PrimeTMime e n i z a ag j u n e 2010
rhode island
free
The Best Years of Your Life
Pack Your Bags! Golf Vacations a Drive Away Tips for Tipping • Behind the Travel Scene
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’m going to be completely honest. I don’t really travel. I’d love to, don’t get me wrong, but with my schedule, it’s just not really possible. The prep work it would take to leave the two newspapers I edit to someone else, even just for a week, probably wouldn’t be worth the week off. At that point, I’d be so tired I’d probably spend half of it in bed. With few states in my repertoire and only Canada on my list of international travel destinations, I can’t say I’m much of an expert. But I do have the same fascination with travel that I think most homebodies have. The idea of traveling is very appealing, and I love to hear stories of exotic vacations and the adventures people
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June 2010 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell EDITOR Meg Fraser megf@rhodybeat.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com Creative Director Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com photo editor Darcie DiSaia darcied@rhodybeat.com WRITERS Susan Contreras, Don Fowler, Don D’Amato, Matt Holmes, Joan Retsinas, Colby Cremins, Mike Fink, Meg Chevalier, Cynthia Glinick, Joe Kernan ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com
have while taking them. That’s what prompted this month’s PrimeTime. I wanted to get to the bottom of that spirit of adventure, and who better to talk to than those who make a living out of it? In this issue, you’ll meet a career pilot, a captain of a ship and a driver of a tour bus company. These three men are the means by which we get from Point A to Point B, and hearing about their experiences only made me want to travel more. For myself, and for many of you, though, vacation budgets are likely slim this year. When funds are tight, leisure travel often ends up on the cutting room floor. That’s why we’ve given you some options close to home. For the golfers out there - and the clubhouse connoisseurs that travel with them - Colby Cremins has traveled the northeast to find some of the best courses in the area. Pat Cook also stayed close to home and signed up for Tour Rhode Island, a day trip that gives even native Rhode Islanders an inside look at the Ocean State. You’ll learn things you never knew about your home state. Check out Feeling the Flavor this month and read what Matt Holmes has to say about dining on your adventures, and then brush up on what the proper tipping procedure is at all of these destinations. And if you’re ready for some entertainment, Don Fowler has an exhaustive look at what’s on stage in the months to come. There’s not a play or a festival going on that he doesn’t know about, and if there’s anybody who can shed some light on who’s hot this summer, it’s Don. Even if you’re like me and you don’t have anything extravagant on the agenda, make the most of what you’ve got. Write down all the events mentioned in this issue, and then make a running list of restaurants you’ve been meaning to check out. Then, put them all in a hat and when you’ve got an afternoon of freedom ahead, surprise yourself and go on a mini-adventure. So whether you’re ready for a full on getaway or a weekend to relax close to home, this month’s PrimeTime will point you in the right direction. Happy trails –
Meg Fraser editor
Carolann Soder, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski, Gina Fugere
Just a swing away................................................... 4 Golf vacations that won’t break the bank Fasten your seatbelt.............................................. 6 Luz gets travelers from Point A to Point B and beyond Anchors away........................................................... 7 Sail away on the Block Island Ferry Prepare for liftoff.................................................... 9 Rhode Island’s Bob Shore keeps his head in the clouds Finding fun near and far..................................... 10 An activities director shares tips for planning your trips There’s no place like home................................ 12 Tour Rhode Island highlights Ocean State gems Tips on tipping....................................................... 15 Get the facts before packing your bags CVS Caremark scores big................................... 16 Charity golf tournament hits Rhode Island
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE Volunteering...........................................................................................................................8 Your Taxes.............................................................................................................................14 PEOPLE AND PLACES Alley cat seniors stay active...................................................................................11 Eating fresh for less.....................................................................................................18 Glimpse of RI’s past.....................................................................................................22 Doer’s profile......................................................................................................................24
LIFESTYLES Sousa Concert brings St. Ann’s alive.............................................................13 That’s Entertainment....................................................................................................20 Gay and gray......................................................................................................................25
PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Joseph Daniels, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner
PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.
IN THIS ISSUE
SENIOR ISSUES Home sweet home at Al’s House.....................................................................11
Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Egan – nicolee@rhodybeat.com Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com
A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.
tra v el
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with an All-American issue? Pick up the July PrimeTime and you won’t be disappointed - especially if you love a good cookout!
FOOD AND DRINK Feeling the flavor............................................................................................................26
ON THE COVER: Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine (Photo by Colby Cremins)
b y colby cremins
Just a Swing Away the captain’s
Golf course vacations that won’t break the bank With the economy making a slow recovery, many people are forced to limit their vacations to trips that can be done locally. This is a guide for a golf trip that required no flying, was done during a long weekend and takes a look at some of the top public courses in New England.
pinehills
The Captain’s
The Atkinson Resort
I started my journey a mere 90 miles from Providence in Brewster, Mass. Cape Cod is home to several highly touted courses and my first stop was at The Captain’s Golf Course. This 36-hole gem, located just off the Mid-Cape highway, cleverly has a port course and a starboard one. The rolling hills and open fairways made this a perfect first stop. I did not lose any balls and shot a 53 on the front nine. Not my best play by far, but it was the first course of the trip and the winds were gusting upwards of 40 miles per hour at times. There are only two holes with water on them and if you can stay straight, you will be fine.
I left the Cape and drove up to Atkinson, N.H. The Atkinson Resort and Country Club, 100 miles from Providence, has a course and hotel for those wanting to make a weekend out of their trip. My suite had a balcony that overlooked the gorgeous 18th hole and a Jacuzzi bathtub. The bar downstairs was bustling with the day’s golfers and lined with flat screen TVs. The bar is clearly a popular spot for players and local residents alike and after eating there I can understand why. The teaching pro that I sat next to at the bar was excited to give me helpful tips for playing the course the next morning. The carts were equipped with computer screens that provided simulated pictures of each hole, a digital scorecard and GPS technology. This was clearly the most difficult course yet. The gentleman I played with summed it up best when he said, “There are no gimmie holes on this course.” There was a little mini covered bridge to drive through on the second hole that added a nice touch to the design. The creeks and streams running throughout the course gave the feeling of walking through a nature preserve to get to each tee. This course is not for the faint of heart golfer.
Pinehills The Atkinson Resort
samoset Resort
After a successful morning, I headed to Pinehills Golf Club, in Plymouth. Pinehills is at the very beginning of the Cape and takes about an hour to get to from Providence. As soon as I pulled up, a caddie promptly took my clubs and directed me to the clubhouse. The clubhouse was filled with beautiful oak furniture, and carpet that could only be described as Master’s jacket green. The clubhouse had a wealthy country club aura to it, but not in a pretentious way. The staff was friendly and gracious. The complimentary driving range located just outside of the clubhouse is where I found the cart with my clubs on it, complete with a fresh bottle of water and new tees. Pinehills is also a 36-hole course. One side is a Nicklaus designed course and the other a Rees Jones course. I played the Nicklaus course and as if it wasn’t windy enough at Captain’s, Mother Nature was sure to show me how she can wreak havoc on a golf course. A beautiful tee shot, headed straight for the fairway, stopped in midair, turned right and found solace in the woods. One issue I did have with the course is the fact that I could not find a couple of the holes. I am a big fan of welllabeled courses and this was not one of them. The tree-lined course offers spectacular views and creatively difficult holes.
Samoset Resort The next stop was the Samoset Resort on the Ocean. Located in Rockland, Maine, this course is roughly four and a half hours from Providence. The resort is luxury at its best. The breathtaking view from the room made me never want to leave, not to mention the fact that there was a hot tub on the balcony. The restaurant that looks out on the ocean served a fantastic seafood dinner and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the resort. It was difficult to concentrate on the course at times because I found myself staring out at the breathtaking views from the seven Oceanside holes. The resort also has a newly remodeled two-bedroom house that sits on the oceanfront as is perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. I reluctantly left this palace of a course and headed farther north to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Kebo Valley
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June 2010
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the ledges
Or at least it can be.
The readers of Travel + Leisure recently named Green Airport as one of the country’s best.
harborside hotel
We were voted first in staff efficiency and on-time flights, and second in design and
Kebo Valley
functionality. Add our new
This beautiful water town is nestled in the upper corner of the state, a six-hour drive from Providence. I stayed at the Harborside Hotel, a sister hotel to the Samoset. The view from my room was lined with boats, islands and even a cruise ship. The full kitchen was stocked with cooking equipment and kitchenware, so to save money you could cook all of your meals in the room. Not that you would want to once you saw the adorable downtown area. The people are very laid back and this is a true vacation environment. While in town, I played the Kebo Valley Golf Club. Built in 1888, Kebo is the eighth oldest course in the country. The course is nestled between Cadillac and Dorr Mountains, giving it a quiet and isolated feel. The course borders the Acadia National Park and an albino deer is a frequent visitor. I did have trouble navigating the course because there were little to no directional signs. After a fantastic weekend in Maine, I was headed back home, but not before one last course in York Beach.
Intermodal Facility (opening in the fall of 2010), and you’ll enjoy a very calm journey, indeed.
The Ledges Last, but certainly not least on my little tour was The Ledges. Tucked away in a Maine neighborhood, this course is as beautiful as it is difficult. The hills throughout the course allow for elevated greens and picturesque scenery. Despite playing the best golf of the weekend, my score was less than admirable. The first hole, I hit the pin with my second shot and ended up four putting. I should have known that would set the tone for the day. Like most courses, if you stay straight, you will be okay for your approach shots, but these extremely fast and uneven greens make putting a true art form. There were literally no flat greens anywhere on the course. ■
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fasten your seat belt
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You definitely get to see a lot and meet a lot of nice people.
