One never knows what you might stumble into at the invitation of a friend. Last night was one of those evenings as I attended a show performed by Margarita Martinez called “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History (or Thanks for the Bumper Sticker)”  at The Roots Café in Providence. The Roots Café, an arts and cultural center, is reminiscent of the spirit that redefined Providence as a “happening” place in New England.

I entered a little biased about Margarita’s performance, since I know her through the theater club “The Players” on Benefit Street, but her performance was nothing short of breathtaking as she weaved through stories and songs – all of her own creation. Be sure to check out anything she does.

But is was the space and their commitment to the arts in the downtown that really peaked my interest. Since being created in March of this year by Providence Inner City Arts (PICA), The Roots Cafe is their venture dedicated to reaching out to the Providence community and showcasing lively, energetic performances and impressive art.  PICA was formed 40 years ago by a group of artists motivated for the need of arts and culture within this diverse community. They are a non-profit focusing their energies to many festivals and events in Providence, the Roots Café being one of them.

Roots is an extremely interesting place with a lot going on and the prices are very affordable.  Check out their schedule of events on their home page and take in a performance instead of rushing out of town at the end of your day’s work.  It is also another good reason to look at those condos and lofts in the downtown area.  Of course, for people on the East Side of Providence, it is an easy walk down Westminster Street.

The holiday season seems to be rushing in on us. For some it’s a great time, but for others it can be tough because the economy has taken a huge toll on their resources. That’s why we think it’s a necessary task to be involved in community projects. This year, we want to acknowledge Sandra Soares, an agent in our Cumberland office, for her work with the Woonsocket Adopt-A-Family. We think that giving back is of great importance, and we’re proud that Sandy has been associated with the organization since 1989. A past president and current Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Sandy has served as Program Coordinator since 1999.

Adopt-A-Family, Inc. is a non-profit Rhode Island corporation whose mission is to provide Christmas to needy children in Woonsocket. The agency was started in 1983 by a group of volunteers, and has been a popular local charity in Northern Rhode Island ever since. In 1992, the Woonsocket Adopt-A-Family began keeping annual records. Since then over 30,000 children have been provided for in a city where 35% of children under the age of six live below the poverty level.

Annually, the organization receives applications from nearly 1,200 families in Woonsocket. The last eight years they have been successful in providing for 100% of those eligible. In 2010 the group produced presents for over 2,200 kids from more than 1,000 families—that’s roughly 100 classrooms of children. Each year, they are able to bring approximately $325,000 worth of goods into the city through donations, which mainly consist of toys, clothes, and donations. The organization also raises approximately $20,000 per year to purchase items for children without assigned donors.

As normal but especially this year, Adopt-A-Family is in need of donors and volunteers. Many of these families’ parents are out of work, or working but in school trying to make a future for themselves and their children. Their budgets are stretched to the point of breaking, and some have.

Adopt-A-Family welcomes and is searching for those who can to join them this year as volunteers and contributors. The organization also works in tandem with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which is another way to help out this holiday season.

For more information contact Sandy Soares at ssoares@residentialproperties.com.

We debuted our photo contest back in the Fall of 2008 and it popularity has grown larger than ever expected with no signs of slowing down!

Since its inception, we have received hundreds of photos that showcase our beautiful little State and this Autumn was no exception. With so many wonderful photos submitted this Fall, it was certainly a difficult task choosing the winning photograph. We have chosen 5 photographs this season. Thank you to all who participated!

We’d love your feedback – Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of this Fall’s winning photos!

Winning Photo: Caroline Butterfield – Blackstone River Bicycle Path

2nd Place Photo: Liz Bodell – Route 95, Rhode Island

3rd Place Photo: Wanda Vanier – Peckham’s Greenhouse, Little Compton, RI

Honorable Mention: Chris Whirlow – WaterFire, Providence, Rhode Island

Honorable Mention: Tom Flanagan – Quinebaug River, Connecticut / Rhode Island border

View our past Photo Contest winners.