Join the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, on Thursday, October 2, from 6–7 PM to hear Ed Collins of American Senior Benefits explain the Medicare enrollment process, eligibility, what Original/Traditional Medicare does not cover, how to avoid lifetime penalties, and related assistance programs. Medicare enrollment for 2026 starts on October 15 — get your Medicare questions answered now! Registration not required. For questions, call 401-822-9104.
PASTA & HOMEMADE MEATBALL DINNER
The Coventry-West Greenwich Elks will hold a pasta and homemade meatball dinner on Sunday, October 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich. Music and raffles! $25pp. Children under 10-years of age $10. Please make reservations BEFORE October 1. Call: Lori Enos for more information/donations: 401-250-6082 (before 4 p.m.) – 401-397-3700 (after 4 p.m.) All proceeds to benefit Kevin Woodruff and employees of Simpson’s Auto Care after the devasting fire on July 21, 2025.
ARTS & CRAFTS, BAKE SALE & RAFFLES
The Coventry Housing North Road Terrace Tenants Association (NRT) holding their Arts & Crafts, Bake Sale and Raffles event on Saturday, October 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NRT, 30 Mulhearn Drive, Coventry. This event is open to the public. NRT is also looking for vendors. Vendor tables are $25.00 each. NRT is requesting that each vendor donate one item for the raffles. Deadline for table reservations is Tuesday, October 7. To reserve a table, please makes checks payable to NRT or North Road Terrace. Mail checks to: Geraldine Lane, Treasurer, 8108 Mulhearn Drive, Coventry, RI 02816. For more detailed information contact: Colleen 401-996-0191.
FIBER ARTS CLUB – NEW!
Bring your own knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other fiber art project and join our new Fiber Arts Club on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, starting in October! All levels are welcome. This will be a space and time for people to bring and work on their own projects, in the company of others. No instruction will be given. Registration is required. Please call the library’s Circulation Desk at 401-822-6200 or stop by the library to register or for more information.
CELEBRATE NEW LIBRARY CARD MONTH –WIN A GIFT CARD!
Sign up for a new library card—or renew an expired one—at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry, anytime in September and you’ll be entered into a raffle! Adults can win a $25 Ocean State Job Lot gift card, a library tote bag, and a Sweenor’s chocolate bar. One teen winner will receive a $25 Dunkin’ gift card, and one child will win an adorable stuffed animal. Don’t miss your chance—stop by this month and get your library card!
WEST WARWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS MENTORS NEEDED
West Warwick Public Schools is in need of in-person volunteer mentors for students in Grades K–12. The time commitment is 1 hour per week. Anybody who is interested in volunteering can call or email me, Dana Papitto, Mentor Coordinator, at: (401) 825-6530 or dpapitto@ww-ps.com
COVENTRY RESOURCE & SENIOR CENTER OFFERS FREE NOTARY SERVICE
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, offers free Notary Services to Coventry residents. Please call 822-9175 to ensure a Notary is available for you.
Support Your Neighborhood Businesses!
TOPS MEETING
TOPS CHAPTER #38 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets Thursday mornings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Pierce Street in East Greenwich (lower level). Weigh-in begins at 9:30AM, the meeting is from 10–11AM. Enter from the side parking lot, go down stairs to the kitchen area. All are welcome, as well as donations of canned goods. For more information, call Angela Henderson at 401-225-6174.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WEST WARWICK HEAVENLY HEART FOOD PANTRY
First Baptist Church of West Warwick, 1613 Main Street, has their Heavenly Heart Food Pantry open to all from 11AM–1PM on the 1st Saturday of every month.
AARP CHAPTER 2210 ATLANTIC CITY RESORTS TRIP
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip to Resorts Atlantic City, Sun-Tues, January 4–6, 2026. Enjoy Resorts vibrant casino and diverse dining options. Bonus Package includes $20 slot play and 2 Meal Credits (up to $20 value each) per person (must be 21 or older). Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick-up at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. $399/person with Single Occupancy, $299/person with Double Occupancy, $289/per person with Triple Occupancy. Final payment due: Tuesday, November 13. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER WEDNESDAY BINGO
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, will once again hold Bingo on Wednesdays from 1:30-4PM. The cost is $6 for 8 games. Please note that prizes have gone up as well as adding an additional Special & Quickie. You must be 18 years or older to play.
