. Soifproteincanhelpkeepweightoff,isachickenwingdippedinblue-cheesedressingadietsecret?Notquite:Totalcaloriesstillcount.Scaledownyourfatandcarbohydrateintaketomakeroomforleanproteinsuchaseggs,low-fatmilk,yogurt,leanmeatandfish. However,ifyou’restrugglingwithyourweight,fatitselfisnottheculprit:carbohydratesarethelikelyproblem.Fatwillhelpkeepyou

full,whilecarbohydratescanputyouonablood-sugarrollercoasterthatproduceshungerpangsafteryoueat.

Timing is everything“Atanygivenmoment,evenatrest,yourbodyisbreakingdownandbuildingprotein,”saysDr.JeffreyVolek,aregistereddieticianandanutritionandexerciseresearcherattheUniversityofConnecticut.“Everytimeyoueatatleast30gramsofprotein,”Laymansays,“youtriggeraburstofproteinsynthesisthatlastsaboutthreehours.” Thinkaboutit.Youeatmostofyourproteinatdinner,whichmeansyoucouldbefuelingmusclegrowthforonlyafewhoursadayandbreakingdownmuscletherestofthetime,Laymansays,pointingoutthatmuscleisthemetabolicfurnacethatburnsfat.Instead,youshouldspreadoutyourproteinintake.Ifyouaretryingtoloseweight,youmustmaintainhealthymuscle. Yourbodycanprocessonlysomuchproteininasinglesitting.ArecentstudyfromtheUniversityofTexasfoundthatconsuming90gramsofproteinatonemealprovidesthesamebenefitaseating30grams.It’slikeagastank,saysstudyauthorDr.DouglasPaddon-Jones.“There’sonlysomuchyoucanputintomaximizeperformance;therestisspillover.” Eatingproteinatallthreemealsandsnackingtwoorthreetimesadayonproteinssuchascheese,jerky,andmilkwillhelpyoueatlessoverall.Peoplewhostartthedaywithaprotein-richbreakfastconsume200fewercaloriesadaythanthosewhochowdownonacarbohydrateheavybreakfastsuchasajam-smearedbagel.Endingthedaywithasteakdinnerdoesn’thave

thesameappetite-quenchingeffect,Laymansays.

Powders are for everyoneEveryone–notjustmuscleheads–canbenefitfromthequickhitofaminoacidsprovidedbyaproteinsupplement,barorshake.Yourbestbetisafast-absorbing,highqualitywheyproteinpowderderivedfrommilk.“Itappearsinyourbloodstream15minutesafteryouconsumeit,”Voleksays.Notonlyisacompletemealshakegoodforyou,it’sfast,easyandconvenient.Neverskipmealsbecauseitslowsdownyourmetabolism.Alwayshaveashakeavailableforthosetimeswhenyouneedtoeatbutcan’tfindanythingfastthat’shealthy. Wheyproteinisalsothebestsourceofleucine,whichactivatesproteinsynthesis,accordingtoVolek.Wheycontains10percentleucinewhileotheranimal-basedproteinshaveaslittleas5percent. Casein,anothermilkproteinsoldinsupplementform,providesaslower-absorbingbutmoresustainedsourceofaminoacids,makingitagreatchoiceforasnackbeforeyouhitthesack.“Caseinshouldhelpyoumaintainapositiveproteinbalanceduringthenight,”saysVolek. Buildingmusclewhileyousleep?Thankstoprotein,anything’spossible. Malcolm Tinkham is president of The Healthy Benefits in Cumberland. Contact him at [email protected]. References for the article included: Adina Steiman, Mens’ Health, A Report of the Surgeon General: Physical Activity and Healthy Adults; (n.d.) and Benefits of Being Fit (April 2003), both retrieved Oct. 13, 2004; Dianne Esplin, personal interview, Oct. 19, 2004.

Page 8: Common Ground January

Page 8 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

WheninstructorsandstudentsattheConstructionCareerAcademyinCranstonreceivedarequesttoassistwithbuildinganaccessrampforthephysicallyhandicappedatamilitarycommunitycenter,theydidn’thesitatetohelp. UnderthedirectionofJosephVitulloJr.,fieldrepresentativefortheConstructionandGeneralLaborers’Local271,andMikePerrottaandRayJohnson,constructioncraftlaborerinstructors,severalstudentsassistedwithbuildingthe135-foot-longrampattheRhodeIslandMilitaryandFamilyCenterinWestGreenwich.Militarypersonnelandtheirfamilymembersparticipateineducationalandrecreationalprogramsatthecenter.However,peoplewithphysicaldisabilitieswerenotabletoaccessthebuildingfromthefrontparkinglot. Forseveralmonths,seniorsintheconstructioncraftlaborersprogramworkedonvariousphasesoftheconstructionproject,includingexcavation,sitepreparationandpouringconcrete. TheprojectcametogetherwhenChristineDriscoll,thecenter’sbehavioralliaisontotheRhodeIslandNationalGuard,reachedouttoRichardEcklerofHelmetstoHardHats,whichconnectsveteranswithcareersintheconstructionindustry. EcklerthenturnedtoMichaelF.Sabitoni,presidentoftheRhodeIslandBuilding&ConstructionTradesCouncilandbusinessmanagerofLocal271. “WhenMr.Ecklertoldmeaboutthedireneedforahandicaprampatthecenter,Ibroughtittotheattentionofourfriendsinthebuildingtradeswhosprangintoactiontobringtheirexpertisetotheproject,”Sabitonisaid.“Wecouldn’tbemoreproudoftheConstructionCareerAcademystudentsandthebuildingtradeinstructorswhovolunteeredtheirtimeandtalentanddidanoutstandingjob. “Thisprojectwouldhaveneverbeenaccomplishedwithoutthesupportofourcontractorpartners,CherokeeandD’AmbraConstruction,aswellastheCardiCorp.,whichdonatedthematerialsfortheproject,”headded.

Walkway brings veterans, students and construction community together

Christopher M. Rawson John M. Harnett Warren R. WolfAram R. SchefrinTHE LAW FIRM OFLovettSchefrinHarnett

The Leader in Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation for 30 Years

Medical Malpractice andpersonal injury claiMs

155 South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island

863-8800www.lshlaw.com

ThebuildingtradeaffiliatesthatdonatedtimeandresourcesincludedLocal271,Plasterers’&CementMasons’Local40,OperatingEngineers’Local57andIronWorkers’Local37. Expressinghergratitude,Driscollsaid,“Ourfacilityisnowfullyaccessibletoallactivemilitarymembersandveterans.Allpersonscannowenterthebuildingandalsoparticipateinceremonialmarcheswiththeaccessiblewalkwayintothemainentrance.AwishsharedwithMr.EckleratayellowribboneventforreturningservicemembersisnowarealitythroughthehelpoftheRhodeIslandbuildingtrades,thelaborers’ConstructionCareerAcademyandthegenerouscompaniesthatdonatedtheneededconstructionmaterials.Thankyousoverymuch.”

Students from the Construction Career Academy in Cranston hone their skills while assisting with the building of an access ramp for the physically handicapped at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich.

Proud of a ramp built at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich for people with physical disabilities are, from left, Paul Volpe, instructor at the New England Laborers’ Training Academy; Mike Perrotta, construction craft laborers instructor; students; Anthony D’Antuono, business manager of the Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ Local 40; Joseph Vitullo Jr., Local 271 field representative; and Louis Fresolone, president of Cherokee Construction.

Joseph Vitullo Jr., field representative for the Construction and General Laborers’ Local 271, looks on as material is dumped at the Rhode Island Military and Family Center in West Greenwich to level a ramp built to make the facility handicapped accessible.

