CCAP Head Start/Early Head Start Programs now enrolling

CCAP's Head Start/Early Head Start Programs are recruiting children from birth to 5 years old. The programs are free federally funded program serving income eligible children and families; free federally funded program serving foster children; comprehensive services for pregnant women, infants and toddlers, three to four-year olds and children who missed the Kindergarten age mandate; services are offered to children with special needs; free breakfast and lunch is provided; parent engagement opportunities; extended daycare services offered for parents who are working or in school and priority is given to families experiencing homelessness. For more information, call CCAP's Child Development Center at 943-5160.

“Love Me Tender” Valentines to feature Elvis Tribute

The RI Shriners have announced their first ever Elvis Tribute Concert on Feb.10 at 7 p.m. with door opening at 6:30 p.m. in the Imperial Room at the RI Shriners, 1Rhodes Place, Cranston. The building is fully handicapped accessible with free off-street parking.

The event will feature an Elvis Tribute Concert featuring Robert Black (his Elvis jumpsuit is a must see) and Fun & Games with Comedian Brian Vincent and a special guest. “Grandma Martha”. 

Your taste buds are going to enjoy an impressive display of beautifully created desserts in a spectacular “Dessert Buffet” with Complimentary Champagne. For those that are still working on their “New Year’s Resolutions” of eating healthy, they will have delicious, healthy options for you. There will be a cash bar available. Appetizers will also be served during the event.

Valentine’s Day is all about those you LOVE, Spouse, GAL Pals & Best Bros, and Family. Grab those you love and join the RI Shriners for a fun night of Laughs, Hip Swaying Music, Great Food & Drinks.

 Advance ticket prices are $25 per person and $30 at the door (if space is available). The last three RI Shriner entertainment events were sold out so don’t delay in getting your tickets by Feb. 3.

Table Reservations can be made in advance by calling 467-7100 Ext 33, or emailing paulaRiShriners@gmail.com.

The RI Shriners are currently looking for business sponsorships or donations of items for the raffle and dessert buffet.  Business sponsorships are starting at just $50 each. For more information on event, sponsorships or donations, please contact Paula at 467-7100 ext. 33or at PaulaRiShriners@gmail.com. You may also make your reservations at the Eventbrite site at www.eventbrite.com/e/love-me-tender-valentines-event-tickets-41589213457.

Seniors & police awareness

Hosted by Cranston Department of Senior Services and Lieutenant Mark Freeborn and Officer Glenn Cipalone of the Cranston Police Department; Seniors & Police Awareness will begin on Feb. 7 and held each week through Feb. 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Theater Room at the Center.

The program is as follows: Feb.7 – Introduction/Training Division; Feb. 14 - Patrol Unit; Feb. 21 – Detective Division and on Feb 28 with the K-9 Unit.

Registration is required for this free program. Please stop by or contact the Senior Center at 780-6000.

Occupied Circles to showcase local artist

As the owner and lead designer for Michelle Lee Designs in Johnston, Michelle Gradus Parenteau of Cranston, has worked on interior design projects for commercial and residential clients across the country. Her art show, “Occupied Circles" will be held on Feb. 4 at the Cranston Public Library. The opening reception will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

She graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and started her interior design company in 2004. Her playful use of color and texture is seen both in her design work and in her paintings. Michelle has explored various styles of painting ranging from mixed media, acrylics, chalk paint, pastels and collaging. With Michelle’s versatility, she can create unique personalized pieces of art for many of her clients. She has also been featured in many galleries throughout Rhode Island.

Ocean State Toastmasters to Meet

Ocean State Toastmasters will hold its next meeting on Feb. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Warwick City Hall, 3275 Post Rd. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

The club is one of some 13,500 in Toastmasters International, a nonprofit, educational organization devoted to the development of public speaking and leadership skills. The organization has approximately 280,000 members in 116 countries.

Founded in 1963, Ocean State Toastmasters is one of the oldest clubs in Rhode Island. For more information, contact Merrill Winoker, Vice President of Membership, at 688-4741 or merrillwinoker@icloud.com.

The Right Foot Business Start Up Workshop

The Greater Cranston Chamber of Commerce will host the “Right Foot Business Start Up” workshop on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cranston Central Library.

