AAA poster contest

AAA of Rhode Island will hold its 66th annual AAA Traffic Safety Poster Contest for students in kindergarten through grade eight, who can submit hand-drawn posters. High school students who enter can submit a poster, digital project or public service announcement. Submissions are due by Sat., Jan. 16. Visit AAA.com for contest rules and entry forms.

At the Library in 2010

After the holiday season and the New Year, Johnston’s Mohr Library will be continuing a series of Reader’s Lair Book Club meetings for all grades. The first one, scheduled for Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. for grades six through eight, will focus on “Ruined” by Paula Morris. In “Ruined,” Rebecca Brown is staying with her aunt Claudia in 19th century New Orleans, a city of voodoo, ghosts and hurricanes. While walking in Lafayette Cemetery she is befriended by Lisette, a ghost that helps Rebecca to uncover shocking truths about her life and influences her to right the wrongs of the past. Stop by the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library for a copy or call 231-4980. Also at the library for teens on Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. will be Mad Libs when teens can get together for some fun and games. The following day, Jan. 7, teens can visit the library at 3 p.m. to take a quiz or make a list and discover their personality type. Check out self-help lists like health and wellness, relationships, feelings, creativity, personal safety, school or self-esteem for teens. On Jan. 13 at 3 p.m., teens can also make their own mini igloo with sugar cubes and marshmallows.

Ring in the New Year with JHS

The Johnston Historical Society will host a New Year’s Eve Party from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Smith-Appleby House, located at 220 Stillwater Rd. in Smithfield. Members and their guests are invited to ring in the holiday with a fun, relaxed supper at the historic home. Menu includes hors d'oeurves, soup, turkey, macaroni, homemade desserts and coffee. Admission is $15 per person and the event is limited to 40 attendees. Call Kit Rhodes at 231-7523 to reserve your place.

New Year’s networking

Kick off your New Year's Networking by attending the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce’s January Business After Hours. Mark your calendar for Thursday, Jan. 28, at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in the main cafeteria. This Business After Hours will be held immediately following the Chamber’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. All new board members will be at the event. The evening will be filled with networking, food and drinks, meeting the new Board of Directors and more. You may register by calling the Chamber office at 349-4674 or visit www.ncrichamber.com.

Did you know?

The Chicago-based Montgomery Ward Company, a department store operator, was known for purchasing and distributing children's coloring books as Christmas gifts in the early 20th century. In 1939, Montgomery Ward tapped one of their own employees to create a book for them to save money. Robert L. May, a 34-year-old copywriter, wrote the story of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in 1939, and 2.4 million copies were handed out that year. Despite the wartime paper shortage, over 6 million copies had been distributed by 1946. Sadly, Robert May’s wife died around the time he was creating Rudolph, leaving him deep in debt due to medical bills. However, he was able to persuade Sewell Avery, Montgomery Ward's corporate president, to turn the copyright over to him in January 1947, thus ensuring May's financial security.

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.