Steve Stycos update:

MAUREEN’S BACK

This week’s Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market will include a cooking demonstration and a visit from Congressman Jim Langevin.
Congressman Langevin will visit the market at 10:00 AM. He will stay about 45 minutes to speak with people individually or in small groups. Meanwhile, Edgewood’s Maureen Morgan, former owner of Morgan’s Fancy, will be doing a cooking demonstration with free samples.
Next week, June 12, the market will be held in the parking lot of William Hall Library. This will only be for June 12 because Gaspee Days makes it impossible to use the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet site.

UNUSUAL HIKE

A little known pond full of spadderdock, Cranston’s finest graffiti, signs of the flood and a chance to smash invasive species will all be part of an unusual hike along the Pawtuxet River Saturday morning June 5. The walk will start at 9:30 AM at the corner of Park View Boulevard and Weingrof Boulevard in Cranston (meet at the railroad tracks). The one mile walk will end at the farmers market and rides back will be available. This is a good walk for kids. Long pants are recommended. For more information call Steve Stycos at 461-2618. Those needing a return ride should leave a message so we will know if a second car will be needed.

CRANSTON’S LATEST LAND DEAL

The Cranston City Council sent a revised Comprehensive Plan back to the Ordinance Committee for reconsideration after objections to a zone change were raised by the West Bay Land Trust, Cranston Save Open Space and others. The move was a temporary victory for the West Bay Land Trust, Save Cranston’s Open Space and all environmentally concerned citizens.
The Ordinance Committee, which previously voted unanimously to approve the zone change, will reconsider the move at its Thursday June 17 meeting at 7 PM in City Council chambers. This change alters zoning for property along Pippin Orchard Road from two acre lots to half acre lots, quadrupling the development potential. The Cranston Planning Department estimates that if approved, the plan will cost taxpayers up to $3.1 million more in services (schools, police, roads, etc) than it would produce in tax revenue. Mayor Fung opposes the change which was prompted by developer Albert Scaralia, Ward 2 Councilman Emilio Navarro and City Council President John Lanni. The issue is not settled, however. Please contact your city councilman and/or the three at large council members before the meeting and attend the meeting.

POND PROCESSION

An Urban Pond Procession will be held June 12 to highlight environmental issues at Mashpaug Pond and the ponds in Roger Williams Park. The walk will start at the Mashpaug boat house (off Reservoir Avenue behind Ocean State Job Lot) at 10 AM, pass the Liberty Elm Diner at 11 AM and end at the Temple To Music in Roger Williams Park for free music and good at 11:45AM. The Big Nazo Puppets, Community Music Works, the Extraordinary Rendition Band and the New England Drummers will all perform at the temple. The event is being organized by Pawtuxet’s Holly Ewald. For more information: ejlri.worldpress.com.

JUNE EVENTS AT HALL LIBRARY

June 16th, 6:30 PM: The Hall Library Book Group will be discussing the seminal work by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. Please call or email to register for this free program.

June 16th, 6:30 PM: Rhode Island Civil War Round Table.

June 21st, 6 PM: Green Your Home with Sam Brusco. Save money by making your home more energy efficient and earth friendly. Call Sam at 632-0765 to reserve your space for this free program.

June 22nd, 6:30 PM: 2010 Summer Reading Kickoff program. Children can start their Summer Reading Game at the free kickoff program.

June 28th, 6 PM: Rhode Island Housing program for first time home buyers.

See you Saturday at the market.