Weekend Spotlight

Sept.  22-24,  Friends of the Warwick Public Library Book Sale will have their annual book sale at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, on Fri., Sept. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m., for current Friends Members (new members can join this preview for $10). The sale continues on Sat., Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. The sale is open to everyone. The Friends support the WPL by sponsoring and/or funding various programs and events including museum passes, concerts, movies, guest speakers and summer reading programs for children, teens and adults. Money raised through the Friends book sale and other fund-raising events go directly to fund WPL programs.   Support your public libraries!

Sept. 23, Clouds Hill Preservation Annual Harvest Supper Fundraiser will be held on Sat., Sept. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Varnum Armory, 6 main Street, East Greenwich.  In addition to the meal, the evening includes a small, silent, live auction, 50/50 raffle and more.  Space is limited, so make your reservation by Thurs., Sept. 14.  Call 401-884-9490 or https://www.cloudshill.org/harvest-supper.  Reservation and Sponsorship prices are listed on the reservation website starting at $125pp.

Sept. 23, Annual Harvest Festival at Smith’s Castle invites the public to join a celebration of the annual Harvest Festival on Sat., Sept. 23, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown. This family friendly event the Sheffield Farm Petting Zoo and Pony Rides. Entertainment will be provided by the Farm Dog Band. Plenty of colonial games, activities, and crafts will be provided by our junior docents. Sign up for the prize baskets in the Great Pumpkin Roll. A variety of vendors will also be on hand for one-of-a-kind items.  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 the Harvest Festival is $10pp, $8 for seniors and military, $6 for children over 6 years of age. Family Cap is $25.  For further information about Smith’s Castle visit our website at http//:www.smithscastle.org or contact us at 401-294-3521.

Sept. 23, Lakewood Baptist Church Group Yard Sale, Bake Sale and Snack Bar will be held on Sat., Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 255 Atlantic Ave, Warwick. RAIN OR SHINE.  If you only come for the Bake Sale and Snack Bar it will be worth your while.  The Bake Sale usually sells out.  We have seven people who have rented tables plus three church tables.

Sept. 24, The Mike Renzi Legacy Celebration Concert will be held on Sun., Sept. 24, at the Alpine Country Club, 251 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston.  The show features Denise Mainelli DeCaro, Grammy Nominated Vocalist and Steve March-Torme.  Tickets are $75pp with “reserved seating (table for 10)” $1000.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and show is at 7 p.m.  Ticket includes the show, buffet-appetizers, tea, coffee, parking and a copy of Ms. DeCaro’s new CD featuring Mike Renzi on piano, “The Very Thought of You.”  A donation will be made to the Mike Renzi Musicianship Award.  For tickets and more information, please contact Carol Mainelli at 401-486-5921.

Sept. 26, Photographic Society of RI will hold a Board of Director’s meeting on Tues., Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Lakewood Baptist Church, 255 Atlantic Ave., Warwick. Before the meeting, members are asked to drop off black & white and color prints from 6 – 6:30 p.m., to be logged in for the Open Competition on Tues., October 3. 

 Sept. 30, Warwick Central Baptist Church Fall Festival will be held on Sat., September 30, from 12 to 4 p.m.,  3270 Post Rd., Warwick.  A fun time for all.  Community Outreach opportunities.  Music performed throughout the afternoon, children’s activities and crafts, lunch, snacks and beverages. No cost to attend. For more information:  p_blagburn@yahoo.com.

Sept. 30, Conimicut Village Arts Festival will be held on Sat., Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., in Conimicut Village, 765 West Shore Road, Warwick, behind Friends Way.  Artists, Food trucks and entertainment. Joanne Miller 401-286-3946.

Sept. 30, Pilgrim High School Class of 1983 will hold its 40th Reunion on Sat., Sept. 30, at Quonset Tavern by the Green, 615 Callahan Rd., North Kingstown.  For more information, please email pilgrimclass1983@gmail.com or visit our new Facebook page Pilgrim High School Class of 1983. Hold the date!

Oct. 1, Our Lady of Grace Church Fall Harvest Craft Fair will be held on Sun., Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Our Lady of Grace Church, at 15 George Waterman Road, in Johnston (entrance on Sheridan Street), will hold its annual Fall Harvest Craft Fair. The organizers expect more than 30 local artisans, who will be offering handmade arts and crafts. The fair will also feature Italian food, sweet treats, a penny social, raffles and more. 

