The 4th Annual SENE Film, Music and Arts Festival kicked off last night at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket. Our assistant editor, Erin Swanson, was there as artists, filmmakers, actors and musicians mixed and mingled, enjoying complimentary beer and wine, live music and film screenings. Highlights included harp music by Sarah Ann McGinnis and the documentary Sweetlife, which told the story of three college students who founded Sweetgreen, an organic salad and frozen yogurt company, right from their dorm room. If that weren't impressive enough, they went on to organize Sweetlife Food & Music Festival, the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Bonnaroo, watch out. Sweetlife 2012 will feature Zola Jesus, Delta Spirit, The Shins and Kid Cudi (amongst many others). Check out the trailer here:

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This week, Roger Williams Park Zoo debuted a new program: animal feedings. Small groups can actually go inside the giraffe paddock to get up close and personal with the Zoo’s three giraffes: Sukari, Amber and Jaffa Prince. Our executive editor, Julie Tremaine, was the first non-employee to try out the program (and to get drooled on by a giraffe).More

Hope Street was feeling the holiday spirit on Thursday with their annual Winter Stroll. Children told Santa what they wanted for Christmas, shops competed in a Best Window Display contest (with Mayor Taveras announcing Frog and Toad as the winner) and food trucks provided gourmet street food to the many families who came out. High notes for J. Marcel broadcasting A Christmas Story in their window and for Kreatelier offering visitors a potent – and delicious – Swedish Glogg.More