Around Newport County: Raise up the Arts event, Newport utility billing changes, more
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County's annual Raise Up the Arts event took place on Wednesday, June 25, in the Atlantic Pavilion at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown. The evening began with piano music by Kristine Langello, who was joined by Chris Vaillancourt jamming a few musical selections. After greetings of welcome by outgoing Chair Susan Woythaler, the evening kept moving along at a pleasant pace by Master of Ceremonies, Andrea McHugh.
The evening continued with the presentation of four awards: the Tinney Family Arts Scholarship was awarded to Portsmouth resident and recent Portsmouth High School graduate, Aidan Chen; the 2025 Artist Award was presented to Revka Hovermale of 'Revka Dance'; the Dominique Award recognized Elizabeth Delude-Dix, and the LeRoy White 'Soul & Conscience' Award was presented to Newporter Chelley Knight, performer extraordinaire. After the 'Soul & Conscience' Award was presented to Chelley she regaled attendees with her vocal performance with guitarist Chris Vaillancourt.
A silent auction was held and the proceeds will enable the ACA to continue to offer awards and scholarships to local artists. At the end of the presentations, ACA newly elected Chair Terry Dickinson, presented each winner with a Rhode Island citation given to recognize all our artists contributions to the Rhode Island arts and culture. This citation was facilitated by Representative for District 75 Lauren Carson.
The ACA is now in the process of planning events for the 2025-2026 season with newly elected Executive Board: Chair, Terry Dickinson, Vice-Chair, Katarina Diepholz, Secretary, Julia Boron, Treasurer, Warren McAuliffe, Past-Chair, Susan Woythaler and Directors of the Board: Dominique Alfandre, Christine Cocca, Shauna Maguire, Nycole Matthews, Nancy McAuliffe, Miki Ohlsen, Harle Tinney, Lori Turner, and Joseph Walewski.
For more information regarding the events, scholarships, artists' awards, and membership visit: newportarts.org or contact newportarts@gmail.com
Newport Department of Utilities upgrading utility billing system
The Newport Department of Utilities is upgrading its utility billing system, promising a more user-friendly, reliable and efficient utility billing experience.
The new system, which is scheduled to go live mid-August, will provide more flexible and easy-to-use tools for managing utility accounts and making payments online.
The new system will feature a more intuitive interface, expanded payment options, and greater flexibility for customers. As part of this transition, utility billing payment collection responsibilities will officially shift from the Collections Office at City Hall to the Department of Utilities. Effective July 31, 2025, the Collections Office at City Hall will no longer accept utility payments.
During the transition, customers will temporarily be unable to make online payments. Online payments in the current system will be deactivated as of July 30, 2025. Final automatic payments will be processed on July 31, and the August utility bill will be generated in the existing system on Aug. 1, 2025. Online payments will continue to be unavailable through mid-August, when the new system is expected to go live. The first utility bill under the new system will be issued on Sept. 1, 2025.
Once it debuts, the new platform will include a number of enhanced features, allowing customers to view account history, manage billing preferences, and enroll in services such as paperless billing and pay-by-text. For those opting to pay their bills online, the Department of Utilities will absorb all payment processing fees, including those for credit cards, Venmo and Google Pay.
In addition to a refreshed look, all utility customers will be required to create a new online account, with a new Customer Identification (CID) number provided in their upcoming August bills.
Once logged in, existing billing history, water usage, and other information will transfer over. However, customers will need to re-enter payment information, re-enroll in autopay, and may choose to opt in to the new service options.
Customers who need to make a payment while online payments are unavailable may do so in person at the Department of Utilities, located at 70 Halsey St., Newport. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and payment may be made by cash, check, or money order.
Payments by check or money order may also be mailed to either the Department of Utilities PO Box: (City of Newport, Department of Utilities, PO Box 1195, Providence, RI 02901-1195) or directly to the main office (City of Newport, Department of Utilities, 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI 02840). Customers should be sure to include their account number in the memo line when paying by mail.
Any payments not made through the previous system or in person during the online blackout period may be completed in the new system once it goes live in mid-August.
Detailed instructions and further announcements will be provided through official City communication platforms, by mail, and on the City's website in the coming weeks.