Page 9: Common Ground January

Southern New Englands Neighborhood Union

David P. FlemingPresident

James P. Riley Secretary-Treasurer

United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 328278 Silver Spring Street • Providence, RI 02904-2593 • 401.861.0300 • 800.624.7776 • www.ufcw328.org

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 9

When it comes to everything you value, who you call matters

Brian Hunter, CPCU, CIC, President

For better coverage at a better price,Call 769-9500.

"If you're going to spend

15 minutes on your

insurance, why not

spend it with a Trusted

Choice agency that can

shop 15 insurance

companies for you."

ADVOCACY H represenTATiOn H resulTs

in prOViDenCe:

111 Wayland Avenueprovidence, rhode island 02902

401•331•1300

in WAsHinGTOn:

601 pennsylvania Ave. n.W.suite 900, south Building

Washington, DC 20004

202•220•3013

TUESDAY 7:00 - 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY 8:00 - 9:00 P.M.

SATURDAY 5:00 - 6:00 P.M.

Rhode Island State Association of Fire FightersAffiliated with the AFL-CIO

PAUL C. REEDPresident

JOSEPH A. ANDRIOLEVice President

PAUL A. DOUGHTYSecretary Treasurer

MARCEL E. FONTENAULT, JR.Exec. Bd. Chairman

1ST DISTRICT V.P. John Silva

2ND DISTRICT V.P. Steve Rodrigues

3RD DISTRICT V.P. Michael Stevens

ROBERT K. NEILL, JR.Staff Representative

PAUL L. VALLETTA, JR.Legislative Agent

REBECCA D. FISHERLegislative Agent

356 Smith Street • Providence, Rhode Island 02908 • (401) 272-6870

risaff.org

Providence’s BravestServing the City of Providence since 1854

PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS

Paul A. Doughty, President

Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

Scott G. Mello, Secretary

John F. Woodard, Treasurer

Executive Board Representatives

Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. Moreino

Hans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah Kenyon

Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street Paul A. DoughtyProvidence, RI 02904 401-569-4444 401-272-7999 (O)401-274-7999 (F) local799.com

WORKERS’ COMPInjured at Work?

STEPHEN J. DENNISAttorney at Law

Learn the 3 MajorTricks played onInjured Workers!

Call for Your FREEBook on R.I. Comp.

OFFICE453-1355

HOME245-0676

CELL595-4571

www.stephenjdennis.com

COX CHANNEL 14 - VERIZON FIOS CHANNEL 33

Page 10: Common Ground January

Page 10 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

Rhode Island Judicial,Professional and Technical Employees’

LOCAL UNION 808

Frank A. Ciccone Pasquale Zompa Norma M. Sousa Business Manager President Vice President

Claudia Porrazzo David GarzoneRecording Secretary Executive Board Member

Dominick J. Ruggerio Gina M. Sabitoni-ArakelianSecretary-Treasurer Executive Board Member

It’s a TOUGH Economy,but our Business is BOOMING!

In need of Leaders that want to Capitalize on Perfect Timingin an Exploding Industry. PT/FT

Call to listen 24/7 1-800-494-1369Finally, a business opportunity that feels like home.

Page 11: Common Ground January

Best of Luck and Continued Success from the Drivers, Maintenance and

Supervisory Personnel ofATU Local 618 & 618A

in Providence & Newport

Stephen S. Farrell thomaS Cute Kevin m. millea

President – Business Agent Vice President Secretary-Treasurer

ExECUTivE BoArDBob Davis • Bob Doyle • Paul Harrington • Jim Murphy

Frank Plutzner • Peter Ritchie • Vincent Rowan

SChooL BUS DiviSioNS

WarWiCK-JameStoWn

Sherri Cirelli • Laurie Paul • Mary Tarbox

JohnSton

Dennis Jarvis • John D’Alo • Wendy LaCombe

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 11

AFSCME Local 2881Representing

RIDEM and CRMC

www.local2881.org

So Mike, how did you get involved in the EAP and addiction treatment business?I became involved in the EAP/MAP programs because of my own struggles with addiction, as I have been in recov-ery for many years. Twenty-five years ago, I was asked by my Union President to start a committee to assist our members and their families who needed help with addic-tion and mental health issues, because of my own experi-ences, I was excited to help. We started a silent com-mittee to offer confidential help to Firefighters and their families who were struggling with these issues. I spent several years obtaining certifications in the field and have been helping members and their families ever since!

How has this program benefited firefight-ers and their loved ones?Firefighters often experience things in the line of duty that cause mental and emotional stress that can lead to sub-stance abuse. Once we built the EAP/MAP program we were amazed at how many people came forward to get

the help they needed. Part of the rehabilitation process is learning how to deal with these stresses so they don’t negatively affect the rest of their lives and their families.

Where has life taken you since retirement?Well before I retired, I worked closely with Treatment Solutions Network to place my members, providing the care that they needed. I was so impressed with the company that I started working with them more and have now become a Vice President and shareholder in the company. We have expanded the network to include top rated treat-ment centers, not just in Florida, but across the nation as well. Our network is set up to accept most insurances, self-pay and contracted rates with health & welfare funds to make treatment affordable to everyone.

What is next for you and Treatment Solutions Network?We are working with a committee focus group comprised of leadership from Boston Fire, Boston Police, Providence Fire, MA Department of Corrections and MA Sheriff’s Department. This group is being directed by a highly accomplished therapist to de-sign programs specifically geared toward Unions, Public Safety Officers and to help us better serve the Employee Assistance Professionals we work with. Our programs are designed to find the best possible solution to Dual Diagnosis problems. Solutions that combine, long term success, financial flexibility, and clinical practice into effective services.

Michael J. Blackburn CEAP, LADC-1, SAP, LAP-C,

BRI-IIRetired Battalion Chief

Providence Fire DepartmentLocal 799

Vice President TreatmentSolutions Network

making connections for recovery

To learn more about how we help professionals visit, www.TreatmentSolutionsNetwork.com/professionals,

call toll free, 1-877-417-6237, or contact your local Treatment Consultant.

Common GroundRadio Show

Tune In Mondays3-5pm

Winnie is an adorable lady that is about 3 1/2 years old. She’s very friendly and loves to go out walking. She has nice leash manners. Like most dogs of her breed, she is active and needs an active family. She is not handling being at the shelter very well. This gal wants to please; she is a quick learner; and she wants nothing but to be your best friend. She will come with free AKC Canine Group lessons by Dynamic Dog Training Services. Due to her activity level, she would do best in a household with children over 10 years old. Please call Defenders of Animals at (401) 461-1922.

Page 12: Common Ground January

Page 12 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS

LOCAL 2323

THE ONLY RHODE ISLANDUNION CABLE TV, INTERNET&

TELEPHONE PROVIDER.

WILLIAM McGOWAN

Business Manager

1150 NEW LONDON AVENUE

CRANSTON, RI 02920

401-732-4239

There’s no place like home

for healing.

Infusion Therapy Compounding Respiratory Services Nursing Services

New England Home Infusion, Inc. specializes in administering adult and pediatric intravenous and respiratory therapies in the comfort of patients’ homes. Licensed in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, we provide for the medical needs of patients throughout Southeastern New England. Specialized medical equipment is delivered to patients’ homes and our pharmacy and nursing staffs monitor dosages, schedules and laboratory results.

