June 12, NAMI-RI: Registration open for Family-to Family Course The Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-RI) is now accepting registration for our June/July session of NAMI’s Family-to-Family course which begins Wed., June 12. Course is on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This is a free and virtual, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidence-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, visit namirhodeisland.org or call 401-331-3060 or email beth@namirhodeisland.org.

June 14, Firefly Walk is scheduled to meet on Fri., June 14, at 8:45 p.m. at the lower Rhodes on the Pawtuxet parking lot, 1 Rhodes Place, Cranston. Long pants and sleeves and bug repellant is recommended to see the annual mating firefly display. A half hour walk at twilight. No nets, jars or dogs, please. Sponsored by Friends of the Pawtuxet and the West Bay Land Trust. For updates contact timlehnert@live.com.

June 14, Time Traveler Adventure: Free Book Fair will be provided on Fri., June 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston. Join us for an afternoon of fun including a free book, lawn games, and food for the family! Please contact Ivy at iswinski@comcap.org for more information.

June 14 & 15, Our Lady of Czenstochowa Polish Festival is on Fri., June 14 and Sat., June 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the school grounds, 222 MacArthur Boulevard, Coventry.  The festival offers Polish/American food, games, raffles, Cow Chip Bingo and much more. Frozen golombki and pierogi available for sale. Free parking and free admission. Call 401-821-7991 or visit olcsvp.org for more information.

June 18, 23rd Annual Rochambeau Strawberry Biscuit Tea will be held on Tues., June 18, at 6 p.m. at Joy Homestead, 156 Scituate Ave., Cranston. Celebrate the 243rd Anniversary of the March to Victory of General Rochambeau!  Rochambeau led his French forces of King Louis XVI through Cranston, Scituate and Coventry on June 18, 1781, on his way to join General Washington to defeat the British at Yorktown.  Enjoy an evening of pleasantries and tea with biscuits & strawberries. $5 donation. Reservations required. Call  401-944-9226.

June 20 – August 15, Cranston Farmers Market will be held weekly (weather permitting) on Thursdays 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., at the Bain Track, 135 Gansett Ave., Cranston. Free and open to Cranston residents only, while supplies last. Residents are encouraged to bring their own bag. Please contact Ivy at iswinski@comcap.org for more information.

June 22, Strawberry Festival at Smith’s Castle invites the public to join in celebrating the annual Strawberry Festival on Sat., June 22, from 12 to 4 p.m., Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown. This family friendly event will feature puppeteer Dan Butterworth, as well as pop singer Jesse Liam. Colonial games, activities, and crafts will be provided by our junior docents, as well as pony rides for children. Vendors will also be onsite, and Smith Castle famous strawberry shortcake will be for sale. Visitors to the historic house museum will be welcomed by docents in period attire and be able to tour the downstairs interior of the former home and grounds of the prominent Smith and Updike families. A special exhibit will feature collections from the Narragansett Bay Quilt Association. Admission to Strawberry Festival is $10 per adult, $8 for seniors and military, $6 for children over 6 years of age. Family Cap is $25. This event was made possible by the generosity of the North Kingstown Arts Council, and the volunteers and staff of The Cocumscussoc Association.

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.

June 22, Our Redeemer Clam Cake & Chowder Dinner, will be held at 6 p.m., on Sat., June 22, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, at 54 Cedar Swamp Road, will host its annual Clam Cake & Chowder Dinner. In addition to clam cakes, chowder and coleslaw, there will be hot dogs available for kids. For dessert, there will be strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Phil’s Friends, a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing Christ-centered hope and support to those affected by cancer (www.philsfriends.org). Please call 401-232-7575 for reservations before June 16.

June 24 thru August 16, Warwick Center for the Arts 8-week Summer Art Camp will be held from June 24 thru Aug. 16, at Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Road, Warwick from 9 to 11:30 a.m.; 12 to 2:30 p.m.; or a full day 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost varies. Description: Spark your child's creativity this summer with our weekly themed, affordable Summer Art Camp for ages 5-15. We provide the supplies, inspiration, and guidance -- campers provide the creativity! For further information, please call 401-737-0010 or warwickcfa.org.

