New Stuff

I'm trying to keep up with an event calendar of local doings either for zilch $ or that I like. If you have anything, feel free to send.

I am rightly reminded that whenever it's not a beachy day, the concession stands remain open. Fortunately, a lot of the pollution problems seems to have cleared up with Middletown's sewer work & so this now seems to have little effect here. Yeah!!!

Sometimes I go to First Beach just for a quiet lunch with a lobster roll, few people around, & a gorgeous view- even with the fog/mist. Then maybe a walk. Hopefully, the new thresher will achieve its goal of less of that yucky & stinky red seaweed on First Beach. Just the few times that it has been operational, I've noticed a BIG difference.

Newport Dems Summer Dance July 30

From Sandra J. Flowers: Summer Dance with Magnolia Cajun Band: The Newport Democratic City Committee hosts Magnolia on Thursday, July 30, at the Elks Lodge, Bellevue Avenue at Pelham Street, Newport, from 8 to 11 PM. For only $20, you'll hear and dance to great music, enjoy delicious munchies, and meet lots of nice folks. Pass the word!

Magnolia Cajun Band
Source: magnoliacajunband.homestead.com
Magnolia Cajun Band of Rhode Island playing traditional French Cajun music. Dance lessons in cajun and zydeco offered. Winners of the Motif Music Awards, Folk Act ot the Year!

Free at First Beach

New for the Summer of 2009- Night time family fun at the Beach beginning July 6

Monday nights- Discount Night- 1/2 price carousel rides, $ 1.00 off admission to the Beach Bounce, 10% off all Easton's Beach clothing and beach accessories at Rosie's beach store, free ice cream for kids 8 and under, 1/2 price pop corn and more.

Tuesday Nights- Family Night- Enjoy a wonderful variety of concert entertainment sponsored by The Newport Recreation Department

Wednesday Nights- Beach Idol Karaoke Night- For Kids 12 and under- Fun competition and applause only- open parents' mic to conclude the evenings

Thursdays- Children's entertainment-Singers, Jugglers, magic and more

Here is their calendar.

Remember, if we get more than an inch of rain, it will be closed due to pollution. No, they haven't yet fixed that problem. But the good news is that with the new thresher, the seaweed problem definitely seems better.

Freebies on Sun. & Mon. Only

Newport County residents and employees of the local hospitality industry will be eligible for free admission or other discounts at a number of local attractions during “Newport County Days” on Sunday and Monday. The event is sponsored by the Attractions Council of Newport County.

To receive the discount, visitors must show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or other identification with an address, or proof of hospitality employment, such as a business card, an employee ID or pay stub.

Free admission:

*Astors’ Beechwood mansion, 580 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 846-3772.
*Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 846-0669.
* Historic Fort Adams, Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue, Newport. 841-0707.
* International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 849-3990.
* Museum of Newport History and Shop, Brick Market, 127 Thames St, Newport. 841-8770.
* Museum of Yachting, Fort Adams State Park. 847-1018.
* Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 848-8200. Sunday only; closed Monday.
* Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown. 846-2577.
* Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium at Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd.,
Newport. 324-6020.
*Newport mansions, which include The Breakers, The Breakers Stable & Carriage House (open Sunday only), Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House and Rosecliff; also Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth.
Ten percent discount at all Newport Mansions Stores. 847-1000.
* Free toursu International Yacht Restoration School, 449 Thames St., Newport. 848-5777.
* Tour at 1 p.m.Vineyards Sakonnet Vineyards, 162 Main Road, Little Compton. Ten percent off wine purchases. 635-8486.
* Greenvale Vineyard, 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. Free tasting. 847-3777.
* Newport Vineyards & Winery, 909 East Main Road, Middletown. Free tour and tasting. 848-5161.
*Harbor tours u Amazing Grace Harbor Tours/Oldport Marine, America’s Cup Avenue, Newport. Free harbor tours. 847-9109.
* Sightsailing of Newport/ Bowen’s Wharf , Newport. Free sailing aboard the Schooner Aquidneck. 849-3333.
* Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd. Free carousel rides. 845-5599.
* Newport Grand, Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport. 500 reward points when signing up for a Grand Rewards Card. 849-5000.
* Ride the Jamestown Ferry to the Rose Island Lighthouse. Tickets are buy one, get one free; free admission to the lighthouse. 847-4242.

(source)

Habitate for Humanity Fundraiser this Fri.

To kick off the Habitat for Humanity, East Bay RI Chapter upcoming build, we will be hosting our inaugural fundraising event June 19th at the Rotunda Ballroom on Easton’s beach in Newport.

Ticket price will include appetizers and cocktails (yes, open bar!) as well as entertainment and a silent auction.
The carousel will be open for rides and we will have a presentation detailing the upcoming build.

Tickets are $75.00 per person and are tax deductible.
Please join us in to celebrate and help out our neighbors in need!

There are a limited number of tickets available so don't wait to book your reservation.

You can make the check out to Habitat for Humanity of RI of East Bay, Inc and mail or give to me or purchase through the info below.

