Community Bulletin Board
Guidelines for Posting to the Community Bulletin Board
Announcements posted here should be of interest to Citizens of Charlestown and should not be overly commercial in nature. The moderator reserves the right to decide which announcements will be posted. To post a message to the Community Bulletin Board, send an email with the intended text of the posting to mail@CharlestownCitizens.org and use “bulletin board” in the subject line.
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Friday, May 18, 8:30 pm
Frosty Drew Nature Center & ObservatoryStargazing through Telescopes
62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park
Every Friday (Year-Round)
Frosty Drew Observatory is open at sunset for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre
They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk.
"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."
Saturday, May 19, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Chariho Girls Softball LeagueAll You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Applebee's in Westerly
Chariho Girls Softball League is sponsoring an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's in Westerly on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Bring the whole family! $6.00 per person.
50% of the proceeds go directly to Chariho Girls Softball League!
Tickets available at the Snack Shack - Richmond Elementary School Field or visit our webpage: http://www.charihogirlssoftball.com
Monday, May 21, 7:00 pm
Cross Mills LibraryGarden Tour Lecture Series Featuring: Container Gardening
Sherry Drude will demonstrate how to create a container garden. Question and answer period will follow.
Refreshments served and a Garden Tour ticket will be raffled. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 pm
Cross Mills LibraryBoating Safety Class
The Point Judith Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will present a course on legal requirements, navigation rules, boat handling, trailering and aids to navigation. Materials fee: $40, $11 for additional person sharing a text. Children under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by calling 364-6211. For more information email David Nelson at watchaug@cox.net.
Thursday, May 24, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceTea Travels
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
Join us for morning “tea and biscuits” as we travel the globe with the popular PBS film series “Globe Trekkers”. Learn about the different cultures, food, and wildlife species of Africa, China, Mexico , Russia and Latin America. Did you know that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service works around the globe through the “Wildlife Without Borders” program? Come find out about this international conservation partnership.
USFWS Staff
Thursday, May 24, 6:30 pm
Cross Mills LibraryOpen Mic Night
Come and sing a song, recite a poem, play an instrument and be part of the audience. Snacks will be served. If you plan to perform or have any questions please call 364-6211 or send an email to Nomi@crossmills.org.
Friday, May 25, 7:00 pm
Frosty Drew Nature Center & ObservatoryThe Transit of Venus
Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory, 62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park, Charlestown
Get ready to Observe a Last-in-a-Lifetime Event, a Transit of the Planet Venus Friday, May 25th, at 7:00 P.M. at Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory
On June 5th, 2012, the planet Venus will do something it will not do again for over a century: Pass directly across the face of the Sun. This phenomenon occurs only four times every 243 years, so this is a sight that you might want to mark on your calendars.
Previous transits of Venus were very important in learning the size of the solar system. For centuries, there were no other means of determining the yardstick for measuring the distance between the Earth and the Sun – the astronomical unit. It was known that all the planets were proportion in distance to their motion around the Sun, but to actually measure that distance was very difficult. It was Edmund Halley, of comet fame, who realized the mathematical significance of a planet passing directly across the Sun, and the information that could impart.
On Friday, May 25th, Astronomer Francine Jackson will introduce you to Venus transits, and lead you through the centuries of discovery and observation. She will tell you of many explorers, some of whom risked their lives trying observe this unique phenomenon in order to learn one of the most important measurements in science: The size of our solar system.
Francine Jackson is Director of the Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown, RI. She also is on the staff of Brown University’s Ladd Observatory, a Lecturer at Framingham State University, and performs programs at the University of Rhode Island Planetarium. She has studied the historical aspect of transits of Venus for over thirty years.
Please note that the viewing of the Transit of Venus will be held at 4 p.m. on June 5, 2015, in Ninigret Park. There will be activities and food will be available.
Friday, May 25, 8:30 pm
Frosty Drew Nature Center & ObservatorySee the stars and distant galaxies
62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park
Every Friday (Year-Round)
Frosty Drew Observatory is open at sunset for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre
They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk.
"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."
Saturday, May 26, 10:00 am
Cross Mills LibraryMemorial Day Crafts for All Ages
Drop-in and make Memorial Day crafts with Ms. Kerry. No registration required. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 30, 7:00 pm
Cross Mills LibraryBoating Safety Class
The Point Judith Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will present a course on legal requirements, navigation rules, boat handling, trailering and aids to navigation. Materials fee: $40, $11 for additional person sharing a text. Children under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by calling 364-6211. For more information email David Nelson at watchaug@cox.net.
Friday, June 1, 8:30 pm
Frosty Drew Nature Center & ObservatorySee the stars and distant galaxies
62 Park Lane, Ninigret Park
Every Friday (Year-Round)
Frosty Drew Observatory is open for stargazing through 16″ and 10″ telescopes. When skies are overcast, there is a program in Sky Theatre
They open their dome and telescopes to the public free of charge shortly after dusk in the summer or at 6 p.m. in the winter.
"See the stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet through our big telescope every clear Friday night. We open as soon after dusk as possible allowing for the season. We usually remain open till everybody leaves or the astronomers have geeked out enough to call it a night."
