Fine amnesty at library

In celebration of Rhode Island Library Day on Saturday, April 13, the Cranston Public Library will offer fine amnesty at all its branches. Patrons may return overdue books and materials, and the library will waive the fines.

Fine amnesty only applies to items that are currently overdue. It does not apply to lost materials, future fines or fines that were previously assessed.

Other events taking place on Rhode Island Library Day include “Introduction to Microsoft Excel” from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and “Prep for Success: Career Choices” from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Both of these classes will be held at the Central Library branch. For more information, visit cranstonlibrary.org.

‘Be The Light’ for MAE Organization

MAE Organization For The Homeless, whose mission is to support and empower homeless and at-risk individuals through holistic healing programs for body, mind and spirit, will be hosting its fourth annual “Be The Light Gala” this month to benefit its programs and the opening of its Wellness Center.

The event will be held April 27 from 6-10 p.m. at the Park Theater, 848 Park Ave, Cranston. It will feature food from around the world, dancing and an auction with an array of items, including a trip to Portugal.

Tickets cost $80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite, by visiting maeorg.org or by calling founder and CEO Martinha Javid at 206-1451.

Egg Hunt to benefit St. Mary’s Feast Society

Bringing family fun to the Knightsville community, Easter in the Park will be held April 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Field, located behind the St. Mary's Feast Society building. The event will feature an Easter Egg Hunt with Mr. Bunny and more than 2,000 candy0 and toy-filled eggs.

Attendees can decorate their eggs following the Egg Hunt at a creation station located indoors. There will also be an egg and spoon race, a balloon twister, bunny face painting and food for purchase.

The cost of the event cost is $5 per person if tickets are pre-purchased online through the event’s Facebook page or $8 per person at the door. For more information, contact Bri Duffy at brianna.duffy@bri-ventures.com.

Cleanup at Meschanticut Park

Ward 5 City Councilman Chris Paplauskas will host the fourth annual Earth Day Cleanup at Meshanticut Park on Saturday, April 20. Participants will meet in the Cranston High School West parking lot at 10 a.m. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.

Submissions sought for One Act Play Festival

Submissions are currently being accepted for Artists’ Exchange’s 14th annual One Act Play Festival. For consideration, send submissions of one-act plays of all genres by mail to Artists’ Exchange One Acts, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI 02910, or by email to info@artistsexchange.org. Include the name and title of the play in the subject line of the email.

The deadline for consideration for the festival is April 14. Those submitting plays are asked to include a cover page with their name, contact information (phone and email) and a synopsis of the play.

The festival will take place July 26 through Aug. 11 at Theatre 82, located at 82 Rolfe Square in Cranston. For more information, call 490-9475 or visit artists-exchange.org.

36th Almost May Breakfast at Woodridge

On Saturday, April 27, Woodridge Congregational United Church of Christ will host its 36th annual Almost May Breakfast in the church Fellowship Hall, which is handicap accessible and located at 20 Jackson Road off Budlong Road.

The all-you-can-eat menu will include eggs, frittatas, johnnycakes, waffles, ham, sausage, home fries, baked beans, strudel, muffins, assorted pastries, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Admission costs $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 10. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Dan Blackford at 942-0662. Blackford can be reached Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets and more information are also available by emailing woodridgechurch@verizon.net.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Cranston Police Department’s headquarters at 5 Garfield Ave. will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. National Take Back Day is a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. For more information, visit the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tack Back Day website, deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

Cranston Hall of Fame nominations

The Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established in 1980 by the city of Cranston, is still accepting nominations for its class of 2019. The application form is available by contacting foundation president Frederick Vincent at fjvincent27@yahoo.com or by visiting the Cranston Public Schools website, cpsed.net.

A completed application form, along with a current resume, may be sent to the Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation, P.O. Box 3704, Cranston, RI 02910-0704. The Selection Committee is accepting applications until Thursday, April 18.

Successful nominations demonstrate distinguished achievements in one’s chosen field of endeavor on a local, state, regional or national level. Past inductees have been graduates of the Cranston public school system with a minimum of 10 years since graduation. Selected applicants will be inducted at the foundation's annual banquet, to be held Oct. 25 at the Alpine Country Club.

