Celebrating our 86th Year!
New Price! $919,500
Custom sunny Tudor, 4/5 beds, 3 full, 2 half baths, 3 fire places, library, English pub room, garden, garage. Many special features from tower entrance to cobble stone driveway.
Suzie Prescott
New Listing! $189,000
Well-maintained legal 2. Third floor rooms offer potential to create townhouse or in-law. 3 heating systems, many updates, plenty of parking. Terrific Opportunity!
Lise Holst
New Listing! $279,000
Elmhurst! Custom-built, beautifully detailed Contemporary. Sunny, open floor plan, deck off kitchen. MBR w/bath, walk-in closet, eat-in kitchen. Oversized garage with unique cedar door. Move right in!
Daniel Byrnes
New Price! $250,000 & $240,000
Senior living at it’s finest! Beautifully maintained grounds. Spacious two bed, two bath. Newly carpeted and freshly painted. All amenities are covered by monthly fee.
Linda Mittleman
New Listing! $389,000
Stunning 3-4 bedroom townhouse. New bathrooms/ kitchen w ss appliances & granite counter, c/a, hardwoods, patio/deck & garage. Master w/marble bath, walk-in closet & laundry. Pets allowed.
$699,000
Restored Elisha Angell house with fabulous capitol views. Cook’s kitchen, high-eff. 4 zone heat. Finished lower opens to lovely English garden. Leased 2 car parking.
Sue Erkkinen
New Listing! $235,000
Very quiet town house condo. Rented until end of May 2016.
Myra Braverman
New Price! $580,000
Elegant center hall Colonial in prime location on upper Freeman Parkway. Lovely original details, glorious sunroom, spacious eat-in kitchen, Master suite, very private yard.
Lise Holst
Peter Hurley
New Listing! $210,000
South end townhouse unit in Wayland Square with private front and back entrances, parquet floors, full basement, large enclosed patio, 2 car parking. Convenient to universities, restaurants, downtown.
Sue Erkkinen
COLEMANREALTORS.COM providence 401.274.3636
barrington 401.245.3050
east greenwich 401.884.5522
corporate relocation 401.277.0570
watch hill 401.596.2390
contents octoBeR 2015
CHOOSE A BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE AGENCY WITH BIG RESULTS
New list 914 HOPE STREET Beautiful 3 bedroom arts and crafts home in great location walking distance to Lippitt park and Hope village. Hardwood floors, 1.2 baths, double parlor, lovely front porch and 2 car garage. priced to sell! $369,000 Karen miller
21
New list Putting the spotlight on east side crime
This Month
131 WOODBURY STREET reintroducing 131 woodbury. recently updated. painting in and out, refinished floors, new appliances, fixtures, updated mechanicals, newly landscaped with fenced in yard. 3 beds 3 full and 1 half bath. Great location!! $645,000 Aleen weiss
New list 33 ARLINGTON AVENUE Quality Hill’s edith Lenz House built in 1912! this 3300sf home with 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths is hard to pass up. Beautiful hardwood floors, central fire place, large formal dining. Spacious bricked patio and one car garage. A must see! $299,000 Karen miller
New list 50-54 JEWETT STREET, SMITH HILL An amazing opportunity to own a piece of history. Family owned for over 60 years, the ‘Aster Arms’ is a unique 12 unit rowhouse built in 1845 to house mill workers/families. $499,000 Karen miller
21 | Crime on the east side Addressing community concerns with hard facts 25 | Burden of Proof Keep the lights on for our annual Halloween short story New list 276 CAMP STREET wonderful colonial with original details. Beautiful floors. Some updating needed, but well worth it. 3 bed, 1.5 bath, newer roof and paint. deck to nice yard, one car garage. Great location! $299,500 Aleen weiss
Every Month 4 | Editorial/Letters
New list 121 AMHERST AVENUE, PAWTUCKET timeless elegance describes this center hall colonial: 3 bed, 2.5 bath, new eat in kitchen, formal living room/fireplace, dining room, study, park like yard, deck. $245,000 Gail Jenard
Community Looking forward to RISD By Design 11 | News 15 | In the Know 17 | Neighborhood News
Close to Home
New list
Pushing for learning a second language sooner 31 | On the Market 32 | Education 35 | East of Elmgrove
162 4TH STREET #2 Light filled condo steps from Hope village shops and restaurants. Unfinished attic for possible expansion. private entrance and balcony. two car garage. priced to sell! $179,000 Karen miller
On the Town New fusion cuisine on Federal Hill 39 | Flavor of the Month 41 | On The Menu 43
| Rhody Bites
47
| Calendar
The East Sider 62
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Meet the embodiment of the American dream
On the Cover: Braca.
East Side Crime. Photography by Mike
www.facebook.com/EastSideMonthly
peNdiNg 241 LAFAYETTE STREET, PAWTUCKET immaculately maintained, 2300 sf, 2 family 4 Br bungalow currently being used as a single family home. remodeled kitchen, gleaming hardwoods, newer roof and ext. paint. two car garage. move right in! $339,000 Karen miller
Assisting Buyers, sellers & renters Aleen WeissH Karen MillerH HAlso licensed in MA
Jon WeissHF Howard Weiss Claire sennott gail Jenard
Flicensed ri environmental lead inspector 0065
785 Hope Street providence, ri 401-272-6161 SpitzweiSS.com
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
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Editorial
EST 1975
East Side MONTHLY
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A Trolley Would Be Folly The initial presentations were pretty sexy. Glitzy new age streetcars. Downtown Providence looking vibrant, attractive and, most importantly, crowded. And with that, the pitch began as supporters made their case about why the downtown streetcar proposal is just what the City needs to jump start downtown development. The promotional materials promised a new 1.2 mile transportation system that would connect the train station to the Rhode Island Hospital while providing “reliable, frequent and comfortable” transportation, as well as being a “catalyst for economic development.” Exciting stuff. But it comes at a price. A very stiff price. Just over $100 million (or $50,000 per step if you’re walking the proposed route). Joe Paolino, a former mayor, development director for the state and a longtime downtown developer, certainly is a
man who knows the City better than anyone. His response: “I’m against it. Taxes will go up for what is an unnecessary and risky project.” Add our voice to the rising chorus of taxpayers who say we just don’t have the money to support this kind of mega project. The city would need $58 million in new bonding and still be $40 million short. The hope is that some sort of Tax Increment Financing program would use taxes generated by subsequent economic development to make up the difference. But in reality this is all speculation. The path for the streetcars is already partially built up. Providence is already a pretty walkable city. And, quite frankly, shiny new electric busses would provide the same “reliable, frequent and comfortable” service, but for a fraction of the cost. Our city has plenty of more important infrastructure needs, particularly in terms of new school
buildings and more police protection, for example. And given the impact of the just-passed tax stabilization bill and the continued expansion of our non-profits, it’ll likely be a while until we’re flush enough to drop $100 million on an interesting-but certainly nonessential-project like this. Quite frankly the thought of overhead wires and tracks in the street doesn’t strike us as a particularly attractive visual addition to our downtown. And finally Providence is… well Providence. A great place to live, but not yet an economic juggernaut. Capital Center still isn’t fully built out, and while there have been a few nibbles on the I-195 land, tenants remain elusive. So let’s put this pipe dream away, at least for now. There are better ways for our cash-stretched city to spend its… make that our… money.
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre @JeanetteSTP
Executive Editor Barry Fain
City Editor Steve Triedman
Creative Director Julie Tremaine @JulieTremaine
Managing Editor Grace Lentini @Gracie_NomNom
Digital Editor Tony Pacitti @TonyPacitti
Editor Courtney Denelle @CourtneyDenelle
Media Coordinator Ali McGowan @AliMMcGowan Art Director Meghan H. Follett
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
Assistant Art Director Veatsna Sok
Graphic Designer Katie LeClerc
Account Managers Shelley Cavoli: Shelley@ProvidenceOnline.com Louann DiMuccio-Darwich: Louann@ProvidenceOnline.com Ann Gallagher: Ann@ProvidenceOnline.com Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Kimberly Tingle: Kim@ProvidenceOnline.com Stephanie Oster Wilmarth: Stephanie@ProvidenceOnline.com
Letters Letter to a Thief This is an open letter to whoever has been stealing from our store What Cheer Records + Vintage on Thayer Street. Somehow you have gotten away with making off with a large number of pricey vinyl LP records from us recently. You now have an incredible collection of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin LPs – hope you’re happy with them, as they cost us a lot of money. While we didn’t see you do it, we noticed, and we want for you to know how much it has hurt us, financially and personally. You have betrayed our trust. You have also stolen from people who are probably a lot like you, just with better moral compasses. Just because we own a store doesn’t make us rich. Instead, we
4
East Side Monthly October 2015
Contributing Photographers Mike Braca Michael Cevoli Stacey Doyle
pay our bills and then put almost everything that’s left over back into the shop so that we can have the best possible inventory. We started our business in the late 1990s to allow for a flexible schedule that would allow us to pursue our artistic endeavors, so you have stolen from an artist and a musician-two people who are music lovers-who never gave up on vinyl records and have done all we could to help keep them alive. We’re also a resource for local musicians, as we sell LPs and CDs by local bands, including many we’ve had play live at What Cheer and at other venues around Providence. Your actions have taken away time and resources we could otherwise spend promoting and helping other local musicians,
so you have also stolen from the entire local music community. Commercial rents are really high here. Taxes, too. Providence is an extremely difficult place for a small business like ours, but thefts like yours have hurt us more than all of that. Stealing from anyone is awful, but when you steal from a small local business, it really hits home. If you’re a good person, you’ll return what you stole, but if you instead never steal from anyone else again, that would be a good step in doing the right thing. We’re all on this Earth together, and if we’re kind and fair to one another, all of our lives will be better. Chris and Jennifer Daltry What Cheer Records + Vintage Thayer and Angell Streets Providence
Contributing Illustrators Alison Blackwell Ashley MacLure Lia Marcoux
Contributing Writers Erin Balsa Alastair Cairns Michael Clark Mary K. Connor Jill Davidson Mike Fink
Don Fowler Wendy Grossman Nancy Kirsch Stephanie Obodda Elizabeth Rau Dan Schwartz
Classified Advertising Sue Howarth Interns Joanna Donofrio Kelly Laske
Brad McGarry Kevin Patterson Samantha Westmoreland
Calendar announcements and news releases should be submitted by the 1st of the preceding month. We reserve the right to omit and edit items. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters without exceptional circumstances. East Side Monthly is not responsible for typographical errors. Corrections will be run at discretion of editor. Copyright ©2015 by East Side Monthly. All rights reserved.
THE INAUGURATION OF ROSANNE SOMERSON 2015
RISD MUSEUM IS FREE OCTOBER 6 – 11
RISD MUSEUM IS FREE OCTOBER 6 – 11
Interfaces that don’t exist yet.
Materials that don’t exist yet.
RI SD Tools that don’t exist yet.
THE INAUGURATION OF ROSANNE SOMERSON 2015
Juxtapositions that don’t exist yet. THE INAUGURATION OF ROSANNE SOMERSON 2015
Friday, October 9 2 pm Roger Williams National Memorial 284 North Main Street president.risd.edu
RISD MUSEUM IS FREE OCTOBER 6 – 11
With the inauguration of its 17th president, Rhode Island School of Design celebrates its community while boldly embracing the future.
Colors that don’t exist yet.
Back to studying • music classes • sports • day care • fall activites For more Back to School offerings,
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Learn more at www.thewolfschool.org “At EXPO we went to several “At EXPO we went to several classroom sessions and saw•fifi02916 rsthand 215 Ferris Avenue • Eastclassroom Providence • Rhode Island sessions and saw rsthand “At “At EXPO EXPO wewe went went toto several several how engaging the teachers are. Clearly, how engaging the teachers are. classroom classroom sessions sessions and and saw saw firsthand fiClearly, rsthand the teachers are are great great at at delivering delivering the teachers how how engaging engaging the the teachers teachers are. are. Clearly, Clearly, their expertise to the students.” their expertise to the students.” the the teachers teachers are are great great at at delivering delivering – MB upper school parent “EXPO gave us a chance to MB upper school parent their their expertise expertise to–to the the students.” students.” engage with the whole Moses Brown community. We met students, teachers and parents.” – MB middle school parent
Open House Saturday, November 21 9 a.m. - Noon 216 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 -2246 phone: 401.421.8100 web: www.wheelerschool.org In the heart of College Hill since 1889 Nursery - Gr. 12 | Coeducational | College-preparatory | Independent
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Our View: Hands on learning ignites the drive to succeed. Graduates of Bay View Academy have gone on to become astrophysicists, doctors, marine biologists and chemical engineers. For each of these success stories, the spark was lit in Bay View’s own science labs. Our talented faculty inspire our students in all grades and courses, from Fine Arts to Physics and everything in between. Combine this with the individual attention that Bay View students enjoy and our girls
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Community East Side Stories | neighborhood news & notes
East Side News
Inauguration by Design RiSD honors its new president and the creativity of its student body By Ali McGowan It was no shock when RISD officially declared Rosanne Somerson, ’76 alumna, faculty member, department head and provost, the school’s 17th president this past March. After the unceremonious departure of former chief executive John Maeda, Somerson’s seamless transition as interim president in January 2014 reaffirmed her lifelong love of RISD and her commitment to the creative arts, design and global innovation. To celebrate her new position, RISD will be hosting her official inauguration on Friday, October 9 at the Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street. Starting at 2pm, the ceremony is open to the community and represents just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting weekend in Providence. In fact, the annual three-day-long RISD by Design weekend – a range of events that lionize over five decades of alumni and current students – starts at 10am on Friday, October 8 and extends until 12:30pm on Sunday, October 10. RISD By Design will coincide with RISD Craft – a juried retail sale of fine art and handmade crafts from over 150 alumni and student artists on Benefit Street – presentations, tours, open studios and receptions. A perfect example of RISD’s multitalented alumni, architecture graduate, fashion designer and ceramics professional Adam Silverman will kick off the weekend’s festivities with a keynote recollection of RISD’s unique “DNA.” Co-founder of the spectacularly successful street fashion labels X-Large
and X-Girl, and previously the studio director of Heath Ceramics, Silverman embodies RISD’s creative flexibility, which he has showcased in exhibitions in the United States and Japan. Following his speech, the entire central campus will host an outdoor afterparty featuring live music, artwork and performances beginning at 6pm, capping the inauguration celebrations and setting an energetic tone for the weekend’s agenda. As part of the celebration, the RISD Museum will be free to the public all week, from Tuesday, October 6 to Sunday, October 11. The afternoon itinerary on Saturday – jam-packed with 20 different presentations, workshops, sales and tours – offers explorations into academia, design, history, sustainability and RISD tradition that should appeal to children, prospective students and art advocates alike. Highlights include a letterpress printed poster workshop, a Nature Lab demonstration, book readings and signings, walking tours of historic RISD and drop-in drawing classes. Meanwhile, Benefit Street will be closed off, becoming a marketplace to an impressive array of design work as part of RISD Craft from 10am to 5pm. Of the 90 alumni and 30 students showcasing their work, 2004 Film/Video and Painting graduate Muffy Brandt feels especially fortunate for the community’s support of art, design and crafts in all forms, with a particular love for the Benefit Street sales.
