Zoning board approves Randall mixed-use plan
By Sam Bari
      The Zoning Board of Review unanimously approved the application of Allan and Nancy Randall for a mixed-use permit to construct a residential as well as a retail and office structure on their property at 61 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown attorney John A. Murphy represented the Randalls in their prese...
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Swain hearing continued
      The extradition hearing for David Swain, 51, set for today has been postponed at the request of his federal public defender. Swain was arrested Nov. 14 on a warrant by British Virgin Island authorities charging that he murdered his wife, Shelley Arden Tyre, in 1999 while scuba diving off Tortolla...
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For the record
      In an article about Stearns Farms in the Nov. 15 edition, David Martin was reported as being the chairman of the original charter commission. He was the secretary.
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Shared victory
     Jim Pemantell gave Payton Watson the medal he received from running the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, Pa. He raised almost $10,000 for the Tomorrow Fund in Payton's honor.
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State program heats up island homes
By Michaela Kennedy
      On the surface, Jamestown appears to many as an affluent, comfortable place to live. Yet, according to one non-profit health and human services organization, 67 local households have sought help with heating assistance this season, and the number continues to grow.
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Lions raise money for charity with candy stocking stuffers
      The Jamestown Lions Club has kicked off a brand new fund-raising effort. Just in time for Christmas, the Lions are selling packages of the famous See's candies, packaged especially for the holidays. The choices include peanut brittle, milk chocolate foil-wrapped balls, mixed chocolates or a Santa...
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Self-defense class teaches women about risk factors
By Michaela Kennedy
      Island living can lull residents into a false sense of safety. Jamestown Police Officer Karen Catlow wants to remind locals that vigilance is important. The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) system that Catlow offers at the recreation center educates women on personal defense and heightens their aw...
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Learn to take great shots with photography class
      The Wickford Art Association is offering an open figure and portrait session on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drop-in fee is $10. An informal still-life group meets on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $2 per session. Artists must bring their own materials.
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See the seals trip scheduled
      Board M/V Alletta Morris for an up-close look at the winter seals of Narragansett Bay. Each cruise includes a lecture by an expert guide and binoculars are provided. Cruises depart Bowen's Ferry Landing Newport on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 12 p.m.
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Messinger earns longevity honors
      New England Institute of Technology recently held the sixteenth annual Hall of Fame reception to honor twenty college staff and faculty for their years of service to the institution. Receiving a 20-year award was Jamestown resident Norman Messinger, Jr., a member of the Automotive Technology facu...
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Utility offers energy tips for holidays
      With the holiday season here, National Grid offers the following tips to help customers: •Using the smallest appliance for the job while cooking during the holidays will always save energy. Microwave ovens use less than half the energy required by a full oven.
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Musings
By Robert Morton-Ranney
      How's your Holiday Season going, so far? Major retailers announced they were starting the Big Push earlier this year- the first Friday in November, in fact- because they wanted people to get their shopping in before consumer confidence slipped any farther.
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Newport Virtuosi to host concert
      The Newport Virtuosi String Trio will present a selection of classical, Christmas-related music by Haydn, Bach, and Mozart, along with popular Christmas pieces on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport. For tickets and information, call 64...
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Audubon features island's bobolink project
By Dotti Farrington
      Jamestown's unique investors' crop of bobolinks is featured in the current issue of the National Audubon Magazine. Environmental journalist Andrea Anderson has written an overview, "Hold the Hay," about the pilot island project for the Field Notes section on bird conservation for the magazine.
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Tregenza, Rooney lead hockey team to tourney win
By Stephanie H. Cotsonas
      Anyone who is interested in playing local youth ice hockey is either all too familiar with Newport County Youth Hockey Association (NCYHA) or will be very soon. The hockey season is long, the rinks are cold, and the kids and parents are often at practice before the sun comes up, but ice hockey con...
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Islanders add depth to Wahoos
By Stephanie H. Cotsonas
      The Newport YMCA swim team had their first home meet of the season last Saturday against the Cape Cod Makos. Jamestown is well represented on the Wahoos and is adding to the depth and youth of the team. Swim teams are divided and compete by age group with 8 and under being the youngest group.
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Outdoor carol sing set for Newport
      The Emmanuel Music & Arts Series is sponsoring Newport's largest outdoor carol sing on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. in the courtyard of Emmanuel Church. Songbooks for audience participation will be provided and refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge, but donations of non-perishab...
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Lawn Avenue School honor roll announced
      The following students at the Lawn Avenue School were named to the honor roll for the first quarter.
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Retired enlisted association meets
      The next regular meeting of The Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 79 will be a combined meeting and Christmas luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 8, at VFW Post 4487, 52 Underwood Lane, in Middletown. Lunch will follow the meeting for members who have responded to the mailed invitation.
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New owners breathe fresh life into Ocean Esscence Spa
By Michaela Kennedy
      Ocean Essence Spa, located at 123 Narragansett Ave., changed hands as of Nov. 1, and the new operators are promising exciting changes. Owners Sandy and David Metcalfe invite everyone to enjoy some wine and refreshments and meet their brand new staff at the grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4...
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