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there are many things to see and do on Aquidneck Island. The information
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During February - Portsmouth: Annual Romance Book Sale at Portsmouth Library at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. The Library is having its annual romance book sale during the month of February. The collection includes titles in series such as Harlequin, Silhouette, Candlelight Ecstasy, and Zebra. The books are 25 cents each or 5 for $1.00. There is a limited supply and the sale will end when all are sold.
Through -March - Newport: Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center Newport Yachting Center, America's Cup Blvd. Skate rentals are available. For updated ice & weather conditions call 846-3018. See the web site for additional details.
Through March 15 - Portsmouth: Little League Registration Check the Portsmouth Little League web site for more information, and online registration. The only Walk-In Registration is March 1st at Aquidneck Island Christian Academy (9am - 12pm)
Saturdays through February 23 - Newport: Winter Lecture Series at Newport Art Museum Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. at the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport. Following the lectures, there will be a question and answer period and tea. Since 1927, the Newport Art Museum has been inviting interesting speakers to the Museum on Saturday afternoons in the winter to discuss subjects ranging from art history to politics. This winter will once again see some of the region’s foremost artists, humanists, historians, and scientists coming to visit.
This year, speakers and topics will include: printer, photographer and Yale University Professor of Art Richard Benson on “A Survey of a Craft of Photography (with samples of the processes)”; Sarah LaFreniere, SVF Foundation Program and Livestock Manager, on “A Bridge to the Future for Heritage Breeds”; Trinity Repertory Company Artistic Director Curt Columbus on “Theater as a Democratic Space”; and Brown University Professor of Political Science Darrell West on “The Political Landscape 2008: Red or Blue,” among other speakers. For a schedule of speakers and topics, visit www.newportartmuseum.org.
Admission to the lecture is $5 for members and $10 for general public, which includes admission to the museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Museum’s reception desk. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door an hour before the start of each lecture. Seating is limited.
February 2 - Portsmouth: Common Fence Music Series See Diana Jones, 8pm (doors open at 7pm) at the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Rd. For more information and reservations click here
February 3 - Portsmouth: Art-O-Rama Open House at the Portsmouth Arts Guild 2 to 4pm at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts, 2697 East Main Road, Portsmouth next to St. Paul's Church. Handicap accessible. The Portsmouth Arts Guild is holding its first Art-O-Rama Open House.. Instructors from the upcoming spring classes will be giving free demonstrations. Stop by for some refreshments and creative inspiration. If you see a demonstration that interests you, register for that class during the open house and receive a 10% discount on tuition. Enter the drawing for a chance to win $50 credit toward any spring class. This event is open to all. For information see the web site, call or e-mail Andy Pumphrey at 846-5685,
February 5 through 14 - Portsmouth: Events for Children at the Portsmouth Free Public Library at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. Parents or caregivers may sign up at the library or by calling the Children's Room at 683-9457. These programs are free and open to the public. Feb. 5, 2008, 10:00a.m.: Preschool Story Time - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 6, 2008, 9:30a.m.: Preschool Story Time #1 - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 6, 2008, 11:00a.m.: Preschool Story Time #2 - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 7, 2008, 10:00a.m.: Toddler Songs & Story Time - Children ages 18 months through 2 years are invited to a short interactive story & song time followed by a small craft. Feb. 9, 2008, 10:00a.m.: Lego Challenge - Builders of all ages are invited to compete in the Children's Room Lego building challenge! For competition rules and to sign up, parents should call the Children's Room at 683-9457. Feb. 12, 2008, 10:00a.m.: Preschool Story Time - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 12, 2008, 4:15p.m.: American Girl Book Club - Independent readers in grades 2 and up are invited to join us as we discuss "Meet Addy". The book discussion will be followed by a craft inspired by the 1860's. Feb. 13, 2008, 9:30a.m.: Preschool Story Time #1 - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 13, 2008, 11:00a.m.: Preschool Story Time #2 - Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to a story time followed by a craft. Feb. 14, 2008, 10:00a.m.: Toddler Songs & Story Time - Children ages 18 months through 2 years are invited to a short interactive story & song time followed by a small craft.
