Rhode Island
How Smug Brewing and RI Beer Club are making ‘That’s so Fetch’ happen and helping pets
On crowded shelves, brewers stand out with catchy names, designs
In its 13 years, Proclamation has produced hundreds of different beers, and they strive for consistency between beer style, name and design.
The Rhode Island Beer Club has collaborated with Smug Brewing Company to create “That’s So Fetch.” Sales of the beer will benefit Animal Rescue Rhode Island.
Do you see what they did there?
The Belgian witbier was brewed with tangerines and cardamom beginning on March 5 at the Pawtucket brewery. “It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of spice – totally fetch,” goes the marketing.
Not only will $1 of every sale go to Animal Rescue, there’s an April event planned to gather a crowd and raise even more money.
The special release will debut at a launch party on April 5 from 1-4 p.m. at Smug Brewing, 100 Carver St., Pawtucket. A portion of the proceeds from each pint sold, and a portion of beer can sales, will go directly toward helping animals.
The event will also feature raffles and giveaways, with a representative from Animal Rescue Rhode Island present to share more about their mission, programs and the animals they serve. The RI Beer Club will also collect donations of items needed by the rescue group.
A food truck will be on-site for food purchases.
The initiative to pair beer and animal rescue came from Shannon Salisbury, co-founder of the Rhode Island Beer Club, who wanted to do something for the community.
“We wanted to create a beer that not only tastes great but also gives back to a cause that means a lot to us,” she said.
She approached Smug Brewing and owner/head brewer Rob Darosa because she knew they did a fair amount of collaborations. They were all in on the initiative.
“Partnering with Smug Brewing for this event allows us to bring the community together over a great brew while supporting a fantastic local organization,” said Salisbury.
The label was designed by Beer Club content and brand manager Morgan Schaffrick and invokes references to the film “Mean Girls” where the term “That’s so fetch” originated.
“She really brought the idea to life in the best way,” said Salisbury.
To help keep the margins higher for the donation portion, it will be sold only at the brewery while supplies last. They will be pouring pints as well as selling cans.
What is the RI Beer Club?
“It all began 14 years ago when Joyce Leisge and I wanted to start a beer club,” said Salisbury.
After college, it’s a challenge to make adult friends. They saw a beer club as a way to network with their peers. But there wasn’t a significant beer scene at the time and the club petered out, she said.
After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to start it up again. They declared their mission to celebrate the craft beer scene in Rhode Island by bringing beer lovers together for networking, tastings, and collaborations with local breweries.
Since then, the RI Beer Club meets on the first and third Friday of each month at a different brewery. The meetings start at 7 p.m. Each brewery sets aside space for the group that is usually 20-35 people. Sometimes they offer some free food or beer.
The club posts its gatherings on Instagram, Facebook and Reddit. There’s no membership fee to belong to the RI Beer Club.
“We have people of all ages and they feel comfortable because they come back,” Salisbury said. Many are transplants to Rhode Island. They’ve had one engagement in the group.
With the club running well, Salisbury knew the time was right for a community project to help a worthy organization.
She chose Animal Rescue Rhode Island which in 2024 saved 526 homeless animals, provided families in need with over 80,000 pet meals through its pet pantry and educated nearly 1,500 students through its animal scholars program.
“That’s so Fetch” might be the first project, but Salisbury hopes it won’t be the last.
(WJAR) — Thirty-two years ago was the commissioning of a Navy submarine named after the Ocean State.
Maria Stephanos was on board the USS Rhode Island on July 9, 1994.
Rhode Island was the Navy’s 15th Trident class ballistic submarine.
It was commissioned in Newport and was the first to be christened in its namesake state.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — They come from all walks of life, including many professionals in the community, taking time out of their busy days to welcome students to school with enthusiasm and handshakes.
“We learn a lot of new handshakes, too,” Kobi Dennis said. “High-fives. Pounds with an explosion. We get a little bit of everything.”
It’s the Handshake Initiative, the brainchild of now Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson.
Everybody can use some encouragement, and students in Rhode Island get that the minute they head toward the school building.
Initially, the students and parents didn’t know what to think.
“I was confused because I thought it was going to be a normal day,” said one student.
“Their parents were getting out of their cars trying to see what’s going on,” Reservoir Avenue School Principal Cynthia Torres said.
But now, they crave it.
“It makes me feel motivated,” another student said.
Dennis adds in an etiquette component.
“Teaching the kids how to shake hands, look one another in the eyes with a firm grip — girl or guy — firm grip and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself, that’s part of the initiative as well,” Dennis said.
Providence school superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said it sends a strong message.
“We hear you, we see you, and we’re here for you,” Montañez said.
Torres strategically uses them on standardized test days.
“They say, ‘I’m going to do really good today,’” she said.
“It makes me feel encouraged to do better in school,” a student said.
They’ve connected with thousands of students across Rhode Island.
“It’s about shaking hands and building relationships, but it’s also about letting young people know that there are professionals in the community cheering for them every single day,” Dennis said.
Do you know of a nonprofit organization or volunteers doing great work in your community? Fill out a short nomination form for “Community Treasures.”
A man was critically hurt in a stabbing in Providence on Tuesday, NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports.
Police were first called to Smith Street around 7 p.m. for the reported stabbing. They found the victim on Chalkstone Avenue.
He was taken to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The case remains under investigation and no arrests were announced.
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