Oct. 1, Temple Beth-El Brotherhood Annual Breakfast will be held on Sun., Oct. 1, from 8:45 to 11 a.m., at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence, with guest speaker, Rhode Island Secretary of Housing; Stefan Pryor. Prior registration is required for accurate food counts. $5 fee payable at the door. RSVP before September 28, to Barry Schiff, SEAL11@AOL.COM, 401-419-1619. This is event is open to the general public.

 Oct. 4, Brown University Lecture Series presents: Maggie Millner. Maggie Millner, poet and author of Couplets delivers a lecture on Oct. 4,  at 6 p.m., at Brown University, Pembroke Hall Room 305, 172 Meeting Street Providence, RI 02912. This event is free and open to the public! Please visit go.brown.edu/nonfiction_now for more information about the venue, Maggie Millner, and the Nonfiction@Brown lecture series.

Oct. 7, NAMI Walks Rhode Island on Sat., Oct. 7, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its annual walk starting from Roger Williams Park, Providence; 9 a.m. check-in and 10 a.m. walk.  Join the NAMI for more than just a walk; it’s a powerful, community event where awareness is raised surrounding mental illness, fighting the stigma and supporting free programs and support groups.  Walk solo, start a team or join a team.  For more information to register for the walk visit namirhodeisland.org. Donations are accepted through Dec.

 Oct. 7, Johnston Historical Society Yard Sale will be on Sat., Oct. 7, from 8 a.m.  to 1 p.m. at the society’s Museum, 101 Putnam Pike (Route 44) in Johnston. A Sunday, Oct. 8 rain date has been set (same times). The historical society is also offering spots at the sale for a $25 donation (one 6-foot table; bring your own). Those interested in “renting” must contact Anthony Ursillo at 401-764-5901 or aursillo401@gmail.com. The Johnston Historical Society is a 501 (3C) non -profit organization. 

Oct. 7, Spartan DEKA MILE: Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) Fundraiser will be held on Sat., Oct. 7, at It Starts Here Fitness (ISHFitness), 380 Jefferson Blvd.,  Suite G, Warwick, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Looking for police, fire, military, troopers, and civilians to compete in a friendly competition for a great cause.  Race individually or with a partner, and each racer will receive a DEKA T-shirt and medal.  50% of all ticket profits to benefit Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW). Spartan DEKA MILE consists of (10) functional training zones each preceded by a 160-meter run (1 mile of total distance running).   Tickets: $35 single and $49 2-person teams.  Registration and more information: https://ishfitness.com/ or call 401-447-4620.

Oct. 14, Crafting for Critters Fall Bazaar Supports Homeless Animals will be held outdoors on Sat., Oct.  14, at the Airport Professional Park, 2348 Post Road, Warwick, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 70 artisans will be selling their locally handcrafted items just in time for the gift-giving season! Items for sale include fine art, jewelry, crafts, handcrafted accessories, garden items, apparel, home decor, baked goods, candies, jams & jellies, dog treats, pet accessories, books, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas themed items and more. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks will be on the premises. For more information or vendor application, please contact Audrey Snow, the Event Director by email at fowas.crafts@gmail.com. Donations of wet cat food and wet dog food for the animals at Warwick Animal Shelter are welcome (no dry food please). fundraiser proceeds to benefit the homeless cats and dogs at the Warwick Animal Shelter. Donations are tax-deductible, as allowable by law. 

Oct. 14, Annual  No More Hunger Walk A walk to call attention to food insecurity and raise funds for local food pantries  will be held on Sat., Oct. 14. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Over $20,000 has been raised in the past two years. The walk will begin at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 West Shore Road, Warwick and proceed along West Shore Road to Donovan Park, in Conimicut Village.  Any interested churches, organizations, and individuals are invited and encouraged to join.  Call 401-737-8232 or e-mail  WoodburyChurchRI@gmail.com for details.

Oct. 14, Smith’s Castle Seminar: “Anchored in Rhode Island: The Slave Trade and Reckoning with Our Past” will be held on Sat., Oct. 14, Smith’s Castle, , 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown.  Wine, cheese, and light refreshments will be served. Donations are greatly appreciated on admission. For further information about Smith’s Castle visit our website at www.smithscastle.org  or call: 401-294-3521.

