Have you ever looked at the design of our magazines and thought, I would love to do that? Are you an experienced graphic designer looking for a fun and exciting workplace? Then join our team!
Providence Media is currently seeking both a full-time and a freelance graphic designer to work with our top-notch Art Department. This is a fast-paced, challenging environment in which you will enjoy a level of responsibility and artistic input that is rare in this industry. Some of the qualifications we're looking for include:
• Strong grasp of graphic and digital design for magazine publication
• Proficiency in Adobe CS4 and up
• Ability to work well in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work well as part of a closeknit team
• Strong organizational skills and high level of self-motivation
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects in multiple phases of design
• Photography and web experience a plus
Responsibilities include, but aren't limited to: ad design, editorial layout, photo retouching, collateral design, email campaign design, logo development and more. If interested, send your resume, salary requirements and a link to your work to resumes@providenceonline.com. More
At the 9th Annual Illuminated Garden at Ballard Park you’ll see thousands of lights plus exhibits installed by local students, artists and community groups to include a one-acre vernal pond and a 30-foot rock wall. The event is part of Newport Winter Fest, which is ten days of seasonal fun in the City-by-the Sea. February 20-22. Free. 6-9pm. Hazard Road at Wickham, Newport. 401- 619-3377.
It's almost that time of year again: time for restaurants throughout the area to offer special meal deals during Narragansett Restaurant Week. And with the return of Restaurant Week comes another great kick-off party at the Towers, as the Great Tastes of Narragansett returns on February 27. The annual restaurant showcase features tastings from several Restaurant Week participants. Tickets go on sale January 21 at noon, either at the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce office or on their website. This one sells out every year, so you're going to want to get your tickets early. It's a little something to look forward to as we try to get through the winter and think (early) spring thoughts. So Rhode Island is proud to sponsor this community event. More
Think you've got what it takes to be the next Erika Van Pelt, South County's very own American Idol? Then step up to the mic and prove it during Wakefield Idol, a six-week karaoke-style singing competition, presented by Van Pelt Entertainment at Contemporary Theatre Company. A total of 60 aspiring stars will compete in three preliminary sing-offs for the chance to make it into the semi-finals and finals. The grand prize is $1000 cold, hard cash, but perhaps more important than that is the bragging rights. You've got until January 31 to register. The preliminaries are February 6, 13 and 20. Winners will enter the subsequent rounds on February 27 and March 6, leading up to the big finale on March 13. Ok, got your lyrics memorized and your diva pose mastered? Then click here to sign up. More
South County’s echo chamber of unforgettable music finds itself with a new addition: PM Recording Studio, located in Wakefield. Founded by musical talents Matt Wunsch and Chris Vachon (guitarist for Roomful of Blues), this studio does more than merely offer an opportunity to bust out slick rhythms in a professional recording environment – it’s a burgeoning hub for South County’s music community.
“I’ve known Chris for a while, him playing in Roomful and me being in a few bands,” says Matt Wunsch, adding that the studio is “open to pretty much anyone, amateurs to professionals. But I’d like to see some more collaboration stuff. You know, come in, see what we have, learn from each other. We want to meet and – I don’t want to say network, that’s overused, but you get it. It’s a community thing.”
Long before the studio’s current iteration, though, it went by the name of Boo Recording Studio, and Matt worked as the studio’s go-to drummer. Sometime around 2007, Matt took over the studio with Pete Vendettuoli (guitarist for Forever Young), who in 2011 moved elsewhere to pursue other musical goals.
“I was running [the studio] fine alone, but having Chris come in made me want to focus on it more on a full-time basis,” says Matt. “He actually approached me about a year ago and had some equipment that he wasn’t using all that much. We got together, hammered stuff out and it was a blessing for me, what he had for equipment and experience. We redid the whole studio. Changed it around, painted it, brought in the gear – he inspired me to take the place to a more professional level.”
