5 Things To Know Today: Dec. 12

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Explorers Host Gift Drive: Starting at 5 p.m., the Johnston Police Explorers Post #405 kick off a five-day collection drive for new toys or gift cards. A Custom Car Stereo on Atwood is a collection spot, as well as the police department and town hall. Drop-off point is the Johnston Senior Center. Thanks to Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian for posting a listing on our Calendar.

Mohr Performances: A local troupe has been holding Readers Theater at Mohr Library for a few months. Tonight at 6 they're delivering Alexander Ostrovsky. Students in grades 6 through 12 can drop in after school for a 2:30 p.m. showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Both programs are free.

Council Session: The Johnston Town Council is scheduled to hold its first meeting in the new [if you haven't seen it yet, ] tonight at 7 p.m. A new boiler system for the Johnston Police Department is on the agenda.

Hmm... News Without Walls: On this date in 1937, NBC and RCA took news reporting on the road for the first time, in the form of mobile-television vans.