NOTICE: For your convenience, you can e-mail your bulletin board notices to briang@rhodybeat.com as well as mail to 1944 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889, or fax to 732-3110.

Tri-City Elks

Blood drive will be held March 5 from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Breakfast will be served from 9-11, then pizza will be served from 11-12 noon. Come give the gift of life; one pint will save three people. Join us for this worthy cause.

The Senders Band will be playing March 11. They will be opening at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $6 at the door.

St. Patrick’s Dinner will be held March 12 at 7 p.m. Corned beef dinner & dessert, plus a performance from the dancers at Damsha Irish Step Dance Studio. Buy your tickets in advance for $15 per person during regular business hours in the lounge. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Zumba lessons continue every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. Lorraine Blanchard is the instructor. Come and burn some calories and enjoy the fun. Cost is $6 per person.

Ocean State Toastmasters

Ocean State Toastmasters will hold its next meeting March 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Warwick City Hall, 3275 Post Road. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. For more information contact Gail Clarke, vice president of membership, at 884-2065 or ghclarke@verizon.net.

Don Who Travel Club

The Don Who Travel Club will meet March 3 at 10 a.m. at the Pilgrim Senior Center. All are welcome to attend. Call Susan for any questions, 301-9009.

An Irish Music Evening

Back by popular demand, Andy Cooney and his band will be at St. Timothy Church, 1799 Warwick Ave. March 4 at 7 p.m. It’s always a very entertaining and uplifting concert. Tickets are $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general seating. Call 739-9552 for tickets.

Country Hoedown Dinner Dance

A country hoedown dinner dance will be held March 5 from 6-11:30 p.m. at the William Shields Post #43, 662 West Shore Road. Featuring Rick Robinson as sheriff and George Walmsley as judge, plus raffles and 50/50. Donation is $20 per person. For tickets call Gloria at 732-1373 or visit the post. All are welcome. All proceeds to benefit American Auxiliary Legion programs.

Anointing of the Sick

The Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Brigid’s Church, 1231 Plainfield St., Johnston, will be sponsoring their quarterly Mass of Anointing of the sick on Saturday, March 5 at 11.  Anyone preparing for surgery, suffering from a chronic illness, elderly or experiencing spiritual and emotional pain is invited to come and pray for healing. Prayer shawls made by the Prayer Shawl Ministry of the parish and blessed by Rev. Father Robert Rochon will be distributed, upon requests.

Bingo

Bingo will be held March 5 at St. Kevin’s Church Hall, 333 Sandy Lane, starting and ending with a $100 special. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6.

Daughters of Isabella

The Daughters of Isabella Circle #423 will have their monthly meeting March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in St Benedict’s Church hall. Remember to bring items for baskets, including gift certificates for their April fundraiser.

Gorton High School Monthly Luncheon

The Gorton High School monthly luncheon will be held March 9 at Chianti’s, 195 Old Forge Road, Warwick, at 12 noon. Cost is $17 per person. If you plan to attend, be sure to call or e-mail Barbara Kane at 821-0161 or barbkane14@gmail.com or call Fran Allin at 463-8679. All Gorton High School classmates from 1941-1955, spouses and friends are welcome.

Italian Night

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Warwick is holding an Italian Night March 12 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Sandy Lane, Warwick. Dinner is sponsored by Rigatoni’s Restaurant. Menu includes calzones, salad, pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers, bread and butter and assorted desserts. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and children under 5 are free. There will be a 50/50 raffle, raffle table and a cash bar. All proceeds benefit St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted for the Church Food Pantry. Tickets available at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 West Shore Road, Warwick.

Roger Williams Park Concert

A second winter concert will be held at Botanical Center in Roger Williams Park March 13 from 4-6 p.m. Aurea Ensemble combines the writing of Roger Williams with the music of Purcell, Handel and more in lush tropical gardens. $15 admission, $10 members of the Botanical Center Conservancy. For more information call 384-0718.

Norwood Neighborhood Association

The next general membership meeting will be held March 16 at 7 p.m. at the Norwood Boys and Girls Club, 43 Frederick St. The meeting will include a Norwood Crime Update Report by a community police officer. There will be a short presentation on solar energy emphasizing what is in it for you and how you possibly can benefit from this evolving energy source and save a lot of money. There will be a short presentation on a fun gardening topic, “Gardner’s [Should] Have the Best Dirt.” It will cover topics from soil preparation to container gardening and fun with perennials.  Also, hundreds of free seed packets will be given out at the end of the meeting.  Refreshments and snacks will be served. All are welcome.

