Aug. 30, 31 & Sept 1, Santa Maria Prata Society Annual Feast will be held on from Fri., Aug. 20 thru Sun. Sept. 1, at 29 Walnut Grove Ave., Cranston.

Aug. 31, Pizza and Paperwork will be hosted by the OneCranston Health Equity Zone on Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cranston YMCA, 1225 Park Ave., Cranston. Staff can help with school emergency forms, lunch applications, ASPEN log-in and more! Pizza and refreshments will be provided. For more info, contact Celia at cmhernandez@comcap.org or 401-649-0878.

 Sept. 3, NAMI-RI Virtual Mental Health Program on Tues., Sept. 3, at 5:30 p.m. the local chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness will offer a virtual Family-to-Family course.  This is a free, 8-sesson educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental illness. To register or for more information, call: 401-331-3060, email beth@namirhodeisland.org or visit www.namirhodeisland.org.

Sept. 5, Scouts BSA Troops 13 G and 22B Resume Meetings on Thurs., Sept. 5, at 7 p.m., Scouts BSA Troops 13G and 22B will resume their meetings in the Sawyer Room at Edgewood Congregational Church, 1788 Broad Street in Cranston. Anyone interested in learning about the programs is welcome to attend. Troop 13G is a Girl Troop and Troop 22 is a traditional Boy Troop. This program is for youth ages 11-17. They share their meetings and most of their activities. For anyone interested in a program for younger youth, BSA offers a Cub Scout program for youth in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Information or questions on these programs questions may call Troop 22 Scoutmaster, Paul Kelley at 401-595-6726.

Sept. 6, Cranston Historical Society 75th Anniversary Gala will be celebrated on Fri., Sept. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston. Special fundraiser honoring nine people who have benefitted Cranston:  Lieutenant General Reginald A. Centracchio, (ret.); John Howell-Editor, Beacon/Herald Newspapers; The Hon. Frank S. Lombardi, R.I. Chief Justice Supreme Court; The Hon. Frank J. Williams (ret.); Nicholas Mattiello, former RI Speaker of the House; Joanne McGunagle, President & CEO-CCAP; Henry Polichetti, US Navy/WWII veteran 109 yrs. young;  The Hon. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed; John Hazen White, Jr. of the White Family Foundation. Light appetizers incl. Catering Gourmet/Narragansett Brewery and Johnson Bros. selection of beer/wine. Music. Cranston Cakeries: Carina e Dolce & Cake Me Happy.  Tickets: $50 pp, payable to Cranston Historical Society, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston 02920. Few tables of 8 still available – reserved today! Free Parking at Cranston Print Works.

Sept. 6 & 7, Governor Sprague Mansion’s 75^th Anniversary Weekend will be held on Fri., Sept. 6, and Sat., Sept. 7, at the mansion, 1351 Cranston Street, Cranston.

 Sept. 6 – 8, 38^th Annual Cranston Greek Festival 3-day event will be held on the parish grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 175 Oaklawn Ave., Route 5, Cranston.  Dates and times: Fri., Sept. 6, from 5 to 10 p.m., Sat., Sept. 6, from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 8, from 12 to 8 p.m.  Authentic Greek food, music and folk dancing will take place throughout the 3-day event. For more information: 401-942-4188, visit the church’s website at www.annunciationri.org or the Facebook page – Cranston Greek Festival.

Sept. 7, Second Annual You Rock the Neighborhood Music Festival is a fundraiser for Pawtuxet Park and is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 7, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Pawtuxet Park, 2 E. View St., Warwick.  Over 15 bands, local art auction, local business raffles, kids activities, food trucks and local beer.  Open to the public.

 Sept. 7, RI Night Market at the Mansion & Movie Night on Sat., Sept. 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. at The Governor Francis Mansion, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston. Great family event scheduled for all ages. Entertainment, food trucks, fun for all. Craft/Arts Vendors. No charge. Movie at 7 p.m. National Treasure (bring lawn chair/blanket). Free Parking at Cranston Print Works.

