The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is hosting its next open enrollment day at its Newport campus on Tuesday, August 17. During the event, CCRI will hold vaccine a clinic for enrolling students and their families. Tuesday, August 17 9 am–12 pm Newport Campus 1 John Chafee Boulevard, Newport The event will offer those […]
Newport County
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Timothy J. Donahue
Timothy J. Donahue, age 37, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2021. Timothy was born in Newport to Timothy and Marie (Mahoney) Donahue. Timothy attended Rogers High School where he was a talented athlete and worked most recently as a painter and carpenter. He enjoyed the beach, spending time with his close […]
Posted inNews
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Shane Joseph Hopkins, author and Newport firefighter
Our author series continues with a videocast on Thursday, August 12 at 2:30 p.m. with Shane Joseph Hopkins, a Newport Firefighter who has written what he hopes is “Great American Novel.” Shane has been writing for years, and when left alone for a few weeks in a log cabin he built in the woods of […]
Posted inCOVID-19
RIDOH: Most fixed, state-run COVID-19 testing sites now requiring appointments
To make the COVID-19 testing process as streamlined and efficient as possible, most fixed, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced today that State-run testing sites are now requiring appointments. Rhode Islanders can schedule a free test online at portal.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-8022. Insurance is accepted but not required. Making an appointment ahead of time reduces long […]
Posted inSports
Inaugural Safe Harbor Race Weekend is set to take place August 13 – 15
by Safe Harbor Race Weekend For a first-time event that’s yet to happen, Safe Harbor Race Weekend has garnered an impressive amount of momentum. The three-day sailing regatta, scheduled for its inaugural edition over August 13-15 in Newport, R.I., will see 46 teams competing on Narragansett Bay in six classes for ORC, PHRF (A and B), Performance Cruising […]
Posted inSports
Justine Mettraux and Simon Fisher score third-place finish for 11th Hour Racing Team in the Rolex Fastnet Race
by 11th Hour Racing Three intense days after setting off on their first double-handed race, 11th Hour Racing Team’s Simon ‘Sifi’ Fisher (GBR) and Justine Mettraux (SUI) have crossed the finish line of the Rolex Fastnet Race taking third place in the IMOCA 60 class. It was a nail-biting final few hours to the race […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Shoreline access study commission appointed
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi today announced the appointment of the members of a special legislative committee that will study the issue of public access to the shoreline under legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend and passed by the House in June. Under the resolution (2021-H 5469A) that created it, a press release from the […]
Posted inNews
Little Compton School Department and Community Center partner to offer summer learning opportunities for students
The Little Compton School Department has partnered with the Little Compton Community Center to offer the district’s students numerous summer learning opportunities designed, in part, to help address learning loss caused by an extraordinary year of disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five students are currently participating in the Little Compton Community Center’s summer learning program. […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Mathew D. Minyo
Mathew Minyo, age 40, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on August 9, 2021. Mathew graduated Portsmouth High School with the class of 1999. He was an accomplished yacht refinisher, handyman, and jack of all trades. Mathew was charismatic, funny, selfless and was always willing to go out of his way for friends and family. […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Gerald “Gerry” H. Venancio
Gerald “Gerry” H. Venancio, 85, of Middletown, RI passed away peacefully on August 9, 2021. Gerald was born in Middletown to Joseph and Juliette (Jetta) Venancio Jr. He was the devoted husband of Merelyn T. Venancio for 65 blessed years. Gerry graduated from Rogers High School in 1954, going on to start Venancio Builders and […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: CDR Russell V. Mowery, USN, (RET)
On August 9, 2021, Russell Mowery passed away peacefully at his home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with his wife Nancy and children beside him. Born in Canton, Ohio on May 25, 1934, Russ always had a song in his heart. He attended Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio where, as Drum Major, he struck up […]
Posted inNews
Bike Newport’s 10-Spot Ride returns on August 21
On August 21, 2021, from 11 am to 4 pm, the neighborhoods of Newport will become a feast for the senses as bicyclists visit ten beautiful locations scattered throughout the city while supporting efforts to improve bicycling in Newport and beyond. The event is aptly titled the “10-Spot Ride”. Last year’s pandemic restrictions inspired this exciting […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Konrad M. Weis
via O’Neill Hayes Funeral Home Dr. Konrad M. Weis passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on August 8, 2021, at St Clare-Newport in Newport, Rhode Island. He was born on October 10, 1928, in Leipzig, Germany to botanist, Professor Alfred Weis and Margarete Weis (b. Leipolt). His childhood during World War II in Bonn, Germany was […]
Posted inNews
Family Service of Rhode Island hosting its annual school supply drive
A new school year brings with it a renewed sense of hope, and, of course, that familiar first-day-of-school excitement. As students prepare to head back to the classroom after more than a year of challenges, Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) is once again hosting its annual school supply drive, from August 3rd through September 15th, to […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: John F. Hatch, Jr.