Warwick Figure Skaters Registration

Warwick Figure Skaters will hold open registration for their spring programs March 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Thayer Arena, 975 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Their learn to skate group lessons taught by professional instructors will begin April 9 and end June 26 (11 weeks). Warwick Figure Skaters organized more than 45 years ago and is a non-profit. Club information and applications are available at www.warwickfs.org.

The Easter Story

Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, will present its Easter musical “The Easter Story” during morning worship on Palm Sunday, March 20 at 10 a.m., narrated by Sally Riley and David Barber and featuring the Adult Choir, soloists and instrumentalists under the direction of Dr. Martha Sobaje, Minister of Music. It’s a wonderful way to begin Holy Week. Childcare is available and the church is handicap accessible.

St. Benedict Church Annual Seder Supper

St. Benedict Church, 70 Transit St., is holding its annual Seder Supper, a traditional Passover Celebration Seder meal, March 22 6 p.m. Handicapped accessible. Call 737-9492 for information and tickets. Tickets are $15 for adults, children under 10 are free. All the traditional elements of a Passover meal will be served including matzo ball soup, zeroah (lamb shank) chicken, seasoned rice, traditional haroset (chopped apple, cinnamon, chopped nuts and wine), karpas (green vegetable), maror (bitter herb with salted water), beytza (roasted egg), matzah bread and kiddush (sweet wine). Tickets are on sale until March 18. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Social & Economic Justice Book Group

The Warwick Progressive Democrats will be having a book discussion March 24 at 6 p.m. in the small room at the Warwick Public Library. The book for conversation is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Everyone is welcome to attend. This book can be checked out from the Reference Desk at the main Warwick library. This group usually meets every fourth Thursday of the month.

Men’s Senior Softball

Registration is now underway for men 57 and older to join the Warwick, Senior Softball League. It is a recreational league whose priorities are fun, safety and friendly competition. You do not have to be a Warwick resident to join. All games (double headers) begin at 9 a.m. and are played at Buttonwoods City Park in Warwick on Wednesday mornings. The fee is $20. Deadline for registration is March 16. The playing season is from April 27 to August 31. For more information contact Bill Russo at 714-9597 or email wrusso7@yahoo.com.

Weekly Meat Raffle

The West Bay Anglers are having a meat and lobster raffle every Saturday until March 2016 from 1-3:45 p.m. at the Warwick Firefighters Hall. They have a general table, a meat & lobster table, a special table and a TV & lobster table. There will be a 50/50 money raffle and two or three money raffles. Their two charities are R.I. Take a Kid Fishing and the imPossible Dream. Join for good food and fun and support these charities.

Old Warwick Grange #41

The Grange is a fraternal community service, non-profit organization with a special interest in rural life and the traditions of faith, patriotism, leadership and family values Grange where the whole family can go and grow Help them to help others The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. No meetings in July or August. The Grange hall is located at 1175 West Shore Road.

Transformation Tuesday

Transformation Tuesday is held at Kon Asian Bistro, 553 Main Street, East Greenwich, the third Tuesday of every month from 7 p.m.-8:30. Mingle and hear solutions for weight loss, having more energy, raising your performance and healthy aging. Come ready to sample products. To register or for more information call at Cindy 497-5656.

Family Performance Series

The holidays are here and the Family Performance Series, Artists Exchanges newest family-friendly programming, is the perfect activity to entertain all of your family members for little to no cost. Series performances began in September and will run through May 2016, with shows on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m.-12 pm at Theatre 82 & Cafe, located at 82 Rolfe Square in Cranston. Admission is Pay What You Can with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Visit www.artists-exchange.org or contact Jessica Chace, Theatre Director, at 490-9475, for full schedule and information.

TOPS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Rhode Island Chapter No. 38, East Greenwich meets every Thursday at the Women & Infants’ Center, 1050 Main Street, East Greenwich Weigh-in begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 9:50. The meeting will follow at 10. Admission costs $1.50 per week. For more information about TOPS, call TOPS Greeter Carole Paster from Exeter at 295-8381, e-mail at cpaster1@verizon net, call (800) 932-8677 or visit www.tops.org.

Mens Church Bowling League

Bowlers are needed, individuals or four-man teams, for a Tuesday night league at 6:45 at Meadowbrook Lanes in Warwick. Call Everett Griffiths at 739-5343 or Meadowbrook Lanes at 737-5402.