February 8- March 2 - Newport: "Mafia on Prozac" at the Firehouse Theater Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00p.m.; Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at the Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport. Mafia on Prozac by RI's own Edward Allan Baker followed by Newport's Comedy Improv Troupe The Bit Players.
Mafia on Prozac, a one-act comedy written by Rhode Island native Edward Allan Baker, presents a humorous dilemma for two veteran mob hit men who analyze the implications of their professional activities while on a contract. Should they push their victim, concealed in burlap sack throughmost of the play, over the edge of a Galilee pier? Or, acting on the advice in a dream inspired by Al Capone, should they free the victim and suffer the consequences? Maybe The Sopranos hire a professional psychiatrist, but these guys self medicate. All seats $20 Mention OnAquidneck.com to get $5 off on up to six seats. For reservations call 401-849-FIRE (3473). The Firehouse Theater is BYOB.
February 9 - Portsmouth: Mardi Gras Party at the CFP Community Hall 8pm to midnight at the Common Fence PointCommunity Hall on Anthony Road. The Common Fence Point Improvement Association is hosting a Mardi Gras Party! Music will again be performed by the Abbey Rhode band featuring CFP resident Ray Davis. Costumes are encouraged, but optional. This will be a BYOB event again this year, and therefore, an adults-only venue. This event will again benefit the CFP Hall Fire Code Fund. There will also be raffles, door prizes, and prizes for costumes. See all the details and how to help out at www.cfpia.org
February 9 - Newport: 21st Anniversary Dinner Dance sponsored by Friends of Ballroom Dancing Featuring Duke Belaire’s 15 Piece Orchestra at the Officers’ Club, Newport. See Friends of Ballroom Dancing web site for membership and more information.
February 10 - Newport: Creating Home Portraits at February Artists Guild meeting at Newport Art Museum 2 p.m. at the Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport. Jane Bailey will demonstrate her techniques in creating Home Portraits at the February Artists Guild meeting. NAMArtistsGuild.org
February 14 - Newport: Valentine's Day Special Performance of The Bit Players at the Firehouse Theater 8:00p.m. at the Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport. Valentine's Day Special Performance of The Bit Players,Newport's Comedy Improv Troupe. $8 each includes soft drinks & sweet bits $14 a couple /$20 a triple / 4 or more $5 each. For reservations call 401-849-FIRE (3473). The Firehouse Theater is BYOB.
February 15 through 24 - Newport: 20th Annual Winter Festival - 2008 This site is full of information about the festival from events to button discounts, it's all at Newportevents.com.
February 16 - Middletown: Valentine Dinner Dance 6pm at Knights of Columbus hall, 7 Valley Rd., Middletown. $22 advance, $25 door. French dinner buffet, dance lesson by Zazou Swing, live music by Minor Swing. Reservations & info: (401) 429-6868 or frenchclubri.com
February 16 - Portsmouth: Common Fence Music Series See Cheryl Wheeler, 8pm (doors open at 7pm) at the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Rd. For more information and reservations click here
February 17 - Newport: All Ages Show: Acid Reign, Bloody Knuckles & more at the Newport Blues Cafe 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.music starts at 1:00 p.m. at the New[port Blues Cafe, 286 Thames Street. $10 includes first soda & slice of pizza. $8 with Winterfest Button. All ages wecome. NewportBlues.com or myspace.com/newportbluescafe
February 17, 19 & 20 - Newport: Open Auditions at the Firehouse Theater at the Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport. Sunday, February 17 and Tuesday, February 19 at 7:00 pm -
Director Sharon Coleman is looking for 3 men & 3 women of all ages to play multiple roles in AR Gurney's "The Dining Room". Prepared monologues may be allowed and reading from the script will be required. Rehearsals will begin immediately. Shows run Fri, Sat & Sun from April 4 to May 4. Tech positions also available. Wednesday, February 20 at 7:00 pm -
"The Bit Players", Newport's Comedy Improv team is seeking men & women of all ages. No experience necessary, training provided.