“It’s amazing to reconnect with classmates and see how people’s work and practice are evolving. There is an openness and attitude of mutual support that I love about RISD and the camaraderie among makers is warm,” she states. Following RISD Craft, the evening’s dinners will celebrate the reunions of ten classes, with the class of 1965 being honored for its 50th year since its graduation. On-campus exhibition tours, including the Career Center’s new 50-seat presentation room at 123 Dyer Street, close the weekend on Sunday and honors RISD’s
mission to grow extraordinary people who thrive in its creative culture. Primed to lead RISD in establishing a world that has yet to exist, President Somerson is determined to turn the “conceptual into the practical” by testing new ideas that will prepare students for the 21st century’s needs for innovation, agility and process-driven problem solving. By doing so, Somerson is convinced that the breadth of what RISD can achieve, either alone or in partnership with other universities such as Brown, is limitless. president. risd.edu, rbd.risd.edu
A member of the Inauguration Exhibition’s Committee, Stephen exclaims that he’s terribly pleased to officially welcome RISD’s new president. “It’s just wonderful,” he says. “We’re going to have a lot of really fun happenings that day.” Tangible Thinking will honor the intricate synergy between art and science in the artistic process – a multidisciplinary
way of thinking that applies science, technology, engineering, art and math, otherwise known as STEAM Intelligence. “In order to create the tools, technologies and materials of tomorrow, young citizens need to be prepared to work across sectors together,” states exhibition curator and industrial designer Amy Leditke. “I believe the artists and
designers represented in the Tangible Thinking exhibition and programs demonstrate this unique form of intelligence, something our culture should hold in higher esteem and value.” www.artleagueri.org, office@artleagueri. org. Now through November 1.VETS Gallery, One Avenue of the Arts. 421-2787, www.vmari.com
RISD President, Rosanne Somerson
Photo by Jo Sittenfeld/RISD
More Artful Celebrations In addition to RISD’s celebratory weekend, Tangible Thinking, a program by the Art League of Rhode Island, will take place until November 1 at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Among artists including Kate Blacklock, Allison Chen and Joseph D.Clinton will be Chairman of the RISD Museum, Stephen Metcalf.
October 2015 East Side Monthly
11
Community East Side News
continued...
35 Years and Counting the East Side’s Peaceable Kingdom celebrates a major milestone By Miranda Richard It’s no accident that the East Side is known for good taste, and one of our neighborhood’s most beloved art vendors is celebrating 35 years this month. The Ritchie family, which owns Peaceable Kingdom, has been travelling the globe since 1980 to bring the best of the world’s cultural art straight to Providence. Over the last three and a half
decades, the family has cultivated personal relationships with individual artists and merchants around the world, which allows them to return to Providence with some of the globe’s finest art. Peaceable Kingdom sells art from myriad world cultures and satisfies even the most eclectic of tastes. South American nativities and African musical
instruments transport art lovers to faraway lands without the hassle of international travel. The seemingly unlimited supply of art pieces includes both aesthetic and functional art. Peaceable Kingdom, as its name suggests, represents a peaceful melding of cultures, allowing patrons from all backgrounds to appreciate intricately woven rugs
from Iran alongside Haitian paintings and purses from Guatemala. Regular participants in Providence’s Gallery Nights, the Ritchie family invites the entire community to experience the art that has brought them to more than 35 countries in as many years. 116 Ives Street, Providence. 351-3472, www.pkgifts.com
Harnessing Brain Power How schools, businesses and the city can retain graduates By Sam Seidel Editor’s note: Sam Seidel is the Student Experience Lab Director at the Business Innovation Factory. Originally intended to run in our September cover story “How to Make Providence a Better City,” the following are his thoughts on how to combat the issue of postgraduation “brain drain” in Providence.
Some thoughts on how
Providence can do better at retaining college students after graduation (based on the personal experiences of a guy who came to town to attend college 17
years ago and is still here): 1) What colleges can do: Through work-study programs, public service centers and courses that require community engagement, colleges can support students in building off-campus connections (crucial in this process is interrogating the dynamics of power and privilege inherent in college students “volunteering” in the community). I had a work-study placement at Big Picture Learning, which allowed me to see how I could pursue my passion around national education transformation from
Providence. I was highly involved at Brown’s public service center, which introduced me to local schools. I took courses that required work with community organizations (in my first semester this led me to AS220, where I ended up working upon graduating). 2) What businesses/organizations can do: Approaching graduation, many students feel unsettled by the idea of becoming untethered from the institution that has held them for four years. Local organizations and businesses investing time and trust in students
makes it possible for students to find not just jobs but communities in which to anchor themselves upon graduating. 3) What government can do: The size of our state is an awesome advantage. When city and state officials make themselves accessible, graduates see opportunity. In building AS220’s youth program, we were able to meet with the mayor, and the directors of state departments of education, health, and children, youth and families. Rhode Island’s miniscularity allowed us to make a broader impact faster.
The Power of Mindfulness Shambhala meditation Center to host a talk on meditation and the arts By Jenn Salcido Meditation
and
mindfulness
have been shown to soothe everything from blood pressure to sleep issues, not to mention just general cases of the blahs. But have you heard about meditation for the theater artist? According to Ed Shea, artistic director of 2nd Story Theatre in Warren, it’s a natural fit. Ed, who is giving a talk at the Shambhala Meditation Center of Providence on October 1 on how meditation has impacted his art, said that he first discovered the cross-applications for the
12
East Side Monthly October 2015
practice and his work as an actor and director when he stumbled onto meditation for an unrelated concern. About eight months ago, a personal issue was bogging him down in obsessive rumination, and he turned to meditation to find relief and peace of mind. “It’s about coming face to face with yourself,” he says of meditation. Ed speaks of learning, over the course of his interaction with this discipline, how to really be present in the moment, how to sit with himself – even
when it’s not comfortable. This isn’t so different from acting, he says. “There’s so much correlation between mindfulness and acting technique,” he says. “I ran across a line in a David Mamet essay once; he advised actors to not move on to the next thing, because there is no next thing. Acting and meditation advise you to be present in the moment.” Ed has yet to act since he began his meditative practice – that won’t happen until January, when he plays
Sigmund Freud in Hysteria, a farce at 2nd Story. But he said he’s excited to bring what he’s learned from the Center into his current directing project at the theater, Dangerous Corner, which just began last month. In the meantime, he’ll take to a new space. The talk and discussion will last about an hour, with a reception to follow. There is no fee to attend, but donations are welcome. October 1. 6pm. 541 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket. 753-4858, www. providence.shambhala.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS 2015 National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:30 p.m. The Auditorium in Roberts Hall ˜ Flamenca Compania José Porcel Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. The Auditorium in Roberts Hall
Spirit of India featuring the Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. The Auditorium in Roberts Hall View complete list of events and buy tickets at www.ric.edu/pfa or call (401) 456-8144. In addition, don’t miss RIC’s many wonderful student performances throughout the year. Rhode Island College 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Providence, RI 02908
401-862-6097 • www.mydps.me • debbie@mydps.me
Accommodations for persons with disabilities available upon request. Call (401) 456-8144 for assistance. TTY/TDD: 711.
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Brown Shops Local! Stop by the new “Brown Shops Local” pop-up shop in the Brown Bookstore, near Blue State Coffee. Find RI-made gifts, jewelry, and other fun stuff, curated by local independent gift shop Frog & Toad.
For more news about Brown: https://news.brown.edu
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East Side Monthly October 2015
Sign up to receive weekly notices of public events at Brown: http://news.brown.edu/events/subscribe
Community In the Know by Barry Fain
Remembering the Greatest Generation The members and friends of Hamilton House on Angell Street are hard at work preparing for what should be a truly spectacular Veterans Day event on November 8 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and are seeking our help. They are asking anyone with something to contribute – stories, memories or artifacts – to participate. In particular, items relevant to the Jamestown fort, ID tags or model replicas of planes, Jeeps or trucks would be welcome. The multimedia event will include speakers, theatrical readings, video clips and excerpts from FDR’s fireside chats, letters and the like will be held at the Central Congregational Church next door to the House. Please send any info or questions to Anna Mason at Hamiltonhouse276@hotmail.com or call 831-1800. It promises to be something special.
Can’t We Just Talk? The always-interesting Mixed Magic Theatre Company, led by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and his son Jonathan, continue to push the boundaries of interesting and provocative theatre. Their current initiative is to focus more on in-school projects and touring shows with educational themes both contemporary and classic. One of the more interesting events will be the group’s hosting of a conference called “The Role of Theater in the Conversation on Race in America” on Saturday, October 10 from 11am1pm at Sapinsley Hall at Rhode Island College. This certainly sounds like an especially appropriate conversation to be having in the face of the increasing number of confrontations that have dominated our front pages over the last few months. For more info visit www.mmtri.com or call 305-7333.
A Big Day for a Big Mac Long time East Sider Malcolm “Mac” Farmer is being honored this month with the 11th Annual Brighter Futures Award at noon on Tuesday, October 20 at the RI Convention Center. Mac started his long and distinguished local advocacy career as a staff attorney in the ‘60s, standing in solidarity with the African American community in
Mississippi. After returning to Rhode Island as a lawyer, a city councilman and a tireless advocate for racial and gender equality, he has never wavered in his commitment to social justice and now serves as the president of the Family Service of RI board of directors. For more info on his well-deserved honor, visit www. familyserviceri.org, email hugst@familyserviceri.org or call 519-2274.
The Shark Keeps Circling To say there has been a bit of controversy over at the Providence Board of Licenses is an understatement. The recent announcement that State Senator Juan Pichardo from South Providence will be taking over the helm of the group makes him the fourth head of the board in the past 19 months, and one of their first cases will involve one of the East Side’s more controversial nightspots. Shark Bar and Grille, the restaurant that was the other half of the bribery case that brought down former speaker Gordon Fox, has put itself into bankruptcy. Mayor Elorza had been on a campaign since March to void all business licenses for the troubled establishment. Dan McGowan of WPRI Channel 12 reports that Shark has been sold to Silver Linings, Inc for $300,000 contingent on the purchaser obtaining a new liquor license. According to McGowan, court records show that the new owner is Carlos Silva, who has no previous experience in the restaurant business and is a friend of one of the old owners, Bahij Boutros, who will not have any role in the new enterprise. Obviously this will be a decision that much of Thayer Street will be watching.
The Rose Returns One of the most iconic members of the Providence arts community has returned and is excited to tell us about what’s been going on in her life. Rose Weaver, the longtime Trinity Rep actress who went on to get an MFA at Brown and write a wide range of plays, monologues and songs in addition to her acting career, will return to Trinity for a solo show on October 19 for one night only. And best of all, it’s free. All you have to do is register at Rickman@rickmangroup.com. It promises to be a wonderful night
of memories, songs and celebration for one of the area’s beloved success stories. The event is sponsored by Stages of Freedom: Black Performing Arts in Rhode Island.
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Chalk This One Up For The Kids After missing last year, we’re happy to report that the Providence Rotary Street Painting Festival will be returning to downtown’s Alex & Ani Skating Rink on Saturday, October 10 from 12-6pm. Hundreds of local artists will take chalk in hand and compete for cash prizes at all levels of experience and all age groups. Given the cutback in school arts programs nowadays, the festival provides an unique opportunity to honor the artists, their teachers and their schools as the floor of the rink is magically transformed into a colorful tapestry of homegrown art. While the event itself is free, spectators are invited to buy tokens to vote for their favorite artists. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Providence, funds raised from the event go primarily to charities that support the children of Providence. It’s a wonderful family friendly event that always “draws” a crowd, so go and enjoy.
He Was One Helluva Guy! Providence lost one of its best and brightest with the sudden passing of Guy Abelson. He was that rare blend of humanitarian, businessman and community activist who improved our community, one project at a time. He used his business to create top-of-the-line events for everything from huge fundraisers to weddings and bar mitzvahs, and he prided himself as a contemporary Robin Hood, taking his profits from the wealthy while encouraging them to invest it in those who needed help. His largess was broad and supported Lifespan, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and AIDS Project RI, among others. There will be a memorial service in his honor on October 10 at 10am at the Unitarian Church located appropriately at the corner of Benefit and Benevolent. Respected and loved by so many, he leaves a gaping hole in our community. Guy, we’ll miss you.
