Santa is coming down early from the North Pole this year for area families to get photos with him tonight at Bay Scape Nursery from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Santa’s jolly spirit and tug-approved whiskers are sure to make a believe out of everyone! Join Bay Scape for an evening full of hot chocolate and treats. There will be plenty of photo opportunities with their guest of honor, so don’t forget the camera. Also, be sure to get his stamp of approval on your tree – Bring some pictures! Hope to see you there! Release courtesy of Bay Scape.

Are you aware that prescription drug abuse is on the rise in Narragansett? Have you heard about K2 and Spice? What about Bath Salts? Are you talking to your kids about this? Come to the panel discussion on Prescription Drug Abuse and other drugs tonight at 7 p.m. in the Narragansett High School auditorium!  The Narragansett Prevention Partnership has convened a panel of experts to provide parents with facts about the alarming increase in prescription drug abuse by teens in Narragansett and nationwide, and discuss strategies for reversing this trend. The panel will also discuss other scary …

Members of the Division III champion Narragansett girls’ soccer team will be on hand Friday night dishing out helpings of pasta for a good cause. A pasta dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Narragansett Community Center. Tickets can be bought from team members, or at the door. The cost is $10 per person, with a maximum charge of $30 per family. Donations are also being accepted. The proceeds will be put toward the soccer program and also donated to a cancer fund. According to head coach Kathryn Mahoney, assistant coach Jenny Sayles and junior Abby Soscia both lost their mothers …

Every mother needs support during childbirth. A doula provides both support and experience to help ease the stress of childbirth. Learn about the services DoRI (Doulas of Rhode Island) provides mother-to-be during a reception tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Cross Mills Public Library in Charlestown, 4417 Old Post Road, Charlestown. Doulas are women experienced in childbirth who provide advice, information, emotional support and physical comfort to a mother before, during and just after childbirth. The onformational session is an opportunity for parents-to-be who are considering having a …

FEMA and the FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) today at 2 p.m. The system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. The three-minute test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations. FEMA officials noted it is only a test, even if the test message on TV does not indicate that it is just a test. For more information regarding the test, visit www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm.

Discussions on Sea Meadow Carriage House on Ocean Road and Indian Rock on Hazard Avenue are on the agenda as the Historic District Commission meets at The Towers, 35 Ocean Road, tonight at 6. The Narragansett Historic District Commission was created to facilitate the development of an ordinance and associated policies focused on the preservation of structures of historic and architectural values. Click here for a complete agenda of tonight's meeting.

A pair of Narragansett sports teams are in playoff action today, as the girls’ soccer team hosts Shea and the girls’ volleyball team travels to West Warwick. Soccer starts at 3 p.m., and volleyball is at 6 p.m. The soccer squad is 16-0 in Division III play, taking the first seed by two games and earning the right to host No. 8 Shea. After beating Shea 3-1 on Sept. 13, and outscoring opponents 99-15 during the year, the Mariners will be the heavy favorites Monday afternoon. If the Mariners win, they travel to Cranston Stadium for a neutral location match-up. Interestingly enough though, for …

Students in grades 7 and up are invited to join the Anime/Manga Club. The group meets at the Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, todaty at 3:30 p.m. The club meets twice a month on Fridays to watch anime episodes (such as Black Cat, Tsubasa and others!) as well as draw, discuss favorite manga series and other activities! No registration is required, and new members are always welcome.

Check out some local acts at Rhody's Got Talent, featuring up to 12 University of Rhode Island students/student groups who will showcase talents such as singing, dancing, juggling and more. The show takes place in Edwards Auditorium on the URI campus, 2600 Kingstown Road, Kingston, tonight at 6:30. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Matty Fund's Epilepsy Resource Center. Do you have a hidden talent you want to sowcase. You can audtion to be a part of future shows. Download the attached entry form for your chance to be a star.

The track and athletic stadium at Narragansett High School has served students and the community for more than 35 years. It is now starting to show its age. It is time for renovations and improvements to prepare for the upcoming 35 years. Join the Narragansett Parks & Recreation Department for a meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the high school, 245 S. Pier Road, tonight at 6 p.m. to learn about funding options and construction timelines on a new complex. Proposed improvements include a synthetic turf field for usage by football, soccer and lacrosse; a new track; bleachers, lights, restrooms and a…

Between trick-or-treats tonight, be sure to bring the family by The Village at South County Commons, 50 S County Commons Way, for a family-friendly Halloween party form 5 to 7 p.m. The party will incude live music, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, games, theatrical performances and, of course, candy. Bring a blanlet and bundle up for some outdor fun. And don't forget to wear your costume. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative get-ups.

