A dedication of the church

On Sunday, Nov. 8, St. Faustine National Catholic Apostolic Church is having a dedication ceremony to bless the church. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. under the direction of Fr. Michael Pierson, the Most Reverend Donald J. Buttenbusch, DD., Diocesan Bishop of Philadelphia and Archbishop Joseph M. DuBois, DD. The church is located at 742 Dyer Avenue in the Knightsville section of Cranston.

Halloween party at the fire station

Presented in partnership with Cranston Firefighters Local #1363 and the Firefighters Permanent Relief Association, the annual Halloween Party for Cranston children will take place on Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station #2 on Pontiac Avenue. All trick-or-treaters are welcome to stop in for games, prizes and refreshments.

Kidney screening coming to Senior Center

The National Kidney Foundation will be providing a Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), a free health-screening program for individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease, at Cranston Senior Services on Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twenty-six million American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk. Kidney disease can happen to anyone and can affect people of all ages. Because the symptoms of kidney disease are often silent, many people have no symptoms and the disease goes unrecognized until it is too late. The National Kidney Foundation's KEEP offers a free screening for those at risk – anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. It is designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high-risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information, so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed. KEEP provides three simple tests that determine kidney function. Participants receive a comprehensive health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing and the opportunity to discuss their health and review results with onsite clinicians. The KEEP program is teaming up with the Cranston Senior Services’ Wellness Division. The Wellness Division works with the health care providers of the community to conduct free screenings and educational seminars at Cranston Senior Services for the seniors in the area. Space is limited for the KEEP screening, so pre-register by calling 780-6168.

American Orchid Society show coming to Garden City

The American Orchid Society will be sponsoring their first orchid show in Rhode Island in four years from Nov. 19 to 22 in Garden City, in the space formally occupied by KayBee Toys. The show is sanctioned by The American Orchid Society and will be judged by official AOS judges. The public is invited to attend on the Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The theme of the show is "An Ocean of Orchids" and the show chairperson is Susanna Parsons of Cranston. There will be displays of hundreds of orchids from all over the world. The society is expecting orchid clubs from all over New England to participate, as well as vendors that will be bringing flowers and materials for sale. Additionally, to help new orchid growers, there will be seminars on orchid care.

Music in the Hall

On Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m., the Music in the Hall series will return with the “Aristocats” at the William Hall Library. The library is located at 1825 Broad St. and the event is free and open to the public. “The Aristocats,” featuring Lloyd Kaplan, Bob Petteruti, “Red” McDonald and Phil Morrison, will perform jazz standards and old favorites. Last year, the band gave a memorable performance to an enthusiastic audience. Contact John Bucci at 781-2450 or jbucci@cranstonlibrary.org for more information.

Coat drive

Drop off gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, blankets and boots at the Pawtuxet Farmers Market this Saturday and help E.S. Rhodes Elementary School contribute to the seventh annual Crossroads Rhode Island coat drive. Sample-sized new toiletries are welcome and donations can also be dropped off at Rhodes Elementary at 160 Shaw Ave. Neighborhood pick-ups can be scheduled by e-mailing alissonbw@gmail.com.

Did you know?

It was once believed that a witch could shape-shift into a cat nine times. That is where the belief that cats have nine lives comes from.

If you would like to submit any items of interest, please e-mail Meri R. Kennedy directly at CranstonChatter@aol.com. You may also address your items to Cranston Chatter, c/o Cranston Herald/Beacon Communications, 1944 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889. Photos are welcome.