By MERI R. KENNEDY Bulky waste pickup in September During the month of September, the city's Department of Public Works offers residents an opportunity to have bulky waste items picked up free of charge, with certain restrictions. Residents must call
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During the month of September, the city’s Department of Public Works offers residents an opportunity to have bulky waste items picked up free of charge, with certain restrictions.
Residents must call Waste Management at 800-972-4545 to schedule a free bulky waste pickup. Pickups are limited to one scheduled trip with up to three items per residential unit. Bulky waste does not include mattresses, construction debris, TVs or electronic goods, white goods or any household trash/garbage bags that would fit into a city-provided 65-gallon trash cart or overflow bags.
For more information, visit the city’s website, www.cranstonri.com.
The American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA) Rhode Island Chapter will host its Optimism Walk on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Goddard State Park in East Greenwich. This annual event is part of a nationwide series of Optimism Walks intended to raise funds and awareness to support for people with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and families through research, education, and support services. Participants from all over Rhode Island, and beyond, will come together for the special event.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the Optimism Walk begins at 11 a.m. Online registration is strongly encouraged. It is easy to create or join a team, begin fundraising, or make a generous donation.
Water, snacks and sweet treats, surprising gift raffles, and fun activities are planned. For Walk details and online registration, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/RI.
The Cranston Public Library is pleased to welcome Connelly Akstens, author of “Without Shame: Learning to Be Me,” to the Central Library on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Akstens’s groundbreaking transgender memoir has been called “intimate, bold, relevant to our time and funny as hell … an extraordinary journey … a sharp and beautifully-written book.”
Connelly will read from “Without Shame” and will lead a discussion of transgender experience as it continues its dynamic evolution. A book signing will follow. Copies of the book will be for sale.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more info and to register, visit www.cranstonlibrary.org/connelly.
Connelly Akstens has been a recording artist and concert performer, college professor, writer, Adirondack fly fishing guide, college basketball player, market gardener, and vocal advocate for transgender people. Originally from Boston, Connelly now lives in East Greenwich with spouse Susanne Murtha, a certified health coach and book designer of Without Shame.
This event is presented as part of CPL’s Visiting Author Series and is made possible through generous funding from the Cranston Public Library Association.
In honor of Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Cranston Public Library is hosting a library card design contest. One winner from each age group (0-13 and 14-plus) will be chosen to have their artwork featured on a limited edition Cranston Public Library card.
The contest is open to Cranston residents of all ages. You must have an OSL library card to enter. Those who do not have a library card can stop by any Cranston Public Library branch or visit cranstonlibrary.org/get-library-card to sign up for a library card, today.
Entry forms are available at any Cranston Public Library branch or can be printed at home at cranstonlibrary.org/library-card-contest. Submissions may be in any art medium (pencil, pen, paint, crayon, digital art, etc.) The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 30. No late submissions will be accepted.
For full contest rules and information, visit www.cranstonlibrary.org/library-card-contest.
The Cranston Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the return of its Women’s Fitness program for women age 18 and older.
The program will run through June 24, 2022. Classes will be held at the Pastore Youth Center, 155 Gansett Ave.
Mondays will be “Dance Aerobics” with Cathy from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays will be “Tunes and Tone” with Kristin from 6 to 7 p.m. Please bring one- to three-pound weights for Kristin’s class.
Please note the day and times for each class, as they have changed from previous years. When there is a Monday holiday, class will be held on Tuesday of that week from 5 to 6 p.m.
The registration fee is $40 for both nights and $20 for one night for each 10-week session. There will be four sessions total.
Session dates are as follows: Sept. 13 to Nov. 17 (Oct. 11 moved to Oct. 12); Nov. 29 to Feb. 2 (Jan. 3 and 17 moved to Jan. 4 and 18); Feb. 7 to April 13 (Feb. 21 moved to Feb. 22); and April 18 to June 22 (May 30 moved to May 31).
Register through the Google Form available at this link: www.forms.gle/M6CfsuqaeaMJwAdXA.
Payment in the form of a check or money order can be brought to class or mailed to the Recreation Department.
NAMI Rhode Island, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will offer a Family-to-Family course beginning Oct. 19th at 6 p.m.
This is a free and virtual eight-session educational program for family members, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This 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 Family-to-Family is taught by trained family members who have “been there” and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.