Call Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733 #1 Agent at Residential Properties Ltd. Since 1996
(401) 474-3733 gerri@residentialproperties.com
gerrischiffman.com residentialproperties.com
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Community Neighborhood News
Neighborhood News is a space that East Side Monthly makes available to community organizations free of charge. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of this publication.
Photo Courtesy of the Summit Neighborhood Association
Summit neighborhood Association Annual Music Festival Rocks Lippitt Park On a hot, sunny Saturday during the Rhode Island summer, your options for adventure are limitless, but close to 2,000 people chose to hit up the Summit Music Festival in Lippitt Memorial Park. Headlined by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, playing for the first time in recent memory in Rhode Island, the free event was not to be missed. Hosted by the Summit Neighborhood Association along with Miriam Hospital and the City of Providence, this year’s festival on August 15 benefited the Fresh For All Fund, which supports local farmers and increases access to fresh foods. During the day, members of the hospital staff circulated, seeking contributions. There are probably only a handful of cities that support free live music outdoors along with a beer and wine garden, glorious food and local arts vendors while bringing the entire community together. Clearly, Providence is one of them. The fun all started earlier in the day with the Hope Street Farmer’s Market in the same park. Folks stocked up on fresh food and then picked out a spot to watch and enjoy the music. As the market ended, Extraordinary Rendition Band started playing and marched from the fountain to the front of the stage bringing everyone to their feet to dance. Around the edges, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Julian’s, FUGO, Acacia Café, Lotus Pepper, Tricycle Ice Cream, Pat’s Pastured, Fancheezical and Like No Udder were among the prepared-food favorites. To quench the hot-day thirst, there were Revival Brewing, Narragansett Beer, Gnarly Head wines and Yacht Club Soda.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlined this year’s Summit Music Festival
Entertainment for kids included Music for Children RI with bongos, xylophones and other instruments that they could bang on all day without annoying their parents. Those daring enough tried to climb to the top of the mighty rock wall, and for those that preferred to stay grounded, The Avenue Concept had a 40-foot art wall that everyone could help paint. No festival is complete without face painting and Art on the Spot had that covered. All of these were free. Once the marching band finished, Torn Shorts, consisting of Josh Grabert and Chris Ardoin blending indie, blues, folk and rock, took the stage for an inspirational set. The crowd was then presented a special treat from neighborhood locals, Brother Henry, made up of Dylan and Ethan Itkin, of Providence, with Henry Lee and Jackson L’Heureux, of Cranston, all young teens, who played two originals and then covered “Loser” by Beck. The Northampton, trio And The Kids followed with a blend of guitars, rhythm and vibrant, layered vocals. Next came singer/songwriter Garrin Benfield, who played his unique mix of country-tinged original folk songs
layered with masterful acoustic guitar looping. Then, with SNA President Dean Weinberg on stage, called for a shout of encouragement from the crowd for a mutual friend with a serious illness. Following that was one of the day’s final performances from The Mighty Good Boys, playing acoustically from in front of the stage. The highlight of the day was when Dirty Dozen took over and everyone, sunburnt and all, danced to their New Orleans-style jazz. About 400 people jammed on the grass below the band to end the day. Residents Invited to Directors Meetings The SNA board of directors meets at 7pm on the third Monday of every month in the cafeteria of Summit Commons, 99 Hillside Ave. The sessions are open and neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend. Minutes of all board meetings are posted on the SNA website at www.sna.providence. ri.us under “Meetings and Agendas.” Contact us at Summit Neighborhood Association, PO Box 41092, Providence, RI 02940. 489-7078, sna@sna. providence.ri.us. –Mathiew J. Medeiros and Kerry Kohring
Fox Point neighborhood Association Events this Month FPNA Board Meeting, 7pm, Monday, October 12 at the Vartan Gregorian Bath House Community Room, 455 Wickenden Street. Providence Deserves a Central Park The Fox Point Neighborhood Association, FPNA, has voted to oppose any proposals by the new owners of the PawSox to use the I-195 parcels, which are currently designated for parkland. In a letter to Carlos Machado, Rhode Island Division Administrator with the Federal Highway Administration, FPNA Vice President Daisy Schnepel explained FPNA’s opposition to the stadium deal. “In 1997, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) wisely approved a re-development plan that mandated this now-coveted 4.8-acre plot of riverfront land be designated for use as a public park,” according to Schnepel. “They said we lacked green space.” Since then, FPNA and other
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Community Neighborhood News
neighborhood associations have participated with city planners and civic groups at public meetings to review and provide input to develop this “Central Park,” for Providence, the letter explained. “The objective was to re-link our city with two riverside parks and a beautifully landscaped pedestrian bridge,” she added. “This central place with a stunning 360-degree view would welcome people from all neighborhoods of varied recreational interests, ages and conditions to walk, relax and play.” Instead, Providence could get a 50foot wall that would block the views on both sides of the river, while increasing noise, light pollution and compromising our environmental storm-runoff system, Schnepel said. “Suddenly, there is talk of another back room deal, in which some government officials appear eager to give this prime parcel of real estate away at taxpayer expense,” she added. “A group of businessmen have convinced these elected officials that the land would be better used for a minor league baseball team’s stadium,” Schnepel continued. Although we were told that the approved construction of the pedestrian bridge was completely funded, it now has been put on hold due to “budgetary concerns,” Schnepel said. This action seems to indicate that the State does not need to waste additional public taxpayer revenues, she pointed out. “Now, we understand from you that the state would have to pay the fair market value for the land if it is not used for designated public space,” Schnepel’s letter continued. “Since it was valued at $4,005,000 in 2011, this land with now-developed infrastructure will surely be more valuable in today’s marketplace,” she added. “Aside from this expense, we would like to remind officials that over $1 million has been paid by the state to architectural firms, who have developed and reviewed landscaping plans with the various stakeholders,” she added. “Of equal importance is the combined
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East Side Monthly October 2015
input of time, oftentimes on a volunteer basis, by stakeholders, who include neighborhood associations, civic leaders, city planners and state governmental officials.” Rather than increasing retail business, ballparks usually divert business from existing enterprises, we have been told. “We also believe it would create traffic bottlenecks, crowd control issues and increased police detail demands within a business area and nearby residential neighborhoods.” “Our opposition to the proposal is not anti-baseball or entertainment. We just want the park, which we were promised numerous times, to be developed,” Schnepel conclude. “Please, do not let the stadium proponents wiggle out of the 1997 ‘Record of Decision’ that governs the highway land’s re-use,” she pleaded. FPNA asks the FHWA to insist that the state’s elected officials honor this plan, which better reflects Rhode Island’s inspiring maritime history. “The stadium deal is a self-serving proposal that is a boon for the developers and owners, but a big loss for the economy and quality of life for Providence residents.” PPS Opposes Stadium on Parkland, too While Providence may indeed benefit from having a downtown ballpark, the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) considers the most important question to be whether the current proposal would yield a truly public benefit for the largest number of citizens, expressed executive director of the Providence Preservation Society Brent Runyon in an op-ed opinion in the Providence Journal. “For a number of reasons, we conclude that it would not.” “PPS’s mission includes advocating for excellence in urban planning and design,” he explained. In June, our Planning and Architectural Review Committee (PAR) along with design professionals from the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, College Hill, Fox Point and the Jewelry District, received a thorough
presentation on the ballpark’s design from its architect, the editorial explained. “After carefully considering the plan for the ballpark and its infrastructure requirements, it was clear to PAR that these parcels should not be given over to such a narrow use.” “Plans for a signature waterfront park on the west side of the Providence River have been in place since 2006.” Runyon said. “When the Project for Public Spaces studied our waterfront in 2009, their guiding principle was that healthy waterfronts are a public asset for all people,” he added. “Use of this exceptional location should meet the shared goals of many types of users and serve many public purposes.” Attractive and well-planned parks also positively impact nearby property values, according to The Trust for Public Land’s 2009 study, Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System. “The increase can be as much as 15% in some cases,” the study concluded. “Additional direct benefits include increased physical activity among residents, improved air quality and stronger community cohesion.” “The study also points to the reduction of stormwater management costs associated with urban parklands. A park, not a stadium, would provide stormwater mitigation for the entire district. “This planned benefit would cut costs and streamline construction within the adjacent I-195 parcels,” explained Runyon. “A well-designed urban park that allows for diverse activities will become a year-round destination, activating circulation through and between the I-195 corridor and adjacent neighborhoods and adding to public life,” Runyon pointed out. “Conversely, the current proposal would create a physical and visual barrier with little truly public space.”Fox Point Neighborhood Association, P.O. Box 603177, Providence, RI 02906. 270-7121, www.fpna. net, fpna@cox.net. –John Rousseau
Waterman Street Dog Park Fundraising Drive for Fence Complete We did it! This month, the Waterman Street Dog Park Association reached our $25,000 goal for the fence fund. With these funds raised, the park is ready to be built, and we expect the city to begin work soon. We want to give an enormous thank you to all the community members, institutions, businesses and dog lovers who helped us reach our goal. Two years ago, a group of neighbors decided to restart the push for a stateof-the-art dog park for the East Side. It has taken countless hours of work, but the park is now close to fruition. Waterman Street Dog Park Association, 19 Luzon Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. watermanstdogpark@gmail. com, watermanstdogpark.org. –Sam Bell
Wayland Square Monthly Meetings Wednesdays from 7-8:45pm, September 30 (postponed from the 23 by religious holidays) and October 28, Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street at Elmgrove Avenue, next to CVS. Free and open to all. On September 30, we’ll hear again from Providence Water and National Grid about their pipe repairs and roadwork (discussed briefly in last month’s column). The utilities first explained their plans to merchants’ and neighbors’ meetings in April; now that the work is well under way, we’d like to know more about specific schedules and locations. This would also be an opportunity to ask National Grid any questions you have about streetlights. Later in our September 30 meeting (about 7:45pm), we’ll meet the East Side’s new police commander, Lieutenant Joseph Donnelly. Our agenda for Wednesday, October 28 had not been set when this column was submitted, but we hope to
Community Neighborhood News
invite speakers from Pawtucket to talk about McCoy Stadium and other topics of regional interest. More Information Check our Yahoo! Group’s public message board (below) to stay abreast of current local events and issues. Or join the group to receive regular announcements by email, including select notices of neighborhood meetings, civic affairs and cultural events. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ waylandsquare –David Kolsky
College Hill neighborhood Association At our last meeting, the College Hill Neighborhood Association (CHNA) Board discussed its priorities for the upcoming year. As always, the Board welcomes input and participation by any of its members as we work together to try and protect the quality of life for all the residents of our College Hill community. Improvements to Prospect Terrace The Board is committed to working with the Parks Department to upgrade Prospect Terrace which we feel is in need of some TLC. In response to the neighborhood meeting that was held in the park to solicit both input and interest from the neighborhood, the Board hopes to establish a non-profit “friends of the park” group to upgrade this “jewel of the city.” A subgroup under the guidance of Sara Bradford, a well-respected landscape designer and treasurer of CHNA, is developing plans for the improvements as well as creating fundraising and marketing goals as part of what will be an exciting public/private collaboration. Please call Barry Fain at 751-7078 if you’d like to get involved. We need your involvement to make this work. Addressing Crime in Our Neighborhood Like the other neighborhoods of the East Side, we are concerned with what
appears to be an increase in the number and type of crimes that are plaguing our area. We are committed to doing what we can to help protect our community and look forward to joining with other East Side neighborhoods in working with the police to improve the situation. Several of our Board members have stepped forward to lead this effort. Continuing Collaborative Discussions on Ongoing Projects Several initiatives remain ongoing and we look forward to continuing our role as a contributing participant in discussions with the city and our neighboring institutions with an eye towards developing constructive outcomes fair to all parties. Among some of the issues: ongoing design discussions on several Brown projects, enhanced signage around several of our neighborhood schools, the proposed new stadium for the PawSox, upcoming taxes and of course improved city snowplowing for the upcoming winter. College Hill Community Social Events One of the most enjoyable functions of a neighborhood organization is to bring residents together on a social basis to share ideas, work together on common problems, improve communications to aid in areas such as crime prevention and to get to know each other better. Watch for some of these activities in the upcoming months. We welcome residents who would like to assist in the planning of these events. Please contact us at our website. Joining the CHNA is Painless and Quite Easy The CHNA welcomes all College Hill residents to join us and support our efforts to protect and improve our neighborhood. Go to our website for more information. You’ll receive regular updates on important activities within College Hill, receive invitations to our social events and assist us as we work in your behalf. College Hill Neighborhood Association, P.O. Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906. 633-5230,
www.collegehillna.com, chna@collegehillna.com.–Anthony Petrocchi, corresponding secretary
Blackstone Parks Conservancy It’s Really About the Future Sometimes a local college will send new freshmen to volunteer in the Blackstone Parks. In September, nearly 40 new RISD students arrived in two groups to figure out how to take materials found in the riverside park and build temporary enclosures that could be knocked down and later reassembled – sort of like stage sets. The Education Committee project led by Chair Rick Richards and Coordinator Elena Riverstone wanted temporary circles where children could gather for nature stories and songs. There may have been a little trepidation on both parts. The Blackstone Parks Conservancy (BPC) had not worked with RISD before. Could they find an assignment for these talented artists that would fully engage them? Would it be a good enough experience that they would want to return? The RISD student leaders, on the other hand, were unfamiliar with the Conservation District and had no idea what its rules are. And, not knowing the BPC volunteers, they might well have wondered: Who are these people? Complicating the project was the fact that it had to be compatible with the mission of the Conservancy to protect and maintain the Conservation District. People can’t just go around pulling up plants, not even noxious plants, except under the guidance of a URI-certified invasive plants manager, of which the BPC has two. If they are removed improperly, these plants can spread even faster than they otherwise would. Nor can anybody just build things in the woodland, which is under the aegis of the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and the Providence Department of Parks and Recreation. Fencing erected in recent
years to protect plants is intended to be temporary. Nevertheless, certain invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed could be carefully removed under the guidance of the certified managers and used for the project. Knotweed stalks look and feel much like bamboo, and grow vigorously in the ravine behind York Pond. Not surprisingly considering the effort that went into planning the project and the creativity and dedication of everyone involved, the results were stunning. They can be seen this fall in the Park, and in photographs on the BPC website. An even more inspiring result was the enthusiastic engagement of the students during the several hours they spent in the Park on one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer. As the BPC had hoped, their leaders are keen to return next year with new groups of freshmen. The Conservancy invited the RISD students to come back during the semester to unwind by turning off their cell phones and devices and soaking up what the Conservation District offers to all who visit; a few calming moments. Evidence shows that even an hour in such an environment as this can lower blood pressure. On Blackstone Boulevard Under the attentive guidance of the founder and leader of the summer concerts, Gale Aronson, the BPC wrapped up its latest season with hundreds of enthusiastic listeners. The community and the BPC owe a huge debt to Gale for the way the Boulevard looks and sounds. Events Boat ride on the Seekonk River, September 26 at 10:30am next to the NBC boathouse; Spooky Trail Walk, September 30. See website for details. Kindly send your East Side Marketplace receipts to: Blackstone Parks Conservancy, P.O. Box 603141, Providence, RI 02906. 270-3014, www.blackstoneparksconservancy.org, janeannpeterson@gmail.com. –Jane Peterson
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Putting East Side Crime in Perspective Neighborhoods continue to search for ways to protect their turf By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
S
omeone once asked Slick Willie Sutton, the infamous bank robber, why he robbed banks. “I rob banks because that’s where the money is,” he said. The same could be said for why people break into houses on the East Side. The East Side has traditionally seen an uptick in crime during warmer weather. “You couldn’t walk, let alone drive in most of this area all winter,” noted a patrol officer, who was willing to speak although not for attribution. “Backyards were impassable and transporting anything from a home would have been difficult. It’s almost like there was a pent up demand for criminal activity that was released when the weather changed.” “But what has also changed,” observed the same officer, “is that there is now a much higher degree of vigilance and awareness on the East Side over the past few months. Between the B&Es (Breaking and Entering) and Cheryl Simmons’ listserv, people have gotten engaged.”
