The Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is now accepting registration for their winter 2022 virtual Family-to-Family course. This is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program, which means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

NAMI-Rhode Island's Family-to-Family course is taught by trained family members who have lived experience with a loved one, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

For more information on the Family-to-Family curriculum and registration requirements, visit namirhodeisland.org or call 401-331-3060 or email beth@namirhodeisland.org.

Minnows, sharks welcome at Polar Plunge Jan. 1

A Wish Come True’s 18th annual Polar Plunge will be held on January 1st at Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) in Newport. This year, an estimated 5,000 people will return to plunge into icy cold water to benefit children with a life-threatening illness. The plunge is a major fundraiser for A Wish Come True and is the largest event of its kind in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Plunge will begin right at noon. Participants are encouraged to arrive early due to new check-in requirements addressing safety protocols. Check-in begins at 10:30am. The charge for ‘Minnows’ is $20. For $40, ‘Sharks’ can plunge and get their choice of a towel or fleece blanket. Those who want to contribute without getting into the water can purchase a towel, fleece blanket or T-shirt for $25. Payments can be made by cash, check, credit card, or Venmo. Plungers are encouraged to start a Just Giving Fundraising Campaign to help raise funds to support your efforts in helping Wish Families. More information is on the website at www.awish.org. Plungers that started a JustGiving fundraising campaign online will just need to check in to receive their bracelet and blanket.  

All State Musicians

 Congratulations to the following Cranston musicians named 2021-22 All-State Musicians: Junior All State (Grades 7-9), Nathan Arsenault - Mallet Percussion - WHills (Rank #1), Thora Corcoran - Violin – PVMS, Liam DeRosa - Violin - CHSE (Rank #3), Liam DeRosa - Viola - CHSE (Rank #1), Brody Devine - Trumpet – CHSW, Caleb Dorvillier - Alto Saxophone - Bain  Caleb Dorvillier - Jazz Alto Saxophone - Bain (Rank #1), Harrison Fisher - Trumpet – PVMS  Helena Fisher - Violin – CHSE, Evan Lei - Clarinet - CHSW (Rank #1), Emily Marchetti - Violin - WHills (Rank #2) Amy Zhang - Clarinet – CHSW Senior All State (Grades 10-12) Timothy Dietrich - Clarinet – CHSE, Tosin George - Soprano – CHSE, Eve Grady - Soprano - CHSE (Rank #2), Erik Lee - Snare Drum - CHSW (Rank #2), Miko Lehnert -  Tenor Saxophone  - CHSE (Rank #1), Miko Lehnert - Jazz Tenor Saxophone - CHSE (Rank #2), Isabel Mignano - Alto – CHSW, Evan Starr - Jazz Guitar - CHSE (Rank #1), Christopher Trek - Trombone – CHSW and Christopher Trek - Bassoon - CHSW (Rank #2).

Be Kind RI

 Be Kind RI is a new program that connects volunteers to their neighbors across RI through text alerts to coordinate food deliveries from grocery stores and food pantries. To sign up go to www.BeKindRI.org. Volunteers must be 18 or older and undergo our background check.

Be Kind RI is open to those in RI experiencing COVID-19 risk factors including seniors 65, anyone with underlying health conditions, those in quarantine or isolation, anyone experiencing a lack of childcare, and those who would otherwise experience difficulty in obtaining food. For assistance signing up, call 877-958-8785.

New Hope has a new show

 The New Hope Art Gallery is pleased to announce its Fall Show is now open. You can visit the gallery in person Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays, at the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center, located at 1070 Cranston St. in Cranston. If you are unable to attend in person, you can view the artwork virtually at youtu.be/AIF7A-Sonio.

The New Hope Art Gallery located in the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center at 1070 Cranston St. in Cranston. Regular Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm except holidays.

New Hope gets New Funds

 Congratulations to the New Hope Art Gallery, located inside Cranston Senior Services, The are happy to announce that New Hope Art Gallery received a $200 donation from The Daniel Rosenblatt Foundation on giving Tuesday. This wonderful foundation donates money to art non-profits bringing art to everyone in the community.

New Transvan schedule

 There is a new Transvan schedule for medical appointments. Please schedule your appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 and 10:30 a.m. or noon and 2 p.m. For $25 per month, Transvan will take you shopping, medical appointments, pharmacy visits and to the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center for lunch or bingo. Call 780-6218 for the holiday shopping schedule.

Cranston Public Library Teen Space

 The teen space at the Cranston Public Library’s Central Library on Sockanosset Cross Road has been newly renovated and is open for teen patrons entering grades 6-12.

Stop by to meet the teen librarian, hang out with friends, browse the collection, or participate in one of their many programs. The teen study room can be reserved by teens for gaming, studying, group projects, and more!

If you have any questions please contact Alyssa, teen librarian, at teens@cranstonlibrary.org.

RSVP transportation volunteers

 The Cranston Senior Enrichment Center’s RSVP program needs volunteers to help in many ways in the community. One is to transport homebound seniors to medical appointments or run errands for them.

The program is also seeking RSVP school readiness volunteers to assist Glen Hills Elementary School’s staff and students with an array of school activities and events.

Also needed are RSVP recycling volunteers who educate the community with assistance and guidance from Rhode Island Resource Recovery professionals on a variety of topics such as waste reduction and reuse, recycling and composting. Learn more about Resource Recovery – who they are, what they do, how they work, and much more, including a tour of the facility.

If you are interested in becoming a Cranston RSVP volunteer, contact Karen at 780-6159 for an interview. You must be 55 years of age or older to volunteer and a BCI is required. A mileage reimbursement is given to cover your travel cost. RSVP also provides insurance protection in the event that your or someone else is injured while performing your volunteer duties.

What if you do not drive or do not have a vehicle? No worries. RSVP will provide you with transportation to your volunteer station.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island

 BBBSRI has opened a new Donation Drop-Off Center at 993 Oaklawn Ave, in Cranston. 

BBBSRI’s main headquarters has been located on Pontiac Avenue for 12 years. With its headquarters moved from Providence this November, BBBSRI had to find a new location for its Cranston Drop Off Center.

Support Big Brothers, Big Sisters

For the month of December, BBBSRI will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 204 Garfield Ave. in Cranston. Get your reusable bag today to benefit a great cause!

Did you know?

 Santa's red cloak only became established through a Coca-Cola advertising campaign. (Source: Santa Fun Facts}

To submit your news from the community, email Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.com. This includes virtual events which should be submitted two to three weeks ahead of the event. Photos in jpg format are accepted and news can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email today and see your news in our column in the Cranston Herald.