As always, we appreciate the community's patience during this transition and remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible utility services.
Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Department of Utilities, billing staff directly at (401) 845-5604 or via email at utilitybilling@cityofnewport.com.
BankNewport Charitable Foundation supports Sail Newport
The BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Sail Newport to support this year's 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program, a free experiential learning initiative for students from Pell Elementary School in Newport. The program integrates sailing instruction with environmental science education and has become a cornerstone of marine education for Newport youth.
Launched in 2017, the 16-week program is held at Sail Newport's Sailing Center located within Fort Adams State Park. Every week, 4th grade students and their teachers spend structured time learning about Narragansett Bay, its ecology, weather and history while receiving sailing instruction on the water. Sail Newport provides all equipment, staffing, facilities, transportation, and snacks at no cost to students or families.
The program also reinforces state STEM curriculum standards and ensures that all students, regardless of any social, emotional, physical or developmental challenges, can participate.
The Pell School Program engages populations often under-represented in the sport of sailing. In the 2024–2025 school year, 126 4th grade students from the Pell School participated, more than 70% of whom received free or reduced lunch.
Sail Newport's program has also become an inspiration for continued marine exploration opportunities, including the Thompson Middle School Marine Exploration Program and the summer Youth Sailing Program. Feedback from educators, families, and students highlights the program's value in building confidence, academic engagement, and a stronger connection to the environment.
Newport Rifle Club donates to Meals on Wheels
Newport Rifle Club recently donated $1,050 to Meals On Wheels of Rhode Island. The club has contributed to the charity since 2022, giving more than $15,000.
Begun in 1969, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island works to alleviate food insecurity and social isolation of at-risk older adults. In 2024 the charity served 3,738 Rhode Islanders and delivered 427,553 free meals to homebound seniors.
Founded in 1876, the 700-member Newport Rifle Club is the oldest continuously operating gun club in the nation. It will celebrate its 150th year in 2026.
For information about Newport Rifle Club, go to NewportRifleClub.org or call Bob King at at (401) 847-5678
RITBA confirms Mouth Hope Bridge project funds
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority confirmed that it will receive a $17 million Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the dehumidification project for the Mount Hope Bridge.
RITBA completed cable air flow testing in 2024 as part of the Mount Hope Dehumidification Project, which is part of a multi-year project. The cable and anchorage dehumidification technology that RITBA is using has been successfully employed in other major bridges in the U.S., such as the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the South Tenth Street Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The dehumidification project is also being funded by $10 million in Congressional Directed Spending, secured by Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Around Newport County: Newport utility billing changes, sailing funds
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After the 'Soul & Conscience' Award was presented to Chelley she regaled attendees with her vocal performance with guitarist Chris Vaillancourt. A silent auction was held and the proceeds will enable the ACA to continue to offer awards and scholarships to local artists. At the end of the presentations, ACA newly elected Chair Terry Dickinson, presented each winner with a Rhode Island citation given to recognize all our artists contributions to the Rhode Island arts and culture. This citation was facilitated by Representative for District 75 Lauren Carson. The ACA is now in the process of planning events for the 2025-2026 season with newly elected Executive Board: Chair, Terry Dickinson, Vice-Chair, Katarina Diepholz, Secretary, Julia Boron, Treasurer, Warren McAuliffe, Past-Chair, Susan Woythaler and Directors of the Board: Dominique Alfandre, Christine Cocca, Shauna Maguire, Nycole Matthews, Nancy McAuliffe, Miki Ohlsen, Harle Tinney, Lori Turner, and Joseph Walewski. For more information regarding the events, scholarships, artists' awards, and membership visit: or contact newportarts@ Newport Department of Utilities upgrading utility billing system The Newport Department of Utilities is upgrading its utility billing system, promising a more user-friendly, reliable and efficient utility billing experience. The new system, which is scheduled to go live mid-August, will provide more flexible and easy-to-use tools for managing utility accounts and making payments online. The new system will feature a more intuitive interface, expanded payment options, and greater flexibility for customers. As part of this transition, utility billing payment collection responsibilities will officially shift from the Collections Office at City Hall to the Department of Utilities. Effective July 31, 2025, the Collections Office at City Hall will no longer accept utility payments. During the transition, customers will temporarily be unable to make online payments. Online payments in the current system will be deactivated as of July 30, 2025. Final automatic payments will be processed on July 