They want your blood! The Rhode Island South County Donor Center, 14 Woodruff Ave., will be holding a blood drive today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donating blood is virtually painless and takes just a few minutes of your time. Bt is is invaluable in saving others' lives. The Rhode Island Blood Center is the only source of blood and blood products for the hospitals' of Rhode Island while also serving customers in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The center must collect 240 to 280 pints of blood daily to meet the needs of its community, relying on the generosity of volunteer blood donors.

Remember those who have struggled with the ills of addiction and spread awareness of the dangers of the disease. Join Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education for a Candlelight Vigil tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island, 50 Lower College Road, Kingston. The annual vigil is in honor of those who have died from a narcotics overdose. Listen to live speakers and videotapes. Listen to real stories from those who have lost loved ones to narcotics addiction. The event promises to be very moving.

When a baby's on the way, there are a million things to think about and plan for. The last thing on your mind may be how to prepare your pet for its new baby brother or sister. The Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island and South County Hospital are offering an important class tonght from 7 to 9 to help expectant parents who are pet owners. The program will help prepare your home — and your pet — for the new arrival.  Every year, beloved pets are surrendered to animal shelters because of lack of preparation on the part of new parents before a new baby enters the household. The goal of …

Grains and greens are two powerful food groups for overall health that are missing from many of our daily diets. Are you a busy person who wants to incorporate more whole grains and vegetables into your meals? All That Matters, 315 Main St., Wakefield, has the answer. The holistic healthcare facility is offering a workshop today from 6 to 8 p.m. that will teach attendees how to purchase and prepare quick, easy, flavor-packed whole grain breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Sample super healthy, "green" dishes that taste great. Recipes, resource, and secrets to success will be shared in this fun, …

Support the new co-op (North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett) girls hockey team, "The Storm," tonight at 6 at a pasta dinner at the Narragansett Community Center, 53 Mumford Road. In addition to a delicious meal, take a chance on winninf some fabulous prizes ioncluding four luxury box tickets for the Patriots game on New Year's Day, and a personally signed surfboard, along with other raffle prizes. All proceeds will benefit the first girls South County high school team, which will be the 10th girls team in the RI Interscholastic league. The team will be totally self-funded and needs …

There's little doubt that social media now plays a critical role in the marketing of any business. But how do you harness the potential od social netwrking websites to the greatest advantage for your business? Stephanie Osborn, president of Tech Smart Friend, will help business owners understand how to use the critical tools tonight at 6:30 in the Business Learning Center at South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce 230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield. Learn to be realistic about how much time you can spend each day on social media activities. Acknowledge your personal strengths and weaknesses and …

Now is the time for seniors to start thinking about their health coverage, as the Medicare open enrollment period is underway. Assistance navigating through the will be available today until noon at The Center, 25 Saint Dominic Road, Wakefield, to those in need of help regarding Medicare Part D. If you are unfamiliar with the 2011 changes to your Medicare Part D plan or you are unhappy with your current plan, call The Center at 789-0268 to make an appointment.  

The Rhode Island South County Donor Center will be holding a blood drive at the Public Safety Building, 40 Caswell St., today from 1 to 4 p.m.. The Rhode Island South County Blood Center is the only source of blood and blood products for the hospitals' of Rhode Island while also serving customers in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Rhode Island Blood Center must collect 240 to 280 pints of blood daily to meet the needs of its community, relying on the generosity of volunteer blood donors. Donating blood takes only a few minutes and is virtually painless. But each pint of blood donated …

Party at The Towers for a good cause tonight. South Shore Center will hold its 4th annual Autumn Gala tonight at the Towers, 35 Ocean Road. Tickets are $95 per person, $175 for a couple, and include dinner in a historic setting with a stunning view of Narragansett Bay. The gala will feature a silent and live auction. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Black tie is optional. South Shore is committed to providing accessible, quality behavioral services for children, adults and families. To continue that commitment, this year’s proceeds will go toward free care for families in …