SMITHFIELD – The owners of Knock On Wood Furniture say they have been hustling for the past two weeks putting a whole lot of furniture together in advance of a planned grand opening this Saturday, Feb. 4.
Do you suddenly feel pressured to leave a tip everywhere you go and for almost everything you buy? Are you unsure, frazzled even, after runnin… Read moreSanzi: This whole tipping thing has gone too far
The new Republicans in Congress made history, albeit a dubious one. For the first time in a century, the House of Representatives failed to el… Read moreViolet: The Grand Old Party (GOP) is anything but ...
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I don’t know you, Mayor Charles Lombardi, although I just live a block or two away from North Providence Town Hall. But this post is written especially for you. MoreHalpern: Proud of North Providence and Mayor Lombardi
After cleaning out my old blankets, towels and dog beds, I brought them to the Cumberland/Lincoln dog facility. I was able to go see the dogs and give each one a treat. I assured them their forever home was coming soon. When I was leaving I asked the officer if there was anything else I coul… MoreRemember shelter animals this holiday season
We live in a time when there is a heightened assault against free speech. Anything that anyone says that is at variance with the culture and the opinions of those who believe that they alone know best is called misinformation, especially if it is true. I submit that the following six things … MoreMoriello: Things you are told to never say or think
It’s hard to imagine anywhere on Broad Street in Cumberland where a roundabout would make sense to calm traffic, or that there would be space for one on a busy stretch of Route 44 in Greenville where space is also at a premium, but if the success of such traffic circles elsewhere is any indi… MoreShorey: Roundabouts are working
“Hey Dan, how’s the homeless in Cumberland doing?” MoreYorke: Are we willing to try real empathy on homelessness?
Each year since our wedding day in 2006, my wife and I have maintained a consistent pattern of attendance at holidays. We knew early on that we could remove any potential drama and questioning by simply rotating which holidays we would spend with which side of the family, and it’s worked lik… MoreShorey: A three-day Thanksgiving feast
Hello, my name is Rocker and I am a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse Rhode Island Chapter. I want to take this opportunity to introduce our chapter to the community. MoreDiGiacomo: BACA strives to create a safer environment for abused children
Holidays are a fun and festive time but they don’t have to include alcohol. In American culture alcohol is served at most social occasions. Many people use it to unwind after a long day at work. How many of us have heard someone say, “I need a drink?” We gladly offer alcohol to our guests at… MoreHoliday’s without alcohol?
The Valley Breeze’s front-page coverage of the Woonsocket city elections (Nov. 10-16, 2022) was accurate in its main points: Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, unopposed, won back the seat she lost when she was ousted last month by four members of the City Council; she led a successful campaign against tho… MoreDaigle: There's more to the story in election numbers
My friend Amy is fighting cancer, again. It’s lung cancer and before you wonder if she is a smoker, no, she doesn’t smoke (not that it should matter). In fact, she’s one of those super healthy people who never even smoked one cigarette. I certainly cannot say the same. But she is now, for th… MoreSanzi: Staring down the bear, again
I did not turn the news on during election night as I’d usually do. It wasn’t that I was not interested in the results, I just didn’t want to endure hours of chatter that was not going to influence the outcomes. I just wanted to know who won. This would determine how I was going to plan for … MorePitts-Wiley: I voted with my grandchildren in mind
First and foremost, I would like to thank all the voters who cast their ballot for me this election cycle. This was my first time running for an elected office, and the confidence you have in me I hope to keep and earn from others over the coming months and years. MoreTaylor: Thank you for your support
My name is Maria Isabel Herrera, I am both a Cumberland resident and a senior attending Blackstone Valley Prep High School. I have been a part of the BVP community ever since kindergarten. MoreHerrera: I know first-hand the positive impact of BVP
A convenient truth. MoreNajarian: 'Learn and respect the truth'
Our propensity to lose touch with people was there pre-pandemic, but I sometimes wonder how much worse it’s gotten since COVID upended our lives. MoreShorey: Renew that connection, it’ll do the world some good
Go back to high school when they told us we would get at least 200 points on each SAT test by simply writing our name correctly. MoreYorke: Barely beating the 35 percent floor is embarrassing
Let me begin by saying thank you to all the voters in Smithfield, North Providence and Lincoln for electing me as your state senator in District 22, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. MoreTikoian: Thank you to all who supported me
This coming Veterans Day, thank a veteran, attend a local ceremony, and proudly fly America’s greatest symbol, our flag, not only this day, but every day. And continue to thank a veteran whenever the opportunity arises. MoreThank a veteran on Veterans Day and every day
Social media is part of all of our lives. Some of you may only use Facebook to stay connected with family here and there. Maybe you use LinkedIn to keep your resume up to date and connect with professional colleagues. Others, like myself, may use Twitter as their primary source of news conte… MoreBetancur: Have we gone too far in this age of social media?
