Cranston Hall of Fame nominations

The Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established in 1980 by the city of Cranston, is still accepting nominations for its class of 2019. The application form is available by contacting foundation president Frederick Vincent at fjvincent27@yahoo.com or by visiting the Cranston Public Schools website, cpsed.net.

A completed application form, along with a current resume, may be sent to the Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation, P.O. Box 3704, Cranston, RI 02910-0704. The Selection Committee is accepting applications until Thursday, April 18.

Successful nominations demonstrate distinguished achievements in one’s chosen field of endeavor on a local, state, regional or national level. Past inductees have been graduates of the Cranston public school system with a minimum of 10 years since graduation. Selected applicants will be inducted at the foundation's annual banquet, to be held Oct. 25 at the Alpine Country Club.

Financial Well-Being For Teens

HarborOne Bank, along with the Cranston Public Library, is hosting a free Financial Well-Being for Teens program on Saturday, April 6. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Central Library, located at 140 Sockanosset Cross Road.

This interactive curriculum focuses on budgeting, saving and the importance of building credit, with an eye toward preparing youth for a sound financial future. Students will have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities and win prizes.

The program will be facilitated by Claudia Cardozo, community development manager at HarborOne Bank. The program is free and open to teens age 15 and up.

Breaking Boards for MS

On March 29, Premier Martial Arts Cranston's dojo, located at 1099 Park Ave., will host a special event called “Breaking Boards for MS.” Students from both the Cranston and North Kingstown dojos have spent the last three weeks selling martial arts breaking boards to their friends and families. Premier intends to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the board sales to the Rhode Island chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Aiden Meehan, who earned his black belt through Premier this past November and who is currently enrolled in its Black Belt Leadership Program, helped organize the event with his mom, CJ, who works as Premier’s project coordinator.

“We wanted to help be a part of the breakthrough toward a cure for MS,” Aiden said.

“While we at Premier pride ourselves on our ability to train exceptional martial artists, it is our work with the Premier Kidz Foundation that brings us the most joy. We are truly committed to supporting our local community through helping nonprofits and schools conduct fundraising programs like this. We also bring free community events, like our ‘Bully-Proof’ workshop, to Cranston, North Kingstown and other surrounding areas,” CJ Meehan said.

This is the second time Premier is hosting this special event. The first time was in March 2015, when a total of 421 boards were broken by 19 students. A total of $1,524.36, including proceeds from a raffle, was raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For more information about hosting a board-breaking event or to learn how to enroll at Premier, visit karateri.net or contact CJ Meehan at cj.meehan.pma@gmail.com.

Last chance for Citizens Police Academy

The Cranston Police Department is accepting applications for its Citizens Police Academy through March 30.

In order to be considered, applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete the electronic registration form on the Cranston Police Department website, cranstonpoliceri.com. After completing the form, applicants will be contacted by a member of the Cranston Police Training Division.

The academy is scheduled to be held on Tuesdays, beginning April 16, from 6-8 p.m. The program lasts roughly two months.

New Hope Gallery spring opening

The spring opening of New Hope Art Gallery will be held April 2 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Cranston Enrichment Center, located at 1070 Cranston St., Cranston. The Spring Show will feature more than 400 pieces of 2D and 3D art – including ceramic pieces, digital works, drawings, fabric and furniture, glass pieces, mixed media, mosaics, paintings, photography and sculpture – from 95 senior, special needs and student artists.

The evening will also include music by Jim Chapin, Mark Greenwood, Bob Ruzzo and friends.

The show will additionally feature 15 artist tables of original art and fine prints at affordable prices. All art purchased is tax free. Enjoy a night of art, music, conversation, refreshments and free portrait drawings by Jack Lai.

The Spring Show runs until early July. Regular gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Tomorrow Fund Stroll

The Tomorrow Fund Stroll will mark its 17th year on Sunday, April 7, at Garden City Center in Cranston. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the stroll takes place at 10 a.m. with festivities continuing until noon.

The goal is to raise $100,000 to support children with cancer and their families through The Tomorrow Fund. Individual participants and teams are welcome. Trophies will be awarded to the top fundraisers in the following categories: Individual (Non-Team), Team, School and College/University.

Registration fees are $20 per stroller on a team or as an individual. There is no charge for children under 10 years of age.

Registration forms are available at tomorrowfund.org. Walk-in registration is also available at the event.

For more information about the Stroll and The Tomorrow Fund, call 444-8811 or visit tomorrowfund.org.

Omelet-eating competition at Character’s Café

Character's Café, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston, will host an omelet-eating competition on Saturday, March 30, from 10-11 a.m.

Entrants will compete against 15 other people to see who can eat a 16-egg omelet – filled with cheese and breakfast meats – the fastest. The cost to enter is $20. The winner will be awarded a $50 gift certificate and a T-shirt. To register, call 781-2200.

Character’s Cafe is a full-service, nonprofit restaurant owned and operated by Gateways To Change Inc.

Touch a Fire Truck

On April 6, the Lane Ceceri Group from Keller Williams Realty will be hosting a Touch a Fire Truck event at 870 Oaklawn Ave. from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Cranston Fire Department will be on hand to provide a limited number of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. There will be bike raffles for boys and girls sponsored by Washington Trust. Those who attend are asked to bring a home good, such as paper towels, toilet paper or cleaning supplies, to benefit Crossroads RI.

Pagano Foundation scholarships available

The Lt. Jim Pagano Foundation will be continuing its years-long tradition of awarding scholarships, providing $1,500 each to six seniors graduating from Cranston West, Cranston East and the NEL/CPS high schools.

