Weekend Spotlight

 December 2, Holiday Open House at Governor Sprague Mansion Museum on Sat., December 2, 1353 Cranston St., Cranston, Grand Ballroom Entrance. Accessible entrance and parking in back of Mansion. Victorian splendor decorations by Western Cranston Garden Club. Visit Museum Shop. 3 to 5p.m. in the Sprague Mansion: Music and punch. Musical selections by pianist Andrew Kaplan on CHS rare 1880s Grand Steinway Concerta D. 4 p.m. Greetings from City & State:  Mayor Kenneth Hopkins & Senator Jack Reed. 5 p.m. Outside Tree Lighting: Sponsored by Ward 3 Councilman John Donegan.  Bain Choir provides holiday tunes at Mansion Gazebo! Visit Sprague Carriage House for hot cocoa provided by teachers/parents. Visit OneCranston Health Equity Zone & Cranston Public Library info tables.  Open to the public.

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Dec. 2 & 3, The Chorus of Kent County Holiday Concert will be held on Sat., Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and  Sun., Dec., 3, at 2:30 p.m.  Performance will be held at West Warwick High School, 1 Webster Knight Dr., West Warwick.  Tickets: $17 in advance/$20 day of event/$10 children 10 & under (under 2 free).  For ticket purchases, please call 401-862-3105 or purchase online:  https://chorusofkentcounty.com/concert-information.

 Dec. 2, Diane Blue at The Warwick Firefighters Hall will be performing with her band at The Warwick Firefighters Hall on Sat., Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $20.00 (cash) and available at the hall located at 750 Warwick Avenue, Warwick.  Diane Blue is an international and award-winning Blues, R&B and Soul music performer. Cash bar. Light snacks provided.

Dec. 2, Brayton Cemetery Clean Up will be held on Sat., Dec. 2, at Brayton Cemetery, 3468 Post Rd, Warwick, from 9 to11:30 a.m. Please bring a rake and gloves. Anyone needing community service or who just wants to help is welcome to participate. Hope to see you there.  

Dec. 2 & 3, Christmas at the Castle will be held at Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, from noon to 4 p.m. No pre-registration is required. Admission costs $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-12, and nothing for children younger than 6, with an overall cap of $25 per family. Entertainment includes puppeteer Dan Butterworth, the Wheeler School Concert Bellringer, the Brown Madrigal Singers and Songs and Stories by Anne Marie Forer and Sheila Reynolds. Anyone bringing canned goods for donations to the North Kingstown Food Pantry will receive a 10% discount on purchases at their Christmas bazaar.

Dec. 4, Eckankar Center of Rhode Island Free Event on Mon., Dec. 4, Eckankar Presents 

“Passkey to the Inner Worlds,” at the Eckankar Center of Rhode Island, 2914 Post Rd., Warwick, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open your Heart and your Inner Eye to the HU Mantra. Experience chanting HU, contemplative time, and spiritual conversation with others of like heart.  For more information:  401-738-4727

Dec. 5, Photographic Society of RI will hold its meeting on Tues., Dec. 5, 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. We will be holding the Nature Digital Competition #1.  If you like nature photography, you will really enjoy this program. 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.

Dec. 5, Gaspee Seniors will meet on Tues., Dec. 5, at the Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick. Rock Painting will be the activity after the general business meeting. All supplies will be available. This activity will be fun and exciting. Remember to bring your Raffle Basket items. New members are always welcome .

Dec. 5, Eckankar Presents Free Event: "We are Soul Animals are Soul too"  at the Warwick Public Library , 600  Sandy Lane Ave., Warwick, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  For more information:  401-738-4727. Animals love us and they have a special place in heaven. Share your pet and animal stories, we will talk about the special bond and compassion shown by animals to us and to others. Pets have a lot to teach us about unconditional love.

Dec. 6, Nonfiction@Brown’s lecture series continues with Georgia Wright, an audio producer and storyteller, at 6 p.m. at Pembroke Hall Room 305, 172 Meeting Street, Providence. Brown will be the final speaker in this year’s lecture series. The event is free for all attendees and open to the public.

Dec. 7 through Dec. 10, , “Oh? What Fun!”  will be performed by the Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus on Thurs., Dec. 7, Fri. Dec. 8, Sat. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset St., Providence.  Combining traditional holiday favorites, the chorus is proud to be honoring the diverse heritages of choral members with songs of the French, Italian, Portuguese, Jewish, Czech, Irish, Latina, East Asian ethnicities. Join them in their celebration of each other’s unique qualities.  This is sure to be a sparkling concert filled with music of the season.  Tickets are on sale now: Adults $30, Seniors $25 and Students $20.  To purchase tickets, please visit: rigmc.org.