FREE NOTARY SERVICE AT COVENTRY LIBRARY
Free notary services are available at the Coventry Public Library. Proper governmental identification with a signature is required and all documents must be signed in the presence of the notary. Please call ahead to be sure the notary is available at 401-822-6200.
Leave Nothing to Chance
WEST WARWICK FOOD CUPBOARD
AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIP TO SALEM CROSS INN
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip Salem Cross Inn, Tuesday, December 9th. Enjoy a New England Winter Experience with cider reception, horse-drawn wagon ride and Fireplace Feast at Salem Cross Inn in MA. Afterward, enjoy shopping at Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield, MA. Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick up at 9:15 a.m. from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 7:30 p.m. $154/person. Final payment due: Tuesday, November 11th. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
The West Warwick Assistance Agency operates a food cupboard at 1293 Main Street serving all West Warwick residents living at or below three times the federal poverty level. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10AM–2PM, unless there is a town-wide parking ban in effect. We offer standard amounts of core groceries based on household size as well as self-serve selections of produce, bread and assorted other noncore grocery items we have on hand. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 828-0310, and no appointment is necessary to visit our facility.
Jogues will be holding a steak fry on October 18, 7:00–11:00 p.m., at 184 Boston Street, Coventry. Tickets: $25pp. For reservations, call: 401-846-3719. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
years of age) and children under 5 years of age are guests of the church. Public is welcome!
Classifieds
WANTED: JUNK LAWNMOWERS & air conditioners. Take for free. 401-829-0377.
COVENTRY
FREE HORSE MANURE. West Greenwich. Excellent for compost and mulch. Farms, nurseries, etc. welcome! Will help loading large loads. Contact between 9am–5pm. 401-569-6541. Leave a message. on premises. $900/each. Call 1-860-576-0024.
FISHBOWL AQUARIUM:
Puppies for sale, USDA Licensed breeders, shots, warrantied, vet checked. Call for more info 401-822-0075 or www.fishbowlpet.com.
PIANO LESSONS. All levels. Instructor graduated from Julliard Piano Studio. West Warwick. Philip Martorella:401-243-3438.
Great for sending Insurance Forms, Mortgage Documents, Unemployment Forms, Time Sheets and any paperwork that needs to be received
Cost to send: S3 for 1st page, $l each additional page (+tax). Cost to receive: $.75/page (+ tax). The Reminder, 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Phone 8212216, Fax 732-3110.
CLEANUPS: Attics, cellars, garages, buildings, yards, leaves. Some cleanouts for content. Anything hauled away. Very reasonable. Reliable service! Free estimates. Call for your small moving needs. Lic. #37379/Insured. 30 Years of reliable service. 397-2781 or 741-2781.
PURE BRED SHIH-TZU PUPPIES. Vaccinated, Vet checked, dewormed. Call: April 401-287-5782.
CLEANING:
THOROUGH & RELIABLE 18+ Years of experience. Satisfaction guaranteed. Call 2483839. **I am fully vaccinated**
FIREWOOD FOR SALE: JW Studley & Sons. Cut & split seasoned wood. $250/ cord. Est. 1982. Not a fly by night! 641-0212.
WANTED: Antiques and collectibles. Moving or just cleaning out? We pay more for your old jewelry, glassware, furniture, pottery, clocks, paintings, military items, crocks, post cards, cameras, photos, old coins, etc. For prompt and courteous service call Bill, 821-0381.
Did you know that the Coventry Public Library has a ‘Library of Things’ that you can borrow such as: a telescope, ghost hunting kit, pop-up tent, wildlife camera, blood pressure monitor, bird watching kit, pickle ball set, lawn games, fishing poles, cake pans in many shapes and forms, VHS to DVD / digital converter, power meter, universal travel adapter, and more! For more information visit the Circulation Desk or call 822-9100 and press 1!