Though I realize that election season will be over by the time this is published, I cannot let Douglas Hagen’s letter (“This election is about freedom”) go unchallenged. I consider myself as an independent and am not usually offended when I read about why this party or that one is better or … MoreOlivier: Eliminating half of candidates because of party affiliation is unwise
Rhode Island has a very strong group of reporters covering what happens in this little state, but that doesn’t mean local news coverage is what it needs to be. MoreShorey: The news desert problem hits home
You may know Glenn Dusablon as the friendly operator of the Veterans Memorial Museum here in Woonsocket. Now, he is also running to represent us in the Statehouse. MoreParenteau: Our neighbor, Glenn Dusablon
I vote because I want a say in the future of our country. I vote for those who uphold the principles of democracy, who believe in the rule of law and accountability. I vote for those who respect the outcomes of elections and the integrity of the elected officials who have sworn allegiance to… MoreCole: Why do you vote?
As Rhode Islanders go to the polls to vote, at least the abolition of slavery will not be on the ballot. Elsewhere in five states, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennesee and Vermont voters will decide to close a species of slavery-forced labor by people convicted of certain crimes. In other wo… MoreViolet: Never a single day in the U.S. where slavery is not legal
I apologize to the residents of North Smithfield and the readers of The Valley Breeze for having to endure this ridiculous one man circus that you have been put through this election season. Through it all I have taken the high road and not once dignified Mike Clifford’s attacks with a respo… MoreBeauregard: Bringing the town together has value
I support Garrett Mancieri for Woonsocket City Council. I’ve worked with Garrett on the board of the Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association (which Garrett now chairs ably), as well as other community-based endeavors. He’s honest and experienced on the council. He’ll help reduce … MoreBrown: Mancieri will move the city forward
Mr. Sevigny recently asked, “What’s your ‘why’ Clifford?” Coincidentally, Mr. Clifford answered in his own letter while bashing Councilman Beauregard, capping that with drum banging on the 2014 bond story where Clifford and others hoodwinked voters into a $12 million program. Even the leader… MoreEzovski: Beauregard will take rational steps forward
I loved reading Larry Sasso’s article on Tom Hall. I had Tom as my senior English teacher at Ponaganset High in 1965-66. My class was the only class to go from 7th to 12th in the original high school. Tom was an integral part of education there at the time, and someone who everyone highly re… MoreMartin: Tom Hall's classroom had a lasting impact
As a resident of Lincoln, I am concerned about the future of the economy in our community and what we can do about it. Specifically, inflation, and service. My experience is that these issues start at the small business level. Numerous times I encounter poor service, due to lack of employees… MoreLevesque: Jack Lyle will help keep our small businesses thriving
The Smithfield Democratic Town Committee’s slate of candidates for this year’s General Election represents a diverse and well-qualified group of dedicated individuals, many of whom have been public servants and elected officials in our town. This team brings experience and exciting new visio… MoreMancini: Smithfield Democrats bring integrity, vision and experience
In the polarized state of our present politics, many cynically write off all politicians as ineffective, self-interested, or worse. My mom, Rep. Mia Ackerman, however, shows how effective local leadership and advocacy result in important policy changes that make a difference in people’s live… MoreMia Ackerman is the clear choice
My wife and I had the pleasure of traveling to visit old friends this past weekend. The after-dinner conversation went in the typical directions for 60-somethings. Our grown-up kids, our jobs, our health and wellness, our retirement plans. MoreYorke: Where will we be five years from now?
