Sun Rise Scoops

By MERI R. KENNEDY

Johnston Toy Drive

Mayor Joseph Polisena and Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini, in partnership with the Johnston Police Explorers, are hosting a toy collection drive for families in need in the Johnston community. You can help by donating an unwrapped toy. Drop-off locations include A Custom Car Stereo Center, the Johnston Police Department, the Mohr Library, or any Johnston public school. The drive is running from now until Dec. 15.

Last year, 125 families in Johnston benefited from the program, and a greater need is expected this year. Organizers are seeking unwrapped toys or gift cards, but please no stuffed animals.

If you or a family you now are in need of help this year, call Police Capt. Thomas H. Dolan at 401-757-3100, ext. 3138. Toy distribution is handled confidentially.

A wrapping party will be held on Dec. 16 at the Johnston Senior Center, located at 1291 Hartford Ave., starting at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The American St. Nick

On Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church will screen the newly released documentary film, “The American St. Nick.” This true story is about the day American soldiers brought Christmas back to one Luxembourg town during the darkest days of World War II. The storyline is based on the book of the same name by Peter Lion. The film was produced, written and directed by Tim Gray, with photography and film editing by Jim Karpeichik, and is narrated by Tom Kane with an original musical score by Roger Cichy.

Trinity Episcopal Church in North Scituate (251 Danielson Pike) will host this event. Admission is free, however a canned good for the Trinity Food Closet would be appreciated.

For more information on the World War II Foundation, visit www.wwiifoundation.org.

Free Concert

at Mohr Library

There will be a free concert at the Mohr Library on Dec. 12 at 2:30 p.m. There will be works by Gustav Holst, Morley Calvert, Victor Ewald, as well as some folk and Christmas music. It will featured The Whisper Keys, including Erin Hall and Michael Pollart on trumpets, Ethan Cafferky on the horn, Tyler Barboza on the trombone and Samuel Kurzontkowski on tuba.

St. Brigid’s cookie sale

Parishioners of St. Brigid’s Church at 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston will be having their annual homemade Italian and traditional cookies on sale Saturday, Dec. 19, prior and after the 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday, Dec. 20, prior and after their 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. Half-pound trays are $20, while trays of one pound are $15. Smaller trays of specialty cookies will also be offered. All trays are beautifully gift wrapped and can be purchased either in the foyer of the church or in the church hall. Please call Angela at 401-944-3945 to reserve your tray.

Academic News & Notes

Saint Raphael Academy congratulates students from Johnston who have achieved honor roll status for the first quarter marking period in academic year 2015-16. Highest honors went to ninth-grader Sydney Charette. First honors went to 10th-graders Meghan Clark and Eric Martineau, and 12th-grader Nathaniel Vigeant. Second honors went to ninth-grader Nicholas Allienello and 11th-grader Emily Caprio.

Job Ready at Tri-Town

Tri-Town Community Action Agency will accept applications on an ongoing basis to its “Job Ready” career exploration program for upcoming sessions. The program kicked off in October, and is expected to be held quarterly during the year as needed. Jobseekers from 18 to 24 years of age who are not attending school can apply to the five-week, free program that helps candidates find a career path that matches their skills and interests.

A 20-hour orientation program is presented during the first week, including lessons on improving “soft skills,” like work ethic and problem solving; enhancing work readiness; understanding financial literacy; preparing for job interviews; and completing CPR, First Aid, and AED training.

Other program highlights include a 100-hour paid job shadow opportunity, with the potential to participate in the On the Job Training [OJT] or Work Immersions program offered by the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training.

A work-eligible Social Security number and eligibility to work in the U.S. are required. Participants must also be available for the entire length of the program, 25 hours per week for five weeks. Paid work experience can take place at nights and weekends.

Residents of Rhode Island except Cranston and Providence – who can participate in programs in those cities – are eligible to take part in the Tri-Town hosted program.

Contact Jamie Sisto at Tri-Town Community Center, 33 Maple Ave., North Providence, at 401-519-1929 or jsisto@tri-town.org for more information.

Friends of the

Mohr Public Library

Members of the Friends plan and run book sales and carry out other fundraising activities to allow the Mohr Library to increase services and programs. The Friends welcome new members who are willing to provide support through donations, membership dues, or volunteering their time. To find out more, contact them, or call the library director at 401-231-4980 (press 7).

There is an ongoing book sale in the lower level hall across from the meeting room. The Friends also hold larger sales two or three times a year. 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. 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.

Ocean State Job Lot

kicks off ‘Three Square Meals’ drive

Ocean State Job Lot is beginning its annual “Three Square Meals” food and fund drive. Customers at all Ocean State Job Lot stores are invited to make a donation at the registers, a portion of which will be matched by Job Lot to help combat food insecurity in their community. The chain wide in-store fundraising effort supports Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s Three Square Meals family assistance program, which benefits food banks throughout the Northeast, and local food distribution programs. All 120 Job Lot stores in eight states are participating. Donations taken at all stores through Dec. 31.

Did You Know?

In 1843, “A Christmas Carol” was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks. Christmas became a national holiday in America on June 26, 1870. (Source: Christmas Fun Facts)

To submit your news from the community, email 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. Email 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.