Weekend Spotlight

Aug. 17, National Night is scheduled on Sat., Aug. 17, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Rocky Point Park, 1 Rocky Point Ave., Warwick. Warwick Police has partnered Parks & Recreation, and Travel & Tourism Departments as well as Ocean State foods trucks to help make this an EPIC EVENT!! And of course, the night will end with a fireworks display.

…

Aug. 17 & 18, Nineteenth Century Baseball in Warwick will be presented by The Providence Grays on Sat., Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Goddard Park, 1095 Ives Rd., Warwick and on Sun., Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Rocky Point Park, 1 Rocky Point Ave., Warwick.  The 2024 Rocky Point Historic Baseball Festival in Warwick celebrates eight historic ball clubs from six different states playing games at the two venues and following rules from the 1860’s and 1880’s with action throughout both days. Admission is free and all are welcome. Bring a basket of food, chairs, and blankets, and join us for a glorious weekend celebrating the history of our National Pastime. The Rhode Island Historical Society will join the Grays on Sunday at Rocky Point to enjoy a mid-summer celebration of history and sportsmanship. Be sure to stop by the RIHS table for more historic games and information about Rhode Island’s place in baseball history. 

Aug. 15, Notable Works Fundraiser is being offered on Thurs., Aug. 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse, 1200 Quaker Lane, East Greenwich.  Support Notable Works as The Texas Road House will donate 10% of your total food purchase to the organization on that day, during those hours.

Aug. 17, Victory Day 24^th Anniversary Celebration will be presented by The Graniteville WWII Veterans Memorial Foundation on Sat., Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. with the placement of the wreath and flowers at the Graniteville war monuments site located on Putnam Avenue, Johnston (corner of Mathewson Street and Putnam Ave. next to the fire station).  After placement of the wreath and flowers, there will be a procession to the Johnston Historical Society Museum to continue the event followed by light refreshments. For more information, call Laura at 401-658-2234.

Aug. 17, Moosup Valley Music Series is being held on Sat., Aug. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moosup

Valley Church, 81 Moosup Valley Rd., Foster. Rain or shine. Bring chairs, and a picnic supper. Featured performers: local musicians, Jim Van Gieson on guitar, and Mary King & Ed Sweeney on the dulcimer, banjo, harp, and more. For more info: Laurie 401-623-0320.

 Aug. 17, The Chosen Series Trivia Game is scheduled for Sat. Aug. 17, at 12 noon, at the Pontiac Free Library,  101 Greenwich Ave, Warwick. Registration requested. For information, please contact: 401-737-3292 or info@pontiacfreelibrary.org.

Aug. 17, Riverview Improvement Association (RIVA) Annual Block Party is scheduled for Sat., Aug. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m., 32 Mill Cove Road, Warwick. Featuring a big summer picnic and activities for kids of all ages. For more information and future events, please visit: https://myrvia.org. Open to Riverview residents only.

Aug.17, Drive-Thru Food Pantry will be held on Sat., Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Spring Green Memorial Church, 1350 Warwick Ave, Warwick.  Grocery bags of food will be distributed in the parking lot in the back of the church.  If you have any questions, please email the church at springgreenchurch@yahoo.com or call the office at 401-463-8328.

Aug.19, Eckankar Center of Rhode Island Free Event  will be held on Aug.19, at 6 p.m., at the Eckankar Center, 2914 Post Road, Warwick.  Sound of Soul  "Sacred Light and Sound" How to Make Contact with Divine Spirit. How to fulfill your spiritual potential. Find your own proof the easy way! 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. You’re invited to experience chanting HU, contemplative time, and spiritual conversation with others of like heart. For more information: 401-738-4727.

Aug. 22, Swiftie Soiree at Harbor Lights is scheduled for Thurs., Aug. 22, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Harbor Lights, 150 Gray St., Warwick. Attendees can get ready to craft their wildest dreams while bracelet making, dance like they're fearless, watch the Eras Tour film and compete in a contest for the most stylishly swift Taylor-inspired outfit! The ‘Enchanted’ night will feature Taylor’s favorite foods, from chicken fingers and loaded fries to sweet potato tots, sliders and tacos. For more information: Harbor Lights main office: (401) 737-6353 or harborlights@oasisexperiences.com.

 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. 

Aug. 24, Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - 100^th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Sat., Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company, 45 Kernick Street, Warwick.  Rain or Shine.  Food, beverages, museum, antique trucks and distinguished guests.

