The bitterness brought an upside, greeted the attendant at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown: Fewer people on the trails meant more peace for the birds. But, besides an errant rustle underfoot or chirp overhead, the birds seemed to have sought other sanctuaries. As the temperature eked up to 24 degrees, I wandered in solitude. […]
Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t just about getting absolutely shit-faced on green beer and eating corned beef. It’s also about celebrating being Irish. So let’s celebrate with a little test. Saint Patrick is not the patron saint of snake-wrangling. In fact, there were no snakes in Ireland when Patrick was around. So what is he the patron […]
A small gift Something we say about a heartfelt present Or used to describe one that provides, guides and uplifts My mama Educates My mama Motivates As of late you have been that *constant* Keeping me rooted in faith Encouraging me to stay in the race Like a lioness stalks her prey, You chase the […]
If it isn’t painfully obvious by my name, I am of Italian heritage. My Mastrostefano ancestors grew up in the heart of Federal Hill, even owning an Italian bakery where Roma sits nowadays. My grandfather Antimo was as Italian-American as they come, a hardworking landscaper who didn’t shy away from a drawn-out Italian meal on […]
In addition to its grey winter clouds and snow-slushed sidewalks, March is known for its drinking holidays marked by some very famous saints. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in pubs and bars across Rhode Island each year and just two days later, the lesser-known St. Joseph’s Day celebrates Italian heritage. But instead of wearing green […]
Dear Rhode Island is a community-led project that sprung from the brilliant minds of What Cheer Writers Club during the pandemic. It invites people to be pen pals and build connections during social distancing through the power of letters. This spring, the project is partnering with Care New England, Prospect CharterCARE and Thundermist Health Center and asking would-be letter […]
What Cheer Flower Farm is a nonprofit with the mission to grow, rescue and donate flowers and flower bouquets to underserved people dealing with stressful situations. Its 2.7 acres are located on a former factory site in Providence. The organization has remediated 18,000 square feet of polluted soil and turned it into organic flower fields, […]
Spring arrives on the 20th, bringing with it more hope and optimism than the season usually brings. Jupiter is on the horizon in the spring chart, beefing up that optimism with a promise of more good things to come. The month of March is not without its surprises, so be prepared to adjust your stance […]
If you caught the gardening bug but don’t have the space to grow, community gardens are for you! These large-ish pieces of land invite neighbors to claim a small piece and get their hands dirty. Call or visit to inquire about parcel availability. PROVIDENCE FOX POINT (PVD) Gano St and Power St; 831-224-7352 EAST SIDE […]
The storefront between Blake’s Tavern and Washington Street Market had been boarded up for months. To passing traffic the dingy, graffiti-marked wall was an eyesore; for Ryan Dean and Lara Henderson, it was a potential canvas. The collaborative team had recently helped a new restaurant down the street, turning a broken and boarded up […]