Weekend Spotlight

Mar. 30, Oakland Beach Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the playground behind Oakland Beach Elementary School, 383 Oakland Beach Ave., Warwick. This is a free egg hunt for children through age 9 will kick off at 12-noon sharp. The Easter Bunny will visit and there will be free goody bags as well as hamburgers and hot dogs. Raffle tables will hold something for everyone, from gift certificates to area restaurants and stores to toys, from art to decorative accessories, and much more. Come on over, rain or shine. Please BYO bags/baskets for children to gather eggs.

Apr. 2, The East Greenwich Art Club will meet on Tues. Apr. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., at United Methodist Church, 1558 South County Trail, East Greenwich. After a brief meeting, local, mixed media painter, Rebecca Hamilton Stockdill, will give a hands-on session, titled: “Creating Collages for Painting Inspiration”. She attended the Art Students League of New York, Academy of Art University, and Rhode Island School of Design CE. Currently, she is the treasurer for the Board of Directors at Warwick Center for the Arts and a member of several arts organizations. Stockdill turns her small collages into large paintings, and she has exhibited in many shows and galleries. She will instruct participants how to make their own collage using a glue stick and materials she will bring. If possible, bring a small pair of scissors. The meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the club at:  info@eastgreenwichartclub.org, or at the website: www.eastgreenwichartclub.org.

Apr. 2, The Gaspee Seniors Meeting will be on Tues., Apr. 2, at 1:30 p.m., at the Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrims Parkway, Warwick . After the business meeting, coffee and pastry, there will be a guest speaker from the Warwick Public Library . This is National Library Week. Our library has so many wonderful resources . This is a great opportunity to learn about them. New members are always welcome.

April 1, Eckankar Center of Rhode Island Free Event "Finding Your Life's Purpose” will be offered on , Mon. Apr. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Eckankar Center, 2914 Post Rd., Warwick. Discover HU a natural way to connect with Spirit. HU is a sacred sound and ancient mantra. It is an ancient name for God that has been sung for thousands of years in many lands for spiritual unfoldment. HU can uplift people of any religion, culture, or walk of life. The public is invited to experience chanting HU, contemplative time, and spiritual conversation with others of like heart.  For more information: 401-738-4727.

Apr. 3, The Civil Rights Kid with Ray Rickman is scheduled for Wed., Apr. 3, at the William Hall Library, 1825 Broad Street, Cranston, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join Ray Rickman in a tour-de-force presentation as he takes you on his quest for civil rights, from the 1966 "March Against Fear" in Mississippi with James Meredith, where he almost lost his life at the hands of the local sheriff, to taking on the Detroit School Department, to working side-by-side with Rosa Parks. It's a story like no other, filled with courage, hope, humor, and abiding faith. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. For more information contact: Zach Berger, 401-781-2450 or zach@cranstonlibrary.org.

Apr. 5, Potter League's Premiere Spring Fundraiser, Love Bash for Animals will be held on Fri., Apr. 5, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the Windham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, for an unforgettable celebration.  Prepare for an enchanting evening filled with a cocktail reception, seated dinner, thrilling silent and live auctions, and a firsthand look at the life-saving programs and services provided by the Potter League. Get ready to Sit, Stay, Bid! Our mobile silent auction is already underway, offering exclusive items and experiences until Fri., Apr. 5.

Show your love and support by adding a loved one or pet's name to our Tree of Love for just $15. Each heart-shaped tag, beautifully inscribed, becomes a symbol of compassion and commitment to animals in need. And remember, you don't have to attend to purchase a heart. Tickets are priced at $150 each, with tables of 10 available for $1,500. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.LoveBashforAnimals.com or call 401-846-0592. Cocktail attire is recommended, and complimentary parking will be provided. Please note that this event is exclusively for humans.

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. 

April 6, Memory Care Center Open House will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Elizabeth Adult Day Memory Care Center, 140 Warwick Neck Ave., Warwick. Caregivers, healthcare providers and community members are invited to meet with resource providers from local organizations to learn how to address memory loss from conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and other disorders. For more information, visit: stelizabethcommunity.org.

