Sun Rise Scoops

Free summer field trip series continues

The North Central Chamber of Commerce hosts the second of its “Free Summer Field Trip” series at the Rhode Island State House on Aug. 8 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Did you know the dome of the Rhode Island State House is the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world? How about which government offices are located in the building? Come take a tour of the state Capitol and find out all sorts of fascinating information about Rhode Island government and this historic building. All ages welcome and please contact Kelly Patz at 349-4674 for further details.

Rhode Island Chamber Block Party

Join all the Rhode Island Chambers of Commerce for a fabulous summer cookout, kayak races and more at Champlin’s Hotel, Marina and Resort on Block Island on Aug. 9. The Chamber Block Party is your opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of networking with your family, friends, colleagues and associates. You must be pre-registered and pre-paid to attend. Ferry Reservations through the Chamber Web page must be made prior to Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. After that you may book directly with the Block Island Ferry. For more information contact your local Chamber of Commerce of Kelly Patz at 349-4674.

Annual feast and festival

St. Bartholomew Church will hold its annual feast and festival Aug. 9 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Aug. 10 and 11 from 3 to 10 p.m. on church grounds, 297 Laurel Hill Ave. The feast will feature Italian, American, and Spanish foods including their famous doughboys. There will be nightly musical entertainment with Gemini Band playing on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. Amron Family Fun Fare will provide amusement rides and games. A mass in Honor of St. Bartholomew will be held on Sunday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. with religious procession following. Admission and parking are free. The feast will be held rain or shine. For more information call 944-4466.

Sunday Morning Singing

The Faith Tabernacle Church, located at 687 Hartford Pike, will host Gospel Singers, The Walkers on Sunday August 4, at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning services are held at 10:00a.m.and the Bible Study Youth Group meets on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.

Karaoke for a Cure

On July 27 at 8 p.m. Karaoke for a Cure will be held at Taylor’s Dugout, located at 200 George Waterman Rd. in Johnston. Participants may sing one song for $1 or 6 for $5. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and all proceeds go to the RI Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Academic News & Notes

Congratulations to David D’Amico and Ryan Masi of Johnston who were named to the Dean’s List at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.

Save the Date

On Aug. 25 the Johnston Historical Society has invited Society Members and their families to partake in a picnic. The JHS will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns and soda. All else is pot lock so please bring a dish to share. There will also be badminton, horseshoes and perhaps a raffle. For more information, contact the JHS at 231-3380. The picnic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m.

Healthy camp scholarships

Partial scholarships are available for children ages 8 to 15 to attend Fit2cook4Kids summer camp on the URI campus, Kingston, July 29 to Aug. 2. Donations have made several $100 scholarships available for children who need a financial boost in order to afford camp. With a scholarship, having fun while learning to cook, stay fit and communicate well will cost parents $310, or $7.75 per hour for Monday - Friday. Drop-off is 8 to 9 a.m. and pick-up is 5 through 5:30 p.m. Campers prepare and enjoy healthy food all day long while also learning yoga, fun games and social skills they will practice for a lifetime of health and success. For more information, call 294-6800 or go to www.foodandtruth.org.

Artist Opportunities

The Artists’ Exchange located at 50 Rolfe Sq. in Cranston is seeking artisans for the 6th annual Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival, which will be held from Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with a rain date of Sept. 29). Deadline for entering is Aug. 30 with a registration fee of $50 with an early bird registration fee for $35 for those registered by Aug. 2. The festival will be held inside and in the lots surrounding Artists’ Exchange. More information and application available for download at www.artists-exchange.

org/falloutofsummerfest.html and performers are also being sought for the event as volunteers at the festive atmosphere.

Did You Know?

A summer delight is watermelon, but did you know that watermelon is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. It is most closely related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. The watermelon is composed of 92 percent water and early explorers often used hollowed out watermelons as canteens.

If you have news to share for this weekly column, please contact Meri 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 Sun Rise. Please include a daytime telephone number in case we require any further information. Be sure to check out our website at www.johnstonsunrise.net.