Col. John Franklin Hatch, Jr., (Ret), died at home in peace, surrounded by family, in The Woodlands, Texas, on Tuesday morning, August 25, 2020. He was 85. Hatch was an honest and principled man who loved his wife, his family and his country.Born and raised in Middletown, Rhode Island, Hatch was a career military officer, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Salvatore T. Raffa
Salvatore “Tore” Raffa, age 75, of Newport, RI, passed away on August 6, 2021 at Newport Hospital after a short illness. He was the devoted husband of Janie (Coppit) Raffa for 54 years. A lifelong Newporter, Salvatore was born in Newport to Thomas and Agnes (Bland) Raffa. He grew up in Newport and was a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sour Grapes – A Comic Strip by Tim Jones: August 10
Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes;
Posted inNews
Gerry Goldstein: When lefties join hands for the right stuff
Chances are slim that I will ever walk on the moon, paint a masterful portrait, or break new ground in physics. But I do share a common trait with Neil Armstrong, Leonardo DaVinci, and Albert Einstein. They were all lefties, and we’re not talking politics here. I’m also in presidential company, since southpaws in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up This Week: Things to do, live music, and more ( August 9 – 15 )
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inNews
Survey: Martha’s Vineyard is the most expensive summer destination in New England
Martha’s Vineyard is the most expensive summer destination in New England based on the cost of lodging, according to a survey conducted by Cheaphotels.org. The survey compared 30 popular destinations in New England based on the rate for the cheapest double room during the month of August. Only hotels or inns that are rated at least 3 […]
Posted inNews
September Newport Secret Garden Tour canceled
Due to the worsening situation with the spread of the Delta Variant of COVID 19, the Secret Garden Committee of the Benefactors of the Arts announced today that it has decided to cancel the upcoming 2021 September Secret Garden Tour. In addition, the members of the Committee would like to thank all of the gardeners […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Colonial Jewish Burying Ground will not be open to the public on August 15 (Update)
Newport is home not only to the oldest surviving Jewish house of worship in the United States, Touro Synagogue (1763), but also to the country’s oldest surviving Jewish burying ground, established in 1677 to serve Newport’s early Hebrew congregation. Update: August 13 – This event has been canceled. Once a year, the gates to the Colonial […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Theresa Schultz
It is with great sadness that the family of Theresa Schultz of Middletown, RI announces her passing on July 30, 2021. Born in Annapolis, MD she was the daughter of the late Robert Lehman and Joan Earnest. She is the wife of the late Jeffrey Schultz. All who knew Theresa, knew her for her fighting […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 110 job opportunities available in and around Newport right now
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Are you a business owner and manager who […]
Posted inBusiness
Rite-Solutions awarded potential $7 million, five-year task order to maintain Navy’s manpower system
Middletown-based Rite-Solutions was awarded a new task order under the Rapid Product Development and Sustainment (RaPDS) Multiple Award Contract by the My Navy HR IT Solutions Office (PMW 240) under the Department of the Navy. The order has a Period of Performance of one year with four additional option years and a total award value […]
Posted inNews
DEM: $3 million in matching grants available to help communities, local groups protect open space
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that $3 million in matching grants is available to help communities and local organizations protect valuable green space throughout Rhode Island. The grant round is now open, with a deadline of October 29, 2021. Funding provided through the 2016 Green Economy Bond and the 2018 Green Economy […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Governor McKee, RI Department of Health to host COVID-19 Update on Tuesday
Governor Dan McKee’s office today announced that Governor McKee, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, M.D., M.P.H., and Executive Director of the COVID-19 Response Tom McCarthy will provide on Tuesday, August 10 at 2 pm an update on COVID-19, the Delta variant in Rhode Island, and the State’s continued […]
Posted inHistory
Restoration of Butts Hill Fort begins
By Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee The first step on the road to celebrating the restoration of Butts Hill Fort was taken today. Carl Viveiros of CJ Viveiros Landscaping spent the day on his ground shark brush cutter clearing vegetation within the Fort. “I’m proud to be working on this project,” Carl said, referring to […]
Posted inOpinion
Guest View – Sean O’Connor: Newport looking for a brighter energy future