401-821-0600 • 888-240-7879www.nehomeinfusion.com

UA Local Union 51 Plumbers • Pipefitters • Refrigeration

Thomas A. Handfield

Business Manager

Robert Walker Timothy L. Byrne Frederick Foeri William D. Mello Financial Secretary Business Agent Organizer/Agent Business Agent

Done Once. Done Right SERVING RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

II Hemingway Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915

Telephone: 401-943-3033. Fax: 401-943-8027

www.ualocal51.com

AsoneoftheAmericanCancerSociety’soldestandmostbelovedfund-raisingprograms,DaffodilDaysempowerseveryone,fromchiefexecutiveofficerstoschoolchildren,tohelpsavelivesbyfightingbackagainstcancer.AlthoughDaffodilDaysinvolvesofferingdaffodilstopeopleinappreciationfortheircontributions,it

isaboutmorethanjustbeautifulflowers:Itisanopportunitytosharehopeforaworldfreefromcancer. HelpmakeadifferencebybecomingaDaffodilDaycoordinator.DaffodilDaycoordinatorscollectdonationsandgivefriends,familymembers,customersandco-workersan

opportunitytosupportthesociety’smission.Withthesociety’swebsiteatcancer.org/daffodils,itiseasytosharehopeandhelpsavelives. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/daffodils.

Everyone can make it their business to help save lives

Page 13: Common Ground January

OPINIONEye On Rhode Island

JANUARY 2011 Page 13

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Flight of the Earls’ is a myth with no basis Forthelastfiveyears,acorrosivemythputforwardbyspecialinterestgroupsandcertainpoliticalpunditsisthatRhodeIslandisdrivingawayitstaxpayingpopulationbecauseofthetaxandbudgetdecisionsbeingmadeinourstate. Thismyth,whichIcallthe“FlightoftheEarls”myth,hasnofoundationinfactasresearchfromtheInternalRevenueService(IRS),theRhodeIslandDivisionofTaxationandearlyCensusBureauprojectionspredicted.Withthereleaseofthe2010censusfigures,themythshoulddisappearlikeotherpoorlyconstructedpoliticalclichés.Butsadlythisisnottobe. InhisregularTuesdaycommentarycolumnonDec.28,“CensusnumberstellanominoustaleforRhodeIsland,”“ProvidenceJournal”DeputyEditorialPageEditorEdwardAchorncan’tseemtoadmitthatheandthepaperwerewrongforthelastseveralyearsaboutwhypeoplewerefleeingRhodeIsland.HelamentsthatRhodeIslandshowedslowpopulationgrowthduringthelastdecade.However,ifonechecksback,Mr.Achornand“TheJournal”notonlypredictedpopulationlosses,theyclaimedoutwardmigrationwasanongoingphenomenon. InanApril24,2009,unsignedleadeditorial,“NotanEconomicIsland,”“TheJournal”wrote:“In2005-06,evenbeforetherecession,morethan8,200taxpayersfledRhodeIsland,andthatflightseemstobeaccelerating.”Itwasn’tso,andIpointeditoutonthepoliticalblogRIFUTURE.orgatthetime,usingthemostup-to-datedatafromtheIRS.Thedataprovedtheoppositetobetrue:RhodeIslandwasaddingpopulation,especiallytaxpayingpopulation;atthesametime“TheJournal”wasclaimingourso-calledhightaxpolicywasdrivingthemaway. Whyisthisimportant?Becausetaxpolicydiscussionsandbudgetdecisionsshouldbe

informedbythefacts,nothysteria.Inthiscase,“TheJournal”isnotentirelytoblame.ThenumbersitcitedinitseditorialcamefromtheGreaterProvidenceChamberofCommerce,whichpublishedthenumbersaspartofacampaigntopreservetheso-called“FlatTax”forhigh-incomeearners.(Theyreferredtothemythicalflightoftaxpayersasa“stampede.”) Letmeexplainhowthe“FlightoftheEarls”mythworks:ThecorporatespecialinterestslobbytheGeneralAssembly,sayinghigh-incometaxpayers(meaningtheemployerclass)areleavingRhodeIslandbythelimousineloadandweneedtoprovidetaxincentivestomakethemstay.Theyprovidepoorlyresearcheddata,suppliedbyright-wingblogs,whichtheyclaimshowsthatpeoplearefleeing.Becausethisnarrativefitsintotheprepackagedstorylineofcertainconservativecolumnists,powerfullobbygroups,anti-taxzealots,theeditorialboardofthepaperofrecordandtheRepublicangovernor,theGeneralAssemblyacquiescestothedemand.Theresult?Taxesarecutfortheelite,servicesarecutforthepoorandpropertytaxesgoupforthemiddleclass. Theoutrageisthatthe“FlightoftheEarls”isbasedonbaddataandeasilyprovablefalsehoods.Inseveralofhiscolumnsovermultipleyears(suchasthoseon11/30/10,2/9/10,9/22/09,9/8/09,3/31/09,4/1/08,foronlyaselectsample),Mr.Achornexplicitlyclaimsthatpeopleare“fleeing”RhodeIslandformyriadreasons,mostlybecauseofourtaxstructureand,inhisopinion,omnipotentpublicemployeeunions.IfMr.Achornhadtakenonlyamomenttofact-checkhisownclaims,hewouldhavediscoveredthatRhodeIsland’spopulationisthehighestithaseverbeen.AccordingtotheCensusBureau,ourpopulationwas428,556in1900.Forthelast50years,thenumbersare:859,488(1960),946,725(1970),947,154(1980),1,003,464(1990)and1,048,319(2000).Currentcensus

figuresshowusat1,053,209.LikeIwroteatthetimeoftheAprileditorialmentionedabove,theargumentsaboutthe“FlightoftheEarls”andpeoplefleeingRhodeIslandsimplydonotmatchthefacts. Thefocusonthe“FlightoftheEarls”isamanufactureddistraction,divertingattentionawayfromamuchmoresignificantshiftinRhodeIslandduringthelastdecade:theshiftofthetaxburdenontothebacksofthemiddleandworkingclasses.Despitetheargumentsfromcertainelementsinthecorporatecommunity,RhodeIslandaddedhigh-incometaxpayersinthemiddleyearsofthedecade.In2005,therewere11,913peoplewithincomesover$200,000ayear.By2008,thenumberclimbedto12,515.Taxpayersinthe$100,000to$200,000rangegrewfrom41,817to51,904inthesameperiod.Thiswastheverysameperiodoftimethat“TheJournal”waseditorializingthatthosehigh-incometaxpayerswerefleeingthestate,callingforactiontokeepthemhere.Actionwastaken,andwearepayingforitwithbudgetdeficits. The“FlightoftheEarls”wasalwaysamyth,putforwardbypeoplewithapoliticalagendalookingtocuttaxesontheeliteandshifttheburdenofpayingforgovernmentontothebacksofthemiddleandworkingclasses.NowthatthecensusnumbersconfirmwhattheIRSandstateDivisionofTaxationnumbershavealreadyshown,Mr.Achornand“TheProvidenceJournal”doadisservicetothestateandtotheoveralldebateaboutourfuturebyperpetuatingthemyth.AsoneofthepeoplewhomovedintoRhodeIslandduringtheverytimeMr.Achornsayspeoplewere“fleeing,”IcanstateunequivocallythatIstillfindmuchtocelebrateaboutthecommunitiesandpeopleofmyadoptedhomestate.Ihopehecanfindawaytodothesame. Posted by Pat Crowley in Taxes and submitted to “The Providence Journal” on Dec. 29, 2010.

