Newport Buzz

08/30/2025

Local real estate standout Connor H. Dowd Connor has once again stepped into the national spotlight, making his second appearance on American Dream TV — and his first time shining a light on Fall River.

Connor Dowd spotlights Fall River’s waterfront history & lifestyle in his 2nd appearance on American Dream TV.

08/30/2025

Multiple fire departments battled a massive blaze that tore through a two-story residence on Blaisdell Avenue Friday evening, leaving one woman injured and the home destroyed.

The call came into dispatch at 5:45 p.m., and firefighters arrived to find heavy flames engulfing the wood-frame home. Crews immediately encountered fire shooting out of the front of the house.

A woman was taken to the hospital for evaluation and was said to be in stable condition. All other occupants were safely out of the residence. No firefighters were injured.

The fire escalated to three alarms, prompting mutual aid from neighboring departments. Fall River sent Engine 5, Ladder 2, Heavy Rescue 1, and Car 3, while Portsmouth firefighters also responded.

Officials said the blaze was under control within an hour. Two neighboring houses suffered minor exterior damage from the heat. The Blaisdell Avenue residence was declared a total loss, sustaining severe fire, water, and smoke damage.

The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office later determined the fire was accidental, caused by food left on the stove.

📸 Submitted Photos

08/29/2025

Brian Arnold’s 400 was at it again. Hillside Charitable Organization, Inc. held its summer fundraiser on Aug. 14 on the north lawn of Fort Adams State Park. More than 470 locals who love Cappy’s Hillside Café and their community gathered to raise funds for people in need and connect with friends they look forward to seeing each summer.

Hillside Charitable’s Fort Adams fundraiser drew 470 guests and raised thousands to support locals in need.

08/29/2025

Rest in peace, Margaret.

Margaret Shea was the daughter of the late Thelma and Frank Maynard of Newport, RI. She was born in Ocean Grove, MA, on April 23, 1937

08/28/2025

Sometimes a community comes together in a way that feels like pure Aquidneck magic. This summer, Newport Cannabis Company (), Aquidneck Harvest Co. (), and ’s Aly Cat Sunshine () teamed up to honor the late Bobby Forster — beloved Salve Regina alum, sailor, surfer, and Newport Pedicab legend — by raising $12,000 for ALS research.

The idea grew out of another inspiring charity drive, Ales for ALS, hosted at , which donated proceeds from a featured beer to ALS research. Inspired, the group joined forces with Newport local Tim Ryan’s ELZ brand () — a partnership between his company, Aquidneck Harvest Co., and local hip-hop group Dirty Durdie () — to create a special project, with 100% of proceeds donated to the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

More than 600 limited-edition pieces were crafted with care, thanks to the hard work of Tim and ELZ partners Demmene Frierson and Kyle Vieira. The result? A major community win that proves when people put their creativity together for a cause, incredible things can happen.

For those who knew Bobby, his energy was contagious — a guy who lived fully and lifted others up. This fundraiser wasn’t just about dollars raised; it was about channeling that same spirit into something good.

“This was a community effort through and through,” said James Moran of Newport Cannabis Co. “It’s amazing what can happen when people collaborate with Bobby’s memory in mind.”

The best part? This is only the beginning. The team plans to bring back ELZ for ALS this coming spring at Newport Cannabis Co., giving the island another chance to celebrate Bobby and support a cause that matters.

Until then, donations can be made anytime at
als.net/donate

Here’s to Bobby — and to a community that knows how to honor its own, with heart, creativity, and a whole lot of love.

📸

08/28/2025

Rest in peace, Jim.

James "Jim" Allyn Reise, 85, of Jamestown, RI, and Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025

08/28/2025

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty has announced the $4.5 million sale of The Haversham in Westerly, a landmark transaction that stands as the largest commercial sale in Washington County this year and the second-highest commercial sale in Rhode Island to date in 2025.

The property at 336 Post Road was purchased by the Bellone family, a name synonymous with hospitality in Westerly for more than half a century. The family has created and managed some of the region’s best-known destinations, including the Breezeway Boutique Hotel, Maria’s Seaside Café, and The Hotel Maria. Represented in this transaction by Gregory Arakelian, a nationally recognized sales associate with , the Bellones are adding one of the area’s most storied establishments to their portfolio.

“The Haversham Tavern and House is a historic and beloved landmark in our community, and we are honored to be able to make this purchase,” said John Bellone, speaking on behalf of his family. “We fully intend to continue the well-established tradition of good food, good drink, and hometown hospitality.”

Built in 1830, The Haversham has been woven into the fabric of South County life for nearly two centuries. It has evolved from a roadside tavern into a celebrated dining and event venue, known as much for its rustic New England character as for its role in the community. A sweeping renovation in recent years preserved its historic bones while introducing stone archways, landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and a pond, creating a striking setting for destination weddings and large gatherings.

Today the 14-acre property encompasses a 225-seat restaurant, three kitchens, three bars, and a two-story event space totaling 16,500 square feet. The adjoining grounds host The Shamlot, an outdoor complex with a lounge, bar, concert venue, and volleyball courts that has become a lively seasonal attraction.

The transaction underscores Mr. Arakelian’s growing reputation as one of Rhode Island’s premier commercial real estate brokers, celebrated for his ability to connect distinctive, layered properties with discerning buyers.

08/28/2025

Welcome to Plum Beach, one of Rhode Island’s most coveted yet quietly kept enclaves, where timeless charm meets modern coastal living. Set on nearly an acre of manicured grounds, 65 Spring Street is a beautifully updated 3–4 bedroom, 1.5-bath residence that blends the grace of its 1890 origins with thoughtfully curated modern updates.

Offered by Jack Teeden of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty for $2,200,000.

Discover 65 Spring Street in North Kingstown’s coveted Plum Beach. Bay views, private beach club, and timeless coastal charm.

08/28/2025

Restoration Hall on the IYRS campus was filled with women deeply focused on their Mah Jongg tiles during a lively afternoon of play. The gathering was the brainchild of Karen Cadwalader, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, board member of Newport Mental Health, and member of its philanthropic volunteer group 100 Women. She spearheaded the idea of bringing people together for an afternoon of strategy, connection, and meaningful support for Newport Mental Health.

Community gathers at IYRS Restoration Hall as Newport Mental Health hosts a Mah Jongg fundraiser blending strategy, connection, and support.