Community Involvement It couldn’t be more appropriate that Cheryl Simmons has become the unquestioned doyenne of crime statistics on the East Side, as well as the chief curator of any public discourse on the subject that follows. About five years ago, Ms. Simmons was at home when her house on President Avenue was broken into. While many others in this unfortunate situation would be more likely to flee to the burbs or join the rising chorus of frustrated victims, Simmons decided Lieutenant Joseph Donnelly, the newly appointed head of two East Side districts
something could and should be done. The result is a listserv of over 1,000 to whom she sends out almost daily East Side crime reports and then edits the wide range of debate that then ensues among her followers. The recent statistics, unfortunately, make for sobering and sometimes frightening reading, though Simmon’s listserv is also generally the first to report the good news too, say when a potential miscreant is scared off, or, as been the case recently, a perpetrator has been caught by the police. In its few years of existence, Simmons listserv has become a must read for anyone who is concerned about local crime here on the East Side. “I was able to jump start the process in 2010,” recalls Simmons, “because my neighbors and I had already started a network over our concerns about a new RIPTA bus line that was being proposed for our quiet residential street. Our growth was 100% word of mouth. Initially we offered weekly reports, which were much more detailed in part because an intern in the police department was given the assignment to work with us. We even ran some almost real time reports of crimes in progress. Unfortunately in her enthusiasm, she allowed some important details of a crime to leak out prematurely and so the practice had to be reorganized.” What replaced the initial information flow was something called crimereports.com, which is akin to what the ProJo used to run (and many local papers and police departments still do) called Police Logs. “The hope is that patterns will emerge and neighbors will learn tips to communicate questionable behavior to either the police or to their neighbors so we can better protect ourselves,” says Simmons. “For example a recent report documented some thefts where the perpetrators have been using ladders to enter homes from the second floor to circumvent alarms. Alerted to the new technique, neighbors hopefully became more aware of suspicious behavior of this type.” An integral aspect of her daily reports is the wide range of feedback, often fascinating to read, that the site produces. Simmons curates resident responses in an effort to keep the discussions both civil and useful. As expected, every possible point of view has emerged on what appears to be a significant resurgence of East Side break-ins. One irate reader calls for curfews from 10pm to 6am. Another advocates for a march on City Hall. Another suggests withholding taxes. Others lament what they call a “catch and release” judicial system that puts the bad guys right back on the streets. Most, while acknowledging the decade long cutback of officers, still plead for more policing of our neighborhoods. On the other side, one resident suggests nothing will change until something is done about solving the problem of poverty. Others reflect it is nothing more than
the reality of contemporary urban life. But regardless of one’s position on what needs to be done, there is no question Simmons has performed an important community service by establishing a forum for participants to express their views. Often, useful information about security systems or best practices from other cities appears on the site as well. The degree to which crime has become the current dominant issue on the East Side was demonstrated by the recent two-hour crime meeting that was convened at Nathan Bishop and moderated by Tim Murphy that attracted over 100 participants on a hot August evening. In attendance was Mayor Elorza, Public Commissioner Stephen Pare, Police Chief Hugh Clements and the newly appointed head of the two East Side Districts, Lt. Joseph Donnelly. While the tenor of the meeting was respectful to the police, the community’s frustration was perhaps best articulated by one resident who after hearing a list of do’s and don’ts from the police, responded with “We don’t want to hear what we need to do. We just want it to stop.” The level of current neighborhood frustration has produced at least one new, and controversial, initiative. Residents in the upper Elmgrove Avenue, Upper Cole, Harwich, Westford and Wingate area actually hired a private security company to patrol about a dozen streets to supplement regular police coverage. Bart Catalane, a resident of the area, funded the initial patrol service and is trying to gauge if there is enough interest to continue the initiative. Lt. Donnelly welcomed the patrols. “They drove around and were visible, or they were parked in front of a home for awhile. It showed a presence and that’s an important deterrent,” he says. A few participants on the listserv, however, worry that in addition to the obvious expense to residents already paying high taxes, an unintended consequence might be for the police to shift efforts to other areas of the city which lack the additional coverage. Still, Brown clearly has invested additional resources in protecting the areas around their campus with some success. Apparently buying additional security coverage is an expanding phenomenon in areas where budget cuts have limited police resources. The NY Times recently profiled a public/private partnership on steroids in New Orleans. There’s a super successful 39-year-old entrepreneur named Sidney Torres who made a fortune as the founder of a sanitation company that cleaned up much of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He invested almost $400,000 of his own money after more than 60 robberies took place in the fancy French Quarter neighborhood where he lived. Three armed officers would zig zag around a 78-block area in militarized golf
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carts similar to vehicles he had used in his successful clean-up operation. Embedded GPS chips in each chassis allowed handlers to redirect the vehicles to crime situations in real time. The New Orleans experience is dramatically outsized compared to Providence of course, which also has a huge tourist investment to protect, but the City has received grants and is participating in what has become a rather unique public/private experiment.
Crime By the Numbers But let’s get back to our own turf. So what exactly do the Providence statistics tell us? According to Lt. Donnelly in District 8, “from January to September in 2014, there were 154 B&Es and in 2015 for the same period there were 118, for a drop of 23%. In District 9, in 2014 there were 112 B&Es and in 2015 there were 110, for a drop of 2%. The noticeable problem is that in 2014 there were 16 B&Es in August and there were 25 in 2015.” Violent crime is fortunately not an East Side problem. There have been several robberies and one assault, which compared to the rest of the city it’s not even a blip. And while most of the recent crime has been residential, local stores have been targeted as well. There was a major record theft at What Cheer Records on Angell Street in which all their Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin records were stolen in two separate incidents over the summer. Hope Street has been targeted as well. Line Daems, co-owner of Kreatelier and co-president of the Hope Street Merchants Association, reports though that they have instituted an emergency alarm system that notifies all of its members instantly with one email when a theft takes place. Recently police apprehended a chronic shoplifter on the street. “One of the big problems on the East Side is that there are almost always contractors working on houses. Their ladders are accessible and were used in several second story break ins,” Donnelly continued. He explained that inside jobs happen and there’s little that can be done to stop them, like the hidden safe that was removed from an East Side residence or the housekeeper’s estranged husband who dropped off a check to his ex and left with silver and artwork. And then there’s the apocryphal story of some years ago on Benefit Street when a crew was stealing the copper drainpipes and gutters from a house and a concerned neighbor brought the robbers lemonade and water because it was a hot day! Unlikely to happen in today’s environment. We spoke with several patrol units, again not for attribution, in District 8 (Mt. Hope, Hope and part of Blackstone) and District 9 (Fox Point, College Hill, Wayland and part of Blackstone) on their thoughts. “I can remember when people didn’t lock their doors on the East Side,”
explained a veteran officer. “We would respond and ask questions and people often would have no idea when something was taken. You also had more kids playing outside and people seemed more aware of strangers.” “The East Side always had a high incidence of ‘nuisance crimes’ – people leaving their phones, laptops, purses, gifts, etc. right in their cars – sometimes with the windows down. The annual influx of college students still brings those numbers up, but overall people seem to be paying more attention.” Several officers reiterated the obvious fact that the Police Department is way down in manpower, and even with a new class, it still won’t compensate for all of the retiring officers.
Catching Criminals Recently, the Police Department has made some significant progress. Kevin Robertson, age 49, was arrested the day after he attempted to break into a home on a Sunday morning on College Hill. Robertson is known to be responsible for at least two other break-ins in the same area on August 22 and 27. Two other subjects who previously had juvenile records and are now legal, Justice McLaren age 18 and Laron Fortes, were charged with breaking and entering for an incident that occurred on College Hill. “Detectives investigating a series of robberies identified these two,” noted Donnelly, “and made the arrests.” Both subjects are still being investigated and could possibly be involved in additional break-ins on the East Side. They would often prey on students who frequently would not report the thefts. And most recently, the police caught two gang members, Trey Pinkerton, 19, and Romolo Thompson, 18, in the Valley Street section of Providence after a brief car and foot chase. They were described as “major players” in the recent spate of East Side break-ins. “These were the subjects that were in very good shape and were responsible for several breaks using ladders and going in through second floor windows,” according to Donnelly. “Many homes that are alarmed do not have motion sensors on the second floor and windows that are not wired, which allows burglars to target bedrooms where jewelry is most often kept.”
The Take Away After the recent meeting at Nathan Bishop, several ideas were discussed as useful “next steps.” There are plans of trying to convene an “East Side Summit” of neighborhood associations, being organized by Cheryl Simmons, Tim Murphy and Heidi Heifetz of the College Hill
Neighborhood Association. The usefulness of a comprehensive crime watch was also discussed along with exploratory thoughts on hiring additional private security firms. Nothing formal has evolved as we go to press. For their part, the police suggest that using your alarm, even when you are home, is probably the best deterrent and certainly at night. And, if your alarm has a panic button, keep it reachable. Getting an alarm and not just putting stickers in your window is probably a good idea, as well. Leave exterior lights on at night, and not just the front light, but side and backlights as well. Making sure that all first floor, basement, garage and storage shed doors are locked and that first floor windows are closed or have a “stop” which only allows the window to be raised to a certain height. If you hear someone in your house, call the police and make a lot of noise. The police emphasized you should not confront someone in your home. Someone willing to take a chance entering your house, is clearly going to do whatever he can to insure he doesn’t get caught, and that can get dangerous. They suggest noise or even tripping a burglar alarm will usually cause an intruder to leave. And, of course, loud is better than silent. “We were responding to a call last week and I swear you could hear their alarm from the inside of the house half a block away,” added an officer. “And, if your alarm has an outside speaker, the noise should also alert your neighbor to call the police.” “In my opinion,” notes Donnelly, “the best deterrent are cameras. If there is a video camera, criminals will tend to avoid the home because they don’t want their picture taken. They are smart enough to know that it dramatically increases their chances of being arrested.” Perhaps the recent murder in Fox Point puts things somewhat in perspective. For all our justified concern over the current level of property crimes, murders and assaults are rare occurrences here. For many of us, the first news of this one came from Cheryl Simmons’ neighborhood listserv, accompanied by a Brown University release (which the Projo did not initially report) informing us that police felt the killing was not random and did not seem to pose a threat to residents or students. The takeaway from all this? Our best defense against crime remains obvious: common sense safety precautions (plus maybe a good security camera), timely and effective neighbor to neighbor communication, the proper funding to assure adequate police protection and finally the painful acknowledgement that maybe this is just the way it is in contemporary urban America.