AschairofGov.LincolnChafee’sHealthCareReformTaskForce,Iameagerlyanticipatinghisexecutiveorderthatwilladdressthestructureandexpectationsofthepanel.Thegovernorhassaidhewillissuetheordersoonafterhisinauguration. MystaffandmembersoftheChafeetransitionteamhavediscussedhowbesttoorganizethetaskforceanditsgoals.Aftertheexecutiveorderisissued,IwillreconvenetheHealthyRhodeIslandTaskForceforathoroughdiscussionoftheworkahead,committeesthatmustkeepmeetingandnewpanelsthathavetobeformed. TheHealthCareReformandHealthyRhodeIslandtaskforceswillcoordinateeffortsandbuildonworkthathasalreadybeencompleted.Thecollaborationisexciting,andIamenthusiasticallylookingforwardtoheadingupeffortstoimplementhealthcarereform.Staytunedforupdates.

Operation Holiday Cheer Iamhappytoreportthatthe8thAnnualOperationHolidayCheereventonDec.18,attheNorthMainStreetArmoryinProvidence,wasanoverwhelmingsuccess.WewerejoinedbyMaj.Gen.RobertT.BrayandBrigadierGen.J.StewartGoodwinoftheRhodeIslandNationalGuard,andformerLt.Gov.CharlieFogarty,whofirstorganizedOperationHolidayCheerin2002.Corporateandcommunitysponsorsdonatedtheirtime,money,staff,productsandservices.Nearly200volunteersfromaroundthestatehelpedpackandshiptensofthousandsofdollarsindonatedwishlistitemsfromsponsorsandthecommunitytosendtoourtroopsabroad.Theoutpouringofgenerosityandsupportwastrulyinspiring.Corporateandcommunitysponsorsthathelpedoutincluded:AAASouthernNewEngland,AmericanRedCrossRhodeIslandChapter,AlphaGraphics,AmicaMutual

InsuranceCo.,Autocrat,BankofAmerica,Barnes&NobleBooksellers,BannekerIndustries,BoyScoutsofAmericaNarragansettCouncil,CVSCaremark,Dunkin’Donuts,EastBayNewspapers,ElectricBoatEmployeesAssociation,GloucesterSeniorCenter,GloucesterTaxAssessorsandTownEmployees,GTECH,Hasbro,HomeDepot,LincolnHighSchool,NationalGrid,NewEnglandPatriots,OceanStateJobLot,PawtucketRedSox,“ProvidenceJournal,”RhodeIslandConventionCenter,RhodeIslandNationalGuardanditsfamilymembers,RhodeIslandMilitaryFamilyReliefFund,RhodeIslandResourceRecoveryCorp.,TrailsEndPopcorn,UnitedStatesPostalServiceandVanArpinVanLines. Thankyoutoeveryoneinvolvedformakingthisyear’seffortsucharousingsuccess! Elizabeth H. Roberts is lieutenant governor of Rhode Island.

Looking ahead to the new administrationGovernor selects task force on health care reform in Rhode IslandBy Elizabeth H. Roberts

Page 14: Common Ground January

Page 14 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

Economic activity makes Providence hub of opportunityBy Laurie White

WewerestruckbynewstheotherdaythataprominenttravelandlifestylewebsitepickedProvidenceasoneofthe10mostunderratedcitiesintheUnitedStates.Fromourvantagepoint,wearekeenlyawareofallthathashappenedinthelast18monthstoturnupthebuzzandfulfillthepromisethat“Providenceexperiencedeliversbig.”NowallofthereadersofShermansTravel.comcandiscoveritforthemselves. Theybeginwiththeobvious.Yes,citieslikeNewYork,SanFranciscoandChicagoareamongthemostwell-knowninAmerica,butthentheygoontotelltheworldthattherearemanyotherfabulous–albeitsmaller–Americancitiesthatjustdon’tgettheirfairshareofthespotlight. “Whethertheirproximitytoalargermetropolisstealstheirthunderorarecentcitymakeoverremainsundiscoveredbythemasses,thecitiesonourlistareoftenoverlookedbyeventhesavviestoftravelers,”saysShermansTravel.com.Thewebsitebeckonsreaderstobroadenthescopeoftheirdestinationstoinclude“someless-talked-aboutplaceswithgreatartscenes,friendlylocals,delectablecuisineandrichhistory.” Becauseweareinthetrenchesday-to-day,wetaketheprogressforgranted.Until,ofcourse,travelreviewsoraccidental

conversationswithnewcomerscrystallizetheexperienceinfresh,newways.Andthoseareessentialelementsforturningupthebuzzandkeepingtheeconomygrowingacrosstheboard.Whatmakesacitygoodtovisitmakesitagoodplacetoliveordobusiness. TheGreaterProvidenceChamberofCommerceisimmersedingrowingtheeconomicbaseofthestate’scapital.Weareenergizedbyactionstakeninrecentmonthsbythecorporate,entrepreneurial,hospital,educationandculturalsectorstoinvesttensofmillionsofdollarsinthecenterofthecapitalcityandinourneighborhoods.ConsideringthatProvidencewasthecradleofentrepreneurshipintheearly19thcentury,itisappropriatetocelebratethere-emergenceofanewbrandofentrepreneurialenergy.Richtargetsofopportunityexistinbehavioralandpreventivehealthcare,medicaldevices,services,foodsciences,design,greenenergy,financialservicesanddigitalmedia.Andthosesectors--whereProvidencetrulyhasadistinctadvantage--providejobsacrossallpointsoftheskillsspectrum. UnitedNaturalFoods,Nabsys,Edysia,Ecolect,TivorsanPharmaceuticalsandtheyoungstartupsemergingfromtheBetaSpring,andSocialSpringbootcampshavecastawholenewlightontheProvidencescene.The

ProvidenceGeeks--withwhomweshareourwork–istrumpetingvirallythatProvidencehasmoresocialventureenterprisesthanperhapsanymajorcityinAmerica.Visitors--permanentandepisodic--arebeingdrawntoProvidencepreciselybecauseProvidenceisfun,artsy,accessible,historicandgastronomicallyinclined(Ithasgreatfood). RecentworkdonebytheChamberandtheProvidenceFoundationinconjunctionwiththeAssociationofIndependentCollegesandUniversitiesfindsthatyoungcollegegraduatesareeagertostickaroundifwecanhelpstudentsbetterconnectwithestablishedemployers,entrepreneursandstartups.Theresearchevensuggeststhatweshouldexpandthedefinitionofentrepreneurtoincludebands,artistsandgamers. AsMayorAngelTaverasstartshisterm,wefeelconfidentthathewillhaveeagerandwillingpartnersinthebusiness,academic,healthcareandciviccommunitiestotakethecitytoitsnextlevelofgrowthandfiscalstability. ShermansTravel.comhaschosenwisely.Lettheremakecontinue. Laurie White is president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at [email protected].

105 Railroad Avenue, Johnston, Rhode Island401-232-1660 l 800-427-1660

To See How This Stimulus Package Works Visitwww.hillviewautobody.com

Stimulus Package H Reduce your Deductible

H Free Recondition with Every Repair

H Complete Service Check

You have the legal right to choose your repair facility in RI, so don’t let the insurance industry direct you to their preferred shop.

Whitehouse joins colleagues to push for Social Security boostBy John A. Pernorio

Washington,D.C.--WithseniorsinRhodeIslandandacrossthecountryfacingasecondconsecutiveyearwithnoincreaseintheirSocialSecuritybenefits,U.S.SenatorSheldonWhitehouse(D-R.I.)isco-sponsoringtheEmergencySeniorCitizensReliefAct,whichwouldprovideaone-timepaymentof$250to

allSocialSecurityrecipientstohelpcompensateforthelackofacostoflivingadjustment(COLA). “BypassingtheEmergencySeniorCitizensReliefAct,wecanshowourseniorsthattheyarenotforgotten,and,inturn,provideavaluableboosttothegrocerystores,pharmacies

andshoppingcentersthatremainsuchanintegralpartofoureconomy,”saidWhitehouse. Morethan205,000RhodeIslandersreceiveSocialSecuritybenefits.Theinfluxofone-timepaymentswouldbringmorethan$51milliontothestate--fundingthatwouldbespentquicklyandbeaboosttooureconomy.