Please call or email me with any questions at 401-527-3264 or Danielle.braun@veritude.com

Nothing in Size 12

Ophelia's Wardrobe is a fundraiser for the Ophelia Sessions held by C & Family of Newport Co. They have new/used designer clothing for all! Tickets for the $60 preview & auction Fri. nt. while the actual sale is Sat. & Sun. at Wakehurt (Ochre Point & Leroy- good luck with parking). 10-4; 10-2.


Yes, I'll be there and NO there will be nothing there that is size 12 or size 8- 81/2 in shoes. So don't even look; although, there may be something after I leave. But everything else is a go!


It's a good cause & is held every other year.


Call 401-848-4150 for more information or for tickets.

Swiss Village Annual Open House

Annual Visitors Day Saturday, June 6, 2009

9:30 am - 3 pm

You must go if you've never been. Wear your walking shoes. Parking at the

Free parking available at Fort Adams State Park

Trolleys will shuttle between parking area and SVF

9:30 am - 3 pm.

No parking will be allowed onsite. SVF Foundation is a non-profit organization working towards the preservation of endangered breeds of livestock. Please visit www.svffoundation.org for in depth information regarding our mission. SVF will be opening to the public for one special day to allow visitors a glimpse of the beautiful historic estate and an opportunity to learn about our important scientific mission.For more information contact the main office. Phone: 401.848.7229

Email info@svffoundation.org

Fashion Show Sunday at 3 at M KofC

A reminder to anyone who would like to spend a few hours with some fun folks ...

The Forum Lodge Sons of Italy is holding a fashion show, "Let Me Take You on a Sea Cruise," tomorrow, Sunday, May 31, at 3 PM in the Middletown Knights of Columbus Hall on Valley Road.

Outfits provided by TJ Maxx, Life is Good, Michael Hayes for Kids, and Viking Tuxedo. Yes, we'll have men and children modeling, too!

Tickets are only $10 (get them at the door) and include chances for door prizes and some delicious goodies.

See you then ...
Shirley Ripa, President
Sandra Flowers, Secretary

Dance, dance dance!

**UPDATE** Oh, darn! No bikini cruises. Yup, just a bunch of old fuddy-duddies here. Just as well. Doubt if that old bikini fits anyway!

Sorry, no time to blog- practicing my dancing. Where's that old bikini?

Butterflies Released on Sat.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY RELEASE —The Butterfly Zoo, 409 Bulgarmarsh Road, Tiverton, 1 p.m. Monarch butterflies will be released into the wild. Zoo hours are 11 a.m.­4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to May 24. Free. (NDN today)

Activities

Bike fundraiser today at Second Beach until 12. This is for kids with all monies going to the Jimmy Fund.

Norman Sanctuary Bird Breakfast tomorrow until 11. Call for reservations- or not. $20- $25. Last year there was no walking tour despite a posting & I was so disappointed. Looking forward to it this year again, though. Good food with a gorgeousview

Carnival at First Beach

It will be here throughout the weekend. Sat. a.am. is the Soapbox Derby, all brought to you by the Newport Lions Club. Not nearly as much fun as the old Gaslight events they used to hold (gambling PLUS a show), but, it's what we've got now.

Free Comic Books Today!

Go to the Annex on 314 Broadway for them. Comics. How I learned how to read. I used to buy them for school libraries, too, and they were hot!

It's from 10-5. Buy some, too & help out a local business.

So what were your favs? "Superman", "Wonder Woman", "Archie." My bro & would save for the 25 cent annual editions. I also read "Batman," "Lois Lane", & my husband's fav- "Sgt. Rock."

And let's not forget the student comic versions of the classics. Lord know they made sense out of some of those centuries old stories- and you didn't need a dictionary!

What were your favorites? I think that I was still reading them in h.s. Remember, though, I had a younger bro & sis. Gee, and they didn't rot my brain. At least, I don't think that they did.

Thanks to NDN reporter Jim Gillis for the story (who else?) Sorry, no direct link unless you want to $.

Newport Schools Student Showcase

Free parking at St. Joe's on Mann Ave.

Free Yoga at Hospital

This is a wonderful teacher. I plan on the noon classes.

Wed noon Apr 29 and/or Fri 5:30 pm May 1.

In the EIE Community Room, 3rd Floor MacLaurin, Newport Hospital*

All-Level Yoga for Beginners and Beginning Intermediate *

We start by centering in chairs and use chairs for some hip and back oriented poses. The rest of the class is a traditional well-rounded yoga class aimed at beginners and beginning intermediate students. No pre-requisites, you do not need to be a gumbie, at all. If you are looking to develop some flexibility, balance, strength and peace in a supportive, easy-going, wise environment, this may be the class for you.

The following week we will start a six week session: May – Jun 12, Wednesday noon or Friday 5:30 pm. Cost is $48 for a 6 week pass, $10 if you come for a single class. Single class $10First class is free for first time student. If the cost of the class is an issue in these troubled economic times, please just quietly let me know. We can always reduce or waive the fee. Sometimes the times you need yoga most are the times when you can least afford it. Newport Hospital volunteers are always free. The only way to know if it is for you is to try it! So come! This is the last evening session before the summer break; if you have been meaning to try this, now is the time.