Dec. 7 – 14, Online Holiday Auction Benefitting Special Olympics Rhode Island will hold an on-line event this holiday season with Special Olympics Rhode Island’s annual Holiday Auction allowing shoppers to find the perfect gifts from the comfort of their home while making a meaningful impact! The auction runs from Thurs., Dec.7, starting at 9 a.m., through Thurs., Dec. 14, at 9 a.m.   Bid on diverse items such as Boston Red Sox tickets, an autographed Boston Bruins jersey, tickets to Ballet RI’s “The Nutcracker,” a two-night getaway to Margaritaville Resort Times Square, restaurant experiences and more. Bids will support the transformative programs offered by Special Olympics Rhode Island. To participate in the auction, visit https://bforg.com/sori starting December 7 – the go-live date. For those interested in donating items or gift certificates, please call Special Olympics Rhode Island at (401) 349-4900.

 Dec. 9, St. Lucia Fest sponsored by the RI Swedish Heritage Assoc. will be held on Sat., Dec. 9, at 4 p.m., at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce St., East Greenwich.  Adults: $12, Ages 5-14: $5, Under 5 – Free.  Reception following with Swedish refreshments.  Questions or information:  Astrid at 401-350-9688 or astrid.m.drew@gmail.com or Merlene Mayette at 401-783-2242 or merleneinri@verizon.net.

Dec. 9, Winter Celebration, will be held at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 550 Fair Street Warwick (Gaspee area, just off Narragansett Pkwy) on Sat., Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. Winter Celebration! For Kids and adults! Crafting, songs, and cider to celebrate winter season in a cheerful way!

Dec. 9, Penny Social, Luncheon and Bake Sale will be held on Sat., Dec. 9, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 West Shore Road, Warwick from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Deb Bergeron at (401) 737-3127.

Dec. 10, West Bay Chorale presents Noël on Sun., Dec. 10, at 4 p.m., at St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick, will present their concert, Noël.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. The music is a celebration of peace, hope and love. Traditional carols and music of the winter season will be presented. Readings for solstice and advent will be included. Joining the chorale is soprano soloist and former West Bay Chorale artistic director Amanda Santo. For further information or info@westbaychorale.org. 

Dec. 13, Gorton Lunch, will be held on Wed., Dec. 13, at Sam’s Inn, 2227 West Shore Rd., Warwick, at 12 noon.  Order from the menu.  Please call for reservations:  Fran Allin 401-463-8679, Barbara Kane 401-821-0161 or for more information call Nat 401-742-7433.  Exchanging gifts.

Dec. 16, Holiday Story Time Craft and Visit with Santa at the Pontiac Free Library, 101 Greenwhich Ave., Warwick,  on Sat., Dec. 16 at noon.  Refreshments will be served.  Registration is requested.  For information/reservations please contact 401-737-3292 or info@pontiacfreelibrary.com.

Dec.  20, Lessons and Carols: Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope Choir on Wed., Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Francis Chapel, 610 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick.  The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service dating back to the 19^th century.  It tells the story of the Fall, the Messianic Promise, the Incarnation and the Great Commission.  Each lesson is followed by a carol or hymn that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.

Jan. 1, 48^th Annual Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Rhode Island, Registration is open for the New Year’s Day event, the longest running New Year’s Day Plunge in Rhode Island. Embrace the invigorating spirit of the New Year by taking the plunge, quite literally, into Special Olympics Rhode Island’s 48^th annual Penguin Plunge at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett! Join the fun on New Year’s Day, Mon.,  Jan. 1, to make a splash for a cause that truly warms the heart – supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. The main plunge kicks off at 12 noon and a family-friendly plunge at 12:30 p.m.  Your participation or donation will not only kick off 2024 with a memorable experience but also contribute to a brighter future for these athletes, empowering them to achieve their dreams. Registration is $25 and additional fundraising is encouraged. Those who pre-register and raise a minimum of $50 will receive a fun, official t-shirt. To participate in the Penguin Plunge or support a daring individual or team, visit https://give.specialolympicsri.org/ge/2024pp.

 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 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 Tuesday, Jeep Night Tri-City Elks Lodge #14, 1915 W. Shore Rd Warwick presents Jeep Night every Tues. at 5:00 p.m. Around back at the lodge. Jeeps and 4 x 4's of all shapes and sizes are welcome. The Tiki Bar will be open for beverages and there will be food prepared by PB&J's available to purchase.

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 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:  Joan Tinkham 401-739-5322.

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. at 9:30 p.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.

Starting Saturday, Sept. 25, Citizenship Prep Classes at WPL Prepare for the U.S. Naturalization Interview with Citizen Preparation classes at the Warwick Public Library, starting Sat., Sept. 25, 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 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.

Amenity Aid – Volunteers Needed We are looking for volunteers that would like to help us plan and staff community events, organize hygiene product collection drives and raise funds for Amenity Aid. If you are interested in doing any of the above or would like to be a member of our Community Outreach Committee, please contact Stacey Silva, Community Outreach Chair at Stacey@AmenityAid.org.

 Amenity Aid’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations by creating access to essential hygiene products. Serving all of Rhode Island, we distribute toiletry necessities to those most vulnerable through our network of direct service agencies.

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.com

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.