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, Chester Nichols Jr. was a professional baseball player? He was a pitcher for nine seasons with the Boston and Milwaukee Braves, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. In 1951, he was the National League earned run average champion as a 20-year-old rookie, and was the runner-up to Willie Mays for the league's Rookie of the Year Award. He was the son of former major league pitcher Chet Nichols Sr., a right-hander who appeared in 44 games for three National League clubs between 1926 and 1932.

Now, for our feature story:

Rural health care providers in Rhode Island are getting more than $650,000 in federal relief funds to help improve care and make up for losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Senator Jack Reed: “The federal grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, can be used to pay salaries or recruit workers, purchase supplies or equipment, make capital investments, or cover other expenses related to preventing and responding to the pandemic.”

The federal funding will make 88 payouts to local health care providers and suppliers who serve rural communities and deliver care to Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries.

Reed said: “COVID-19 impacts us all and this federal funding will help ensure that health care practitioners who serve patients from rural areas can continue to reliably serve them and help combat this pandemic.”

For more information on jobs and employment, check out this story and more at thewesterlysun.com

Today we’re remembering the life of Loretta Brown of Pawcatuck, beloved wife of Norman for 54 years.

Loretta was born in Montville, Connecticut, and worked as a Certified Nurse's Aide for Mary Elizabeth Nursing Home for many years.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her daughters, granddaughter, and two step-grandchildren.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Loretta’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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