Saturday, June 2, 9:00 am
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed AssociationIntroduction to Kayaking
This 6 hour ACA Certified course for beginning kayakers is all about safety on the water, improving paddling skills, and practicing rescue tecniques. Participants will come away from the course with the confidence to explore guiet waters in the watershed. Course is limited to 6. Fee includes kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather and water shoes. Expect to get in the water at some point. Bring sun protection, lunch and water.
WPWA Member Price: $35.00/person (adult and initial child) Each Additional Child: $0.00
Non-Member Price: $45.00/person (adult and initial child) Additional children are free
For More Information Contact: Denise Poyer: denisep@wpwa.org, 401-539-9017
Wednesday, June 6, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Wet, Salty, Slippery, and Sometimes Squirmy
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Wet, Salty, Slippery, and Sometimes Squirmy,” with Jill Johnen, a marine biologist and marine educator with a special talent for talking with kids. Back by popular demand, her hands-on presentation will introduce us to some of the plants and animals we can find along our shorelines.
Saturday, June 9, 9:00 am
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed AssociationUPPER WOOD RIVER PADDLE
DEM Deer Check Station off Rt. 165 in Exeter
The Upper Wood River has the classic scenery of a pristine, free flowing river. From the put-in at the DEM Deer Check Station off Rt. 165 in Exeter the river flows for 4 miles through the Arcadia Management Area to the WPWA Campus. We should see flowering spring plants, numerous song birds and ducks, and maybe some aquatic mammals along this strecth. After lunch at the Campus we will portage around the Barberville Dam and finish the paddle with about 3 miles through a rural landscape. Take out is at Wyoming Pond. Class I rapids, twist and turns of the river, and the many trees in the water make this a challenging strecth and not suitable for beginners.
Paddlers must wear appropriate life jackets - no self inflatables. Bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Limited number of single person 9-foot kayaks are available for a $10 donation.
WPWA Member Price: $15.00/person (adult and initial child) Each Additional Child: $0.00
Non-Member Price: $20.00/person (adult and initial child) Additional children are free
Kayaks: A limited number of single person 9 foot kayaks are available for this event at a price of $10 for WPWA members or $20 for non-members. Boats may be reserved when you register for the event.
For More Information Contact: Denise Poyer: denisep@wpwa.org, 401-539-9017
Wednesday, June 13, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – An Evening with the Wood Warblers
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“An Evening with the Wood Warblers,” with Brooks Mathewson, ecologist and accomplished nature photographer. These colorful “butterflies of the bird world” return to Rhode Island each spring from wintering habitat as far away as South America, some nesting here but others just pausing briefly to refuel.
Wednesday, June 20, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Bats!
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Bats!,” with Dr. Peter August, a professor in the URI Dept. of Natural Resources Science. He will tell us everything we ever wanted to know about these mysterious creatures of the night, including the latest updates on the impacts of white-nose syndrome.
Saturday, June 23, 9:00 am
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed AssociationLower Wood River Paddle
Put in behiind the Dow baseball field in Hope Valley
The lower Wood River still has plenty of scenery to offer, with lots of Mountain Laurel in bloom and an uncountable number of painted turtles. This 9 mile section includes three portages, and takes us past sites of several historic mills. Put in behind the Dow baseball field in Hope Valley. Take out at the Alton Dam.
This section would be suitable for beginners who are up to doing the portages.
Paddlers must wear appropriate life jackets - no self inflatables. Bring lunch, water, and sun protection.
Limited number of single person 9-foot kayaks available for a $10 donation.
WPWA Member Price: $15.00/person (adult and initial child) Each Additional Child: $0.00
Non-Member Price: $20.00/person (adult and initial child) Additional children are free
Kayaks: A limited number of single person 9 foot kayaks are available for this event at a price of $10 for WPWA members or $20 for non-members. Boats may be reserved when you register for the event.
For More Information Contact: Denise Poyer: denisep@wpwa.org, 401-539-9017
Wednesday, June 27, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Wildlife of South Africa
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Wildlife of South Africa,” with Dr. Bob Kenney, URI Graduate School of Oceanography. Bob will share a small sample of his photos from a month of travels in South Africa in the fall of 2007. His presentation will concentrate on the big mammals, but also include a few birds, other animals, and wildflowers.
Wednesday, July 11, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Rhode Island’s Butterflies
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Rhode Island’s Butterflies,” with Eugenia Marks from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and local coordinator of the Rhode Island Butterfly Survey. Butterflies are like living, flying jewels with their brilliantly colored wings. She will be introducing us to the diversity of butterflies we might see in our state.
Monday, July 16, 9:00 am
Frosty Drew Nature Center & ObservatoryNature Weeks summer programs
Ninigret Park
Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory is accepting enrollment in its Nature Weeks summer programs in Ninigret Park, Charlestown.
