Weekend Spotlight

Until March 1, 2024 Community Builders Grant Program  OneCranston HEZ's Community Connectors Committee is pleased to continue our Community Builders Grant Program. Through the program, OneCranston HEZ seeks to identify and partner with residents interested in bringing their neighbors together to complete projects that improve their communities. This year we will have rolling grants: 6 grants of $300 will be disbursed. OneCranston HEZ will be awarding one grant per a Cranston Ward, with applications opening October 1 and going until March 1 or all grants have been awarded. To apply go to this link: https://forms.office.com/r/2yXDwmWUVt or reach out to jfulbright@comcap.org. 

Mar. 2, Job Fair for Nursing Assistants and Homemakers will be held on Sat., Mar. 2 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick.  Health Care Services (HCS) is hiring CNA’s and Homemakers for home care.  They provide home care to elderly and disabled clients in the greater Providence and Warwick areas.  No experience required, but must be 18 years of age or older, possess a current ID and Social Security Card and/or RI nursing assistance license or temporary license.  HCS offers paid time off; quarterly bonuses; competitive wages; paid travel time; Paid BCI after 30 days employment and a flexible schedule.  For more information contact Health Care Services: 401-941-9710.

Mar. 2, Cranston Public Schools Kindergarten Registration for Cranston children, born before September 1, 2019. All registrations are by appointment only. Appointments are being completed via telephone and on Sat. Mar. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and also during regular business hours. All registration information can be found on our website www.cpsed.net. Click on “REGISTRATION” on the main page. Cranston Public Schools is requesting that parents register their child for kindergarten as early as possible to help us prepare for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Mar. 9, Hope Historical Society March Meeting “Celebrate Women’s History Month” will be held on Sat., Mar. 9, at 2 p.m., in the Howland Barn, 35 Ryefield Road, Hope.  The program will honor women through the ages recognizing both local and national heroines. Who is a heroine?  A heroine is a woman noted for courageous acts or nobility of character.  Given that definition, if there is a particular heroine that guests wish to honor at the meeting, they are invited to contribute the woman’s name and share the story of why she is a heroine. All are welcome! 

Mar. 13, Edgewood Garden Club Open Meeting on Newport Tree Conservancy, will be held on Wed., Mar. 13, in the Auditorium of the William Hall Library, 1825 Broad Street, Cranston. Social time starts at 6:30 p.m. with the program at 7 p.m.  The program will cover spring flowering trees and shrubs and propagating botanically interesting and uncommon woody plants in the. The speaker will be Joe Verstandig, Collections Manager for the Newport Tree Conservancy. Joe will show his photographs of beautiful and unusual spring blooms and give advice on how to grow these cultivars. He’ll also update the fight against beech leaf disease affecting historic trees throughout our region. There is ongoing research and treatment trials underway to try to stop this disease that’s slowly destroying copper beeches and other varieties. The public is invited to attend. For more information contact, Kathleen Duffy, kyduffy@cox.net, 401-781-9484.

Mar 13, AARP CHAPTER 2210 "The Ladies Foursome” Trip will take place on Wed., Mar. 13, to the Newport Playhouse to see "The Ladies Foursome." The trip includes a delicious luncheon buffet, the play and a delightful cabaret show after the play. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19 in West Greenwich at 10:15 a.m. Approximate return time is 5:30 p.m. Cost is $134/person. Call Maureen at 401-828-5188 or Anne at 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

Mar. 17, Edgewood Yacht Club Annual Open House will be hosted by the Officers and members of the Edgewood Yacht Club on Sun.,  Mar. 17. from 12 to 5 p.m., at The Clubhouse, 1 Shaw Avenue, Cranston.  Edgewood Yacht Club has 135 years of tradition on Narragansett Bay. Members will be available to offer tours and information regarding yearly social activities. Memberships are available for both boat owners and social members. Edgewood Sailing School will have staff on hand during the open house for inquiries about Youth and Adult Sailing Programs for the upcoming season. Light fare and refreshments will be available.

Apr. 26, Ocean State Center for Independent Living Annual Conference will be held on Fri., April 26, at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick from 8:30 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. This event is dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity, uniting industry leaders, innovators, and advocates for the rights and advancement of persons with disabilities.  There will be speakers, panelists, and exhibitors. General admission tickets are $50 and there are also opportunities available to be an exhibitor, sponsor, or donate toward this event. Please visit https://www.oscil.org/conference for details on these options or call (401)738-1083 to request an email. Sign language interpreters and CART will be provided. All are welcome! 

