Town Newsletter (6/10/26)

(Photos courtesy of Town of Barrington)

Third Graders Vote to Keep Levi During Mock Town Council Meeting

In May, third graders from Primrose Hill, Sowams, and Nayatt Schools stopped by Barrington Town Hall to learn about local government. While there, they participated in a mock Town Council meeting and talked about whether Levi, the Town’s comfort dog, should be traded for a cat named Mr. Pudge. Afterward, everyone agreed Levi should stay. The experience gave the kids a firsthand sense of how choices are made.

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

Town Council Meeting Recap (6/1/2026 Meeting)

At the Monday, June 1, 2026 meeting, the Town Council

• Authorized the purchase of furniture and IT and AV equipment for the Bay Spring Community Center; costs will be covered by a Community Learning Center Municipal Grant awarded to the Town of Barrington by the State.

• Approved a request from the School Committee to waive permit fees for the school building construction project, subject to a memorandum of agreement requiring the Town to be reimbursed for all costs incurred to complete required plan reviews and inspections through project completion.

• Approved a request from Sauna Kuh to operate a portable sauna at Town Beach, subject to final legal review of an agreement between the Town and the vendor, and the provision of all required paperwork and fees.

• Began discussing potential revisions to the FY2027 Municipal Budget in response to cuts approved at the Financial Town Referendum (FTR), and potential changes to the charter related to the FTR. Both topics will be discussed further at the Council’s Monday, July 27th meeting.

Approved three (3) Ordinances:

2026-3 An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 169 Taxation Veterans and Totally Disabled

2026-4 An Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 169 Taxation (Blind Category)

2026-5 Native Plant Ordinance

Barrington Pride Festival Returns June 14th

The Barrington Community Progress Association (BCPA) and the Town of Barrington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee invite residents and visitors to celebrate community, inclusion, and pride at the 2026 Barrington Pride Festival.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 14th, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sherwood Field (14 Congress Road), bringing together neighbors, families, and friends for a festive afternoon of entertainment, activities, food, and community connection.

The celebration begins with opening remarks and a flag-raising ceremony, followed by live entertainment featuring Jet Lag, a rock band made up of Barrington High School students, along with music from a local DJ. Family-friendly activities will include a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, henna tattoos, and a special meet-and-greet for younger attendees.

Visitors can connect with local organizations and community groups, including The Womxn Project, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Open Doors RI, Barrington’s 250th Commission, the DEI Committee’s Kindness Rocks initiative, Mothers Out Front, Neighbors Welcome Rhode Island, and others.

Food and refreshments are available throughout the afternoon, including offerings from Pita Pockets Food Truck, Del’s Frozen Lemonade, Pilagi’s, and complimentary baked goods.

The Pride Festival is free and open to all, offering an opportunity to celebrate Barrington’s LGBTQ+ community while fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Learn more at https://www.barringtonpride.org/

- Contributed by Jacob Brier, Barrington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Vice Chair

Torch Run participants along County Road in front of Barrington Town Hall

(Photos courtesy of Town of Barrington)

Barrington First Responders Unite for Special Olympics Torch Run

Members of the Barrington Police and Fire Departments participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Rhode Island under the leadership of Department Liaisons Officer Kevin Roca and Firefighter Jesus Sanchez. Both departments extend their thanks to Town staff, the Barrington School Department, and community members whose support along the route helped make the event a success and raise awareness of and support for Special Olympics athletes across Rhode Island.

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

Town Hall staff Keriden Harrington and Gail Candora

(Photo courtesy of Town of Barrington)

Town Welcomes New Talent to Planning and Finance Departments

The Town of Barrington is delighted to welcome two employees whose experience will help support residents and strengthen municipal operations.

Keriden Harrington has joined the Planning, Building, and Resilience (PBR) Department as Administrative Assistant. She supports departmental operations and customer service and assists the Planning Director with administration of the Amey Spencer Trust Fund, a charitable nonprofit that provides financial assistance to Barrington residents in need. Keriden holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from King’s College London and brings experience in administration, financial administration, research, stakeholder engagement, and nonprofit service.

Gail Candora has joined the Finance Department as Finance Clerk. Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Tax Assessor, Gail assists residents with tax and assessment inquiries, processes transactions, maintains financial records, and supports administrative functions within the department. She brings more than 20 years of experience in customer service, office administration, financial recordkeeping, and community relations.

The Town welcomes Keriden and Gail to their new roles and looks forward to their contributions to the Barrington community.

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

Election Calendar Highlights

Candidates for Office

• June 22nd, 23rd, and 24th – Declaration of Candidacy filing period (Must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 24th)
• Tuesday, June 30th – Nomination Papers
• Friday, July 10th – Return Nomination Papers

Party Primaries - Wednesday, September 9th

• Monday, August 10th – Deadline to register to vote/disaffiliate
• Wednesday, August 19th – Deadline to apply for a mail ballot
• Thursday, August 20th to Tuesday, September 8th (ends at 4:00 p.m.) – Early voting and emergency mail ballot period

General Election - Tuesday, November 3rd

• Sunday, October 4th – Deadline to register to vote
• Tuesday, October 13th – Deadline to apply for a mail ballot
• Wednesday, October 14th to Monday, November 2nd (ends at 4:00 p.m.) – Early voting and emergency mail ballot period

The polls in Barrington will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Any person eligible to vote who is in line at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote before the polls close.

