Weekend Spotlight

Mar. 23, Glimmer of Hope Fashion Show will be held on Mar. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. This empowering fashion show, showcasing clothing from local boutiques while adult & childhood cancer patients strut their inner and outer strength, courage & beauty! All of the funds will benefit Glimmer of Hope Foundation to bring hope to families around the world battling pediatric cancer. Guest celebrities, raffles, LIVE Auction, and dinner provided by all local restaurants. Complete with cocktail hour and a complimentary glass of Prosecco (21+) and Energy Drink for every guest! Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that shows girls and boys their strength and beauty through the donation of bald dolls and provides hope to families battling childhood cancer. It is recommended to buy tickets online on our website glimmerofhopefoundaton.org (http://glimmerofhopefoundaton.org). There will be limited tickets sold at the door.

Mar. 23, Accessible Beeping Egg Hunt sponsored by RI Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children along with Rhode Island Hands & Voices on Sat., March 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Johnston High School Football Field, 345 Cherry Hill Rd., Johnston.  Egg hunts will start at 11 a.m. and every 30 minutes after.  The last hunt will be at 12:30 p.m. Siblings are also invited to participate.  Rain or shine.  Please register at: In-sight.org/egghunt/. For more information:  401-941-3322.

Mar. 23, RIPS Stamp Show 2024 will be hosted by the Rhode Island Philatelic Society on Sat., Mar 23, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1817 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is Rhode Island’s largest, annual postage stamp show and bourse. Free admission, free parking, handicap access, free appraisals, door prizes and special show cachet, stamp dealers, kids area with free stamps, 401-821-8658. cbrowningri@gmail.com.

Mar. 27, Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home Luncheon is scheduled for Wed., Mar. 27, from 12 noon to 1 p.m., at Warwick Texas Road House, 1200 Quaker Ln., East Greenwich. Texas Road House will be hosting a free Luncheon for Vietnam Vets in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day.  The Mobile Vet Center will be on site that day to explain services. The VBA ( Veterans Benefit Administration) will be present to answer questions about VA benefits and process claims. Personnel from the Providence VA Hospital will be joining us to enroll eligible Veterans. The RI Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America will have their memorial wall on display and Operation Stand Down will be present as well.  Resources will be located in the Texas Road House parking lot along RT2. Vietnam Veterans attending the luncheon must register with Missy at 278marketing@texasroadhouse.com  or Ed at 401-226-3092 for a spot.  If calling Ed, please leave your name and phone number and Ed will register you for the luncheon.  All Veterans are invited to visit the resources located outside the Warwick Texas Road House that day.

Apr. 6, Arts & Craft Show presented by the Defenders of Animals, Inc. will be on Sat., Apr. 6, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.  Free food and refreshments.  100% of net profits will be used for the organization’s free and low-cost spay/neuter program for cats and dogs.  This event is free to the public.  For more information contact: Dennis Tabella, dennis@defendersofanimals.org.

Apr. 6, Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux Fundraiser Dance and Buffet will be held  on Sat., Apr 6, at the West Warwick Elks Lodge, 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick from 2 to 8 p.m. Entertainment by DJ/Emcee Billy Simas. Dinner Buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $25/person. Proceeds to benefit Project Hand Up & The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux. For reservations, call Jeannine at 1-860-455-8641. 

Apr. 13, Free Gridiron Girls Camp will be offered on Sat., Apr. 13,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Johnston High School,  345 Cherry Hill Rd., Johnston.  Dr. Jennifer Welter, the 1st woman to have coached in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals football team, will be hosting her famous all girls football camp. This is an opportunity to explore a new avenue in sports for our young ladies. It is free!  Participants must register! Be a part of history! Registration at:  www.jenwelter.com or text/call Randy Phillips at 401-339-8511, coach1randy@gmail.com with any questions.

Apr. 13, Sprague Mansion Grounds Beautification/Clean-Up is scheduled for Sat., Apr. 13, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Spring Mansion, 1352 Cranston Street, Cranston (weather permitting).  The Mansion is looking for volunteers to help. Bring gloves, rake & clippers. A chain saw and/or leaf blower would be helpful and appreciated.

Apr. 13, Open Forum/Scituate Memorabilia and Artifacts Program is being hosted by the Hope Historical Society on Sat., Apr. 13, at 2 p.m., at the Howland Barn, 35 Ryefield Rd., Hope. The Hope Historical Society invites the community to participate in the “Scituate Memorabilia and Artifacts” meeting celebrating all things Scituate. HHS invites members and guests to display, discuss, and share their memorabilia and artifacts. The HHS will also provide a preview of the Scituate Historic Signage Project; “The Scituate Heritage Trail”.  Intrigued by the topic but cannot attend “Scituate Memorabilia and Artifacts”?   You can still share by posting a picture and/or story on our Facebook page “Hope Historical Society, Hope, RI”.  Pictures and stories must be posted at least 48 hours before the meeting to be included in the Open Forum. Not a Facebook user? Pictures or stories can be emailed to the HHS at hopehistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.

