Johnston Sun Rise

ohnston resident Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini has taken the cooking world by storm with no plans to slow down unless it’s to smell the sauce.

Out of thousands of applicants from across the country, DiGiglio-Mancini was selected to be one of the 100 contestants for the Food Network’s “100 Cooks” as contestant number 63. She made it into top 10, with the last episode airing this weekend.

“I’m so grateful to have this opportunity,” she said.

Now in its last week, with the grand finale set for Sunday, July 19,[KM1] the show is hosted by Terry Crews and judged by chefs Alex Guarnaschelli and Nick DiGiovanni. It is the first of its kind to have so many competing on one stage, and DiGiglio-Mancini proudly shares her passion, personality and home cooking expertise. See comments for story.

The Democratic Town Committee headquarters on Atwood Avenue was a busy place last Wednesday during a nomination signature event, as registered voters dropped by to support their candidates.

This particular sign-up session was among many for the Democratic Party that took place around the state over the last week in an effort to get their candidates’ names on the Sept. 9 primary and Nov. 3 general election ballots by this Friday.

In the Johnston mayoral race, independent Brenda Lynn Leone is running against incumbent Joseph Polisena Jr.

Town Council incumbents Linda Folcarelli (Ward 1), Lauren Garzone (Ward 2), Alfred Carnevale (Ward 3) and Robert Russo (Ward 4) face no opposition, while incumbent Democrat Robert Civetti (Ward 5) faces fellow Democrat Raymond Arruda. See story for comment,

Tuesday’s annual blood drive sponsored by the National Honor Society at Johnston High School drew a crowd of donors.

“The last two years, we had donation numbers totaling in the 80s,” said NHS member Isabella Boudreau. “This year, we had over 100 donors signed up online ahead of time.”

The drive was held at Our Lady of Grace Church from noon to 8 p.m. and brought in dozens of donations even before 1 p.m. About 50 students signed up to help out and worked in shifts.

Boudreau said that as part of the society’s membership, there are multiple community-engagement activities students can sign up for. See comment for story.