Prayer to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the sea, help me and show me here in, you are my mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your call. O, show me here-in you are my mother. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times.) Holy Mary, place this cause in your hands (3 times). Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Holy Spirit, resolve all problems, light all roads so that can attain my goal. You who gave me the Divine Gift to forgive and forget all evils against me and that in all instances of my life, you are with me. I want this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that never want to be separated from you even in spite of all material things, wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. (The person must say this Prayer on 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the request will be granted to you. The prayer must be published after the prayer is granted.) JM
WOODLAND MANOR FALL CRAFT BAZAAR
Woodland Manor Bing will be holding its Fall Craft Bazaar at 20 Woodland Drive, Coventry (behind Ocean State Credit Union). Saturday, October 4, 9AM–4PM. 20+ Vendors! Lunch served from 11AM2PM. Raffles. For more info. Call Helen at 401-470-4587.
WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMUNITY NEEDS PANTRY
The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick has a free Community Needs Pantry set up near the front entrance. Please take what you need! If you would like to donate, leave what you can (non-perishables only please). The Pantry is in need of milk (all kinds), cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter & toilet paper. For more information, call 828-3750.
Announce your upcoming or ongoing event in The Reminder! C all 821-2216
Free Family Fun Days to return
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is offering free guest admission on select Saturdays this fall at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI, thanks to the support of Bank of America.
On September 27, October 25, and November 22, 2025, families and nature lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy a full day of activities at no cost. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can take part in hands-on crafts, nature story time, live animal encounters, guided hikes, and educational programs.
Highlights include:
• 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Craft Table
• 10:00 a.m.: Nature Story
• 11:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.: Animal Interview
• 1:00 p.m.: Hands-on exploration with a seasonal theme, led by an Audubon naturalist. Kids learn all about things with wings, head out on an autumn nature hike, or discover the amazing world of snakes. No need to register. Ages 6+.
Themes: September 27: “Wings and Things”
October 25: “Autumn Exploration”
November 22: “Scales, Scales, and More Scales” Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All
AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIP TO MOHEGAN SUN, NE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
AARP Chapter 2210 is sponsoring a trip to Mohegan Sun, Sunday, November 9th. Explore an incredible selection of handcrafted treasures at the New England Christmas Festival at Mohegan Sun. On the way home, enjoy a late lunch at Steak Loft in Mystic, CT. Sit back and relax on a luxury motor coach operated by DATTCO Coach & Tour. Pick up at 9 a.m. from Park & Ride, Hopkins Hill Rd. (Exit 19 off I-95), West Greenwich. Approximate return: 5:00 p.m. $129/person. Final payment due: Monday, October 20th. Contact: Maureen Murphy 401-828-5188 or Anne Brien 401-263-4274.
FELLOWSHIP DINNER
The Cornerstone of Faith United Methodist, 1081 Main Street, Coventry, will hold a Free Fellowship Dinner (The Lord’s Supper) every last Saturday of the month from 5–6 p.m. All are welcome.
call
SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
PASSPORT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Senior Companion Program trains volunteers to serve isolated older adults in their own homes, Adult Day Centers & other community sites. Senior Companions are matched with a resident in need of socialization and companionship and will serve for 4 hours, 1 day/week at no cost to the participant. For more information, call Lynn at 822-9125.
The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is accepting Passport Applications (DS-11 Forms only) on behalf of the US Dept. of State. Please contact Information Services at 828-3750, Ext. 1 or email ref@wwpl. org to schedule an appointment or for more information. For more information, you can call 1-577-487-2778 or visit travel. state.gov.
RI COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
If you are in need of food, you can call the RI Community Food Bank at 942-6325 or you can visit www.rifoodbank.org for a complete list of open pantries statewide.
PAWTUXET VALLEY ROTARY CLUB
The Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club is looking for individuals or businesses who are interested in helping the local communities of West Warwick, Coventry & West Greenwich! For more information please email pvrotaryevents@gmail.com or call 401-589-1321.
PROJECT HAND UP
Project Hand Up is a supplemental program provided for working people and elderly in the community to be able to affordably shop for groceries for a suggested donation. They are located at 15 Factory Street in West Warwick. Suggested donation is $6 for 3 bags of groceries. HOURS: If you are 60 & older or a Veteran (Veteran Card required), you can shop on any day regardless of your last name. Tuesdays 3–5PM for anyone with the last name that begins with A-K, Thursdays 3–5PM for last names beginning with L-Z & Fridays 3–4:30PM for anyone who missed their shopping day. Picture ID’s required, one purchase per family, trunks must be cleaned out to allow for groceries. Please visit projecthandup.net or find them on Facebook for more information.