RhodeIslandretireestemporarilydodgedabulletwhenmembersoftheNationalCommissiononFiscalReformandResponsibilityrejectedtheirco-chairs’proposaltodrasticallycutSocialSecuritybenefitsandincreasetheretirementage.Weshouldnevertrytobalancethebudgetonthebacksofcurrentandfutureretirees,particularlywhenSocialSecurityhasnotadded1centtothedeficit. Nowthatthecommissionhascloseditsdoors,wehopethatwecanhaveamorehonestdebateaboutfederalspending.While

itwasencouragingtohearpanelmembersacknowledgethereisnolinkbetweenSocialSecurityandthedeficit,itwasalsogallingthatmanyofthecommissionmemberspushingdraconiancutsinSocialSecurityarealsotheonesleadingthefighttoextendtaxcutsforthewealthiestAmericans. SocialSecurityisoneofAmerica’sgreatestsuccessstories,onethathaskeptgenerationsofseniorsoutofpoverty.WehopedefeatoftheproposalisthebeginningofanewchapterinthedebateonthefutureofretirementinAmerica,onethatseekstostrengthenthe

economicwell-beingofmillionsofseniorswhoarestrugglingtomakeendsmeet. SocialSecuritydidnotcreateournation’sfiscalproblems,norshoulditbeusedtofixthem.Onbehalfofthe30,000membersoftheRhodeIslandAllianceforRetiredAmericans,Iwanttothankthecommissionmemberswhohadthecouragetostandupforournation’sretireesandworkers. John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans. Contact him at (401) 722-2770 or [email protected].

Alliance praises defeat of proposed Social Security cuts

Page 15: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 15

STM ERAE ST

G

ER

CA

NP

EH

RIC E

FC

NO

OM CM SU NN OI IC TA

Mark Montecalvo-(401) 692 0304

Mark @Montees.net

LOCAL 12NBUY LOCAL

Made in the USA available

-EMBROIDERY SCREEN PRINTING-SIGNS PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

-SCREEN WORKSI

UNION LOGO WEAR &U NIFORMS

5.11 TacticalPromote Morale Fund Raising

Athletics eventsOrganizational

I I

Joseph M. O’Connor Vice President

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS

25 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001

A UNION REPRESENTING PROUD UNION PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1918

685 Warren Avenue 401.438-5450East Providence, RI 02914 www.ifpte400.org

LOCAL 400International Federation of

Professional and Technical Engineers

A progressive labor union representing more than80,000 men and women in professional, technical,

administrative and associated occupations.

LOCAL 12NBUY LOCAL

(401)946-9940/946-3710Fax:(401)946-5060

E-mail:[email protected]

PAULR.ENOSVicePresident

INTERNATIONALUNIONOF

BRICKLAYERS&ALLIEDCRAFTWORKERS

LOCAL#3R.I.

POSTOFFICEPLAZA150MIDWAYROAD

SUITE153CRANSTON,RI02920-5743

Local 310Brotherhood of Utility Workers Council

affiliated with theUtility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO

Phil FogartyPresident

1300 Jefferson Blvd.Warwick, RI 02886E-mail: [email protected]

Office: (401) 738-8007Cell: (401) 932-3642Fax: (401) 738-1180

Looking for some good news for a change?

View past issues at www.commongroundnews.net.Rhode Island's only newspaper for unions, and about unions.

TM

TUES. 7 - 8 P.M. THURS. 8 - 9 P.M. SAT. 5 - 6 P.M.

COX CHANNEL 14 VERIZON FIOS CHANNEL 33

Brought to you by:WE MAKE RHODE ISLAND WORK

With Additional Support from:UA 51, National Education Association Rhode Island, RI Federation of Teachers & Health Professionals, IBEW Local 99, RI Building & Construction Trades Council, SEIU State Council, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328, Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), OPEIU LOCAL 25

DISCOUNT OILBROKERS

A Discount Oil Seller

$$ SAVE $$Best Prices Available

• Licensed & Experienced.Lic. #419 Why Pay More?

349-4485 • 349-4358 •866-737-9662

We’re pumping the exact same oil as the other guys...

PaymasterPaymasterCSC

INC.

(401) 785-0300Fax ( 401) 785-9895

BERNARD E. LANE, SR.SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Complete Payroll & Tax Filing Service

www.cscpaymaster.come-mail: [email protected]

37 Jefferson Blvd.Warwick, RI 02888

Email:[email protected]:201.624.8145Cell:202.297.2945

ADVerTise Here

Page 16: Common Ground January

Page 16 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

Rhode Island Brotherhoodof Correctional Officers

“Representing Those Who Work the Toughest Beat in the State”

-OFFICERS-

DaveMellon…….……….………………..President

BobMiller………….……………1stVicePresident

BobLantagne..…………………..2ndVicePresident

MichaelHogan.……………………..…….Treasurer

JohnMeehan………………………………Secretary

MikeMcKenna...……….……….FinancialSecretary

-EXECUTIVEBOARD-

KenRivard MannyLeander

BillBove AlanDepalo

JohnBray JeffGolding

JoeLopes DavidPezza

MarkVierra LetiziaSignore

AdamKlaus CarlosOviedo

JustinPelissey

Keeping Your Community Safe

Providence’s BravestServing the City of Providence since 1854

PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS

Paul A. Doughty, President

Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

Scott G. Mello, Secretary

John F. Woodard, Treasurer

Executive Board Representatives

Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. Moreino

Hans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah Kenyon

Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street Paul A. DoughtyProvidence, RI 02904 401-569-4444 401-272-7999 (O)401-274-7999 (F) local799.com

Providence’s BravestServing the City of Providence since 1854

PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS

Paul A. Doughty, President

Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

Scott G. Mello, Secretary

John F. Woodard, Treasurer

Executive Board Representatives

Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. Moreino

Hans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah Kenyon

Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street Paul A. DoughtyProvidence, RI 02904 401-569-4444 401-272-7999 (O)401-274-7999 (F) local799.com

Providence’s BravestServing the City of Providence since 1854

PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS

Paul A. Doughty, President

Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

Scott G. Mello, Secretary

John F. Woodard, Treasurer

Executive Board Representatives

Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. Moreino

Hans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah Kenyon

Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street Paul A. DoughtyProvidence, RI 02904 401-569-4444 401-272-7999 (O)401-274-7999 (F) local799.com

2010/11 PROVIDENCE BRUINS HOME SCHEDULE

For more inFormation, please contact the providence Bruins www.providencebruins.com (P) 401-273-5000 1 LaSalle Square - Providence, RI - 02903 (F) 401-273-5004

OCTOBER

Fri. 8 SpringfieldFalcons 7:05p.m.

Fri. 15 SpringfieldFalcons 7:05p.m.

Sun. 17 HartfordWolfPack 4:05p.m.

Fri. 29 AlbanyDevils 7:05p.m.

Sun. 31 WorcesterSharks 1:05p.m.

NOVEMBER

Fri. 5 BridgeportSoundTigers 7:05p.m.

Fri. 12 AbbotsfordHeat 7:05p.m.

Sun. 14 AbbotsfordHeat 4:05p.m.

Fri. 19 BridgeportSoundTigers 7:05p.m.