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

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Last Chance to Attend Rhode Island’s “How to Run for Office” Seminar

If you’re a Rhode Island resident thinking about running for public office in 2026, you’re invited to the final “How to Run for Office” seminar. This event is hosted by the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division in collaboration with the Rhode Island Board of Elections.

Attend the seminar in person at the Rhode Island Board of Elections in Cranston (2000 Plainfield Pike) on Monday, June 15th, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. to learn about key election deadlines, how to qualify for the ballot, campaign finance rules, and tips for first-time candidates.

Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-run-for-office-seminar-615-tickets-1985754079908?aff=erelexpmlt.

For questions, contact the Rhode Island Department of State Elections Division at elections@sos.ri.gov or call 401-222-2340.

- Contributed by Rhode Island Department of State

Hurricane Season Is Here: Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Storms

Hurricane season runs from June through November. Now is the time to get ready by updating your emergency plan and preparing a 72-hour kit for your household and pets. Stay informed and be prepared to manage power outages or shelter at home if needed. Learn how to prepare at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes and view how to create a plan in place at https://www.ready.gov/plan

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

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Capture the Impact of King Tides in Barrington

The first King Tide of the 2026 season begins Saturday and Sunday, June 13th & 14th and more are expected throughout the year. Residents are encouraged to snap photos during these events and upload them via the free MyCoast app, managed by University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant, to help track flooding affecting parks, sidewalks, roads, or backyards. Learn more about King Tides at https://mycoast.org/ri/king-tides

Anyone interested in viewing or using these photos can access the MyCoast reports on the website at www.mycoast.org/ri, where they can filter by county, municipality, and date. For questions, contact casey_tremper@uri.edu.

2026 King Tide Dates (Rhode Island)

• June 13th & 14th: High tides expected in the evening
• July 13th: Evening tides expected
• August 11th: Evening tides expected
• September 11th & 12th: Morning tides expected
• October 27th & 28th: Morning tides expected
• November 24th –26th: Morning tides expected
• December 24th & 25th: Morning tides expected

- Contributed by MyCoast RI

“Freedom to Ride” Bicycle Parade to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

Residents of Barrington and neighboring communities are invited to take part in the "Freedom to Ride" Bicycle Parade on Friday, June 26th, as part of the Town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence.

Organized jointly by the Barrington 250th Commission and the Bicycle – Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), the family-friendly event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on South Lake Drive near the East Bay Bike Path. While there is some space to park your car to the north entrance of the nature path along South Lake Drive, please feel free to walk or bike there, if you feel comfortable.

Participants will ride north along the bike path to Haines Park and then make a U-turn at Narragansett Avenue continuing south to Police Cove Park, where the parade will conclude. See map for additional info: https://barrington.ri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2861/Bike-Parade-map. Please obey signs and traffic signals appropriately and use safety precautions when entering intersections.

Families and riders of all ages are encouraged to join the parade with red, white, and blue colors in the spirit of this historic celebration. Whether walking, jogging, rolling, or biking, feel free to join at any point. Residents living along the route are also invited to cheer on participants.

For additional details and more information about all the Barrington 250 celebrations, visit www.barrington.ri.gov/250. Learn more, plan your participation, and see the parade route shown below.

- Contributed by Francisco Lovera, Barrington's Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair

New Refuse and Recycling Carts Rolling Out Across Barrington

The Town of Barrington is rolling out new refuse and recycling carts to all households currently receiving Town collection beginning the week of Monday, June 8th with rollout completion no later than Saturday, June 27th. Each set of carts will have an attached information packet detailing the program. Almost 900 carts are currently being delivered daily.

Residents should not begin using their new carts until Monday, June 29th as collection trucks will not be switched over until delivery of carts is completed.

Mega Disposal has a Customer Service Team to assist with the transition and answer questions at 508-336-8466. Please do not contact Barrington’s Department of Public Works (DPW).

Yard waste collection will continue with pickup in brown bags/containers marked yard waste (Monday, April 6th to Friday, December 11th). These items should adhere to the 3-foot spacing with the new refuse and recycling carts.

PLEASE NOTE: Bulky waste collection will change to the second and fourth Wednesday of each month starting Monday, June 29th with scheduling directly with Mega.

See additional information:

We understand this new program represents a significant change, and we thank the community in advance for their patience as we navigate this transition alongside our partner, Mega Disposal.

- Contributed by Town of Barrington

Monday, June 8th thru Friday, June 12th – Metal Collection Week. Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) to schedule pickup, 247-1907.

Sunday, June 14th – Flag Day

Sunday, June 14th – Barrington Pride Festival, Barrington Town Hall, 2:00 p.m. Join the Town of Barrington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Barrington Community Progress Association (BCPA) to celebrate Pride Month (June).