By Sean O’Connor, Member of Newport Energy and Environment Commission The time is more urgent than ever for our City to become a leader in resilient and sustainable energy systems. The Energy and Environment Commission, on which I am a volunteer, is working with the City of Newport to hopefully start a new electricity aggregation […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s Artist Award applications are due September 30
Submissions for the next round of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s (ACA) Artist Awards, in support of Newport County artists and art projects to benefit the community, are due before midnight on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Notifications to the awardees will be made on October 31, 2021. Now in its third year, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: Things to do, live music, and more ( August 6 – 8 )
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access’ Paddle for Access returns to Newport Harbor on August 21
Clean Ocean Access today announced that its annual Paddle for Access is returning to Newport Harbor on Saturday, August 21. The 4th Annual Paddle for Access is a 3- or 6- mile paddle around Goat Island and Rose Island in Newport to help Clean Ocean Access (COA) achieve their goal to preserve and protect public […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: James J. Baker
With great sorrow we announce the passing of James J. Baker on May 28, 2021 at the age of 88. Known to all as Jim, he was born on 1932 in Virginia Minnesota, a town he remained proud of and loyal to. He was a generous, intelligent, and curious man, and it was surely these […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: David B. Fisher
David B. Fisher, 74, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on August 1, 2021. He was the wife of Shirley (Calderwood) Fisher for 50 years. Born in Burlington, VT, David was the son of John and Stella Fisher. He grew up in Pittsfield, MA, and graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, MA, in […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Groundbreaking ceremony to be held for Pell Elementary School expansion on August 12
On Thursday, August 12 at 10:00 am, Newport Public Schools, joined by city and state officials, students, teachers, and families will celebrate the expansion of Pell Elementary School at a construction groundbreaking ceremony. Scheduled to attend the event are General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Newport School Committee Chair Raymond Gomes, Superientant Colleen Burns […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs five bills into law that support women’s health and equity
Governor Dan McKee today ceremonially signed five bills into law that support women’s health and equity, according to his office. The first bill (2021-S 0270A, 2021 H 5261A) will ensure pay equity for all employees, regardless of gender or ethnicity. The second bill (2021-S 0003A, 2021-H 5763) will ban health insurers from using gender rating, a discriminatory practice of […]
Posted inNews
JPT Film & Event Center will reopen on August 17; partners with What’s Up Newp to present Jaws and Top Gun
After being closed to the public for seventeen months and only being able to offer virtual screenings, The JPT Film & Event Center is back. “Little did we know when we closed on March 16, 2020, what was ahead. Today, nearly 17 months later, the Jane Pickens Film & Event Center is pleased to announce three […]
Posted inReal Estate
‘Villalon’ estate on Miantonomi Avenue in Middletown sells for $2.465 million
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of “Villalon”, located at 120 Miantonomi Avenue in Middletown. The early–Guilded Age estate sold for $2,465,000. The seller was represented by LeAnne West and Michelle Drum of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty. Bob Bailey of Lila Delman Compass represented the buyer. Built in 1856 by Richard Upjohn for […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority releases speed study on bridges
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) today released the results of a speed study on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges, and on Route 138 between the 2 bridges through Jamestown. During an 8-day period last month, RITBA utilized field devices to analyze traffic speed data collected at different times of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
State Arts Council opens arts grant applications with an Oct. 1 deadline
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that applications are now open for grants to nonprofit organizations and individual artists; projects for artists in education, schools and healthcare settings; folk art apprenticeships; and fellowships in folk arts and for individual artists. The deadline to complete an application is Oct. 1. To […]
Posted inNews
Tom Rush to perform at JPT Film & Event Center on November 4
Legendary singer-songwriter Tom Rush will perform in Newport on Thursday, November 4. Rush will be joined by Matt Nakoa, an award-winning songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, on the stage of JPT Film & Event Center. According to JPT’s website, Rush’s shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads, and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Hydrant flushing underway in Middletown, Portsmouth