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Photo by Darcie DiSaia
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ay Luz has driven for Peter Pan, Coast USA, Pawtuxet Valley Bus Lines and now Archway. He’s carried seniors, children, celebrities and the New England Patriots. Looking back, he doesn’t quite remember how he got into the business, but from where he sits, things aren’t so bad on the open road. “I’m always driving,” he said, pulling out of Archway’s West Warwick parking lot. “Last week I worked five days and I put in 67 hours. I’ve done 80-hour weeks no problem.” In the wake of 9/11, Luz said travel plummeted because Rhode Islanders - and Americans - were afraid to travel. The current economy hasn’t helped much, but with people cutting out extras, the day trips and short vacations he specializes in have seemed an appealing alternative. “It’s starting to come back,” he said. Nowadays, filling the 56-passenger bus isn’t so rare. “We got to New York, Canada, Atlanta, D.C. - everywhere,” Luz said. Federal regulations mandate that for every 10 hours a driver is on the road, he or she has to rest for eight. But Luz has friends who work for private employers who can rack up 20-hour days in tour buses and motor homes. “I’ve driven a private motor home for people too, and I’ve gone as far as Houston, Memphis and Nashville,” he said. In addition to working for the Patriots, Luz has carried the Red Sox, Paul Mitchell and spent 17 days on tour in the $1 million bus belonging to pop group The Pussycat Dolls. His friends on those kinds of tours are on the road for 11 months out of the year. While Luz spends most of his time behind the wheel, he prefers the variety. “You definitely get to see a lot and meet a lot of nice people,” he said. Some experiences are one of a kind. Not only does Luz get to see the country, but he swaps stories with countless other drivers. One that stands out was from Newport last Halloween; what he calls, “a wedding that never happened.” 6 | PrimeTime
Luz showed up at the church to pick up the party after the ceremony, but everyone was already outside. The bride was in the church - waiting. “Apparently the groom’s brother and best man were holding him hostage at the hotel,” he recalled. A short while later, he had to drive the bridal party to the reception, sans husband. “That was a first.” But of all the passengers he carries, Luz prefers seniors. “They’re not as loud,” he said, laughing. “It’s hard to concentrate on the road with kids yelling and screaming and throwing Skittles around. It can be pretty frustrating.” The only bad thing about some of his older passengers is their tendency to be backseat drivers. “You have a lot of people say, ‘I’ve got a short cut,’” he said. Luz finds himself getting frustrated when driving in New York as well. Although Rhode Islanders have a poor reputation when it comes to driving, he says Connecticut, Massachusetts and, of course, New York, tops the list of the country’s worst drivers. “I love New York City, but we have drivers who won’t even go to New York City,” he said. “New York is a crazy, crazy place to drive. It’s very unpredictable.” Finding parking is the ultimate challenge when lugging a full-size passenger bus, and last year Luz racked up six tickets. Fortunately, after contesting them, he only had to foot the bill for one. And in his more than 15 years on the job, he’s only been in one accident. Filling up the tank is the other expensive endeavor. When gas was at $4 a gallon, he said it cost around $900 to fill up the 200-gallon tank. Personally, Luz’s favorite trip is Niagara Falls because of the scenic drive and the history once he gets there. When he’s off the clock, though, he would rather be working in the yard than hitting the road. Just don’t expect him to hand in his license anytime soon. “Once it’s in your blood, that’s all you do.” ■
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P Photo by Darcie DiSaia
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I guess I’ve always been on the water and I’ve always known I wanted to do somthing on the water
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June 2010
erched behind the wheel on top of the Block Island Ferry, Jim Chase looks the part of a captain. It’s still May but his skin is already tanned and his blonde hair is tucked behind his ears. Looking out at Galilee, he can’t put his finger on when he decided to spend his life at sea, but he knows why. “I guess I’ve always been on the water and I’ve always known I wanted to do something on the water,” said the Portsmouth native. Today, Chase splits his time between a home in Warwick and an apartment on Block Island, where his wife works. Having that kind of stability is something he couldn’t imagine a decade ago. For years, Chase was a mate on an offshore boat, spending 28 days at a time away from home. It wasn’t the path he imagined as a sociology student at Rhode Island College, but it’s the one that was right for him at the time. “It was a lot of fun but it’s a tough grind,” he said. “You’re going to a different place every couple of months. It’s tough to have a family and do that.” Chase and his wife don’t have any children, but before he docked in Rhode Island waters, his life was as unpredictable as they come. Ready for a change, he responded to a job posting at the Ferry nine years ago. “It’s not quite as exciting but you can go home at night. It’s a trade off,” he said. “It was just supposed to be a seasonal job. I’ve been here ever since,” he added, smiling. Chase serves as a relief captain, and therefore operates four of the ships in the Block Island Ferry fleet. The largest can bring 1,200 passengers back and forth, but with the economy struggling the last few years, things have slowed down. “We, like everyone else, have scaled back a little bit. We’re just meeting demand,” Chase said. He still sees a high demand for ferry travel, much of which comes from outside the state. Chase estimates the division at 60-40, with more than half of travelers as tourists visiting the Ocean State. “It really has something for everyone - weather permitting,” he said. That’s part of the appeal for Chase living part-time on the island. “It’s probably what you would expect. It’s quiet in the winter and loud in the summer.” Despite the influx of outsiders come summer and the cold winters on the water, Chase has a sunny outlook on his job. He’s far from cynical, and when asked what his favorite part of his work is, he didn’t hesitate before saying, “days like this.” “When you can end your day and it hasn’t gotten dark yet, I’m happy. I wish we could stretch another month out of the summer,” he said. Even though Chase spends his days on the water, he still appreciates the sun setting on the ocean and the feel of wake beneath his ship. And when he’s off the clock, it’s not uncommon to find him back behind the wheel. “I enjoy it,” he said. “I am a fair weather captain when I’m on my own. When I’m on my own time, I want the sun shining.” ■
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Prepare for liftoff
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It’s a crazy lifestyle. It’s not an easy way to make a living.
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t was more than 40 years ago when Bob Shore first stepped into a cockpit, pulled on a headset and took to the skies. And at 63, he’s not ready to be landed just yet. A resident of North Kingstown, Shore started his aviation career in the Air Force. He had gone to school for chemistry and political science at Colgate University, but decided if he was going to be drafted into the Vietnam War anyway, he was going to serve on his own terms. He always had a fascination of flying, so the Air Force was a natural choice. Diverted from his original plans of taking up the family textile business, Shore realized he had found his calling. “It’s a great feeling,” he recalled of his early trips in the air. “I feel the same way now that I did then.” After his service was over, Shore signed up for the Rhode Island Air National Guard. From there, he went to Saudi Arabian Airlines, then TransAmerican, and then American Airlines for 25 years. The switch to commercial flying was not without its challenges. Shore had a full house to worry about, and was suddenly in charge of a crew instead of flying solo. As chief pilot, Shore said everything went through him, even unresolved quarrels with the flight attendants. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. You feel a sense of great responsibility for the passengers,” he said, adding that it’s his job to keep the lines of communication open to preserve the “product” that airlines deliver. “An airplane pilot is one of the few people left that really has the public trust. That’s not lost on the airline industry.” Shore maintains the chief pilot responsibility today with Cape Air, where he has been for two years. Getting to that point wasn’t easy, and Shore says a career in aviation is not for the faint of heart. “It’s a crazy lifestyle,” he said. “It’s not an easy way to make a living.” Especially not while juggling a family. Shore met his wife in his early days of flight, but would spend days or weeks at a time away from home. That became even more challenging when the couple decided to start a family. Two children later, and now four grandchildren later, and the Shores have found a way to make it work. “There has to be a lot of trust in the family,” he said. It didn’t hurt that his wife learned quickly to befriend the airline employees responsible for scheduling. “She always knew when I was coming home before I did,” Shore said, laughing. The other challenge most passengers would expect is the immense pressure to perform well. Lives are at stake in the air, but Shore said the training pilots receive gives them a level of confidence. Still, he believes preparing for the worst is the best way to fly. Although he said that airplanes nowadays are “predictable,” there have been moments when Shore had to think quickly. During a flight from Nashville to New York, for example, his #2 engine seized at 38,000 feet and he had to bring the plane down amidst heavy air traffic - without the clearance of an air tower. Other than that, Shore shrugs, aviation has been good to him. He anticipates he’s spent 17,000 to 18,000 hours flying over the course of his lifetime. Some of those hours were spent on relief missions, including a year on a famine relief mission to Ethiopia. Shore would spend three weeks in Ethiopia for every week in Rhode Island where his family remained. Later, he led supply trips to Jamaica in the wake of a devastating hurricane. During these trips, Shore kept busy helping the locals, but built relationships that changed his life. “I got to meet a lot of really neat people with unbelievably diverse backgrounds, but people are people,” he said. “The borders drop.” Beyond the people, it’s the places that characterize Shore’s experience. He’s been everywhere from Brazil and Africa to Rome and Chile. “It’s a lot of fun. I’m pretty good at Trivial Pursuit with the geography questions,” he quips. But traveling for fun isn’t always the first thing on his mind. “I really don’t like packing,” he said, “but once I get the bags in the car, I’m right back into it again.” Paris is his favorite city, and Shore hopes he can live abroad - at least for a short time once retirement comes along. When that will happen, not even Shore knows. “I’m not somebody who sits around well,” said Shore, who enjoys golf and sailing in his spare time. “What you realize is the things you really like as hobbies, one of the reasons you like those so much is you don’t have enough time to do them.” He’s not in any hurry to figure out his long-term flight schedule. He’s got a plane to catch. ■ June 2010
volunteering
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Volunteering at home or on vacation
Supporting the Troops at Home and Abroad The past decade saw many of our friends and neighbors enlisted in the United States Military visiting countries far away from home for extended periods of time. Our servicemen and women take on significant responsibilities when deployed abroad to Iraq, Afghanistan, or any number of other countries the military currently has
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Rhode Island has always been and continues to this day to be a representation of the American melting pot. For many citizens and permanent residents, this state has served as the gateway to the American life. Take a stroll through many neighborhoods in Providence and you’ll hear more languages than you ever thought you would hear, and not just by newly arrived immigrants. Throughout the state there are older residents who for one reason or another have never been given the opportunity to learn English as their primary (or even secondary) language. Despite the multitude of beautiful languages spoken from Fox Point to Woonsocket, there is a primary means of communication found in the English language. More often than not, the multicultural fabric creates a desire to experience the common bond found in the English language. RSVP Programs assist older Rhode Islanders through teaching ESL classes in senior residences. If you have experience as an educator, or if you are simply interested in teaching ESL classes to the senior population, contact your local RSVP office today to find out how you can assist others meet this important objective.
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presence in. The troops may not always be in the headlines but the support is still very important, both at home and abroad. Capitol Region RSVP offers opportunities for those who enjoy knitting to help the troops by creating clothing and material for use in the field. RSVP provides the instructions and patterns for helmet warmers and masks for use in extreme weather situations. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a simple and practical difference in a soldier’s day-to-day living experience. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Susan Contreras at 421-1095 for more information. Vets get technical The Federal Hill House and Capitol Region RSVP are also proud to announce that the Vet Tech Community Computer Repair Depot had its grand opening on May 3 with special guest Senator Jack Reed. The Vet Tech program is located at 679 Broadway in Providence and works with disabled veterans and senior volunteers to refurbish donated computers to sell for low-cost to the community. Classes are offered in partnership with volunteers from Free Geek Providence to instruct on how to take a computer apart (and put it back together again) and dispel
any fears individuals may have about personal computer repair. It’s never too late to add to your personal education through either learning a new skill or brushing up on an old skill, and support the troops all at once. Recently a veteran from the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom passed through Rhode Island for a few months. Retired from the military and the IT field, his wife was a traveling nurse and he had the time on his hands to lend a hand in the community. Much has been reported recently of volunteering on vacations, and this volunteer went above and beyond the call of duty to help several local organizations out. No matter if you find time in your hometown, home state or even home country, just a few days of your time can make a world of difference in community organizations everywhere. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs are Senior Corps Programs that work in partnership with community organizations to find meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals over 55 to enrich their lives and the communities they serve. RSVP has seven offices across the state. To find out how to give back to the community with these opportunities and many more, call 421-1095.
