Sun Rise Scoops

7th annual Italian Festival

The Social Ministry Committee at St. Brigid’s Church, located at 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston, is, once again sponsoring its Italian Festival that will be held at the Cranston Country Club, 69 Burlingame Road in Cranston, at 12:30 p.m. March 2. A five-course buffet is prepared and donated by the popular Marchetti’s Restaurant in Cranston. There will be a complimentary toast, a cash bar, coffee and desert tables featuring an array of homemade pastries. Entertainment and a raffle will also be provided.

Donation is $20 for adults and $12 for children six to 12. Children under the age of six are free of charge.

Tickets are available in the foyer of the church now after the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass and the 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday Masses. Reservations can be made by calling 949-0617 or 944-6778.

Swinging Squares weekly workshops

The Swinging Squares will meet several times in February at the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center, located at 7 Esmond St. in Smithfield. On Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Swinging Squares, with Caller Bob Butler and Cuer Henry Barry, will be held at a cost of $6 per person.

Their monthly dance, Sweethearts Dance, will be held Feb. 16 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., also at the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center at a cost of $7 per person, with the Caller Bob Butler and Cuer Harriett Clarke. For more information, contact Louise Harrison at 724-7295.

Speed Networking

The North Central Chamber of Commerce invites you to bring business cards, flyers and other promotional material to their next Speed Networking session, where you will have the ability to talk one-on-one with approximately 20 business professionals. The event is being held Feb. 5 at Kountry Kitchen, located at 10 Smith Ave. in Greenville. This is a very relaxed atmosphere for new networkers and very productive for those looking to make quality business connections. Light fare will be provided, and the cost is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and for more information, contact Kelly Patz at 349-4674.

Parents' Night Out

Would you like a night out for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.? Bring the kids to The Children’s Workshop located at 22 Cedar Swamp Road in Smithfield. They will provide supervision, fun, entertainment and snacks for the kids while parents enjoy a night off. This service is free and open to the community. You do not need to enroll in the school to take advantage of this great opportunity. The Children’s Workshop provides quality childcare and early education for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-K, kindergarten and before and after school. The facility is nut free, and they stay open during snow days, school vacations and summer camp. For more information, contact Nicole at 233-2828. Space is limited. Please RSVP by Feb. 7.

Cosmic family bowling

St. Brigid’s Social Ministry Committee will, once again, be hosting a family bowling day.  It will take place at the Johnston Town Hall Lanes, 1463 Atwood Ave., on Feb. 23, and will include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, cosmic lights, music, contest and prizes as well as refreshments. The fee is $10 per person and arrival time is 2:15 p.m., with bowling from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Young and old are invited to participate and join in the fun. Registration forms are available in the foyer of the church after their 5 p.m. Saturday Mass or Sunday after their 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. For information or reservations, please call 942-0576 or 949-0617.

All about Roger Williams

The Johnston Historical Society will feature Park Ranger John McNiff from the Roger Williams National Memorial, who will present a speech on Roger Williams beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 29. The event will take place at the Johnston Historical Society Museum Barn, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston, and is free and open to the public.

Did You Know?

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, did you know that the Valentine’s Day chocolate boxes were introduced in 1868 by Richard Cadbury? The famous gifts and cards company Hallmark launched its first Valentine’s product in 1913. Chocolates are one of the top gifts for Valentine’s Day, along with flowers.

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