RhodyBeat

ROVING ROGER: A 7-foot statue of Roger Williams serves as the centerpiece of the “Roving Roger” exhibit, which will remain at the Cranston Public Library’s Central Library through February.

Rhode Islanders know the basic story of Roger Williams well. He was the founder of Providence, a refugee from nearby Massachusetts whose devotion to religious liberty has resounded through the ages, … more

By DANIEL KITTREDGE | 1/29/20

Atwood Coin & Jewelry owner Gilbert Mendoza stands behind a case inside the business at 1450 Atwood Ave. in Johnston. Ed Helgran said if young people are looking for a hobby, they should get into collecting coins because of the potential payoff down the line.

Collect call

Ed Helgran of Atwood Coin & Jewelry, at 1450 Atwood Ave., has a piece of advice for young people looking to take up a hobby. “You can buy a coin today that may 20 years from now be … more

By JACOB MARROCCO | 1/22/20

Weathering the road

Owning a car is a big responsibility. Drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for the long haul must emphasize maintenance if they want to keep adding miles to their odometers. In fact, the … more

1/16/20

TRADITION CONTINUES: With four decades of experience as a mechanic, Kevin McCrudden has continued his father’s legacy at the Conimicut shop bearing the family’s name.

Sixty years of service

Warwick’s Conimicut Village has changed a great deal over the decades. So has McCrudden’s Radiator & Auto Repair, which opened in 1959 at 835 West Shore Road. But for Kevin … more

By DANIEL KITTREDGE | 1/8/20

A TRADITION: Keith Lau, co-owner and manager of Han Palace in Warwick, said the holidays are a busy time of year for the restaurant. “The Han Palace regulars have made coming here to eat as their tradition even when it’s extremely busy here,” he said. “Christmas is a special holiday for us. It should be for everybody.”

Dining out for the holidays

Food and the holidays go hand-in-hand. Across Rhode Island, families are planning Christmas dinners centered on staples such as turkey and ham – or, in the case of many local residents of … more

By DANIEL KITTREDGE and JACOB MARROCCO | 12/18/19

HAPPY TO BE BLUE: Alex Amaral made sure to snap a picture in front of the State House as it was aglow in blue for type 1 diabetes.

‘We’ll do this’

It was three years ago, and Alex Amaral had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 7 years old. His parents were distraught, unsure of the next steps they would have to take. They were crying … more

By JACOB MARROCCO | 12/4/19

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT: J. Michael Levesque, a former West Warwick mayor who now resides in Warwick, hangs a wreath on the door of his home. “Lost in the hustle and bustle (and the pressure) of Hollywood and Wall Street-inspired gift giving,” he says, “are the times of reflection on the true meaning of the holiday.”

Forgotten Grace

The world seems to get a little kinder and gentler around the Christmas holidays – not just for Christians, but throughout the world.Walk through a mall in many Middle East countries in … more

By J. MICHAEL LEVESQUE | 12/3/19

Celebrating Tradition: Janice Torilli, the force behind reviving the “Local Flavor” cookbook enjoys cooking for her family, and is passing on her love of cooking to her grandchildren by cooking with them whenever they get the chance. (Beacon Communications photos)

Community spirit shines in Local Flavor cookbook

A favorite recipe is something special. Maybe it’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations. Perhaps it’s one that’s a central part of an important holiday meal. It may simply be … more

By DANIEL KITTREDGE | 11/22/19

Living her dream

Gloria Renzi remembers the heartache like it was yesterday. She was only a child when she first discovered her love for painting, but she vividly remembered one relative trying to put a stop to … more

By JACOB MARROCCO | 11/13/19

NOTABLE WORK: "Animal Songs" author Julie Garnett is pictured with Do and Re, members of the Note Family she created for her latest book.

Noteworthy achievement

Cranston resident Julie Garnett has been an author of children's books for over 20 years, as well as a singer and songwriter. Now, she has combined both her literary and musical pursuits to create … more

By KELLSIE KING | 11/12/19