My Favorite Car Memories: The Grand Canyon and Beyond

From the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls, I've put some miles on my 2002 Honda Civic.

When I was a teenager, every now and then I’d ask my parents, half jokingly, what kind of awesome new car they were going to buy me when I got my license. My dad’s response was always the same: “The first car you have will be the car you buy yourself.” There were several life lessons in his short, yet unchanging, response. I did not get a car when I was in high school, nor in college. But I made my very first car purchase just a week after college graduation. Then I learned about car payments and financing, maintenance and protecting my new asset. What did I get? A black 2002 Honda Civic LX. What do I drive now? The same car, which will turn 11 next month. It has around 177,000 miles and is still going strong. It's obviously my favorite …

•  7 Comments
• Photos (1)

Easter Weekend Sees One Open House

We list the open houses in Johnston every Friday.

  If you are interested in posting an open house in this column, send me the information at elizabeth.mcnamara@patch.com. 1. 20 Calumet Ave., Winsor Hills  Pristine colonial with living room open to kitchen and dining room. Sunlit master bedroom with walk-in and bonus closet. Granite counter bath plus two more bedrooms. Low maintenance yard leaves time for relaxing. Close to restaurants and shopping. $219,900 1,494 sq. feet 3 bedrooms 1/1 baths Built in 2009 Open House: Saturday, March 30, from 1 to 3 p.m.    

• Photos (1)

Open Houses For St. Patrick's Day

We list the open houses in Johnston every Friday.

If you are interested in posting an open house in this column, send me the information at elizabeth.mcnamara@patch.com. 1. 4 Vinton St., Johnston Beautiful Colonial with an in-law apartment with a bedroom and full bath. Above-ground pool; first-floor master bedroom has jacuzzi tub in bath. Great for a growing family – lots of space. $205,900 2,408 sq. feet 6 bedrooms 4 baths Built in 1966 Open House: Saturday, March 16, 1 to 2 p.m. 2. 14 Craigie Ave., George Waterman Newer Colonial. Amenities include stainless steel appliances, open floor plan, gorgeous hardwoods and tile. Finished lower level with tons of room to entertain. This is a short sale. $199,000 2,200 sq. feet 3 bedrooms 2 baths Built in 2006 Open House: Saturday, March 16, 1 to…

• Photos (3)

3 Houses Sell, Including One For $435,000

Every Thursday, we list sales of homes in Johnston.

85 Hunter Ave., Killingly List Price: $124,000 Sale Price: $122,000 Type: Cape Cod Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 1 Year Built: 1942 2 Shari Drive, Johnston List Price: $121,900 Sale Price: $101,000 Type: Raised Ranch Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 1 Year Built: 1983 65 Rollingwood Drive, Westbound Estates List Price: $464,900 Sale Price: $435,000 Type: Victorian Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4/1 Year Built: 2005        

• Photos (2)

Back to Work Today? Check Gas Prices and Traffic on Our Commute Page

JohnstonPatch has the cheapest gas prices nearby — and the latest info on traffic trouble spots.

Directory Spotlight — Brewed Awakenings, Atwood Avenue

Each day at noon, Johnston Patch features a different local directory listing. We encourage readers to submit reviews or comments; if you are the owner or manager of the business or group, we invite you to claim the listing as your own.

Directory Spotlight— Jacavone Garden Center

Each day at noon, Johnston Patch features a different local directory listing. We encourage readers to submit reviews or comments; if you are the owner or manager of the business or group, we invite you to claim the listing as your own.

Johnston's 5-Star Restaurants, As Rated by JohnstonPatch Readers

Local readers — and eaters — have given high ratings to these local restaurants. Visit their listings and add your reviews!

  When you're looking for a great place to eat in Johnston, what better guide can you have than the opinions of people who've already dined there? JohnstonPatch makes it easy to find ratings and comments by local readers about the best places to eat in Johnston — every restaurant listed in our Places directory has a "star scale," from 1 to 5 stars, and space to add your comments. Here are a few of the eateries that scored 5 stars by our readers: Johna's Restaurant (12 reviews) Located on Killingly Street at the former location of Anthony's, Johna's also won our Readers' Choice poll in 2012 for Best Sandwich. Charity Fairbanks wrote: Johna's is FABULOUS!!!!! Great atmosphere, food and drink specials. My friends and I go every Friday night. …

• Photos (1)

Directory Spotlight — Anytime Fitness

Each day at noon, Johnston Patch features a different local directory listing. We encourage readers to submit reviews or comments; if you are the owner or manager of the business or group, we invite you to claim the listing as your own.

JohnstonPatch Asks... You Answer

Banks' Check Fees Reach Record High — What Does Your Bank Charge?

According to Bankrate.com, fees for accounts are at their highest levels — and JohnstonPatch is asking: How does your bank compare?

  The cost of banking is going up — and lending institutions are finding ways to tack new fees onto checking and other accounts. Bankrate.com reported recently that charges for use of bank accounts have reached an all-time high this year. Whether it's higher costs for using ATMs at other banks, monthly "maintenance fees" averaging more than $5, or overdraft charges of $30 or more, bank customers are paying more to get access to their money. JohnstonPatch wants to know: How have you been affected? Does more of your money every month go toward banking fees? Where do you keep your money — and how do your bank's charges compare to other institutions? The survey by Bankrate.com found that 72 percent of customers said they'd change banks if …

• Photos (1)