Five Things: Gay Marriage, Academy Field Concert

Gay Marriage Is Legal In R.I.: Today marks the first day marriage licenses for same-sex marriage can be issued in Rhode Island after a 16+ year effort. Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed same-sex marriage into law in May. Is this welcome news?

Final Academy Field Concert: Come on down to Academy Field, located next to the Swift Community Center, for the Summer Concert Series sponsored by the EG Parks & Rec. This week, the Moldy Suitcases will be performing jazz. All ages are welcome to attend. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain the concert will be take place in the Swift Gym.

On Friday …

Goddard Park Farmers Market: The market at Goddard Park is back. It’s a great way to get ready for the weekend. Off Ives Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Teen Center: The Teen Center has provided a great place to hang out on Friday evenings for decades now. They meet at the gym at Eldredge School but you don’t have to play basketball to enjoy the camaraderie. From 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday …

Great Graffiti Contest: EG Housing Authority’s annual event will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EGHA provides the tools (paint, chalk, masks & gloves) – you provide the creativity and fun. All ages are welcome to participate. Spray paint will be issued to kids 11 years old and up; children under 11 will receive chalk & finger paints. Participants may also bring their own supplies. There will also be a lip synch/dance contest too! Please provide us with the song you will be performing a week in advance, so we can forward your selection to the DJ. Judging will be done by participants, supporters and spectators. Prizes will be awarded in all categories. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Please contact Tracy at tjohnson@eghousing.com.

Looking ahead …

Give blood Monday at EG Farmers Market & get $5 coupon: Giving blood is a great thing to do any time of the year, but during the summer, need is even greater since many people take vacations and normal schedules are off. The EG Farmers Market is hosting the Bloodmobile on Monday and you can sign up here ahead of time. You can also just show up. The bonus? A $5 farmers market gift certificate. Go ahead, save a life!

Odeum Fundraiser: There are still a few tickets left for the Greenwich Odeum fundraiser at Finn's Harbourside on Monday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet the new members of the board of directors, enjoy appetizers and live music, and take in the view of Greenwich Bay from the restaurant's deck. Stop by or call for tickets ($35) at the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce (885-0020) or send an email to kennethproudfoot@gmail.com. All the proceeds support Odeum theater operations.