Sun Rise Scoops

Time to get back  to networking

As COVID-19 restrictions relax, longtime networking organizer Pat Paolino Cruz is ready to get back to business. The Rhode Island Networking “Getting Back To Business” event, with limited tickets, will be held on June 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Chapel Grille in Cranston. To preregister, find the event on eventbrite.com. Online registration ends at 3 p.m. the day of the event and tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.

Bring plenty of business cards. This is a great way for others to get to know you face-to-face and learn what you do. No speakers or sales pitches – just a few valuable hours of connecting, communicating and collaborating with real people in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar provided by Chapel Grille. Parking is free.

If you would like to showcase your services or products with a vendor table at the event, there are five tables available. Vendor tables cost $75 and must be reserved in advance through Eventbrite only. Table registration comes with one entrance ticket.

If you would like to donate a basket, product or gift certificate for event raffles, contact Paolino Cruz at (401) 261-3300. Businesses that donate will be included in a spotlight email following event to all guests.

Masks are encouraged if you have not yet been vaccinated, and all COVID-related state enforced guidelines will be followed.

Garden City SWEAT

Every Saturday, Garden City Center will present its new fitness series, Garden City SWEAT. Each week, they will be bringing you outdoor group workout classes led by instructors from local fitness community, including CORE Studios and Haven Fitness. They mix it up with different styles and intensities, so there’s something for yogis, HIIT-lovers and everything in between.

Plus, a lucky participant in each class will win a $50 gift card to either lululemon or Athleta. Spots are limited. Register and learn more at gardencitycenter.com/sweat.

Tender Love & Healing Day

Have you been hurt by past trauma? Have you been in a domestic violence situation or relationship? You’re not alone!

The RI Dream Center and Delicately Loved Women proudly present Tender Love & Healing Day, free of charge, on Saturday, June 12, at Praise Tabernacle Church on Park Avenue in Cranston.

Attendees will have the opportunity to pamper themselves at one of the free beauty stations, enjoy a few minutes of relaxation in the stretching station, listen to music, and enjoy food and refreshments. Child care will be provided and lots of fun planned for children as well. Each woman and child will receive a gift to bring home and there are lots of giveaways planned.

For more information, visit ridreamcenter.com.

Spring Craft & Vendor Show

The St. Mary’s Feast Society Ladies’ Auxiliary will hold a Spring Craft & Vendor Show on Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Feast Society building on Phenix Avenue in Cranston.

Vendors are asked to contact the St. Mary’s Feast Ladies Auxiliary or Maria Manzi for more information. Find the organization on Facebook.

Friends of the Mohr Public Library

Friends of the Mohr Public Library is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to Mohr Library.

Members of the Friends plan and run book sales and carry out other fundraising activities to allow Mohr 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 library director at 231-4980 (press 7).

Mental health education

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress, suicide – all are topics many people prefer not to discuss, so the heartbreak and stigma continue.

If you have a loved family member or a friend who is struggling with a mental health issue, then the Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness can help. NAMI-RI (namirhodeisland.org) provides free and virtual education, support and resources. It is currently accepting registrations for its upcoming Family-to-Family course.

For more information, call (401) 331-3060 or mail beth@namirhodeisland.org.

CCAP Chip for Charity golf tournament

Save the date – CCAP has announced plans to hold its 2021 Chip for Charity golf tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Harbor Light Golf Club in Warwick. Sponsorships and foursomes are available. For more details, contact CCAP’s Lee Beliveau at (401) 562-8353 or lbeliveau@comcap.org.

As a nonprofit community action program, CCAP needs to raise funds to assist families it serves. A large number of families CCAP serves have lost their jobs, suffered an illness, or experienced a different type of crisis, usually through no fault of their own. Last year, CCAP touched the lives of more than 40,000 people and provided over $1.2 million in uncompensated services.

Chip for Charity, presented by Neighborhood Health and Mutual of America, is CCAP’s largest fundraiser during the year to benefit its programs and services.

Playgrounds open in the park

The playgrounds are now open at the Johnston Memorial Park. Please remember that masks are required to be worn at all times. Please be advised that the restrooms remain closed at this time.

Be Kind RI

Be Kind RI is a new program that connects volunteers to their neighbors across Rhode Island through text alerts to coordinate food deliveries from grocery stores and food pantries. To sign up, go to BeKindRI.org. Volunteers must be 18 or older and undergo our background check. Be Kind RI is open to those in Rhode Island experiencing COVID-19 risk factors, including seniors 65 and older, anyone with underlying health conditions, those in quarantine or isolation, anyone experiencing a lack of childcare, and those who would otherwise experience difficulty in obtaining food. For assistance signing up, call 877-958-8785.

Craft and activity kits

Free craft and activity kits for children are available at the arian J. Mohr Memorial Library brary. Stop by the library to pick up one, or e-mail Ms. Meri meri@mohrlibrary.org or call 231-4980 to make a reservation.

Johnston Senior Center offers services

If you need any help with heating, housing, etc., during this cold winter or any other time, contact the Johnston Senior Center Social Services Department by calling 944-3343. Madeline or Amy will be happy to help you.

News from the Mohr Memorial Library

Mohr Library is currently accessible to the public during reduced hours but continues to offer curbside pickup and other services during its regular schedule. Services include curbside delivery; reference help by phone, email or in person; recommendation lists and one-on-one help to explore interests in reading, viewing and listening; printing from home or your device; use of computers and copier; and a free notary public, evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

Johnston Community Library Book Club

Kids ages 8 to 10 can meet online, by invitation, Thursdays at 3 p.m. to hear readings and discuss books with library trustee and volunteer Denese Carpenter.
Interested in other times or want to suggest a book for discussion? Let them know.

Parents can learn more about sign-up procedures by contacting Library Director Jon Anderson. Email info@mohrlibrary.org or call 401-231-4980, ext. 7.

Teen virtual programming

The Mohr Library is currently offering virtual versions of some of its teen programs as well as drop-in chats. They are all invite-only programs, so please contact the teen librarian at marissa@mohrlibrary.org to register or if you have any questions.

Art Club meets every Tuesday at 3 p.m. History Club meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 3 p.m. Drop-in chat days differ weekly, so please ask when registering.

Help make a house a home

The Furniture Bank of RI, a nonprofit corporation, needs bureaus, complete twin or double beds, kitchen sets, mattresses, and other household furniture that you no longer need. To help a less fortunate family through your charitable donation of good used furniture, call 831-5511 to arrange for pick up. All donated articles must be in good condition.

Did you know?

Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14.

What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols – rattlesnakes, pine trees and eagles – and slogans, such as “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.

The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag. (Source: June Fun Facts)

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