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by DIAN E B ROWN
Finding Fun Near and Far Some of us have had the good fortune of visiting exotic destinations in our lifetimes. Others have only dreamed of traveling, perhaps waiting until retirement, after the obligations of careers and parenthood. As a longtime activities director in a senior living community, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is the privilege of accompanying seniors on chauffeured motor coach excursions to interesting places. When we journey out on short trips, our residents glow. Sure, it may not be Paris or Rome or the Grand Canyon, but it is a place to savor the sights, the sounds and the presence of loved ones or friends. When you’re older and concerned about long stays away, a great day trip is the ideal substitute to heading to a faraway place. Often with groups, the fun getting there or returning home can be as enjoyable as reaching your destination. If you are heading out alone or with just a friend or two, it’s good to do your homework before you begin your adventure. Make sure in advance that the places you plan to visit are equipped with restrooms and are handicap accessible. Many provide a secure area to leave walkers and even have wheelchairs available, if those are issues. Here in New England, most seniors spend three-quarters of
1370 Cranston Street Cranston, RI 02920-6758
(401) 946-1010 Fax: (401) 946-9090
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the year indoors. We can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. While you’re building up cabin fever, its fun to plan that escape to the great outdoors. Here are some ideas. Look into boat trips or visits to restaurants. Many have live bands, which cater to seniors looking to do some dancing. Chart out a visit to a park for a light, relaxing picnic lunch. Colt, Lincoln Woods, Goddard and Roger Williams State Parks are among the favorites for Rhode Islanders. In our retirement community, the residents choose where they want to go. We have meetings to discuss the most desired, interesting destinations, but we try to stay in the tri-state area. While you may not live in a retirement community, you can be a part of your town’s senior centers or local senior groups. They offer the same planning as we do. Like us, they’re currently planning and booking seats on boat trips up the historic Blackstone River, aboard the Bay Queen, on the Majestic Yacht in Newport, and for sailing excursions along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay for a viewing of our magnificent lighthouses. We’ll also probably pay a visit to Cape Cod and cruise the canal. You can do that, too. You could take a pleasant ride to catch a performance at the Newport Playhouse or Theatre-by-the-Sea. Or visit history at Plymouth Plantation or Mystic Village Seaport. Make it a day and discover a new restaurant along the way. Sometimes we even take the residents on Mystery Rides. The adventure is in not knowing where they’re going and the surprise stops we make along the way, like visits to ice cream parlors or enjoying a boxed lunch down by the water. These are great ideas for simple, laid back, inexpensive journeys you can plan yourself. But, be sure to know your limits and consider if you are more comfortable being away from home only an hour or two versus venturing out for most of the day. Obviously, more attractions come into range the further you are willing or able to travel. Either way, remember to pack sunscreen, a hat and any medications you need. Speaking of stretching your limits and expanding your horizons, there are a number of reputable tour companies operating locally that can do the planning and the driving for you. Book a day bus trip or tour to catch a Broadway musical, view the fall foliage when the time comes, or visit a regional festival. Most have discounted fares for seniors. Remember, you’re never too old to travel. There is always a way to do it in comfort, with confidence, and at a price you can afford, even if it’s not Paris or Rome. Diane Brown is the Resident Program Manager and Activities Director at Emerald Bay Manor, a Horizon Bay Retirement Community, in Cumberland. ■
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Shakespeare reunited The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theatre has regrouped under the direction of veteran actor/director Bob Colonna, and will present “Henry VIII” at the Roger Williams National Memorial Park on South Main St. for three weekends at 8 p.m. on June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Bring a blanket or beach chair, though some chairs will be provided. The play will be presented in modern dress, and will be about an hour and a half in length. The production is free.
June 2010
b y kerry park
Alley Cats
PEOPLE AN D PLACES
Seniors stay active in bowling league When Jerry Laplante was a teen setting pins in a local Woonsocket bowling alley, little did he know that the sport would be a part of him for decades to come. Now in his 70’s and wheelchair bound, he still bowls daily, recently scoring a legendary 278 with eight strikes in a row. Jerry is the captain of the Rollers, a bowling team comprised of residents at Pine Grove Health Center in Pascoag. The team is competing for the coveted Health Concepts Family Cup this spring against nine other nursing home teams throughout Rhode Island. The thrill of victory is made possible for Jerry and approximately 60 other nursing home residents by Wii, the known leader in interactive gaming. Wii lets users of all ages participate in just about any sport from the comfort of their own home. As a result, while physical limitations may hold some of these nursing home residents back in a conventional bowling Photos by Darcie DiSaia alley, the convenience of Wii bowling and their love of the game push them forward in the Health Concepts Family League. No longer burdened by the physical limitations of traditional bowling, Wii lets Jerry and his teammates enjoy the game they love.
Susan Bettencourt, a Rhode Island nurse and clerical software educator, came up with the concept of the league after learning about similar programs elsewhere. Sue works for Health Concepts, a Rhode Island-based, family-run company that operates 10 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities throughout Rhode Island. With the blessing of management and a little encouragement on her part, Sue got all of the Health Concepts facilities on board for the spring bowling league and in doing so, apparently created a monster. “We can’t get them to stop,” said Carol Felice, activities director at Pine Grove. “They bowl in the morning and the afternoon. I leave at 4:30 and they would bowl long after that if it was up to them.” The team practices every day and bowls two games a week, with the top three scores submitted to Health Concepts by Friday morning. In turn, the facility and its rivals – the Bayberry Uncommons, the Riverview Strikers and the Woodpecker Gutterballs, to name a few - receive the league standings every Friday afternoon. At press time, the Rollers were undefeated and in first place. During National Nursing Home Week, the league winners will be awarded the Family Cup, which will be housed at the winning facility. According to Bettencourt, the league has been such a hit; future tournaments will be held in both the spring and the fall. “The Family Cup will travel with the winners,” explained Bettencourt. “Gold, silver and bronze awards will also be given to the three highest scorers so that teams have something to keep indefinitely.” The bowling league has sparked interest in other Wii tournaments. Pine Grove is looking into tennis, boxing and baseball. If Lillian Mortenson, one of Jerry’s fellow Rollers, has anything to say about it, Vinnie Paz better watch out. “The boxing one is the one for me. I’d love to punch them out,” she said. For now she’s content to cheer on her bowling teammates. “We’re a team. We root and toot for each other,” she said. “We’re like a family here.” For staffers like Bettencourt and Felice, it’s clear that that’s what their job is all about. ■
b y don fowler
Home sweet home at Al’s House Warwick resident Anne Mulhall sees a need for seniors with early stage memory loss. And she is doing something about it. “There are many options available for the patient struggling with Alzheimer’s,” Anne said. She sees daycare facilities, senior centers, nursing homes and in-home care - but for some Rhode Islanders, that’s not enough. “There are people who require specific assistance with their day, and in some cases, their evening,” she said, “and they are asking for more.” Mulhall, who is well known throughout Rhode Island as the casting director and owner of LDI Casting, a service that provides actors for most movies and TV shows shot in the state, has a background in recreational therapy for people who are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Mulhall is in the initial stages of launching “Al’s House, Inc.,” an exciting program that will allow families to remain engaged with their loved ones through “a dynamic combination of cognitive and creative activities and programs.” Simply put, that means offering challenging, interesting adult activities, such as bowling, comJune 2010
munity gardening, walking and the arts…and anything else that would meet the needs of those dealing with early stage memory loss. “Al’s House is NOT a Day Care,” Anne emphasized. “It’s not even a house. It’s a respite for caregivers and an option to provide some normalcy, dignity and a quality of life better than what is currently available.” The concept of Al’s House is very close to Anne’s heart. In fact, her aging father is named Al. Mulhall plans to begin the program this month. She has lined up Meadowbrook Lanes in Warwick, and will begin an hour and a half bowling program once a week. She also plans a walking program. “We’ll start small, and see where we go from there,” she said. “We held a series of focus groups and came up with some good suggestions. Caregivers see benefits for themselves as well as their loved ones.” Al’s House is working closely with the Alzheimer’s Association, social workers and geriatric care managers, who will also serve as referrals for seniors who could benefit from the program. “We’re also excited about our partnership with the venerable Boy Scouts of America, which will
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increase our ability to offer ongoing events and programs,” Mulhall said. The goal is to develop a full seven-day-aweek schedule, which will include Sunday morning coffee hours with the families, and Saturday walking groups and softball games. Other suggested weekly activities include golf, watercolor, swimming, tap dance lessons, acting, and cocktails and dancing. Hopefully, the program will quickly gain momentum and eventually cover the state and focus on the needs of the community. Anne has looked at potential activities in the Narragansett area, which may include kayaking, fishing and basketball. “Al’s House has been incorporated as a nonprofit association, with the potential of applying for grant funding and engaging volunteers, in addition to the Boy Scouts and family members,” Mulhall said. If you are interested in learning more about Al’s House, Inc., call Anne Mulhall at 226-4677, or e-mail her at Alshouse.mulhall@gmail.com. ■
PrimeTime | 11
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b y patricia cook
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There’s No Place Like Home It was a summery Saturday in May, and 24 motor coaches sat idly in CCRI’s parking lot waiting for their passengers. My friend, Norma Burnelle, and I boarded bus #9 “Hidden Treasures of the Blackstone Valley.� This was our second Tour Rhode Island trip, and the sixth for the state. The group of 1,200 people varied in age, clothes and backgrounds, but one thing we all had in common: an exploratory adventure of our home state. Tour Rhode Island was created in 2004 out of an idea from first lady Suzanne Carcieri, who wanted Rhode Islanders to enjoy the culture, history and environment in their backyard. Some buses headed off to Block Island; others set out for South County. There were buses destined for the East Bay area or to Newport. There were Providence tours and Blackstone Valley ones; all tours were different but some overlapped a destination or two. Only two seats were empty as 55 of us exited the parking lot heading for 295 North. Rosemary Danforth was our very informative tour guide; her knowledge of the Industrial Revolution along the Blackstone River area was encyclopedic. She imparted facts with wit and “Jeopardy�-sparkle. Sherelle was our Johnson & Wales student studying hospitality and travel and lending help when needed. As the large tour bus entered the Jackson Schoolhouse Rd. in Pascoag, its passengers became immediately aware of the rural and scenic atmosphere of our first stop, the Grace Note Farm Inn and Trail Riding Center. Virginia Sendelar, a classical flautist, restored the historic 1730 house and buildings. Her clients are equestrians traveling with their horses, seeking comfort and new riding vistas. Virginia’s farm abuts the George Washington Land Management Area, providing 75 miles of trails. We were served a sumptuous breakfast in a large early American dining room with open kitchen looking out on woods and brook. We rode on to St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center north of the Blackstone River and in the heart of historic industrial Woonsocket. The stain glass windows of this now de-sanctified church were imported from Chartres, France. During the ’40s, Guido Nincheri, a Florentine artist, painted religious frescoes employing the plaster technique of Michelangelo and incorporating the faces of parishioners. Dom Doiron and Wally Rathbun gave an inspiring anecdotal history of both the art and the parish. We ate our