 Sept. 8, Sprague Carriage House: Sprague Civil War Cannons Ceremony is scheduled for Sun. Sept. 8, at 3 p.m., at the Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St., Cranston. Present will be the RI National Guard, RI Militia, VFW. Honored guests: Lt. General Reginald Centracchio (ret.) and current National Guard Major General Christopher P. Callahan, Adjutant General.  A wonderful event to support the Cranston Historical Society and the Governor Sprague Mansion.  No charge.

 Sept 14, Paws in the Park Rhode Island SPCA’s annual dog walk will be held on Sat., Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd., Warwick. This family friendly dog walk attracts hundreds of pet owners and their dogs each year. Activities include a dog walk through scenic Goddard Park, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, canine costume contest, raffle baskets, kids' activities, and much, much more!  To register, visit www.givebutter.com/pitp24.

Sept. 14, Air Jam Inflatables Festival will be held on Sat., Sept. 14, at 11:30 am, Mulligans Island, 1000 New London Ave., Cranston. For more information: rinightmarket.com.

Sept. 14, NAMI-RI Virtual Mental Health Program on Sat., Sept. 14, at 3 p.m., the local chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness will offer a Family-to-Family course. The in-person program will be held at St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 909 W. Main Rd., Middletown. This is a free, 8-sesson educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental illness. To register or for more information, call: 401-331-3060, email beth@namirhodeisland.org or visit namirhodeisland.org

Sept. 14, 16^th Annual Meeting 2024 Archives Presentation will be presented by The Hope Historical Society on Sat., Sept. 14, at 2 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Howland Barn, 35 Ryefield Road, Hope. The community is invited to join the kick off of a new program year. The election of Hope Historical Society officers, collection of dues, and presentation of the Ernest F. Gifford Outstanding Contributor Award will occur during the Annual Meeting with the Archives Presentation to follow. The Archives Presentation will include Hope Jackson Fire Department and Remington’s Dairy artifacts acquired over the past year and several other interesting items.  

Sept. 16, West Bay Chorale Open Rehearsal extends an invitation to the public on Mon., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at St. Kevin’s Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick.  There will be a social meeting at 6 p.m., followed by registration at 6:30 p.m.  Current and new singers interested in joining the Chorale please join and learn details about the exciting upcoming concert season.  All voice parts are open; Tenor voices are especially needed. Full rehearsal will begin at 7 p.m. All current singers and those interested in joining must be vaccinated and boosted as recommended and show proof of vaccination.  Masks will either be required or recommended, depending on Rhode Island Covid regulations. Other pertinent information regarding COVID related rules will be shared. Please visit the West Bay Choral website: westbaychorale.org or email at: info@westbaychorale.org, or contact Chorale Artistic Director Eric Vandervort at 401-751-1525 for more details.

Sept. 17, Cranston Historical Society Meeting, will take place at 1351 Cranston St., Cranston, at 7 p.m. CHS membership meeting open to the public featuring a presentation on the 75th Year History of the Cranston Historical Society by President Sandra Moyer.  Light refreshments.

Sept. 22, Annual Fall Fest in Knightsville hosted by CPD Cares will take place on Sun., Sept. 22.

Sept. 28,  Electronics Recycling Event will be held at the Cranston Public Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Rd., Cranston on Sat. Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The community is invited to bring their unwanted electronics for this e-waste recycling event. The IndiCycle truck will be in the upper parking lot to help dispose of unwanted electronics in an environmentally safe way. Items accepted for free disposal include computers, routers, monitors, TVs, laptops, mice, keyboards, cameras, printers, toner, wires/cables, batteries (no single use), microwaves; cell, cordless, and landline phones; stereo equipment, plastic speakers, CD/DVD players, gaming stations, and other electronic gadgetry. A disposal fee is charged for some items, including but not limited to, LaserJet printers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, mini-fridges, and other coolant-containing appliances. The following items are not accepted: light bulbs, disposable/single-use batteries, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, thermometers, thermostats, glass blender bowls, furniture, electric organs/pianos, heating pads/blankets, blood pressure cuffs, cushioned chairs, mattresses, plastic bags, cardboard, rigid plastic bins, Styrofoam, wood, firearms, or hazardous waste such as paint or chemicals. Visit indiecycle.com for disposal fees and additional information. Full calendar of events, visit events.cranstonlibrary.org.

