Monday Essentials: Beginners Chess; Networking Event; Scrap-Booking Class

Here are some things to know about this week in and around Bristol and Warren:

Want to learn to play chess? The Rogers Free Library, 525 Hope St., Bristol, hosts a 3:30 pm chess class for beginners between the ages of 6 and 18 who want to learn chess or are just beginning to play. Come for a good game with help from expert volunteers. Parents of the youngest chess players are asked to stay nearby. Questions? Call 253-6948 and ask for Charlotte.

A weekly “brown bag lunch” series for East Bay business women continues on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and runs for the next three months at the East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 16 Cutler St., Warren. The women’s winter series is hosted by W.E.B.O.N.D. (Women's Empowerment and Business Owners Networking Development) and sponsored by RE/MAX River’s Edge from 12 to 1 pm. There is a guest speaker each week. Admission is $5 a week or $45 for the complete series. Here is the remaining schedule of topics and speakers in January:

• Jan. 14  "Peace and Power as a Woman Entrepreneur – Two Key Practices" led by Joanna Meriweather
• Jan. 21 "Intuitive Leadership" led by Terrie Wildemann
• Jan. 28  "No Drama Decisions" led by Kate Hanley 

The East Bay Business Networking International (BNI) Chapter will host a Business After Hours event on Thursday, Jan. 16, that benefits Crossroads Rhode Island. It runs from 6 to 8 pm at Raymour and Flanigan, 100 Highland Avenue, Seekonk. Attendees are encouraged to bring toiletry items that will be donated to Crossroads Rhode Island. The event is $5 per person, and is open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Call 401-575-6140 with questions.

Learn all about scrap-booking on Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. Jean Baptist Church, 324 Main St., Warren. The class will run from 10 am to 4 pm. Lunch, drinks, and snacks will be provided. There will be raffles and prizes throughout the day. The cost is $20 and you can meet new and creative people at the same time. E-mail June Sousa at craftylady.jams22@aol.com or call 401-245-8938 for more information.

A Parenting Support Group meets Sunday, Jan. 19, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 399 Hope St., Bristol, at 6 pm. It’s an opportunity for parents of preschool and school age children to discuss the everyday challenges they encounter in raising children today. Past topics have included oppositional behavior, fears, getting children's cooperation, school issues, and helping children build self-confidence. A mental health professional facilitates the sessions. All discussions are treated as confidential.  There is no charge but participants are encouraged to bring a donation of a non-perishable food or personal hygiene item for the Bristol Good Neighbors Food Pantry.