boxed lunch on the warm sun-lit steps dwarfed by this magnificent edifice. The Woonsocket Stadium Theatre was originally built in 1926 for vaudeville performances and later was used primarily for movies. A small group of interested citizens raised money for the restoration of its original paintings and decor. The theater now provides affordable performances and concerts. The Encore Repertory Company resides here and in the summer provides acting classes for children. Bob
Grace Note Farm Inn
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was our gracious historian and guide. A quick trip south on 295 and we entered the Audubon Society’s Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Marianne presented the audience with a live great horned owl, disabled with one wing. His magnificence was enhanced by periodic panting and hissing at the 55 odd oglers, who asked questions and oohed with his every move. Next we arrived in Smithfield at the Smith-Appleby House. We toured the 1696 two-story house, once a oneroom stone ender, in two groups and marveled at the clothes, utensils and furniture in each room. It was built by Elisha Smith, the grandson of John Smith, one of the original six men, who with Roger Williams, fled Massachusetts for religious freedom and founded Providence. The spring landscape and friendly lapping of Georgiaville Pond enhanced our belief why seven generations of Smiths desired to live here so simply until 1950. After a snack of ice tea and cookies were finished, we traveled south on 295 back to our cars and the 21st century, weary but enlightened to some of the hidden treasures of little Rhody. ■June 2010
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Sousa Concert brings St. Ann’s alive “They were going to tear this beautiful building down,” said Don Rathbun, president of the St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center. St. Ann’s Church sat majestically on a hill at 84 Cumberland St. in Woonsocket, its steeple visible into Massachusetts and downtown Woonsocket, decommissioned by the Catholic Diocese and in danger of becoming a vacant lot. A group of parishioners and volunteers from all over the state came together, forming a Board of Directors with the idea of turning the magnificent edifice into an arts and cultural center. The last mass was said in 2000, as three churches were merged into one. The Board leased the church from the Diocese for 99 years, at $1 a year, and began raising money and recruiting volunteers to maintain the facility. The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Robert Franzblau, donated their talents for a special Tribute to John Philip Sousa last month. Through the sponsorship of Lorena Meyers, the event helped to raise much needed funds for maintaining the center. The beautiful concert, narrated by veteran actor Bob Colonna, was well attended and added to the much-needed funding to help maintain the large facility. There is a large function room in the basement, which served as a bingo hall and is now used as a dinner theatre and wedding reception hall. “We are looking for innovative ways to promote the Arts and Cultural Center. We recently served as a destination for the annual Governor’s Tourism day,” Rathbun said. “We are also open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. for tours, and will make arrangements with groups, like senior citizen centers.” Weddings and funerals are still held at St. Ann’s, but Rathbun pointed to the building’s beauty as a draw for any Rhode Islander. “We have an amazing collection of frescos, many painted by immigrants who came to this country over 100 years ago,” he said. The Center gives the City of Woonsocket two outstanding venues for arts and culture, the other being the renovated Stadium Theatre. Add to them the Museum of Work and Culture, plus some outstanding restaurants, and you have a city that has come alive, thanks to the leadership and generosity of people like Lorena Meyers and Don Rathbun. ■
June 2010
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Walk, run or donate On Saturday, June 5, South County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is hosting the sixth annual 5K Run/Walk. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the center, which is located at 740 Oak Hill Road in North Kingstown. Cash prizes are given to the top two finishers, and refreshments are served at the end of the race. All proceeds benefit McAuley House. For more information, go to www.strands.com or contact Lisa Galligan at 2944545 ext. 4106. Gearing up for July 4th Linden Place is the ideal location for viewing the nationally famous Bristol Fourth of July Parade. Linden Place, an 1810 Federal mansion in the heart of Bristol, will be hosting its Annual Fourth of July Parade Picnic on Monday, July 5. Located directly on the historic Bristol Fourth of July Parade route, Linden Place will be offering reserved bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under the shade of the Linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch and restroom facilities. Tickets are $60 for adults, $45 for children and include both breakfast and lunch. Linden Place members receive a $10 discount on tickets. Stop by the Linden Place office to reserve tickets at 500 Hope Street, by telephone at 2530390 or visit www.lindenplace.org. Lots of laughs On Fridays and Saturdays through June 26, the Firehouse Theater will host Newport’s award-winning comedy Improv Show by The Bit Players. The theater is located at 4 Equality Park Place in Newport. For more information, call 849-3473 or go to www.firehousetheater.org. And the secret is... The location and dates vary, but check out www.tourblackstone.com to find out about the Secret Ingredient Food Tour, which will be making its way around the Blackstone Valley until June 30. Call 724-2200 for details.
PrimeTime | 13
your taxes
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Settling the score with Uncle Sam The nice weather is already here and your summer vacation may mean a trip to the casino or the racetrack. Has the news of exorbitant payouts or Power Ball or other lottery games enticed you to buy lottery tickets? Do you plan to take any short trips to the slot machines in Newport or the casinos in Connecticut? Perhaps you will be taking a longer trip to Atlantic City or Las Vegas? If during these trips, the casinos or slot machines beckoned you, you are probably wondering what you will owe Uncle Sam if Lady Luck happened to be on your side. You should be aware that the full amount of your gambling winning will need to be reported as income when you file your tax return next year. In addition to lottery and casino winnings, winnings from scratch tickets, keno, bingo, raffles, sweepstakes, wagering pools, horse races and dog races are also considered gambling winnings. The rules of gambling winnings also apply to church raffles and charity drawings. As the gross winnings are taxable income, taxpayers should keep track of their gambling winnings and losses, using diaries or similar records that reflect accurate information. You should also keep receipts, tickets, statements or other records that reflect winnings and losses to substantiate the amounts you report on your tax return. Accurate records include date and type of a specific wager or wagering activity, the name and address of the gambling establishment and the amount you won. The losses can be deducted as Miscellaneous Deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. While the full amount of winnings must be reported as income,
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your losses can be deducted on Schedule A only up to the amount of your winnings. Generally, payers are required to issue a Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings, to taxpayers who win $600 or more from lotteries, sweepstakes, wagering pools, horse racing, dog racing, etc. Payers may also be required to withhold 25 percent of the proceeds for federal income tax from those winnings that are more than $5,000 in cash. When the winnings exceed $5,000, the 25 percent withholding applies to the total amount of the winning, not just the winnings in excess of $5,000. If the winnings are in the form of a prize, such as a car or vacation, rather than cash, you must take into account the fair market value (MFV) of the items less the wager for purposes of reporting and withholding. If the FMV exceeds $5,000 after deducting the amount of the wager, the winnings are subject to the 25 percent regular gambling withholding. Taxpayers who do not provide their tax identifying number (TIN) to payers are subject to withholding at 28 percent of any amount of winnings. If taxpayers do not pay enough tax through withholding or estimated tax payments, they can be subject to a penalty for underpayment. They should consider making estimated tax payments on any significant gambling winnings to cover an anticipated tax deficiency. For more information, refer to Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions; Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. These publications are available at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-3676. ■
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Time to cruise June’s mild weather is the perfect time to check out Classic Car Cruise Nights on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly. The shows take place every Thursday, starting at 5:30 p.m. and lasting until dusk. The oldies will be played, while guests browse rows of classic cars. The Beach is located at 321 Atlantic Avenue in Westerly. The website www.misquamicut.org has more information, or call 322-1026. What’s better than free? Pack a lunch and visit Burnside Park in Providence’s Kennedy Plaza to listen to everything from jazz or classical to Celtic or folk. The music is free, and can be enjoyed by the fountain at Burnside Park. To find out what performer is playing on any given Wednesday, from 12 to 1 p.m., check out www.kennedyplaza.org. State of the arts Starting on June 1 and lasting until June 25, URI Providence campus will host the “State of the Arts” show. The exhibit features the work of more than 100 artists, who are faculty, students or alumni from the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island. More than 250 pieces are on display, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to the gallery, which is located on the first and second floor of the building. For details, call 277-5206 or go to www. uri.edu/prov Going Gaspee The Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment, an annual Pawtuxet Park tradition, will take place from June 11 to 13. Visitors will get a feel for colonial military life, as dozens of militia camp out for the weekend in Revolutionary style under the direction of the Pawtuxet Rangers. That same weekend, the organization will host the Gaspee Days Parade on June 12. For mor einformation, call 7811772 or go to www.gaspee.com.
June 2010
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b y samy liechti b l a c k s o c k s . c o m f o u n d e r
Tips on Tipping The age-old dilemma – am I tipping enough? Ideally, good service is rewarded with good tips, and bad service penalized with bad tips. But the reality can be more nuanced. Read on for basic tips on proper tipping, whether you’re staying close to home or venturing out on vacation
➤ How much should I tip?
15 percent was the old gold standard at a restaurant, but a gentleman gives 20 percent. If you used a coupon or discount, calculate the tip on how much you would’ve paid without it. If there’s a tax on your bill, you should technically calculate the tip based on the pretax amount – but since the difference between a tip on the total (including tax) or the pretax amount is insignificant, this is not a recommended squabbling point.
➤ Not just for restaurants . . .
Any service profession warrants a tip. Good service at the hand of your hairdresser, your cab driver, or your bellhop means you should be attentive to how you’re tipping them. A solid rule of thumb is about 5 percent of the total bill, or two dollars per luggage item.
➤ Extra pay for extra service
Superlative service that warrants a bonus tip – that is, an additional 5 to 10 percent of the amount billed – is short waiting periods, advice in the menu selection, an excellent wine suggestion, refilling of drinks, and being in the right place at the right time.
➤ Don’t be a showoff
Exorbitant tipping is just as frowned upon as miserly tipping. In the catering business, money isn’t easily made, and arrogantly dropping a huge tip might make your waiter think you’re condescending. Trust me, your lady friend won’t be impressed.