For more information and to register for this evidence-based program, visit www.namirhodeisland.org, call (401) 331-3060 or email beth@namirhodeisland.org.
The General Federation Cranston Women’s Club is sponsoring a Meet and Greet on Wednesday, Sept. 22 in Chelo’s Banquet Room, 1275 Reservoir Ave. in Cranston, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come see what these clubwomen do for your community. Appetizers and soft drinks will be served. Bring a friend. RSVP to Paula Andrews, club president, at (401) 451-5073.
A walk to call attention to food insecurity and raise funds for local pantries is being planned by a group of area churches, including Woodbury Union, Lakewood Baptist, St. Benedict, St. Kevin, and St. Mark’s. The walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16. An informational planning meeting will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. at Woodbury Union Church at 58 Beach Ave. in Warwick. All interested community churches, organizations and individuals are invited to attend. Call (401) 737-8232 or email woodburychurchri@gmail.com for more information.
Everyone is invited to attend the inaugural Accessibility is Beautiful Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Providence. The event seeks to educate local businesses about building and adapting infrastructure to allow for the inclusion of people of all abilities. With affordable solutions, we know that both commerce and the community will benefit and thrive.
Hosted by RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress) and held at The Steel Yard at 27 Sims Ave. in Providence, the event will feature tours of the accessibility adaptations The Steel Yard recently completed at its historic industrial arts studio. It will be held from 3 to 8 p.m.
Business participants will feature their incorporation of accessibility modifications recommended by RAMP. Entertainment will include disabled and full-bodied performers.
As populations in the United States age, and more citizens become disabled, it is important to prepare for full accessibility. The Accessibility is Beautiful event will provide information and networking to help businesses prepare for this future.
For more information and to register for the festival, visit www.rampinclusion.com.
On Saturday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, the MS Dream Center will hold “An Evening To Remember” to raise much needed funding for the center and its programs and services.
Come and enjoy a multi-course sit-down dinner provided by some of Rhode Island’s most well-known restaurants and accompanied with a selection of wines and beers. Entertainment will be provided by Steven Palumbo.
The donation for attendees is $100 per person and reservations are being taken. For more information or to reserve seats or a table, visit www.msdreamcenter.org/an-evening-to-remember-event.
After over a year apart, the Cranston arts community is reconnecting for a unique curated show exhibiting some of the city’s greatest artists.
The Cranston Arts Commission’s first Cranston Community Art Exhibit will be on display at the Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, through Sept. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
Featured artists are all Cranston residents, hand selected by the commission for their exceptional work across numerous artistic mediums.
“Following a tumultuous and at times very dark year and a half, we at the Cranston Arts Commission have a unique opportunity to reintroduce ourselves, our mission and our commitment to the artists and community members of Cranston,” said Danielle Izzi-St. Pierre, chair of the commission. “This gallery will bring folks together to facilitate networking amongst Cranston residents, and hopefully inspire younger artists to follow their passions. The artists we have selected to exhibit are diverse, both in backgrounds and artistic mediums, and this gallery will be an excellent first step in what will surely be an arts renaissance in our city.”
To learn more, visit www.cranstonartscommission.org.
For the month of September, the Cranston Public Library Association will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 200 Atwood Ave. in Cranston. The Community Bags are located on displays around the store and at the checkout.
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is joining in with The Artists’ Exchange to present the first Harvest Festival on Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rhodes, located at 60 Rhodes Place in Cranston.
The event will feature vendors, crafters, penny socials, dancing, children’s activities and more. Email jenn@rhodesonthepawtuxet.com to request an application for vendor space.
There will be a special performance by the Country Wild Band at 1 p.m. Per CDC guidelines, organizers request that guests who are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Join Garden City Center and Avvio Ristorante for a summer sendoff you won't want to miss.
Outside at the Gazebo every weekend this September, there will be a rotating lineup of local breweries – including Grey Sail Brewing, Narragansett Beer, Newport Craft Brewing and Whalers Brewing Company – taking part in the Beer Garden.
The upcoming schedule is Sept. 17-19, Newport Craft Brewing, and Sept. 24-26, Whalers Brewing Company.
Hours are Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m.
This family (and dog) friendly beer garden will also feature fun and games, live music and bites from Avvio, all located in your favorite Rhode Island home-away-from-home.
