Keeping You Up To Date with Charlestown News and Events
Town Charter Amendments – Which Should You Approve Or Reject?
Please Reject Charter Question 7
Please Consider Approval of Charter Questions 8, 9, and 10
Read the post for full explanations of all the Charter Questions.
State Question 5 – Green Bond
Despite the apparent opposition to expanded land conservation in Charlestown from one or more of the current Town Council members, passage of “State Question 5” would provide the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) with funds to do their own land acquisition through the State Land Acquisition Program. As DEM says in promoting the bond, “protecting open space preserves our natural environment, expands recreational opportunities, and is key to building a vibrant economy and quality of place.”
Introducing Coleen Galvin Yaroshenko, Planning Commission Candidate
Coleen is a small business owner, professional comedian, motivational speaker and former special education teacher who is committed to preserving Charlestown’s natural resources, history and character. She believes that it is possible to focus on preservation and work with all parties to find solutions that will best serve our community as a whole as we grow. Coleen contends that even though she has traveled all over the world, Charlestown is truly the most wonderful place she has ever been.
Putting Bonnie Van Slyke Center Stage
Bonnie serves on the Town Council, having been elected five times. She served previously as treasurer and a director of the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center for 7 years and has a BA in Economics. She has devoted years working to protect the environment and our precious natural resources and believes growth must be carefully planned, sustainable, and consistent with our rural character and heritage, and for that to happen, the State needs to return control of land-use decisions to the town and recognize the value of our irreplaceable resources.
October On Two Wheels – Community Bike Ride
When: Sunday, October 11 at 11:00 am sharp. There is no rain date!!
Where: Meet up near the soccer fields and tennis courts at Ninigret Park
Who: Sponsored by Charlestown’s Block Island Sound Bikeway Committee
To celebrate October, Charlestown’s Block Island Sound Bikeway Committee invites interested cyclists to join them for a ride.
How to Vote By Mail In The November 3 Election
The deadline to apply for a mail ballot for the November 3 general election is October 13. If you think an out-of-town trip, bad weather, or any other reason may stop you from voting in the 2026 general election, consider ordering a mail ballot. Or if you simply enjoy the convenience of voting by mail, the reason “I choose to vote by mail” is an allowed reason to request a mail ballot.
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 collected them in one place on 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: Quonochontaug Grange, 5662 Post 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