31, and the August utility bill will be generated in the existing system on Aug. 1, 2025. Online payments will continue to be unavailable through mid-August, when the new system is expected to go live. The first utility bill under the new system will be issued on Sept. 1, 2025. Once it debuts, the new platform will include a number of enhanced features, allowing customers to view account history, manage billing preferences, and enroll in services such as paperless billing and pay-by-text. For those opting to pay their bills online, the Department of Utilities will absorb all payment processing fees, including those for credit cards, Venmo and Google Pay. In addition to a refreshed look, all utility customers will be required to create a new online account, with a new Customer Identification (CID) number provided in their upcoming August bills. Once logged in, existing billing history, water usage, and other information will transfer over. However, customers will need to re-enter payment information, re-enroll in autopay, and may choose to opt in to the new service options. Customers who need to make a payment while online payments are unavailable may do so in person at the Department of Utilities, located at 70 Halsey St., Newport. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and payment may be made by cash, check, or money order. Payments by check or money order may also be mailed to either the Department of Utilities PO Box: (City of Newport, Department of Utilities, PO Box 1195, Providence, RI 02901-1195) or directly to the main office (City of Newport, Department of Utilities, 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI 02840). Customers should be sure to include their account number in the memo line when paying by mail. Any payments not made through the previous system or in person during the online blackout period may be completed in the new system once it goes live in mid-August. Detailed instructions and further announcements will be provided through official City communication platforms, by mail, and on the City's website in the coming weeks. As always, we appreciate the community's patience during this transition and remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible utility services. Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Department of Utilities, billing staff directly at (401) 845-5604 or via email at utilitybilling@ BankNewport Charitable Foundation supports Sail Newport The BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Sail Newport to support this year's 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program, a free experiential learning initiative for students from Pell Elementary School in Newport. The program integrates sailing instruction with environmental science education and has become a cornerstone of marine education for Newport youth. Launched in 2017, the 16-week program is held at Sail Newport's Sailing Center located within Fort Adams State Park. Every week, 4th grade students and their teachers spend structured time learning about Narragansett Bay, its ecology, weather and history while receiving sailing instruction on the water. Sail Newport provides all equipment, staffing, facilities, transportation, and snacks at no cost to students or families. The program also reinforces state STEM curriculum standards and ensures that all students, regardless of any social, emotional, physical or developmental challenges, can participate. The Pell School Program engages populations often under-represented in the sport of sailing. In the 2024–2025 school year, 126 4th grade students from the Pell School participated, more than 70% of whom received free or reduced lunch. Sail Newport's program has also become an inspiration for continued marine exploration opportunities, including the Thompson Middle School Marine Exploration Program and the summer Youth Sailing Program. Feedback from educators, families, and students highlights the program's value in building confidence, academic engagement, and a stronger connection to the environment. Newport Rifle Club donates to Meals on Wheels Newport Rifle Club recently donated $1,050 to Meals On Wheels of Rhode Island. The club has contributed to the charity since 2022, giving more than $15,000. Begun in 1969, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island works to alleviate food insecurity and social isolation of at-risk older adults. In 2024 the charity served 3,738 Rhode Islanders and delivered 427,553 free meals to homebound seniors. Founded in 1876, the 700-member Newport Rifle Club is the oldest continuously operating gun club in the nation. It will celebrate its 150th year in 2026. For information about Newport Rifle Club, go to or call Bob King at at (401) 847-5678 RITBA confirms Mouth Hope Bridge project funds The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority confirmed that it will receive a $17 million Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the dehumidification project for the Mount Hope Bridge. RITBA completed cable air flow testing in 2024 as part of the Mount Hope Dehumidification Project, which is part of a multi-year project. The cable and anchorage dehumidification technology that RITBA is using has been successfully employed in other major bridges in the U.S., such as the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the South Tenth Street Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The dehumidification project is also being funded by $10 million in Congressional Directed Spending, secured by Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse. This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Around Newport County: Newport utility billing changes, sailing funds Solve the daily Crossword