The Beer Garden is open to the public and there is no cover charge. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis and operating hours will be weather permitting. Customers must show a valid ID in order to purchase an alcoholic beverage.
On Oct. 3, the group Hey 19 from Rhode Island, The Midnight Callers from New York City, and Soul Box and The Deluxtones from Boston will join in for a Rock & Roll Music Fest to benefit children in treatment at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. Tickets cost $20 per person. The event will be held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, located at 60 Rhodes Place in Cranston. For tickets and more information, follow the event’s Facebook page or visit www.eventbrite.com.
The Cranston High School East Thunderbolt Marching Band Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. at Cranston Stadium. More details to follow.
Have you ever wanted to get an inside look at the Rhode Island State Police?
Applications are now open for the 2021 Rhode Island State Police Citizens Academy. The six-week academy meets every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 27 through Nov. 1.
The curriculum includes briefings and hands-on experience in officer safety, patrol operations and procedures, response to resistance, domestic violence investigations, critical incident/victim assistance, and investigative techniques.
Seats are limited, and applications must be received by Sept. 17. Apply today. For additional information and to apply online, visit www.ow.ly/tdYB50FLZIF.
The Cranston Senior Enrichment Center has announced that the Cranston Senior Golf Tournament is back. The event will be held at the Cranston Country Club on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Registration costs $85 per person and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast, grilled hot dog and chips, a banquet immediately following play, and a great day of fun for all. For more information, call Jane at the center at (401) 780-6220.
Our Lady of Grace Church, located at 4 Lafayette St. in Johnston, would like invite vendors to participate in its Holiday Bazaar on Oct. 17. There will be crafters, vendors, a penny social, food and more. For information, contact Pat Leon at (401) 529-7592.
The 50th class reunion for Mt. Pleasant High School will be held on Oct. 29 at the Santa Maria DiPrata Society, located at 29 Walnut Grove Ave. in Cranston. The evening will begin at 6:30 and run through 11:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $50 per person. Please contact Vin DeTora at (401) 232-0856 or Joan LaVallee Gelfuso at (401) 578-2220 and RSVP by Oct. 5.
This September, the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission will present four weekly 60-minute virtual celebrations on their new YouTube channel each Saturday at 7 p.m. The weekly programs will feature “Heritage Highlights” from different cultural performance groups, heritage organizations, and hands-on activities like cooking and dance demonstrations.
You can sneak a peek of the celebrations by visiting their YouTube channel, RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission.
This is a free family-friendly event.
The Cranston Senior Enrichment Center’s RSVP program needs volunteers to help in many ways in the community. One is to transport homebound seniors to medical appointments or run errands for them.
The program is also seeking RSVP school readiness volunteers to assist Glen Hills Elementary School’s staff and students with an array of school activities and events.
Also needed are RSVP recycling volunteers who educate the community with assistance and guidance from Rhode Island Resource Recovery professionals on a variety of topics such as waste reduction and reuse, recycling and composting. Learn more about Resource Recovery – who they are, what they do, how they work, and much more, including a tour of the facility.
If you are interested in becoming a Cranston RSVP volunteer, contact Karen at (401) 780-6159 for an interview. You must be 55 years of age or older to volunteer and a BCI is required. A mileage reimbursement is given to cover your travel cost. RSVP also provides insurance protection in the event that your or someone else is injured while performing your volunteer duties.
What if you do not drive or do not have a vehicle? No worries. RSVP will provide you with transportation to your volunteer station.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island will host its fifth annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS) event on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lang’s Bowlarama in Cranston.
Participants can sign up in teams of five to participate in a private bowling party, and raise donations from family, friends and colleagues leading up to the event – with a fundraising goal of $100 for each participant.
You’ll also have the chance to win raffle prizes … and really great karma for giving back to local kids!
No experience is required – just a desire to have fun and support youth mentoring. All of the proceeds from this event stay in Rhode Island and help Big Brothers Big Sisters fulfill its mission. Donate today or register your team at www.secure.qgiv.com/event/bbbsri2021.
September used to only have 29 days. Thanks to Julius Caesar’s reform of the Roman calendar in 46 B.C., the month now has an additional day!
To submit your news from the community, email Meri R. Kennedy at CranstonChatter@aol.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.
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