Canasta

Canasta, a free, drop-in program on Fridays at 12:45 p.m. at Swift Community Center, 121 Peirce Street, East Greenwich. Participants must have a basic knowledge of the game.For more information call Erin at 886-8669. 

Moms for Moms

Support a new mother, share your experience and make a new friend. You can make a difference with just one hour a week. Moms for Moms/Families First RI helps pregnant women and new mothers deal with an enormous transition by matching them with trained volunteers who are mothers themselves. The program provides emotional and social support and strives to connect new moms to resources within their own communities. Mentors develop a warm, supportive relationship while spending time with the new mom in their homes, accompanying them on outings and attending mom gatherings. They will train you and provide supervisory support to volunteers. Dont miss out on this opportunity. Contact 383-9933 or email admin@familiesfirstri.org.

Bocce Players or Teams Wanted

The East Natick Veterans Athletic Association, 17 Baker Street, Warwick, is looking for bocce players or four-man teams for their summer bocce league. For details and information contact Bob at 497-0895. Games are played in an indoor court and games are held on weeknights.

Poker Players Wanted

Poker players are wanted at the Pilgrim Senior Center every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Call Roy Walsh at 497-8097.

Greenwich Bay Women’s Club

The Greenwich Bay Women’s Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Atria Harborhill, 159 Division St. on the Warwick/East Greenwich line) to work together to make a difference in local communities. There are no age or residency requirements to join and meetings are open. If you would like further information, contact membership chair Diane Gadoury at 860-465-7987.

Warwick Historical Society

The Warwick Historical Society meets weekly at the John Waterman Arnold House on Roger Williams Circle Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and every second Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All are welcome and urged to become member and volunteer. Visit www.whsri.org, join them on Facebook or call 737-4617 for more information.

Hi-Lo-Jack League

The Warwick Senior Citizens Hi-Lo-League is held Mondays at the Buttonwoods Community Center, Tuesdays at the Pilgrim Senior Center and Thursdays at the Buttonwoods Community Center, all starting at 12:30 p.m. Call Ray Walsh at 497-8097 or George Gange 739-6682.

Photographic Society of RI

The Photographic Society of Rhode Island welcomes camera enthusiasts of all abilities. Meetings are held on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of each month, September through May at Lakewood Baptist Church, 255 Atlantic Ave. For more information visit www.psri.us.

Hospice Volunteer Informational Meeting

The VNA of Care New England conducts weekly hospice volunteer informational meetings at the VNA of Care New England, 51 Health Lane, Warwick. Have you ever wondered how you can make the difference in the life of a family whose loved one is in hospice care? Do you want to join with a dedicated hospice volunteer program that provides training and ongoing support in this most rewarding work? Come and find out more about the VNA of Care New England hospice Call Carolyn McDonough, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 921-7614 to register.

Moms RI

Support a new mother, share your experience and make a new friend. You can make a difference with just on hour a week. Moms for Moms RI helps pregnant women and new mothers deal with an enormous transition by matching them with trained volunteers who are mothers themselves. The program provides emotional and social support and strives to connect new moms to resources within their own communities. Mentors develop a warm, supportive relationship while spending time with the new mom in their homes, accompanying them on outings, and attending mom gatherings. You will be trained and provided supervisory support from volunteers. Contact Sally at 383-9933.

Mentoring

Do you have an hour a week to spare? That’s all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child. Today’s children need positive, caring adult role models to help them develop confidence, self-esteem, and a desire to stay in school. For more information on the Warwick Mentor Program, contact Pamela Sherman at 732-7700 x117 or visit the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership website at www.mentorRI.org.

Aphasia Conversation Group

On the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m., Sargent Rehabilitation Center, 800 Quaker Lane, Warwick, holds an aphasia conversation group. This group provides a supportive meeting place for people with aphasia to socialize and share their communication challenges and strategies. There is no charge for participation. Attendance is limited to individuals with aphasia only. For more information contact Lucia Watson, MS, SLP at 886-6600 or visit www.sargentcenter.org.

Fife & Drum Corps

Join the Pawtuxet Rangers Fife & Drum Corps of Warwick and continue the great tradition of Colonial/Revolutionary history through music. The Fife & Drum Corps meets every Wednesday night at Wyman Elementary School from 6:30-8 p.m. The corps is open to anyone over the age of 12. Drum and fife instruction is available to beginners. 