Apr. 6, Finding Trust In A Changing World a free lecture will be held on Sat., 6, at 2 p.m., at the North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown.  This event is hosted by the North Kingstown Christian Science Church.  All are welcome.

Apr. 6, R.I. Chapter of Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet will be held on Sat., April 6, at the Quonset "O" Club, 200 Lt James Brown Rd, North Kingstown, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner, a door prize, a live auction, and bucket raffles.  Guest Speakers will be, Bob Mallard and Emily Bastian, from the Native Fish Coalition, presenting on Fly Fishing: Maine’s Wild and Native Fish and more. Tickets are $45 for adults, and $18.50 for children. For tickets or to donate contact: Glen Place, at 401-225-7717.

 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, East Greenwich Art Club Displaying Works of Art at the Greenville Public Library, 573 Putnam Pike, Greenville, on Sat., Apr. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. Members of the East Greenwich Art Club will be available to discuss their works on display at the library.  The display will be on hand at the library from March 30 through the end of April. The club has promoted professional and emerging artists and photographers and provided student art scholarships for the past 65 years.  Please visit their online site at: http://www.eastgreenwichartclub.org for more information.  Stop by and meet the artists and enjoy a small snack as you enjoy their work!

Apr. 15-19, 2024 WCFA School Vacation ART Camps will be held April 15-19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Road, Warwick. Spark your child's creativity this spring during April school vacation! We're offering such fun and creative classes as The Art Masters Mashup; Recycle, Repurpose, Renew and Recreate; Cartooning Basics; and Drawing Comic and Manga Style Book Covers. There's something for everyone! For further information, please call 401-737-0010 or warwickcfa.org.

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. 27 and 28 – Spring Quilt Fest will be hosted by the Narragansett Bay Quilters, “Colors in the Wind,” on Sat. and Sun., Apr. 27 and 28, at the West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St., West Warwick, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Admission: $10, children under 12 free with an adult.  10:00 am - 4:00 pm both days.  For more information:  www.NBQA.org. 

Apr. 27, Volunteer Community Cleanup will be held on Sat., April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is sponsored by the Warwick Health Equity Zone.  Registration and supplies will meet at 218 Buttonwoods Ave., Warwick.  Be part of a community of fellow volunteers working for a good cause.

 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 11, Mother’s Day Plant Sale will be held on Sat., May 11, at The Warwick Central Baptist Church, 3270 Post Road, Warwick, from  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church back parking lot.  The church will be selling hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, ground cover, bushes, trees and everything from Ajuga to Zinnias. Proceeds from the sale will be for repairs at The Murrow Indian Children’s Home in Oklahoma. For more information, please call 401-739-2828.

 May 11, Warwick Vets High School Chorale Members Reunion will be held on May 11, at 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1915 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. Please bring your favorite potluck dish. Call Bill Flamand at 401-450-5699 with any questions.

May 14 thru June 5, RI Driver Education Course in ASL at RI School for the Deaf is currently 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.

 June 2, Music on the Hill will be held on Sun., Jun 2, at 3 p.m., Cloud Hill Museum will host Narragansett Brass Concert on the lawn at 4157 Post Road, Warwick.  For more information  www.musionthehillri.org or 401-884-9490.

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, 2 Inspired 2 Be Tired Community Walk is sponsored by the Warwick Health Equity Zone and will be held on Sat., June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Confreda Sports Complex, 80 Bend St., Warwick.  Festivities include: Free arts and crafts, refreshments and snacks, face painting and lawn games.  Raffle tickets: 1 for $1 or 6 for $5.  All raffle proceeds will go to Rhode Island Parent Information Network. Joining the festivities will be members of the Warwick Police and Fire Departments.  Warwick Health Equity Zone focuses on families living through disabilities. 

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.

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 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.

