One of the most unusual benefit basketball games in local history will take place on May 19 inside Johnston High School’s Edward DeSimone Gymnasium.
Tip-off is 6 p.m. and suggested admission is only $5 per person.
The game, which will feature members of the Johnston Police Local 307 and Johnston Fire Department’s Local 1950 will include several pre-game events as well as a historic ceremony at halftime and staff-student game at halftime.
“We’re billing this as a Family Fun Night,” Mark Livingston, a JFD Rescue Lieutenant and co-chairman emphasized. “Beginning at 5 o’clock there will be a Touch-A-Truck event for children featuring vehicles from the police and fire departments.”
Perhaps even more impressive that basketball fans will enjoy a terrific tribute – a.k.a. special ceremony - as Livingston offered, “honoring one of the greatest players in Johnston High School’s tradition rich history.”
That’s Chelsea Marandola, cousin of current Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who during her undergraduate days at Johnston High was also among the state’s schoolgirl basketball elite. Chelsea later went on to star at Providence College.
“We are all excited about the entire evening,” Livingston went on. “A lot of people in Johnston will benefit from this event.”
Proceeds from the unique in-town contest will help Local 307 and Local 1950 continue their on-going reputation as one of the most charitable groups in the state.
Local 1950’s Charitable Fund, for example, started a dozen years ago and is used to fund youth sports and other charitable needs in Johnston. The same holds true for Local 307, which among its big-ticket items was purchasing a full, regulation-size wrestling mat Nicolas A. Ferri Middle School.
Moreover, some union members are still giving back, as Livingston works with Mike Bedrosian, head coach of the JHS boys’ basketball team and JHS School Resource officer volunteers with the Joe Acciardo-coached football Panthers.
“A lot of our guys played youth sports in town,” Livingston noted. “That’s why we’re hoping to have SRO crowd on May 19 that will help enable our unions to continue charitable giving for the youth of our great community.”

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