Spring is here and that means new beginnings as we close out old beginnings. This is such a busy time in Bristol. There is a lot of gardening to tend to, weeds to pull, and lawns to grow and care for. And speaking of weeds, it’s time to go through old summer clothes to take inventory on what we have and what we need. I'm always amazed at how much the kids have grown over the winter.

Baseball season is well under way, and what a fabulous start to the season we had with King Philip Little League. Opening day was a fantastic ceremony as usual. All the teams from tee ball to the majors convened in Vets Minor Field with their respective teams while taking turns getting their pictures taken.

Opening day shows just how much KPLL is a major part of our community. The players paraded team by team into the Vets Major Field for all the spectators as president of KPLL, Warren Rensehausen, introduced each team, the managers and the coaches. Tracy Ukura, mom of two players and concessions manager, sang the National Anthem beautifully as chosen players raised the flags.

Every year KPLL brings in the new season with a prayer from a local priest or deacon. This is one of my favorite aspects of the organization. It is spoken time and again that this is about the kids learning to be good team players, showing good sportsmanship, and having fun playing this beloved American sport. God shines through each one of the smiling faces on the field and I am so relieved and grateful that there are still some who aren’t afraid to mention his presence in public.

Members from the town were present and said a few encouraging words to the players and a local soldier home from Iraq threw the first pitch of the season.

I always leave KPLL Opening Day with a smile on my face, warmth in my heart and peace within, knowing that my family is involved with such a wonderful organization. It’s a great way to start the season, and we all look forward to each and every game.

In another area of town, East Bay Gymnastics held its spring show last weekend as they get ready to end their five sessions of the year before beginning summer camp. Unfortunately, our eight-year-old fractured his foot and now has limited activity with a boot on. But the folks at East Bay Gymnastics are so accommodating that they refunded us the last few classes and still encouraged our son to come to class to do what he can with upper body work. As for the show, he was able to attend. He performed on the rings and on the bars, and received his trophy, too.

Chance to Dance was a program offered throughout Rhode Island schools and our son participated in that as well. They held practices after school every Monday for two months at Rockwell School dancing to “I Heard It Through the Grapevine." The program ended with a full performance of all the schools on the big stage at Providence Performing Arts Center as Chance to Dance celebrated 25 years. It was an awesome performance as different schools danced to songs like “Thriller,” “Miami,” “Wipe Out,” “The Pink Panther,” and many more.

Just in case any of you were wondering, male performers traditionally receive flowers, too. My boys are still young and appreciate them, along with the couple of Starbursts packages tied in the ribbon.

Kickemuit Middle School recently had a Cabaret and another chorus concert this past week, and elementary schools have performed plays. There’s always plenty of activities to get your kids involved in around Bristol and Warren. Schools usually send home informational flyers with the kids with registration and try out dates for local sports, camps and activities so parents can be apprised of those when they come up. 

We try to limit our children to one activity at a time because there are so many of us. Lately, our children have been taking interest in other activities as well and we encourage them to try different things, even as much as we love going to the soccer and baseball fields!