Oct. 19 & Oct. 20, Saturday, Artist Aileen Quinn the West Bay Open Studios on Sat., Oct. 19 and Sun. Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clouds Hill Museum will host artist Aileen Quinn, on the West Bay Open Studios tour.  For more information visit West Bay Open Studios | Warwick Center for the Arts warwickcfa.org

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 – 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 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 Monday, Tri City Elks Lodge #14 Country Line Dance Lessons, 1915 W. Shore Rd, Warwick. Instructor Melissa from Get in Line RI from 6:00 to 8pm. $10 per class. Come in and enjoy the fun!

Every Second Tuesday West Warwick AARP Chapter West Warwick AARP Chapter meets the second Tues. of the month, 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Church Hall, 70 Church Street, West Warwick.  Looking to expand its membership. All are welcome to come to enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with new friends.

 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 – 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 Wednesday, Calling All Seniors: The Dance ‘50’s, ‘60’s, 70’s, & 80’s Music at the American Legion, 662 West Shore Rd., Warwick.  Light snacks for free and refreshments for purchase.  No outside alcohol is permitted.  Cover: $10pp at the door.  For more information:  Mary 401-256-1169.

 Every Wednesday, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meets every Wed. night with weigh-in at 5:45 p.m. at St. Rita's Church, 722 Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick.  TOPS is a great way to improve your health.  Stop by for free.

 Every Third Wednesday Old Warwick Grange #41 The Grange Hall is located at 1175 West Shore Road, Warwick, meets the third Wed. of the month at 7:30 p.m. For information, please call either Joan Clegg at 401-465-7259 or Mike Osiensky at 508-954-9712.  The Grange is a fraternal community service, nonprofit organization with a special interest in rural life and the traditions of faith, patriotism, leadership and family values. It’s a place where the whole family can go and grow. Help us to help others. There are no meetings in July and August.

 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, Take Off Pounds Sensibly TOPS #38 is  meeting every Thurs. morning at St. Luke's Episcopal Church (lower level), 99 Pierce Street, East Greenwich. Weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The meeting is from 10 – 11 a.m. Enter from the side parking lot, go down the stairs to the kitchen area. All are welcome as well as any canned food donations.  For information, call:  Angela Henderson at 401-225-6174.

 Every Thursday Meadowlark Seniors  the Meadowlark Seniors meetings will meet at 1:30 p.m., at St. Kevin Church Hall, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Short meetings, fun activities, and socializing. Come join us.  New members are welcome. 

 Every Thursday - Get a Job Thursdays We Make RI, 200 First Ave., Cranston. An organization that provides free manufacturing training, hosts a series of job fairs every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.  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.  

 Every Friday Cribbage Players Do you play cribbage? If so, consider joining a small group of cribbage players every, who meet and play at the East Greenwich Community Center, Pierce Street, East Greenwich every Fri., from 9 to 11 a.m. This is a social group where all levels of players are invited to play and meet new friends; there is no cost involved. If you are interested in joining, contact Barbara at 737-6477.

 Every Third Saturday of the Month Food for the Soul: A Meal Provision Charity thru May 18, 2024, sponsored by the Asbury United Methodist Church and Lakewood Baptist Church partnership. Held at the Lakewood Baptist church, 255 Atlantic Avenue, Warwick from 10: 30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you need a hot meal, we are offering one for you to pick up at this location.  Please contact Jill 401-408-5258 for further information.

Every Saturday, Citizenship Prep Classes at WPL Prepare for the U.S. Naturalization Interview with Citizen Preparation classes at the Warwick Public Library, from 10 a.m. to noon. Practice citizenship vocabulary, learn the necessary civics content, and work on interview skills using the N-400 application form.  Sign up at the library. For more information, call (401) 455-8041. These free classes are offered by the RI Family Literary Initiative.

 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.

Coventry Senior Band The Coventry Senior Band is looking for musicians. A group of retired volunteers, we play gigs at Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, etc.  If you are over 55 and play an instrument call David at (401) 368-6895 or email at walshdavid170@gmail.com

 Hearts for Hospice Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice (VNH&H) is asking for individuals to support their hospice programs by giving $20.00 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 Buzz to: Ida at idaz@rhodybeat.com, or scan the QR code below. 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.