DIstRICt 8 Last 28 Days 8/10/2015-9/6/2015 type of crime
DIstRICt 9
yEaR tO DatE 1/1/2015-9/6/2015
Last 28 Days 8/10/2015-9/6/2015
yEaR tO DatE 1/1/2015-9/6/2015
2015
2014
%chg
2015
2014
%chg
2015
2014
%chg
2015
2014
%chg
4
0
+400%
9
4
+35%
2
2
0%
18
18
0%
46
67
-31%
418
439
-5%
85
78
+9%
468
494
-5%
22
19
+16%
211
161
+31%
17
13
+31%
157
135
+16%
VIOLENt CRIME Homicide, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault
PROPERty CRIME Burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny
OtHER CRIME Assault, weapons offenses, drugs, vandalism, liquor law violations
22
East Side Monthly October 2015
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East Side Monthly October 2015
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Burden of
Proof
Our annual Halloween short fiction By James Arthur Anderson • Illustrations by Alison Blackwell The story came to me
out of nowhere while I was sitting in a literary hot tub with an ugly hooker from the Bronx. I knew right then and there that I would have to create myself immediately or I would never be written. So I climbed out, waved goodbye to the hooker, grabbed a pen from the bartender, found a pile of clean paper napkins and I gave myself a name, a place of birth – Providence, Rhode Island, Lovecraft’s home town – a birthday (October 31 – why not?) and an occupation. I was a writer, of course, but not a very good one. How else could I possibly create a character like me? I decided to make myself insane. Otherwise, no one would believe in me. I took myself far away from the hot tub and the five-star hotel and placed myself in a run-down studio apartment in West Warwick that looked over the polluted sewer that they call the Pawtuxet River. Looking back at it, I realize my mistake. I should have made myself a successful Hollywood socialite and put myself in a Beverly Hills mansion. But that wouldn’t really be believable, now would it? I mean, just take one look at me – I look a lot more like a guy standing by the side of the road with a “will work for food” sign than I look like George Clooney. My first draft was all pen and ink. I started on the napkins and then wrote myself a yellow legal pad. I
stayed with ink, though, because it’s more permanent, and I didn’t allow any cross-outs or whiteouts either. I named myself Steve. I’ve always liked that name, even before I was a character. It sounds strong. Solid. Decisive. And even if I’m a loser, I might as well have a good name. After all, it’s my story, isn’t it? I also made the conscious decision to put myself in a horror story (though some readers may see it as a mystery). That way I don’t have to make good decisions. I don’t have to be too complex, just interesting enough to make you like me a little before I’m fed to the wolves. And in a horror story, I can be in just enough danger for you to both worry about me and wonder about my sanity at the same time. Of course, I could be just making the whole thing up. After all, writers are notorious liars. So here I am, a brand new character all shiny and new and living in a horror story. So what more do you need? Oh, maybe a plot. Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that. Well, here goes. I’ll begin in medias res because this is a short story, not a novel. I don’t have time to write a novel, after all. Life is short, so I’ll have to get on with this before my narrator runs out of words. Actually, I’m my own narrator and, as I said, life is short and I’m wasting valuable time. I realize that being stalked by an ex-wife who has been turned into
a vampire is a pretty tired, old plot and has been done to death. But vampires still sell, maybe not as well as zombies, but they’ve got a longer track record. Besides, she doesn’t suck blood. She eats words. That’s why I can’t write a novel: I’d never get that far before she ate me alive, and now I have to kill her before she devours my story, turns me, and then makes me eat my own words. I’m waiting for her, and I’m prepared. I have the Oxford English Dictionary here on the coffee table in front of me. One thesaurus is on the couch, another one on the chair, and the complete works of William Faulkner are scattered all over the floor. I figure Absalom, Absalom should at least slow her down a bit. According to the legend, a vampire must be invited in, and I’m taking no chances, so I sent her a personal card with a printed invitation in fancy old English Script. You are formally invited to join me for the reading of my newest story, Burden of Proof, at 41.700 degrees North by 71.5167 degrees West at my residence on Halloween night. Costumes optional. I signed it Steven J. Hooker, which is both my byline and my pen name. I knew she couldn’t resist such a feast of words. She’d been fond of speaking them when she lived, and she couldn’t help eating them now that she was dead. After all, narrative is
life, so she needed all the words she could get. She was the only one invited, of course. I’m sure she knew that but didn’t care. She thought I was helpless, a sitting duck. She didn’t know I was ready for her. My ex-wife has a backstory, and I suppose I have to tell it if this narrative is going to make any sense. On second thought, that doesn’t really matter, but I’ll tell it anyway. You see, Anne was quite a successful novelist in her former life, before the critics killed her and turned her into a word-eating vampire. Signs, signifieds, signifiers… she ate them all, langue and parole alike. She liked nouns and verbs the best, kind of like Hemingway, but she’d greedily consume the purple prose as well, gobbling up adjectives and adverbs by the pound. Phrases and clauses were like popcorn to her, and she couldn’t get enough conjunctions to ever fill her up, not even the subordinating ones. She’d storm through a copy of War and Peace without losing a single preposition. I knew that once she found me, I’d be gone faster than a peel-and-eat shrimp at a raw bar. So I had to kill her first, put the oaken stake through her vampire heart, and I had to do it quick before she read my character. I’d left the door open, and I was armed and ready. I had a package of
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East Side Monthly October 2015
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12 blue roller ball pens and two legal pads, much more than I’d need – but you can’t be too safe, you know. And sure enough, right after sunset she was there at the front door of my apartment complex. I buzzed her in and once she’d climbed the three flights of stairs, I waved her inside. She went right for the dictionary, just as I’d hoped, but it went down quicker than I’d thought, with commas, colons and quotation marks flying around like seeds from a half-chewed watermelon. She’d gotten faster than I remembered, so I knew I’d have to work quickly. I grabbed a pen and a legal pad and I began to write. She dived into Faulkner, and that slowed her down a bit. She seemed to be having trouble chewing the semicolons, and that’s probably what saved me. I was writing as fast as I could, but I knew if I just threw it together it would be a fragment, or an anecdote at best. And if I really was going to put her down, I’d need at least a short story to do it in. Flash fiction wouldn’t be enough, and everyone knows that prose poems are nothing but an inside joke. I thought I was in real trouble when she finished the last of the Faulkner – As I Lay Dying, if I recall. Ain’t irony a bitch? And the thesauruses (thesauri? – Let’s just call them synonym dictionaries)
were going down like paper in a wood chipper. Luckily, I’d saved one book for a last resort, a sort of back-up gun if you will. I figured if she didn’t choke on it, she’d be able to swallow anything. So I threw it at her just before she came at me. She caught it in her mouth like a fish-eating seal and tried to devour it whole. It was a copy of It’s a Shore Thing by some brain-dead reality television star that hired someone to ghostwrite a novel for her. Anne choked on it, of course, and who wouldn’t? That gave me just enough time to finish the ending. I killed her off with a final flourish of the pen and she disappeared in a puff of old cliché. All that was left was a small comma stain on the floor. But it was a close one. The library police were pretty ticked off when they found out, but they couldn’t do anything. After all, writers kill off their characters all the time, and ex-wives are often the preferred targets. It’s not against the law. And even if it were, the only evidence they had was textual. Besides, it wasn’t even a final draft yet – it was still in the proof stage – and I might have changed my mind and let her live in the published book. No, all they had was the confession of a man who was a character in a story and who was probably just making the whole thing up anyway.
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P O ST E R B Y CY R U S H I G H S M I T H & E M L E T T E R P R ES S
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27
PROVIDENCE PROVIDENCE On Providence’s East Side • hopestreetprov.com
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
29
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East Side Monthly October 2015
CLOSE TO HOME Home and Family | Education | Style | Real Estate
On the Market
Spacious Split-Level Living A Blackstone mid-century contemporary boasts room for the whole family By Ali McGowan
Blackstone may have been
one of the last neighborhoods in the East Side to be developed but, with properties like 309 Freeman Parkway, its establishment was worth the wait. This midcentury, split-level home sits on a large corner lot where it occupies over 4,500 square feet of above grade living. Complete with five bedrooms, this contemporary gem is ideal for large families and visiting relatives. The home’s main entrance opens to an expansive two-story atrium that sits besides a spacious living room. Oversized
picture windows offer plenty of natural light while an adjoining den, furnished with wooden built-in storage units and a brick fireplace, yields a cozier atmosphere. A large eat-in kitchen, equipped with contemporary cabinetry and recessed lighting, leads to a comfortable breakfast nook and mudroom/laundry area. To the right of the entryway, a formal dining room faces the front yard for an ideal gathering space. A large two-car garage and gorgeous stone terrace offer additional entryways to the exterior. Space is anything but compromised
in the master suite, decked with an additional home office, two walk-in closets and en suite bathroom with a double vanity. Half a level up, the second floor affords four more bathrooms and two full baths, all flooding with natural light. Only minutes from Brown University and the RISD, this modern classic offers access to the best business, nightlight and entertainment downtown, as well as Wayland Square’s wealth of cafes, shops and boutiques. Fit for a king-sized family, 309 Freeman Parkway is sure to promise lasting memories.
309 Freeman Parkway at a glance • • • • • • •
MLS: 1105004 Listing Price: $949,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4.3 Square Footage: 7,442 sq ft. Listed by: Residential Properties For more information: Jim DeRentis jderentis@residentialproperites.com
October 2015 East Side Monthly
31
THE
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Close to Home Education
Double Speak
The case for dual-language early education By Jill Davidson
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East Side Monthly October 2015
International Charter School (ICS), not only for its dual-language programs in Portuguese/English and Spanish/English but also for its emphasis on cultural and social-emotional competence. When we were looking at elementary schools for our first-born, hoping to find one that would see our kid as more than a test score, we fell hard for ICS. Though our family speaks English exclusively at home, we knew from experience and research that early immersive language learning provided children with unmatchable opportunities to learn another language, think beyond their local communities and cultures and gain a cognitive advantage conferred through thoughtful two-way language immersion. Alas, we did not come up winners in the charter school lottery and chose what turned out to be another wonderful public school. It’s likely that some of you experienced a similar result: last year, 779 students applied for 54 available seats. Founded in 2001 and located in Pawtucket’s Oak Hill neighborhood, ICS serves 324 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students devote half of the school day to learning in English and the other half to either Portuguese or Spanish, moving through an integrated curriculum. Though students enter ICS with language and literacy skills that span a wide continuum, ICS meets all students and their families where they are, moving students through their dual language studies even if they do not speak a word of English, Spanish or Portuguese at the outset, sharing information in families’ home languages, and offering language learning support to all. English Language Learners develop competence in both their home language and English as they move through school. Native English speakers gain skills in a second language as they gain academic skills, and all families can support their children’s learning in their home language. This is a key distinction from a standard English as a Second Language approach, which devalues students’ home languages and elevates English language acquisition. In a dual language setting, students’ native language skills are necessarily assets. Nationally, the number of two-way immersion programs has increased more than ten-fold since 2000, and dual
language programs are increasing within Rhode Island, albeit at a slower rate. In addition to Leviton Dual Language School, a Spanish-English Providence Public School, South Kingstown and Pawtucket have launched dual language initiatives for which ICS provided professional development. Knowing that many Rhode Island families are on the wrong side of dual language education supply and demand, I asked Dr. Julie Nora, ICS’s director, why such programs weren’t proliferating at a faster rate. Nora shared that one limiting factor is a chronic short supply of qualified dual language teachers. Dual language educators must be proficient in the language of instruction, language learning strategies, pedagogical skills and mastery of subject material, and such educators aren’t entering the profession to fill demand. The United States Department of Education has designated bilingual K-12 educators as an area of critical need in Rhode Island every year since 1990. ICS must also address the need for curriculum and testing material translation. In order to comply with Common Core mandates, Nora and her team require substantial additional funding to translate essential curriculum; Portuguese versions of Common Corecompliant curriculum are a particular concern. Because ICS is a public charter school, with no funding above and beyond other public elementary schools,
the school’s board of trustees, families and community support such fundraising challenges, which are ongoing. ICS also strongly values cross-cultural competence, viewing the cultural diversity of its students as a further asset. “Documenting Cultural Communities,” an annual third-grade social studies project, exemplifies ICS’s thoughtful approach to culture, families and learning. Led by artist in residence Mary Beth Meehan – an ICS parent well known for the large-format selections from her “Seen/Unseen” portrait series that currently grace buildings in downtown Providence – this tenweek project puts cameras into students’ hands, teaching them to document their lives in images and words. Reflecting on the project, Meehan commented, “Every year, the kids amaze me with how rich their lives are.” With our city’s cultural and linguistic diversity in mind, ICS provides a powerful example of how to educate students respectfully and equitably by using their diversity as an asset rather than an obstacle to standardization. While it’s clearly unfortunate that growth of such programs is necessarily complicated by the scarcity of qualified teachers and other factors, this is a problem that we need to lean into so that many more of our young people can become the bilingual, biliterate and culturally receptive adults on whom Rhode Island’s future depends.
Illustration by Ashley MacLure
I have long admired
Education
continued
Overwhelmed, Confused and Stressed? We assist Spouses, Families & Seniors to help them plan life’s transitions.
Smart News Flu Shots at a School Near You The Rhode Island Department of Health has released the 2015 schedule for school-based flu clinics, which run from late September through November. These clinics serve all Rhode Island children – public school students, private school students and homeschooled students. Clinics for high school students are during the school day. Clinics for middle and elementary school students are in the evening. There is no out-of-pocket charge to be vaccinated, though you should bring your insurance information, which will be collected from people who are insured. However, no one will be turned away for a lack of insurance. Pro tip: most of the evening clinics are open to family and community members, so if you’re there with your kids or in the neighborhood and want to drop in, go for it, and be glad that you’ve taken care of yourself so that the flu doesn’t go for you this year. Visit www.health. ri.gov/find/vaccinations/#flu for the full schedule and registration link. Let’s Do This: Donors Choose An online clearinghouse that connects teachers with people who want to help them fund classroom projects
and initiatives, Donorschoose.org, is a gloriously easy way to open your heart and wallet a little (or a lot) to help students in need. The site makes it easy to search for classrooms geographically. At the time of this writing, teachers at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, and Hope High School are requesting your support to make their classrooms into great places for teaching and learning. You know what to do: head over to www.donorschoose.org, enter the zip code of your choice (may we suggest 02906?) into the search box, choose a project, and let the gratitude roll in. Fake Smiles and Lasagna from Moses Brown teacher Christine Jenkins Kudos to Moses Brown math department head Christine Jenkins, author of the recently published Fake Smiles and Lasagna, a memoir of three years of friendship and family-building with a brother-sister pair of refugees from Rwanda. Jenkins’ tale reveals how this unexpected relationship opened her family to the challenges and joys that newcomers to our state face. Visit www.christinejenkins.net to learn more about Jenkins’ experience and to purchase copies.
