Hey Rhody Newsletter
Posts
Vineyard Victories & Theater Thrills 🎭

Vineyard Victories & Theater Thrills 🎭

Raise a glass to a local vineyard’s big win, discover safe ear piercings at home, enjoy a Cold War story on stage, + more!

September 16, 2025

Did you hear about the 8-year-old from West Warwick who ran a mile a day for 50 days straight? That’s right, 50 days. Honestly, that’s more miles than some of us hit in a year (looking at myself here), but what really makes this kid a champ is why he did it. Every single stride was for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Talk about heart.

If that doesn’t light a little fire under you to get out there and do something good, we’re hoping today’s newsletter will. We’re celebrating local wins, spotlighting a new business that’s making a difference in milestone moments, and sharing the stories that remind us why Rhode Island sparkles brightest when its people show up for each other. Read the full heartwarming story here.

Greenvale Vineyards Toasts to Big Wins

Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth is raising a glass after head winemaker Bill Wilson brought home top honors at both the Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition and the Rhode Worthy Cup. With medals for their Vidal Blanc, Rosé of Merlot, Cabernet Franc Rosé, and more, the sixth-generation vineyard continues to prove that world-class wines can be found right on Aquidneck Island. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Greenvale Vineyards}

Bling Baby RI Brings Safe, Sparkling Piercings Home

Founded by pediatric nurse practitioner Kendra Lund, Bling Baby RI turns ear piercing into a calm, personalized milestone with medical-grade safety and at-home convenience. Families skip the crowds and kiosks, instead enjoying a stress-free experience complete with jewelry selection, aftercare guidance, and a joyful touch of sparkle. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Kendra Lund}

Presented by OMpowerment Psychotherapy

Overcome Burnout with OMpowerment’s Strategies for Entrepreneurs with ADHD

Finding work-life balance is the dream for many busy professionals juggling work and family responsibilities, and for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, that dream can often feel out of reach. That’s where Nikolai Blinow comes in. Through her practice, OMpowerment Psychotherapy, she offers a light at the end of the tunnel for clients trying to break out of cycles of burnout. “Not all therapy and coaching is created equally,” she says, “and if you have an ADHD diagnosis, or suspect you may, it’s important to work with a coach or therapist who understands how your brain functions.”

A licensed mental health counselor and coach specializing in neurodivergent entrepreneurs and executives in their 30s and 40s, Blinow uses holistic, evidence-based strategies to help clients work smarter, not harder, and carve out more time for the things they enjoy in life. “Roughly 4-6 percent of people have ADHD,” she explains, “yet it’s estimated that around 30 percent of entrepreneurs have ADHD, and that one in five C-suite executives has undiagnosed ADHD.”

Blinow has always been a high-achiever, but struggled when it came to finding the calm within the chaos in her professional life. She founded OMpowerment in 2015 to help people break free of hustle culture, and gave a TEDx Talk on yoga and its connection to mental health. Her practice empowers clients by applying high levels of accountability, paired with transparency and authenticity. Clients value her ability to “compassionately call them out” about patterns that get in their way.

“Women, in particular, are more likely to experience ADHD symptoms as they enter perimenopause in their 30s and 40s,” Blinow notes. On Tuesday, June 17, she is co-hosting a free online book club with naturopathic physician, Dr. Amanda Tracy, on The Menopause Brain. Those interested in signing up for or learning more about OMpowerment Psychotherapy can visit OMpowermentPsych.com.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of OMpowerment Psychotherapy}

Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date	Event
Wednesday 9/17	Drag Trivia with Host Ladda at Black Sheep Black Sheep in Providence hosts Drag Trivia: High School Musical with Ladda, opening doors at 6:30pm and running trivia from 7-9pm, with music, dancing, prizes each round, and a $100 grand prize for the top team, benefiting Haus of Codec. Learn more online. ⸻ Deepen Your Writing with Research Writing Workshop by LitArts RI LitArts RI presents Deepen Your Writing with Research, a two-week workshop led by author Alizah Holstein, running from 6-8pm in Providence and focused on weaving research into creative writing. Learn more online. ⸻ Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner The Brook Kitchen + Bar in Warwick hosts a Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner from 6-8:30pm, featuring a four-course chef-crafted menu paired with selections from the Napa Valley winery. Learn more online.
Thursday 9/18	Rhody Food x RI Night Market Event Rhody Foody and RI Night Market are serving up good vibes and tasty bites at The Thirsty Beaver in North Kingstown from 5:30-8:30pm, with pop-up tastings, live music, and foodie fun for a cause. Learn more online. ⸻ Keychain Making Workshop Add a little sparkle to your key ring at Shop Bloom PVD’s charm keychain making workshop at 5pm. Learn more online. ⸻ Dinner with a Vision: PVD Edition Suya Joint in Providence hosts Dinner with a Vision: PVD Edition from 6:30-9pm, featuring a three-course meal with cocktail pairings to raise funds and show support for Paul and the Suya Joint team. Learn more online. ⸻ Wellness Fair at Dexter Park Dexter Park in PVD hosts a free Wellness Fair from 4pm to sunset, featuring yoga, meditation, acupuncture, herbal goods, tarot readings, local vendors, and free vaccinations from Asthenis Pharmacy between 4-5pm. Learn more online. ⸻ Cocktail’s & Canvas at Celestial Cafe Celestial Cafe in Exeter hosts Cocktail’s & Canvas from 5-8pm, offering a cocktail, appetizer, and guided painting session with all supplies included for $65 per person, cash only. Learn more online.
Friday 9/19	20th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Happening September 19-12 across stunning mansion venues in Newport, with tastings, dinners, seminars, and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. Learn more online. ⸻ Butterfly Farm's Burger Bash Butterfly Farm’s Burger Bash serves up farm-fresh beef, live music, drinks, and hayrides from 5-8pm in Lincoln. Learn more online. ⸻ Glam Jam ride with PVD Bike Jam Providence Bike Jam hosts its Glam Jam ride with cyclists meeting at Burnside Park at 7pm and rolling out at 7:30pm for a glitzy group ride through the city. Learn more online.
Saturday 9/20	4th Annual Jewelry District Fall Festival The 4th Annual Jewelry District Fall Festival returns to Richmond Street in Providence from 12-7pm with free admission, live performances by Rory and the Blue Hounds and Lisa Bello, kids’ activities, 30+ vendors, food, drinks, and family fun hosted by neighborhood favorites. Learn more online. ⸻ Newport Singles’ Speed Dating Event Find your fall fling (or forever!) at Newport Singles’ Speed Dating at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., with age-based sessions starting promptly at 2pm and 4:30pm. Learn more online. ⸻ Exeter Fall Festival The Exeter Fall Festival returns to Yawgoo Valley from 10am-3pm with food trucks, live music, raffles, artisan vendors, and family fun to benefit the Exeter Public Library. Learn more online. ⸻ Sculpture Park Porch Reception Celebrate the 31st Annual Sculpture Park Exhibition Season with Ellen Blomgren’s Habitats series at The Meeting House Porch in Tiverton from 3-5pm. Learn more online. ⸻ Valley Street Neighborhood Market The Valley Street Neighborhood Market returns to The Plant from 2-7pm, with food, drinks, live music, author readings, fitness classes, vendors, and even a baby rave. Learn more online.
Sunday 9/21	11th Annual Ocean State Oyster Festival The 11th Annual Ocean State Oyster Festival returns to 195 District Park in Providence from 1-8pm, showcasing 16 Rhode Island oyster farms alongside live music, craft beer, wine, and food trucks. Learn more online. ⸻ Tiverton Farmers Market Summa Sizzla Tiverton Farmers Market is turning up the heat with its Summa Sizzla celebration from 10am-2pm at 3588 Main Road, where sizzling eats, live music, and local makers mark the tastiest way to say goodbye to summer. Learn more online. ⸻ 5th Annual Proctoberfest Proclamation Ale Company hosts its 5th Annual Proctoberfest on Saturday from 12–4pm with seasonal beer, live music, Oktoberfest eats, local vendors, and family-friendly contests, free to attend. Learn more online. ⸻ Zac Brown Tribute Band Phantom Farms Brewing hosts a summer send-off from 12-6pm with live music by a Zac Brown Tribute Band and The Island Castaways Band, plus seasonal brews, food trucks, and more. Learn more online.

Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!

Trinity Rep Stages a Cold War Hit

Ro Reddick’s Cold War Choir Practice electrifies the stage with sharp performances, witty writing, and an original score that keeps audiences humming long after the curtain falls. Balancing politics, family drama, and humor, this world premiere is a standout showcase of local talent running at Trinity Rep through October 5. Read more online. Read more online.

^{• By Anthony Joseph, photo by Lauren Miller}

⭐ Need a little extra self-love this season? We’ve teamed up with Stina Leigh to give one lucky reader the ultimate day of relaxation with a rejuvenating yoga class, a spa treatment of your choice, and dinner at Hasana Restaurant. Enter now for your chance to unwind, recharge, and treat yourself Rhody-style!

⭐ Looking for the ultimate way to explore Providence like a local? Our Destination PVD 2025 Guide is packed with the best places to eat, shop, and play – check out our digital version to start planning your city adventure today!

⭐Looking for a career where local connections and creativity collide? We’re hiring an Account Manager/Sales professional to join our Warwick-based team, with a hybrid schedule, competitive pay, and the chance to help Rhode Island businesses thrive through print and digital marketing. If you’re driven, people-focused, and ready to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

#HeyRhodyPhotos

😌 Simplicity is its own masterpiece.

Photo by @rhodytravels

^{Use #HeyRhodyPhotos to share your Rhody views, and it might be featured here!}