Sun Rise Scoops

Johnston Memorial weekend service

On May 24, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the outdoor bandstand in Johnston Memorial Park, there will be a special Memorial Day weekend event to honor those who lost their lives in service. The program will include a bell ringing to honor the 42 men killed in action in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The program is presented by Mayor Polisena, the Johnston Parks & Recreation Department, the Johnston Community Center Association, the town of Johnston, Johnston Senior High School, the Kelley-Gazzero Post, the Johnston Police Department, the Rhode Island National Guard and Operation Stand Down.

Military may also reserve their spot on the honor wall in Johnston Memorial Park by calling 272-3460. Marble plaques are available for purchase at the cost of $150 per 6-by-12-inch space.

At the Mohr

Travel to China this month as part of the Ancient Civilizations program at the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library.

On May 16 at 4:30 p.m., explore China through film, food, crafts, music and more. The program is geared for grades K and up. Please register at 231-4980.

The “People in the Neighborhood” program continues May 21 at 4:30 p.m., when participants can meet Officer Lisa from the R.I. State Police and her dog. Grades K and up. Please register. New members welcome.

Also a reminder that Saturday is free Drop-in Crafts Day at the Mohr. Craft programs are held every Saturday and feature several self-directed projects for kids and parents to do together. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Craft programs are not appropriate for children under 3 as small parts might present a hazard.

Academic News & Notes

The University of Rhode Island recently selected Matt Kilduff of Johnston and 40 other URI students to represent the 2014 Orientation Team. Kilduff, a junior who is studying economics and political science, has been chosen for the team leader 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.

DiAndre Nixon of Johnston was inducted into the Order of the Engineer at URI. As part of a commitment to pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, 103 URI engineering students, including Nixon, were inducted into the Order of the Engineer on April 30. The students became the first group from the state’s flagship university to join the national professional organization and established the first Link (chapter) in Rhode Island. During the Ring Ceremony, each student formally accepted the Obligation of an Engineer and received a stainless steel ring. Worn on the little finger of the working hand, the ring symbolizes a commitment to engineering and the obligation. The obligation contains ethical standards from major engineering societies and a pledge to serve humanity by making the best use of the Earth’s resources.

Annual May Breakfast goes to the pets

Defenders of Animals will hold their annual May Breakfast during Pet Appreciation Week on May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Governor Sprague Mansion, located at 1351 Cranston St. in Cranston. Musical entertainment will be provided, and tickets are $25 per person. Call Defenders of Animals at 461-1922 for reservations. The event is by reservation only.

Class reunion

The classes of 1963 and 1964 of Johnston High School are having a combined reunion on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick, in the Green Room. Please contact Carol Pezzullo Salvatore at 401-353-0294 (home), 401-585-2390 (cell) or by email at carol1946@cox.net.

Taste of North Central

On May 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Central Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Taste of North Central” event. Participants will board a shuttle at one of three locations and enjoy a fabulous, fun-filled evening with lots of great food from restaurants in the Chamber footprint. Restaurants participating in this year’s event include A&W Restaurant, Ocean State Sandwich Company, Palermo’s Salumeria Italiana, Tolento’s Ice House Grille and Uno Chicago Grill.

Advance ticket purchase is $20 per person, and senior citizen tickets are just $15. Tickets at pick-up locations on the day of the event are $25 and will be limited in quantity. Buses will leave promptly at 5:30 p.m., so please arrive at your assigned pick up location 15 minutes early.  Shuttle services are being donated by the Johnston Senior Center, Cherry Hill Manor and Pocasset Bay Retirement Living. For more information, contact Kelly Patz at 349-4674.

Did You Know?

The idea of an official celebration of Mother’s Day in the U.S. was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist, writer and poet, Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” She suggested that June 2 be annually celebrated as Mother’s Day and should be dedicated to peace. She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous Mother’s Day Proclamation, written in Boston in 1870. She also initiated a Mothers’ Peace Day observance on the second Sunday in June in Boston and held the meeting for a number of years. Julia tirelessly championed the cause of an official celebration of Mother’s Day and the declaration of an official holiday on the day. Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mother’s Day holiday now celebrated in May. (Source: May 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.