In addition to providing free, personalized pre-production setups for each client, PM Recording Studio also offers guitar, bass, drum and piano lessons. (“For other things, we’re happy to point people in the right direction.”) And with such a wealthof musical experience held by both Matt and Chris, everyone entering the studio is sure to … More
East Greenwich’s go-to wine shop, The Savory Grape, will be hosting two wine classes in January. As you may or may not know, the Tuscany region of Italy produces some of the best wines in the world. The Savory Grape has uncovered some of the best values from the region and will introduce them to you on January 13 and January 14 at 6:30pm. The class will focus on the variety of grapes found in the Tuscany region. The classes are free and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made by email. 1000 Division Street, East Greenwich. 886-9463.
North Kingstown has never been known for its pizza, but Bravo Wood-Fired Pizza is hoping to change that after taking over the long vacated space of the old Tim Horton’s Bravo has been a staple this summer of sumptuous wood-fired pizza at many of the farmer’s markets throughout the state. Gregg O’Neill’s pizza oven trailers have established a following, and interest grew so strong, the next logical step was to open a brick and mortar restaurant.
The wood-fired brick oven heats up to an astonishing 800-900 degrees and turns out perfectly cooked pizzas in about two minutes. The traditional Neapolitan crust is crisp on the outside and light and tender on the inside. Bravo makes its own dough using the finest Italian flour and makes its tomato sauce from imported Italian tomatoes. As much as possible, Bravo tries to support local farms and food artisans. All of the mozzarella cheese comes from Narragansett Creamery, a local company that gets all of its milk from Rhode Island dairies.
Bravo’s menu includes a plethora of pizza toppings and a selection of house pizzas. The Parma Pizza is topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, baby arugula and olive oil. The Sheldon Pizza is topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage and fresh mozzarella. In addition to pizza, Bravo has a make your own pasta dish option and fresh salads to complement your dinner. The restaurant serves beer and wine in addition to an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re still hungry for dessert, local gelato and Pizzelle cookies are available.
Bravo is open Monday-Thursday 11-8 and Friday-Saturday 11-9. As an added convenience for its customers, to-go orders can be picked up at the drive-thru window so you don’t need to leave your warm car. 6689 Post Road, North Kingstown. 398-2500.
One of my favorite things I’ve had the pleasure of looking forward to these last couple of years as winter rears her icy head is the ability to see Snowy Owls on some area beaches, such as Horseneck Beach in Westport or Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown. Sometimes you can see one of these gorgeous owls as you casually walk down the sandy shores or as you scan some rocky outcrops during a birding outing.
As of late, there has been some controversy over these birds since they have taken up residence on tarmacs. You may be asking why an owl is out during the daytime. Unlike some other owls that are nocturnal, Snowy Owls are diurnal, meaning that they hunt both during the day and at night.
There are reports that planes have been struck by this overwintering species in New York and New Jersey. Their solution, shoot to kill. It’s no surprise that this has created quite a controversy. On the one hand there is a genuine safety concern – especially since some birds have been sucked into the turbines and caused emergency landings. On the other hand, this species is protected under federal law, are just darn gorgeous to look at and are a fantastic ambassador of wildlife to the public.
Logan International Airport in Boston has a thoughtful solution. They work with the Audubon Society to capture the owls and then release them in appropriate areas away from the airport. It often takes public outcry to resolve a situation. Just another reminder to speak up for what you believe in, and to give a hoot (pun absolutely intended).
Narragansett began brewing beer in 1890 and apparently that was good enough for the state of Rhode Island for over 100 years. It wasn’t until Trinity opened their doors in 1995 and started brewing their own beer that we had another RI beer choice. Then, in the last few years, the craft brewery scene has rapidly expanded, bringing more options to the people.
Chances are you’ve outgrown the more traditional pajama party amusements; truth or dare and frozen bras got old around the seventh grade for most of us. But on December 4 from 6-10pm, Beauty and the Bath in Wickford has some updated activities we can all get behind: discounts, booze and – best of all – a good cause.
It’s technically optional to wear your pajamas to the beauty boutique’s holiday party, as long as you bring some to donate. For the 17th year, the shop is collecting new kids pajamas and books for kids in need. The donations go to the Pajama Program, which uses them to help provide a happy bedtime to kids in group homes, shelters and temporary housing facilities.
Along with the warm fuzzies, customers can enjoy a 20% discount at the store, hors d’oeuvres from local chefs, wine and “grown-up hot chocolate” during the event. Visitors who bring donations also get a Beauty and the Bath goody bag and a raffle ticket for prizes from other local shops.
