NEWS

Cranston Chatter

By MERI R. KENNEDY
Posted 8/5/20

By MERI R. KENNEDY CCAP Emergency Housing Assistance The Comprehensive Community Action Program's Emergency Housing Assistance program assists individuals/families living in Cranston, Coventry, Scituate and Foster with back rent, security deposits,

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
NEWS

Cranston Chatter

Posted

CCAP Emergency Housing Assistance

The Comprehensive Community Action Program’s Emergency Housing Assistance program assists individuals/families living in Cranston, Coventry, Scituate and Foster with back rent, security deposits, mortgage assistance, late fees associated with back rent or mortgage, moving costs and utilities. Funding is limited. For more information, call CCAP at 467-7013.

Activities at the Cranston Senior Center

Beginning this month, the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center at 1070 Cranston St. will bring back the following activities. Please note participants must make reservations for each activity by calling Kathi in the Programs Office at 780-6216.

Billiards will be held Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning Monday, Aug. 17. Chess Club will be held Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m., beginning Thursday, Aug. 27.

Chair Exercise will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning Monday, Aug. 31.

Following the state mandate, face masks will be required. Watch for more upcoming classes and activities.

Follow the center on social media – Twitter (@cranstonsenior) and Facebook (Cranston Senior Enrichment Center) – or visit www.cranstonseniorcenter.com.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Barbara and Kevin Dwares of Cranston are once again collecting individually wrapped desserts such as brownies, cookies, banana breads, cookie bars, etc., to be delivered to Help The Homeless RI on Saturday afternoons. The donations are needed by noon on Fridays. Please drop them off at 46 Balsam Court in Garden City. Please put them in the plastic container located near the breezeway. The bin will be outside every Wednesday through Friday.

Stages of Freedom’s Black Rhode Island Heroes class

Join Stages of Freedom for an exciting look at Black Rhode Island history-makers with live performances, videos and lively conversations. This is a free online class being held Monday through Friday, Aug. 3-14, from 9 to 11 a.m. It will be taught by Ray Rickman and Robb Dimmick, co-founders of Stages of Freedom, with some special guests. This is appropriate for grades 8-12. For questions, email StagesofFreedom@aol.com. Please include your phone number when writing.

Warwick Center for the Arts offers virtual photography classes

The Warwick Center for the Arts, located at 3259 Post Road in Warwick, is offering an Online Virtual Photography Class with Cindy Wilson on Aug. 12, Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The cost for members is $150, and the cost for non-members is $185. To register, visit www.warwickcfa.org or call 401-737-0010

In this three-part class, participants will begin by learning to “see” in black, white, and gray tones. They will use Zoom for sessions one and three and for session two, they will photograph in the field. Students must own a camera capable of producing raw files.

MS Dream Center Golf Tournament

The MS Dream Center’s 10th annual Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, Aug. 24, at Valley Country Club in Warwick.

Tournament registration and lunch start at noon, with a shotgun start for golfers at 1:45 p.m. Dinner, raffles, and the awarding of prizes begins at approximately 6:30 p.m.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and individuals. For more information on sponsorship and playing opportunities, contact Anne Delsignore at anne@msdreamcenter.org.

The MS Dream Center was founded in April 2010 with a mission of engaging all members of the MS community in purposeful activity, while promoting a spirit of camaraderie. The center offers a wide range of activities, from support groups and exercise programs to educational seminars and various therapies.

The MS Dream Center is located at the Peter T. Pastore Youth Center, 155 Gansett Ave. in Cranston.

Scary Acres RI is hiring

It’s that time of year! Scary Acres RI is now accepting applications for its 2020 fall season.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have reliable transportation to and from the event, and have availability to work the entire season. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. or later. The season begins Aug. 16 and runs through Oct. 30. All hired staff must agree to a zero-tolerance drug policy.

Those hired will receive paid training/rehearsals on site. Available positions include scare actresses/actors and security. Experience is preferred. The pay rate $11.50 per hour.

Visit the hiring kiosk outside the farm store at 2150 Scituate Ave. in Hope for details and to fill out an application. Applications are available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All staff must follow all state-issued and company policies for protecting themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. This includes being able and willing to wear proper protection equipment and practicing social distancing.

For questions, email brianscaryacres@gmail.com.

RI Dream Center seeking donations of water

The Rhode Island Dream Center is collecting cases of bottled water to give to people experiencing homelessness. The center’s food truck is headed back out on the streets to serve food and water to those in need. Summer heat can be a time of true misery for the homeless, as many are forced to spend the majority of their day outside on the streets, in the heat, with limited access to any water.

