Weekend Spotlight

Mar. 9, Ocean State Orchid Society Meeting will be held on Sat., Mar. 9, at the Rocky Hill Grange (use the lower rear door), 1340 S. County Trail, East Greenwich at 1 p.m. The meeting will discuss mealybugs, a common orchid pest, treatment and prevention, among other topics. Light refreshments will be served. The public is welcome to attend. 

Mar. 10, Bowling for Animals Event will be hosted by Defenders of Animals, Inc., on Sun, Mar. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Lanes, 2530 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. The event includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, and soda for a $25 donation to Defenders of Animals, Inc. Donations may be sent to www.defendersofanimals.org under the donation section. All net profits will be used for the organization’s state-wide free and low-cost spay/neuter program for cats and dogs.

 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. 14, Oakland Beach Association Meeting will be held on Thurs., Mar 14, at 6 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 340 Oakland Beach Ave., Warwick (side entrance).  Our guest speaker will be Mayor Frank Picozzi. He will address any concerns and also speak on items that impact the Oakland Beach area directly.  Please bring your questions and concerns.

Mar. 16, Annual Corned Beef Dinner will be held at The First Congressional Church of Warwick, 715 Oakland Beach Ave., Warwick, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Tickets: adults $12; children 5 yrs. or older $8; seniors and children under 5 yrs. old – free.  For more information call:  401-738-3377.

Mar. 17, Shop & Sip Marketplace will be held on Sun., Mar. 17, from 12 to 4 p.m. at NYLO, 400 Knight Street, Warwick. Discover unique items and gifts for every taste. Enjoy a day filled with shopping, delectable food and community camaraderie while supporting local businesses and helping homeless animals at the Warwick Animal Shelter. Explore Inebri-art’s carefully curated selection of the finest local vendors. Indulge in a glass of wine and delicious food. Support Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter’s “Raffle for the Animals” featuring items from participating vendors, learn about adoptable shelter animals and browse branded apparel. Free admission, free parking and handicap accessibility. Learn more at www.Inebri-art.com  or  www.FriendsRI.org.  Interested vendors may contact Andy at Inebri-Art by emailing inebriart@yahoo.com for space information and availability. Kindly refrain from contacting NYLO

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.

Mar. 19, Digging In: An Exploration of America’s Food System is a movie night being hosted by Westbay Farm on Tues., Mar. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, in the large meeting room. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at (401) 921-4009 or jdixon@westbaycap.org. Seats are limited.

Mar. 23 Moosup Valley Music Series is being held on Sat., Mar. 23,  from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moosup Valley Church, 81 Moosup Valley Rd., Foster. The Island Farm Ceili Band: Don Lurgio, Matt Cook, Bob Drouin, & Gary Palmer. Traditional Irish music. Pass the hat. For more information: Laurie 401-623-0320. 

Mar. 24, 19^th Annual RI Community Food Bank Benefit Concert will be held on Sun., Mar. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Baptist Church, 255 Atlantic Ave., Warwick.  Admission is at least one non-perishable food item.  A free will offering will be taken (check payable to RI Community Food Bank).  If you are unable to attend and would like to donate, please send a check payable to RI Community Food Bank, Lakewood Baptist Church, ATTN: Lincoln Smith, 255 Atlantic Ave., Warwick.  Refreshments and fellowship following the concert.

Apr. 6, Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux Fundraiser Dance and Buffet will be held on Sat., Apr 6, at the West Warwick Elks Lodge, 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick from 2 to 8 p.m. Entertainment by DJ/Emcee Billy Simas. Dinner Buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $25/person. Proceeds to benefit Project Hand Up & The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux. For reservations, call Jeannine at 1-860-455-8641. 

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! 

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 11, Warwick Vets High School Chorale Members Reunion will be held on May 11, at 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1915 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. Please bring your favorite potluck dish. Call Bill Flamand at 401-450-5699 with any questions.

May 14 thru June 5, RI Driver Education Course in ASL at RI School for the Deaf is currently 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. 

June 2, Music on the Hill will be held on Sun., Jun 2, at 3 p.m., Cloud Hill Museum will host Narragansett Brass Concert on the lawn at 4157 Post Road, Warwick.  For more information  www.musionthehillri.org or 401-884-9490.

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 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.