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
33
Thinking Of Moving? Buying or Selling?
We would love to have your son join us! And Fall is the Perfect Time to Join! ALL BOYS 6 TO 15 YEARS OLD & THEIR PARENTS!
Let’s Talk...
Scouting Gives Boys: Skills, Friends, Confidence, & Adventures All Year Long SkillS – including life skills such as first aid – are acquired with Merit Badges in over a 130 possible subjects, covering a huge range of interests.
FriendS are encountered in weekly Troop meetings.
ConFidenCe comes with the overnight trips and day outings throughout the year: challenges surmounted, group interactions, learning from mistakes.
For parents, meeting other Troop families is valuable. The help and advice from other mothers and fathers is beneficial for you as well as for your son.
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Cub SCout PaCk 88 & boy SCout trooP 28 Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America, meet weekly at Central Congregational Church 296 Angell Street, Providence
Contact Jim Vandermillen at vandermillen@cox.net for details, or go to www.troop28providence.com We are an inclusive Pack and Troop; we do not discriminate in any way
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East Side Monthly October 2015
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years ago, but it might as well have been yesterday, what with all the break-ins on the East Side this summer. Hats off to our neighborhood scribe, Cheryl Simmons, who is keeping us informed about the misdeeds with her frequent and much-appreciated emails. Here’s one especially disturbing post from a homeowner: “They unscrewed all the back lights. They broke into the garage. They removed a shovel. They climbed onto an enclosed porch to reach the second floor. All the windows were shut. They used the shovel to force the window open.’’ Back in the day, we would find out about break-ins, thefts and muggings in a police blog in the ProJo, but blogs are out, hence the importance of Cheryl’s work. So, on behalf of everyone who cares about the safety and future of our community, “Grazie, Ms. Simmons.’’ What are city officials doing about this, and where are the police? They should be patrolling the East Side day
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and night to catch the thieves. Jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, bikes and money have been lifted, as well Courtesy drop-off to downtown. as furniture. What kind of a person G E R M A N M O T O R S INC steals a sofa? This is outrageous. So Sales & Service is waking up to a tire-less car held up 879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 by cinder blocks. One of the scariest 401-272-4266 developments is the use of ladders to Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com climb through second-floor windows. We are prisoners in our own homes. The police tell us to get alarms. Fine. Let the City foot the bill. Providence Media Crime always seems to get worse in Spot ads: 2.125" x 2.875" the summer when windows are open August 25, 2015 and people are roaming about at all hours in the stickiness. For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward September 4, 2015, East Side Monthly, October Iss to a New England winter. September I hope it’s a 8, 2015, Providence Monthly, October Is brutal one. Let’s hope the thieves vanSeptember 15, 2015, SO Rhode Island, October Is ish as the air sharpens. If they don’t, as those brave souls said to Houston when things went awry in outer space, “We’ve got a problem.’’ As the East Side goes, so goes Providence. MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI PORSCHE
I went out of town for a few days, and I’m happy to report that my house was not broken into. It’s pitiful that I have to worry about that and equally pitiful that I’m gleeful all is still intact. But the recent crime wave on the East Side is putting us all on edge and, as my dear Italian friend would say, giving us agita. Not-so-fun fact: I was broken into when I lived in an apartment on Gano, many years ago. It was a tiny firstfloor flat – just me and my books and my empty fridge, for I do not like to cook. But I digress. One glorious summer day, I zipped up my parka and drove to Warren to do a bit of shopping in a junk shop, uh, antique store. This was back in the Stone Age when I was drawn to things that were gently used – and cheap. I bought a keepsake box decorated with Florentine designs that reminded me of happy college days hanging with bearded German hipsters on the Ponte Vecchio. I was gone for no more than un’ora. I returned home to a mess. Clothes strewn about. Cushions askew. Drawers yawning. I am a tidy gal, so right away I knew that I had had a visitor who entered through an open window. The coward cut my screen, lifted the window and crawled (or maybe tumbled) in. I figured he (and it’s usually a “he’’) must’ve been watching me from afar because I was gone for such a brief moment in time. Stolen: my grandmother’s diamond wedding ring; gold earrings given to me by an Iranian man on a flight to America who wanted to dodge customs; and my stereo, which still held tight John Coltrane’s My Favorite Things CD. I was crushed. I called the police, who came over and dusted the place, sort of. After that, I never left my windows open when I went out. Heck, I never opened them again, even when I was home. Restless nights ensued, knowing that I had been in someone’s crosshairs. This story of theft and fear was 20
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
35
Providence Monthly presents
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East Side Monthly October 2015
On the tOwn
Restaurant and Food | Dining Guide | Calendar of events
Flavor of the Month
A Taste of the Islands 10 Rocks brings the taste of Cape Verde to Pawtucket By Stephanie Obodda 10 Rocks Tapas Bar
Photography by Stacey Doyle
is unexpectedly hidden amidst the old brick manufacturing buildings at the ProvidencePawtucket border. The “ten rocks” refer to the ten islands that make up Cape Verde. Rhode Island has America’s second largest population of Cape Verdean immigrants, surpassed only by Massachusetts. Still, few Rhode Island restaurants are dedicated entirely to the country’s culinary traditions. The restaurant showcases the cuisine of Cape Verde in a fun, small plate format inspired by tapas. There’s plenty of choice on this menu. Though there are some larger plates, the selections are intended for sharing – appropriate, since sharing food is an integral part of Cape Verdean culture. Mirroring the population of Cape Verde, the country’s cuisine has a mixture of origins, namely African and European, and showcases ingredients supported by the island environment, such as seafood and tropical fruits. Owner Carmen Monteiro oversaw the ambitious building renovation, upgrading a non-descript, drop-ceilinged pub into an energetic, attractive restaurant. The welcoming side patio has cheerful red umbrellas and comfortable furniture. We started with several small plates. The Pastel de Bacalhau ($9) were fried panko-coated cod cakes with a side of Sriracha aioli. The dipping sauce
Flight to Cabo Verde
was a piquant foil to the creamy texture of the cakes. The Ma Culum Mandioca ($5), five yucca fries, were thick, freshly fried and delicious dipped in a chimichurri sauce. The Pastel de Cabo Verde ($8) were like small, square empanadas with a choice of fillings – we opted for tuna and peppers. You may have tried patatas bravas on a Spanish tapas menu; the Maria Helena Batatas Bravas ($8) are similar but were not as crisply fried. The menu promises that they are “just like Vovó (Grandma) used to make” and they get extra richness from chorizo, a fried egg and Creole sauce. 10 Rocks’ cocktail menu incorporates many fresh fruits and juices. I had a Creole ‘75 Martini ($10) made with Cruzan Mango, lime and orange juices and a hint of Sriracha. It was, as I had hoped, not too strong. My husband journeyed with the Flight to Cabo Verde ($12), a sampler of three Cape Verdean Ponches. Ponche is a rum liqueur made by sweetening Cape Verdean rum, also known as grogue, with sugarcane molasses. We sampled Ponche de Santo Antão (Santo Antão is the northwestern island of the archipelago), a ponche with no added ingredients. It was sweet, dark and pleasant. Additional flavors are often added to the ponche base. We sampled two variations: the bright and fruity man-
Maria Helena Batatas Bravas
go liqueur Ponche de Manga, and the thick and nutty Ponche de Calabaçeira. Calabaçeira is the local name for the fruit of the baobab tree. The dry, flaky and supposedly nutritious fruit pulp is collected from the tree’s large pods. We enjoyed this more with every taste, so it was unfortunate to hear from the bartender that this ponche is difficult to find in stores. Moving on to some heartier fare, we tried the Morcilla Da Ilha ($10), a blood sausage served on polenta with white cheese and a drizzle of sweet balsamic. Blood sausage is not everyone’s thing, but I’m a fan and enjoyed this combination. The Pinxos ($7), or kebabs, were the most disappointing dish, but maybe it’s because I was imagining the variety made with juicier, fattier pieces of pork (instead, this was a drier lean cut). Still, the accompanying pulpy mango sauce with a touch of ginger was wonderful. The restaurant was buzzing on the night we went, and we overheard Cape Verdean Creole at the next table. Meanwhile, we traded sips of the menu’s two sangrias. These are available by the glass ($10) or the pitcher ($24). The Sangria Roja is
Pinot Noir-based with orange, pomegranate and mango. The Sangria Praia, my choice, was made with Rosé, Smirnoff blueberry, pineapple and guava and garnished with blueberries. If this restaurant has a signature dish, it’s the Polvo 10 Rocks ($14), a generous portion of grilled octopus tentacles served over fried plantains. We wished we had saved some of our bread for the glut of olive oil, caramelized garlic and fresh herbs surrounding the octopus tower. The Mango Mousse Cake ($8) and 3 Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake ($8) were light enough to follow such an ambitious meal. Next time I’m going to save room and try the cheesecake made with Kamoka, a Cape Verdean roasted ground corn. I’d also like to return for some of the many musicians showcased on the restaurant’s stage several times a week, and based on the night’s experience, I’m sure we will.
10 Rocks Tapas Bar 1091 Main Street Pawtucket 728-0800 facebook.com/TenRocksBar October 2015 East Side Monthly
39
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East Side Monthly October 2015
On the town On the Menu
Swedish Comfort Food Capri seamlessly blends a taste of the Mediterranean with Scandinavia By Grace Lentini Would you believe me if I told you that you need to go to Federal Hill for some Swedish meatballs? Believe it or not, this is a real thing. Swedish comfort food has come to DePasquale Square, and it’s under the umbrella of the new Mediterranean restaurant Capri. Owner Claudia Nuay was born and raised in Sweden, and she wanted to bring the taste of her favorite Swedish dishes to Rhode Island. “We carefully crafted a menu that combines my Swedish influence with the more traditional Mediterranean dishes you would find on Federal Hill,” Claudia says. Dishes like Boursin stuffed artichokes would seem to fit that bill. More creative dishes like the pistachio encrusted sea scallops come served over a potato hash drizzled with orange aioli are also a must try. “It is a light and flavorful dish and the scallops practically melt in your mouth,” she explains. Then there’s the cedar sirloin plank with mashed potatoes, grilled tomato and bacon wrapped asparagus topped with béarnaise sauce. But what about the Swedish meatballs? They come served with golden whipped potatoes, brown gravy and lingonberry jam. A lingonberry is a mountain cranberry, and lingonberry jam is a staple of Scandinavian cuisine. (Sounds like it’s time to try some Swedish comfort food.) Although the menu focuses on fusion, the restaurant has a very European feel, complete with plenty of outdoor
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seating and an elegant lounge area – it is DePasquale Square after all. And as the warm days turn into cool and crisp nights, that outdoor seating will remain a viable option as Capri has a weatherprotected patio and individual heaters. But what to drink while people watching with real-time commentary? How about their High Roller Sangria featuring a blend of chardonnay, dragonberry, grape and lemon Bacardi and fresh squeezed lemonade all topped off with sparkling
wine. For Claudia, “it’s the perfect drink to sip on our patio at sunset and is available by the glass or the pitcher.” But what about the kids? I suppose there are those who would like to bring the progeny along for some culture. Well, guess what, Capri offers a kid’s menu complete with a complimentary ice cream sundae. Looks like you can have your Swedish meatballs and eat them too. 58 DePasquale Plaza, Providence. 274-2107, www.capriri.com
Photography (top) by Mike Braca
East Side Dining Deals
Hemenway’s has delicious dining deals
Fine Horticulture
As if you needed a reason to dine out in the neighborhood, area restaurants have plenty of dining deals to whet your appetite. Here are just a few: At Hemenway’s, Monday through Saturday, from 11:30am-3pm, enjoy and appetizer, entrée, cookie and coffee for $22. 121 South Main Street, Providence. 351-8570, www.hemenwaysrestaurant.com At India on Tuesday nights from 4-10pm, get 1/3 off any entrée. They also have an express lunch buffet for just $9.95. 1060 Hope Street, Providence. 421-2600, www.indiarestaurant.com Pizzico is taking care of the whole family: On Sundays, children 12 and under eat free. On Monday nights any chicken or pasta entrée is just $15, plus 25% off all bottles of wine. Tuesday
nights men get their entrees for 1/2 off as well as 25% off of their bottle of wine, and women get their entrees for 1/2 off on Wednesday nights with, of course, 25% off of their bottle of wine. 762 Hope Street, Providence. 421-4114, www.stockfoodgroup.com/ pizzico-providence Rasoi is where it’s at for your weekend healthy brunch with an all vegan spread on Saturdays for a whopping $12.50 and an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sunday for $14.95. 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket. 728-5500, indianrestaurantsri.com/rasoi Round out the weekend at Cafe Paragon and Viva for their 1/2 priced sangria and eljimador tubes every Sunday. 234 Thayer Street, Providence. 3316200, www.paragonviva.com
pm@providenceonline.com
Looking for an East Side Expert?
