"Standing in a two-hour line makes people worry that they're not living in a democratic nation…read more People stand in line for two hours and they go over the edge." David Sedaris, Santaland Diaries I was just listening to a colleague kvetch about a 7th-circle-of-hell-ish visit to the Providence/Westminster St. Social Security office, so I was compelled to write this review. The first step to changing your name (in my case, marriage) is to first change with Social Security, in person. When I discovered that you can go to any office in the state, I decided to give Pawtucket a try just after they opened at 9, fearing the worst and clearing my calendar of obligations for the morning. It looks like I imagine the Social Security Office where Carol, Marcia, Jan and Cindy might have walked into when they changed their name to Brady. There was only one person in front of me, and then I sashayed up with my documents, slid them under the glass, and DONE in 10 minutes.

Wait time was only 30 min, which was reasonable. They were unable to complete my transaction…read morebecause I was missing a piece of random paperwork...which happens. But the woman behind the desk was very rude with me, considering that in my case, the error was made by social security and not by me. She also told me the wrong piece of paperwork to provide and when I went back with exactly what she said to get, I still didn't have what I needed, and she didn't seem to care. She said, "I could help you, if you had all the paperwork you were supposed to have." All attitude. Bottom line--the facility itself and wait to be seen were reasonable, she was NOT. Woonsocket SSA is much better--go there if you have a choice! They were helpful and friendly!

The City of Cranston holds a spot next to my heart; I lived there for 20 years…read more It has approximately 82,000 people living there and the second largest city in Rhode Island; it was the third largest up until 2017. It became a city in 1910. There are two high schools; Cranston East and Cranston West. In the western side of the city, it's a little bit more rural with nicer/larger houses; it's the ritzy side of Cranston. In the eastern side, it's more suburban to urban. I grew up in the eastern side. Schools were ok but nothing to write home about. There were plenty of things to do and very close proximity to the capital city, Providence. A popular spot is the Garden City Shopping plaza. The annual St. Mary's Feast Festival which started in 1905, is a popular event; it has a carnival, vendors, food, and fireworks. What I loved about growing up there was the diversity. Del's Lemonade is a very popular and tasty frozen lemonade; its first stand opened in Cranston. I had good memories growing up there; with everything, there are pros and cons. The overall general consensus, it is a place people want to move to.

I loved "growing up" in Cranston. I went to Glen Hills Elementary through 4th grade. Also did a one…read moreyear stint at Cranston Johnston Catholic Regional! I loved, and still love, frequenting Garden City. Love the many high school tracks you can walk on. My grandfather lived here my whole life until his passing this January. I will miss hearing the baseball and softball games at Brayton Field from his house on Brayton Ave. Highway access is great and you can be in Providence within 10 minutes and at the Mass state line within 20 minutes.

Providence City Hall is the center of the municipal government in Providence, and is located at the…read moresouthwest end of Kennedy Plaza at 25 Dorrance Street. The building was constructed between 1875 and 1878 and designed by Samuel J. F. Thayer in the Second Empire style. In 1975, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it is also a contributing structure to the broader Downtown Providence Historic District. Though the area around it has changed over the years, Providence City Hall remains a constant in downtown Providence. The cast iron and masonry structure witnessed the evolution of Exchange Place into Kennedy Plaza, two hurricanes, and multiple cycles of economic depression and growth. Initially, Providence's municipal government was located in the crowded Market House, across the Providence river. Needing a bigger space, alderman were split on where to put a new city hall. Half of the council lived on the east side of the river, and half on the west, causing a thirty-year struggle over where to put the new government building. Eventually, the west side won and the cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1875. In the 1950s the city's downtown master plan called for the demolition of City Hall, but it was saved and restored, reflecting the city's pride in its historic roots. Many city departments can be found in this building...including Tax collection, Board of Canvassers, Board of Licenses, City Archives, City Council, Public Works, Municipal court, Mayor's office, and much more. I usually go into the building for things related to my tax bill or a few years ago to get my marriage license. Anyway, a beautiful building reminiscing of a French government building in the heart of Providence.

So, as much as I hate paying taxes, the gentleman who has helped me the last two times I was there,…read morewas a real gem. I won't say enjoyed paying taxes but his persona and personable manner made it less painful.

East Greenwich is a beautiful town located in Kent County, Rhode Island. It is in the center of the…read morestate and west of the Narragansett bay. It has approximately 14,000 residents and a popular downtown area. There are restaurants and bars right on the water. The public schools were highly ranked and the neighborhoods are safe. Main St. has plenty of restaurants and various businesses. The town is in close proximity to amenities. Overall, a great town to live in and visit!

Love downtown East Greenwich! There is always a new…read morerestaurant or store popping up to try. Lots of street parking as well as parking at municipal and other lots. Lots of historic homes and buildings to learn about. Some areas are a little hilly.

A local treasure of history and culture. On levels with so many historic homes in New Englsnd and…read moreyet to say you know Bristol or even RI history without visiting here you have cheated yourself. Be challenged and be awed by beauty, architecture, and history. And do not miss it!

I have been to Linden Place many times and I thought it was about time to write a review of this…read morebeautiful colonial home and museum. Linden Place was built in 1810 by George DeWolf. When the sea was America's highway, the DeWolf family ruled along with the Browns of Providence, and as with the Brown family, the DeWolfs made their money in trading slaves. George's family and descendants occupied the house for 177 years until the Friends of Linden Place, a non-profit group, assumed ownership in 1988. Perhaps the most famous occupant was Colonel Samuel Pomeroy Colt, George's grandson. He started Industrial Trust Bank which later became Fleet and he formed U.S. Rubber which became today's Uniroyal Tires. This house is considered the "architectural crown jewel" of Bristol and it is important to the social history of the town as well. Walking around the house with a guided tour, you can hear and learn about the history of the house and the town, bright time and dark times. Learning about the slave trade is important because it was a part of our history, even though it was a sad one. The decor is exquisite, with the furniture, chandeliers, artwork and interior design set the same way it was in the 19th century. We have also enjoyed the outside grounds during wedding receptions, concerts, special events. The grounds are always immaculate so the events outdoors always shine. A beauty of Colonial architecture in Bristol.

Simple but unique…read more The Four Corner Cemetery is also called the Middletown Cemetery, the Middletown Four Corner Cemetery or just the Historic Middletown Cemetery Number Nine. It's an old graveyard of about 3,000 graves but I couldn't really see exactly the age of the oldest memorials. Some definitely when back well into the 18th century but many others were worn and impossible to make out. The soft stones that were used don't age very well at all in the harsh weather. Most of the memorials are fairly simple and small with few of the monstrous, huge, ponderous and elaborate graves sites found in other cemeteries. Even though most of the memorials are small there still were some lovely and unique examples of graveyard art. A simple old graveyard that has been around for a long time. Unfortunately some of the lovely stones are wearing away and others have fallen or been knocked over. But Four Corners is still an historic and fascinating look into the past.

Great location and plenty of parking, all offices are located right off the front entrance. City…read moreemployees are always very helpful.

After all the horror stories that I hear and read about the Cranston DMV, I decided to give the…read moreWarren DMV a try. I was not disappointed. I went for my Driver's license renewal and I was IN/OUT in less than 60 minutes. They have ample parking and the crowds moved quickly. They are only open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30-3:30. There are some things they don't do like commercial licenses, etc... Please check their website for specific details.

If you need to return a license plate -hit the information button to get the correct ticket I just…read morewaited two hours and could have been in and out in 20 minutes... Good to know for next time!