Community Forum with Commissioner Gist Tonight, Wheelchair Basketball and More

Today's happenings include a special event sponsored by students at Middletown schools for Disability Awareness Week, a chance to hear first-hand about public education from the state's Education Commissioner, and a warm and fuzzy storytime for toddlers at the Potter League, plus tips on where to get free tax and garden help this week.

1. Tonight, don't miss the wheelchair basketball game that's part of this week's ongoing series of events associated with Disability Awareness Week. Five local players will face off against the New England Paralyzed Veterans of America wheelchair basketball team. The event is produced by the Best Buddies groups from both and .
2. As part of her 2010-11 Listening and Learning Tour, Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist invites Middletowners to come out to a community forum tonight.
3. The monthly Waggin Tales Story Time for kids ages 2-5 returns to the this morning.
4. Free tax help is on the way Thursday! The East Bay Community Action Program on Thursday will accept walk-ins for free tax services from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their local office at 19 Broadway, Newport. The free tax assistance is offered to taxpayers with low to moderate income ($49,000 and below).  Call (401) 435-7876 for more information.
5. On Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon beginning April 17, the URI Master Gardener volunteers will offer free soil pH testing and gardening information at the Newport Restoration Foundation’s Prescott Farm located off West Main Road at the Middletown/Portsmouth town line.