Time for Lacrosse in Cranston

The new Cranston Lacrosse Club is open for registration for spring 2018 boys and girls lacrosse.  

Early registration is in full swing and you may register at their web site at www.CranstonLacrosseClub.com.

The early bird discount is intended to defray the cost associated with membership in US Lacrosse, participation is US Lacrosse is required to play in the Rhode Island Youth Lacrosse League (RIYLL). This requirement mirrors years past.

Registration is $150, US Lacrosse $30 and the Early Bird Discount $30.

Uniform to include Jersey, Shorts/Skirt, Shirt, and Sweatshirt and $100 to be collected when practices start.

For ten years, recreational youth lacrosse in Cranston has experienced growth. Please join in spreading the word for the spring 2018 season. Indoor practices are planned for the 2nd week of March, outdoor practices in April, and games beginning roughly the 2nd week of April.

Free tax preparation for those who qualify

CCAP's 2018 VITA Tax Preparation Assistance Service provides free tax preparation for individuals and families earning less than $54,000.

Last year, CCAP's VITA program filed over 1,000 federal tax returns, helping Rhode Island families receive $1.6 million in refunds without any cost. Their VITA tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS and will help you file your federal and state income taxes at no cost.

CCAP's tax preparation services are offered at our Cranston location: 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston, RI (lower level). Call 467-7013 today for an appointment.

In search of volunteers

Rhode Island Academic Decathlon is actively recruiting volunteers for their Sunday, March 11, 2018 state competition. Volunteers evaluate the speech and interview skills of high school students or assist with exams and event management. The competition is hosted by CCRI in Warwick, and most volunteers serve from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Training is provided on the day of the event. Twenty teams from high schools across the state are competing. For more information on the RI Academic Decathlon, visit www.acdec.net, or email frank.lenox@acdec.net. To register as a volunteer, visit riadregistration.org/decathlon/volunteers.pl or call 732-7700 extension 104 or email Jen Randall at jen.randall@acdec.net.

“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.

Tickets are $30 at the door. Table Reservations can be made in advance by calling 467-7100 Ext 33, or emailing 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.

At the Senior Center

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

 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.

Reminisce Group will meet this Friday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m. Remember, remember with pleasure, cast one’s mind back to, look back on, be nostalgic about, recall, recollect, reflect on, call to mind…that is what the Reminisce Group is all about. Join in and bring a friend.

The ABC’s of Bees & Honey called “Something to Buzz About” will be held on Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. Guest Speaker, Doreen Montaquila, Bee Keeper will discuss the history. Did you know that honey has been used throughout history and is now farmed all over the world?  Did you know that there are between 140,000 and 212,000 beekeepers just in the U.S. and one of them is employed at the Center - Doreen, Case Manager in Adult Day Services? She will be with us to explain the production of honey as well as he many uses and benefits of this age-old substance.

Seniors & Police Awareness Series Part II called, “Basic Police Patrol Duties,” will be held on Feb. 14. at 10 a.m. The Facilitators from the Cranston Police Department will be Lt. Mark Freeborn and Officer Glenn Cipalone. Patrolling a municipality to preserve law and order is the essence of a police officer’s job. Part II of this series will address the basic police patrol duties.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon Special, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” will be held on Feb. 14 at 11:30 a.m. There is a suggested donation of $3. The chefs will whip up a special holiday luncheon while guests are entertained by Bud Pistacchio. Call for your reservation 780-6134.

SNAP Outreach Project (“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”) will be held on Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. to noon. This Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal program that provides nutritional assistance to low-income households. If you or someone you know would like to apply for SNAP or if you want to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements, a SNAP Outreach worker will be available to answer your questions. Seniors will be seen on a “first come, first served basis.” For more information call 780-6154.

NEW to the Senior Center is the Hi Lo Jack Card League beginning March 9 at 1 p.m. The cost is only $2 weekly. For more information and to sign up call Kathi at 780-6216 or Ray at 497-8097.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, “Living Well Rhode Island”, will be held every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. beginning March 20 and ending on 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. Register now by calling 780-6000.

55 No Limits TV - The Senior Center’s TV show features segments on better living and services and activities available at the Center. It can be viewed every week on Cox Cable (Channel 18) or Verizon (Channel 30). Air times are: Mondays at 4 p.m.; Tuesdays at noon; Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at noon.

Bowling for animals

Defenders of Animals will host their Bowling for Animals on Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at Town Hall Bowling Lanes, 1463 Atwood Ave. in Johnston. The $20 per person donation includes two hours of bowling, a pizza and a pitcher of soda for each lane.

For more information, contact Defenders of Animals at 461-1922.

Go to dinner and Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish MA and RI is joining with Texas Roadhouse for the “Dine to Donate” event to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. On Feb. 12, from 4 to 10 p.m., dine at the Cranston (99 Garfield Ave.) and 10% of your food purchase will be donated to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Just present the “Dine to Donate” promotional flyer to participate (you can also simply show the flyer on your phone). Valid on dine-in and take out. In addition, a Make-A-Wish volunteer will be available to accept donations to the charity between 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, a list of locations and a copy of the promotional flyer, visit massri.wish.org/DinetoDonate.

Did You Know?

Necco must start making Conversation Hearts just days after February 14 to have enough in time for the next Valentine's Day. That's almost 100,000 pounds per day. But don't worry if you still have last year's box; they have a shelf life of five years. (Valentine’s Fun Facts)

To submit your news from the community, e-mail Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.com. Photos in .jpg format are accepted and news can range from community events, promotions, academic news and non-profit events. E-mail today and see your news in our column in the Cranston Herald. Please include a daytime telephone number in case we require any further information. Be sure to check out our website at www.cranstononline.com.