A Low Key 50th
2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the annual, month-long Christmas in Newport celebration and tree lighting in Washington Square. This year’s event on December 1 was held without the fanfare of a Yule fire, cannon salute, or choir voices, but faithful leaders Roy Lauth and Kathy MacKnight read the mayor’s proclamation and remembered founder Ruth Meyers. Meyers’ vision was to […]
World-Renowed Physician Leads Joint Replacement Program
Dr. Michael Mason’s innovative joint replacement designs have impacted patients around the world. Mason works with the Walk Strong Foundation, a medical humanitarian nonprofit with a stated mission to provide knee and hip replacement at no cost to patients in developing and underserved countries. The goal of the Walk Strong Foundation is to also establish operating facilities with critical equipment […]
Newport Hospital Operating Normally
Newport Hospital is currently operating at 90 percent capacity, up from a reported 80 percent on Nov. 19, but it remains “open for business,” the hospital’s chief medical officer told reporters during a Dec. 2 conference call. Currently, only 10 of the approximately 30 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients are being filled, said Dr. Jeffrey Gaines. “At any given time, […]
New Terms Begin
Newport Council, School Committee Sworn InA new City Council and School Committee was inaugurated in Newport on Dec. 1, with all members taking the oath of office via a Zoom meeting. State Rep. Marvin Abney led Louisa Boatwright, Rebecca Bolan, James Dring, Raymond Gomes, Stephanie Winslow, Sandra Flowers and Robert Leary in taking the oath of office for School Committee. He then swore in City […]
New Terms Begin
Middletown Council Readies for Next TermA longer than usual statewide ballot certification process will not significantly delay the inauguration ceremony for the Middletown Town Council and School Committee, who will take their seats after being sworn in during a public meeting on Dec. 7. The state’s Board of Elections certified the election results on Nov. 30. The Board of Canvassers is scheduled to meet on […]
Planning Board Discusses Amendment Aimed at Marijuana Sales
The Newport Planning Board is discussing a zoning amendment that could ultimately allow for the retail sale of marijuana in the city, although the board said that further study is needed and, until then, retail sales of marijuana should not be allowed by right in business and commercial zones. The board’s Nov. 30 special meeting centered on an amendment that […]
Addressing the Impact on Youth Mental Health
Experts agree the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health may not be fully understood for years. However, early indicators show troubling trends of the virus’s impact on young people, resulting in anxiety, depression and addiction. As part of the response effort, the Middletown Prevention Coalition sponsored a webinar on Nov. 19 to provide training to mitigate impacts […]
Santa’s Holiday Ride
The Newport fire and police departments will be assisting Santa Claus on his neighborhood visits in Newport. This year, rides will be on Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 15 and Dec. 17. Santa’s visits begin at 5:30 p.m. and are weather dependent. If there is inclement weather, he will do his best to complete his visit in that area of […]
Black Girls Do Bike
Bike Newport has launched a “Black Girls Do Bike” chapter, in which women and girls of color can share a love of biking. Black Girls Do Bike is a growing national organization of more than 90 chapters. The group establishes a comfortable place where seasoned and new female bicycle riders can support one another, organize rides, advocate for people who […]