➤ Now, where did that tip go?
Don’t place your tip under small plates, behind coffee cups, folded in an ashtray or buried somewhere in your napkin – in other words, anywhere the waiter might overlook it.
➤ Mind your P’s and Q’s
As you’re leaving a restaurant, you should express your thanks for the good service, and your waiter should thank you for a generous tip. Above all, should you ever be at a loss with regard to tipping etiquette, simply allow your goodwill to guide you. Additional “A Gentleman’s Guideâ€? tips can be found at Blacksocks.com. â–
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PrimeTime | 15
CVS Caremark Charity Classic scores big It’s a fun summertime tradition you don’t want to miss. This June, top professionals from the PGA and LPGA Tours will tee off for charity at the 12th annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic from June 27 to 29 at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. Rhode Island PGA pros and tournament co-hosts Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade bring together 20 of the world’s top golfers, who team up to help raise millions of dollars for area charities. As one of the most successful fundraising events in Southern New England, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic has raised more than $13 million for area philanthropic organizations dedicated to helping children and families. “It’s a big score for both golf fans and charities,” said Eileen Howard Dunn, chairwoman of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. “Golf fans enjoy the excitement of tournament play while organizations that are providing critical services to those in need benefit from the tournament’s fundraising focus.” Big-time golf in small-town setting The intimate atmosphere of the three-day tournament gives fans of all ages an up-close-and-personal opportunity to cheer on golf greats while supporting the vital work of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. The impressive 2010 roster is a who’s who in golf and features some of the hottest names on tour, including several newcomers. New to the field this year are 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open winner Hunter Mahan, PGA TOUR wunderkind Rickie Fowler and top LPGA pros Paula Creamer, Suzann Pettersen and Angela Stanford. Building on the tournament’s history of showcasing top LPGA stars, Juli Inkster and Morgan Pressel return to the Rhode Island Country Club this year. Also returning is fan favorite Camilo Villegas as well as 2009 tournament champions Nick Price and David Toms. Rhode Islander Brett Quigley will be making his 12th straight appearance. “A hallmark of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic is the unique, personal setting and the out-ofthe-ordinary access to players,” said tournament co-host Faxon. “We’ve thoughtfully designed the
brad faxon photo by mike ivins
Morgan Pressel photo by lisa hornak tournament to ensure fans get close to the action, which is one of the things that sets the CVS Caremark Charity Classic apart and makes it so successful.” Now in its second decade, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic has had widespread reach throughout the region, providing essential funding to more than 500 worthy charities. It is a natural extension of CVS Caremark’s philanthropic heritage. A wide cross-section of organizations – both large and small – benefit from the tournament fundraising efforts including, among others, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Autism Project of Rhode Island, Best Buddies of Rhode Island, Boys & Girls Club of Providence, Boys & Girls Club of Woonsocket, Bradley Hospital, City Year Rhode Island, March of Dimes, Rhode Island Chapter, Meeting Street, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition, Rhode Island Family Shelter, San Miguel School, Save the Bay and Special Olympics Rhode Island. “The winning combination of incredible golf, the breathtaking setting and the philanthropic reach of this tournament makes the CVS Caremark Charity Classic an event like no other,” said Andrade, tournament co-host. “It is a not-to-be missed event that will certainly be the highlight of your summer.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
David Toms photo by mike ivins 16 | PrimeTime
Sunday, June 27th Pepsi Pro-Am 7 a.m. – Shotgun Start 1 p.m. – Shotgun Start
Ticket offer Making it easier than ever for local residents to come out and enjoy this must-see event, tickets for the CVS Caremark Charity Classic are available through a special offer at CVS/pharmacy stores in Rhode Island as well as select CVS/pharmacy locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Details are available at participating stores or by visiting cvscharityclassic.com. Family fun In addition to watching world-class golf, fans can participate in a variety of pint-size fun for every age level. The interactive Charity Classic Fun Zone features games and miniature golf as well as face painting and visits from popular sports mascots throughout the tournament. During a special Fun Zone appearance on Tuesday, June 29, fans can get an up-close gander at both the 2004 and 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series Trophies and take home a free souvenir photo with the prized hardware. In addition, the tournament’s Expo Pavilion offers loads of giveaways from tournament sponsors. Tournament week begins with the Pepsi ProAm on Sunday, June 27 followed by the two-day tournament on Monday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 29 at the Rhode Island Country Club. ■
Monday, June 28th CVS Caremark Charity Classic 9 a.m. – Players Clinic, 18th Green 10:30 – 11:10 a.m. First Round Tee Times Tuesday, June 29th CVS Caremark Charity Classic 9 – 9:40 a.m. Final Round Tee Times June 2010
June 2010
PrimeTime | 17
PEOPLE AN D PLACES
b y meg fraser
Eating Fresh for Less The summer sun is starting to peek through, and before June is over, Rhode Islanders will have more than three dozen farmers markets and 18 roadside stands to choose from for their fresh produce. And thanks to the state’s Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Elderly Affairs and the USDA, that produce will come at a discount. “We want to be able to give seniors the benefit of being able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at a reduced cost,” said Pete Susi in DEM’s Division of Agriculture. Six years ago, the USDA began funding the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which in its first year allotted $170,000 to help seniors afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Last year that number had swollen to $280,000, serving 19,666 people from all over the state. “I’m getting phone calls already. Every year more and more people know about it,” Susi said last month. “As it progressively increases, we can serve more and more people.” Seniors that meet the income guidelines ($20,036 for a single person, $26,955 for a two-person household, etc.) are given three $5 coupons that resemble checks, and work in the same way. The checks are distributed at 42 senior centers and meal sites. “They’ll get at least $15 but probably more,” Susi said.
The 120 farmers involved pay a five-cent processing fee for the checks, which Susi says they are more than happy to do. In fact, 18 more farmers joined the program last year. “The farmers are more than happy to give five cents back for five dollars in sales,” he said. “This program has a dual role - it benefits the seniors and it also benefits the farmers. It’s like a $280,000 shot in the
arm for farmers.” Susi’s job is to implement the program, but also to find ways to help farmers sell their products. “Rhode Island is a very small state; we don’t have a large land mass. If we don’t do everything we can to help the farmers, the developers are always knocking on their door,” he said. Although every small business owner has felt the pinch in the economy, agriculture is the only industry that seems to be growing. With more awareness about product contamination and the benefits of eating fresh, Susi sees an increased demand for locally grown products. “Farmers markets have really taken over. People are realizing if you buy from a local grower, you know where it’s coming from,” he said. It’s no wonder, then, that the redemption rate for the Senior Farmers Market vouchers is so high. Originally, DEM based the model on the WIC program that provides assistance to women and their children. There, less than 50 percent of the funds available are accessed. During the first year of the Farmers Market program, redemption was 83 percent. “The seniors love it,” Susi said, explaining that the department overspent by $20,000 that year, but was able to plug the hole and knew better the second time around. Now, 46 states are taking part in the program, and its been guaranteed for another five years through the Farm Bill. Vouchers are available through Oct. 31, and Susi is confident that this year will be just as successful - if not more - than what he has seen so far. “These seniors worked hard in life and they deserve it,” he said. ■
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MORRIS FARM Phone: 738-1036 2779 Warwick Ave., Warwick Daily: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., June - October
June 2010
THE AQUIDNECK GROWERS MARKET Phone: 848-0099 909 East Main Road (Rte 138), Middletown, RI Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 5 - Oct. 30 MEMORIAL BLVD. Corner Pelham & Bellevue Street, Newport, RI Wednesdays: 2 - 6 p.m., June 9 - Oct. 27 THE BLOCK ISLAND FARMERS MARKETS Phone: 466-2875 Manisses Corner, Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June - September Negus Park, Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June - October GODDARD PARK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 Goddard State Park, Warwick, RI Fridays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 7 - Oct. 29 NORTH SCITUATE FARMERS MARKET Phone: 647-5547 Scituate Village (at Art Festival Grounds) Saturdays: 9 a.m. - Noon, May 1 - Oct. 16 CHARLESTOWN FARMERS MARKET 4417 Old Post Road Fridays: 9 a.m. - Noon, June 18 - Sept. 16 PASTORE COMPLEX FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 Pastore Complex (Dept. of Labor & Training) Fridays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., July 23 - Sept. 24 CAPITOL HILL FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 STATE HOUSE CITY SIDE Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., July 22 - Sept. 23 BLACKSTONE RIVER STATE PARK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 295 North in Lincoln Tuesdays: 2 - 6 p.m., July 20 - Oct. 26 THE DOWNCITY FARMERS MARKETS Phone: 312-4250 Providence: Hope Street Farmers Market, Lippitt Park Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 5 - Nov. 27 PARADE STREET MARKET (Next to Cranston Street Armory) Thursdays: 4 - 7 p.m., June 10 - Oct. 28 PAWTUCKET: SLATER MILL (67 Roosevelt-Downtown Pawtucket) Sundays: Noon - 3 p.m., June 6 - Oct. 24 ST. ANN’S ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER 84 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket, RI Tuesdays: 4 - 7 p.m., July 6 - Oct. 19
June 2010
THE BROWN UNIVERSITY FARMERS MARKET Phone: 312-4250 Providence: Wriston Quad (Thayer & George) Wednesdays: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sept. 1 - Nov. 17
ISLAND MARKET AT AQUIDNECK GRANGE HALL Phone: 847-2202 499 East Main Road, Middletown, RI Thursdays: 2 - 6 p.m., June 17 - October
DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET Phone: 312-4250 Providence: 2 Kennedy Plaza
WHOLE FOODS - WATERMAN FARMERS MARKET 272-1690 or Louann.dimuccio@wholefoods.com 261 Waterman St., Providence Wednesdays: 3 p.m. - Dusk, July - November
BANK OF AMERICA SKATING CENTER Fridays: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 11 - Oct. 29 BROAD STREET FARMERS MARKET Phone: 312-4250 807 Broad Street, Cranston Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., July 10 - Oct. 23
