Sun Rise Scoops

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By MERI R. KENNEDY

Wine tasting

at Verde Vineyards

The Johnston Historical Society will present a wine tasting at Verde Vineyards, which will include a personal tour of the vineyard and a presentation on the history and process of winemaking by owner Jim Verde. Refreshments will follow.

The event is being held on June 27 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Verde Vineyards located at 50 Hopkins Ave. in Johnston.

The cost is $25 per person. Contact Anthony Ursillo at 401-764-5901 or email aursillo401@gmail.com to register.

Mohr Large Book Sale

The Friends of Mohr Library are hosting a Large Book Sale at the library, located 1 Memorial Ave., on June 19 from noon to 6 p.m. and on June 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There are great bargains that would make awesome gifts or lovely additions to anyone’s collection. Great selections at great prices include hardcover and paperback books, fiction and non-fiction, for adults, children, and young adults. Most prices range from 25 cents to $2.

The Friends are a non-profit organization, with proceeds from fundraising supporting library programs and services. The Friends Bookshelf on the lower level of the library is open for browsing and sales every day during library hours. Donations of gently used books are appreciated, and can be left at the library’s main desk during library hours. Receipts for tax purposes are available. For more information, contact the Mohr Library at 401-231-4980, ext. 6.

$2,500 youth philanthropy scholarship offered

The Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is offering a $2,500 college scholarship to a Rhode Island student graduating from a local high school in June 2016 who has demonstrated a history of philanthropy and volunteerism.

The Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship will be presented to a Rhode Island high school student at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. It is the hope that the award winner’s chosen education area will nurture a continued interest in community service.

Applicants must be entering their senior year of high school and be preparing to graduate in 2016 to be eligible for the scholarship.

The award is named in memory of Herb Kaplan, a Rhode Islander well noted for his service to the community. Visit www.afpri.org or email info@afpri.org for a scholarship application. Applications are due by Aug. 1, 2015 to: Lisa Desbiens, CFRE, The Providence Center, 528 North Main St., Providence, RI  02904.

Magic at the Mohr

Join in with Malik the Magic Guy, who will be at the Marian J. Mohr Library on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. for a mixture of magic and comedy. This event is suitable for the whole family. Please note that free tickets for this program will be available starting on June 2. This program is made possible by The Andrew Greene Fund. For more information, contact the Mohr Library at 401-231-4980, ext. 5.

 

Artists’ Exchange

Craft Bash

The Artists’ Exchange will once again offer Free Craft Bash at their facility located at 50 Rolfe Square from now until next November due to the sponsorship of Financial Independence. Families are welcome to join in for the monthly arts and craft projects on the last Saturday of each month. All programs will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Craft Bash sessions will be held on June 27, July 25 (at Kiki’s Garden Sunflower Soiree), Aug. 19, Sept. 23, Feb. 28 and March 26 of next year. For more information on Craft Bash, contact the Artists’ Exchange at 401-490-9475.

Hope for the Homeless Motorcycle Run

On June 13, Hope for the Homeless will hold a Motorcycle Run at 9 a.m. leaving from Suzy Q’s Place, 208 Plainfield Pike Road in North Scituate.

Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. The fee is $20 per person, which includes a bike run T-shirt, food, music, raffles and more! The cost is $15 per person for pre-registration before June 7. The run starts and ends at Suzy Q’s Ice Cream. All proceeds will be used to purchase backpacks and items to fill backpacks for the homeless. Backpacks are distributed in November by the Rhode Island Dream Center on the State House lawn. For more information, call the Dream Center at 401-396-2743 or email ridreamcenter@gmail.com.

Sponsors are currently being sought, and vendors are wanted at a cost of $30 for a 10-by-10 space and $50 for a 10-by-20 space. T-shirt sponsors are also being sought, for a $50 donation.

 

Academic News & Notes

Eastern Connecticut State University recently released its spring 2015 semester dean’s list for full-time students. Congratulations to Amanda Wilson of Johnston, who was named to the dean’s list. Wilson’s major is new media studies.

Anthony Macari was named to the spring 2015 dean’s list at Lyndon State College.

The following Johnston residents were among nearly 50 students from Providence College’s School of Continuing Education who received undergraduate degrees during the college’s 97th commencement exercises: Christine Baccari graduated with a bachelor’s degree; Michael Carnevale graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree; Sheryl Medeiros graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree; and Christine Baccari graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

The University of Rhode Island’s Black Scholar Awards program honored this year’s Rhode Island Onyx Senior Honor Society inductees. Thirty-six graduating seniors were inducted based on their academic excellence, community service, and cultural pride. The new members include Jasmine Akinsulire of Johnston.

The University of Rhode Island recently selected Steven Ardente of Johnston and 40 other URI students to represent the 2015 Orientation Team. Ardente, who is studying political science and public relations, has been chosen for the Logistics role. A highly competitive position and unique leadership opportunity, URI’s Orientation Team members serve as ambassadors to incoming students and families. They facilitate workshops and information sessions related to URI’s academics, social environment and culture. The Team also assists with all aspects of the summer program such as check-in and check-out, academic advising, workshop presentations and theatrical productions. The goal of URI’s orientation program is to welcome new students and their families to the URI community and to start them along a path to a success.

Summer Celebration 2015

The North Central Chamber of Commerce will hold its “Welcome to Summer Celebration 2015” on June 20 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club, located at 175 Bonnet Point Road in Narragansett.

Kick off summertime at this beach party to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. Enjoy live music by Rug Burn, food and fun on the waterfront at beautiful Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett. Tickets are just $30 each, and all proceeds benefit our youth mentoring organization. To purchase tickets, visit BBBSOS.org.

St. Brigid’s

spring yard sale

St.Brigid’s Church, 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston, will be holding its spring yard sale on two consecutive Saturdays, June 20 and 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featured will be an array of clothing for children and adults, shoes, purses, home items, toys, books, jewelry, pictures and numerous other items that are being reasonably priced for a quick sale. Children attending will be the recipient of a free token of appreciation. Snacks and drinks will be offered for your convenience. Admission is free. Any questions may be directed to Carol at 401-943-9057.

St. Brigid’s

100th anniversary

St. Brigid’s Church, located at 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston, is extending an invitation to all former and current parishioners to help celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary. The committee would like those interested to share memories, which can be mailed to the rectory or emailed to loubill47@cox.net.

On June 14, an outside Mass will be held at Goddard Park followed by a cookout, fun and games. On Sept. 20, an Anniversary Mass will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the Cranston Country Club at noon.

Cat Adoption Month

Defenders of Animals, in cooperation with Pet Supplies Plus in Garden City, Cranston, will hold a cat adoption event June 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus.

This is being held in conjunction with June being National Cat Adoption Month. For more information, contact Pet Supplies Plus at 401-944-5858.

Did You Know?

Happy Flag Day on June 14! When Alaska and Hawaii became states 49 and 50, President Eisenhower received thousands of ideas for an updated flag. Almost all of them were of a 50-star flag, including one from Robert G. Heft, a 17-year-old student at Lancaster (Ohio) High, who created the design for a class project. He was one of three to submit the version that was accepted and remains in use today. Robert got a B- on his project. (Source: Flag 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.

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