June 30, St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Seeking Contacts, St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 389 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, is seeking contact information from/for anyone interested in celebrating its 150th anniversary to be held Sept. 29, 2024.  Contact information (email addresses preferred) should be forwarded to office@stpaulwarwick.org (Attn: 150th committee) before Sun., June 30.  For questions, call 401-737-0813 or 401-463-8704.

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 20, Cranston High School East Reunion Class of 1974 will hold its 50th Reunion on Sat., July 20, at the Radisson Hotel (Airport), 2081Post Road, Warwick, from 6 to 11 p.m. The reunion features live music by Brass Attack, a dinner buffet, and a cocktail hour with live piano music. Tickets: $100 pp. Send checks to: CHSE Reunion, 301 Oaklawn Ave, Apt. 205, Cranston, RI 02920. Keep up with Reunion news on the class Facebook page: CHSE Cranston East High School Class of 1974. Email your contact information or ask questions: chse1974reunion@gmail.com. There are rooms at the hotel at a special group rate for attendees. Call (401) 298-2294 and mention CHSE Class of 1974 Reunion or see the link on the class Facebook page.

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.

July 27, Tolman High School Class of 1964 Reunion will take place on Sat., July 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Resort, 240 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. Reservation deadline is July 1. For more information, please contact:  nwalshdsigns@gmail.com.

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. 14, Cranston High School East Class of 1964 Reunion will be holding its 60th reunion on Sat., Sept. 14, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Prata Club, 29 Walnut Grove Ave., Cranston. Music by Ron Giorgio. Menu: Chicken Francaise/NY Sirloin/Honey Mustard Salmon. Tickets: $65 pp. Check’s payable to Lucille Lonardo, 129 Colwell St., Cranston, RI 02920. Please RSVP your choice of dinner to Marie Spolidoro Monti 401-944-9646 or Cheryl Mangasarian Klein 401-575-0659. Seating is limited.

Sept. 28, Pilgrim High School Reunion Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion on Sat., Sept. 28, at the Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Rd., North Kingston, at 6 p.m. Please contact Jack at bosjpb1bender@gmail.com or Sue at srice311@gmail.com for further information. Registration deadline: Sept. 14.

Sept. 29, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary, 389 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, is seeking contact information from/for anyone interested in celebrating our 150th anniversary. Contact information (email addresses preferred) should be forwarded to office@stpaulwarwick.org. For questions, call 737-0813 or 463-8704.

Nov. 30, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School 50th 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!"

Jan. 5 thru 7, 2025, AARP Chapter 2210 Atlantic City Trip. The local AARP Chapter has planned a trip to Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City from Jan. 5 thru 7. The Tour includes 2 nights’ accommodations, 2 meal credits (up to $20 value each) & $20 slot play. Bus pickup from the Exit 19 Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road at 7 a.m., return time is approximately 6 p.m. Cost is $299/person (double occupancy), $279/person (triple occupancy) or $399/person (single occupancy). For more information call Maureen at 401-828-5188 or Anne at 401-263-4272.

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 Tuesday, ASL Interpreted RI AA Meeting will be held at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Ave., Cranston from 7 to 8 p.m.

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 Cranston Farmers Market (weather permitting) 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Bain Track, 135 Gansett Ave., Cranston. Free and open to Cranston residents only, while supplies last. Residents are encouraged to bring their own bag. Please contact Ivy at iswinski@comcap.org for more information. The Farmers Market will be held through Thurs., Aug. 15.

Every Thursday, Pick-Up Hockey 55 and older, coed: $5pp. Thayer Ice Rink, 975 Sandy Ln., Warwick, from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. 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.

Pilgrim High School Class of 1975 50th Reunion “Time in a Bottle,” is currently being planned. Organizers need to find contact information for classmates as well as information regarding those who have passed. Organizers are looking for email address, cell phone numbers, home phones and mailing addresses. If you are not a PHS 1975 graduate, but have a family member or friend who is/was, please contact: Dean Plowman dean695@gmail.com. The date, time and venue for the reunion has not yet been determined but will be forthcoming.

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 highlighting 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 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. 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.

Editor’s Note: To submit your news to The Chatter, send text and photos to Ida at idaz@rhodybeat.com. Items can include community events, promotions, academic news and nonprofit events. Email today and see your event in our column in the Cranston Herald.