Cranston Public Library is hosting two StoryWalks – one at the Auburn Branch and another at William Hall Library now through August. A StoryWalk combines movement and reading, two things that are good for us. Illustrated children’s books are taken apart and displayed page by page, along a walking path. Visitors to the StoryWalk can take their time and enjoy the story as they stroll along the path.

The Auburn branch will feature “Hiking Day” written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell. The William Hall Library will feature “We’re Going on A Bear Hunt” written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. These StoryWalks are part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program. The Auburn Branch is located at 396 Pontiac Ave., and the William Hall Library is located at 1825 Broad St.

Splash into Summer

The Cranston YMCA is offering free community pool hours for Cranston residents this summer. From July 15 to Sept. 3, residents can top by the YMCA on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to swim. Waiver and registration is required for all who attend, and anyone under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and strict adherence to YMCA safety guidelines will be enforced. For more information, call 401-943-0444 or visit gpymca.org. 

Pawtuxet Village Summer Concert & Food Trucks

The Warwick Parks and Recreation and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals will host a summer concert and food truck event at the Pawtuxet Village Gazebo on July 30 from noon to 4 p.m. Come hang out in the beer garden and grab some food while listening to the sweet sounds of the Driftwoods band.

Paint Recycling Drop-Off

There will be a free paint recycling drop-off event for households and businesses at Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink (900 Phenix Ave.) on July 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. Households may bring most types of paint, stain and varnish in any amount. Paint must be in sealed, original container with original manufacturer label. They cannot accept aerosols, solvents and other hazardous waste. Businesses must qualify as an exempt generator under federal and any analogous state hazardous waste generator rules to use the PaintCare program for oil-based paint, but can still use the program for latex products.

Space is limited. To read a complete list of accepted products, check business limits and register online, visit https://paint-cranston.eventbrite.com.

Softball Clinic

Cranston Parks and Recreation will have a summer softball clinic for Cranston residents who will be in grades five through nine as of September 2022. The clinics (located at 198 Aqueduct Road) are run by experienced coaches at the high school and collegiate levels. The clinics on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will run from July 18 to Aug. 26 and will cost $60.

Shakespeare under the Stars

What Cheer Shakespeare? Theatre Co. will present Shakespeare under the Stars at Governor Sprague Mansion (1351 Cranston St.). These shows are great for all those who love Shakespeare, and even better for those who struggle with the language. In Act one, the company will perform part of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” that explains all of Shakespeare’s plays in 45 minutes. In Act two, the company will perform a hilarious parody of Hamlet, “Something’s Rotten in the State of Denmark,” written by local playwright Joseph Wallace. The plays will start at 7 p.m. and will run July 22-23, July 29-30 and Aug. 5-6. Tickets are $10; Call 508-933-4233 for more information.

God the Father of All Mankind Mass

The 18th annual mass for God the Father of All Mankind will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Cranston on Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. All are welcome! Parishioners from around the diocese bring banners of their Parish Societies for this special mass; banners should be brought to the church by 2:30 p.m. There will be a reception in the Parish Center following the mass. Any questions, call Anna Jones at 401-439-6655.

CHSW Class of ’72 Reunion

Cranston High School West’s class of 1972 will hold its 50th reunion on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Cranston Country Club. The event starts at 6 p.m. There will be a social hour (cash bar), a buffet dinner and music. The cost is $65 per person.  Please contact Helene (Gelberg) Arbor at helenechsw72@gmail.com to confirm your attendance (and, if applicable, your +1) and for payment details. Please respond by Aug. 1.

Need a Covid Test?

Know anyone who would like to receive KN95 masks or at-home COVID tests? OneCranston Health Equity Zone is delivering them to Cranston residents for free. Please sign up using their form: https://forms.office.com/r/Vms64YKQWk.

Sharing Opportunity

OneCranston Health Equity Zone is finishing its third year in Cranston, and it’s important to them that the work they do is helpful to Cranston residents. Let OneCranston HEZ know how they have added value to your life in at https://bit.ly/3mFLE8S. This could be an event you attended, something you learned, or something you were able to create for you and your family.

