Organizers Working to Defuse Racial Tensions



Just this summer, black leaders described Newport as a “tight-knit community that is almost free of blatant racism,” but recently there has been an alarming trend of racial tensions and hate crimes. Last week, Newport resident Jackie Mertzig encountered a delay at the self-checkout at the Stop & Shop on JT Connell Highway. “Oh, you [expletive] niggers,” said an older […]

Wreaths and Sweets Help the Hearth



Julie Toland, left, and Sara Chadwick, longtime wreath event volunteers, put finishing touches on a tabletop tree, one of the many decorative items that will be for sale in the Easton’s Beach Rotunda on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. till noon at the 16th annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath & Bake Sale. The wreaths, holiday greens, and tabletop decorations […]

Red Kettle Nation: Volunteers Needed



One would have to be living under a rock in Newport at Christmastime not to be aware of the Salvation Army’s red kettles. While the Christmas season is seen by many as a celebration of bounty, or a sharing of that bounty, these red buckets are an everyday reminder that for too many on Aquidneck Island, food and holiday cheer […]

Gateway Renovations to Begin



The $6.5 million renovation of Newport’s Gateway Visitors Center that proponents herald as “more befitting of the city’s historic nature” should start and finish in the next seven months, before an estimated one million tourists visit next summer. About 60 people, including the outgoing mayor, the incoming mayor, councilors, and state officials, as well as a large contingent of abutters […]

Leaders Look at Local Immigration



As the White House transitions to the administration under President elect Donald Trump, some Newport leaders are considering the implications to local immigrants. “When you look at our community, we have a lot of undocumented workers,” said Councilor John Florez, who came to the country from Colombia as a young child. “They work in our favorite restaurants. I have talked […]

Newport Coffee Cup Project Fundraiser



Do you know a senior on Aquidneck Island who needs a ride to the grocery store or a doctor appointment or just wants to get out for a cup of coffee? The Newport Coffee Cup Project, started by Karen Recore, may be a solution. She will give seniors a free ride to do just that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from […]

Christmas Run/Walk



On Sunday, Dec. 11, a Christmas Run/Walk will be held at Rogers High School. All proceeds will benefit the Tomorrow Fund (for children with cancer). The event starts at 10 a.m., $22 advanced registration at coolrunning.com., $25 race day entry, for information or to volunteer contact Melanie Cahill at 401-741-9708 or zepgoddess@juno.com.

Open Door: Holiday Edition



Community Connections offers free activities and caring support for those experiencing grief. Together the group will address cards, wrap gifts, create memorial ornaments and create a holiday plan that works for you. The support group will meet Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Hambly Brick House, 30 Red Cross.

Make Merry Workshop



Willa from Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails will team up with Jill from Studio Choo East Florist at The Tavern on Broadway for an evening of creative merrymaking on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Learn how to craft a delicious seasonal cocktail from Willa’s demonstration of a fun “wreath-inspired” recipe to make at your own holiday gatherings. Then step up your holiday decorating […]

Jamestown Tree Lighting



Meet at East Ferry Landing for a tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m. The Jamestown School Band will perform and Boy Scouts will have a campfire going.