Fri. 26 WorcesterSharks 7:05p.m.

Sun. 28 PortlandPirates 4:05p.m.

DECEMBER

Fri. 3 HartfordWolfPack 7:05p.m.

Sun. 5 ManchesterMonarchs 4:05p.m.

Fri. 10 PortlandPirates 7:05p.m.

Sun. 12 SpringfieldFalcons 4:05p.m.

Fri. 17 CharlotteCheckers 7:05p.m.

Sun. 19 SpringfieldFalcons 4:05p.m.

JANUARY

Fri. 7 ManchesterMonarchs 7:05p.m.

Sun. 9 BinghamtonSenators 4:05p.m.

Fri. 14 W-B/ScrantonPenguins 7:05p.m.

Sun. 16 WorcesterSharks 4:05p.m.

Fri. 21 ManchesterMonarchs 7:05p.m.

Sun. 23 ManchesterMonarchs 4:05p.m.

Fri. 28 PortlandPirates 7:05p.m.

FEBRUARY

Fri. 4 SpringfieldFalcons 7:05p.m.

Fri. 11 HersheyBears 7:05p.m.

Sun. 13 HartfordWolfPack 4:05p.m.

Fri. 18 PortlandPirates 7:05p.m.

Sun. 20 WorcesterSharks 4:05p.m.

MARCH

Fri. 4 CharlotteCheckers 7:05p.m.

Sun. 6 BridgeportSoundTigers 4:05p.m.

Fri. 11 BridgeportSoundTigers 7:05p.m.

Sun. 13 BridgeportSoundTigers 4:05p.m.

Fri. 18 WorcesterSharks 7:05p.m.

Sun. 20 PortlandPirates 4:05p.m.

Sun. 27 HartfordWolfPack 4:05p.m.

APRIL

Fri. 1 HartfordWolfPack 7:05p.m.

Sun. 3 WorcesterSharks 4:05p.m.

Fri. 8 PortlandPirates 7:05p.m.

Sun. 10 ManchesterMonarchs 4:05p.m.

Page 17: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 17

MAFFE FINANCIAL GROUP INC875 Centerville Road

Warwick, Rhode Island

Office: 401-828-2090x305Cell: 401-529-5110

www.maffefinancialgroup.com

Put John’s 25 years of

experience along with

Maffe’s Tax, Estate &

Retirement Planning

services to work for

you today.

A.C. Jewelers401.349.4094

CASH PAID FOR GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM+ earn an extra 5%- All Work Done On Premises -

GOLD, DIAMONDS, PLATINUM AND SILVER JEWELRY REPAIRS. REMOUNTS & CUSTOM MADE JEWELRY.

Buy One Charm and Get a FREE bracelet. July 1st - 15th

Remount, event reset your diamond

or gemstone into a new mounting.

Over a thousand mountings to choose from ...

rings, earrings , pendants , bridal sets - trade

your broken jewelry for new!!!

Looking for some good news for a change?

View past issues at www.commongroundnews.net.Rhode Island's only newspaper for unions, and about unions.

TM

Page 18: Common Ground January

Page 18 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

rhode island Carpenterslocal union 94

David F. palmiscianopresident

Thomas J. savoieVice president

William F. HolmesFinancial secretary

W. paul landertrustee

14 Jefferson park road

Warwick, ri 02888

401.467.7070

Compliments of

International Union ofOperating Engineers

LOCAL UNION 57Providence, Rhode Island

James J. WhiteBusiness Manager and President

Timothy E. QuillenVice President and Bus. Agent

Gregory E. OlsonTreasurer and Bus. Agent

Two Great Locals – One Strong Union

The Boston Printing

Pressmen’s Union Local 3

The Providence Printing

Pressmen’s Union Local 12

The Members of Local 3 & Local 12 are proud to announce our merger and affiliation. We look forward to continuing our work on behalf of our members across New England.

Martin A. Callaghan

President Kevin M. Toomey Stephen M. SullivanSecretary-Treasurer Vice President 79 Parkingway Quincy, MA 02169 Tel: 617-328-7705 Fax: 617-328-6912

172 Longfellow Providence, RI 02907 Tel: 401-781-1007 Fax: 401-461-2121

Proud to Represent Newspaper, Commercial, & Specialty Pressmen, Bindery Operators, HVAC, Maintenance and Electrical Technicians in

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut

 

Dear Friends:

The  best  part  of  the  season  is  remembering  those  who  make  the  holidays  meaningful.    I  wish  you  all  the  love  and  happiness  this  season  can  bring,  and  may  it  follow  you  throughout  the  coming  New  Year.  

I  thank  all  of  my  friends,  supporters  and  workers  that  assisted  and  voted  for  me  in  my  re-­election  campaign  and  a  special  thank  you  to  my  constituents,  especially  those  who  allowed  me  to  place  my  campaign  signs  on  their  property.  Once  again  it  is  my  honor  to  represent  your  interests  at  the  State  House  

May  your  Holiday  Season  be  joyous  and  healthy.    

Senator Frank A. Ciccone

DearFriends:

Thebestpartoftheseasonisrememberingthosewhomaketheholidaysmeaningful.

Iwishyoualltheloveandhappinessthisseasoncanbring,andmayitfollowyouthroughoutthecomingNewYear.

Ithankallofmyfriends,supportersandworkersthatassistedandvotedformeinmyre-electioncampaignandaspecialthankyoutomyconstituents,especiallythosewhoallowedmetoplacemycampaignsignsontheirproperty.OnceagainitismyhonortorepresentyourinterestsattheStateHouse

May your Holiday Season be joyous and healthy.

Senator Frank A. Ciccone

The Loss of a Companion Animal…Rainbow BridgeAuthor unknown

JustthissideofheavenisaplacecalledRainbowBridge.

Whenananimaldiesthathasbeenespe-ciallyclosetosomeonehere,theygotoRainbowBridge.Therearemeadowsandhillsforallofourspecialfriendssotheycanrunandplaytogether.Thereisplentyoffood,waterandsunshine;andourfriendsarewarmandcomfortable.

Alltheanimalsthathavebeenillandoldarerestoredtohealthandvigor;thosewhowerehurtormaimedaremadewholeandstrongagain,justasweremembertheminourdreamsofdaysandtimesgoneby.

Theanimalsarehappyandcontent,exceptforonesmallthing;theyeachmisssomeoneveryspecialtothemwhohadtobeleftbehind.

Theyallrunandplaytogether,butthedaycomeswhenonesuddenlystopsandlooksintothedistance.Hisbrighteyesareintent;hiseagerbodybeginstoquiver.Suddenly,hebeginstorunfromthegroup,flyingoverthegreengrass,hislegscarryinghimfasterandfaster.

Youhavebeenspotted.

Andwhenyouandyourspecialfriendfinallymeet,youclingtogetherinjoyousreunion,nevertobepartedagain.Thehappykissesrainuponyourface;yourhandsagaincaressthebelovedhead,andyoulookoncemoreintothetrustingeyesofyourpet,solonggonefromyourlifebutneverabsentfromyourheart.

ThenyoucrossRainbowBridgetogether.

Submitted by Dennis Tabella, director of Defenders of Animals Inc. For more in-formation, call (401) 461-1922; e-mail [email protected]; or go to www.defendersofanimals.org.