Apr.16,  Cranston Historical Society Open to Public General Membership Meeting on Wed., Apr. 16,  at 7 p.m., Governor Sprague Mansion Museum, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, for a special presentation with Guest Speaker: James Crooks, Vice President of Sales.  His presentation is: Narragansett Brewing Company: “Hi Neighbor – Have a ‘Gansett – Narragansett Brewery’s Incredible 133+ Year History.”  

Hear the story about how “Hi Neighbor ~ Have a ‘Gansett” became the 1890s world-wide Cranston company’s signature slogan and how Narragansett beer had its beginnings as a small local craft brewer and became N.E.’s largest brewery. Accessible entrance and parking in back of Mansion. There is no fee to attend. Limited seating. RSVPing by April 11 at 401-944-9226.

Apr. 26, Ocean State Center for Independent Living Annual Conference will be held on Fri., April 26, at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick from 8:30 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. This event is dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity, uniting industry leaders, innovators, and advocates for the rights and advancement of persons with disabilities.  There will be speakers, panelists, and exhibitors. General admission tickets are $50 and there are also opportunities available to be an exhibitor, sponsor, or donate toward this event. Please visit https://www.oscil.org/conference for details on these options or call (401)738-1083 to request an email. Sign language interpreters and CART will be provided. All are welcome! 

Apr. 28, Shoe Drive at Saint David's on-the-Hill Episcopal Church will be running a shoe drive now thru  Sun., Apr. 28 after Sunday Services at 9 a.m.  Shoes may be bagged and dropped off any time until Apr. 28, at St. David’s on-the-Hill, 200 Meshanticut Valley Pkwy., Cranston, by the bench under the portico.  All new/like new (no holes in the soles, no skates) shoes are accepted: any size, gender, style, seasonal, children and adult shoes.

Apr. 28, American Girl Doll Afternoon Tea will be hosted by The Cranston Historical Society on Apr. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion Museum, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston (use the 1351 Cranston Street entrance). Be the guest of Samantha Parkington and experience an authentic tea. Bring your doll, or borrow one of ours. This event is perfect for kids and parents or adults looking for some nostalgic fun. Limited Seating. Reservations required 401-944-9226: $20 per person, payable by Fri., Apr. 19, to Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston 02920. Accessible entrance and parking in back of Mansion. Proceeds to benefit the Cranston Historical Society. Call Mary 401-944-9226 to volunteer.

May 11, Crafting for Critters: Spring Bazaar will be hosted by Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter on Sat., May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Airport Professional Park, 2384 Post Road, Warwick (outdoors). Helping homeless animals get a second chance while supporting local artisans. Enjoy food trucks, crafts, jewelry and Mother’s Day gifts.  For more information:  www. friendsri.org or fowas.crafts@gmail.com.

May 14 thru June 5, RI Driver Education Course in ASL at RI School for the Deaf is taking registrations now for RI Driver Education Course meeting Mon. thru Fri., 3:15 to 5:15 p.m., with one Fri., May 31, at 2:15 - 5:15 p.m., at RI School for the Deaf, 1 Corliss Park, Providence.  Course fee is $100 plus $10 registration fee = $110. Total: 33 hours and MUST ATTEND ALL CLASSES! On-line registration is available on the RISD site with a credit card. Make sure to use the class ID #5643.  Or register and pay in full through CCRI. Walk-in registration with payment of either cash, check or money order (payable to CCRI) accepted at one of the CWCE (Center for workforce & Community Education) in Lincoln, Providence or Warwick. Textbook required:  New "How to Drive: Making Driver Education Fun and Easy!” 15th edition before the first-class meeting. Cost: $26.95. Available at CCRI Bookstore and AAA. Bookstore does not accept checks as payment: Cash or credit card only.  Refund Policy: Must notify at least 48 hours before the start of class. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.

May 17, Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion is scheduled for Fri., May 17 beginning at 6 p.m., at the A&W Sprague Manufacturing Co. with Mansion tour, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston. Tea and a special sweet will be served in the Sprague dining room.  RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10.  Please call 401-944-9266 for reservations.  Non-members: $18. Members: $16. Checks are payable on or before Sat., May 11 to: Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920.

June 4, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Plymouth, MA Cruise & Lunch will take place on Tues., June 4. The trip includes a visit to Pilgrim Memorial State Park, the legendary Plymouth Rock and various other memorials. You will enjoy a 3-course meal at the John Carver Inn then take a 75-minute narrated cruise aboard the Pilgrim Belle. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich, at 9:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 6 p.m. Cost is $114/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

June 22, Celtic Music Under the Stars at Sprague Gazebo will be held on Sat., June 22, at 6 p.m. The Gaspee Celtic Jam group will be the first musical entertainment at the new Sprague Gazebo, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.  Bring along an instrument or join the group in song.  Tickets: $13.  Attend the 2-Series (July 20) $23.  RSVP is mandatory: 401-944-9226 (specify date(s).  Bring your lawn chair or lawn blanket.  ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck will be set up at 5 p.m.  Visit gaspeecelticjam.org ahead of the event for scheduled songs for the evening.

