Gloriously capturing the beauty of South County's people and places, this year's entries were judged by Emmy-award winning cinematographer David Zapatka of North Kingstown. During his announcement of the winning photos, Zapatka explained his choice for the winning photo by Stephen Wood: "The essence of South County is here. This nicely composed photograph captures a moment within the context of South County. Without the young couple presumably celebrating their engagement, it's just a  nice photo of the lighthouse. Without the lighthouse, it's just a photo of a celebration. Put them together and you have our winner."
The entries featured the people, places and/or events within the South County area.
Forty-five photographers from throughout South County and beyond submitted a total of 285 photographs, 20 of which were displayed at South County Museum. The photographers also vied for cash awards which totaled more than $1,000.
Annette Marchand, a visitor to the area, submitted several photos to the contest. "I have learned a great deal from partaking in this contest," she said in a letter to SCTC. "I have enjoyed the beauty of your area and the beautiful people I have met. So no matter which way it goes, I feel like a winner."

The Weekapaug Inn, a historic Rhode Island seaside inn located in Westerly, reopened to guests in early October 2012 after a $20 million preservation. Originally built in 1899 in classic Cape Cod style architecture, the Inn has 27 guest rooms and four two-bedroom suites.
The Inn's on-site naturalist and recreation director will help visitors during a diverse set of activities from kayaking, fly fishing, or bird spotting to exploring the shore of the natural estuary adjacent to the inn.
A three-lane lap pool and a fitness center are available to guests, who are also invited to use the facilities at the Weekapaug Inn's sister property, The Ocean House in Watch Hill.
Preservation never looked so welcoming!

East Matunuck State Beach welcomed the summer season with a new "green" pavilion for visitors.
The new East Matunuck facility is handicapped accessible, has a separate bath house and concession building. Much of the energy needed for the new bathhouse is generated by an on-site wind turbine and solar panels.
The facility was dedicated to fallen State Trooper Daniel O'Brien who died while trying to rescue area residents during Hurricane Carol in 1954.
A new, permanent, green facility was also erected at Charlestown Town Beach. The facility is also handicapped accessible and includes bathroom facilities and a cold-rinse outdoor shower.

The official opening of the new trail section at Black Point was celebrated on a gorgeous mid-August afternoon. Officials from the RI Dept. of Environmental Management, RI Dept. of Transportation and the De La Salle Christian Brothers were on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The 1,430-foot trail loops through the Black Point fishing access area and offers visitors panoramic views of the Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

A Happy 15th Anniversary to Rhythm & Roots Music Festival. This unique music-oriented event  has brought lively music, dancing and family fun to Ninigret Park each Labor Day weekend for 15 years.
Hugh Laurie's Copper Bottom Band  was among the event's headliners. Hugh Laurie, of House fame, was fabulous even up close! Louisiana's Pine Leaf Boys were this year's host band and the list of performers included David Bromberg, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Donna the Buffalo, James Brown's and Joss Stone's bands, and the resurrected original lineup of Manitoba's The Duhks.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry introduced the newest member of its fleet, the Ava Pearl, to Narragansett Bay during a July christening ceremony at Quonset Point. The 150-passenger fast ferry will carry visitors to and from Martha's Vineyard. The 400-passenger Millennium ferry will continue to ply the waters of Narragansett Bay, solely as a tour boat for the Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruises and Sunset Cruises.
Congratulations and best wishes for even greater success are extended to the Donadio Family!

SO Rhode Island Magazine included SCTC President Myrna George among the Top 10 People to Know in the Fifth Anniversary edition.
"We live here. We know why South County is such a remarkable place. Other people - those unlucky enough to be born and bred other places - might not have gotten the message. Myrna George, head of the South County Tourism Council, makes it her mission to get that message out to the rest of the world. Considering the beach traffic on Route 1, we think she does a pretty good job."

Opal the tiny octopus and the rest of the creatures at Biomes Marine Biology Center are migrating to a bigger tank on Post Road in North Kingstown this fall.  Biomes is a privately owned marine science education center focusing on hands-on programs for students and families in Southern New England.  Come on down and experience our ocean life!

Congratulations!
The most recent addition to the summer line up was the First East Greenwich Restaurant Week which had a promising inaugural event. Many new faces appeared in East Greenwich to savor the delicious fare.

 

 

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