Apr. 28, Shoe Drive at Saint David's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church will be running a shoe drive now thru  Sun., Apr. 28 after Sunday Services at 9 a.m.  Shoes may be bagged and dropped off any time until Apr. 28, at St. David’s on-the-Hill, 200 Meshanticut Valley Pkwy., Cranston, by the bench under the portico.  All new/like new (no holes in the soles, no skates) shoes are accepted: any size, gender, style, seasonal, children and adult shoes.

May 14 thru June 5, RI Driver Education Course in ASL at RI School for the Deaf is taking registrations now for RI Driver Education Course meeting Mon. thru Fri., 3:15 to 5:15 p.m., with one Fri., May 31, at 2:15 - 5:15 p.m., at RI School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence.  Course fee is $100 plus $10 registration fee = $110. Total: 33 hours and MUST ATTEND ALL CLASSES! On-line registration is available on the RISD site with a credit card. Make sure to use the class ID #5643.  Or register and pay in full through CCRI. Walk-in registration with payment of either cash, check or money order (payable to CCRI) accepted at one of the CWCE (Center for workforce & Community Education) in Lincoln, Providence or Warwick. Textbook required:  New "How to Drive: Making Driver Education Fun and Easy!” 15th edition before the first-class meeting. Cost: $26.95. Available at CCRI Bookstore and AAA. Bookstore does not accept checks as payment: Cash or credit card only.  Refund Policy: Must notify at least 48 hours before the start of class. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.

May 21, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Plymouth, MA Cruise & Lunch will take place on Tues., May 21. The trip includes a visit to Pilgrim Memorial State Park, the legendary Plymouth Rock and various other memorials. You will enjoy a 3-course meal at the John Carver Inn then take a 75-minute narrated cruise aboard the Pilgrim Belle. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich, at 9:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 6 p.m. Cost is $114/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

 Jun. 26, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Indian Princess Cruise & Lunch Trip will take place on Wed., Jun. 26 at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA. The trip includes a 90-minutes narrated cruise of Webster Lake and a delicious lunch at Samuel Slater's Restaurant overlooking the lake. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich at 8 a.m. Cost is $119/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

 Jul. 23, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Foster’s Lobster Bake & York, ME Trip will be held on Tues., July 23. The trip includes a Clambake at Foster's Restaurant, shopping & browsing at Short Sands Beach. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich, at 8 a.m. and approximate return time is 7 p.m. Cost is $114/person. Call Maureen at 401-828-5188 or Anne at 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

Sept. 18, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Lake Winnipesaukee Turkey Train Trip will be held on Wed., Sept. 18.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the western shore of the lake during your 2-hour train ride. On the ride, indulge in a turkey lunch provided by Hart's Turkey Farm. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich, at 8:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 7 p.m. Cost is $129/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations and more information.

Oct. 3, AARP CHAPTER 2210  Foliage in the White Mountains Tour  will be held on Thurs., October 3. Enjoy lunch at the White Mountain Hotel, have time to browse the village of North Conway, then continue along the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. Bus pickup from the Exit 19, Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich, at 7 a.m. Return time is approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $129/person. For more information call Maureen at 401-828-5188 or Anne at 401-263-4274.

Every Monday,  Gaspee Celtic Jam - The Gaspee Celtic Jam meets at the Pawtuxet Village Baptist Church, 2157 Broad St., Cranston, every Mon. from 7 – 9 p.m. Do you play fiddle, guitar, Irish flute, pennywhistle, bodhran, mandolin, banjo, concertina, accordion, folk harp, hammered dulcimer, Appalachian dulcimer, banjo, acoustic bass, ukulele, keyboard, recorder, or sing? All skill levels welcome. Visit www.gaspeecelticjam.org for more info (including the current tune list/tune book) or to send us any questions. No specific Celtic music experience is required.

Every Second and Fourth Tuesday the Fall River Toastmasters Meeting, serving both Rhode Island and Southern Mass the Fall River Toastmasters holds its meetings. Doors open at 6 p.m. and meeting is from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Join us at The Chamber, 200 Pocasset St, Fall River, MA, 2nd floor. For more information, call Sean DaCosta at (508)-840-6621. All are welcome!