Oct. 19 & Oct. 20, Saturday, Artist Aileen Quinn the West Bay Open Studios on Sat., Oct. 19 and Sun. Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clouds Hill Museum will host artist Aileen Quinn, on the West Bay Open Studios tour.  For more information visit West Bay Open Studios | Warwick Center for the Arts warwickcfa.org

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 Monday, Tri City Elks Lodge #14 Country Line Dance Lessons, 1915 W. Shore Rd, Warwick. Instructor Melissa from Get in Line RI from 6:00 to 8pm. $10 per class. Come in and enjoy the fun!

Every Second Tuesday West Warwick AARP Chapter West Warwick AARP Chapter meets the second Tues. of the month, 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Church Hall, 70 Church Street, West Warwick.  Looking to expand its membership. All are welcome to come to enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with new friends.

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 Wednesday, Calling All Seniors: The Dance ‘50’s, ‘60’s, 70’s, & 80’s Music at the American Legion, 662 West Shore Rd., Warwick.  Light snacks for free and refreshments for purchase.  No outside alcohol is permitted.  Cover: $10pp at the door.  For more information:  Mary 401-256-1169.

Every Wednesday, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meets every Wed. night with weigh-in at 5:45 p.m. at St. Rita's Church, 722 Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick.  TOPS is a great way to improve your health.  Stop by for free.

Every Third Wednesday Old Warwick Grange #41 The Grange Hall is located at 1175 West Shore Road, Warwick, meets the third Wed. of the month at 7:30 p.m. For information, please call either Joan Clegg at 401-465-7259 or Mike Osiensky at 508-954-9712.  The Grange is a fraternal community service, nonprofit organization with a special interest in rural life and the traditions of faith, patriotism, leadership and family values. It’s a place where the whole family can go and grow. Help us to help others. There are no meetings in July and August.

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, Take Off Pounds Sensibly TOPS #38 is  meeting every Thurs. morning at St. Luke's Episcopal Church (lower level), 99 Pierce Street, East Greenwich. Weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The meeting is from 10 – 11 a.m. Enter from the side parking lot, go down the stairs to the kitchen area. All are welcome as well as any canned food donations.  For information, call:  Angela Henderson at 401-225-6174.

Every Thursday Meadowlark Seniors  the Meadowlark Seniors meetings will meet at 1:30 p.m., at St. Kevin Church Hall, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Short meetings, fun activities, and socializing. Come join us.  New members are welcome. 

Every Thursday - Get a Job Thursdays We Make RI, 200 First Ave., Cranston. An organization that provides free manufacturing training, hosts a series of job fairs every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.  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.  

Every Friday Cribbage Players Do you play cribbage? If so, consider joining a small group of cribbage players every, who meet and play at the East Greenwich Community Center, Pierce Street, East Greenwich every Fri., from 9 to 11 a.m. This is a social group where all levels of players are invited to play and meet new friends; there is no cost involved. If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara at 737-6477.

Every Third Saturday of the Month Food for the Soul: A Meal Provision Charity thru May 18, 2024, sponsored by the Asbury United Methodist Church and Lakewood Baptist Church partnership. Held at the Lakewood Baptist church, 255 Atlantic Avenue, Warwick from 10: 30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you need a hot meal, we are offering one for you to pick up at this location.  Please contact Jill 401-408-5258 for further information.

Every Saturday, Citizenship Prep Classes at WPL Prepare for the U.S. Naturalization Interview with Citizen Preparation classes at the Warwick Public Library, from 10 a.m. to noon. Practice citizenship vocabulary, learn the necessary civics content, and work on interview skills using the N-400 application form.  Sign up at the library. For more information, call (401) 455-8041. These free classes are offered by the RI Family Literary Initiative.

NAMI-RI Offers Family Support Groups Spring Registration  (The Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is now accepting registration for their Spring 2024 Virtual Family-to-Family course. 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 www.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.

Coventry Senior Band The Coventry Senior Band is looking for musicians. A group of retired volunteers, we play gigs at Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, etc.  If you are over 55 and play an instrument call David at (401) 368-6895 or email at walshdavid170@gmail.co

Hearts for Hospice Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice (VNH&H) is asking for individuals to support their hospice programs by giving $20.00 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 Buzz to: Ida at idaz@rhodybeat.com, or scan the QR code below. 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.