Adventurer Nature Weeks for Ages 6-10
Weeks 7/16-7/20; 7/23-7/27; 7/30-8/3; 8/6-8/10; 8/13-8/17; 8/20-8/24
Kidde Nature Weeks for Ages 4-6
Weeks: 7/9-7/13; 8/27-8/31
During a Nature Week, you child will explore the shore of Ninigret Pond and investigate the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and Ninigret Park. Every day your child will learn about the natural world while having fun. The teaching ratio is 1:6 and "Hands On, Minds On" education is what Frosty Drew's Nature Weeks are about. Frosty Drew Nature Center has been a source of creative educational programming since 1983. Our staff is experienced and dedicated to teaching children.
If you would like more information about Nature Weeks, contact us at naturalist@frostydrew.org, call (401)364-9508 or download and review an application.
Nature Weeks Application
Wednesday, July 18, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Meet the Reptiles
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Meet the Reptiles,” with Lou Perrotti, Director of Conservation Programs at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Lou will introduce us to the diversity of reptiles, and bring along some live examples to share with the kids—which might include snakes, lizards, an alligator, and a large alligator snapping turtle.
Wednesday, July 25, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Dolphins of Southern New England
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Dolphins of Southern New England,” with Dr. Bob Kenney, a marine mammal biologist from the URI Graduate School of Oceanography. Did you realize that at least a dozen species of dolphins can be encountered in Rhode Island’s coastal or offshore waters? This presentation will introduce all the species and their natural history.
Wednesday, August 1, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Cape Cod Dolphin Strandings
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Cape Cod Dolphin Strandings,” with C.T. Harry, assistant stranding coordinator with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Dolphins have been stranding on Cape Cod’s beaches, mud flats, and marshes for centuries, but last winter saw record numbers. C.T. will talk about stranding response, rescues, necropsies, and follow-up research.
Wednesday, August 8, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation in Rhode Island
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“An Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation in Rhode Island,” with Dr. Chi Chan, a veterinarian and Vice President of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of R.I. She will talk about what wildlife rehabilitation is (and isn’t), share a few interesting cases, and discuss how to become a wildlife rehabilitator.
Wednesday, August 15, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Terrestrial Salamanders: Wolves of the Forest Floor
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Terrestrial Salamanders: Wolves of the Forest Floor,” with Brooks Mathewson. Brooks is best known for his bird photography, but his graduate thesis research was on salamanders. Most people do not realize that our tiny red-backed salamander is a major predator in New England forests.
Wednesday, August 22, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – Owls of Rhode Island
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“Owls of Rhode Island,” with Dr. Bob Kenney, a volunteer naturalist with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Kimball Wildlife Refuge for more than 25 years. Eleven different species of owls live in or visit Rhode Island; this presentation will include pictures and sounds of all of them.
Wednesday, August 29, 7:00 pm
Public Programs by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWildlife Wednesday – A Visit to Yellowstone in Winter
Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown
“A Visit to Yellowstone in Winter,” with Dr. Gerald Krausse, a professor emeritus from the URI Dept. of Marine Affairs and a consummate videographer and photographer. Gerry spent two weeks in January observing Yellowstone Park’s wildlife, and he will share his observations with slides and a short video.
Thursday, September 6, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island12th Annual Amateur Photography Competition
Kettle Pond Visitors Center, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI
The Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island have announced their 12th Annual Amateur Photo Competition to highlight the beauty of the five refuges that comprise the state’s National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Photos and a $10 entry fee per photo must be received by September 6, 2012. There is a maximum limit of four (4) photos per contestant. Checks should be made payable to the Friends of NWR-RI. Contestants can deliver their photos between 10:00AM and 4:00PM to the Friends of the NWR-RI office at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Kettle Pond Visitors Center, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI, or to the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center in Middletown, RI. Photos may also be mailed to the Friends of the NWR-RI, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813.
Full details at http://charlestowncitizens.org/cca/2012/04/29/friends-of-the-national-willdife-refuges-of-ri-photo-competition/
Sunday, November 18, 9:30 am
Westerly Track & Athletic Club20th Annual Li’l Rhody Runaround
Burlingame State Park, Sanctuary Road, Charlestown
Time: 11am; Registration begins at 9:30am
Location: Burlingame State Park, Sanctuary Road, Charlestown, RI (off Prosser Trail off Route 1 South, see directions on web site)
Course: Come enjoy a fast, flat trail run in one of Rhode Island's most beautiful state parks. The Lil' Rhody is a 8 mile loop starting at Prosser Beach at the Burlingame picnic area which follows the Yellow Dot Trail around Watchaug Pond. It covers 5.8 miles of trail through rocks, pine forest, mud and streams, along with 2.1 miles of tarmac. Water stop halfway.
Notice: Though every effort has been made to ensure the safety of all entrants, the majority of this race is on a trail filled with natural obstacles which can cause twisted ankles and other injuries to those not used to racing on uneven terrain.
Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange as it is hunting season. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.
Refreshments: Hot soup and refreshments to all participants. Served in picnic shelter after race
Timing: Provided by SNERRO
Cost: $20 pre-registration, up to November 10th
$25 post-registration, up to day of race
$2 discount to all pre-registered WTAC members
Additional Info: Web: http://westerlytrackclub.org
E-mail: info@westerlytrackclub.org
