Five Things You Need To Know Today: Oct. 7

CCRI nears record enrollment-

Enrollment for the Fall 2011 semester at the Community College of Rhode Island is the second-highest of any semester in the college’s history, President Ray Di Pasquale announced this week. According to final enrollment numbers, 17,893 students are taking classes this semester at CCRI’s four main campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence and Newport; two satellite locations in Westerly and the Shepard Building in Downcity Providence; through distance learning and training and development contracts.

This number is second only to enrollment in Fall 1992, when Rhode Island instituted a special tuition waiver with no income qualifications for senior citizens or the unemployed. This semester also brings the second-highest full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment – 11,105 – in the college’s history.

Di Pasquale said the college understands its significant roles in workforce development and preparing graduates for the jobs of the 21^st century; readying students to further their education at four-year institutions; and assisting displaced workers seeking to retrain in high-demand industries.

Columbus Day trash schedule-

On Saturday, Oct. 8 and Monday Oct. 10, in the observance of Columbus Day Weekend the Woonsocket Material Recycle Facility located at 943 River Street and the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (Central Landfill in Johnston) will be closed.

Residents are reminded that curbside pick-up for the week of Oct. 10 to Oct. 14 will be delayed by one day (Blue Cart Week.)

Sexual Assault Survivors Advocacy Group-

Day One today announced it is looking for additional participants to join its sexual assault survivors’ advocacy group, One Voice. This team of volunteers is dedicated to using advocacy and public speaking as a vehicle to end sexual violence.  For sexual assault survivors interested in joining the group, an informational meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Day One’s office at 100 Medway Street in Providence. This team of volunteers is dedicated to using advocacy and public speaking as a vehicle to end sexual violence.  For sexual assault survivors interested in joining the group, an informational meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Day One’s office at 100 Medway Street in Providence

To register or learn more call (401) 421-4100 ext. 106, or email mroberti@dayoneri.org.  Additional details can also be found at www.dayoneri.org.  Registration is required to attend the informational meeting, and participants are asked to be at least 18 years of age and have at least one year between their last victimization and their advocacy work.

Northern RI Chamber joins EngageRI-

At its September Board of Directors meeting the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce voted to join EngageRI, a coalition of businesses, trade associations, social service agencies and non-profits that is advocating for comprehensive pension reform during this year's General Assembly Special Session. The chamber asks that all those interested in sending a message to state legislators regarding Rhode Island's need for comprehensive pension reform visit www.EngageRI.org and click the Act Now button.

And for your final Friday things to know, reflections with Connie Lemonde-

REFLECTIONS:

Have you ever thought of how many times we use the word “I” each day in our thoughts, and in our conversations? I guarantee that it's a lot more than what you can count on ten fingers!

There's nothing wrong in using such a pronoun to identify ourselves, but in the past decades the overuse of that word has done more damage and has caused more heartaches and harm than anyone could have anticipated.

“When I drive, I own the road. If you don't like it, just get out of my way.”

A typical and very prevalent attitude! Nothing good can come out of this!

It's time for all of us to realize that we are not more important than “the other,” whoever that might be.

We need to re-introduce respect for others and compassion for their needs. It's part of the balance that we must develop and activate, if we want to have peace in a world that seems to be idiotically obsessed with the “I.” 

So, start counting. I'll bet you'll be surprised. More so, hopefully you'll recognize the need for a change in our values; and as you go through the day, always remember: “We do not own the road. Everyone has a right to drive on it.”

Connie's short inspirational, surprising and humorous stories about local people can be heard on radio station WOON 1240 AM every Friday at 9:05 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. Also available online at www.onworldwide.com anytime. Just scroll down to to C'est La Vie.  Do you have an inspiring or interesting story to tell? Contact conlemonde@gmail.com. SUBJECT: radio