Aug. 24, The RI Wild Plant Society will hold a Native Plant Sale on Sat., Aug. 24, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Pawtuxet Farmers' Market, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. The sale will be held rain or shine. Native  wildflowers, shrubs and grasses, which support local pollinators and birds, will be available, along with knowledgeable gardeners to answer all your questions. Bring your wagons.

Aug. 25, The Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. Johns will present a program of four chamber ensembles featuring members of the COBSJ playing a wide range of music on Sun. Aug. 25, at 3 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington. Please consider bringing a canned food item for St. John’s Outreach Program. Free admission, attendees are encouraged to donate what you can. For more information, please contact: Linda Diebold, lbdiebold20@gmail.com or 401-439-9788.

Aug. 28, RI Chapter 225 of Trout Unlimited will have their membership meeting, and a cookout on Wed., August 28, at the check station on Rte165, Exeter, at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Please send an e-mail to Glen Place at: tu225president@gmail.com, if attending.

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. 8, Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company #1 2024 Barbecue Fundraiser will be held on Sun., Sept. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the East Greenwich Fireman s Club, 80 Queen St., East Greenwich. $25 per ticket (kids half price’) Enjoy great food, music, raffles, door prizes and more.  Barbecue provided by Texas Roadhouse. For tickets email greenwoodvfc1@gmail.com

Sept. 11, Beginner Line Dance Lessons will be held on Wed., Sept. 11, from 7 to 9, at Tri-City Elks Lodge, 1915 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. $10 pp. Learn all the steps needed to confidently take your first group line dance class. This workshop is for NEW line dancers only. By the end of the class, attendees will have learned 3-line dances.

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, Annual Conimicut Village-Wide Yard Sale is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 14 (Rain date: Sept. 15), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Set up at your home and keep your profits.  CVA advertises and publishes a map.  Call 401-524-8404 or email comimicutvillage@aol.com to get your home on the map. Provide name, address, phone number and indicate if you are also available for the rain date.  Last day to register for map listing is Tues., Sept. 10.  

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 www.namirhodeisland.org.

Sept. 21, Concert in the Valley will be held on Sat., Sept. 21, from noon - 5 p.m. at the Moosup Valley Church, 81 Moosup Valley Rd., Foster. Concert featured performers: Earl Faria, Allison Rose, Lisa Couto, Jesse Liam, & Atwater/Donnelly. "Suggested donation" $20 includes food, music, silent auction, vendors, and more. For more info: Laurie 401-623-0320. Rain date: Sept. 28.

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 www.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 9., Beginner Line Dance Lessons will be held on Wed., Oct. 9, from 7 to 9, at Tri-City Elks Lodge, 1915 W. Shore Rd., Warwick. $10 pp. Learn all the steps needed to confidently take your first group line dance class. This workshop is for NEW line dancers only. By the end of the class, attendees will have learned 3-line dances.

Oct. 19, 4th Annual No More Hunger Walk will be held on Sat., Oct. 19, to raise fund for local food pantries.  Over $30,000 has been raised in the past three 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.  Many local groups and churches will be participating.   Any interested churches, organizations, and individuals are invited and encouraged to join in.   Save the date. Call 401-737-8232 or e-mail  WoodburyChurchRI@gmail.com for details.

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.

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 – 7, 2025, AARP CHAPTER 2210 ATLANTIC CITY TRIP has planned a trip to Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City from January 5-7. 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 828-5188 or Anne at 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 – 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 Monday, Tri-City Elks Lodge #14 Country Line Dance Lessons, from 6 to 8 p.m., 1915 W. Shore Rd, Warwick. Instructor Melissa Caldarone from Get in Line RI, teaching beginner dances. $10 per class. Come in and enjoy the fun!

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 First and Third Tuesday Ocean State Toastmasters Club meets, serving both Rhode Island and Southern MA. Ocean State Toastmasters Club holds its meetings at 641 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact: Arturo at 401-999-2393. All are welcome.

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 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 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 Tri-City Elks Lodge #14 Collectible Car Show, May thru Sept., at 5 p.m., 1915 West Shore Rd., Warwick. Bring your auto and show it off or just come and enjoy the night. The Tiki bar will be open, there will be music and also food will be available to purchase.

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, 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 to 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 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.

Pilgrim High School Class of 1975 50^th Reunion, “Time in a Bottle,” is currently being planned. Organizers need to find contact information for classmates as well as information regarding those who have passed.  Organizers are looking for email address, cell phone numbers, home phones and mailing addresses. If you are not a PHS 1975 graduate, but have a family member or friend who is/was, please contact: Dean Plowman dean695@gmail.com.  The date, time and venue for the reunion has not yet been determined but will be forthcoming.

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.

Submit your news for 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.