Call
LesLie KeLLogg (401) 339-0584 To buy or sell your easT side home
lkellogg@residentialproperties.com
October 2015 East Side Monthly
41
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East Side Monthly October 2015
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RHODY BITES A Sponsored Statewide Dining Guide
View our full Restaurant Profiles on RhodyBites.com
Tavern on the Water Tavern on the Water
is a hidden gem in Smithfield. From the front, it’s an unassuming-looking tavern. But once you step inside, you’re inside another world: soaring cathedral ceilings frame huge windows overlooking Waterman Lake. Owner Linda Marchioni and Chef Jeffrey Paquette opened Tavern on the Water in December, from Linda’s dream of turning her lifelong work in the hospitality industry into owning her own restaurant. Linda and Chef Jeff designed the restaurant around his cooking, which combines Portuguese and French flavors
and ideas into upscale American comfort food. “I wanted Tavern on the Water to be a place where everyone felt comfortable going,” Linda says, “whether it’s a family with kids, or a couple on their first date, or a girls’ night out. There’s a little something here for everyone.” Tavern on the Water has live music on weekends, and hosts private events in their beautiful space. “We try to put great detail into everything we do,” Linda says. “That’s where Chef Jeff and I really complement each other. We feel that even the little details are very important.”
Can’t-Miss Dish: Pan-seared Sea Scallops served over roasted cauliflower puree and wilted spinach with chili oil.
743 Putnam Pike, Smithfield • 349-3888
Tavern on the Water
10 Prime Steak & Sushi Gourmet steaks and sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 4532333. LD $$$
Bistro 22 New American rustic cuisine in Garden City. 22 Midway Rd, Cranston, 383-6400. LD $-$$
Capriccio Upscale international food with a northern Italian/Mediterranean accent. 2 Pine St, Providence, 421-1320. LD $-$$$
French accent. House made sausages, hot dogs and accoutrements. 960 Hope St, Providence, 421-4422. LD $-$$$
Abyssinia Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean comfort food. 333 Wickenden St, Providence, 454-1412. LD $-$$
Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, MA, 508-999-6975. LD $$
Carriage Inn & Saloon Regional comfort food accompanied by a whiskey bar. 1065 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown, 294-8466. D $-$$
Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$
Angelo’s Civita Farnese Restaurant Italian American comfort food classics. 141 Atwells Ave, Providence, 621-8171 LD $-$$
Blend Café Modern Latin-American infused fare. 745 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, 270-5533. BBRLD $-$$
CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$
Circe Restaurant & Bar South Beach meets New England seafood favorites. 50 Weybosset St, Providence, 4378991. BRLD $-$$$
AQUA Poolside cocktails with seasonal American cuisine. 1 Orms St, Providence, 272-2400. LD $-$$
Bluefin Grille at the Providence Marriott Downtown Seasonal and sustainable seafood in an elegant atmosphere. 1 Orms St, Providence, 272-5852. LD $-$$
Celestial Café Organic farm-to-table fine dining. Oak Harbor Village, 567 S County Tr, Exeter, 295-5559. BrLD $-$$$
Clean Plate Delicious comfort food in a casual setting. 345 S. Water St, Providence, 621-8888. BBrLD $$
Aruba Steve’s Island cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and Caribbean flare. 520 Main St, Warren, 289-2677. LD $-$$
Bluewater Bar + Grill Contemporary seafood with farm-to-table cuisine. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $-$$
Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$
DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$
Aspire Seasonal Kitchen Contemporary New England fare. 311 Westminster St, Providence, 521-3333. BBrLD $$-$$$
Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$
Champlins Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$
The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$
Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$
Café Nuovo Contemporary New World cuisine. 1 Citizens Plz, Providence, 4212525. LD $-$$$
Chez Pascal/The Wurst Kitchen Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with a
Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
October 2015 East Side Monthly
43
RHODY BITES Continued
Ella’s Fine Food & Drink Elegant dining meets international cuisine. 2 Tower St, Westerly, 315-0606. D $-$$$ Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$ Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 2283901. D $-$$ George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Handcrafted sliders, brews and pub games. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections in a casual ambiance. 1210 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, 463-8338; 172 Wayland Ave, Providence, 223-0332; 112 Waterman St, Providence, 4210754. LD $-$$ Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-5608. LD $ Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$ Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, jackysgalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Kabob and Curry Award-winning Indian food serving Providence since 1987. 261 Thayer St, Providence, 273-8844. LD $-$$ Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine,
chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Providence, 331-8111. LD $-$$ KitchenBar Contemporary comfort cuisine. 771 Hope St, Providence, 3314100. BrLD $$ Laurel Lane Country Club Upscale pub cuisine overlooking a picturesque golf course. 309 Laurel Lane, West Kingston, 783-3844. LD $-$$ Lim’s Restaurant Upscale Thai and fresh sushi. 18 South Angell St, Providence, 383-8830. LD $$
Oceanside at the Pier New England fare overlooking the Atlantic. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 792-3999. BrLD $$ The Olive Tap Extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars and gourmet food and gift selections. 485 Angell St, Providence, 272-8200. $$-$$$ Paragon & Viva Contemporary dining and nightlife. 234 Thayer St, Providence, 331-6200. BrLD $-$$
East Side Monthly October 2015
Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 2731444. LD $-$$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main
Worth The Drive:
Luxe Burger Bar Build your own creative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 363-9988. LD $-$$ Malted Barley American craft beer, gourmet pretzels and creative sandwiches in downtown Westerly. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184. LD $$ McBlarney’s County Tap Modern, upscale pub with daily specials. 632 Metacom Ave, Warren, 289-0887. LD $$ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$ McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$ Mia’s Prime Time Café Upscale café cuisine by the Pawcatuck River. 1 West Broad St, Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-3840. BLD $$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Classic Italian fare and traditional New York style pizzas. 100 East St, Cranston, 383-7722; 380 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-2400. LD $-$$ Nordic Lodge Surf and turf buffet selections perfect for family gatherings. 178 E Pasquisett Trl, Charlestown, 7834515. LD $$$
Nordic Lodge
Nordic Lodge Famous for its endless
allyou-can-eat bounty of premium seafood, steaks and desserts, the Nordic Lodge is so much more than its legendary buffet. A literal “taste of Rhode Island,” no expense is spared to provide diners with a feast of the freshest seafood and best cuts of meats available. The lakeside grounds, which can be enjoyed before or after your meal, include
hammocks, fire pits, fountains, alpacas and live outdoor entertainment on Sundays. The historic yet modern restaurant continues to receive international acclaim, and has most recently been titled Yankee Magazine’s “Best Feast,” featured on the Travel Channel’s Buffet Paradise and listed on Huffington Post’s “10 Belly-Busting Buffets Around the World.”
Insider Tip: Fridays are the best day to come. You will walk right in with no waiting on a Friday night, as Fridays are always the least busy of the three days offered each week.
178 East Pasquiset Trl., Charlestown • 783-4515
For full restaurant profiles, go to RhodyBites.com
44
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 3310003. LD $-$$
St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $ Pho Horn’s Fresh authentic Vietnamese dishes in a colorful setting. 50 Ann Mary St #403, Pawtucket, 365-6278. LD $-$$ Pizzico Diverse Italian and fusion cuisine in a rustic yet eclectic atmosphere. 762 Hope St, Providence, 421-4114; 308 County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $-$$$ Providence Coal Fired Pizza Old world coal-fired pizzas, appetizers and entrees made from scratch. 385 Westminster St, Providence, 454-7499; 6105 Post Rd, North Kingstown, 885-7499. LD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Rasa Authentic and contemporary Indian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$ Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine. 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 7285500. LD $$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$ Roberto’s Italian fine dining and large wine selection in the scenic East Bay. 450 Hope St, Bristol, 254-9732. D $$-$$$ Sa-Tang Fine Thai and Asian fusion cuisine with gluten-free selections. 402 Main St, Wakefield, 284-4220. LD $-$$ Scampi Seafood and Italian cuisine with expansive water views. 657 Park Ave, Portsmouth, 293-5844. LD $$ The Sea Goose Seafood with New England and southern flair. 265 Post Rd, Westerly, 315-0788. LD $$-$$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield. D $$-$$$ Simone’s Gourmet brunch followed by upscale Mediterranean cuisine. 275 Child St, Warren, 247-1200. BBrLD $$-$$$ Sophia’s Tuscan Grille BYOB eatery with classic Tuscan dishes and homemade desserts. 1729 Warwick Ave, Warwick, 732-6656. BLD $-$$$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and
@RhodyBites
lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, 946-5900. BL $ Taullulah on Thames Farm-driven, a la carte and prix fixe menus in a simply decorated setting. 464 Thames St, Newport, 849-2433. BrD $$$ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ Tavern on the Water A fusion of Portuguese and French cuisine in an upscale American atmosphere. 743 Putnam Pk, Smithfield, 349-3888. LD $-$$$ Ten Rocks Tapas Bar Cape-Verdean inspired small plates, handcrafted cocktails and frequent live music. 1091 Main St, Pawtucket, 728-0800. BrLD $-$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$ Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337. LD $-$$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Vanuatu Coffee Roasters Artisancrafted, single origin coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. 294 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-1586. BL $-$$ Vetrano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian cooking like grandma would make. 130 Granite St, Westerly, 348-5050. LD $$ The Village Casual dining and live entertainment. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $$
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Vittoria’s NY Pizza Best pizza north of Manhattan. 224 Post Rd, Westerly, 322-1901. LD $-$$ Waterman Grille Riverfront New American dining. 4 Richmond Sq, Providence, 521-9229. BLD $$$ Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style barbecue, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 421-9090. LD $$
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Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$ XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
45
CONNECTING ART WITH AUDIENCES
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East Side Monthly October 2015
Photo | Cloud Eye Control
Friday, October 30th Providence Public Library 225 Washington Street, Providence
On the town Calendar
by Erin Balsa
October music | performance | social happenings | galleries | sports
DON’T MISS THIS MONTH: 10 events at the top of our list
1 2 3 4
23rd Annual International Oktoberfest! October 17-18 at India Point Park in Providence. www.ticketmaster.com or www.newportwaterfrontevents.com
Play On! A Night Out for “Big Kids.” October 3 at the Providence Children’s Museum in Providence. www.childrenmuseum.org 27th Annual PARL PetWalk. October 24 at Roger Williams Park in Providence. www.parl.org Brown University Latin Jazz and Pop Festival. October 1-7 at The Spot Underground and The Granoff Center in Providence. www.brown.edu/clacs
5 6 7 8 9 10
Rotary Street Painting Festival. October 10 at the Alex and Ani City Center in Providence. www.alexandanicitycenter.com Mysterium – The Eternal Masquerade. October 30 at the Providence Public Library in Providence. provlib.givezooks.com
Halloween Iron Pour. October 24 at the Steel Yard in Providence. www.thesteelyard.org 2nd Annual New England Whiskey Festival. October 3 at Twin River in Lincoln. www.twinriver.com Jason Andrews Halloween Magic Show. October 24 at the Artists’ Exchange in Cranston. www.artists-exchange.org
The 23rd Annual International Oktoberfest comes to India Point Park October 17-18
Pink Pump Palooza. October 4 in Downtown Providence. www.flamesofhoperi.org
INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Photo courtesy of Martin Boyce
Sculptures That Go Bump in the Night Scottish artist Martin Boyce’s sculptural works and installations will be on display at the RISD Museum this month until January 31 as part of Martin Boyce: When Now is Night, the designer’s first solo exhibition at an American museum. His work explores the legacy of modernist art, architecture and the impact of design on culture and social dynamics. This survey exhibition presents work from various points in his career, and includes a smattering of previously unpublished drawings, plans, sketches, source materials and more, providing viewers with a glimpse into Boyce’s thought process. Boyce is an accomplished artist, having received the prestigious Turner Prize in 2011. He has also represented Scotland at the 2009 Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place bi-annually, securing him a spot among the greatest artistic minds ever to have come from Scotland. 224 Benefit Street, Providence. www.risdmuseum.org.
October 2015 East Side Monthly
47
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Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a theatrical landmark, A Streetcar Named Desire remains an undisputed masterpiece and one of the most remarkable plays of our time.
East Side Monthly October 2015
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On the town Calendar continued...
MUSIC
arena & club | classical ARENA & CLUB AS220 October 1: Tovarish, Zvi, Naked, LVMMVX. October 7: Jon Rossi, Psychotropics and LOVESICK. October 9: Muscle and Marrow, Humanbeast, Muslin, Clean. October 21: Mease, Kyles Dogs Head, Blackstone, The Parkwoods. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www.as220.org. AURORA Mondays: Motown Mondays. Tuesdays: Tuesday Lounge Night. 276 Westminster Street, Providence. www.auroraprovidence.com. CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH October 4: Reed McLaren and Rachel Rosenkrantz. Presented by Hamilton House. 1-5pm. 296 Angell Street, Providence. 831-1800, www. historichamilton.com. COLUMBUS THEATRE October 8: Christopher Paul Stelling. October 16: Marco Benevento. October 17: David Wax Museum. October 18: Shannon and the Clams. October 24: Mother Falcon and Ben Sollee – The Fall Migration. 270 Broadway, Providence. 6219660, www.columbustheatre.com. FIREHOUSE 13 October 3: Wolfman Chuck. October 4: The Vibrators. October 9: Jesse Malin. October 10: Ikillya. 41 Central Street, Providence. 270-1801, www. fh13.com.
Photo courtesy of Pedriot Martinez
LUPO’S HEARTBREAK HOTEL October 16: Tove Lo. October 22: Cold War Kids. 79 Washington Street, Providence. 331-5876, www. lupos.com. THE MET October 1: Pentagram. October 2: War Games. October 3 Gang of Four. October 4: Stars. October 7: That1Guy. October 14: Gary Gulman. October 15: Cannibal Corpse. October 17: Project Object. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, www.themetri.com. PARK THEATRE October 9: Jonny Lang. October 10: The Zombies ODESSEY & ORACLE The Odyssey Continues. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275, www.parktheatreri.com.