Free Sunday Lunch

St Paul Lutheran Church, 389 Greenwich Ave., is offering a free lunch for anyone in need of meal or companionship. All are welcome every Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information call 737-6758.

Rhode Island Pet Bird Club

The R.I. Pet Bird Club welcomes anyone who owns birds or has an interest in exotic birds. Meet other people who have birds, listen to guest lecturers and more. The meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. For more information call Michele at 739-7290 or visit www.orgsites.com/ri/ripbc.

Free Pet Food

Bonniedale Farm in North Scituate offers dog and cat food at no cost to struggling pet owners, hoping to provide for the animals while easing the burden on community members facing tough times. Those wishing to donate or in need of pet food can contact Dan MacKenzie at 574-6056. The mailing address for the farm is 1097 Chopmist Hill Road, North Scituate, RI 02857, while the physical address is 1056 Danielson Pike, North Scituate. MacKenzie asks that visitors call before making the trip. More information can be found online at www.bonniedalefarmanimalsanctuary.com.

Fife and Drum Corps

The Kentish Guards Fife and Drum Corps rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the Kentish Guards Armory on Pierce St. in East Greenwich. Free lessons on playing the fife are provided to men and young men interested in joining the corps.

Grief Support

If you have experienced the loss of someone you love and are ready to begin or continue the healing process, then you are welcome to come to a grief support group. The group meets at the Christ Church Office condo, 61 Cedar Ave #6, East Greenwich, Sundays from 2-4 p.m. For more information visit the Christ Church website (www.christchurchec.org), call the Church office (884-8632) or email info@christchurchec.org. 

Evening Counseling Available

If you are experiencing depression, anxiety or overwhelming stress coupled with an addiction to or dependence on drugs or alcohol, then The Kent Center’s new evening program may be right for you. The Kent Center is offering an intensive outpatient program for people battling co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders Program hours are 4:40-8 p.m., making it accessible for people who work. The program is confidential and personalized to meet individual needs. For more information call 732-5656.

Help for Victims of Crime

Are you a victim of physical or sexual assault, domestic violence, untreated childhood abuse, or another crime or traumatic event? Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased substance use or other emotional difficulties? If so, you may be eligible to receive counseling services free of charge at The Kent Center (www.thekentcenter.org). Victims of crimes and other traumatic events often experience debilitating psychiatric symptoms that may have long-term affects if left untreated. Seek treatment today at 732-5656. 

Volunteers Needed to Sew

Looking for something to do to help foster kids? Organizers of The Sewing Project to Help Foster Kids are looking for volunteers who want to help sew pillowcase or duffel bags for foster children. Currently their belongings are sometimes put in black trash bags. Foster parent Adriane Grimaldi in Scottsdale, Ariz. started the Sewing Project in February 2008 for children taken from their homes by Child Protective Services (CPS) to make kid-friendly bags for carrying their belongings instead of trash bags. To date, people have made 6,700 pillowcase bags for foster kids Pillowcase bags are delivered to CPS to use instead of trash bags. The Sewing Project has opened a new Rhode Island Chapter working with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and is in need of volunteers to sew. For more information contact Hollie Galloway at holliegal@verizon.net.

Cornerstone Church

Cornerstone Church, 1990 Elmwood Ave., Warwick, is member of the RI Community Food Bank Hours of operation are the first and third Saturday from 9-11 a.m. and the second and fourth Monday from 6-8 p.m. For more information call 781-6121.

Domestic Abuse Support Groups

The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center is a non-profit agency providing services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The agency offers morning and evening support groups for adults dealing with current or past domestic abuse Groups provide a safe place to talk with others who have shared similar experiences. The groups are confidential and free of charge. For more information call Jessica at 738-1700. 

Free Health Care

Our Lady of Fatima Hospital has an outreach coordinator to assist women in getting free health care If you are between the ages of 40-64 and are underserved or uninsured, call Maria at 456-3105 for a confidential assessment. You may be eligible for free care including mammogram and gynecological care.

Developmental Screening 

The Child Outreach Department of the Warwick Public Schools, in cooperation with the Volunteers of Warwick schools (VOWS), conducts regular preschool screening clinics. All Warwick preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5 are offered the Early Screening Inventory-Revised (ESI-R). This is a free service provided by the Warwick Public Schools. Participation in a Developmental Screening is a long established program of the Warwick School Department that provides families with information about their child’s development and offers information about community resources. For more information, or to arrange a clinic appointment for your preschool aged child, call the VOWS office at 734-3230.