Oct. 15, Central Falls High School, Class of 1963 Reunion Central  Falls  High  School  Class  of 1963, will hold a  60th  Class Reunion  on Sun., Oct. 15, 12 – 4 p.m. at Chelo’s Banquet Hall, 2225 Post Rd., Warwick.  Tickets: $60pp for buffet and dancing. Please send checks to: Patricia (Guillette) Mannix, 111 Col. John Gardner Rd.,  Narragansett 02882. Please include maiden name and phone number on check. For more information call or email  Patricia Mannix 401-789-0451; Patriciagmannix@gmail.com Or, Nancy Dube Brazeau  401-789-0304; nancybraz@gmail.com.

Oct. 22, St. Francis Xavier Academy Alumnae Association (SXA) Homecoming celebration will be on Oct. 22, with an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Timothy Church, 1799 Warwick Ave., Warwick, immediately followed by lunch at the Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick. The class of 1973 will celebrate their 50th anniversary.  Gold rosaries will be blessed and distributed to graduates during Mass.  Scholarships will be announced during lunch.  For more information contact Margaret Mathias, 401-232-9006.

Nov. 4, Asbury United Methodist Church Christmas Village Bazaar will be held on Sat., Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 550 Fair Street, Warwick.  Famous Swedish Coffee Bread, vintage and costume jewelry, high-quality, handcrafted items, baked goods, home goods, Christmas décor, gift baskets and more.  Come for lunch.  Bring a friend.  Fun for kids, too.  For more information contact: 401-467-5122 or asburyumcri@gmail.com.

 Nov. 4, Pawtuxet River 5K: Run of the Mills is sponsored by the Pawtuxet River Authority & Watershed Council and will be held on Sat., Nov. 4, along the River and Coventry Greenway.  Start and end will be at Rice Memorial Field, 51 Knotty Oak Rd. Coventry.  Check-in: 7 a.m. Start time: 8 a.m. This is a family-friendly 5K walk, run, roll or stroll and is a USATF timed race.  Sign up now at pawtuxet.org. Registration fee is $30, after Sept. 30: $35 and day of event: $50.

All proceeds benefit the Pawtuxet River Authority and Watershed Council (PRAWC), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. They accept monetary donations, or contributions of in-kind goods (such as water, snacks, swag, or gift certificates to use as awards) or donated services (such as marketing, photography or DJ services). If you are interested in becoming a sponsor submit info by filling out the on-line form before Sept.15.  Please email at:  Sponsor.Pawtuxet5k@gmail.com  with any questions.

Nov. 7 – 9, Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City AARP Chapter 2210 -  Tues. – Thurs., Nov. 7 – 9, Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City Tour. The Tour includes 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 meal credits (up to $20 value each) & $20 slot play. Bus pickup from 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. Final payment is due by Sept. 21.

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 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, Jeep Night Tri-City Elks Lodge #14, 1915 W. Shore Rd Warwick presents Jeep Night every Tues. at 5:00 p.m. Around back at the lodge. Jeeps and 4 x 4's of all shapes and sizes are welcome. The Tiki Bar will be open for beverages and there will be food prepared by PB&J's available to purchase.

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, 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, Custom Collectible Car Show Tri-City Elks Lodge #14,1915 W. Shore Rd. Warwick, presents a Custom Collectible Car Show every Thurs. at 5 p.m.  Around back at the lodge.  Bring your auto and show it off or just come and enjoy! Motorcycles are welcome.  There will be live music & food for sale and the Tiki Bar will be open for beverages!

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 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 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:  Joan Tinkham 401-739-5322.

Every Thursday Meadowlark Seniors  the Meadowlark Seniors meetings will resume on Thurs., Sept. 7, 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. at 9:30 p.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.

Starting Saturday, Sept. 25, Citizenship Prep Classes at WPL Prepare for the U.S. Naturalization Interview with Citizen Preparation classes at the Warwick Public Library, starting Sat., Sept. 25, 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 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.

Amenity Aid – Volunteers Needed We are looking for volunteers that would like to help us plan and staff community events, organize hygiene product collection drives and raise funds for Amenity Aid. If you are interested in doing any of the above or would like to be a member of our Community Outreach Committee, please contact Stacey Silva, Community Outreach Chair at Stacey@AmenityAid.org.

 Amenity Aid’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations by creating access to essential hygiene products. Serving all of Rhode Island, we distribute toiletry necessities to those most vulnerable through our network of direct service agencies.

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.

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