Sept. 29, The Cpl. Holly Charette Memorial Motorcycle Run will be held on Sun., Sept. 29. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Rolfe Square Post Office, Cranston, Kick Stands up at 10 a.m. Steak Fry Dinner follows at 2 p.m., 22 Whipple Dr., Charlestown. Tickets are $25 per person and include Steak Fry Dinner. All pre-registered riders (by Sept. 15) are automatically guaranteed a t-shirt. No tickets sales after Sept. 22. Scholarship recipients to be awarded at the Steak Fry Dinner. Proceeds benefit the Holly Charette Scholarship Fund. Please contact 401-227-5140 or email runforholly@gmail.com for tickets or more information. Visit cplhollycharettescholarship.com for additional information on becoming a sponsor or to donate. The Run is limited to 200 tickets.

Sept. 29, Rain Harvest Festival 2024 is being presented on Sun., Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Pavilion, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence.  Music, Environmental activities, Green Infrastructure Walks, Mural Unveiling, Free Food, Volunteer Cleanups, Games, Vendors, Arts & Crafts and More!  Free community event.

 Oct. 6, Character Con is scheduled for Sat., Oct 6, from 1 to 4 p.m., Mulligan’s Island, 1000 New London Ave., Cranston. For more information: rinightmarket.com.

October 25, Cranston Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2024, Fri. Oct. 25, 5 p.m., cocktails and appetizers at the Alpine Country Club, 251 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. Tickets are $55 per person. Deadline to purchase is October 18, 2024.  Any questions, please contact Hall of Fame President, csoccio@cox.net.  Go to eventbrite.com  and search Cranston Hall of Fame.

October 26, Trunk or Treat hosted by the Cranston YMCA with many other Halloween activities on Sat., Oct. 26, at the Cranston YMCA, 1225 Park Ave., Cranston, from 3 to 7 p.m.  Candy donations are welcome. Registration is required, please call: 401-943-0444 or contact gfiguerreo@gpymca.org. This event is free and open to the public.

Nov. 2, Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame Inductions & A Salute to Sinatra, The Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame (RIIAHF 501©(3) is proud to announce RIIAHF Honors & A Salute to Sinatra presented by Providence Auto Body on Sat., Nov. 2, at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1 Ave. of the Arts,  Providence. The Hall of Fame will physician and author Dr. Edward Iannuccilli and former New England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi. Brian Duprey will perform a Salute to Sinatra concert accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra Proceeds from this RIIAHF fundraiser benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. A minimum of ten exceptional college bound Rhode Island students from all ethnic backgrounds will be recognized and receive scholarship awards totaling at least $30,000 as each student will receive  a $3,000 scholarship. This event will be cohosted by NBC 10’s Gene Valicenti and former NBC 10 sportscaster and RIIAHF President, Joe Rocco. For time and ticket information: thevetsri.com or 401-421-2787.

Dec. 15, AARP Chapter 2210 Portland Symphony’s "The Magic of Christmas" Trip on Dec. 15. The trip includes lunch at Boon's Restaurant, orchestra seat at Portland Symphony's "The Magic of Christmas" & motorcoach transportation. Cost is $185/person. Call Maureen, 401-828-5188 or Anne, 401-263-4274 for reservations or for more information.

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 through Friday, Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Groups are specifically designed for people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Mon., 3:30 to 5 p. m.; Tues., 3 to 4:30 p. m.; Wed., 5 to 6:30 p. m.; Thurs. and Fri., 10 to 11:30 a. m. Information and registration, call 401-415-4664; or email to: info@HopeDementia.org. Follow us on Facebook @HopeHealth.

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 First and Third Monday Rhode Island Active Toastmasters meets, serving both Rhode Island and Southern MA. Rhode Island Active Toastmasters holds its meetings at New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich, in Rm N214 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact us Rhode Island Active Toastmasters.  All are welcome!

 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.

Every Saturday, Pawtuxet Village Farmer’s Market, thru Sat., Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston.

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.