SunRise Scoops

Hop on Over to See the Easter Bunny 

The Easter Bunny is coming to town. Join in the fun on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Johnston Senior Center, located at 1291 Hartford Avenue, for a morning filled with fun and treats. Enjoy pastries and refreshments while meeting the Easter Bunny. This free event is open to all, and each child will receive a special gift from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories. For more information, visit www.johnstonrec.com.

A Spring Fling Dinner

The First Baptist Church, 1613 Main Street, West Warwick will be holding a Spring Fling Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. This is an old-fashioned family style meal: Saugy hot dogs, beans, green salad, homemade potato and macaroni salads, brown bread, assorted desserts, coffee, punch and water.  There will also be a spring bulb sale. Ticket prices for adults are $15, children 6 to 10 are $8 and under 5 are free.  All proceeds to go to help defray the cost to replace and install a new boiler system.

Cast your line at the 2025 Fishing Derby

The Johnston Recreation Department, with special thanks to Citizens Bank, is excited to announce the 2025 Fishing Derby for children ages 4 to 12! The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, at Johnston War Memorial Park. Drop by any time between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This fun-filled, free event will feature awards for individual achievements. Be sure to bring your own bait and fishing poles. Please remember that the derby is designed for kids—adults may assist with casting and releasing fish if needed, but the young anglers should do all the fishing. For more information, visit www.johnstonrec.com.

Almost May Breakfasts

The Woodridge Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 546 Budlong Road in Cranston, will host its 41st Almost May Gourmet Breakfast on Friday, April 26, from 8 to 11 a.m. with continuous seating throughout the morning. This all-you-can-eat event features a menu including scrambled eggs, frittatas, Johnnycakes, waffles, ham, sausage, home fries, Holly’s famous baked beans, strudel, muffins, assorted pastries, juice, milk, coffee, and tea. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 12, and will be available at the door.

Get ready for a delicious start to your weekend at the (Almost) May Breakfast hosted by Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Join the community from 7:30 to 11:30 AM at 805 Main Avenue in Warwick, RI, for a hearty morning meal featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausage, assorted breads and muffins, juice, coffee—and fresh apple pie! Handcrafted May Baskets filled with fudge and/or flowers will also be available, adding a sweet and festive touch to the morning. All are welcome!

Flagpole Dedication Ceremony

The Johnston Historical Society lost a beloved member, George Picotte, to pancreatic cancer on December 2, 2024. Before his passing, George generously funded the flagpole and monument at the entrance of the Johnston Historical Society Museum, with one request: it be dedicated to his uncle, Emery O. Picotte, who was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge on January 3, 1945. Join us as we honor that wish on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1p.m. (rain or shine) with a ceremony at the museum. Coffee and light refreshments will follow. The Museum and Elijah Angell House will be open for tours.

RIMA Breakfast

The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) invites the community to its Annual Meeting & Breakfast on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Omni Providence Hotel, located at 1 W Exchange Street in Providence. This year’s keynote speaker is nationally recognized workplace expert Karen McCullough, who will offer insights on navigating the challenges of generational dynamics in today’s workforce. The event will also feature remarks by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (via video), providing a global overview of key U.S. issues, and Rhode Island Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi, who will discuss the state’s economy and growth opportunities. Tickets are $125 for RIMA members and $150 for non-members.

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.

FARA Wine Tasting

Raise a glass for a great cause at the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) Wine Tasting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 1340 Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown. Admission is $30 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine and appetizers. All proceeds support vital research to find a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. Tickets and donations can be made at curefa.org/wine.

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 

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.

May Breakfast

The St. Anthony Parish Holy Name Society will sponsor a May Breakfast on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the St. Anthony Parish Center, located at 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence. The breakfast will feature a menu including scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, ham, baked beans, pancakes, breakfast pastries, orange juice, coffee, and tea. Tickets are $10.00 per person, and children aged 7 and under will be admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Rolando Perez at (401) 724-1408 or John Baxter at (401) 258-6602. All are welcome to attend.

Our Lady of Grace Primavera

Join Our Lady of Grace’s 14th Annual Primavera on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall. This exciting event will feature local vendors offering an array of delicious food and beverages. In addition, don’t miss out on the Prizes Galore raffle, including a special raffle for a golf foursome at the Alpine Country Club. Tickets are $25 per person, and entertainment will be provided by Bill Moretti. Tickets can be purchased after each Mass, online, or by calling the rectory at 231-2220.

Rose Society Meeting

Attention gardeners! Are you looking to add some spectacular color to your yard this year? The Rhode Island Rose Society will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, June 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, located at 604 Seven Mile Road in Hope, RI. Several of the Society’s 25 Consulting Rosarians will be available to answer questions and offer suggestions for selecting winter-hardy, easy-to-grow roses suited for New England gardens. The program will include a presentation by Mike Chute on “How to Grow Roses in Containers,” and Lynne Harrington will give a demonstration on pruning techniques. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, find the Rhode Island Rose Society on Facebook or visit rirs.org.

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.

Christmas in July Sale

Tabernacle Baptist Church, Hope (Scituate), is looking for donations of Christmas items for Christmas in July sale. Call Barbara: 401-827-8054.

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. 

Johnston Senior High School Combined Reunion: Classes of 1963 & 1964

Save the date for our 62nd and 61st combined class reunion! Join us on Thursday, August 15, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Luigi’s Restaurant, 1359 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI. Cost is $55 per person, and dress is smart casual. Enjoy a buffet with garden salad, chicken marsala, penne with pink vodka sauce, baked scrod, mashed and roasted potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, Italian buns, mini pastries, coffee, and tea. Send checks payable to Carol Ann Salvatore, 10 Sunflower Circle, North Providence, RI 02911, by August 10th. Include your maiden name and graduation year. Questions? Contact Carol at 401-585-2390 (carol1946@cox.net).

8th Annual Race for Matt and Grace Golf Tournament

The 8th Annual Race for Matt and Grace Golf Tournament is set to take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Valley Country Club. Registration and lunch begin at 12:00 noon, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. The cost is $150 per player, with additional opportunities to support the cause through a $50 memorial tee sign, $100 tee sponsor sign, $500 gold sponsorship, or $1,000 platinum sponsorship. All proceeds will benefit The Race for Matt and Grace. To register, purchase a sign, become a sponsor, or make a donation, visit www.rfmggolf.com. For more information, email info@rfmggolf.com.

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.