Weekend Spotlight

Apr. 20, Oaklawn Grange and Ward 4 Community Clean Up is scheduled for Sat. Apr. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oaklawn Gazebo, Oaklawn Grange and Woodland Trails (weather permitting).  Councilman Richard Campopiano will host this event and is looking for volunteers to help out and/or complete service hours.  Bring gloves, rakes, etc.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information, please contact Maria at 401-499-0796.

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Apr. 23, Photographic Society of RI will hold its next meeting on Tues., Apr. 23rd, at 6:30 p.m., as a social time and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. It will be held at Lakewood Baptist Church, 255 Atlantic Ave., Warwick. It will be the 4th Open Competition of the new year.  The competition will include black & white prints, color prints, digital images, and slides.  It will give you a chance to see some great work being judged. Future meetings will include live demos, competitions, set-ups for photo ops, image studies and presentations from experts on a vast array of topics for a wide range of skill levels.  Whether a member or not, please come and enjoy the program and to see what the club is all about.

April 26, Armenian Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island is scheduled for Fri., April 26, at Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave, Cranston, at 6 p.m.

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. 27 & 28, Spring Quilt Fest, sponsored by the Narragansett Bay Quilters’ Association will be held on Sat., Apr. 27 and Sun., Apr. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory Street, West Warwick.  Quilts galore, Quilt and Basket Raffles.  Special Exhibits: Barbara Barber, Quilting Education.  Admission: $10 (Children under 12 free).  www.nbqa.org

Apr. 27 & 28, Woodridge Congregational UCC May Breakfast will be on Sat., Apr. 27, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Woodridge Congregational UCC, 546 Budlong Rd., Cranston. The menu includes scrambled eggs, frittatas, johnnycakes, which are made by second and third generation makers, Belgian waffles, ham, sausage, home fries, Holly’s baked beans, strudel, muffins, coffee cake, juice, milk, coffee and tea.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children 3 – 12 years old.  Tickets will be available at the door.

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.

Apr. 28, American Girl Doll Afternoon Tea will be hosted by The Cranston Historical Society on Apr. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion Museum, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston (use the 1351 Cranston Street entrance). Be the guest of Samantha Parkington and experience an authentic tea. Bring your doll, or borrow one of ours. This event is perfect for kids and parents or adults looking for some nostalgic fun. Limited Seating. Reservations required 401-944-9226: $20 per person, payable by Fri., Apr. 19, to Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston 02920. Accessible entrance and parking in back of Mansion. Proceeds to benefit the Cranston Historical Society. Call Mary 401-944-9226 to volunteer.

May 1, Cranston Hall of Fame, applications are now being accepted for nominations for the Class of 2024.  Deadline is Wed., May 1.  Please find details and application criteria at: www.cpsed/net, under the “culture” tab.  Any questions, please email the President:  scoccio@cox.net.

May 4, Tea for Two’s Tea Party Silent Auction Fundraiser will be held on Sat., May 4 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 143 Ann Mary Brown Dr., Warwick.  Register to join in the fun and laughter with an interactive program to highlight women, our female mentors and tea. Contests & prizes. Find out more on our website:  Asburyumcri.org. Get tickets at Eventbrite. Fundraising for Asbury and its Missions. For more information, contact Andrea 401-207-8017.

May 5, Defenders of Animals Annual May Breakfast, is scheduled for Sun., May 5 at the Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at www.defendersofanimals.org.  All net proceeds are used for the group’s low-cost spay/neuter and animal emergency medical care for cats and dogs. For more information contact: Dennis at 401-461-1922.

May 11, Crafting for Critters: Spring Bazaar will be hosted by Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter on Sat., May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Airport Professional Park, 2384 Post Road, Warwick (outdoors). Helping homeless animals get a second chance while supporting local artisans. Enjoy food trucks, crafts, jewelry and Mother’s Day gifts.  For more information:  www.friendsri.org or fowas.crafts@gmail.com.

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 17, Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion is scheduled for Fri., May 17 beginning at 6 p.m., at the A&W Sprague Manufacturing Co. with Mansion tour, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston. Tea and a special sweet will be served in the Sprague dining room.  RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10.  Please call 401-944-9266 for reservations.  Non-members: $18. Members: $16. Checks are payable on or before Sat., May 11 to: Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920.

