Sun Rise Scoops

Ways you can help the Johnston Historical Society 

The Find on 6, 2953 Hartford Ave., is now accepting consignment items on behalf of the Johnston Historical Society. That means you can donate some gently used white elephant items and, if they sell, the society gets 60 percent of the proceeds. Each person may bring two boxes of goods at a time, Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appropriate items include antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing or handbags (in good condition), jewelry, kitchenware, furniture and more. Nothing broken or soiled is accepted.

RI Housing offers loans

RI Housing’s Hardest Hit Fund Rhode Island (HHFRI) program is offering zero interest, forgivable loans to eligible Rhode Island homeowners who became unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

Loan proceeds may provide eligible homeowners with up to six months of mortgage payment assistance. Learn more about the loan program and eligibility at rihousing.com/hhfri.

EG Art Club

The East Greenwich Art Club was formed in 1959 by local artists who came together to support each other while developing their art. It is a vibrant organization today, promoting the production, exhibition, and sale of its member’s art. Membership is available to both beginners, as well as seasoned artists. During the monthly meetings, demonstrations are given by various artists to help members improve their skills and learn about other approaches to create interesting works of art.

The club is friendly and membership is not limited to East Greenwich residents. Anyone who enjoys painting, photography, pottery, glasswork, sculpting, or just wants to learn about art, is encouraged to join. Meetings are conducted in a fun atmosphere, providing both technical support and camaraderie.

The East Greenwich Art Club is not currently meeting because of COVID-19 restrictions from the Rhode Island Department of Health directives. However, their board members are working together on Zoom to plan for the time when they will be able to resume indoors.

They have just scheduled a Spring Plein Air Meet Up at Goddard Park on Thursday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All levels and media are welcome! If you would like to join in, contact them at pr@eastgreenwichartclub.org.

Membership inquiries may be sent to membership@eastgreenwichartclub.org, or visit our website eastgreenwichartclub.org, where you will find a form to sign up and updated information.

FEMA funeral assistance

People can apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance now by calling (844) 684-6333. Families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 will be eligible for up to $9,000 in reimbursement. There is no income cap, so nearly all families are eligible.

Interested applicants should start collecting their documents now. For more details on what you’ll need, please visit fema.gov.

Playgrounds open in Memorial Park

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

Summer jobs with DEM

DEM is recruiting qualified lifeguards at beaches, parks, and campgrounds. Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas, including saltwater beaches such as Roger Wheeler and Scarborough, non-surf beaches such as Goddard, and freshwater beaches such as Burlingame Campground and Lincoln Woods State Park. Flexible, 20-hour workweeks are available for lifeguard positions at our busiest swimming areas. Hourly rates for lifeguards range from $13.25 to $16.25 an hour, based on location and position level.

All lifeguard candidates must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR including infant, child, and adult.

DEM also is seeking park rangers and facilities attendants to work at recreational sites across the state. Park rangers are instrumental to a safe and fun experience at DEM properties. They give directions to beachgoers and park users, help with crowd control, provide security checks for facilities, and are the first responders in the event of emergency.

Hourly rates for park rangers range from $10.50 to $11.60. Applicants for facilities attendant and park ranger I must be 16 years of age or older, and applicants to park ranger positions at levels II and III must be 18 years of age or older.

For a complete list of seasonal employment opportunities and to apply, visit riparks.com/employment. Most positions are full-time and include weekend and holiday hours. Applications must be completed online. Paper applications will not be accepted. The state of Rhode Island is an equal opportunity/diversity employer.

With 50 percent fewer teens seeking jobs than 20 years ago, DEM is looking to recruit active older Rhode Islanders and retired military personnel who might want to work part-time work to make up for the lack of younger applicants.

For more information, visit riparks.com/employment.php.

Focus on mental health

NAMI Rhode Island is the state organization affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They offer an array of education and training programs and services for individuals living with mental illness, family members, schools, providers, and the general public. These programs draw on the experience of individuals with mental illness and family members who have learned to live well with their illnesses and are eager to help others, as well as the expertise of mental health professionals and educators.

Their programs are free and virtual. For more information on all programs or if you are an interested volunteer, visit namirhodeisland.org or call (401) 331-3060 or email info@namirhodeisland.org.

Be Kind RI

Be Kind RI is a new program that connects volunteers to their neighbors across RI 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 RI experiencing COVID-19 risk factors including seniors 65-plus, 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.

Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

Free craft and activity kits for children are available at the library. Stop by the library to pick up one, or email 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.

Support the Johnston Historical Society

The Johnston Historical Society has T-shirts available for sale in sizes small through extra-large in slate blue, sand and a few in light green.

The JHS is an all-volunteer organization. Its museum is not staffed, but they are happy to open up by appointment for a tour of the museum, the house, and to purchase T-shirts and copies of books.

Call 231-3380 and leave a message with the color and size you would like.

Teen virtual programming during COVID-19

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 (401) 831-5511 to arrange for pick up. All donated articles must be in good condition.

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