Sun Rise Scoops

By MERI R. KENNEDY

St. Brigid’s Italian

Festival rescheduled

The Social Ministry of St. Brigid’s Church at 1235 Plainfield St. in Johnston has rescheduled its Italian Festival fundraiser in honor of the church’s 100th anniversary. Originally scheduled for Feb. 22, the event has been postponed to Sunday, March 22 at 12:30 p.m. due to the recent unsettled weather. The festival will take place at the church hall on Plainfield Street. Marchetti’s Restaurant in Cranston is donating a five-course Italian dinner, which will include desert and coffee as well as a raffle. Prices are $20 for adults, $12 for those between the ages of six and 12, and no cost for those under age six. Tickets will be sold prior to and after the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass and Sundays after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. They can also be obtained by calling 401-944-3645 or 401-944-3945. For those who purchased tickets and find March 22 inconvenient, a refund can be obtained by calling 401-944-6778.

RI Pink Heals

Annual Ball

RI Pink Heals, which is comprised of both male and female members of local fire and police departments in support of women with cancer, will hold its fourth annual Pink Heals Ball on May 1 at the Crowne Plaza Grand Ballroom in Warwick.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. with a selection of one of the following: boneless chicken, baked scrod, prime rib or vegetarian.

The dress code is formal/semi-formal with men in Class A uniform or suit and women in gowns or similar attire. The cost is $50 per person ($500 per table) with open seating unless a full table is purchased (tables of 10). Music will be provided by DJ Eric Anthony of Sounds Spectacular DJ Service.

For tickets, please call Matt Medeiros at 401-692-0272 or Chris Seelenbrandt at 401-578-5498, or visit www.ripinktrucks.com by April 24. All proceeds benefit the women battling cancer in Rhode Island and their families.

Ash Wednesday services

Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 251 Danielson Pike in North Scituate, will host Ash Wednesday Services: Imposition of Ashes & Holy Eucharist on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Academic News & Notes

Congratulations to the following Johnston residents who were named to the fall 2014 semester at Quinnipiac University: Kristen M. Beaumier, Courtney L. Briggs and Nisa M. Villareal.

Congratulations to the following Johnston residents who were among the more than 1,336 students from Roger Williams University to receive their degrees as part of the class of 2014. Thomas Jones received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice; Christa DiCasparro received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology; and Gail Buccafurri received a bachelor of science degree in public administration.

St. Brigid’s Mass

of Anointing

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Brigid’s Church, located 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston, will be sponsoring its quarterly Mass of Anointing on March 7 at 11 a.m. Handmade shawls, made by the ministry and blessed by Father Robert Rochon, will be available, upon request, for anyone that may need one for themselves or for someone they know who could benefit by having one. Those who are elderly, preparing for surgery, suffering from a chronic illness or experiencing spiritual or emotional pain are welcomed to join in. Volunteers are available to help with the stairs.

Business Before

Breakfast

Join the North Central Chamber of Commerce for “Business Before Breakfast” on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Smithfield High School Library Media Center located at 90 Pleasant View Ave. in Smithfield. The Smithfield High School Academy of Finance is excited to host the event. Meet the faculty, Academy Advisory Board and students for some great networking. There is no cost to North Central Chamber members, and the cost is $10 for non-members. For more details and to register, call Deborah Ramos at 401-349-4674.

At the Mohr

On Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m., come join in with “People in the Neighborhood” and meet Officer Hanley and her police dog Annie. Annie has some amazing skills to show everyone. Story and craft. Grades K and up.

Phoenix Performing Arts presents a Chinese New Year Celebration with dance and music. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.

The Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is located at 1 Memorial Ave. With questions or to register for any of the listed programs, call 401-231-4980, ext. 5.

RI Chamber of

Commerce Coalition

Legislative Reception

The RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition Legislative Reception will be held on Feb. 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the State House Rotunda.

With the many newly elected state legislators and state general officers, this event will allow you the opportunity to meet and mingle.

The cost is $20 per person, which includes food and beverages. Valet parking will be available at the Smith Street entrance to the State House. For more information, contact Deborah Ramos at 401-349-4674.

Dercum’s Research

Fund hosting guest

bartender fundraiser

The non-profit RI Dercum’s Research Fund Inc. is hosting a guest bartender event to benefit Dercum’s disease research and Rare Disease Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tavern 12, located at 2299 Post Road in Warwick. A grand prize raffle will be held for a $250 Southwest Airlines gift card.

RI Good Neighbor

Energy Fund receives grant

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a cooperative effort between the energy companies in the state and the Salvation Army, which administers the fund to assist those in temporary crisis with their energy bills, has announced that it recently received a grant in the amount of $75,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation.

The 2014-15 goal of the Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign is to raise $500,000 and provide energy assistance to 1,500 families. The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP. The fund’s campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support. The Salvation Army distributes contributions to families who qualify based on specific household income and family member guidelines.

Fund sponsors include Dominion Resources, Entergy RISEC, National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and Trans-Canada’s Ocean State Power, who all participate through various giving programs. Rhode Islanders most often donate to the fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of March. Those interested in donating to the fund can also text “WARM” to 41444 on their mobile phone, send a check payable to “Good Neighbor” to The Salvation Army, 34 Commercial St., Cranston, RI 02905, or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $12.3 million and helped more than 42,750 families who have been in temporary crisis and in need of energy assistance. For more information, call 401-490-0240 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

Did You Know?

Washington’s Birthday is a national federal holiday. Many states celebrate Washington’s Birthday, while other states officially call the day Presidents’ Day. The holiday is held on or around President George Washington’s birthday, which is on Feb. 22. President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, is also near this date and is often honored on Presidents’ Day. (Presidents’ Day Fun Facts)

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