Art Educator Showcase

Warwick Center for the Arts (WFCA) is seeking original works for its upcoming RI Art Educator’s Showcase, an exhibition featuring artwork from those individuals who teach art to others. This show is intended to celebrate these educators. This show is open to all art educators in RI, including PreK-12, college/university and adult art education. Works must be original and completed during the last 12 months. Works previously shown by the WCFA will not be accepted. As for fees, RIAEA members can submit up to three images, paid for by RIAEA. WCFA members can submit one image for $15 or two or three images for $35. All others can submit one image for $20 or two or three images for $40. First, second, and third places will receive cash awards. The entry deadline is July 24. For questions, contact Aileen at exhibits@warwickcfa.org or 401-737-0010.

JHS Class of ’82 Reunion

Johnston High School Class of 1982 will celebrate its 40th reunion on Oct. 28 at the Alpine Country Club. For more information, email johnstonclass82@gmail.com.

CHSE Class of ‘70 Reunion

Cranston East’s class of 1970 will hold its reunion on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Cranston Country Club. The class is accepting responses until July 15. If anyone needs an invitation or would like a list of who is coming, contact jeanpass@cox.net.

Summer Concert Series

Cranston Public Library announced this year’s Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Cranston Department of Parks and Recreation. The concert series features eight performances, at the William Hall Library, beginning June 30. All concerts are free and open to the public and will take place on the William Hall Library front lawn. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and snacks to make the most of these free, family-friendly events. Traditional concerts will take place on Thursdays, June 30 - August 4 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. July 14, The Dick Clarks; July 21, Nightlife Orchestra; July 28, Bandemonium All Star Jazz Band; August 4, Nervous Breakdown – A Rolling Stones Tribute. Concerts for kids and kids at heart will take place on July 12 and July 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 12, T-Bone; July 19, Toe Jam Puppet Band. William Hall Library is located at 1825 Broad St.

Legos and Lunch

Stop by the Knightsville Library Wednesdays, from June 29 to Aug. 3 at noon to enjoy a free and nutritious meal while making Lego brick creations; the event will last until 1 p.m. and the meal is free to anyone under 18 years old.  Registration is not required, but space is limited. The first 25 children will receive tickets for free lunch.

WVMHS ’72 reunion

The Warwick Veterans Memorial High School Class of ’72 will celebrate its 50th reunion on Set. 17 at the Potowomut Golf Club (439 Ives Road, East Greenwich). The event starts at 6 p.m. and there will be cocktails (cash bar), followed by a buffet dinner. Tickets are $70 and individuals can purchase tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wvmhs-1972-50th-reunion-tickets-362596635297. For questions, contact David Revens at DavidR@rrswlaw.com.

Free Meals for Children

There will be free meals for all children at different schools around the city. Meals will be served Monday through Friday and will be available from June 27 to Aug. 19. Hours/places are as follows: Dutemple Middle School, 11 a.m. to noon; Gladstone Elementary School, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Arlington Elementary School, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Tate Field, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; CHSE, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The Knightsville Library will also have free lunch on Wednesdays only from June 29 to Aug. 3. Meals will be given out at 11:30 a.m.

Free Farmer’s Market

OneCranston HEZ will sponsor a free farmer’s market starting July 7. The market will start at 5 p.m. and run until 6:30 p.m. at the track next to Bain Middle School. The market will be free for all Cranston residents. The only questions asked will be what zip code they live in and if their child goes to school what school they attend.

Sounds of Korea

Sounds of Korea will take place on Aug. 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the McVinny Auditorium in Providence. The event includes traditional music and dance in celebration of Korean Independence Day. Admission if free and Korean food will be served.