Thurs. 9/25: Mushroom soup, pepper steak, mashed potato, green beans, dessert. Option: Ham & cheese on wheat.
COVENTRY CARES COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC NURSE HOURS
The Coventry Cares Community Care Clinic Nurses Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8:30AM–12:30PM with Nurse Jane or Nurse Carolyn. The Clinic is set up at the Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT GEN. NATHANAEL GREENE HOMESTEAD
The Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry is looking for individuals interested in becoming Tour Guides for the season. The Homestead, also known as “Spell Hall”, was built by Nathanael Greene in 1770 and has been authentically restored as a Museum dedicated to his memory. Tour Guides will learn about Gen. Greene, his family, and life in the 18th Century. Experience is not necessary. All information will be provided, and scheduling is flexible. For more information, please email nathanaelgreenehmst@gmail.com. Visit us at nathanaelgreenehomestead.org.
COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY NEW CHAT FEATURE!
At home in your slippers, but need to ask us a question? Try our new chat service! Click on the chat bubble logo on the bottom right corner of our website and ask away. If the library isn’t open, it will let you email us. Chat hours are: Monday through Wednesday 9AM–7:30PM, Thursday and Friday 9AM–4:30PM, and Saturday 9AM–4:30PM (9AM–12:30PM during Summer Hours).
Tues. 9/30: Chicken soup, smothered pork chop w/gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli, sliced peaches. Option: Chicken salad on wheat.
SWEATIN’ TO THE MUSIC EXERCISE CLASS AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is offering free exercise classes on Tuesdays at 3PM & Thursdays at 10AM, hosted by Mind and Body Studios. You’ll move & groove to a playlist of greatest hits while laughing and having fun. This program is open to all fitness levels and all ages. Registration required by visiting wwpl.org/calendar or call 828-3750, Ext. 0 or Ext. 1. Space limited to 35 participants.
By JENNIFER COATES
If there is anything that Mike and Jasmine Dawson, the owners of Green Evolutions LLC, know about, it is grass. Healthy. Lush. Vibrant. Resilient grass.
For instance, they know that grass gets its telltale green color from chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight and powers photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts sunlight into energy, fueling strong roots and healthy blades. This process has been around for millennia.
How do Mike and Jasmine know this? Because they have
done their research — both in the books, and more importantly, literally “in the field”. They know that for grass to be healthy, strong and lush, it starts with the very soil that supports it. They know that this takes care, nurturing, time, the correct tools and hard work. They know that your grass — your lawn — is vulnerable to grubs, beetles, weeds, stress from heat or drought, depleted soil conditions from lack of fertilization, improper mowing and incorrect watering. They know that beautiful healthy
lawns don’t become beautiful on their own.
Armed with this knowledge and an impeachable work ethic, the Dawsons are true lawn restorers. When they incorporated Green Evolutions, they set about enhancing lawns with precision using sustainable practices, expert techniques and organic fertilizers that are specially formulated by an organic farmer. Mike chose this fertilizer because, not only is he a homeowner, he and Jasmine are also parents to three-year-old Elliana. They don’t want any child or family pet exposed to the often-toxic chemicals used by their competitors. They care about the process of lawn enhancement because they care about their customers, and they care about the earth.
Green Evolutions provides spring and fall lawn enhancement services that include Core Aeration, Overseeding, Dethatching, Slice Seeding and Power Sweeping. Through these age-old techniques,
Mike and Jasmine can rid your lawn of pests and patches of dead grass, but more importantly, they can make the underlying soil healthy again. Like a physician can heal; they can heal your lawn.
If it is important to you to have a lawn that is both beautiful and healthy, then do not delay as the days evolve into autumn. Mike will give you a free quote — you can reach him by
or by email at greenevolutionsllc @gmail.com. To learn more, visit their website at www.greenevolutionsllc. com or check them out on Facebook.