Jun. 26, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Indian Princess Cruise & Lunch Trip will take place on Wed., Jun. 26 at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA. The trip includes a 90-minutes narrated cruise of Webster Lake and a delicious lunch at Samuel Slater's Restaurant overlooking the lake. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich at 8 a.m. Cost is $119/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

July 20, Celtic Music Under the Stars at Sprague Gazebo will be held on Sat., July 20, at 6 p.m. The Gaspee Celtic Jam group will be the first musical entertainment at the new Sprague Gazebo, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.  Bring along an instrument or join the group in song.  Tickets: $13.  Attend the 2-Series (June 22) $23.  RSVP is mandatory: 401-944-9226 (specify date or series).  Bring your lawn chair or lawn blanket.  ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck will be set up at 5 p.m.  Visit gaspeecelticjam.org ahead of the event for scheduled songs for the evening.

July 26, Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion is scheduled for Fri., July 26, beginning at 6 p.m., at the A&W Sprague Manufacturing Co. with Mansion tour, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston. Tea and a special sweet will be served in the Sprague dining room.  RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10.  Please call 401-944-9266 for reservations.  Non-members: $18. Members: $16. Checks are payable on or before Sat., July 20 to: Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920.

Aug. 22, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Ogunquit Maine Day Trip will take place on Thurs., Aug. 22. The trip includes lunch at Jonathan's Restaurant followed by a matinee performance of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19 in West Greenwich at 8:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 8 p.m. Cost is $179/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information. 

Sept. 18, AARP CHAPTER 2210 Lake Winnipesaukee Turkey Train Trip will be held on Wed., Sept. 18.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the western shore of the lake during your 2-hour train ride. On the ride, indulge in a turkey lunch provided by Hart's Turkey Farm. Depart from the Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Road at Exit 19, in West Greenwich, at 8:30 a.m. and approximate return time is 7 p.m. Cost is $129/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations and more information.

Oct. 3, AARP CHAPTER 2210  Foliage in the White Mountains Tour  will be held on Thurs., October 3. Enjoy lunch at the White Mountain Hotel, have time to browse the village of North Conway, then continue along the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. Bus pickup from the Exit 19, Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich, at 7 a.m. Return time is approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $129/person. For more information call Maureen at 401-828-5188 or Anne at 401-263-4274.

Nov. 30, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School 50^th Reunion, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School Class of 1974, will hold its 50th Reunion on Sat., Nov. 30, at the Quonset "O" Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Rd., North Kingstown. The Reunion Committee is actively seeking to contact our classmates.  Please email your current address as soon as possible to receive an invitation to: wvmhs7450@gmail.com.  Go Hurricanes!"

Every Monday,  Gaspee Celtic Jam - The Gaspee Celtic Jam meets at the Pawtuxet Village Baptist Church, 2157 Broad St., Cranston, every Mon. from 7 to 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 www.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 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 to 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 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,  Get-a-Job-Thursdays - We Make RI, an organization that provides free manufacturing training, hosts a series of job fairs every Thurs. from 11 a.m. to noon, 200 First Ave., Cranston. 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. 

Oaklawn Grange Used Clothing Donation Shed in need of used clothing items at the Oaklawn Grange Donation Shed, 24 Searle Ave., Cranston.  Accepted items only: Used Clothing, Shoes, Sneakers, Belts, Purses, Linens, Pillowcases, Blankets, Curtains, and Stuffed Animals. All items must be in useable condition. Your donations will be distributed as whole garments locally and worldwide. Contact oaklawngrangeinfo@gmail.com for more information.

Humans of Cranston is back for a second year after a successful first season, and is now accepting nominations! Over the last year, the project featured 19 resident stories in a Herald column, on OneCranston HEZ social media, and in a final book with the goal of showcasing and celebrating residents' community involvement, diversity, and unique life perspectives. This is an initiative of the OneCranston Health Equity Zone at CCAP in partnership with the Cranston Herald and local photographer, Tim McFate. If you know a Cranston resident who has a story to tell, please nominate them via this form: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/s8cnBuGhtB (Or scan the QR code). Questions? Contact JB Fulbright, Community Outreach Coordinator for the OneCranston HEZ at jfulbright@comcap.org.

NAMI-RI: Free Virtual Family-To-Family course on Mental Health NAMI-RI Spring Registration

The Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is now accepting registration for our Spring 2024 virtual Family-to-Family course. This is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program, which means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition. NAMI-Rhode Island's Family-to-Family course is taught by trained family members who have lived experience with a loved one, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. For more information on the Family-to-Family curriculum and registration requirements, visit namirhodeisland.org or call 401-331-3060 or email beth@namirhodeisland.org.

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.

Hearts for Hospice - Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice (VNH&H) is asking for individuals to support their hospice programs by giving $20 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.

To submit your news from The Chatter to: Ida at idaz@rhodybeat.com. This includes virtual events, which should be submitted two to three weeks ahead of the event.  Can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email, or scan the QR code below, today and see your event in our column in the Cranston Herald.