February 18 through 22 - Newport: Winter Vacation Skate Camp at The Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center see the web site for more info.
February 20 - Newport: Elliott Storm, "These Scars are Sacred,"dissertation and book signing at Naval War College Museum Elliott Storm, author of These Scars are Sacred, will deliver a dissertation (at 12 noon) and book signing (at 1 PM) as part of the Naval War College Museum's "Eight Bells" series. Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the subject of this lecture on this novel by Vietnam War veteran Elliott Storm. Storm wrote his novel "These Scars Are Sacred" to help readers understand the causes of PTSD and to help in the healing process. Storm has served as Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 196 in Milford, CT. Mayor Richetelli of Milford has commented "This book tells the truth about an important issue, even if that truth is not very pleasant." Local talk show host Jim Buchanan of WICC Radio has hailed this novel as "The Right book for the right time". Mr. Storm will be available before and after the lecture to sign copies of his book. If you would like to attend please call 401.841.2101. www.nwcfoundation.orgAdditional information on events at American Legion Post 18
February 21 - Portsmouth: Live Jazz for Kids at Greenvale Vineyards From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth. Greenvale Vineyards will host the 9th annual Jazz for Kids. The Greenvale Jazz for Kids program was created nine years ago as a way to introduce children to the sounds of jazz in a fun and creative environment. Our musicians this year will be Dick Lupino on base, Tish Adams, Jordan Nunes on Keyboard and Dave Polanski, well known for music for children on trumpet. The musicians will entertain our guests with songs kids know and love in a jazz setting incorporated with old time standards. This event is free and open to the public. Complimentary refreshments will be served for the kids, and wine tastings are available to purchase for adults. Greenvale.com
February 22 & 24 - Newport: “O'Sullivan Meets O'Farrell” Newport Baroque Orchestra “O'Sullivan Meets O'Farrell”, members of Newport Baroque Orchestra with Internationally Acclaimed Uilleann Piper Jerry O'Sullivan. Visit NewportBaroque.org Newport Baroque Orchestra is a professional period-instrument orchestra devoted to the music of the 17th- and 18th-centuries. Founded in 2003, Newport Baroque Orchestra is well-suited to the 18th-century character of Newport’s historic center, and its concerts reflect the city’s historic preservation initiatives. In this spirit, Newport is linked to the performing arts of the period, and, with its own period-instrument orchestra, Newport lives the past through the passion and beauty of historical music. Feb. 22: 8:00 p.m. at S. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar St., Newport, $25 general admission Feb. 24: 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, $25 general admission/$30 preferred seating
February 23 - Portsmouth: Winter Walk around Melville Park From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, meet at the Melville Park Recreation Area to follow guided tours/strolls around Melville Park's 153 acres of coastal woodlands, brooks and ponds. After the "Winter Walk" join the Melville Park Committee at a bonfire, where coffee and hot chocolate will be served.
February 26 - Portsmouth: Laurence M. Hirshberg, PhD- "How to Stay Sharp as You Age (and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease)” at the Portsmouth Free Public Library 6:30pm at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. Are you concerned about staying mentally sharp? You can stay sharp as you age, and in doing so protect yourself from the effects of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Research on brain aging makes very clear that the active pursuit of mental or brain fitness reduces the impact of brain aging and serves as a protective factor against the negative effects of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. In a multimedia presentation, Laurence M. Hirshberg, PhD, Director of the NeuroDevelopment Center, Providence, RI, will summarize this neuroscience research and present ten key steps to take to get sharp and stay sharp as you age. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so please call the Library at 683-9457 or stop by to register.