Meet Jasmine and Mike Dawson, riding on their faithful tractor “Rosie”. The Dawsons are the owners and operators of Green Evolutions LLC. Based in Scituate, this lawn enhancement business will travel the entire region to repair and beautify your lawn.
PAINTING
FINANCIAL SERVICES
CHEVALIER CESSPOOL CLEANERS: Cesspools and septic tanks pumped.
MOFFITT & ASSOCIATES, LLC.: Financial Services and Investments, Retirement Planning and 401K rollovers. www.moffittassociates.com 1260 Main St. (Rte. 117), Coventry (401) 828-0097.
PLUMBING & HEATING
Electrical Contractor: 550 Providence Street, West Warwick. Residential Wiring (home repairs). No job too small. A145, insured. 580-8803.
FACSIMILE SERVICE
THE REMINDER’S FAX SERVICE. Now you can send or receive letters, statements, invoices, etc. in seconds by using The Reminder Fax Service. Want more details? Call The Reminder and ask about our fax: 821-2216. Fax Number: 732-3110. To Send: $3.00 (+tax) for the first page, $1.00 for every additional page. To receive: 75¢ ea. page (+tax).
FENCE INSTALLATION & REPAIR
VENTURA FENCE CO., INC.: Serving Rhode Island since 1975 for all your fencing needs. Insured. RI Reg #7260. Call anytime 821-7200.
K.C. FENCE CO.: There’s no job too big or too small... We do them all! Specializing in all types of fencing. In business for over 40 years. RI Reg. #15748. Insured. 397-5076.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
LEWIS & CLARKE ENTERPRISES, INC.: New homes, additions, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, roofs, and repairs. 345-3227. RI Reg. #5646.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
ALL SEASONS LAWNCARE, INC.: Full Service Landscape Maintenance Company. Offering Fall & Spring clean ups. Shrubs, trimming, aerating, overseeding. Call 732-7993. RI Reg. #43492.
PEST CONTROL
WINFIELD TERMITE & PEST CONTROL: All your pest needs. 821-7800.
KENT COUNTY PEST CONTROL, LLC: Residential and Commercial. Certified in Industrial, Structural and Health Related Pest Control. 100% Guaranteed. 401-569-0212.
JOHN P. KEOGH PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING: Electric sewer rooter service. Master Plumber Lic. #1881. 401-862-8810.
FORD 2013 F-150XL PICKUP TRUCK: 6 cylinders, automatic, toolbox, good work truck. Only $3900. Call: 401368-2909.
34FT. 5TH WHEEL CAMPER. New hot water heater. New toilet. 3-year-old air conditioner. Excellent condition. A steal! $2,500 firm. Call: 772-244-9613.
Entertainment & Events
By MATTHEW LAWRENCE Beacon Media Contributor
AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) kicks off its 28th season of Drag Queen Bingo at Rhodes-on-thePawtuxet this week. Held monthly from September through June, the event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Providence-based nonprofit.
For many years, the event was held on Elmwood Avenue at Riviera Bingo Palace, but Rhodes is a nice upgrade, says Stephen Hogan, director of development and public relations for ACOS. The monthly events moved there in 2022, though he says sometimes he still hears from people that they showed up to the Bingo Palace and thought the night was canceled. Rhodes, he says, is less cramped.
The first documented Drag Bingo event for AIDS relief took place in Seattle in the 1990s, where a woman named Judy Werle raised money for an AIDS support organization called the Chicken Soup Brigade. “I checked out places where people gathered and spent money, because I figured if you had that, you could redirect the money to a good cause,” Werle told Time magazine in 2007. She said that bingo halls “were totally full of obsessed people. But it was also extremely boring. So, we de cided to liven it up in the way that only gay men can.”
Success led organi zations in other cit ies to start pro grams as well.
The name has evolved over the years, both in Seattle and in Providence.
“We used to be called Gay
Bingo,” Hogan says, “but the name changed because drag is not just a gay thing.” He says the events are particularly popular with groups of women, friends or coworkers who will reserve a table for ten.
Sponsors like Woodlawn Florist and Sundaes Ice Cream also bring groups of employees each month.
Each month is themed, and September’s will be all about Yacht Rock, the easy listening music of the 70s and 80s that somehow feels more popular now than it did in past decades. Beach wear and nautical attire are encouraged.