WIC & SFMNP ACCEPTED ALL LOCATIONS SOUTH KINGSTOWN FARMERS MARKET Phone: 295-0912 URI - Rte. 138, Keaney Gym Parking Lot Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. - Noon, May 1 - Oct. 23 MARINA PARK, WAKEFIELD South County Hospital exit off Rte 1 Tuesdays: 2 - 6 p.m., May 4 - Oct. 26 JOHNSTON FARMERS MARKET AT MEMORIAL PARK Phone: 222-2781 Mondays: 2 - 6 p.m., July 19 - Oct. 25 EAST GREENWICH FARMERS MARKET Phone: 886-9889, 575-7083 Rector St. Between Church St. and Spring St. Mondays: 3 - 7 p.m., June - October FISHERMEN’S MEMORIAL PARK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 Fishermen’s Memorial State Park, Narragansett Sundays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 2 - Oct. 24 COLT PARK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 Colt State Park, Bristol, RI Fridays: 2 - 6 p.m., May 7 - Oct. 29 COASTAL GROWERS MARKET Phone: 295-1030 Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown Saturdays: 9 a.m. - Noon, May 15 - Nov. 6 WHOLE FOODS-UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS Contact: 621-5990 or Holly.Dion@ wholefoods.com 601 North Main St., Providence Mondays: 3 p.m. - Dusk, June - November FRUIT HILL FARMERS MARKET AT RIC E-mail: jenmickz@cox.net Lot A Rhode Island College Wednesdays: 3:30 - 6 p.m., September - November HARMONY FARMERS MARKET Phone: 432-5183 or 432-5447 347 Snake Hill Road Sundays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 15 - Oct. 23
WHOLE FOODS Contact: 621-5990 or Holly.Dion@wholefoods.com 151 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston Tuesdays: 3 p.m. - Dusk, June - October HAINES MEMORIAL PARK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 222-2781 Haines Memorial State Park, East Providence, RI Wednesdays: 2 - 6 p.m., May 5 - Oct. 27 PAWTUXET VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET CRANSTON Phone: 461-2618 Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Parking Lot, Cranston Saturdays: 9 a.m. - Noon, May 8 - Nov. 13 WICKENDEN STREET FARMERS MARKET Phone: 635-4274 65 Brook Street, Providence Tuesdays: 3 - 6 p.m., June - October BURRILLVILLE FARMERS MARKET Phone: 568-6821 Austin T. Levy School, 135 Harrisville, Main St., Harrisville Saturdays: 9 a.m. - Noon, May 15 - Oct. 9 WESTERLY FARMERS MARKET Phone: 315-2610 85 Main Street / Behind Billboard Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 3 - Oct. 28 SAKONNET GROWERS MARKET Phone: 624-7490 Pardon Gray Preserve, Main Road, Tiverton Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., July 3 - Sept. 25 RICHMOND FARMERS MARKET Contact: 294-6306 or onelovefarm@hotmail.com Richmond Town Hall Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., May - October WEST WARWICK FARMERS MARKET Phone: 487-4848 20 Washington St. Wednesdays: 3 - 6 p.m., July - October
ROADSIDE STANDS ACCEPTING SFMNP COUPONS CONFREDA GREENHOUSE AND FARM Phone: 827-5000 2150 Scituate Ave., Cranston, RI Daily: April - December GOODWIN BROTHERS Phone: 765-0368 Providence Pike, Jct. Rte. 5 & 104, N. Smithfield Daily: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., June - October MELLO’S FARM STAND Phone: 624-6329 364 Boyds Lane, Portsmouth Daily: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., May - November PIPPIN APPLE ORCHARD Phone: 943-7096 751 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston, RI Daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., July - December PrimeTime | 19
that’s entertainment! b y don fowler
Rhode Island gets festive
The economy is tight. Air travel is shaky and expensive. This may be the summer to stay close to home. While we look for vacation opportunities in Rhode Island, people from all over the world are planning to come to our state to enjoy world-renowned music festivals that many Rhode Islanders have never experienced. Last summer we enjoyed five of the festivals, and we plan to do so again this summer, visiting Newport and Charlestown, eating at inexpensive restaurants and listening to some of the best entertainers in their fields - right here in little Rhode Island!
NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL July 9 to 25
Mark Malkovich IV calls the 42nd Season of the Newport Music Festival “A piano lover’s dream.” One of the top festivals in the world, the classical music extravaganza will include 63 concerts over a period of 17 days in the fabulous mansions of the City by the Sea. Artists and aficionados from all over the world come to Newport by plane, train, yacht and automobile to enjoy the works of Chopin, Schumann and many of the world’s greatest composers. I have been attending the festival for almost as long as it has been held, and enjoy seeing artists who grace the stages every year, plus many who are making their Newport and American debuts. A highlight this year will be the acclaimed Hungarian pianist Gergely Boganyl, who will perform the complete piano works of Chopin in 10 morning concerts. Italian pianist Carlo Grande will perform many of the works of Scarlotti and Schumann. Most concerts are at 11 a.m., and 4, 7 and 9 p.m., with a few midnight concerts planned. Tickets are very reasonable, ranging from $20 to $40, with open seating in the grand music rooms and sprawling lawns of the mansions. For a complete schedule of events and additional information on the artists, go to www.newportmusic.org or call 846-1133.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL July 30 to Aug. 1
Steve Martin
Jamie Cullum 20 | PrimeTime
Last year we sang along with Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie and Judy Collins at George Wein’s Newport Folk Festival. The festival returns to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Newport Casino on Friday night and Fort Adams State Park on July 31 and Aug. 1. We think of Steve Martin primarily as an actor and a comedian, but he is also known for his love of folk music and his banjo playing. Martin will headline the Friday night Casino concert, playing with the Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the hottest Bluegrass bands in the country. Sarah Jarosz and Tim O’Brien will open the show at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s festivities at Fort Adams will feature three stages of music continuously from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday will feature Doc Watson and David Holt, Brown University grads, The Low Anthem, Brandt Carlile, Andrew Bird and headliner John Prine, along with a number of new and established performers.
The Low Anthem have quickly become a big hit since their gigs at the Avon and Lupo’s, and an International tour that drew rave reviews. They will move from the smaller stage to the big stage this year. Sunday’s lineup includes the Tao Seeger Band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Richie Havens, the Avett Brothers, The Swell Season, and Levon Helm’s Ramble on the Road, plus much more. You can order tickets and get more information at www.newportfolkfestival.com.
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL August 6 to 8
The festival has CareFusion as a sponsor again this year, where George Wein brings the world class festival to Newport for the 56th year. I’m proud to say that I have been at nearly half of them, and have seen the great ones, ranging from Tony Bennett to Aretha Franklin to Maynard Ferguson (Standing in the pouring rain) to many renditions of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” Friday night’s Casino concert features Jamie Cullum, who will also perform Saturday evening at Fort Adams. Grace Kelly, a 17-year-old singer/sax player, who brought the house down recently at a concert at Cranston’s Park Theatre, will open for Cullum. The Chick Corea Freedom Band, with Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Roy Haynes will headline on Saturday. Other performers include Ahmad Jamal, Anat Cohen, the Maria Scneider Jazz Orchestra, George Wein on piano, and a special performance by the Newport All-Stars, with special guest Bob Brookmeyer. Sunday’s concert will wrap up the weekend with Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti and Herbie Hancock. Another highlight is Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. For information and tickets, go to www.newportjazzfestival.com.
MUSIC ON THE HILL
Music on the Hill begins its 36th season on June 5, with a gala event at Temple Beth-El on the East Side. The 2010 Chamber Music Festival features returning Rhode Island musicians and friends, under the direction of John Mark Pellegrino. The June 5 concert reunites former Cleveland String Quartet Members William Preucil, violinist, and James Durham, violinist. The pre-gala concerts will be held on June 3 and 4. A family concert will be held on June 6 at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Carter Center in East Providence. The series continues on June 10 at 7 p.m., with an “American Influence” concert at the East Greenwich United Methodist Church, and a June 11 concert titled “Wine, Women and Song” at SS Rose and Clement Church in Warwick. The concert series closes with a “Summer Solstice” concert at the RIPO Carter Center in East Providence at 7 p.m. For more information or reservations, call 884-8172, or 738-5632. Tickets are only $15 in advance, $20 at the door, except for the gala, which is $30 and $35. For more information on this wonderful chamber music festival, go to www.musiconthehillri.com, or call 884-8172. June 2010
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RHYTHM AND ROOTS September 3 to 5
John Prine
Marcia Ball
Chuck Wentworth’s Rhythm & Roots Festival celebrates its 13th year at Ninigret Park in Charlestown with an all-star lineup, closing out a super summer of music festivals in Rhode Island. Horace Trahan & The Ossun Express will be this year’s host band, performing Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The group will be making their first appearance outside of Louisiana. The Texas Tornados headline Saturday, while Robert Randolph and the Family Band burn up the main stage Sunday. Randolph is recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. The lineup is more varied this year, with many first-time-in-Rhode Island artists and some old favorites like C.J. Chenier, Steve Riley, Marcia Ball, and Donna the Buffalo. Rain or shine, we have never missed this festival, and consider it to be the icing on the cake to all of the summer activities. Check them out at www.rhythmandroots.com.
Newport Waterfront Events
Gergely Boganyl
Blind Boys of Alabama
While they may not technically fall into the “festival” category, the Sunset Music Series and Newport Waterfront Events certainly are festive. Held under huge tents right on the waterfront at the Newport Yachting Center, the events include: Newport Wine-Fest on Aug. 20 to 22, Newport Arts Festival on Aug. 28 to 29, 13th Annual Newport Irish Festival on Sept. 4 to 6. The Sunset Music Series Schedule: John Hiatt on June 26, Boz Scaggs on July 2, The Blind Boys of Alabama on July 24, George Thorogood & the Destroyers on July 30, The Machine performs Pink Floyd on Aug. 6. For more information, go to www. newportwaterfrontevents.com. ■
Light Summer Theater schedule While the summer festival schedule is filled with exciting artists coming to Rhode Island, summer theater is a bit on the light side, with Theatre-by-the-Sea leading the way with a full lineup of familiar Broadway musicals, and the return of “Menopause The Musical” to the Trinity stage.
THEATRE-BY-THE-SEA
Theatre-by-the-Sea in Matunuck opens its third summer season under the leadership of Bill Hanney, Aimee Turner and Joel Kipper. The trio rescued the barn theatre, which had operated for 77 years and continued its fine tradition of quality shows - mostly Broadway musicals. “A Chorus Line,” probably the most produced musical in Broadway history, opens the season on June 2 and continues until June 20. I still get goosebumps when I hear the classic “What I Did For Love,” which is actually a love song to the acting profession. “Hello, Dolly” moves on stage from June 23 to July 11. The familiar musical has a great score and book, and leaves you humming the songs all the way back to the East Side. “Little Shop of Horrors” runs from July 14 to Aug. 1. The silly musical comedy was actually taken from an old black and white movie featuring Jack Nicholson in a supporting role as a dentist. The season closes with one of the newer musicals, also taken from a movie, “The Full Monty,” which runs from Aug. 4 to 29. Hanney has chosen four familiar shows, which some of us have seen a number of times, but he always manages to find great talent, mostly from New York City, to fill the star and supporting roles. Many Rhode Islanders make a full evening of the trip to Matunuck by dining at the Bistro by the Sea, and attending the cabaret after the show. For reservations, call 782-8587.