Monday, June 15th – Lost & Found: Plymouth Colony’s Frontier Settlement at Barrington’s Nockum Hill 1667-1675, Barrington Town Hall (Council Chamber, 2nd Floor), 7:00 p.m. Join The Barrington Preservation Society for this fascinating lecture by Past President, Stephen Venuti. Free and open to all. Register for this event. 

Wednesday, June 17th at 1:00 p.m. & Wednesday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. –Film Documentary and Discussion: “My Name is Violeta,” Barrington Public Library (Salem Family Auditorium, 2nd Floor). Join the Town of Barrington’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Barrington Public Library. Free and registration is recommended, but not required.

Thursday, June 18th – Last Day of School

Friday, June 19th - Juneteenth Holiday. Refuse and recycling normal collection day is moved to the next day for the week (Friday - Saturday, June 19 - 20, 2026). See collection schedule.

Sunday, June 21st – Father’s Day

Sunday, June 21st – First Day of Summer

Monday, June 22nd - Blood Drive, Barrington Public Library (Collis Family Gallery, 2nd Floor), 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Donations by Appointment, use sponsor code 2512 (Walk-ins will be welcomed if availability permits at time of arrival).

Tuesday, June 23rd – “Blooms By The Bay” A Garden Tour, nine private gardens throughout Barrington, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine Ticket purchase required and event sponsored by Barrington Garden Club.

Thursday, June 25th – Bayside Family YMCA Outdoor Pool Ribbon Cutting, Bayside Family YMCA, 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 26th – “Freedom to Ride” Bike Parade. Beginning at South Lake Drive on East Bay Bike Path to Haines Park and ending at Police Cove Park, 5:30 p.m. Barrington 250th collaboration with the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).

Friday, June 26th – Patriotic Dressed Ship Parade. Barrington and Warren Rivers 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Barrington 250th collaboration with the Barrington Yacht.

Monday, June 29th – Barrington’s Automated Refuse and Recycling Collection Program Begins. Carts on curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before your collection day, or no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Please note: Bulky Waste Collection changes to the 2nd and 4th Wednesday starting in June.

Tuesday, June 30th - Quarterly Tax Payments Due. See payment options.

Saturday, July 4th – Fourth of July Holiday (observed on Monday, July 6th). Refuse and recycling normal collection day is moved to the next day for the week (Monday to Saturday, July 6th to 11th). See collection schedule.

Saturday, July 4th – Independence Day Food & Music Festival, Barrington Town Hall, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 5th - Barrington Summer Concert Series Begins (Brass Attack - Barrington 250 Finale Concert), 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Concerts run from July 5th - August 16th every Sunday. Sponsored by Town of Barrington Recreation Department and BankNewport. See complete schedule, band lineup and additional info: https://barrington.ri.gov/440/Concert-Series

Thursday, July 9th through Monday, July 13th – Friends of Barrington Public Library Summer Book Sale, Barrington Public Library (Collis Family Gallery, 2nd Floor). Thursday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. is a Special Friends of the Barrington Public Library preview for members. You can join at the door to get an early look at the book sale. Friday through Sunday (contact the Library for hours) is free admission to the general public. NEW - Monday, July 13th is $5 Fill-a-Bag-Day, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cash and credit card are accepted.

Sunday, July 12th - Barrington Summer Concert (Country Wild Heart), Latham Park, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 13 thru Friday, July 17th – Metal Collection Week. Call the Department of Public Works (DPW) to schedule pickup, 247-1907.

SAVE THE DATES:

Sunday, July 19th - Barrington Summer Concert (Catching Blue), Latham Park, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 24th - Blood Drive, Bayside Family YMCA (70 West Street, Barrington), 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by Bayside Family YMCA and Barrington’s Prevention Coalition. Donations by appointment, use sponsor code 2233 (Walk-ins will be welcomed if availability permits at time of arrival).

Saturday, July 25th – Eco-Depot, East Providence DPW (60 Commercial Way), 8:00 a.m. to noon (rain or shine). Appointments must be scheduled. See accepted hazardous household waste: https://rirrc.org/sites/default/files/Eco-Depot_Brochure.pdf

SEE ALSO:

The Barrington Town Council is looking for volunteers to serve on:

• Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC):  2 vacancies: 2 alternates
• Board of Assessment Review:  1 vacancy: 1st alternate
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: 1 student representative to serve a term of June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026 (non-voting member)
• Housing Board of Trustees: 3 vacancies: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd alternates
• Open Space Committee: 1 vacancy, 1st alternate
• Parks and Recreation Commission: 1 vacancy: 1 student representative to serve a term of June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027 (non-voting member)
• Veterans Advisory Committee: 2 vacancies: 2 alternates (5 members to be veterans, can include family members of veterans)

Updated Monday, June 8, 2026

To apply, go to the Boards and Commission webpage.

CONTACT US

All newsletters are emailed on Tuesdays unless noted otherwise (*Emailed next day due to holiday.) Do you have something you would like to see shared in the newsletter? Please send to info@barrington.ri.gov.  

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