The party is an annual hit according to store owner Lori Lyons, with customers packing into the store and filling a sleigh with hundreds of pajamas and books despite some bitter winter winds. More
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, there’s a new way to keep your gifting local: Narragansett-based textile designer Jacki Rainer has just launched a new line of infinity scarves featuring her original designs.
The scarves feature repeating patterns or motifs like elephants and flowers, printed on soft organic cotton. They’re a pretty antidote to New England’s winter chill, but Rainer says her scarves aren’t just about warmth. She views a funky scarf almost like jewelry, a “statement piece” that can spice up even the plainest look.
A graduate of URI who also takes classes at RISD, Rainer says she draws inspiration from travel and the natural beauty of southern Rhode Island – especially the beaches. A five-week trip to India earlier this year informed her most recent designs, which she based on woodblock prints she saw there. Rather than traditional woodcuttings, Rainer developed her patterns digitally, a process she says is more eco-friendly because it cuts down on waste and harmful dyes.
Rainer launched her website and Etsy store JARA last month. You can also find her and her scarves at Festival Fete’s Holiday Bazaar at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, December 8, 15 & 22. 10am-6pm. More
Tis the season of giving and a fall donations drive is the perfect way to do so. Cathleen Naughton Associates is a local home health care provider hosting a fundraiser collecting hats, scarves, blankets and knitted goods. All proceeds will go directly to Rhode Islanders who may not have shelter this winter so no donation is too small.
Through the month of December, donations will be collected to warm the less fortunate in time for the coldest months. The recipients will be House of Hope, Amos House, the Domestic Violence Center of South Country, Welcome House and the North Kingstown Food Pantry.
Furthermore, if you enjoy knitting or are part of a knitting club, homemade items are encouraged for donating and can be collected at Cathleen Naughton Associate’s Providence and Wakefield Offices. Can’t make it to either location? Call either office and someone will be more than happy to pick-up the finished products or donations personally.
For more information, visit www.cathleennaughtonassoc.com, or call Cathleen Naughton Associates at either office location. 249 Wickenden Street in Providence or 24 Salt Pond Road. Unit G1 in Wakefield.
In the animal kingdom, the undisputed rulers are cats and dogs - more specifically, puppies and kitties. Everyone wants one for Christmas, or wants to get one for their child, or wants to snuggle with one while falling asleep. But this kind of attention placed solely on these two animals means that many other domestic species fall to the wayside - and that’s exactly what is happening to the avians of Lazicki’s Bird House & Rescue, located in Wakefield.
For 17 years, this all-volunteer, non-profit organization has been saving abused and abandoned birds, and eventually re-homing them with appropriate families. Now, due to scheduled demolition of the commercial building housing the organization, they must re-home themselves, and they’re asking for donations to help “offset the cost of higher rent, moving the birds to their new location and any renovations necessary.”
At the time of writing, Lazicki’s Bird House & Rescue had already raised $10,225, with more than 40 days left until the fundraiser ends on December 30. All donations go toward helping the organization continue its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting out birds. To contribute to Lazicki’s fundraiser, please go to their website.
The holidays are cause for celebration, and what better way to celebrate a season of giving than by contributing to organizations that help those in need of a little Christmas comfort?
The WARM Center in Westerly is a 19 bed emergency shelter and soup kitchen and is one of the only institutions providing shelter services to adult men and women in South County and Southeastern CT. The Center always accepts monetary donations to be delegated on a need basis, or you can donate to a specific Center program. Food donations are also accepted, but some restrictions apply, and all meals must be delivered by 5pm on your scheduled day. While the WARM Center itself does not take clothing, Attire for Hire, which is located next to the WARM shelter, accepts laundered/dry-cleaned clothing appropriate for men and women returning to the workforce.