Mid-day yoga at noon will continue through the summer. Janne Sahady, Registered Yoga Teacher Call 401-465-6577. Janne Sahady is a senior teacher at Innerlight Center for Yoga

Sign-Up for Marriage Equality

Show up Tues., April 14, at Newport City Hall: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM to sign their petition.

"For the past three summers, Rick Harris, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers - Rhode Island Chapter (NASW - RI), has been bicycling around New England on behalf of Marriage Equality. He has traveled over 2400 miles, has collected 1445 signatures on a Traveling Proclamation for Civil Marriage, and visited all state houses in New England, as well those in New Jersey and New York. During these travels he has spoken directly to thousands of individuals about the merits of Civil Marriage as a Civil Right.

Harris will ride to several city halls around Rhode Island to solicit signatures and speak to whoever is willing to take a second to talk.

Harris states: “The wonderful thing about America is that basic civil rights are guaranteed. Although it may take a long time, these rights can be won in various ways through court actions, legislatively or by executive order. In Rhode Island, we hope to win marriage equality rights through legislative action. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa have all gained this basic human right, which ensures that couples who love and respect each other can be married regardless of gender. Rhode Island now recognizes those marriages and it’s just a matter of time before same gender couples will be able to marry in Rhode Island also. This basic human right will be won community by community, state by state, region by region, until all American loving couples, regardless of where they live, will be free to marry.” (MERI)

I've GOT to get me a camera!

Restaurant Week

The best restaurants in town with special begins today & lasts until March 29. Check out here. All around the area, not just Newport. Hey, you gotta eat, right?

From Projo's Gail Ciampa.

Cookbook Signing at Bliss Market

Meet Jeannette Bessinger at the book signing event and ticketed dinner on Friday at Bliss Natural Grocer and Café, 311 Broadway in Newport. From 6 to 7 p.m. she will be signing books and offering a free organic wine tasting with a selection of healthy hors d’oeuvres and green and organic wines from Bellevue Wine and Spirits. The dinner follows at 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $35 for the four-course meal, which includes spring sangria, Waldorf salad, Persian-style Chicken with Walnut, Onion and Pomegranate Sauce and chocolate berry parfaits. For tickets or information, call Bliss at (401) 608-2322.

I know Jeannette (she used to live in Newport) & think that she is an outstanding teacher & holistic counselor (http://www.balanceforlifellc.com/aboutjeannette.html). She teaches courses at the Hospital knowing that to help others"to create a thriving lifestyle, to make permanent changes in regular daily habits, a successful approach must address body, mind and spirit at the foundation." She is just a generally interesting person. She has two cookbooks out- "Simple Food for Busy Families" and "The Healthiest Meals on Earth" with Dr. Jonny Bowden. Three recipes are featured in Projo & another website http://www.realfoodmoms.com/ for purchasing meal kits.

I learned a LOT from her about nutrition & overall health & well-being. I'm a lot fussier about what I eat now & what I purchase. I also learned how to de-stress. Alas, despite her best efforts & cooking demonstration, I still really DISLIKE cooked greens. It must be an acquired taste. But I can eat them without gagging- that's progress.

Her roasted chicken recipe sounds especially good, although I don't have the called-for clay roaster. The clay roaster bit does sound intriguing. I know it certainly makes a difference in my bread baking. You didn't know that I did that, did you? I'm somewhat scattered in my interests- to say the least.

Bliss Grocers & Cafe is a popular place to eat & maybe I'll purchase my roasting chicken there. It does feature a few groceries- but not many. Mostly good food to eat there, take-home, and some meats. And it's actually in the DISTRICT!

Thanks to Projo's Gail Ciampa and there's more from Gillis at NDN.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! with music!

Begosh & begorrah, today's the day. Jim McGrath & the Reprobates and others will be performing from 7-11 at the Fastnet Pub- 1 Broadway, Newport. Good food there. I haven't seen these guys in years. One of my first dates with my hubby was to see them downtown at One Pelham East. There was a bouncer & lines waiting to get it AND a cover charge. Ah, the good old days. It was wild in downtown Newport & this was one of the action places. I never paid any cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44RDtfX_mvk (another version of below with better sound)

When I was in h.s. those damnable IRA blew up Lord Nelson's statue standing in the middle of O'Connell St. in Dublin. It had been a target before, but these fellows put an end to that symbol of English tyranny & colonialism standing in the midst of its capital. Tommy Makem & the Clancy Bros. wrote a song about it. Praise to all of them! Without them who'd know a darn thing about "real" non-Paddy (Irish-Amer.) music. Up the Republic!

March of the Ducks

The Middletown Education Cooperative is once again sponsoring their annual duck race. The group's mission is funding and promoting unique opportunities in the Middletown Public School System. They do this by raising $ through events such as this one. Never gone? Why not? It's fun! The duck race is hilarious.

The Annual Duck Duck Race is on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Currently the group is trying to sell all 1,000 duck sponsorships during the month of March for $10. The three ducks crossing the line first will be rewarded with:

Grand Prize $1,000
Second Prize $350
Third Prize $150

You can even do it online!