The scholarships will be awarded to students planning to attend a bachelor’s program in the fall and who best represent the values of academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service as well-rounded individuals with a drive to succeed. Scholarships will be presented to the honorees at each of the schools’ honor awards nights.

For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit jimpaganofoundation.com.

Money Smart Week at the library

The Cranston Public Library will be celebrating Money Smart Week by hosting a Personal Finance Workshop Series at the Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston.

The three-week series will help participants better understand the tools available for improving day-to-day finances and prepare for long-term goals. Registration is required to receive free materials and may be done by calling the reference desk at 943-9080, ext. 3.

This series will be taught by Chartered Financial Analyst Mike Speidel. These programs are free and open to the public. All programs will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Central Library’s James Giles Community Room.

On April 1, the series will cover everyday basics such as setting realistic goals, figuring out net worth, budgeting and tracking monthly spending, and creating emergency savings.

On April 8, the topic will be debt and credit, including “good” and “bad” debt, obtaining free credit reports and understanding how they work, managing credit scores and avoiding predatory lending.

On April 15, participants will learn about the essentials of estate planning, ways to save tax-efficiently for retirement and health care, investing wisely, and using best practices when buying big-ticket items such as cars and insurance.

Paid summer internships through CCAP

The Comprehensive Community Action Program, or CCAP, is offering the chance for young people between the ages of 14 and 24 to connect with paid summer internships through its Learn to Earn program.

CCAP's Youth Employment, Training and Education programs provide a full range of services to youth who are enrolled in school or out of school, including job acquisition skills, work-based learning projects, job searches and interviewing skills.

All enrollees are connected with a case manager to assist them in their education or employment goals throughout the program.

The application deadline is April 12. For more information, visit comcap.org/summerjobs.

Summer jobs at Parks & Rec

Summer job applications will be available to download from the Cranston Department of Parks & Recreation’s page on the city’s website, cranstonri.com, between April 1 and May 3. Applicants must be 16 years old by the time of employment and reside in Cranston. Applications from 15-year-olds will be accepted provided the applicant will turn 16 by June 24, when all programs and facilities open. Applications will be accepted for lifeguards, pool attendants, pool maintenance workers and playground counselors. Lifeguard candidates must provide certification or proof of class/re-certification if not yet certified.

Family Health Services at CCAP

Tired of ineffective yet expensive medical care? Check out Family Health Services at the Comprehensive Community Action Program. CCAP offers affordable, 24/7 professional family health and dentistry services. The experienced staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals who are caring, compassionate and highly skilled. New patients are welcome. For more information, call 384-6007.

‘Facts, Fun and Food’ with Women’s Club

The Cranston Community Women’s Club will host “Facts, Fun and Food” on April 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Cucinia Rustica, 555 Atwood Ave., Cranston. Members of the club are provided with the skills required to serve others and celebrate unity through diversity. Club members will be on hand to answer questions, and snacks with beverages will be served. Pre-registration is preferred. For more information or to pre-register, contact Pat at 374-3658 or Donna at 647-0259 or djgibb@cox.net.

Troop 22 Macaroni Dinner

Boy Scout Troop 22 Cranston will host a Macaroni Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 6, from 4:30-8 p.m. in the Sawyer Hall of the Edgewood Congregational Church, 1788 Broad St. Tickets cost $12 for ages 11 and up and $10 for children under 11. Proceeds will support the troop’s programming. For more information or to order tickets, contact Scoutmaster Paul Kelley at 595-6726 or paulkelley14@msn.com.

Applebee’s celebrating 30 years in Cranston

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar of Cranston will be celebrating its 30th year in Cranston on Saturday, March 30. Applebee’s will host a flapjack fundraiser from 8-10 a.m. as well as a bake sale and Touch a Truck event later in the day from noon to 3 p.m.

In the morning, guests can purchase tickets for $10 at the Cranston location to receive a heaping plate of pancakes, bacon and juice. All of the proceeds from ticket purchases will be donated directly to the Jimmy Fund. The events are part of a month-long fundraiser to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and its commitment to providing adults and children with cancer with the best treatment available today while developing tomorrow's cures through cutting-edge research.

MS Dream Center to kick off Saturday program

The MS Dream Center has announced that it will be adding a Saturday program to its weekly schedule. Beginning on Saturday, April 6, and continuing on the first Saturday of the month thereafter, the program will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The April 6 program will include Chair Zumba with Michelle Calise at 10:30 a.m. followed by socialization and light refreshments. This program is free and offered to those with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones.

The center’s normal business hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is located at the Peter T. Pastore Youth Center, 155 Gansett Ave. in Cranston.

Transportation will be provided for those who are unable to get there on their own. Contact donna@msdreamcenter.org for assistance with transport arrangements.

Visit msdreamcenter.org for more information.

Famous Wheeler Clothing & More Sale

On April 12-13, The Wheeler School's Madden Gymnasium at 407 Brook St., between Angell and Meeting streets on the East Side of Providence, will once again transform into an amazing “pop up” department store – 9,912 square feet filled with bargains for the entire family, including new and gently worn women's, men's and children's clothing, accessories, books, sports gear, household items, antiques and the Designer Women's Boutique with designer labels at modest prices. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. For more information, visit facebook.com/wheelerclothingsale or follow the sale's Instagram (@famouswheelersale) or Twitter (@Wheelersale) accounts.

Did You Know?

Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” (1392) contains the first recorded association between April 1 and foolishness. In Chaucer’s tale, the vain rooster Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox. (Source: April Fools Fun Facts)

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