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Holiday Guide 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

How to Recycle Right This Holiday Season

From Christmas wrapping paper to cardboard gift boxes, here are tips for recycling those items correctly after the holiday.

It’s that time of year again – a time of festive cheer, celebration and overall jubilee – yes, the holidays have officially arrived. As Rhode Islanders prepare for the height of the holiday season, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) is urging residents to recycle right this season, by following the “Do’s and Don’ts” of holiday recycling.  “Americans consume more during the holiday season than any other time of the year,” said Sarah Kite, Director of Recycling Services for RIRRC. “From gift packaging to wrapping paper to trees and wreaths, it’s important that we remember to properly prepare these materials for recycling. By doing so, we give these materials a second life once the holidays have passed.”  With this in …

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Jane Wolk Wheeler

4:12 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Call me an idealist, but yes! I do! When I go to,the transfer station Insee most folks have made the effort, but I think some friendly help from the staff would go a long way towards better recycling practices that will save time and money over the long haul.   more ›

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

What's Open and Closed on Christmas Day

Here's a look at what's open and closed this Tuesday, Dec. 25.

One stingy, literary character once asked, "You boy, what day is it today?" Why, it's Christmas Day, sir. And, since it is Christmas Day, there are many local businesses closed. Here's a look at what's open and closed this Tuesday, Dec. 25: U.S. Post Office (Portsmouth location) — Closed; no mail delivery today Portsmouth Town Hall — Closed Portsmouth Free Public Library — Closed  Portsmouth Transfer Station — Closed Portsmouth public schools — Closed winter break. School administration building is also closed.  Grocery Stores Convenience Stores/Gas Stations Coffee Shops Most Restaurants and Stores Most restaurant and stores will be closed today at owner's discretion, but you might want to call ahead to double check. A full list of …

Show Us Your Presents!

Did you get a lot for Christmas this year?

What did you get for Christmas this year?  Did you unwrap a new Xbox 360? Find a bow on a box of candy? Uncover a new Christmas sweater under the tree?  Show off your favorite Christmas presents by uploading photos to the photo gallery above.  Merry Christmas, Portsmouth! 

Share Your Photos With Santa Claus!

Portsmouth Patch would love to see your photos with Santa Claus!

Did someone photograph the moment you whispered you wanted the new XBox 360 or a cashmere sweater? With all the Santa sightings and photo opportunities, Portsmouth Patch would like to share your photos for all to see, especially today, Christmas Day.  All photos are welcome! Whether Santa is giving a candy cane to your greyhound or cat, or your best friend's child!  Upload your photos above just by clicking the green "upload photos" button.  Merry Christmas Portsmouth! 

Monday, December 24, 2012

What's Open and Closed This Christmas Eve

Here's a look at what's open and closed Monday, Dec. 24.

You might be running around on Christmas Eve trying to grab those last minute gifts or complete errands, but not all locations in town will be open for business. The Portsmouth Town Hall will be closing early, as well as other public departments. Here's a look at what's open and closed this Monday, Dec. 24: U.S. Post Office (Portsmouth location) — Closing at noon Portsmouth Town Hall — Closing at noon  Portsmouth Free Public Library — Closed  Portsmouth Transfer Station — Closing early today at 2 p.m.  Portsmouth public schools — Closed for winter break. School administration building is also closed.  Grocery Stores Convenience Stores/Gas Stations Coffee Shops Most Restaurants and Stores Most restaurant and stores will be closing early …

Find Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Portsmouth

If the holidays leave you with little time to shop for gifts, try these stores in Portsmouth for great last-minute gift ideas.

With all of the tree trimming, cookie baking and partygoing, there is so much to do during the holidays that it's easy to leave shopping for Christmas presents until the last minute. But by then, the malls and chain stores are usually chaotic and the mere thought of battling crowds is exhausting. Here are some ideas for easy gifts that can be bought locally and require little stress: Tell us: What are some of your own last-minute gift ideas? Share in the comments below. 

Where's Santa? Track Him Live from Portsmouth!

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has a website that now offers a Santa tracker mobile app to follow the jolly man's magical flight.

Portsmouth children have sent him their wish lists, sat on his lap, and left cookies and milk for his arrival. Now the only thing left for children to do is track Santa's progress as he delivers gifts around the world on Christmas Eve. Thanks to the folks behind the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) website, families worldwide can now follow Santa's Christmas journey in real time. The tradition started in 1955 after an advertisement for Sears Roebuck & Co. misprinted a telephone number for a special "Santa hotline." Instead of reaching Kris Kringle, the number put kids through to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Commander-in-Chief’s operations, according to a description on the NORAD Tracks Santa Facebook page, …

Sunday, December 23, 2012

What's Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

Pick your very favorite Christmas movie from this list.

I'm a junkie for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." It's my favorite holiday movie ever. I watch it at least once every year. Clark Griswold. Cousin Eddy. Todd and Margo. Aunt Bethany. Audrey and Rusty. I start to laugh just thinking about the movie, which I've watched a zillion times. What is your favorite holiday movie? Feel free to add your own favorite movie in the comments section below!

Red Cross Offers Tips to Help Prevent Holiday Fires

With trees, extra lights and candle in many homes this month, it's important to be aware of the fire hazards they present.

As beautiful as Christmas trees and lights are, they present fire hazards many people may not be aware of. The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is urging homeowners to use extra caution this time of year to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires. The Red Cross provided the following tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday: Christmas Tree Care Holiday Lights and Decorations Holiday Candles

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Need a quick holiday cookie recipe? Make one of these for your parties this season.

One of the most important holiday questions to ask yourself is: What kind of cookies will you be baking for your get-togethers this season? From sweet to savory, holiday cookies come in all shapes and sizes. And what’s better than to top off a tray of cookies than a glass of homemade eggnog? Is there a special cookie you bake every holiday season? Tell us what that cookie is in the comment section below!  You can also check out myrecipes.com to learn how to host a successful cookie swap and view more holiday cookie recipes.  Eggnog In a saucepan over low heat combine milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cinnamon stick and clove. Bring to a slow boil (this will take between 5-7 mins). Once the milk mixture starts to boil remove from heat and …

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