Citizens’ Police Academy now enrolling

Are you interested in learning about law enforcement? If you answered “yes,” then the Cranston Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy may be for you. Each Tuesday night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., from April 12 through June 7, the department’s Training Division will provide this unique opportunity to a limited number of people. Those accepted will take part in classroom presentations and have the chance to participate in police scenario training.

Through these experiences and classroom conversations, participants will gain a better understanding of law enforcement.

In order to be considered, you must be at least 18 years old and complete the electronic registration form by March 18. There is a maximum of 50 participants. Upon completion, you will be contacted by a member of the Cranston Police Training Division. The program is free, and registration information can be found at cranstonpoliceri.com.

Child restraint systems and installations

The Cranston Police Department has safekids.org certified child restraint technicians who will help with your child’s car seat. Every Tuesday and Thursday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Cranston police headquarters on Garfield Avenue, this service is offered free of charge to anyone who would like help installing their new car seat or reinstalling their current one to ensure that it is done properly. If you are interested, please contact the department’s Traffic Division at 401-942-2211 on the morning of the specific day that you wish to attend and confirm that the service is available.

Free file briefing

Join Congressman Jim Langevin, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, and other community leaders for the third annual Free File Briefing and Demo to highlight the IRS and Rhode Island free file programs, which provide free, online federal and state income tax preparation and e-filing services to lower and moderate income taxpayers. The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 at the Cranston Public Library, located at 140 Sockanosset Cross Road. Following the briefing, participants can take advantage of a one-hour interactive free file demonstration. To RSVP, please contact Lori Baux by email at MLBaux@aol.com or call 202-265-8148. For more information about free file, visit irs.gov/freefile, tax.ri.gov, or taxprephelp.org.

Cranston Public Library locations closed Presidents’ Day

All Cranston Public Library locations will be closed Sunday, Feb. 14, and Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Regular hours will resume at all locations on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

LLS fundraiser

Jamison Evans, a Coventry High School junior, lives by the phrase “Tikkun Olam,” or “Repair the World.” He is a candidate for LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) Student of the Year. On Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alex and Ani’s Cranston headquarters at Chapel View, Jamison and his team invite members of the community to a reception including refreshments and a selection of jewelry ahead of Valentine’s Day. A portion of each purchase goes to the research and treatment of childhood cancer, and Jamison’s personal goal of raising $18,000. To follow Jamison’s outreach or to make a donation to his campaign, visit tinyurl.com/jamisonevans.

I Need U 2 Survive

“I Need U 2 Survive” is one of many programs at the Rhode Island Dream Center (RIDC), located at 330 Park Ave. in Cranston. It is an uplifting program designed to elevate self-esteem in women. Women who are homeless or low income are bused in for a “Day of Beauty.” They are provided with hair services, such as shampoo, cuts, color, etc. They leave feeling rejuvenated and loved. Lunch will also be provided.

In 2016 the program will be partnering with the Paul Mitchell School. Services will be provided by its employees for 25 women, four times per year. You can help by sponsoring a woman for $25. Visit www.ridreamcenter.com to donate online or contact Krystal Smith at smithkrystal651@gmail.com for more details.

Cranston Senior Guild meeting

The Cranston Senior Guild will meet Wednesday, March 2, at 1 p.m. at Tamarisk Assisted Living, located at 3 Shalom Drive in Warwick. Christopher Carlow, owner of Natures Healing of Coventry, will teach Tai Chi. The class is free, and open to beginners or those with experience.

After the class, the Senior Guild will have a short meeting followed by refreshments and a raffle. All men and women ages 55 years and older are welcome to join. Participants do not have to live in Cranston.

How to secure a business loan

Are you a business owner looking to obtain financing to grow your operation? Don’t know who to approach, how to prepare, what lenders are looking for, or how your proposal will be evaluated? Then plan to attend a dynamic, insightful workshop where you will learn how to think like a lender and improve your chances for success.

Sponsored by the RI Small Business Development Center and the RI Society of CPAs, “How to Secure a Business Loan” will be held on Feb. 12 at the RI Society of CPAs, located at 40 Sharp Drive in Cranston, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 401-874-7232.

Lending a Helping Hand

The CCAP “Lending a Helping Hand” Emergency Crisis Fund is designed to provide limited financial assistance to eligible individuals and families in the community who are experiencing economic hardship due to certain emergency situations.

A personal or family crisis involving an emergency financial need, unexpected medical expenses which exceed insurance provisions resulting in economic hardship, or an uninsured loss due to fire or natural disasters which resulted in economic hardship, are just some situations eligible for consideration under this fund. Situations should be short-term or temporary in nature, and not chronic.

Please make a tax-deductible donation to the CCAP “Lending a Helping Hand” Emergency Crisis Fund today. You can make an online donation by going to www.ComCap.org, or can mail a check to: CCAP “Lending a Helping Hand” Emergency Crisis Fund, Attn. Lee Beliveau, 311 Doric Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910.

For more information about the fund or CCAP’s programs and services, contact Beliveau, vice president of development and corporate affairs, at 401-562-8353 or lbeliveau@comcap.org. The goal is to raise $10,000 in 2016.

Academic News & Notes

Congratulations to Deniece Lobban of Cranston, who has been named to the fall 2015 dean’s list at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass.

Congratulations to Miranda Dean of Cranston, who has been named to the fall 2015 dean’s list at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Earning a spot on the fall 2015 dean’s list at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., were the following Cranston residents: Alexander Cerbo, Luke Maguire, Riley Martin, and Carmino Riccio.

Congratulations to Lauren Salisbury of Cranston, who made the dean’s list at Framingham State University for the fall 2015 semester.

CCAP’s VITA tax preparation assistance

CCAP’s VITA tax preparation assistance is a free service for low-income workers. IRS-trained tax preparers will help you file your federal and state income taxes. CCAP’s tax preparation services are offered at the location at 311 Doric Ave., Cranston (lower level). Call for an appointment or more information at 401-467-9610.

Tree planting program

Through a partnership between the city of Cranston and the RI Tree Council, free trees for planting on private property are now available to Cranston residents who meet program eligibility requirements. A Red maple between eight and 10 feet tall with a four- to six-foot crown spread will be available. They will be furnished and installed in spring 2016 (April 1-May 30) at no cost to the homeowner. That’s a $250 value. To be eligible for the free trees, individuals must: own the property where the tree is to be planted; agree to install the tree on their property within 25 feet of the public right-of-way; complete a consent and waiver of liability form; and complete a tree fact sheet form. There are only 40 trees available for the spring 2016 campaign, so don’t lose out on this great opportunity. The application deadline is March 1, 2016. A free tree will be awarded to the first 40 applicants who meet the program requirements. Act now by contacting RITree by telephone at 401-764-5885 or email RITree@RITree.org to obtain forms and other information you will need to apply for a free tree.

Volunteer Tax Assistance Program seeking volunteers

The Cranston Senior Enrichment Center is recruiting volunteers for its Volunteer Tax Assistance Program. This program offers free tax assistance to people with low to moderate income and persons with disabilities.

Tax law training is provided. Training is free, and the time commitment is flexible. For more information, contact Jean at 401-780-6129 or Jane at 401-780-6220.

Did You Know?

Valentine’s Day chocolate boxes were introduced in 1868 by Richard Cadbury. This year, it is estimated that more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day. (Source: Valentine’s Fun Facts)

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