Sort through the many issues that entrepreneurs face when planning and starting a small business. This interactive workshop will address feasibility assessment, identifying gaps in your plan, key financial planning documents, forms of organization, and the RI Department of State website detailing compliance requirements. Both traditional and progressive tools like The Big Idea and the Value Proposition Canvas will help you to overcome the obstacles to success. Also, learn about business development initiatives from the City of Cranston and Greater Cranston Chamber of Commerce representatives.

Extend this workshop through no cost business counseling with the RI Small Business Development Center (RISBDC).

If you are starting a business or need feedback on the essential steps and process of starting a business, then this workshop is for you.

Register at www.risbdc.org/Events.aspx?&days=90. For more information, contact Stephen C. Boyle at sboyle@cranstonchamber.com or 785-3780.

At the Senior Center

The Michael A. Traficante Enrichment Center, located at 1070 Cranston St. will offer the following programs and activities:

Just to Say Hello Program is a Cranston Department of Senior Services program that provides a daily telephone call to Cranston seniors who are alone and have few family contacts.  Each day a caring volunteer will make a simple, friendly phone call at a mutually agreed time which helps relieve loneliness, enhances wellness and develops friendships.  If you know of any Cranston senior who would like to receive a daily telephone call or if you would like to be a volunteer caller contact Jennifer Kevorkian, Social Services Director at 780-6254.

Membership Drive 2018 for both renewal & new memberships has begun, and you may sign up any day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center. Anyone 55 years or older may join. Cranston Residents only $10 and non-Cranston residents only $12.

Movie Time will be held on Feb. 5 at 9:30 a.m. featuring “The Untouchables” starring Robert DeNiro, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery. A 1987 American gangster film about a group of U.S. Federal law-enforcement agents led by Eliot Ness who work to end Al Capone’s illegal activities by aggressively enforcing Prohibition laws against Capone and his organization.

Chair Exercise Program will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Classes are free. For more information call 780-6216.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, “Living Well Rhode Island,” will be held on Tuesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and will begin on March 20 ending April 24. Anyone with a chronic issue be it arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, pain etc. are invited to participate in this free evidence-based program. topics covered during this six-session workshop include dealing with frustration; pain & fatigue; medication & nutrition; exercise for improving strength, flexibility & endurance; evaluating new medications and more. Upon successfully completing the program each participant will receive a certificate of completion, a relaxation CD and a gift certificate. Space is limited so register now by calling 780-6000.

NSIGHT Support Group will meet on Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. INSIGHT Support Groups bring together people who are living with vision loss to help them find ways to overcome the isolation, loneliness, and frustration that they may be feeling.  The groups also create opportunities for people to learn from each other and form lasting friendships.  For more information call INSIGHT at 941-3322.

Super Bowl Luncheon called “Show Your Colors” will be held on Feb. 2 at 11:30 a.m. It’s that time of year again! The New England Patriots back in the Super Bowl, this year against the Philadelphia Eagles. So, who are you rooting for?  Join in and be sure to wear your team’s colors. Call for your luncheon reservation 780-6134.

Diabetes Support Group will discuss “Peripheral Neuropathy” on Feb. 7 at 10:00 a.m. with facilitator Pharmacist Mario Casinelli and URI PharmD Students. Approximately 70 percent of people with diabetes suffer from peripheral neuropathy. What is peripheral neuropathy? Why is it so prevalent and how can it be managed? These are just a few questions that will be addressed at this presentation.

Hi Lo Jack Card League at the Senior Center will begin on March 9 at 1 p.m. at the cost of $2 weekly. For more information and to sign up call Kathi at 780-6216 or Ray at 497-8097.

Bored…Holidays Are Over! Looking for something interesting to do? Have you often said that you would like to take up painting? Now is your chance. Join in at the Senior Center on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. For more details on this Painting Class call Kathi at 780-6216.

City summer jobs applications date announced

The Parks and Recreation Department will make available summer job applications from April 2 to May 4. Applications will be available for download on the Parks and Recreation website and for pick up at the Recreation Office. Applicants must Cranston Resident and be 16 years old at the time of employment. Forms should be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Positions include Camp Counselor, Lifeguard, Pool Attendant, Pool Maintenance.

This is for new applicants only. Last year's summer employees in good standing with the department will receive a re-application form in the mail in the coming weeks.

Did You Know?

The most popular theory about Valentine's Day's origin is that Emperor Claudius II didn't want Roman men to marry during wartime. Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret weddings. For this, Valentine was jailed and executed. While in jail he wrote a note to the jailor's daughter signing it "from your Valentine.” (Source: Valentine Fun Facts)

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