Weekend Spotlight

Jan. 15, West Bay Chorale Seeks Singers and will hold their Spring 2024 season kickoff and registration meeting on Mon., Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., with registration starting at 6:30, at St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Singers interested in joining the Chorale are invited to register and learn the details of the upcoming concert season.  The Chorale is specifically seeking Tenor voices. COVID related information and rules will be shared. Artistic Director, Eric W. Van Dervort, will lead the Chorale and WBC Board of Directors will assist with registrations and pass out music. All current singers and those interested in joining must be vaccinated and boosted and everyone must show proof of vaccination. Masks will either be required or recommended, depending on Rhode Island Covid regulations.  May 5, concert, “Songs of the People,” features the world premiere by Elliot Z. Levine, based on a poem by Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, of the same name. Email: info@westbaychorale.org,  if interested in joining.

Jan. 10, The Edgewood Garden Club will hold an Open Meeting at the William H. Hall Free Library, 1825 Broad Street, Cranston, on Wed., Jan. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a lecture beginning at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker, John Torgan, Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will discuss some of the wilderness areas protected by state and local agencies and organizations similar to TNC. Torgan, a native Rhode Islander, and formally with Save the Bay, will speak about land, coastal and inland waterways now preserved as open space and parks. Torgan will explain the decision-making process that gave special environmental status to these areas and highlight some places where residents can walk, hike or otherwise commune with nature. 

 Jan. 11, Oakland Beach Association Meeting will be held on Thurs., Jan. 11 at 6 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 340 Oakland Beach Ave. Warwick. Our guest speaker will be Bill Facente of Warwick Community Development.  He will address the city’s projects underway at the front beach (splash pad in front of Iggy’s and runoff basin in front of Top of the Bay), as well as Brushneck Cove erosion project between Seaview/Suburban and Strand.  Please bring your questions and concerns.

Jan. 15,  Gaspee Seniors will meet on Tues., Jan. 16, at 1:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway , Warwick. This week, there will be playing a fast-paced game of TRIVIA .  Be sure to bring your thinking caps. New members are always welcome.

Jan. 20, Warwick Wildlife & Conservation Winter Bird Walk with Commissioner Kate Fitzpatrick on Sat., Jan. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at  Warwick City Park/Buttonwoods Beach, Steven O'Connor Blvd., Warwick. Park in the free nearby lot, dress warmly, wear boots, bring water and binoculars. It's a great season for observing waterfowl in the shelter of the coves. Common species: brant, buffleheads, mergansers, black ducks, American widgeons and gulls. Email kfitzpatrick88@gmail.com to attend or ask a question.

Jan. 23, Ancestry Workshop: RI Society of the Sons of the American Revolution on Tues., Jan. 23, at 6 p.m., free to the public at the Cranston Public Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Rod., Cranston.  Do you think you have a Revolutionary War Patriot in your ancestry?  With America approaching the 250^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, members of SAR will help participants learn about basic genealogy and how to begin family research.  Attendees may be able to find out if they have a Revolutionary Patriot Ancestor. For more information, email:  info@rhodeislandsar.org.

Jan 28, Dixieland and Traditional Jazz, New Orleans Jazz will perform on Sun., Jan. 28, at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, from 2 – 3 p.m. Hear an authentic performance by six of New England’s hottest musicians—Jeff Hughes on trumpet, Craig Ball on clarinet, Dan Fox on trombone, Jan Frenkel on piano, Justin Meyer on bass, and Gary Johnson on drums.  The All-Stars will play a selection of “Banjo” Bob Sundstrom’s Dixieland favorites in honor of the prominent and beloved Rhode Island jazz banjo player. This event is free and open to all. Coordinator: Wil Gregersen

Feb. 10, Coventry High School NJROTC Pasta Dinner Fundraiser on Sat., Feb. 10, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Former Navy JROTC Cadets will host a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser in memory of Lucas Finegan (Class of 2019). VFW Post #9404, 29 South Main Street, Coventry. Menu includes chicken, pasta, salad, rolls & desserts. Tickets available at the door, $20/person. All are invited to enjoy a night of great food, raffles & memories. Please contact Dottie at 451-0632 with any questions.

Feb. 10, West Warwick-Coventry Emblem Club #454 Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance, on Sat., Feb. 10, at the West Warwick Elks Lodge #1697, 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick.  No Host Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Salad, Stuffed Boneless Chicken Breast, Mash Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Bread and Butter.  Coffee and Dessert to follow, with Music, Dancing and Raffles.   Tickets are $25.00 per person and must be prepaid.  No tickets sold at door.  For tickets call Linda at 401-497-3680.

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 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. 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.

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 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.

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