On Nov. 8, Rhode Islanders will have many important choices to make in the voting booths. Please consider voting yes on Question No. 3, the Green Bond. If approved, this $50 million measure will deliver a cleaner, greener, and fairer Rhode Island. MoreLehrer: Green Bond invests in the best of Rhode Island
I am reaching out to residents to inform them that they will be asked to decide on a bond question that will provide $100 million in construction and improvements to the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay Campus. It will be Question 1 on the ballot, and I am urging Rhode Islanders… MoreAutiello: Vote yes on Question 1
As the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association, we stand in strong support of environmental justice across our state, ensuring that every Rhode Islander enjoys access to safe, clean outdoor places to play, work, and learn. MoreSilversmith: Support environmental justice
My family and I moved to the area three years ago. We are honestly so happy here, and love everything about the area – save one thing. The driving. As they would say where we are from – ya’ll drive too fast. MoreSlow down – speeding is not worth it
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, let progress keep moving forward by re-electing the current Town Council. A Town Council that has worked together to get things done for the benefit of all residents in town. MoreLapierre: re-elect current Town Council
Michael Iannotti is my first choice for a Smithfield Town Council seat this election. With the departure of two incumbent council members, now is the perfect time for new leadership and fresh ideas. MoreCavanagh: Ianotti would be an effective leader
What’s your why? We all have that question to answer. What’s the reasons for what drives us to do the things we do? Why do we go to work? Why do we choose the professions we do? Why do we love and hurt the ones closest to us? Why do we make the choices we make? We all have a why ... MoreSevigny: What’s your “why,” Clifford?
Monday morning, I went to Cumby’s on Mendon Road. As I was walking toward the door, Mayor Baldelli-Hunt was coming out with coffees in hand. MoreDaigneault: Looking forward to Baldelli-Hunt's return
In 2011, the town of North Smithfield (and others) was sued in R.I. Superior Court by a West Warwick woman for injuries suffered at approximately 8 p.m. on 10/29/2008, while she was leaving a soccer game at the Dr. Paul F. Joyce Athletic Complex. The plaintiff was parked on Providence Pike a… MoreGuertin: Stadium parking/solar canopies could provide solution
Awesome article regarding the Cumberland man and his display. Great to see the Halloween spirit expressed through decorating. MoreJordan: Keep spreading the Halloween spirit
I am a lifelong resident, homeowner, taxpayer and 28-year employee. I currently serve as Woonsocket’s deputy finance director/controller. I have given a lifetime of service to my community, currently on the Autumnfest Committee. MoreJohnston defends her reputation
Do the people of Woonsocket want checks and balances in government anymore? MoreWard: Government requires checks and balances
My name is Fred Hunt and writing today to endorse Paul Jones for R.I. House District 47 and Paul Roselli in District 48. I have gotten to know Paul Jones in the last few months and he is as genuine a person as there is. Paul Jones has involved himself in community affairs since he was 17 and… MoreHunt: Paul Jones and Paul Roselli deserve your vote
Before casting your vote to re-elect John Beauregard to the North Smithfield Town Council, please take a minute to review his record. MoreClifford: Beauregard's abysmal record speaks for itself
Party affiliation gives a good indication of where a candidate stands politically. I hope Question 4, non-partisan elections for Town Council, is defeated. MoreDeMeo: Defeat Question 4
These days voters tend to be disinterested in the political process due to how nasty or how partisan it has become in every day lives. So much so that in this state in particular most elections are determined on primary day than the general election. Meaning that a good portion of the genera… MoreIn full support of non-partisan elections for Town Council
I would like to give my highest endorsement of District 1 Councilman Arthur “TJ” Russo Jr. and District 2 Councilman Bruce Ogni. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to work with these gentlemen for quite a few years, and I hope to be able to continue to work with them in 2023 and 2024. MoreMacksoud: Lincoln is fortunate to have Russo and Ogni