As part of The Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale’s mission to eliminate hunger in the community, the Center has holiday-specific donation initiatives that would make a post-epiphany Scrooge melt in his winter boots. Give the gift of certain foodstuffs for their December Holiday Basket campaign. Items needed include gravy mix, stuffing, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, canned yams, canned pineapple, quick bread mix, piecrust mix, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin and canned pie filling. All donations must be received by December 10, and please call ahead to schedule a drop off time. The Center is also accepting contributions to their multiple seasonal-centric directives: SMILE, NOEL and the Elder Appreciation Gift program. l
For the fifth year, the Lafayette Mill in North Kingstown will be the wintertime home of the Coastal Growers’ Market. The market features locally grown fruit and produce, fresh local seafood, pasture raised meat and eggs, bread and pastries and much more. There will also be tacos and pizza available street-side, live music and fun! The market is held Saturdays from 10am-1pm until May 17. 650 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown.
For a unique type of New Year’s Eve celebration this year, Newport’s Castle Hill Inn invites you to venture back in time to the glitz and glamour of the 1950s. The Inn’s party is $145 per person and features an elaborate five-course dinner inspired by the era. Indulge in Champagne and Caviar, Flank Steak Wrapped Scallops Meunière, Native Lobster New- berg, Roasted Hereford Rib-eye, Tea-smoked Duck à l’Orange, Hazelnut Tiramisu, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Baked Alaska. After the feast, guests will “countdown to midnight” with classic libations and a live band.
Castle Hill Inn was a summer hideout for Hollywood royalty in the 1950s, particularly in the years following World War II. In 1956, Grace Kelly stayed at the Inn while filming High Society, the classic musical set in Newport. She enjoyed the quiet beach on the property, which was then renamed Grace Kelly Beach. This year’s New Year’s Eve bash pays tribute to Grace Kelly.
Castle Hill also offers a New Year’s package that includes a two-night stay, champagne upon check-in, daily breakfast and afternoon tea and a lavish five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with a champagne toast. Guests will countdown to the New Year at an extravagant, 1950s-era themed celebration and even have the opportunity to participate in dancing classes before the big party. The package also includes brunch on New Year’s Day, a late checkout and a $150 dining credit to any Newport Restaurant Group location. The package starts at $1,226.00 plus tax and is available December 30-January 1, 2014.
Celebrate Nickommo (a Native American Thanksgiving) at Tomaquag Museum. Tour the museum, participate in a ceremony, listen to storytelling and enjoy raffles and refreshments. The museum’s exhibits focus on Southern New England while highlighting the Narragansett Tribe. Browse the many fascinating exhibits including the Eastern Woodland Basket Exhibit, which features birch bark containers, ash splint baskets and porcupine adorned containers. December 7. Free admission with an unwrapped gift. 10am-2pm. 390 Summit Road, Exeter. 491-9063.
The historic Shady Lea Mill is home to over 40 artists and artisans. It will open its doors just in time for Christmas shopping during Open Studios, featuring pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. (please bring a non-perishable food item). Noon-5pm. 215 Shady Lea Road, North Kingstown. 290-7548.
Another holiday season is upon us and so is the stress of gift shopping. Make this year's experience a positive one by avoiding the lines and the frustration at the big box stores. Little Rhody may be small but we’ve got plenty of independent retailers where you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list while having an enjoyable holiday shopping experience (yes, it's possible).
Want another reason to shop local? We’re giving away a $500 Local Shopping Spree and it’s super easy to enter. All you have to do is sign up here for our email newsletter the Pulse. It's full of events, news, cool stories and giveaways from all around the state. Needless to say, you want to be a subscriber anyways.
Blue Door Studio, Cranston
Bottles Fine Wine, Providence
Bristol Yoga Studio, Bristol
Core Fitness & Pilates Mind/Body Studio, Providence
Craftland, Providence
Feet First, Wakefield
Granite Photo, Westerly
Green Ink, North Kingstown
J. Marcel, Providence
Peaceable Kingdom, Providence
Pizzico, Providence
Plante Jewelers, Swansea, MA
Shoppe Pioneer, Providence
Sin, Providence
Spectrum-India, Providence
Stock Culinary Goods, Providence
Studio Hop, Providence
Sweenor’s Chocolates, Cranston & Wakefield
The Catering Gourmet, Warwick
Tickle’s, Swansea, MA
Waves of Creation, Wakefield
Westerly Jewelry, Westerly
ZuZu’s Petals, Cranston & East Greenwich