Sun Rise Scoops

By MERI R. KENNEDY

Gloria Gemma

Fashion Show

Come celebrate the unique spirit and beauty of people living with breast cancer as they stroll down the catwalk modeling gorgeous clothing from some of Rhode Island’s premiere boutiques and clothiers at the eighth annual “Our Heroes” Survivor Fashion Show: Night at the Races, a Derby-Style Party to benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

Get creative and enter the hat contest while enjoying shopping from exceptional vendors, a delicious sit-down dinner and an awe-inspiring fashion show on May 2 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a seated dinner, entertainment and fashion show beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, call 401-861-4376. Tickets are $45 per person or $425 per table of 10.

Johnston Historical

Society general meeting

The Johnston Historical Society will hold a general meeting on April 29 at 101 Putnam Pike from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The speaker will be former CCRI professor and Graniteville resident Ralph Scorpio, who will talk about the Vietnam War and its aftermath. For more information, contact Louis McGowan at 401-231-3380.

Smart Money Week

at the Mohr

The Mohr Library will host Smart Money Week from April 18-25, including a presentation from Michael Abbood of Edward Jones on the basics of estate planning. An estate attorney will be present. This will be held April 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On April 21, Scott Sullivan from Money Management International will help attendees understand credit scores and reports, how they are determined, their impact and strategies to limit their impact. This program will be held on April 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Workbooks will be included for all those who attend. Registration is required by calling 401-231-4980, ext. 2213.

Tomorrow Fund Stroll

The Tomorrow Fund Annual Stroll is taking place on April 26 at Garden City Center in Cranston.

The Tomorrow Fund is a non-profit organization that provides daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer who are treated in The Tomorrow Fund Clinic – located in the Edwin Forman Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence – and their families. Kids can come from anywhere in the world, but they must be treated in our pediatric oncology program at Hasbro to receive services.

Children, adults and families are welcome to collect pledges and “stroll” on behalf of The Tomorrow Fund. A minimum donation of $20 per walker or team member is required.

Check-in and registration begins at 8:45 a.m. “Tomorrow Fund Stroll” T-shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The stroll begins at 10 a.m. Participants can walk as few or as many laps around the shopping center as they wish. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided, including clowns, face painters and music. Trophies will be awarded to the team and individual raising the most money. For more information or to receive a registration and pledge form, please call The Tomorrow Fund at 401-444-8811 or visit www.tomorrowfund.org.

April showers bring

great networking

April showers usually bring May flowers, but they also bring great networking opportunities. Join the RI Self Defense Center as it hosts its first North Central Chamber of Commerce event on April 24 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Sensei Orsini, owner of RI Self Defense Center, is excited to host and meet lots of fabulous professionals and showcase his business, located at 515 Greenville Ave. in Johnston. For more information, contact Deborah Ramos at 401-349-4674.

For children at the Mohr

On April 20 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Mohr Library will feature Spring Crafts. Make paper flowers, bunnies, chicks and blooming trees. Ages four and up with an adult are welcome.

On April 21, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., children can try Recycled Art and celebrate Earth Day through crafts. A variety of recycled materials will be provided for kids to make their creations. Ages four and up with an adult are welcome.

Project Chick, presented by Casey Farm, will be held on April 25 at 11 a.m. Participants will observe and touch real chickens and a selection of eggs from birds ranging from the hummingbird to the ostrich. Casey Farm will also leave an incubator, and later on there will be a chance to see chicks hatch and take their first steps. This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Mohr Library.

At 2 p.m. on April 24, the library will provide the opportunity to meet Police Officer Chuck from the Johnston Police Department. Officer Chuck will talk about his job in the community and answer questions. There will be a story and craft. Registration preferred by calling 401-231-4980, ext. 5.

Academic News & Notes

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce that Alyssa Lanzi of Johnston was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Lanzi was initiated at Duquesne University.

Lanzi is among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the most selective all-discipline honor society.

For adults at the Mohr

The Mohr Library will present “Meditation, the Universe & You” for free on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Learn the health benefits for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This practical workshop will include a guided meditation session with Dr. Alan Post. For questions or reservations, please contact Grayce or Lori at 401-231-4980, ext. 213.

RI Pink Heals

Annual Ball

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.

Did You Know?

Earth Day was celebrated for the first time on April 22, 1970. In that inaugural year, 20 million people participated in the United States. Today, it is projected that more than 1 billion people in 180 countries will celebrate Earth Day. Today, the average individual throws away approximately four pounds of garbage every day and uses about 12,000 gallons of water every year. (Source: Earth Day Fun Facts)

To submit your news from the community, e-mail Meri R. Kennedy at SunriseScoops@aol.com. Photos in jpg format are accepted and news can range from community events, promotions, academic news and non-profit events. E-mail today and see your news in our column in the Johnston Sunrise! Please include a daytime telephone number in case we require any further information.