Blood Drive Race, Brighten Up Your Place

Seeing Red: With just a few weeks left until Halloween, maybe it's appropriate that the vampires at Rhode Island Blood Center will be in town on Saturday, Oct. 5, for the annual friendly blood drive competition between the Bristol and Warren Fire Departments. Last year, the two crews collected 71 pints of blood. Sign up for a donation appointment: Bristol FD Blood Drive | Warren PD Blood Drive

Fall Beauty: Blithewold Mansion hosts horticulturalist Laura Eisener on Thursday for a workshop on border gardens beginning at 6:30 p.m. $26 for members, $32 for nonmembers.

Revolutionary Reading: Author Nathaniel Philbrick visits Roger Williams University at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday for a Common Reading Presentation. Philbrick is scheduled to discuss his works on the Mayflower and Bunker Hill. Tickets are required — call (401) 254-3210.

Home Cookin': The East Bay Food Pantry starts its Healthy Cooking classes on Friday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. in the Franklin Court Community Room on Wood Street in Bristol. For more information, contact Anita at 401-396-9490 or by email at arandall@eastbayfoodpantry.org

Warmer: Continued sunny weather is in the forecast for Bristol and Warren for Wednesday, with highs near 80. Clear and cool overnight, lows near 50.