URI’s Cooperative Extension is trying to connect New England military veterans with opportunities in agriculture. Training is offered at the new Boots to Bushels Market Garden in Kingston, as well as online.
In winter, online classes and farm tours will focus on building a sustainable farm business. Registration for the online training will open in the fall.
The programs are supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
According to Boots to Bushels program director Tricia Lourenco Boucher, these new programs began as a way to connect veterans with careers in agriculture. She says that veterans can continue to serve their country through land stewardship and by providing food to their communities.
The initiative offers a summer workshop series most Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the 2-acre farm, located at 30 Thirty Acre Pond Road, in Kingston.
The next program – about water conservation – is scheduled for July 17. Each workshop costs $10; to register or learn more, email telourenco@uri.edu.
Inventory of Jewish veterans interred at RI Veterans Cemetery now available
Volunteers from the Tikkun Olam Committee of Congregation Beth David of Narragansett have developed a comprehensive list of Jewish veterans (and spouses) laid to rest at the RI Veterans Cemetery.
According to internet sources, “Tikkun olam” is a Hebrew phrase meaning ”repair the world" or "mend the world." It's a central teaching in Jewish religious tradition and is often used to describe social action and the pursuit of social justice.
“We launched this project when we found out the cemetery does not retain a listing of veterans by religious affiliation,” said Bob Fricklas of North Kingstown, chair of the group that undertook the research. Bob was a special-education administrator in both the public and private school sectors for more than 40 years before his retirement.
“The project was one we cherished as a tribute to the vets (and their spouses) of the Jewish faith buried there,“ he concluded.
Other key participants were fellow members of the Tikkun Olam Committee: Bev and Lou Narciso; Barry Davis; Ronne Chalek; Maysy Fricklas; and Marion Myers.
Over the last several months, members of the congregation searched the entire cemetery. They recorded the name, date of birth, date of death, military branch and rank for every burial site marked with a Star of David. They obtained names of cremated remains from the columbarium as well.
The search revealed 195 interments. Marion Myers, a Congregation Beth David vice president, collected the data – including gravesite location – and compiled it into a spreadsheet.
“We have also asked the major funeral homes serving the RI Jewish community to send us information regarding recent burials so the list can be continuously updated,” said Fricklas.
Anyone who would like to receive an email copy of the spreadsheet may request one from dotcalm@cox.net.
Announcement
Button Hole Golf Course continues Veterans Golf Clinics
All veterans and active service members are welcome, as well as immediate family members. There is no charge for the golf clinics, golf equipment or the food that follows. Two “ParaMobile” golf carts are also available. Remaining 2024 schedule (All Thursdays): July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Sept. 26, Oct. 10.
Typical agenda: 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Instruction on the range, plus playing as many holes as we can (or desire). A light meal and soft drinks will follow the golf, allowing a few minutes to unwind and talk about our golfing exploits.
Join Button Hole for one clinic or as many as you can attend; they are open to players of all experience levels. To participate, please email (Dwright@buttonhole.org) so they have a head count for the food. If transportation is an issue please call Don Wright at (401) 421-1664 and Button Hole can find you a ride.
Also: Veterans can use the range or play nine holes at no charge on any Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Simply sign in at the Pro Shop.
Calendar
Saturday, Aug. 24: Narragansett Town Beach, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Veteran Surf Session by Soldiers Surf. Equipment (surfboards and wetsuits), surf instruction and lunch are provided to veterans and active-duty service members at no charge. Go to soldierssurf.com to register or volunteer. For further details, email Mike Tubridy at SoldiersSurf@yahoo.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans Resource Fair at Schofield Armory, 705 New London Ave., Cranston. Organized by Ocean State Unit 118 of Military Women Across the Nation (MWAN), the event is open to all veterans and their families. Representatives from various providers, such as the VA, VA Hospital, and Social Security, will provide information and answer questions. For details, call retired Col. Patty Ryan at (401) 369-1280 or email her at chefpatty100@gmail.com.
To report the outcome of a previous activity, or to add a future event to our calendar, please be aware that the deadline for this Monday column is 5 p.m. the previous Wednesday.
Email your details (including a contact name and phone number/email address) to veteranscolumn@providencejournal.com.
Most Popular
Comments / 0