The City of Newport today announced that the Newport Water Division, which supplies drinking water to the majority of Aquidneck Island, is currently performing hydrant flushing after receiving reports of discolored water in parts of Middletown and Portsmouth. After investigating the reports, the City says that the Water Division personnel determined that water being drawn […]
Posted inNews
National Grid preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa to hit New England on Friday
In a press release today, National Grid says that it is preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa to strike New England tomorrow morning and bring heavy rains and strong winds into the region for much of the day. National Grid says that the primary concerns associated with this storm are gusting winds expected to impact the […]
Posted inSports
Newport Polo will host USA vs. Italy on Saturday
Team Italy makes its first transatlantic crossing since 2019, as the players return to challenge Team USA in the continuation of the Newport International Polo Series’ 30th Anniversary Season at 5 pm on Saturday, July 10th. According to Newport Polo, the celebrations kick off with a meet and greet on Friday evening at the Brenton Hotel, […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 115+ job opportunities available in and around Newport right now
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Are you a business owner and manager who […]
Posted inCity & Government
Pell Bridge to shift to electronic-only tolling in October
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) today announced that by the end of October 2021, tolls at the Pell Bridge will be all-electronic, eliminating the cash and credit card transactions. “We are continuing to modernize and streamline our operations and all-electronic tolling is the next step,” said Lori Caron Silveira, Executive Director of […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: July 9 – 11
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this weekend, Friday, July 9 – Sunday, July 11. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. […]
Posted inNews
Potter League for Animals to hold Community Pet Food & Supplies Distribution Day
The Potter League for Animals today announced that is holding a Community Pet Food & Supplies Distribution Day on, Sunday, July 11 from 12 to 4pm or until supplies last at their Animal Care & Adoption Center located at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown. “We recently received a massive 30,000+ pound donation (26 pallets!) of dog & cat food, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Ronald R. Fatulli
Ronald R. Fatulli, age 88, of Middletown, RI, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 at home surrounded by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen (LaPierre) Fatulli and his devoted, loving daughter, Janet L. Fatulli. Ronnie and Mary Ellen were happily married for 56 years. Ronnie was born and raised in New Bedford, MA to the […]
Posted inNews
Celebrating one year of literature and learning for Newport County’s littlest
by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) The Imagination Library program at the MLK Community Center launched in April of 2020, during a time when all of us were coping with the first challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. But as we’ve seen time again at the MLK this past year, acts of kindness […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: April 16 – 18
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do this weekend around Newport County. Have something you’d like to see on this list or a future list? Email the details to Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Friday, April 16 Green Animals will open for the 2021 season on April 16 Things To Do Newport Restaurant WeekNewport Daffodil Days10 am – Unwind: […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this week: April 5 – 11
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this week. This story will be updated throughout the week as more events, meetings, and things are announced. Check back often for updates. Have something you’d like to see on this list? Email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Monday, April 5 WATCH: A conversation with musician […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The truth about St. Patrick’s Day
James Farrelly, University of Dayton In 1997, my students and I traveled to Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo, as part of a study abroad program course on Irish literature I was teaching for the University of Dayton. I wanted my students to visit the place where, each July, thousands of pilgrims pay homage […]
Posted inNews
Potter League for Animals launches “Poorly Drawn Pet Portraits” Facebook Fundraiser
The following was written by Kara Montalbano, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Potter League For Animals. It’s time to put the “fun” back in fundraising! If you donate $15 to Potter League for Animals, we’ll draw your pet. The catch? We’re a whole lot better at caring for animals than we are at drawing […]