February 28 - March 30 - Portsmouth: "Members All Media Exhibition" at the Portsmouth Art Guild Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm. The opening reception is Sunday Mar. 2 from 2-4pm at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts, 2679 East Main Rd, next to St. Paul's Church, Portsmouth, RI.
The artwork for the Portsmouth Arts Guild's "Members All Media Exhibition" will be drawn from the studios of the Arts Guild membership of more than 160 artists from Aquidneck Island and surrounding towns. Free and open to the public. Plus there are ongoing displays of work by: Wanda Perkowska Coderre, Libby Gilpatric, Anne Winthrop Cordin, Jerry Landay, Lenny Rumpler, Rita Heymann, John Tolley, Carol Gates, John Foraste, Carol Lynn Hall, Nancy Isherwood, Tim Reilly, Toni Petersen, Sue Moreira, Barbara Ney, Laura Collins, Bob Doyle, Martha MacNaught and Mary Ann Martin.
February 28 - Newport: Salute Black History at the Redwood Antheneum - Dr. Emily Bernard: "Fabulous in Friendship: The Letters and Friendship of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten" 6:30pm at Redwood Library & Athenaeum, 50 Bellevue Avenue. As part of Redwood's celebration of the photography of Carl Van Vechten and the Harlem Renaissance, Dr. Emily Bernard, editor of Remember Me to Harlem, and professor of American Studies at the University of Vermon, will discuss the friendship of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten and their importance to the movement that became known as the Harlem Renaissance. This lecture, made possible by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, is open to the public and will be followed by a reception. More about this event at the web site
February 28 - Portsmouth: Roberta Mudge Humble, author of “The RIght to Crow: A Look at RI’s Firsts, Bests, & Uniques” will be the guest speaker at the Portsmouth Free Public Library 6:30pm at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. Roberta Mudge Humble, Professor of English, CCRI and author of “The RIght to Crow: A Look at RI’s Firsts, Bests, & Uniques” will be the guest speaker at Portsmouth Free Public Library. This presentation will explore some of the bests, firsts, and uniques of Rhode Island, including the uniqueness the author found in writing about the nation’s smallest state. A quiz will be given to the audience to see how much they already know. Participation is requested in routing out more superlatives and stories about Little Rhody. The audience will reminisce, learn, and gather sufficient ammunition to combat those confused out-of-staters who believe Rhode Island is a part of New York. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so please call the Library at 683-9457 or stop by to register.
February 29 - Portsmouth: Paul Geremia will perform at Greenvale Vineyards From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth. Rhode Island-based blues legend Paul Geremia has been regarded for decades as the finest of the finger-style acoustic blues players spawned by the Sixties’ folk boom. The Boston Globe calls him "The best acoustic blues guitarist on the set..." and Rolling Stone magazine says "At some future date young aspiring singers will be collecting old Paul Geremia records! One of the finest blues artists in a long time."
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the music will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Greenvale Vineyards’ historic Stable/Tasting Room. Tickets are $22.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. Seating is limited to 35. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, please call (401) 847-3777 or visit www.greenvale.com or www.localwineevents.com/Newport-Wine/.
Previous year's events (below) that we haven't gotten current information to update yet.
Winter - Newport: Winter Schedule for Preservation Society Mansions The Preservation Society of Newport
County announced that The Breakers will remain open 7 days a week through the
winter months. Two other houses, The Elms and Marble House, will be open on weekends
from January through mid-April. Beginning January 6, The Breakers will remain
open for tours daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Elms and Marble House will be
open weekends, Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day, also from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Winter Passport tickets for admission to all three houses through the
winter season are available for $25 for adults, $9 for children 6-17. The Rooftop
and Behind-the-Scenes tour at The Elms will be offered hourly on weekends and
holidays only through April 11, and daily for the rest of the year. Phone: 401-847-1000 www.NewportMansions.org
