Sun Rise Scoops

Academic Decathlon seeks volunteers

The Rhode Island Academic Decathlon is actively recruiting volunteers for their Sunday, March 12 state competition. Volunteers evaluate the speech and interview skills of high school students or assist with exams and event management. The competition is hosted by CCRI in Warwick, and most volunteers serve from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Training is provided on the day of the event.

Twenty-five teams from high schools in Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Johnston, Providence, North Kingstown, North Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick and Westerly are competing. For more information on the RI Academic Decathlon, visit www.acdec.net, or email Mary at mary.johnson45 until 9:15 a.m. at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. The event features a breakfast buffet with a Q & A session at the end of the program. Chamber member price is $20 per person, $40 for non-members. Visit www.nrichamber.com and click on the Events section to register, or call 334-1009.

Band rehearsal

The Providence Brigade Band will hold an open rehearsal on Tuesday, March 7 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for any brass players and drummers who may be interested in playing in a 19th century brass band.  Rehearsal location is Symphony Auction Gallery at 30 Webb Street, Cranston.  Additional information about the band may be found at www.pbband.org

Reunion

The North Providence Class of 1967 50th year reunion will be celebrated on August 19th, 2017, at the Meehan Overlook at Notte Park venue (off Douglas Pike in North Providence). Cost of the event is $67 per person.  For further information or reservation forms, please contact nphclassof67reunion@gmail.com.

Audobon Society specials

Admission to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center will be free on the first Saturday of every month, courtesy of a contribution from Citizens Bank. Families can explore environmental exhibits representing Rhode Island’s diverse habitats, from upland meadow and cornfields to wetlands, salt marshes and the Narragansett Bay shoreline.

Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy beautiful nature trails. The Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of education programs as well as outreach to schools throughout the state.

Next event is Saturday, March 4 and the Environmental Education Center at 1401 Hope St. (Route 114) in Bristol and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore awesome amphibians, radical reptiles and gear up for the arrival of spring peepers, painted turtles, green spotted salamanders and more with a day dedicated to local amphibians and reptiles.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spot the Salamander: Spot all 10 salamanders hidden in the exhibit hall and get a prize. At 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. there will be a Nature Craft Table. Amphibian and Reptile Stories are told at 10 a.m., and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. meet a turtle or snake.

Volunteers needed

The Johnston Senior Center is seeking volunteers to help with various services throughout the year. They need volunteers on Thursday afternoon 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.

Neutaconkanut Hill opportunities

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy has volunteer opportunities with a lead up to Earth Day on April 22. They have trail brushing, litter clean up, invasive plant management and other jobs year-round. They are seeking the following:

Trail Steward/Trail Keepers: volunteers can pledge to walk a trail once a month throughout the year with a friend or a group to pick up litter, clip back overgrowth and report any major issues; Walk and Hospitality Assistants: serve as a trail sweep, help with pre-walk litter clean up and trail brushing, assist in hosting special groups such as classroom visits, help with event sign-in and setup; committees: as a small non-profit, they are always looking for volunteers to serve as leaders on committees and on their Board of Directors.

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy will guide a hike the first Saturday of the month throughout 2017 (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. Park at 120 Killingly St.  Meet in front of the NHC Kiosk sign.  Heavy rain, blizzard, etc. will postpone or cancel the walk. Check their website and/or Facebook page for any changes. Dress for hiking. Bring family and friends. Leashed pets are welcome.  Donations always welcome. Trail maps are located on their website, www.nhill.org along with upcoming events.

Snow assistance

Winter months bring snow that many RI elderly and disabled are not physically nor financially able to deal with. This means 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 this help. Call Serve RI for more information at 331-2298.

St. Pat/St. Joe celebration

Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Hall, located at 1418 Plainfield St., Cranston will hold a St. Patrick/St. Joseph Celebration on March 18 at 7 p.m.

In addition serving the following Italian favorites: Salad, Pasta, Veal & Peas, Sausage & Peppers Coffee and Zeppole you may also enjoy Boiled Dinner.

Entertainment by Vin Ames during the event and tickets are $25 per person. Reservations must be made by March 15. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For reservations, call 401-942-9500. Tickets can also be purchased at the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Hall.

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.