Victorian Tea at Sprague Mansion

The annual Victorian Tea sponsored by the Cranston Historical Society will be held at the Governor Sprague Mansion on Sunday, April 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The tea will feature “Head to Toe,” a presentation by Laura Johnson, curator for Historic New England, showcasing hats and shoes worn in New England from 1750 to the present. She will discuss the ways in which decorative dress for women and men has reflected social status and personal style, and the effects of fashion on New England’s economy, workforce, environment and self-image.

The afternoon will feature tea and food offerings along with music by pianist Andrew Kaplan. Tickets cost $30 per person, and proceeds will assist the nonprofit Cranston Historical Society in its work to preserve the city’s historic properties. Seating is limited, and tables for four and eight are available.

Sprague Mansion is located at 1351 Cranston St. Checks may be made payable to the Cranston Historical Society. Reservations should be made by April 10. To reserve a place, or to learn more, call 944-9226.

Senior walking club

The Cranston Enrichment Center is organizing a walking club with the Arthritis Foundation’s “Walk With Ease” program. Orientation for new participants will be held Tuesday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at the Cranston Enrichment Center, 1070 Cranston St. Participants will walk the track at Cranston High School West starting at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The program will run April 29 to June 7. To register, call 780-6000.

2019 Cranston Rotary scholarships

The Cranston Rotary Club will award scholarships to one graduating senior from each of Cranston’s high schools. Students are invited to apply to the scholarship before April 12. The scholarship awards will be presented on June 12 at the Rotary installation dinner. All applications will be reviewed by a committee of Rotarians. Each award will be between $500 and $1,000.

For more information, visit rotary.org. Completed applications should be submitted to Ray Butterfield III, The Cranston Rotary Club, P.O. Box 3723, Cranston, RI 02910.

United Way 211 at Central Library

The United Way of Rhode Island’s 2-1-1 Outreach RV will be at Cranston Public Library’s Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, on the first Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. The Outreach RV provides a free, confidential resource for assistance with housing, food, child care and other needs. For more information, visit uwri.org.

Pagano Foundation scholarships available

The Lt. Jim Pagano Foundation will be continuing its years-long tradition of awarding scholarships, providing $1,500 each to six seniors graduating from Cranston West, Cranston East and the NEL/CPS high schools.

The scholarships will be awarded to students planning to attend a bachelor’s program in the fall and who best represent the values of academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service as well-rounded individuals with a drive to succeed. Scholarships will be presented to the honorees at each of the schools’ honor awards nights.

For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit jimpaganofoundation.com.

Easter musical

Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, will host this year’s Easter musical, “The Power of the Cross,” narrated by David Barber and Sally Riley. This moving performance will be presented by Phillips’ Chancel Singers, soloists and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Martha Sobaje on Palm Sunday, April 14, during the 10 a.m. worship service. The church is handicap accessible. For more information, call the church office at 467-3300, ext. 1, or visit phillipschurch.org.

Summer jobs at Parks & Rec

Summer job applications will be available to download from the Cranston Department of Parks & Recreation’s page on the city’s website, cranstonri.com, through May 3. Applicants must be 16 years old by the time of employment and reside in Cranston. Applications from 15-year-olds will be accepted provided the applicant will turn 16 by June 24, when all programs and facilities open. Applications will be accepted for lifeguards, pool attendants, pool maintenance workers and playground counselors. Lifeguard candidates must provide certification or proof of class/re-certification if not yet certified.

Family Health Services at CCAP

Tired of ineffective yet expensive medical care? Check out Family Health Services at the Comprehensive Community Action Program. CCAP offers affordable, 24/7 professional family health and dentistry services. The experienced staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals who are caring, compassionate and highly skilled. New patients are welcome. For more information, call 384-6007.

Famous Wheeler Clothing & More Sale

On April 12-13, The Wheeler School's Madden Gymnasium at 407 Brook St., between Angell and Meeting streets on the East Side of Providence, will once again transform into an amazing “pop up” department store – 9,912 square feet filled with bargains for the entire family, including new and gently worn women's, men's and children's clothing, accessories, books, sports gear, household items, antiques and the Designer Women's Boutique with designer labels at modest prices. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. For more information, visit facebook.com/wheelerclothingsale or follow the sale's Instagram (@famouswheelersale) or Twitter (@Wheelersale) accounts.

Did You Know?

The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an annual weeklong festival commemorating the emancipation of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt. This year, Passover begins on Friday, April 19, at sundown and ends on Saturday, April 27, at sundown. (Source: April Fun Facts)

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