You’re listening to the Westerly Sun’s podcast, where we talk about the best local events, new job postings, obituaries, and more.

First, a bit of Rhode Island trivia. Today’s trivia is brought to you by Perennial. Perennial’s new plant-based drink “Daily Gut & Brain” is a blend of easily digestible nutrients crafted for gut and brain health. A convenient mini-meal, Daily Gut & Brain” is available now at the CVS Pharmacy in Wakefield.

Now for some trivia. Did you know that Rhode Island native, Clara Lamore was an American competition swimmer who represented the United States at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.

Lamore won a number of AAU breaststroke titles and semi-retired from swimming after the 1948 Olympics, worked for New England Telephone, then would become a nun, in The Sisters of the Cenacle. In 1964, Lamore was one of the first two women to graduate from Providence College. She later became a teacher and guidance counselor at Western Hills Middle School in Cranston. By 1980 she developed chronic back pain and resumed swimming upon advice from a doctor. She became the most decorated master swimmer of all time, setting more than 180 world and 465 American records. She was selected the Outstanding Masters Swimmer in her age group for eight consecutive years and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995.

Now, for our feature story:

Over the past decade, Daniel Spring has been a familiar face on Stonington’s Board of Finance, providing consistency and stability while helping to establish an undesignated fund and move forward important infrastructure projects including school renovations and the construction of the North Stonington Center for Emergency Services.

First Selectman Michael Urgo said: Spring’s guidance has been instrumental to the town over the past 10 years and has been critical in positioning the town to continue to have financial success well into the future.

“When he first began his tenure on the Board of Finance, the town had nearly no undesignated reserve fund. Through his leadership as chairman, we have built a healthy undesignated fund balance to 15.5% of our annual budget. That wouldn’t have happened without him, and that’s just one example.”

Spring, a financial adviser and Republican who first joined the Board of Finance in 2010, was feted Tuesday evening by members of the Board of Selectmen, State Sen. Heather Somers and State Rep. Greg Howard during a surprise ceremony at the board’s last meeting of the current term Tuesday night at the North Stonington Education Center. The longtime volunteer and member of the North Stonington Republican Town Committee was present to receive the honors, which included both local and state citations thanking him for his service.

During his time with the Board of Finance, Spring was a proponent of balanced spending and led initiatives to implement several financial policies designed to improve oversight and help set the town on track for steady, sustainable growth. Under his leadership, officials said the town was able to achieve an A1 credit rating.

He was also an essential member of both the School Modernization Committee and Center for Emergency Services Building Committee and his ability to reach across the aisle and communicate with the public helped to gain the support necessary to move both projects forward.

Spring said Tuesday that he was fortunate to serve, and although the job was one that often demanded he commit a good deal of time over the years, he felt privileged to have had the opportunity to serve. He thanked his family for their continued support and understanding, and praised other members of the Board of Finance for their dedication in serving next to him.

For more information on all things Stonington, check out this story and more at thewesterlysun.com

Are you interested in a new opportunity? You’re in luck! Today’s Job posting comes from Randall Realtors Compass in Westerly. They’re looking for real estate agents. You’ll need to obtain a real estate license before you start. Pay can be $100,000 or more per year. If you’re interested and think you’d be a good fit for the role you can apply using the link in our episode description.

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?l=Westerly%2C%20RI&mna=5&aceid&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpf2IBhDkARIsAGVo0D2S3gEb-328GyRpBuTTeeKPdn3-klOh0KYAsfete6MEZmI5S4qTg-4aAnQkEALw_wcB&vjk=ca280a731c2da875&advn=7652287743140876

Today we’re remembering the life of John Stolgitis, Jr. of Chase Hill Rd in Ashaway.

He was the loving husband of Mildred. John was born in Ware, MA, graduated from Ware High School and continued his education at UMASS Amherst receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Fisheries and Forestry, and a Master's Degree in Fishery Biology.

John began his career with the State of Rhode Island in 1967 working as a Fisheries Biologist. He was named Deputy Chief of Fisheries in 1978 where he served until being appointed Chief of Fish and Wildlife in 1988 and finished his 35-year career retiring in 2003. John spent his career as a staunch advocate of hunters and fishermen. As an avid hunter and fisherman himself, he never missed an opening day of trout season out visiting with the fishermen. As Chief of Fish and Wildlife, John also promoted field trial bird dogs setting up a training area in Arcadia Management Area. This has become one of the premier trial areas in the northeast. Upon his retirement, the State of Rhode Island named said area in his honor.

In addition to his wife, John leaves his daughter, son, as well as his granddaughter.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate John’s life.

That’s it for today, we’ll be back next time with more! Also, remember to check out our sponsor Perennial, Daily Gut & Brain, available at the CVS on Main St. in Wakefield!

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