Page 19: Common Ground January

JANUARY 2011 Common Ground Page 19

DIRECTORY OF UNION SERVICES

Bristol Branch390 Metacom AvenueBristol, RI 02809(401) 253-1313

URI BranchURI Memorial UnionKingston, RI 02881(401) 789-0253

Dexter Credit Unionwww.dextercu.org1 Village Plaza WayNorth Scituate, RI 02857(401) 934-7600

934 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863(401) 724-6200

Woodlawn FederalCredit Union744 Main StreetPawtucket, RI 02860(401) 728-8300

The Carpenters’ Unionrepresents:

First Trade Union Bankwww.ftubhb.com14 Jefferson Park RoadWarwick, RI 028881-800-242-0272

FUNCTION FACILITIES

Biltmore Hotel11 Dorrance StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 455-3027Scott Connery, Director ofCatering

Brown University45 Prospect St.Providence, RI 02912(401) 863-1075Cynthia Schwartz, Director ofUniversity Event

Bryant University1150 Douglas PikeSmithfield, RI 02917(401) 232-6921Sheila Guay, Director of Events

BARBERS &HAIRDRESSERS

Some barbers and hairdressersare organized by UFCW Local328. For a list of union barbershops and hairdressers, pleasecontact Local 328 at(401) 861-0300 orwww.ufcw328.org

BUILDING TRADES

For home and businessconstruction, repairs, oradditions please contact oneof the following unions for areputable contractor in yourarea. For general questions orhelp please call Build RI at(401) 553-2100 orwww.BuildRI.org

BoilermakersLocal No. 29(617) 328-8400

BricklayersLocal No.1(401) 946-9940

CarpentersLocal No. 94(401) 467-7070

Elevator ConstructorsLocal No. 39(401) 423-2293

GlaziersLocal No. 1333(401) 781-4736

Heat and Frost InsulatorsLocal No. 6(617) 436-4666

International Brotherhoodof Electrical WorkersLocal No. 99(401) 946-9900

International Unionof Operating EngineersLocal No. 57(401) 421-6678

Iron Workers LocalLocal No. 37(401) 438-1111

LaborersLocal No. 271(401) 331-9682

Painters & Allied TradesDistrict Council 11(401) 467-7010

Plaster & MasonsLocal No. 40(401) 943-1185

Plumbers & PipefittersLocal No. 51(401) 943-3033

Rhode Island Building Trades(401) 438-1111

Roofers & WaterproofersLocal No. 33(781) 341-9192

Sheet Metal WorkersLocal No. 17(401) 831-7150

Sprinkler FittersLocal No. 676(860) 666-4447

TeamstersLocal No. 251(401) 434-0454

BUS SERVICES

RIPTARhode Island Public TransitAuthority265 Melrose StreetProvidence, RI 02907(401) 781-9400www.ripta.com

Peter Pan Bus LinesCorporate HeadquartersP.O. Box 1776Springfield, MA 01102-17761-800-237-8747 ext. 1209www.peterpanbus.com

CHILD CAREPROVIDERS

To arrange on-site child carecoverage for your meetings orconferences, or to locate aDCYF-licensed home-basedchild care provider in yourneighborhood or near yourworkplace, contact the unionof home-based child careproviders, District 1199 SEIU,at (401) 457-5099 orwww. seiu1199ne.org

DELIVERY SERVICES

United Parcel ServiceThe Teamsters Local 251represent Rhode Island’s UPSworkers. For the outlet nearestyou, or to schedule a homepick up, please contact UPS atwww.ups.com or1-800-PICK-UPS.

United States Postal ServiceYour local post office isrepresented by the NationalAssociation of Letter Carriers,the American Postal WorkersUnion and the National PostalMail Handlers Union (a divisionof the Laborers Union.)www.usps.com

FINANCIALINSTITUTIONS

Credit union employees areorganized by UFCW Local328.

Rhode Island Credit Unionwww.ricreditunion.orgProvidence Branch160 Francis StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 751-7440

Cranston Branch570 Pontiac AvenueCranston, RI 02910(401) 941-8770

Community Collegeof Rhode IslandKnight Campus, WarwickFlanagan Campus, LincolnListon Campus, ProvidenceNewport CampusCCRI Downcity(401) 825-2015Edna Mattson

Dunkin Donuts Center1 LaSalle SquareProvidence, RI 02903(401) 331-0700 ext. 150Robert Sturm, Event Manager

Newport Grand150 Admiral Kalbfus RoadNewport, RI 02840(401) 849-5000 ext. 157David Rollin

Providence College549 River AvenueProvidence, RI 02918(401) 865-1000 ext. 2070Victoria Mocshu

Rhode Island College600 Mount Pleasant AvenueProvidence, RI 02908(401)456-8022Kathy Sasso

RI Convention Center1 Sabin StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401)-458-6002Antonia Anthony, Director ofEvent Services

Roger Williams Park Casino1000 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02905(401) 785-9450 ext. 240Lisa Gonzales, Casino EventPlanner

Roger Williams University1 Old Ferry RoadBristol, RI 02809(401) 253-1040 ext. 3793Allison Chase-Padula

Twin River1600 Louisquisset PikeLincoln, RI 02865(401) 723-3200 ext. 8497Alana Barts

University of Rhode IslandKingston, Alton Jones CampusProvidence Campus(401) 874-2214Sherry Davis

HOSPITALS

UNAP members work atthe following locations:

• Fatima Hospital• Greater RI Visiting

Nurse Service• Homestead Group• Kent Hospital• Landmark Medical Center• Memorial Hospital• Rehabilitation Hospital

of RI• Rhode Island Hospital• RI Community Living &

Support Services• RI Dept of Human Services• RI Veterans’ Home• URI, CCRI, RIC Health

Services• Westerly Hospital

(Professional & Technical)• Westerly Hospital (Service

& Maintenance)• Zambarano Hospital

SEIU 1199 members work atthe following locations:

• Butler Hospital• Women & Infants

Hospital

JANITORIAL SERVICES

Some janitorial companies areorganized by SEIU Local 615.For a list of unionized janitorialservices, contact the Local 615office at (401) 521-6150 orvisit their website atwww.seiu615.org.

NEWSPAPERS

Common Ground Newswww.commongroundnews.netSubscribe401.451.1305

Providence Journalwww.projo.comSubscribe(401) 277-7600

Pawtucket Timeswww.pawtuckettimes.comSubscribe(401) 722-4000

Woonsocket Callwww.woonsocketcall.comSubscribe(401) 767-8522

NURSING HOMES

SEIU 1199 members work atthe following locations:

• Bannister House• Charlesgate Nursing

Center• Country Gardens

Skilled Nursing• Crawford Skilled Nursing• Greenville Skilled

Nursing• Hopkins Manor• Pawtucket Skilled Nursing• Parkview Associates• United Methodist Health

Care Center

PRINTERS, BANNERS& SIGNS

B Sign Graphics27 Libera StreetCranston, RI 02920Phone: (401) 943-6941Fax: (401) 943-2287

Checkmate ConsultingGroup & Printing461 Main StreetEast Greenwich, RI 02818Phone: (401) 885-0666Fax: (401) 885-0775

Cogens, Inc.1 Virginia AvenueProvidence, RI 02905Phone: (401) 421-4436Fax: (401) 331-9032

Crownmark109 Fletcher AvenueCranston, RI 02920Phone: (401) 943-1112Fax: (401) 943-1113

Dorrance Engraving635 Prospect StreetPawtucket, RI 02860Phone: (401) 725-0504Fax: (401) 725-0504

East Coast Screen Printing22 Partridge StreetProvidence, RI 02908Phone: (401) 272-1166Fax: (401) 272-1167

Federal Signs135 Dean StreetProvidence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 421-3400Fax: (401) 351-2233

Financial Innovations1 Weingeroff Blvd.Cranston, RI 02919Phone: (401) 467-3170Fax: (401) 467-3570