Every Thursday, Pick-Up Hockey 55 and older, coed: $5pp. Thayer Ice Rink, 975 Sandy Ln., Warwick, from 8:45 to 10:00 AM.  Full Equipment required.  For more information contact:  Lon Krueger 302-229-3457 or bethlon@verizon.net.

Every Thursday,  Get-a-Job-Thursdays - We Make RI, an organization that provides free manufacturing training, hosts a series of job fairs every Thurs. from 11 a.m. to noon, 200 First Ave., Cranston. We Make RI offer job seekers a chance to meet with employers, get career counseling, resume help and more. Some employers include Swissline Precision, Admiral Packaging, KB Surfaces, Warwick Hanger and Hitachi Cable. For more information about this event or other training opportunities, visit www.wemakeri.com/get-a-job-thursday or contact Mike at (401) 232-0077 x109. 

Oaklawn Grange Used Clothing Donation Shed in need of used clothing items at the Oaklawn Grange Donation Shed, 24 Searle Ave., Cranston.  Accepted items only: Used Clothing, Shoes, Sneakers, Belts, Purses, Linens, Pillowcases, Blankets, Curtains, and Stuffed Animals. All items must be in useable condition. Your donations will be distributed as whole garments locally and worldwide. Contact oaklawngrangeinfo@gmail.com for more information.

Humans of Cranston is back for a second year after a successful first season, and is now accepting nominations! Over the last year, the project featured 19 resident stories in a Herald column, on OneCranston HEZ social media, and in a final book with the goal of showcasing and celebrating residents' community involvement, diversity, and unique life perspectives. This is an initiative of the OneCranston Health Equity Zone at CCAP in partnership with the Cranston Herald and local photographer, Tim McFate. If you know a Cranston resident who has a story to tell, please nominate them via this form: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/s8cnBuGhtB (Or scan the QR code).

Questions? Contact JB Fulbright, Community Outreach Coordinator for the OneCranston HEZ at jfulbright@comcap.org.

NAMI-RI Offers Family Support Groups The RI chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-RI) offers free support groups for families and friends of loved ones who are struggling with their mental health. The groups are led by trained facilitators who also have lived experience as family members themselves. The group meetings last about 1.5 hours, and everyone who participates in the meeting gets a chance to share.  The other members of the group try to offer help and resources, when appropriate, based on their own experiences. More information and full schedule can be found at namirhodeisland.org. or call 401-331-3060. No pre-registration for these monthly groups is necessary.

First Thurs. at 6 p.m.  IN PERSON ONLY at the Rochambeau Library in the Community Room, Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence (NEW-starts Aug.)

Second Tues. at 5 p.m.  IN PERSON ONLY at the Middletown Public Library in the Community Room. Middletown Library, 700 West Main Road, Middletown.

Third Tues. at 6:30 p.m. MEETS VIA ZOOM ONLY. Please call 401-331-3060 or email info@namirhodeisland.org for the Zoom link

Fourth Wed. at 6 p.m. IN PERSON ONLY at the Hope Valley Grange, #71116 Main Street, Hope Valley.

 Volunteer with NAMI-RI The RI chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-RI) is currently seeking volunteers to facilitate our family programs in 2024. Free training is required and available for interested persons who have a loved one struggling with mental health issues. Together with our grassroots volunteers, we work every day to provide help and hope to millions of Americans. Volunteers are essential to the work that we do at NAMI Rhode Island, and we are always seeking enthusiastic people to help us achieve our mission. For more information about our family programs and volunteer training, email beth@namirhodeisland.org, call the NAMI-RI office 401-331-3060 or visit our website at namirhodeisland.org.

Hearts for Hospice - Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice (VNH&H) is asking for individuals to support their hospice programs by giving $20 or more to their Hearts for Hospice campaign. People can dedicate their gift to a loved one who is always in their heart; all dedications are listed on the organization’s website. You can make your donation at www.visitinghursehh.org/giving/ or by calling 401-682-2100 extension number 1631.

To submit your news from The Chatter to: Ida at idaz@rhodybeat.com. This includes virtual events, which should be submitted two to three weeks ahead of the event.  Can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email, or scan the QR code below, today and see your event in our column in the Cranston Herald.