🌱 Patch AM: How many gifts did Johnston neighbors help collect this holiday season?

Hey hey Johnston! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How many gifts did Johnston neighbors help collect this holiday season?
• Which Johnston athlete just earned a spot in an NFL showcase?

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Breezy with variable clouds, with a high of 32 and low of 25 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 31, low: 10. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Brisk and cold with some sun, with a high of 25 and low of 18 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Rhode Islanders donate 7,067 gifts through BankRI's Holiday Giving Tree (pbn.com) — Johnston residents helped BankRI’s Holiday Giving Tree collect over 7,000 gifts statewide, with the Johnston branch topping 400 donations and supporting Tri-County Community Action Agency’s local work. The long-running program placed wish ornaments in branches so customers could buy presents for Rhode Island children in need, making this one of its biggest years yet.
   

• NFL FLAG Girls High School Showcase rosters revealed for 2026 game (usatodayhss.com) — A Johnston High School flag football standout, Olivia Lafrate, has been selected to play in the 2026 NFL FLAG Girls High School Showcase during Pro Bowl week in Santa Clara. She’ll represent Johnston and Rhode Island on the NFC all-star roster, joining top players from across the country in a nationally televised game on ESPN.
   

📸 Around Johnston

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnston

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday January 5

• United Way 211 Van
  Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library , 1 Memorial Avenue , Johnston
  12:30 pm

📣 Johnston Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 31

• Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aeorbics
  Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park , 1197 Broad Street , Providence
  5:15 pm
• Tai Chi Paradigm Beginner Level
  Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park , 1197 Broad Street , Providence
  6:30 pm

Thursday January 1

• All Aboard for the Holidays
  Botanical Center , 1000 Elmwood Ave , Providence
  10:00 am
• Municipal Court
  Lincoln, RI Calendar Lincoln, RI 02865
  6:00 pm

Friday January 2

• RWP Museum Discovery Tykes
  Museum of Natural History and Planetarium , 1000 Elmwood Ave , Providence
  10:00 am
• Tai Chi Paradigm® Introduction - Beginner Level
  RWP Gateway Center , 1197 Broad St. , Providence
  6:30 pm

Saturday January 3

• Yoga for Every Body with Mimi Budnick
  RWP Gateway Center , 1197 Broad St. , Providence
  9:00 am
• Free First Saturdays In The Park
  Roger Williams Park , 1000 Elmwood Ave , Providence
  9:00 am
• Storytime in the Garden with Chris
  Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
  11:00 am
• Bachata/Merengue Dance
  Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park , 1197 Broad Street , Providence
  11:00 am

Sunday January 4

• Student Musicians Chopin Club
  Music Mansion , 88 Meeting St , Providence
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Johnston PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I found these prints outside my back door this morning.
  About 6” in diameter. Any idea what they could be? (Nextdoor Johnston)
• I’m looking for someone who can help me figure out why my Ariens snowblower that’s only five years old isn’t starting.
  I checked the spark plug and the gas was drained and new gas was put in it, but I don’t know what else to look for. (Nextdoor Smithfield and Places)

• PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Johnston. Apply here.
• Grieco Hyundai posted a job opening for Accounting Assistant in Johnston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.

🗞 Nearby News

North Providence

• Vaz nets 13 as Townies fall to Central 74-52 (eastbayri.com)
• Why RI politicos first make a stop to this Pawtucket barbershop (newportri.com)

Cranston

• The 13 most affordable communities in Rhode Island to buy a house - What's Up Newp (whatsupnewp.com)
• What will 2050 hold for RI? What industry leaders had to say (providencejournal.com)
• GoLocalProv RI's Influential: Berating, Verbal Abuse, Threats Against Police (golocalprov.com)

Providence

Ok Johnston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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