The goal of the drive is to collect and give out 650 bottles of water each week during these hot summer months. All cases of water can be dropped off at the Rhode Island Dream Center, at 330 Park Ave. in Cranston, Monday-Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To learn more, visit www.cranstonri.com or follow the organization on Facebook.

Walking Club Challenge

Cranston Senior Services will continue its Walk With Ease Program this year. Participants can walk alone or with a friend anywhere they are comfortable. The “Walking Club Challenge” runs through Aug. 14, with a goal for participants to walk on 18 different days for as long or as little as they want. Register by calling the center at 780-6000 or email Maria Rondeau at mrondeau@cranstonri.org with your name, address, phone and email address.

CCAP launches new online benefits application platform

As part of its continuous effort to provide the best possible service, the Comprehensive Community Action Program, or CCAP, has announced the launch of its new online application platform, which can be found at www.apply.ComCap.org.

With a goal of expanding access to CCAP social services programs, the application portal will improve clients’ access to up-to-date housing and utility assistance program information, allow clients to upload documents and electronically sign applications and make it easy to access benefits.

CCAP is one of Rhode Island’s largest organizations dedicated solely to fighting the war on poverty. For a full list of CCAP programs and services, visit www.ComCap.org.

For questions about the new portal, email info@ComCap.org or call 467-7013.

Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble auditions

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble is looking for the finest student musicians in grades seven through 12 for the upcoming 2020-21 performance season. The Youth Ensemble is part of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Music School.

Directed by Dr. David Neves, a nationally recognized music educator and conductor, the Youth Wind Ensemble includes over 75 band students from throughout the state.

The ensemble performs three concerts during the school year and members are recognized as being amongst the best players in Rhode Island. All students who love performing band music, play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments, and are looking for a challenging musical experience should audition.

Auditions will continue throughout the summer but interested students should audition as soon as possible before the groups are filled.

For questions or more information about auditions, contact Christine Eldridge at celdridge@ri-philharmonic.org, Neves at dneves@ri-philharmonic.org or visit www.riphil.wordpress.com.

Cranston Arts Commission open invitation

The Cranston Arts Commission would like to invite all Cranston artists to submit a picture, story or video of their work to be shared on the commission’s Facebook page and website. Work from all artists is being sought, including poets, storytellers, photographers, musicians, actors and painters. There is no age restriction or deadline.

To participate, use #ArtHeals when posting to the commission’s social media, email cranstonartscommission@gmail.com or visit www.cranstonartscommission.org.

Cranston High School class of 1960 reunion rescheduled

Cranston High School’s class of 1960 has postponed its 60th reunion until Sept. 12, 2021, at the Cranston Country Club. There will be a social hour from noon to 1 p.m., followed by entertainment from 1-5 p.m. For more information, contact Joan Farmanian Fratterelli at 349-3922.

Library summer programs

The Cranston Public Library has launched its 2020 Summer Reading Program. Participants are invited to join the Online Reading Challenge by creating a profile and registering with Beanstack through the library’s website, cranstonlibrary.org. Each week, participants can log on, enter the number of minutes they have read, and earn badges and raffle tickets toward prizes. The challenge runs through Aug. 14.

On Mondays through Aug. 10, Miss Elise will host “Magical Journeys Storytime LIVE!” Every week is a new adventure full of songs, rhymes and journeys to magical places. This storytime runs from 10-11 a.m. and is geared toward children ages 3-5. Visit Cranston Public Library’s Facebook page to participate.

“Magical Academy” runs from 2:30-3 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 10. If you have ever wondered what you might learn at a school for wizards, join us for an imaginary class on a magical subject. Cranston librarians, acting as your Magical Academy professors, will share some literature and a fantastic activity on the library’s Facebook page. This program is recommended for grades K-5.

“Magical Creatures Storytime LIVE!” with Miss Martha will be held from 10:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 11. Join Miss Martha from Auburn Library to read about a different imaginary creature each week. She will share live stories, songs and more. Visit Cranston Public Library’s Facebook page to participate.

“Bedtime Stories” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 11. Add some magic to your bedtime routine. Youth services librarians will read a perfect bedtime story every Tuesday night this summer. Tune in on Facebook each week for a new story.

