Keeping You Up To Date with Charlestown News and Events
Over-Development And Loss Of Local Control
Many Rhode Island towns are asking that the state return control over land use, zoning, and planning to the municipalities. That alone won’t guarantee protection of our groundwater, but without local control, our clean drinking water and other natural resources will continue to be threatened by high-density development. Over the years, and especially since 2023, we have published many articles related to these topics. We have now made them easily available in one place at our website.
Introducing Gordon Willcox, Planning Commission Candidate
Gordon is a retired pharmaceutical executive who believes strongly in local control of planning and zoning, and believes the town should do all it can to educate the legislature and governor about the importance of protecting Charlestown’s irreplaceable natural resources. Gordon’s impressive history of leadership, his education in science, his experience as a member of a zoning board, and his commitment to Charlestown’s natural resources will make him an excellent member of the Charlestown Planning Commission.
Charlestown Land Trust Annual S’mores Social
When: Saturday, October 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Mill Pond Preserve, 4962 South County Trail in Charlestown (across from East Charles St. on South County Trail)
RSVP: Please register for this event
The Charlestown Land Trust invites you to join them at Mill Pond Preserve for their annual S’mores Social. Enjoy a marshmallow roast with good company and conversation!
Charlestown Land Trust Annual Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30 pm
Where: Kettle Pond Visitor Center, 50 Bend Road in Charlestown
What: Charlestown Land Trust Members’ Annual Meeting with keynote speaker Sara Michaud from the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association
Who: This meeting is free and open to everyone
Brad Sherman Of Charlestown Wins Another 1st Place In National Wildlife Refuges Photo Contest
Contestants were asked to submit photos taken on one of the five National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island. All the entered photos will be on exhibit at Sachuest Point Visitors Center in Middletown from Saturday, September 19 to October 3 and then displayed at Kettle Pond Visitors Center in Charlestown from October 4 to October 19.
HOPArts Studio Trail – 2026
When: October 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Over 30 art workshops and exhibits in multiple locations in Hopkinton, Richmond and surrounding areas
What: Visit local artists and artisans in their studios and workshops and view their amazing work
Cost: Free
Spotlight On David Wilkinson, Town Moderator Candidate
David has a BS in Business Administration and has been a founder and executive officer of national supply chain management corporations. He was elected Town Moderator in 2024 where he has facilitated respectful, thoughtful dialogue at each meeting he has chaired. His background, character, education and experience have made him an excellent Town Moderator. The Budget Public Hearings need David’s ability to chair complex meetings, his skills to assure the debate is open, and his broad knowledge of the major underlying issues.
League Of Women Voters To Host Candidate Events
Charlestown Town Council Candidate Forum
When: Tuesday, October 6, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)
Where: Cross Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Rd., Charlestown
Chariho School Committee Event
When: Saturday, October 3, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Chariho High School Cafeteria, 453 Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI
Slides From Kickoff Of Regional Groundwater Resilience Assessment
The goals identified at the September 10 meeting were:
- Build a shared, evidence-based picture of aquifer stress across our communities — grounded in science and in your own experience.
- Hear from communities and institutions across the region about what they’re seeing and what questions they can’t yet answer.
- Collectively name the problem and build the foundation for a formal regional assessment.
- Understand what comes next and how you can stay involved.
Wear Daylight Fluorescent Orange For Safety Reasons Starting September 12
What: Be Safe! Be sure to wear at least 200 square inches of florescent orange (usually a hat and or a vest) when hiking on state, federal, or other public and private open space.
When: September 12, 2026– February 28, 2027 for deer, and until May 31 for other game
