Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The energy sponsors of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging households in need of winter energy assistance to visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine if they qualify for the Fund. For those who are unsure of the CAP agency in their area, please call the United Way 2-1-1 information line.
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households in temporary crisis who are having trouble paying energy bills. The state’s local CAP agencies determine household eligibility based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of two is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $48,060, while a household of four cannot exceed $72,900.
In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Dominion Resources, RISEC LP, Petro Home Services and Trans-Canada’s Ocean State Power – the Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support. Rhode Islanders often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of March.
Those interested in donating can also text “WARM” to 91999 on their mobile phone, send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley St., Providence, RI 02909-2459, or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
The Johnston Senior Center is seeking volunteers to help with various services throughout the year. Volunteers are needed for Thursday afternoon bingo and Friday night bingo. The Activity Department is also in need of volunteers for dining room servers and gift shop associates. Contact the Center at 944-3343.
Parishioners of St. Brigid’s Church, 1231 Plainfield St. in Johnston, are proud to celebrate their Patronal Feast, the Solemnity of St. Brigid, on Feb. 4 at 5 p.m., and Feb. 5, at the 8 and 10 a.m. masses.
Father Robert Rochon, Pastor, will bless and distribute butter after each mass to emulate Brigid’s kindness to others by providing dairy products to the needy of her village. Confirmation Candidates will also emulate their patroness saint by sponsoring a "Souper Bowl of Caring” and will accept donations for the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry of Cranston. The Social Ministry of the parish sponsors of this event will offer refreshments in the church hall. All are invited to join in this celebration. For more information call 942-0576.
Drop-In Family Crafts are held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with several self-directed projects for children and parents/family to enjoy together. No need to register, just bring your smiles any time during the craft time. (Craft programs are not appropriate for children under 3 as small parts might present a hazard.)
Science Club, for grades K-3, will be held Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Find out why cups and balloons make for fun activities to discover sound. Make a rain stick and decorate it with bold and colorful embellishments. Free sign up in person or call 231-4980 x5. Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library, 1 Memorial Ave, Johnston.
Monday Night Coloring for Grownups is held every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Join a group who enjoy coloring with pencils, markers and gel pens. All materials are supplied, from coloring books that the library provide, guests select a black and white drawing and copy that drawing onto special heavy paper that takes the coloring materials well. Enjoy the company of other participants in this fascinating, therapeutic, stress relieving hobby.
Tuesday Games Night is always fun and held every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. Play some of their many board games, and bring a friend!
The Monthly Genealogy Group usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. New topics each month are outlined in the Genealogy newsletter.
Eastern Connecticut State University recently released the names of full-time students who made the dean's list for the fall 2016 semester. Congratulations to the following Johnston students: Justin Gonsalves, a Business Administration major, and Amanda Wilson who majors in new media studies.
Several years ago, Barnes & Noble in Rhode Island created the My Favorite Teacher Contest, a program to provide students an opportunity to voice their appreciation and recognize a teacher who has had positive impact on them - either personally or academically.
The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest provides students with the opportunity to tell the community how much their teachers are appreciated.
From now to March 1, middle school and high school students may submit their nominations. Students fill out the entry form and write an essay, poem, or thank-you letter (500 words or less, in English on 8.5" x 11" white paper) sharing how a teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them.
Submissions are due to Katie Rendine, Community Business Development Manager at Barnes & Noble in Warwick at 1350B Bald Hill Rd. Warwick, RI 02886. Entry forms can be obtained at Barnes & Warwick, emailing crm2159@bn.com, or visit www.bn.com/myfavoriteteacher to download an entry form.
A panel of judges will read the submissions and rate each submission based on three different criteria. One winning teacher and student is chosen, along with two runners up. Barnes & Noble of Warwick will host a recognition ceremony in April honoring the winners. The winner is then entered into the regional contest and the five regional winning teachers will each receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. The winner of the national "Barnes & Noble Teacher of the Year" award will receive $5,000 and the winning teacher's school will receive $5,000 as well.
For additional information, contact crm2159@bn.com.
The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence invites you to an open house at their location, 3 Shalom Drive in Warwick, on Feb. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Nestled in tranquil gardens, Tamarisk offers a close-knit community and a home-like ambiance. Tour their beautiful grounds, view their apartments and see why residents are fulfilled and love living at Tamarisk, a premier assisted living residence.
Their Executive Chef Deb Blazer will also offer a healthy hot soup cooking demonstration from 1 to 2 p.m. and provide samples. RSVP to Susan by Feb. 5 at 732-0037.
Please call Susan Adler, Marketing and Outreach Director at 732-0037 or email at SusanA@tamariskri.org if you have any questions or would like to arrange a personal tour.
Winter months bring snow that many Rhode Island elderly and disabled are not physically or financially able to handle. Snow may mean missing medical appointments, running out of food or medication, and slipping on snow or ice. Serve RI has a special program for elderly and disabled who qualify for help. Call Serve RI for more information at 331-2298.
Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine's Day in the late 1800s and today, more than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day. (Holiday 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.
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