SunRise Scoops

SUN RISE SCOOPS   

Support the La Fazia Spring Cleaning Drive

Johnston’s own Derek La Fazia, Jr., a 17-year-old La Salle Academy student, is once again leading the La Fazia Spring Cleaning Drive to help individuals transitioning from homelessness into stable housing. Throughout April, donations of essential household cleaning supplies—such as all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, paper towels, and mops—can be dropped off at La Fazia Auto Body, 920 Plainfield Street, Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to Crossroads Rhode Island (memo: La Fazia Spring Cleaning Drive) and can be dropped off at La Fazia Auto Body or mailed to Crossroads RI, 162 Broad St., Providence, RI 02903.

2025 Johnston T-Ball Registration Open

The Johnston Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for the 2025 T-Ball program. Open to boys and girls ages 5 and 6 (as of May 1, 2025), this fun and engaging program focuses on fundamental skills like catching, throwing, and batting, with mini-games played toward the end of the season. Sessions will take place on Saturdays from May 3 through June 14. Registration is available at the Johnston Recreation Office, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $80 per child and $60 for each additional sibling. The department is also seeking volunteer coaches and program sponsors to help support youth sports. If you're interested in getting involved, visit johnstonrec.com for more information.

Help OSDRI restock their pantry

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island needs your help. Their food pantry is always in need of restocking. Like many people, OSDRI’s clients have been faced with some real obstacles these past couple of years. With your help, OSDRI pledges to always be there to give a hand up for veterans and their families in need. Items can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at OSDRI’s main office, 1010 Hartford Ave., Johnston. If you have any questions or would like more information, call the OSDRI office at 401-383-4730.

Youth Track and Field Registration Open

Young athletes in grades 1 through 8 are invited to participate in the Johnston Recreation Department’s Track & Field program designed to help them develop running, jumping, and throwing skills while staying active. The season runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 22 through June 12. The cost is $85 per individual, with a discounted rate of $65 for each additional sibling. Please note that credit cards are not accepted; payments should be made by check payable to JYSA. Visit johnstonrec.com for more information.

Soul of ‘71 Scholarship Fund

The Johnston High School Class of 1971 established The Soul of 1971 Scholarship at The Rhode Island Foundation. The class has already awarded scholarships to JHS seniors.  The Class of ‘71 is the first class in the history of the Johnston School System to establish a scholarship fund which will last forever.  For additional information, contact Harold J. Hemberger Fund Chairman at hembergerharold@gmail.com   All funds on deposit are managed by The Rhode Island Foundation. 

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 07-08, is offering a one-day boating safety class on Saturday, April 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The class meets all the requirements for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Boater Safety Identification Card. The class will take place at the Warwick Police Department Community Room, located at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, Warwick. Please note that seating is limited to 22 students, and reserved seating only—no walk-ins will be accepted. To reserve your seat, call 508-343-0235 today. Payment of $50 (cash or check made out to USCGAUX Flotilla) will be collected from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. before the class begins. Please bring a photo ID, as the USCG and RI state test will be administered during the class. Those who pass will receive their RI Boating Safety Card by mail from the RIDEM. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch and note-taking materials.

Track Rhode Island’s Herring Population

Join the effort to monitor river herring migration this spring by participating in a quick and easy conservation project! Volunteers spend just 10 minutes counting herring as they swim upstream to spawn, recording their observations to support DEM fisheries biologists. Counts take place at fish ladders across the state from April 1st through May, anytime between sunrise and sunset. No experience is needed, but new volunteers must complete a waiver and training. Open to ages 12+, with sites in Wakefield, Warwick, Providence, and East Providence. For more details, email DEM.DFWvolunteer@dem.ri.gov  

Free Concert

The Warwick Symphony Orchestra invites you to a free concert on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Warwick City Hall Council Chambers, 3275 Post Road, Warwick. Donations are optional and will support WSO’s outreach programs. The program features Overture in d minor by Emilie Mayer, It Takes One to Tango by Brian Balmages, featuring cellist Pamela Lowell, and Symphony No. 8 by Antonin Dvorak. This event is made possible by grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and sponsorship from Tollgate Orthodontics. Attendees should enter via the ramp on the right side of the building, with parking available in the rear. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music!

Osprey Nest Monitoring

The Audubon Society is seeking adult volunteers for its Osprey Nest Monitoring Program throughout the summer, one of Rhode Island’s longest-running avian research efforts. This free one-hour training session will teach participants how to observe and record data on Osprey nests, contributing to important conservation efforts. Training sessions will be held on April 3, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at South Kingstown Land Trust in South Kingstown, RI; and April 5, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield, RI. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of these amazing birds while playing a crucial role in monitoring their population. To register, visit asri.org/calendar.

Advanced Birding Course  

Enhance your birding knowledge with a five-session course led by Dr. Charles Clarkson, Director of Audubon Avian Research. This program will explore bird evolution, behavior, flight, and more through three virtual Zoom classes and two in-person field outings. Sessions will take place on, April 7, 22, 26, and May 3, 2025, with field locations to be determined. The course is open to ages 16 and up, with a registration fee of $120 for Audubon members and $145 for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more details and to sign up, visit asri.org/calendar.

COBSJ Free Concert

The Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s invites the community to its final concert of the season on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Barrington. This special performance will mark the conclusion of founding Music Director Edward Markward’s distinguished eight-year tenure. The program will feature a selection of outstanding music by Mozart and Ives, along with the world premiere of Barrington, a new composition by Kari Juusela, COBSJ’s composer and principal cellist. Admission is free, and all are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of live orchestral music.

Editor’s Note: To submit your news to Scoops, send information and photos to Tim at timf@beaconmediari.com by Friday at 3 p.m. to appear in the following week’s edition. Items can include community and school event announcements and calls for volunteers. Submissions may be edited for space and are not guaranteed to run. To guarantee space, please call 401-732-3100 and ask to place an advertisement.