Holiday shopping event

A Holiday Shopping Fundraising Event will be held Saturday, Dec. 19 at several area merchants, with proceeds to benefit the Johnston Substance Abuse Task Force. Present a flyer to any of the following merchants, and between 10 and 20 percent of your purchase will be donated: Domenic & Sons Floor Covering, 10 percent on all flooring purchases; J & D Family Restaurant, 10 percent on dine in/takeout for lunch and dinner, excludes alcohol and gift cards; Ribs & Company, 20 percent on dine in/take out for lunch and dinner, excludes alcohol and gift cards; Town Hall Lanes, 10 percent on all purchases, excludes alcohol and group sales; Unique Total Body, 10 percent on all beauty, fitness and wellness services and gift cards; Wishes Under Wrap, 15 percent on all gift, decor and basket purchases, free gift wrap and personalization. For more information, contact Pattie Sweet at 529-1903.

Tokens anyone?

Still have Newport bridge tokens lying around? You can cash them in for credit to an Easy Pass or get a check refund (83 cents per token) by bringing them to the North Central Chamber of Commerce at 255 Greenville Ave. between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through Dec. 31.

RE/MAX coat drive

RE/MAX is collecting new or gently used winter coats, hats, mittens and gloves for the needy of Rhode Island, to be distributed through Amos House and McCauley House. There is a drop-off box inside the foyer of Domenic & Sons Floor Covering, Inc. at 255 Greenville Ave.

Big Brothers award

Congratulations to Adam Homeston of Johnston, who will be presented one of several community service awards by Big Brothers of Rhode Island at their annual Little Brothers Christmas Party Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Smithfield Elks. Chosen "Big Brother of the Year" for 2009 is Scott Nallen of East Providence, a Big Brother since 2005. Big Brothers is also selling tickets for their fifth annual cash/car raffle, where participants can win a Hybrid car or $25,000. For tickets, which are $25 each, call 432-9955. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will also be held on Dec. 20.

Vacation programs at the Mohr

On Dec. 28 teens can visit the Marian J. Mohr Library and play board games while refreshments are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Games include Star Wars, Monopoly, Pictureka, Worst-Case Scenario Survival Game and more. Then, on Dec. 29, teens can create New Year’s crafts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library. On Dec. 30, at 11 a.m., the library will be the place to experience the Stranger in the Woods, an Audubon Society interactive program for children in pre-school through grade three featuring a live owl.

Historical New Year’s Eve

The Johnston Historical Society will hold a New Year’s Eve party from 6:30-10 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Smith-Appleby House located at 220 Stillwater Road in Smithfield. Members and their guests are invited to ring in the New Year with a fun, relaxed supper at the historic Smith-Appleby House. Menu includes hors d'ouvres, soup, turkey, macaroni, homemade desserts and coffee. Tickets are $15 per person and the limit is set at 40 people. Call Kit Rhodes at 231-7523 for reservations.

Did you know?

A native Mexican plant, poinsettias were named after Joel R. Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico who brought the plant to America in 1828. Mexican Franciscans likely used poinsettias in their 17th century Christmas celebrations. One legend states that a young Mexican boy, on his way to visit the village Nativity scene, realized he had no gift for the Christ child. He gathered green branches from along the road and brought them to the church. Though the other children mocked him, when the leaves were laid at the manger, a beautiful star-shaped flower appeared on each branch. The bright red petals, often mistaken for flowers, are actually the upper leaves of the plant.

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 welcome.