5 Things: Bass Tournament, Summer Camp

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Pabst Brewing is co-hosting a bass tournament with the Block Island Tourism Council through July 7. Any Rhode Island waters are eligible and there is nearly $30,000 at stake in prizes. Visit www.pbrfishing.com for rules and to register.

2. The governor has signed legislation that will allow Twin River and to award an additional $250,000, each, in promotional points for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Signed into law was legislation passed recently by the General Assembly 2012-H 8084 by Rep. William San Bento Jr., D-District 58, Pawtucket, North Providence, and 2012-S 2905 by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, D-District 1, Providence. The promotional points, or free plays, are awarded by the two gaming venues to frequent customers. The legislation amends the existing Master Video Terminal contracts at Newport Grand and Twin River.

The legislators said the expansion of the promotional points is a way to enhance the competitiveness of the two facilities and to help protect Rhode Island’s third-largest revenue source.

3. For the second year in a row, grade 1 at had their sewing machines ready. With the help of parent volunteers, Mr. Sherman and Mrs. Minuto's classes at Underwood sewed 11 quilts. The quilts will be donated again to Children's Friend and Services in Providence. They will be distributed to the hundreds of babies born in RI's foster care system.

4. The 's next "Lunch with the Artist" discussion will cover "The Book of Kells: Great Irish Manuscript Illumination" on Tuesday, June 19 beginning at noon. The informal gathering will be held at the Museum's Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Ave. in Newport's Old Quarter. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. 

"Lunch with the Artist" is part of a series of continuing noon hour conversations at the Museum and is free for Museum members and $5 for non-members. Guests are invited to sit back and learn, or join in on the discussion. "Lunch with the Artist" is held the third Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted. Weather delays and cancellations are announced on most Rhode Island broadcasters' websites and on the Museum's page on Facebook. For more information about this event or the Newport Art Museum call 401-848-8200 or visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org.

5. The city of Newport  has several summer activities, but space is limited. June 27 through Aug. 19 is summer camp, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended hours are available until 5:30 p.m. Children entering grades 1 to 8 in the fall are eligible. Cost: $105 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Extended care is $130 for residents and $150 for non-residents.