Sun Rise Scoops

By MERI R. KENNEDY

St. Brigid Italian Festival

The Social Ministry of St. Brigid’s Church, 1235 Plainfield St. in Johnston, proudly presents its Annual Italian Festival on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cranston Country Club, 69 Burlingame Road in Cranston. Marchetti’s Restaurant in Cranston is donating a five-course Italian dinner consisting of salad, macaroni, meatballs, chicken parmesan, sausage with peppers and potatoes. Desert and coffee is included. A cash bar is available, as well as entertainment and a raffle. Admission for adults is $20; $12 for children ages six to 12; and children under six are free. Tickets are being sold prior to and after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday and Sunday after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. For tickets or information, please call 401-944-3645 or 401-944-3945.

Johnston Historical

Society General Meeting

The next general meeting of the Johnston Historical Society will include author Dr. Edward A. Iannuccilli as the speaker, giving a talk entitled “Good Times and Sunday Dinner,” in which he will tell the story of immigration to this country, featuring anecdotes from his own family and stories in his books. Iannuccilli is the author of “Growing Up Italian,” “Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories” and What Ever “Happened to Sunday Dinner and Other Stories.”

The meeting will be held on Feb. 25 at the Johnston Historical Society, located at 101 Putnam Pike in Johnston. For more information, contact Louis McGowan at 401-231-3380. The meeting is free and open to the public.

At the Mohr Library

There will be free art classes for adults with Ms. Melyssa. This will kick off Feb. 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details and to register, please call the library at 401-231-4980.

Children and families are invited to join in on Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. to meet a Rhode Island State Police trooper and their K-9. There will also be story time and crafts.

Te Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library is located at 1 Memorial Ave. Contact 401-231-4980, ext. 5 for more information.

Dion named National

Youth Correspondent for upcoming conference

Amber Dion, a student at Johnston Senior High School, has been selected to represent Johnston as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2015 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University held July 12-July 17. Dion joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Dion was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field.

Chamber’s Winter

Blood Drive

Join in the North Central Chamber of Commerce and The Continental Restaurant as they host their Winter Blood Drive on Feb. 5. The drive will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Continental Restaurant, located at 332 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. The RI Blood Center Donor Coach will be available in the parking lot. Please be sure to bring along proper ID.

Academic News & Notes

Congratulations to Jessica DelGreco of Johnston, who was named to the dean’s list with high honors at the University of New Hampshire for the fall semester of the 2014-15 academic year.

Katharine Carlini from Johnston has been named to the UMass Dartmouth fall 2014 dean’s list in recognition of earning a semester grade point average of 3.2 or higher of a possible 4.0.

Friends of the Mohr

Members of the Friends of the Mohr Library plan and run book sales and carry out other fundraising activities to allow the 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 the group or call the library director at 401-231-4980 and 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 hard cover 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.

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.

Join the Chamber

bowling league

Since the North Central Chamber of Commerce held its November Business After Hours at Town Hall Lanes, the group has had a high member interest in starting a bowling league. The league kicks off on Feb. 8, and bowlers will play every Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at Town Hall Lanes. For more information or to secure your spot, call 401-349-4674. Spouses and friends are welcome.

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.