A year after opening its doors in May of last year, The Taste of Italy in Johnston has not faltered in delivering its consistently delicious and authentic Italian cuisine to an ever-growing list of loyal fans. From the moment a curious diner walks into this inviting space, the answer to the age-old question “What’s for dinner?” is immediately answe...

The unveiling of the Christopher Columbus statue at its new home in Johnston drew mixed reactions on Monday morning. People in favor take pride in the statue, saying Columbus is a symbolic figure of Italian heritage. “Our heritage is still here. Most of the people that live here are Italians… the old Italians, they live here,” said Lucy DaLessio of...

A statue of Christopher Columbus that became the subject of contention in Providence has a new home on an island in Johnston, where surveillance cameras will be used to protect it from vandalism. Cleaned of the red paint that covered the statue twice in recent years, the statue was hoisted onto a pedestal Tuesday morning by a volunteer crew using a...

There’s a new Italian deli in Rhode Island — with some familiar faces. “Taste of Italy Deli & Caffè” opened this month on Atwood Avenue in Johnston — “where Schroeder’s used to be” — and co-owner Mike Giammarco says the business is off to a strong start. “We’re very busy, every day,” Giammarco, who is partnered with Mario Mennella and Pasquale Pale...

Scrap metal or monument? Johnston picks the latter. Removed from its Providence pedestal in 2020 and locked away in storage, a 130-year-old statue depicting Christopher Columbus will be re-erected in Johnston’s War Memorial Park in October. In the 1890s, the same French artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty — Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi — crafte...

The former Christopher Columbus statue that was vandalized numerous times in Providence before being taken down will find a new home in Johnston. Former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino, who bought the statue in March, announced Johnston will be the new home as a way for the town to celebrate the Italian community. “I am thankful that Mayor Polisena Jr...

One of Rhode Island’s longest standing traditions will make its 82nd annual appearance this weekend in Johnston. It’s called the St. Rocco’s Feast and Festival which will officially open Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. on the grounds behind the Roman Catholic church at 927 Atwood Ave. The feast will run through Sunday, Aug. 21 at approximately 10 p.m....

David Venditelli, first-year president of the ageless Pannese Society of Rhode Island, wasn’t sure if the proud Italian-American non-profit set a record, but this week noted: “We are really, really happy to continue to this terrific tradition.” It’s an ageless act of giving that began with former President Joe Spremulli, that made sure families in...

Angelo R. Lauro, 87, of Providence, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 3, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Jean M. (Rachiele) Lauro for 65 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Angelo and Helen (Bellini) Lauro. Angelo was the owner and operator of Bellini Jewelers in Johnston. He wa...

It’s a feast and festival unlike any other, an event that’s been going on for decades at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston. And it will be back beginning next Thursday, Sept. 9, and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 12. Countless people will tell you it’s considered one of Rhode Island’s best end-of-summer events, especially when it comes top hom...