FirstWorks presents Christmas as calamity with Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce…Pandemic! on December 12 at 7pm. This livestream event is pay what you can with 75% of your purchase going directly to the artist (suggested contribution: $10). 2020 Ibsen Award winner and MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac and his long time collaborators, designer Machine Dazzle, Music Director Matt […]
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Posted inNews
Newport Mental Health: New hope for homeless population in Newport County with $475,000 grant
By Newport Mental Health In a turn of events that began with an emergency plan to care for Newport’s homeless population during the pandemic last March, a promising new program has evolved, one that provides a pipeline of housing options and behavioral health services for individuals and families impacted by mental illness living on the […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter | Navigating Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 this Holiday Season
While holidays can be a joyous time for many families, they can be challenging for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The current COVID-19 crisis is adding even more complexities that can feel overwhelming for many families impacted by Alzheimer’s. While Alzheimer’s and dementia does not increase the risk of COVID-19, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common […]
Posted inNews
Friends of former teacher, Island Books step up with significant donation to Middletown Schools
By Matt Sheley, Town of Middletown Schools rely on volunteers and the kindness of the community itself more than ever before. Every day, countless people give time and resources to help with the education of Middletown students. Whether it’s the efforts of parent teacher groups or a bunch of pies from the local pizzeria, the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate hosting coat drive for homeless, public asked to drop off winter gear at State House
By Rhode Island General Assembly On the day after Thanksgiving each year, the State House lawn becomes the site of the “Buy Nothing Day” exchange, during which hundreds, perhaps thousands, of donated coats, blankets, hats, gloves and other items are available to anyone in need. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancelation of this […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Middle School to host drive-thru Winter Wonderland on December 13
By Portsmouth PTO On December 13, from 4 to 6 pm the PTO and Middle School will host the opening night of a First Annual Drive Through Winter Wonderland. Each class will have the opportunity to decorate a tree with a theme of their choice. Local businesses or residents are also invited to showcase their […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Restaurant community urges Rhode Islanders: ‘Follow the Rules’ during holiday season
By Rhode Island Commerce With Thanksgiving and a busy holiday season approaching, local restaurant owners are calling on Rhode Islanders to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to save their industry. In a series of public service announcements, the state’s restaurant community is highlighting the severe impact of the pandemic […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University: RI’s higher education CIO’s will join global cybersecurity experts in virtual forum Dec. 2
By Salve Regina University Chief Information Officers representing seven of Rhode Island’s higher education institutions will be joined by global cybersecurity firm executives and leaders for a panel discussion designed to help organizations maintain an effective posture against the ever-changing threats from an invisible enemy. Organized by Salve Regina University in partnership with OSHEAN, “How’s […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Anna V. (Vargas) Moitoza
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Anna V. (Vargas) Moitoza, 91, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at her home on November 21, 2020. She was the wife of the late Thomas G. Moitoza Jr. Born in Pedro Miguel, Faial, Azores, she was the daughter of the late António Vargas da Terra and Maria […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Albert Monteiro
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Albert Monteiro, 87, of Newport, passed away on November 22, 2020, at home with his family by his side. Albert was born in Newport, RI to the late Maximo and Geralda Monteiro. Albert was the husband of Antonia (Gonsalves) Monteiro for 55 years. Albert worked as an […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Alice M. (Barish) DeVine
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Alice M. (Barish) DeVine, age 87, of formerly of Newport, RI, passed away on November 22, 2020. Alice was born in Providence, RI to Gabriel and Zekiah Barish. She was the wife of the late Joseph F. DeVine. She grew up in Providence and graduated from St. […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Edith M. (Taylor) Trainor
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Edith M. (Taylor) Trainor, age 99, passed away peacefully from non-COVID causes on Sunday, November 22, 2020. Born on Feb. 23, 1921 in Fall River, MA she was a current resident of The Grand Islander Center in Middletown, RI, and had enjoyed life at Clifton Assisted Living […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Fred “Mr. Fix It” Swarz