May 18 & May 19, Harmonize & Empower: Voices of Unity and Strength will be performed by the Chorus of Kent County on Sat., May 18, at 7 p.m. and on Sun., May 19, at 2 p.m. at West Warwick High School Auditorium, 1 Webster Knight Dr., West Warwick.  Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 on the day of performance.  $10 for children 10 and under (under 2 free).  For ticket information:  401-862-3105 or visit www.chorusofkentcounty.com.

May 18, Apple Blossom Garden Club Annual Plant Sale will be held on Sat., May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Blackbird Farm, 660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield.  Free samples of Organic Fertilizer Tea from “Let It Grow” from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Great selection and pricing on perennials, annuals, herbs and Vegetables.  Over 50+ varieties of tomato plants.

May 18, A Small Standard Flower Show will be hosted by the Western Cranston Garden Club on Sat., May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shepherd of The Valley Church, 604 Seven Mile Rd., Hope.  Admission is $5.

May 18, Open Closet Shop Spring Fashion Show will be held on Sat., May 18 at 11 a.m., at the Open Table of Christ United Methodist Church, 1520 Broad Street, Providence. $10 admission includes refreshments and door prizes.  Tickets are available at the Open Closet Shop or email marykatheleencurtin@gmail.com.  Open Clost Shop will be open after the fashion show.

June 22, Celtic Music Under the Stars at Sprague Gazebo will be held on Sat., June 22, at 6 p.m. The Gaspee Celtic Jam group will be the first musical entertainment at the new Sprague Gazebo, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.  Bring along an instrument or join the group in song.  Tickets: $13.  Attend the 2-Series (July 20) $23.  RSVP is mandatory: 401-944-9226 (specify date(s).  Bring your lawn chair or lawn blanket.  ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck will be set up at 5 p.m.  Visit www.gaspeecelticjam.org ahead of the event for scheduled songs for the evening.

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.

July 20, Celtic Music Under the Stars at Sprague Gazebo will be held on Sat., July 20, at 6 p.m. The Gaspee Celtic Jam group will be the first musical entertainment at the new Sprague Gazebo, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.  Bring along an instrument or join the group in song.  Tickets: $13.  Attend the 2-Series (June 22) $23.  RSVP is mandatory: 401-944-9226 (specify date or series).  Bring your lawn chair or lawn blanket.  ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck will be set up at 5 p.m.  Visit www.gaspeecelticjam.org ahead of the event for scheduled songs for the evening.

July 26, Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion is scheduled for Fri., July 26, beginning at 6 p.m., at the A&W Sprague Manufacturing Co. with Mansion tour, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston. Tea and a special sweet will be served in the Sprague dining room.  RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10.  Please call 401-944-9266 for reservations.  Non-members: $18. Members: $16. Checks are payable on or before Sat., July 20 to: Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920.

 July 27, Tolman High School Class of 1964 Reunion will take place on Sat., July 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Resort, 240 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown.  Reservation deadline is July 1.  For more information, please contact:  nwalshdsigns@gmail.com.

 Aug. 22, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Ogunquit Maine Day Trip will take place on Thurs., Aug. 22. The trip includes lunch at Jonathan's Restaurant followed by a matinee performance of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19 in West Greenwich at 8:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 8 p.m. Cost is $179/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 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.

Nov. 30, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School 50^th Reunion, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School Class of 1974, will hold its 50th Reunion on Sat., Nov. 30, at the Quonset "O" Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Rd., North Kingstown. The Reunion Committee is actively seeking to contact our classmates.  Please email your current address as soon as possible to receive an invitation to: wvmhs7450@gmail.com.  Go Hurricanes!"

Every Monday,  Gaspee Celtic Jam - The Gaspee Celtic Jam meets at the Pawtuxet Village Baptist Church, 2157 Broad St., Cranston, every Mon. from 7 to 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 Tuesday, ASL Interpreted RI AA Meeting will be held at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Ave., Cranston from 7 to 8 p.m.

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

NAMI-RI: Free Virtual Family-To-Family course on Mental Health NAMI-RI Spring RegistrationThe Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is now accepting registration for our Spring 2024 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.

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.