CHSE Class of ’65 reunion

Join the Cranston High School East Class of 65 for a belated 55th reunion on Sept. 17 at the Radisson Hotel (2081 Post Road, Warwick), from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Join the class for dinner, dancing and seeing old friends. Tickets are $65 per person. For more information contact michaeljsepe@yahoo.com.

Scholarship Opportunity

RIBBA (Rhode Island Black Business Association) in partnership with the Institute of Economic Empowerment and Development are now accepting applications for their 2022 scholarship. Award amounts range from $500 to $1,000 for each student. To be considered for the scholarship, individuals must be a Rhode Island resident, identify as Black or Afro-Latinx, be a high school senior in the fall of 2022 and begin their freshman year at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2023. Applications must be completed and received by June 24, 2022 at 4 p.m. For more information and questions, email jasmine@ri-bba.org or call 401-383-1179.

Class Reunion

The East Providence High School Class of 1972 will hold its 50th reunion on August 14 at the East Providence Yacht Club (9 Pier Road, East Providence). At 1 p.m. there will be a meet and greet, while “Tanya McEntire and the Professors” will provide music from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pub-style food and drinks are available for purchase, and the event is free for all class members and their partners. Donations will be appreciated toward a gift from the Class of 1972 for the new East Providence High School. Contact Dave Marchetti: pondguy54@gmail.com or call 401-258-6412.

Charity Golf Tournament

Nico’s Tree nonprofit will hold its fifth annual charity golf tournament on Sept. 25 at the Cranston Country Club (69 Burlingame Road, Cranston) to benefit the nonprofit. Join Nico’s Tree for nine holes of golf for a great cause. After the game, enjoy a multi-course buffet dinner with dessert. Don’t golf? Join the nonprofit after the tournament for Nico Tree’s “Grow a Little Hope” dinner and raffle event for $40. Registration deadline for golf and dinner is Sept. 19. For more information, call Dana Venteuolo at 401-241-5311 or Dennis Venteuolo at 401-261-3032.

Grandma Martha

On Aug. 7, at 2 p.m., Flannel Polyester will present a “This Is Your Life” style show honoring the grand old lady of Rhode Island comedy, Grandma Martha. The event will take place at the Comedy Park, located inside the Historic Park Theater and Event Center.

A cavalcade of New England’s comedy greats, along with host Jay Burns, will look back on Martha’s life through laughs, jokes and just a couple of roasts.

For this special show, Martha has requested that we help her friends at the Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston. Proceeds from the afternoon’s raffles and photo opportunities will benefit the Hope Alzheimer’s Center. Tickets are available by going to www.thecomedypark.com.

Theatre Summer Programs

The Rhode Island Youth Theatre Summer Programs will have two summer programs at the Historic Park Theatre and Event Center. “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” is for ages 7 to 16 and will take July 25 through August 6. No experience needed. Shows will take place August 5 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and August 6 at 7 p.m. The second program is “The Music Man, Jr.” which will run from August 8 to August 19. No experience needed. Shows will take place August 19 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and August 20 at 7 p.m. Visit www.riyt.org to register. Scholarships available for all programs, email ann@riyt.org.

Comedy Course

If you’ve ever thought of giving stand-up comedy a try, now’s your chance. This $200 Comedy Course kicks off Sept. 12 for six weeks in Warwick (except Columbus Day). The instructors are John Perrotta, Coleen Galvin Yaroshenko and Rockin’ Joe Hebert. At the end of the course, you’ll take the stage in our graduation show at Rhode Island’s newest comedy hot spot, the Comedy Park in Cranston. We anticipate a full class, so sign up early by calling the Comedy Factory at 401-639-7726. www.comedyfactoryri.com, richof.org.

Walk and Talk at Rocky Point

Come join the “Rocky Point Pacers” for a walk around Rocky Point every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9 a.m., weather permitting. They meet at the gate on Rocky Point Avenue. Get some sunshine and burn off some holiday pounds.

To submit your news from the community, email Emma at EmmaB@rhodybeat.com. This includes virtual events, which should be submitted two to three weeks ahead of the event. 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.