October is always Halloween themed (Nightmare on the Pawtuxet) and November’s Thanksgiving-themed night features a pie eating contest. “You can’t imagine watching a drag queen in full makeup attempt to eat a pie with no hands,” Hogan says. The biggest event of the year is an Easter Bonnet Contest in the spring.
“We have diehards that are there every month no matter what,” Hogan says. “But we love bringing in new people, too.”
Hogan says he produces each bingo night but relies on volunteers to sell bingo books and navigate attendees. “It probably takes about twenty people to put the night on,” he says.
The night is hosted by three queens, two who banter and one who draws the balls.
The September kickoff will be hosted by Viza D. Klein and Gia De-
Doors open at 5 p.m., with a cocktail gathering in the lobby. Volunteers sell bingo books and accoutrements like daubers for people to mark their bingo cards.
For September, Hogan encourages bringing in
takeout from somewhere in the neighbor hood, and picnic-style spreads are common. Be ginning next month, the Friskie Fries truck will be on site.
The game starts at 7 p.m. sharp, and there are 14 rounds of bingo, usually running about two hours total. Companies can sponsor specific games and it’s not uncommon to see special appearances from characters like Chip, the furry harbor seal mascot from Rhode Island Football Club.
Because bingo is technically gambling, the event has is vetted by Rhode Island State Police to ensure that everything is on the up and up. The Charitable Gaming Unit page of the Rhode Island State Police website goes into great detail about the history of bingo licensing in the state, as well as information about the different types of bingo licenses that can be applied for.
State law around gambling means that alcohol is forbidden in the ballroom during bingo — all alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the lobby — but Hogan doesn’t see this as a bad thing. “We don’t want people to be sloppy at bingo and then have to drive home,” he says.
Pre-pandemic, Drag Bingo used to bring about $125,000 to the organization each year. These days it’s closer to $75,000.
Aided by monthly and year-round sponsorships, Drag Bingo is the organization’s biggest fundraising event each year. Other events include a Mardi Gras gala in late winter and Paint the Town Red, a onenight dining event in the spring where restaurants donate a portion of sales to AIDS Care Ocean State. Smaller events include a jockstrap auction and a block party to commemorate World AIDS Day each December.
It’s not a great landscape for fundraising now, Hogan says. “Everyone’s kind of scrambling because of the current political climate. Fewer people are giving, and donations are dwindling.”
He says that
nate are giving a little more, but not enough to make up for the number of people who stopped donating. “Let’s say if before one hundred people were giving ten dollars each [$1000], now seventy people are giving $12 each [$840].”
Hogan points back to the organization’s mission: no new HIV transmissions and ensuring a high quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We do get federal funding through the Ryan White Act, although it declines a little each year,” Hogan says. The Ryan White Act provides federal funding to support low-income people with HIV; Congress originally passed it in 1990. Another problem with fundraising is that many people believe that the HIV/ AIDS pandemic is over, even though someone in the United States is infected with it every 9.5 seconds, according to the ACOS website.
“There’s no public service campaign,” Hogan says. “It’s not on the front page every day. A lot of younger people don’t have HIV/AIDS on their mind at all, even though we are still getting infected.”
He also says education around HIV/ AIDS is declining. “I feel like we’ve gone back to the 1980s with the misinformation,” he says. “No, you’re not going to get it from a toilet seat or a water bottle.”
Still, the drag bingo events focus on laughter and celebration.
“We say it’s the most fun $25 you will ever spend,” Hogan says.
For most of the year, Drag Bingo takes place on the third Thursday of the month. December and June events are held a week earlier to accommodate Christmas and Rhode Island Pride, and they take a break in July and August. Visit www.aidscareos. org for more details.
Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz (left) are frequent hosts
Jealousy Jonz (right) is the ball puller at Drag Bingo.
Submitted photo by AIDS
Hundreds of bingo players gather monthly at Rhodes-on-thePawtuxet for drag bingo. Submitted photo by AIDS Care Ocean State
Drag Bingo producer Stephen Hogan of AIDS Care Ocean State alone with volunteers David and Lenny. Submitted photo by AIDS Care Ocean State