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Fred “Mr. Fix It” Swarz, 83, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away at home on November 18, 2020. Fred was the husband of Emily (Salvador) Swarz for 62 years. Fred was a general contractor, and was commonly known as “Mr. Fix It,” an avid tinkerer.When his children […]
Posted inNews
Handel and Haydn Society and WGBH Partner to Offer “Handel’s Messiah for Our Time”
Boston, MA November 20, 2020 — Handel’s Messiah, one of the most beloved holiday traditions, begins with the phrase “Comfort ye my people.” In a year when people need comfort more than ever, GBH and the Handel and Haydn Society today announced a collaboration to create a transformative take on the holiday tradition for television and […]
Posted inNews
DEM advises on identifying potential snow disposal sites to prevent contamination of water supplies
By Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management With winter approaching, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding businesses, community groups, and state and local government agencies to begin preparations for snow disposal. DEM has developed guidelines to assist organizations with selecting and preparing collection sites to minimize impacts on public health and the environment. […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Department of Health launches ‘Public Health Out Loud’ podcast
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is launching a podcast this week – Public Health Out Loud – as a new platform to help Rhode Islanders stay informed about an array of local and national public health issues. Envisioned as a continuation of the Facebook Live series done over the summer on COVID-19 and schools, the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM adds 149.5 acres of forestland to conservation area in Tiverton
By Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces the permanent protection of 149.5 acres of forested land in Tiverton for public recreational use, including hunting. The parcel abuts a 121-acre parcel of protected land that was acquired in 2012 from the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club, and its preservation will help […]
Posted inNews
Thompson Middle School PTO to host Spread the Warmth Blanket, Hat and Glove Drive
By Kendra Muenter, Thompson Middle School PTO As temperatures get colder and with schools needing to have windows open for ventilation due to Covid 19, students will need to keep warm. Thompson Middle School PTO will be holding a Spread the Warmth Blanket, Hat and Glove Drive. We know that students who are warm are able […]
Posted inNews
Will Dailey to Play Livestream Friday as part of Boch Center’s Ghost Light Series
Singer/songwriter Will Dailey will take center stage at the Wang Theatre for a performance on the Boch Center’s music television series The Ghost Light Series. Dailey will show off his unique style and creativity as he plays some of his favorite songs to an empty theatre. The episode airs this Friday, November 20 at 7:30 PM […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island-based jobs rose 1,700 from September; October unemployment rate decreases to 7%
By Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.0 percent in October, the Department of Labor and Training announced Thursday. The October rate was down 3.5 percentage points from the September rate of 10.5 percent. Last year the rate was 3.5 percent in October. The U.S. unemployment rate […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Wilbury Theatre Group and WaterFire Providence to Present Nick Payne’s “Constellations” Outdoors Dec. 3-19
PROVIDENCE, RI (November 19, 2020) – The Wilbury Theatre Group and WaterFire Providence presents a special outdoor, COVID-safe return engagement of Constellations by Nick Payne, December 3 – 19. Performed outdoors, under the stars, this is a remarkable way to experience the cosmic production that Motif Magazine calls, “An enjoyable, profound, thoughtful and intriguing exploration of, […]
Posted inNews
Fort Adams to participate in Wreaths Across America
By Sandy Kristiansoon on behalf of Fort Adams Trust National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced today that the Fort Adams State Park Cemetery in Newport, RI has once again joined as an official location for 2020’s Wreath’s Across in the effort to support the WAA’s mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, America Day on December 19th. This is the […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM establishes $1 million fund to help indoor sports venues recoup losses incurred during COVID-caused closure
By Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces today that it has set up a $1 million fund capitalized by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to help owners of indoor sports facilities affected by Executive Order 20-90 recover losses incurred November 2-8. This was the […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Mark Bistline
This obituary originally appeared on O’Neill Hayes Funeral Home. Mark Bistline passed away peacefully at home in Middletown, RI on the morning of November 13, 2020. His wife Susan Andrade Bistline, children Bennett (31), James (13) and Daisy (12), his dogs Maggie and Felix, several cousins, the extended Andrade family, and the groups and institutions who […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary | Susan Thomas Klapthor
This obituary originally appeared on Memorial Funeral Home. Susan Thomas Klapthor of Portsmouth, RI passed away in the comfort of her home on November 17, 2020 with her family by her side. She was 74 years old. Sue was born in Newport, RI on October 30, 1946 to the late (Ret.) Lt. Colonel Charles G. […]