JB Foley Printing1469 Broad StreetProvidence, RI 02905Phone: (401) 467-3616Fax: (401) 467-8309

Lamar Outdoor Advertising360 Warren AvenueE. Providence, RI 02914Phone: (401) 421-4504,Fax: (401) 421-4757

Mandeville Sign Co.676 George Wash. Hwy.Lincoln, RI 02865Phone: (401) 334-9100Fax: (401) 334-7799

Regine Printing Co., Inc.208 Laurel Hill AvenueProvidence, RI 02909Phone: (401) 943-3404Fax (401) 944-1228

R.I. Litho Printing, Inc.1395 Atwood AvenueJohnston, RI 02919Phone: (401) 275-0760Fax: (401) 464-6002

Screen Works, LLC62 South Main StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895Phone: (401) 692-0304

Sheahan Printing Corp.1 Front StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895Phone: (401) 273-7272Fax: (401) 769-9206

Sign Lite, Inc.6 Corporate DriveN. Haven, CT 06473Phone: 1-800-544-0854Fax: (203) 234-8344

The Sign ShoppeP.O. Box 2296Westerly, RI 02891Phone: (401) 364-7442

Tarvis Graphics Inc.21 Sabin StreetPawtucket, RI 02860Phone: (401) 726-5530Fax: (401) 723-6420

SUPERMARKETS

Supermarket employees at thestores listed below aremembers of UFCW Local 328or UFCW Local 791.

Super Stop and Shop• Bristol• Coventry• Cumberland• Johnston• Lincoln• Middletown• Narragansett• Newport• North Kingstown• North Providence• North Smithfield• Pawtucket• Providence• Richmond• Smithfield• Warwick• Westerly

Shaw’s Supermarket• Barrington• Garden City• Cranston• East Providence• Riverside• Johnston• Middletown• North Providence• Pawtucket• Providence• Wakefield• Warwick• Lakewood• Westerly• Woonsocket

Eastside Marketplace• Providence

Brigidos IGA• Pascoag• North Scituate

Grand Union Family Markets• South Yarmouth• Provincetown• Buzzards Bay• South Yarmouth

C-Town Supermarket• Pawtucket

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Checkmate ConsultingGroup & Printing461 Main StreetEast Greenwich, RI 02818Phone: (401) 885-0666Fax: (401) 885-0775

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

All public school employees areorganized by the Rhode IslandFederation of Teachers andHealth Professionals or theNational Education Associationof Rhode Island.

The following Charter Schoolsare also unionized:

• Laborers Charter School• Textron Charter School• Times 2 Charter School

RECYCLING AND TRASHREMOVAL SERVICES

Waste Management ofRhode Island(800) 972-4545

TELEPHONE, INTERNET& CABLE SERVICES

AT&T Wireless1 (800) 897-7046www.wireless.att.comUnion members recieve specialdiscounts on AT&T wirelessservice plans. For moreinfomation to towww.unionplus.org

VerizonVerizon, whose employees aremembers of the InternationalBrotherhood of ElectricalWorkers Local 2323, canprovide for all of your homeand office internet, telephoneand cable TV needs throughVerizon’s new FiOS (Fiber OpticService) network.

Simply call 1-888-Get FiOSor 1-888-591-6076.

Or contact IBEW 2323 at(401) 732-IBEW (4239).

IBEW 23231150 New London AvenueCranston, RI 02920

The Sentinel Group, LLC111 Wayland AvenueProvidence, RI 02906Phone: (401) 451-1305Fax: (401) 831.6111

BUY Union Products. USE Union Services.Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!

P.O. Box 7613Warwick, RI 02887

(401) 751-7100

Don’t Miss

An informative, one-hour

weekly show highlighting

issues and events affecting

working families.

TUESDAY 7 P.M.

THURSDAY 8 P.M.

SATURDAY 5 P.M.

COX CHANNEL 14

VERIZON FIOS CHANNEL 33

BUY Union Products. USE Union Services.Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!

P.O. Box 7613Warwick, RI 02887

(401) 751-7100

Don’t Miss

An informative, one-hour

weekly show highlighting

issues and events affecting

working families.

TUESDAY 7 P.M.

THURSDAY 8 P.M.

SATURDAY 5 P.M.

COX CHANNEL 14

VERIZON FIOS CHANNEL 33

Page 20: Common Ground January

Page 20 Common Ground JANUARY 2011

Partnering withRhode Island’s Municipalities toProvide the Most Effective and

Cost-efficient Public Employee Benefits

The Rhode Island Public The Rhode Island PublicEmployees’ Health Services Fund Employees’ Legal Services Fund

The Rhode Island Public Employees’ Education,

Training and Apprenticeship Fund

Donald S. Iannazzi, Esq., Chairman

Vicki A. Virgilio Pasquale T. D’Amico Trustee Trustee

Sharen Gleckman Joseph F. Kenney Trustee Trustee

Betty Jackson Chris Lombardi Liaison Coordinator

Rhode Island’s Union Built, Operated and Staffed Facilities

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK CASINOACCOMMODATING 50 - 300(401) 941-5640 (401) 785-9450

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’LOCAL UNION 1033

Representing the Public Servantswho make government work!

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES = PUBLIC SERVICE Cranston Crossing Guards Town of North Kingstown

Lincoln Highway Department Providence Community Action Program

Providence School Department Lincoln Public Library

Narragansett Bay Commission Town of North Providence

City of Providence Narragansett Town Hall

North Providence Crossing Guards Lincoln Water Commission

Providence Civic Center Authority R.I. Department of Transportation

Warwick Crossing Guards North Providence School Department

Lincoln Town Hall

DONALD S. IANNAZZI, ESQ. VICKI A. VIRGILIO Business Manager President

CITY CENTER SKATING RINKACCOMMODATING GROUPS FROM 10 - 400

(401) 331-5544 ExT. 5

.75%1Only your imagination stands in your way now. This special introductoryrate on a Home Equity Line of Credit won’t last long. Come in today andtake advantage of this extraordinary low rate. And Journey on.

Enjoy Life’s Journey

HOME EQUIT Y L INE OF CREDIT

APR*

C a l l 4 0 1 . 2 3 3 . 4 7 0 0 , o r v i s i t n a v i g a n t c u . o r g

No Title Fee • No Application Fee • No Closing Costs

Thereafter, remaining term will automatically

convert to a variable rate of interest as low as prime minus 0.50%

Advertised Introductory *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 1.75% is the lowest available and is fixed for the first 12 months. Offer applicable for applicants with acredit score of 680 or higher. After initial 12 monthly billing cycles, rate automatically reverts to a variable rate of interest as low as Prime minus 0.50% as publishedin The Wall Street Journal 30 days before the date of any rate adjustment. As of 9/1/2010 Prime Rate was 3.25%. Interest rate and line amount determined by individual creditworthiness and subject to loan-to-value ratio of 80%. Offer limited to 1-4 family owner-occupied primary residence properties only. Property insurance(and flood insurance if applicable) required. Offer and rate is subject to change at any time without notice. Other terms and restrictions may apply. APR will not exceed21% with a minimum rate of 2.75%. If home equity line is paid in full and closed within twelve (12) months from the opening date, a prepayment penalty may apply.RI: up to but not to exceed 2% of the balance due at time of payoff; MA: remaining balance of first year’s interest or amount equal to last 3 months’ interest,whichever is less. Existing NCU home equity lines/loans are not eligible for refinance with this promotion. Other rates and terms available. Inquire for full details.

Introductory Fixed Ratefor First 12 Billing Cycles

.75%2 APR*

AffordableHearing Solution