“Magical Academy Preschool Edition with Miss Gail” will be held on from 10:30-11 a.m. on Thursdays through Aug. 13. Join us for a magical journey to the land of make-believe. We'll read stories of dragons, mermaids and pirates with music and make-at-home craft. Visit Cranston Public Library’s Facebook page to participate.

“The Wonderful World of Cryptids” will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and Friday, Jul 31. This is a program for monster enthusiasts! Learn about a new creature every other week in the month of July. Tune in on Facebook to participate. This program is recommended for students in grades 3-5.

This summer, the Cranston Public Library is recreating the magic of live storytelling in a virtual environment, with the help of internationally acclaimed and diverse storytellers Len Cabral, Motoko, and Diane Edgecomb. Funded by BankNewport, the “Imagine Your Story” series of events promises to cast a spell, using Zoom invites instead of tickets and home computers instead of the library meeting room.

For more information, visit www.cranstonlibrary.org.

Head Start recruitment

The CCAP Cranston Child Development Center’s Head Start Program is kicking off its annual recruitment drive for the 2020-21 school year.

Head Start/Early Head Start provides a free, comprehensive, developmentally appropriate early-education experience for children up to 5 years old, including services for pregnant women.

Participants must meet program requirements. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Extended day services are available for families who are working or in school. The hours available are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. DHS funding accepted. The program actively recruits children with special needs and homeless families.

CCAP also has state-funded pre-K classrooms. To be eligible, children must turn 4 by Sept. 1. The state funded pre-K selection process is by lottery. To sign up for an email notification for the 2020-21 school year, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/QL3KWPX.

All referrals are welcome. For questions or additional information, contact Bernadette Groves at 427-4066 or bgroves@comcap.org. The main number is 943-5160.

CCAP Food Bank offers help, seeks donations

The COVID-19 public health emergency is creating an urgent food security challenge for households in the community. CCAP’s Food Bank, located at 311 Doric Ave., lower level, can help, and can be reached by calling 467-7013.

The Food Bank’s hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30-6:30 p.m.; and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Food Bank has suspended walk-in service. Clients can pick up their regular monthly pre-made food bags at the Food Bank window.

Donations may be made at CCAP’s location at 311 Doric Ave. in Cranston on any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., excluding holidays.

CCAP is seeking paper goods, cleaning products and a range of nonperishable food items. Specifically sought are peanut butter, whole wheat pasta, tuna, brown rice, canned and dried beans, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned soups and stews, granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce, breakfast cereals and extra virgin olive oil.

For more information, call 467-7013 or visit www.comcap.org.

Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market is open

The Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon until late October. It is held at 60 Rhodes Place in Cranston.

The market’s organizers have made some changes to keep vendors and patrons safe. All foot traffic is now one-way from start to finish. Stands are more than 8 feet apart to create social distancing space and cones clearly mark where to stand. Masks must be worn by all visitors and vendors, and hand-washing stations can be found throughout the market. Visitors are additionally encouraged to keep their pets at home.

Parking for the market is in the upper parking lot, and no eating is permitted while shopping at the market.

For more information, visit www.pawtuxetmarket.com.

Providence Water accepting applications for deer-hunting lottery

Providence Water is seeking applicants for two-year permits to hunt white-tailed deer on its property in Scituate and Foster surrounding the Scituate Reservoir. Both individual and group permit areas are available for the 2020 and 2021 hunting seasons.

More information and a permit application are available on the Providence Water website, www.provwater.com/watershed/deer-management. Permit holders must follow state laws and additional requirements.

A lottery will be conducted if the number of applications exceeds the number of available permits. All applications must be postmarked by July 31, 2020, to be eligible for the lottery.

50th reunion for Cranston East rescheduled

The Cranston High School East class of 1970 has rescheduled its 50th reunion to Aug. 7, 2021, at the Cranston Country Club. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner and music by Tommy Tunes. The Reunion Committee is seeking help in locating classmates. Please send information to Jim Brailsford at jimbo521@cox.net or Barbara Russo at twinn52@yahoo.com.

Trash and yard waste

Trash pick-up is continuing a normal schedule, while yard waste pick-up will be on residents’ usual trash day until mid-December. For more information, visit www.cranstonri.com.

Did you know?

August was first called Sextillia – the Roman word for “sixth,” as it was the sixth month of the Roman year. It was later changed to August by the Emperor Augustus, and he named it after himself.

To submit your news from the community, email Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.com. Photos in jpg format are accepted and news can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email today and see your news in our column in the Cranston Herald.

Cranston, chatter

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here