Dandridge crowned


Congratulations to Sabrina Dandridge, 24, of Johnston, who was crowned Miss Rhode Island International this month and will go on to compete for the title of Miss International 2009 during the final competition in Chicago, July 24-25.

Dandridge is a student at the University of Rhode Island and is currently working as a manager at her full-time job. In addition, Dandridge volunteers much of her time as an advocate for organizations like Meals on Wheels and is a youth peer mentor.

The Miss International Pageant is owned and operated by International Pageants, Inc., which also operates Mrs. International and Miss Teen International pageants. It is the only platform-based pageant system dedicated to highlighting women's accomplishments through community support.

Miss International showcases single women 19 to 29 years old and features four categories of competition, including interview, fitness wear, fun fashion and evening gown. For more information, visit www.miss-international.us.


Academic News & Notes


Congratulations to Alex Langlois ('11), Joseph Paola ('11), Christa Rodenas ('10) and Jennifer Zinno ('10), all from Johnston, who have been named to the dean's list at Providence College.


Johnston goes Coastal


As part of U.S. Family Health Plan's ongoing efforts to aid and serve military families, the not-for-profit health plan has expanded its provider network to include Coastal Medical, the largest private group practice in Rhode Island.

Headquartered in Providence, Coastal Medical has practice sites throughout Rhode Island, including Cranston, East Greenwich, East Providence, Johnston, Lincoln, Newport, Providence, Smithfield and Wakefield.

Coastal Medical plays an important role in the well-being of thousands of patients across Rhode Island. The Coastal team is comprised of more than 85 primary care providers, complemented by 350 support staff in 15 practice locations, who work to provide the highest quality, patient-centered care.

For more information, call toll-free at 1-888-815-5510.


Women filmmakers wanted immediately


Since 2000, the LunaFest Film Festival has been celebrating women filmmakers, showcasing their films and talents in communities throughout the U.S. This year, we are thrilled to bring this exciting film festival to Providence.

As part of this Rhode Island inaugural event, LunaFest is looking for one local female filmmaker to fill the final short film slot of the reel of this year's LunaFest films. The films will be evaluated by a board of advisors comprised of Providence's Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, Luna representatives and other local notable filmmakers. As part of the evaluation process, they are looking for exceptional storytelling, creative delivery, powerful messages and the sometimes intangible quality that gives one film a bit of magic. This year's LunaFest Film Festival will be hosted in March 2009 in Providence.

The festival proceeds will go toward The Breast Cancer Fund and another local women's charity. The selected film will be the final film of the film festival and the filmmaker will be invited to participate in a Q&A with the film festival attendees.

From amateur filmmakers, to film students, to aspiring indie stars, we look for filmmakers and producers with unique films by...for...about women!

Deadline for submission is Jan. 30. Please mail submissions to: LunaFest, c/o Michele Chaudhry, 12 Opal St., Cranston, RI 02905 or call 419-0363 or for more information on LunaFest, visit www.lunafest.org.

Films accepted can be shorts, documentaries, fiction or narratives and films should not exceed 20 minutes. Each entry must be submitted on a separate DVD and with each entry, please include the labeled DVD (with your name, address, telephone number and film title) and completed film entry form, available on the LunaFest Web site.

Also include a $20 application fee, by check, made out to the Breast Cancer Fund (no fee for international applicants; student fee $15). Foreign language film soundtracks must be in the original language with English subtitles.


Did You Know?


Snow, snow and more snow! Did you know that Wilson A. Bentley (also known as The Snowflake Man) was the first person to photograph a snowflake?

Bentley said in 1925, "Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."

If you would like to submit any items of interest, please e-mail Meri R. Kennedy directly at SunRiseScoops@aol.com. You may also address your items to Sun Rise Scoops, c/o Beacon Communications, 1944 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889. Photos are also welcome.