TRINITY REP
While the cast, crew and management of Trinity Repertory Theatre engage in other endeavors during the summer months, “Menopause The Musical” returns for the second season to the theatre. They claim that nearly 11 million people worldwide have seen the hysterical spoof. I think nearly everyone in Rhode Island saw it last summer, and my guess is that many will return to see it again. THEATER – PAGE 28 Music on the Hill June 2010
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a glimpse of rhode island’s past h i s t o r y w i t h don d ’ amato
PEOPLE AN D PLACES
Mill Owners: Sprague Family According to Cranston historian Harold M. Taylor, when farmer William Sprague died in 1795, his homestead was divided among his sons. His son Peter received a farm near Mashapaug Pond (Arlington), Abner the land west of the Pocasset, and his son William the “middle farm and the mills.” A most amazing entrepreneur When he inherited his father’s land in 1795, William Sprague’s middle farmland also included extensive woodlands and the mansion house. He united with one of the old families of Rhode Island by marrying Anne Potter, a direct descendent of Roger Williams. William and Anne had five children: Susanna (m. Obadiah Mathewson), Amasa (17981843), William (1799-1856), Almira (m. Emanual Rice), and Benoni. According to the Cranston Historical Society’s biography of the Sprague family written by Mrs. Bray-
ton, the younger William Sprague, the miller, was “a big man, with big ideas and big muscles, and said to be the best wrestler in the neighborhood.” He was also successful in his financial ventures and developed his sawmill interest into a very lucrative business. The Sprague historians tell us he employed 25 to 30 men to chop wood in the “Sprague Woods adjoining Fenner Woods” and to run his sawmill. He produced ship timbers, which he sold to the shipyard at Eddy Point (Eddy and Dyer Streets) in Providence at a handsome profit. It is believed that when William added the two-bay addition during the early 1800s, the workers lived in the house during the winter months. Mrs. Anna Potter Sprague According to Taylor, the amazing Mrs. Anna (Potter) Sprague, who was 10 years older than William, was a great help to her husband
in accumulating his fortune. Taylor says, “Assisted by the girls [Susanna and Almira] and ‘Aunt Patience,’ her husband’s stepmother, Mrs. Sprague in the early days used to cook and serve meals to the men cutting logs or working in the mills. She always did or supervised the housework.” As can be imagined, the feeding of 25 men plus a family was a task not to be taken lightly. This helped her husband save considerable money, which could be used to finance other ventures.
then 30 years old, was quick to see the possibilities of the new venture and converted his gristmill on the Pocasset River to a small cotton mill for carding and spinning cotton yarn. At first it was a very simple operation, which spun cotton into coarse yarn that was then woven on home looms by women in the area. In time, however, the Spragues became the most powerful textile family in America. n
Branching out Shortly after the beginning of the 19th century, events occurred that drastically changed the destiny of the Sprague family and made them the wealthiest and, at times, the most controversial, family in New England. The main occurrence came when Samuel Slater and Moses Brown brought the textile industry to America. In 1807, William Sprague,
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22 | PrimeTime
June 2010
June 2010
CLUES ACROSS 1. Nevertheless 4. A restaurant bill 7. Pastry-lined dish 10. Freshwater duck genus 12. Water container 14. Many not ands 15. Dull pains 17. U.S. island territory 18. Policeman (French) 19. The upper crust 20. Add details to 22. Telegraphic code 23. Squealer 25. Criticize severely 26. Serrasalmus 29. Extra long staple cotton 30. Made a choice 31. Feline mammal 32. 37th president 38. Angry 39. E Anglia Celtic tribe 40. March 15th 42. Ice sport 45. Iniquitous 48. 1st stock offer 49. Danish money 51. Double hulled boat 54. Consumer advocate Ralph 56. Bell operating system 57. Semitic fertility god 58. Old Norse poems 59. Shock treatment 60. Beget 61. 8 reale coin 62. “Partridge” star Susan 63. Grassland, meadow 64. Lair
CLUES DOWN 1. Bleated 2. Unfasten 3. South Pacific island 4. Collectively 5. Grad 6. Divulge a secret 7. An active politician 8. Hibernian resident 9. Feudal land reversion 11. Stage scenery 13. Iowa S.U. city 16. Angel 18. Wing movement 21. Not caps 24. Peruvian province 27. Mythological bird 28. Adaba 32. Glowing quality 33. Personal cyber “theft” 34. Highest N. Am. peak 35. Weak tides 36. Chant 37. Twelve 38. Faulty billiards shot 41. Safaqis 43. ______ off: fell asleep 44. Hit 50’s musical 46. Expression of doubt 47. Scientific workplaces 50. Deliberate bulding fire 52. A horizontal bar of wood 53. Swiss river 55. Data processing by a computer
PrimeTime | 23
PEOPLE AN D PLACES
DOER’S PROFILE by J OAN R ETS I NAS
A new way to see the world When Rosalind Vaz retired early from Rhode Island Hospital, where she had been director of the Adolescent Healthcare Center, she packed her bags. Not for a sun-drenched beach or a cruise. She went to Burundi, an impoverished landlocked nation in Eastern Africa. This Professor of Pediatrics (Clinical) at Brown turned her 30 years of experience to maladies she had rarely seen in the United States: malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, parasites and tetanus. At a clinic made famous by Tracy Kidder’s “Strength in What Remains,” she treated adults as well as children. “The Burundian physicians were overwhelmed with patients,” she said. When she wasn’t in the clinic, she was writing grants, meeting with UNICEF and Burundian officials to discuss an expanded nutrition program, or teaching English to clinic staff (French is the official language; Kirundi, the native language). She did hike the beautiful countryside, but the combination of the rainy season and security issues hindered major outings. “In Kirundi there are several words for greeting people - Amahoro [peace], Yambu [hello], and Nisawa [Are you OK?], but no real word for goodbye,” Vaz explained, looking back on her four weeks. She expects to return there.
Ros is not alone in traveling to work. The usual axiom is that people work, then retire, then travel. Travel is fun, luxurious, adventurous, enriching – not work. Thousands of retirees, though, have turned that axiom around: they retire, then travel the globe to work. The possibilities beckon. Google broadcasts a megalist of organizations seeking western travel workers. Name a country, and you can probably find a program eager to place you in a school, a clinic, a community organization, an orphanage or a wildlife reserve. You can go from two weeks to a year. Some programs will tailor a program to you. Many, like A Broader View [www.abroaderview.org] offer “customized programs with flexible start dates.” The developing world needs English teachers. You can spend a semester, or a year, with Volunteers in Asia, based at Stanford. Or you can sign up with Projects Abroad for two weeks, two months or three months teaching in Moldova, Argentina, Jamaica, Mexico or more. The Global Service Corps, through its Buddhist Immersion EFL Program in Thailand, will let you live in a Buddhist monastery where you will participate in the daily routine of the temple, and receive training in meditation. In exchange, you will teach English to resident and visiting monks. DOERS – PAGE 28
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24 | PrimeTime
June 2010
gay & gray
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The Stonewall Legacy Political movements are never started by an isolated incident, but rather by a confluence of them with one seminal moment that can be historically ascribed as its origin. This is certainly the case with the Stonewall Inn riots in Greenwich Village, N.Y. The term “riot” is an overstatement, as it was more a demonstration and clash with police than a violent outburst as the word might suggest, but never before in American history had a homophile group (as they were coined then) organized themselves against their oppressors. Widely viewed as the birth of the gay rights movement, June 28, 1969 figures prominently in the history of gay people everywhere. I suppose it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me that when I started asking around, no one from the Ocean State could recall hearing about it at the time. After all, in our little hamlet, one feels the need to bring a tooth-
brush to go a few towns over, so happenings a few states away might as well have been on the moon along with the astronauts that same summer. That said, here are some recollections and reflections about the day gays were put on the map.
Dr. Judith Scarfpin, Ed.D East Greenwich (67)
I was living in North Kingstown at the time. I didn’t think of myself as being from an oppressed group, it wasn’t yet a political issue, you see, but I did feel that I could not be “out” at work. Really, back then, we were placed in a position that gays in the military are now. Anyway, I remember seeing a short entry in The Talk of the Town section of the New Yorker magazine, which said that some “queens” had fought back against a police raid. I did not grasp the
Where Heart & Home Come Together
full significance of the event at the time but it did lead to me becoming more fully aware of our rights and seeking out supportive groups, one of which was the Gay Women of Providence in 1970. It was held at a private home on the East Side and I remember climbing the stairs, my heart in my throat, thinking: “I can turn back now.” I didn’t and I’m glad of it.
Dennis Byrnes, Rhode Island (62)
In 1969, being gay to me was just second nature to being a hippie and an artist. I did not consider myself a gay activist but rather a peace activist. My friends from high school were coming home from Vietnam in body bags. Judy Garland died in England of an overdose. Buried in the back of the newspaper was a report of the Stonewall riots in the Village. This was the backdrop of my summer in Chepachet. Often I have found when you are living through history you may not recognize the historical importance of an event. This was just such an occasion. It was only decades later I knew what a milestone that confrontation was to all LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/Bi-sexual/Transgendered) people. Now, my husband of 34 years and I are activists for the rights of LGBT people everywhere. We can look back at Stonewall and be proud of the Lesbians and Drag Queens who fought that battle for us.
Belle Pellegrino, Providence (65)
I didn’t hear about Stonewall until about four years later. I was in the Marine Corps and when I was discharged in 1969 I came back to Rhode Island. It took me a long while to locate any Lesbian/Gay community until I joined the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in 1973. That’s when I learned about what happened and it inspired me to do the same. In 1976 members of the MCC, with the assistance of the ACLU, filed a class action suit to end the barring of an organized Gay Pride Parade in Providence. We needed two people to put their names on this very public document and I volunteered mine. We won! About three years ago I was privileged and delighted to meet one of the original Stonewall protesters.
Jim Seavor, Rhode Island
The impact of the Stonewall riots was major and across the board for all. Doors were opened. Our image changed. We became more and more visible and vocal. What caused the riots? Many things from the changes in society (a time of rebellion) to it being a hot night in Manhattan. One thing that did NOT cause the riots was the death of Judy Garland. That idea came from the mainstream press responding to a stereotype. But there was a connection. Her death symbolized the end of an era and the riots were the beginning of another. ■
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Five Saint Elizabeth Way East Greenwich, RI 401-884-9099 info@theseasons.org www.theseasons.org
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Words to Eat by
ood and travel carry an obvious correlation. Most of us travel, many of us for pleasure and some on business. I personally do not get to travel anywhere near as much as I would like. It is my hope that at some point in my life, my traveling itches will get scratched. When I do travel, there is always some culinary destination in mind and I have my own culinary “Mecca.” Really, there are two: the Provence region of southern France and Napa Valley, Calif. I will make it to both for extended stays before I call it a life. As a chef, I realize these are mostly my own dreams and not the ideals shared by most of the world. But when we find ourselves on a dream vacation, eating is inevitably a huge part. For some, adventurous eating is just our way, for others eating abroad is extremely stressful.
