Chamber Backs Council Decision On Filming; "Prom On A Dime" Workshop This Weekend

1. The South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce board of directors issued a press release Wednesday showing unanimous approval of a resolution supporting the South Kingstown Town Council’s recent vote in support of local filming.

The project, titled “Moonrise Kingdom” will bring dollars to local businesses.  Restaurants, hotels, and local retailers will benefit from the short-term in-flow of activity.  Longer term, there is the potential for additional tourist dollars coinciding with the release of the movie.  The movie brings big names to Southern Rhode Island, including Director Wes Anderson, and actors Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, and Bill Murray.

“The risks are low and the potential is high for a significant upside,” says Clay Johnson, Chamber Board Member.  The chambers mission is to support and enhance the business community of Southern Rhode Island. 

2. SK Parks and Rec SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Now Available

With April vacation upon us, it may be prudent to start thinking about June as well.  to get a heads up on upcoming summer programs offered by the South Kingstown Parks and Recreation Department.

3.  “Prom Style on a Dime” Hosted by Mrs. Rhode Island International 2011, Mary Alba

Mrs. Alba is hosting a fundraiser “Prom Style on a Dime Expo”  Sunday April 17^th 2011 from 12pm to 4pm at the South Kingstown High School 215 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI. This event is intended to benefit RI high school Prom goers, local small businesses as well as 2 of Mrs. Alba’s favorite charities, Dresses that Cure, a program of Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and Easter Seals RI where Mrs. Alba serves as a member on the board of directors.

Dresses that Cure will showcase over 1,000 prom gowns and sell them for just $20 each.  Local boutiques, limos, tuxedos, accessories, photographers, make-up and hair stylists will be in the vendor mall. 

The average cost of a prom per couple can easily exceed $1,000.  Mrs. Alba hopes that this event will help RI families make the 2011 Prom season more affordable while still being as fashionable as ever.

Alba is an independent financial advisor and will spend her year as Mrs. RI International advocating for financial literacy as well as increasing awareness and fundraising for fine local charities.  This is just one event that demonstrates her commitment to financial sensibility while promoting local businesses and charities.

 Admission is $10 per person.  Free admission and discounts for anyone who donates a prom or wedding gown at the door to Dresses that Cure. 

For more information visit www.maryalba.com

4. The Rhode Island Department of Health announced earlier this week in a press release that North Kingstown, Pawtucket, and South Kingstown will each receive a grant to create policies that promote active, healthier lifestyles in an effort to prevent and reduce obesity. The grants total $225,000 and were awarded through HEALTH’s Healthy Places by Design project.

“Almost 30% of Rhode Island children, ages 10 to 17, are overweight or obese,” said Interim Director of Health Michael Fine, MD. “Less than half of adults engage in regular physical activity. To fight the obesity epidemic, we need cities and towns to make policy changes on the local level. We have to make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

These three communities will work to improve the health of their residents through community planning and the built environment. Community planning can include new or updated zoning policies or ordinances. A community’s built environment is man-made items like buildings, roads, playgrounds, sidewalks, or landscaping. Given the substantial effect of a community’s built environment on the health of its residents. HEALTH is starting to focus more attention on improving the built environment as a means of obesity prevention. These changes will make it easier for people to choose healthier behaviors, like playing in the neighborhood park instead of playing computer games.

Funding for this initiative comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) award to Rhode Island. In addition to the grant money, the three municipalities will receive technical assistance from HEALTH and the Rhode Island Division of Planning. Funds will be allocated over the next year.

5. Tomorrow, take a run at the Frosty Dew Nature Center and Observatory in Charlestown for a good Cause.  The Frosty Dew Classic Fun Run/Walk kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with a kids fun run, and a run/walk for adults at 11:30 a.m. Registration tomorrow will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Race day entries will be $20.  The top three male and female runners will get their very own homemade Apple Pie.  More prizes will be raffled as well.