Good morning Cranston! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: RWU Law Providence Law School Fair and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Cranston students head back to school (wpri.com) — Students across Cranston are heading back to school, including into the brand-new Gladstone Elementary that replaces a 1950s-era building and merges Gladstone and Arlington students. The school was largely funded with state reimbursement, easing the local tax share. District leaders are now asking voters to consider a $25 million November bond to tackle long-delayed maintenance in other Cranston schools.
2. Food bank's new CEO reflects on an impressive first year (johnstonsunrise.net) — Cranston's Edgewood neighborhood is now home to Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO Melissa Cherney, who has navigated a turbulent first year marked by SNAP funding cuts and a major celebrity donation. She describes strong community support, new state funding for food purchases, and expanded efforts to feed kids in summer and during the school year, emphasizing Rhode Island's size as an advantage against hunger.
3. Viken Jawharjian (pbn.com) — Cranston readers may recognize RISE Group Inc., where director of information security Viken Jawharjian has spent five years strengthening cybersecurity and staff awareness. Honored in PBN's Leaders & Achievers Awards, he's credited with upgrading email protections, expanding Microsoft Teams use, and translating complex tech risks into clear decisions for company leaders while emphasizing leadership, empathy, and mentorship.
4. Sara Evans bringing 2026 'Holiday Road Tour' to Upstate NY: How to get tickets (syracuse.com) — Sara Evans' 2026 "Holiday Road Tour" will stop in Cranston on Dec. 2 at the Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, bringing a Christmas-themed country show to local fans. Rising artist Braden Hull opens all dates, and tickets are available through major online sellers and Evans' tour page, with some first-time buyer discounts on select resale platforms.
5. RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Aug. 28, 2026 (newportri.com) — If you bought a Rhode Island Lottery ticket in Cranston or nearby, you can now check the Aug. 28 winning numbers for Mega Millions, Numbers, Wild Money, and Millionaire for Life. Prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, with details on drawing times and payout options explained.
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Ok Cranston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
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