I recently found myself lobbying for a role in an upcoming culinary travel show. While it is a long shot, I still have been looking at some existing shows on television. Anthony Bourdain’s (a personal hero of mine) “No Reservations” is very well done, as is Andrew Zimmern’s “Bizarre Foods.” The best part of these travel shows is the same simple advice of both: respect the locals. The point is, if you find yourself on your fantasy trip to Tokyo or wherever, don’t eat at the hotel restaurant’s “Hard Rock Café” every night. You can be sure the cooks in the kitchen there never eat their own food. How good can it be? You’re eating their version of American food. That doesn’t sound good to me. Eat what they make best, their own food. Don’t ask the front desk or concierge either. They will likely send you to Americanized places, because if they tell travelers to go to the great street vender they go to on their lunch break, they’ll get yelled at or fired upon their return. When abroad, simply walk with the local crowd, look at what and where they’re eating. Those are the “don’t miss” places. You owe it to yourself to at least try it; it’s obviously fresh because so many locals eat there. If it doesn’t work out, walk another block to McDonald’s, I’m sure it’ll be there. This philosophy works here in the states too. When in Philadelphia…for Pete’s sake, have a cheesesteak. In Chicago? Deep dish pizza pie. Not a Rhode Islander? Clam cakes and Chowda! Just find what the locals are proud of. I guarantee that at the very least you’ll leave with great memories and stories to tell. Obviously, when in places less developed, you must consider water issues and refrigeration. The rule of thumb here is still to eat what everyone else is eating; no one would be chancing it if they got sick every time they did. While at these local hangouts, don’t choose items on the menu that contain oddly Americanized items or terms. Example: while in rural mountains away from water, avoid the seafood primavera. At the same time, there is another school of food travel. Traveling and eating only the best. While in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Barcelona, Dubai, etc., it is more than acceptable to only eat at five star restaurants with world renowned chefs. If you can afford it, I recommend it highly. The value may not be there but the full experience usually is. Above all, while traveling, open your eyes and palates to your environment. Always try something new and have the time of your life. Enjoy your ability to have new experiences and hopefully share them with those you love. Remember that the flavors of the world always include some you have never imagined, but that doesn’t make them any less delicious. ■ 26 | PrimeTime
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June 2010
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DOERS – If you yearn to visit South Africa, you can try Edge of Africa, which offers would-be volunteers a list, from conservation to sports to wildlife to HIV/ AIDs to game reserve. You could coach a sports team, work on reforestation, help with a game park – or, in an eight-week stint, you could do a variety of projects. To learn organic farming, Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WOOF) [www.wwoof.org] offers opportunities to work (four to six hours a day, five to six days a week) on farms throughout the world. If you want to save the orangutans, the Orangutan Foundation International will whisk you to Indonesian Borneo for a six-week stint. Before discarding the tried-and-true, very much on-the-beaten path destinations in Fromer’s and Fodor’s, though, you should heed some cautions. First, understand the work-commitments of the organization. For some, like WOOF, the work will be arduous; the possibilities for tourism limited. Other programs will allow more time to socialize with the population, more time to see the country. To understand the work, talk not just to the program organizers but to past volunteers. All the programs will link you to their alumnae. Talk also to staff at the place where you will be volunteering. A new phrase has entered the travel-lexicon: voluntourism. Determine the proportion of your program’s “tourism” component beforehand. Understand the financial commitments. The usual notion of work as remunerative falls by the board: to teach two weeks in Moldova, for instance, you will pay Projects Abroad $2,995. (This comes on top of transportation.) The Internal Revenue Service will allow you to deduct a portion of the trip’s costs (transportation and lodging), but only if you will be working (most of the time), not touring, under the auspices of a non-profit organization. For some non-profit programs, the volunteer’s financial donation is as important as his or her physical presence. The programs are trying to build up a cadre of western supporters. The volunteers represent tentacles to a philanthropic network.
Other programs are businesses that combine travel with volunteerism. Rustic Volunteers, for instance, operating in more than 20 countries, advertises itself as “the most affordable volunteer organization in the United States” and will custom-design “safe and culturally distinctive” two-week volunteer stints. Ask for the percentage of older volunteers. Some programs are geared almost exclusively to students, particularly those doing “gap years” after college. Other programs are more geared to retirees. (Roughly half the volunteers at Earthwatch and the Orangutan Foundation are older). Tom Pastorius, head of North American Recruitment for Projects Abroad, notes that older retirees are that group’s fastest growing demographic. Establish e-mail, better yet Skype, connections beforehand, to keep in touch with family and friends in the states. You may end up writing a blog to digest your experiences, as well as give your family insight into your days. Take care of medical insurance. Investigate special travelers’ insurance if your regular insurance is not adequate. Many programs will steer you to those essentials. In a world that is increasingly homogenized, where Intercontinental Hotels (as well as McDonald’s) in Vienna, Shanghai and New York look similar, retiree-volunteers are taking their skills to far-flung places not in the Fodor’s or Fromer’s guidebooks. Tom Pastorius calls many of them “grown-up gappers.” But unlike the 20-something “gappers,” who afterward must plunge into the work-world in earnest, these retiree-gappers can pack their bags again. Indeed, recently Partners in Health called Ros, asking her to go to Haiti. A few days later she left, not for Haiti’s beaches, but for its hospital. ■
THEATER – The premise is clever: Four women attend a lingerie sale and find they have much in common - they are all having hot flashes and other problems. The songs are parodies and the women far outnumbered the men the night I saw it, many attending in groups, and enjoying what the promoters call “The #1 Girls’ Night Out!” “Menopause The Musical” will be at the Lederer Theatre on Washington St. from June 3 to July 18. For reservations and group sales, call 351-4242.
It is a tale of a Massachusetts doctor who is unknowingly in possession of some very valuable paintings and is descended upon by New York City bigwigs, his family and unsavory swindlers. Sounds like fun. Larry Shue’s “The Foreigner” plays Aug. 11 to Sept. 5. Years ago, this play was done locally by every college and community theatre group in Rhode Island. It is about a shy and inept man who retreats to a fishing cabin in Georgia to escape an unhappy marriage, pretending to be a foreigner who knows no English. People reveal secrets in front of him and he gets caught up in an evil but hilarious plot. Tickets are $25 or $42 for a twoplay subscription. Call 247-4200 for reservations. Their Web site is www.2ndstorytheatre.com. Their café on the first floor is open on nights of performances.
NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE & CABARET RESTAURANT
If you want your summer theatre on the very light side, there is no better venue than the Newport Theatre and Cabaret Restaurant, located at 102 Connell Highway, around the rotary from Newport Grand. Currently playing through June 20 is Bill Daily’s “Lover’s Leap,” a comedy about a man having his first extramarital affair. “Suitehearts” by William Van Zandy and Jane Milmore plays from June 24 to Aug. 1. The plot follows a young couple that checks into a New York hotel for a romantic weekend. An older couple has in-
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advertently booked the same honeymoon suite. You can see where this one is going. “Don’t Dress For Dinner” by Marc Camoletti, is another familiar comedy about a man who packs his wife off to her mother’s and is planning the weekend with his mistress. He asks his best friend to be his alibi. What could possibly go wrong? We have raved for years about the fabulous buffet put on by Matt Siravo and crew, plus the cabaret after the play. For more information and reservations, call 848-7529, or check them out online at newportplayhouse.com.
2ND STORY THEATRE
Artistic Director Ed Shea calls it “Two Rousing Romps to Raise the Roof.” The newly air-conditioned 2nd Story Theatre in Warren will offer a comedy, fresh from its Off-Broadway revival, and an old chestnut comedy this summer. “I’ve uncovered two hysterically happily-ever-after romps that will lift your spirits and raise our roof,” said director Shea. Sidney Howard’s “The Late Christopher Bean” plays Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. from July 7 to Aug. 1.
BROWN SUMMER THEATRE
Lowry Marshall has once again put together an exciting summer of theatre. The summer series of new plays by accomplished writers will be held in the newly renovated, air-conditioned Leeds Theatre on the East Side’s Waterman Ave. Paul Grellond’s “Dog Park”
opens the series on July 7 to 10. Grellond won the prestigious Elliot Norton Award for “Radio Free Emerson,” performed recently at Gamm Theatre and “Warfare,” which was performed at Brown. Grellond has recently written scripts for TV’s “Law and Order” and feature films. “His scripts are like puzzles,” Marshall said. “They are intricately put together and unpredictable.” Andrew Brager’s “This is My Office” plays July 14 to 17. “A playwright is given space in an empty office building, with interesting results,” Marshall said. “It’s all about the creative process.” The third offering is a new musical, “Baz and Me,” set in Manhattan in 2010. Andrew Hertz and Nate Sloan did the music and lyrics, and Lowry Marshall did the book. Dates are July 21 to 24. As usual, the three plays will be done in repertory beginning July 28, with a three-play marathon on July 31. Marshall was glowing with the news that the 2006 “Speak and Debate” and 2007 “Boom,” written by Brown playwrights, were the top two most frequent professionally produced plays in the United States. For more information and reservations, call the Brown box office at 863-2838. ■ June 2010
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Letter to the editor: GLBQT (Gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender) column for seniors! Are you nuts? Yes!
We asked our readers,
-Anonymous
Editor’s note: I received this anonymous postcard recently. In response, I’d like to say this: to believe that seniors are immune to issues affecting the gay community is naive and ignorant. Whether you’re gay or not, you likely know someone who is. The Gay and Gray column can be helpful for all readers, seniors most of all. The topic was taboo for many older Americans, who were either closeted for much of their lives, or never learned how to navigate a conversation with a gay friend, neighbor or relative. Those days are over. It is not a taboo subject anymore, and if a column such as this offers comfort to one senior, or advice to another, than it’s worth it.
Home Instead receives national recognition Congratulations to the CAREgivers, clients and community referral sources who have collectively positioned Home Instead Senior Care of Rhode Island as the preeminent source of highly trained, compassionate home care services. On Sunday, April 25, the New York Times ran an article entitled “For a graying population, care increasingly comes from a graying workforce,” which featured two Home Instead families Carmine and Mary Spino and Grace Jackson, and CAREGivers Antonia Antonaccio and Mary-Lou O’Neill.
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