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER October 2: Josh Groban. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. 421-2787, www.ppacri.org. TWIN RIVER October 23: Dick Fox’s Doo Wop Extravaganza. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 723-3200, www.twinriver.com. CLASSICAL BILTMORE Thursdays: Live jazz. 11 Dorrance Street, Providence. 421-0700, www. providencebiltmore.com. PARK THEATRE October 4: Under the Streetlamp. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275, www.parktheatreri.com. RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE October 25: Ethan Bortnick – The Power of Music. The Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, Sapinsley Hall, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence. www.ric.edu.
Providence. 438-8383, edyconnection.com.
www.ricom-
EVERETT Every Friday: Friday Night Live. 9 Duncan Avenue, Providence. 831-9479, www.everettri.org. PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER October 12: An Evening with David Sedaris. October 17: Brian Regan. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. 421-2787, www.ppacri.org.
FESTIVAL BALLET SCHOOL Mondays: Beginner Ballet. Thursdays: Intermediate/Advanced Modern. 825 Hope Street, Providence. 353-1129, www.festivalballet.com. PAWTUCKET ARMORY Fridays: Free Tango Class. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 288-1170, www.providencetango.com. THEATRE ANGELL BLACKFRIARS THEATRE SMITH CENTER FOR THE ARTS October 30-31: The Addams Family, a Musical Comedy. One Cunningham Square, Providence. 865-1000. www. providence.edu/theatre.
DANCE AS220 Mondays: Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance. Tuesdays: Yobalates. Stretch and Strength. Wednesday: Open Level Modern Dance. Sundays: Beginner and Intermediate Ballet. 95 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www.as220.org.
ARTISTS’ EXCHANGE October 2-17: The Terrifying Tales of the Brothers Grimm. 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www.artists-exchange.org.
FESTIVAL BALLET October 23-25: Ballets Russes Reinvented. The VETS, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. 421-ARTS, www.thevetsri.com.
AS220 October 2-3: The Lion and the Clown: A Rumi Lovesong for Beauty and the Beast presented by Real Live Theatre.
RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC Fridays: Amica Rush Hour. Saturdays: Saturday Classical. The VETS, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. www.ri-philharmonic.org. FOLK ARTISTS EXCHANGE October 25: WS Monroe. 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www. artists-exchange.org. STONE SOUP COFFEEHOUSE October 3: Haunt the House. October 17: An Evening with Patty Larkin. 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. 2485692, www.soup.org
PeRFORMAnCe
FESTIVAL FUN
comedy | dance | theatre COMEDY AS220 First Wednesday: LuLz! Comedy Night hosted by Randy Bush. First Sunday: The Empire Revue with sketch comedy, improv, music, burlesque and magic. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www.as220.org. COMEDY CONNECTION October 2-3: Pete Correale. October 8: John Valby. October 9-10: Luis J Gomez. October 23-24: Matt Braunger. October 29-30: Bob Marley. Fridays: Hardcore Comedy. Sundays: Comedy Showcase. 39 Warren Avenue, East
Pop Goes the Latin Jazz Festival Several top performers in contemporary Latin music are bringing some Miami heat to Providence this month from October 1-7. The public is invited to the five-day Brown University Latin Jazz and Pop Festival, featuring performances, panels and lectures held at The Spot Underground at 180 Pine Street (October 1-3 and 7), as well as The Granoff Center’s Martinos Auditorium on Angell Street (October 4). All concerts are free. The festival kicks off on Thursday October 1 with some Afro-Cuban rumba featuring Pedriot Martinez and friends. On Friday October 2 Ed Calle and Friends play Latin jazz, and SonLokos perform Cuban dance music sure to get the crowd up on its feet. Saturday sees Jesus Andujar and Grupo Sazon playing Afro-Cuban funk, while Sunday brings the Day of Orula Celebration with four bands. The festival closes on Wednesday October 7 with the Gina Chavez Trio. www.brown.edu/clacs.
October 2015 East Side Monthly
49
Life-Craft
On the town Calendar continued...
the art of living wisely and well
Steven M. Kane, Ph.D. LIFE COACHING COUNSELING • PSYCHOTHERAPY
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115 Empire Street, Providence. 8319327, www.as220.org. THE COMMUNITY PLAYERS October 9-25: Grease. Jenks Auditorium, Division Street, Pawtucket. 7266860, www.thecommunityplayers.org. GAMM THEATRE October 1-18: A Streetcar Named Desire. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, www.gammtheatre.org. OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY October 1-25: The Addams Family. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 921-6800, www.oceanstatetheatre.org. PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER October 20: Disney’s Newsies. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. 4212787, www.ppacri.org. TRINITY REP October 1-11: Julius Caesar. 201 Washington Street, Providence. 351-4242, www.trinityrep.com. VETERANS MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM October 11: Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale. October 28: C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. 222-1467, www.vmari.com. WILBURY GROUP October 1-3: Dry Land. October 22-31: Cain + Abel. 393 Broad Street, Providence. 400-7100, www.thewilburygroup.org.
SOCIAL hAPPenInGS
expos | fundraisers | seasonal FESTIVALS THE ARCADE October 16: Roaring Teens and Twenties: Youth Pride Inc. annual fundraiser featuring food, cocktails, music, dancing and auction. $50. 65 Weybosset Street, Providence. www.youthprideri.org
Opening Gallery Night October 15, 5-9 pm
351-3472 • 116 Ives Street, Providence Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm
50
East Side Monthly October 2015
INDIA POINT PARK October 17-18: 23rd Annual International Oktoberfest! India Point Park, Gano Street, Providence. www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/international-Oktoberfest.
PROVIDENCE ARTISANS MARKET Saturdays: 10am-2pm. Lippitt Park, Hope Street at Blackstone Boulevard, Providence. www.facebook. com/pvdartisansmarket. PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY October 30: Mysterium – The Eternal Masquerade. Food, drink, art and mystery. 225 Washington Street, Providence. http://provlib.givezooks.com. ROGER WILLIAMS ZOO October 24: 27th Annual PARL Pet Walk. Roger Williams Park’s Temple of Music. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. www.parl.org. FOR FOODIES BIN 312: Thursdays: Wine Tasting. 312 South Main Street, Providence. 7140040, www.bin312.com. BOTTLES Fridays: Beer Tasting. Saturdays: Wine Tasting. 141 Pitman Street, Providence. 372-2030, www.bottlesfinewine.com. ENO Fridays and Saturdays: Wine Tasting. 225 Westminster Street, Providence. 521-2000, www.enofinewines.com. NEW HARVEST COFFEE ROASTERS Fridays: Free coffee tasting. 3-4pm. 999 Main Street, Pawtucket. www. newharvestcoffee.com. RHODE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER October 24: The Great International Beer Festival. 1 Sabin Street, Providence. 458-6000, www.riconvention. com or www.beerfestamerica.com. TWIN RIVER October 3: New England Whiskey Festival. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 723-3200, www.twinriver.com. OTHER AL-ANON Sundays: 7pm. First Unitarian Church, 1 Benevolent Street, Providence. Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:10pm. St. Stephens Church, 114 George Street, 2nd floor, Providence. Wednesdays: 7:30pm. Church of the Redeemer, 655 Hope Street, Providence. Fridays:
7:30pm. Saturdays: Noon. Ray Hall, Butler Hospital Campus, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence. www. riafg.org. ARTISTS EXCHANGE October 9-10: Mind Mysteries – An Evening of Extrasensory Deception. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www.artists-exchange.org. AS220 First Tuesday: Open Sewing Circle. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 8319327, www.as220.org. FREQUENCY WRITERS Sundays: Sunday Morning Free Write. 186 Carpenter Street, Providence. www.frequencywriters.org. THE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY & PRACTICE OF NONVIOLENCE October 2: Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry. 265 Oxford Street, Providence. 7852320, www.nonviolenceinstitute.org. PINK PUMP PALOOZA October 4: A 50-yard dash open to men and women wearing high heel shoes to raise money for breast cancer research. Station Park, Providence. www.flamesofhoperi.org. PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM October 3: Play On! A Night Out for “Big Kids.” 100 South Street, Providence. www.childrenmuseum.org. RIVIERA BINGO PALACE October 15: Drag Bingo. 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. 521-3603, www.aidscareos.org. TRINITY BREWHOUSE Tuesdays: Stump Trivia. 186 Fountain Street, Providence. 453-2337, www. stumptrivia.com. TWIN RIVER October 10: Thunder From Down Under. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 7233200, www.twinriver.com. WILDFLOUR October 25: Free tarot card readings. 4-6pm. 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket. 475-4718, www.wildflourveganbakerycafe.com.
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40 OCEAN ROAD NARRAGANSETT RI 401.789.0700 thecoastguardhouse.com 165 Pitman St • 831-7771 • eaStSidemarket.com
AFTER LAST WINTER, THINK EXPERIENCE...
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6/17/2015 8:13:08 PM
CALL DUPUIS 401-722-0080
OIL & PROPANE DELIVERY AC, HEAT, HOTWATER, GENERATORS INSTALLATION & SERVICE 401 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 October 2015 East Side Monthly
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Providence & Picture Frame
gallery
Custom Framing Art Work Printing Mirrors Delivery Installation
.
oldest frame shop
newest ideas
.
.
401.421.6196 www.ProvidencePictureFrame.com I-95, Exit 24 Branch Avenue (next to Benny’s) Monday - Saturday 8:30-6:30
Let your dog be
a
RUFFIN’ R E L G N A R W for Halloween! the Penna m ly B t c a t .co Con w r a n g le r s n i f f u r b ly t h e @ 4 1 9 - 4 3 1 8 401-
Visit www.ruffinwranglers.com for more info! And follow us at Facebook.com/Ruffin Wranglers
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East Side Monthly October 2015
On the town Calendar continued...
Fine Thai & SuShi ReSTauRanT
Dine In Take Out or Have us Cater Way l a n d S q u a r e
18 South Angell Street, Providence • 383-8830 • www.limsri.com
GALLeRIeS ATRIUM GALLERY October 1-31: The Latin American Art Expo. One Capital Hill, Providence. 222-3880, www.arts.ri.gov/ projects/atrium.php. CHAZAN GALLERY October 1-7: Under Construction. October 15-31: Daniel Bohman. 228 Angell Street, Providence. 421-9230. www.chazangallery.org. DAVID WINTON BELL GALLERY October 1-25: Tony Fitzpatrick: The Secret Birds and other works. 64 College Street, Providence. 863-2932, www.brown.edu/campus-life/arts/ bell-gallery. GALLERY NIGHT PROVIDENCE October 15: Ride the art bus to 23 galleries. Guided tours begin at 5:30 and leave every 20 minutes ending at 6:50pm. One Regency Plaza, Providence. www.gallerynight.info. GALLERY Z October 1-3: Armenian Artists at Studio Z. October 8-31: Nilton Cardenas. 25 Eagle Street, Providence. 751-1970. www.galleryzprov.com. RISD MUSEUM OF ART October 2-31: Martin Boyce: When Now is Night. October 14: The Gail Silver Memorial Lecture: Theaster Gates. 224 Benefit Street, Providence. 4546500, www.risdmuseum.org.
KIDS & FAMILY ALEX AND ANI CITY CENTER October 10: Rotary Street Painting Festival. 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence. 331-5544, www.alexandanicitycenter.com. ARTISTS EXCHANGE October 24: Jason Andrews Halloween Magic Show. October 31: Craft Bash. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 4909475, www.artists-exchange.org.
AUDUBON SOCIETY October 10: Animal Clothes. 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 949-5454, www.asri.org.
Tues-Thurs 11:30-10pm• Friday & Sat 11:30-10:30pm • Sunday 12-9:30pm
BROWN UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE Every Saturday: Children’s Story Time. 244 Thayer Street, Providence. 863-3168, bookstore.brown.edu.
Think
DUNKIN’ DONUTS CENTER October 4: The Gala of the Royal Horses. 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 331-6700, www.dunkindonutscenter.com. MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND PLANETARIUM October 10-11: Fossil Frenzy Weekend. October 31: Creepy, Crawly Family Fun Weekend. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 785-9457. www.providenceri.com/ museum. PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM October 1-2: Magnet Play. October 3-4, 7-12: Cardboard Challenge. October 14-15: Puzzle Works. October 22 & 29: Spooky Studio. October 23 & 30: Spooky Painting. October 24: Creepy Critters. October 31: Boo Bash. 100 South Street, Providence. 273-5437, www.childrenmuseum.org. PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER October 20: Disney’s Newsies. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. 421-2787, www. ppacri.org.
Fall!
Find us on Facebook Badge
CMYK / .eps
68 Mink Street Seekonk, MA • (508) 557-0392 40 Charles Street Wakefield • (401) 783-3100 Committed to exCellenCe and integrity in all we do
kitchensdirectne.com 㜀
㈀㐀
☀ ㈀㔀
㠀 ᰠ䄀栀漀礀ᴠⰀ 漀椀氀 戀礀 䬀愀爀攀渀 䴀甀爀琀栀愀
ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO October 1-31: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. October 24-25: Spooky Zoo. October 24-31: Boo at the Zoo Family Overnights. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 7853510, www.rwpzoo.org.
LeARn
discussion | instruction | tour AS220 October 11: Free Writer’s Workshop. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www.as220.org. by
AUDUBON SOCIETY October 22: Armchair Naturalist: Insect Phylogeny. 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 949-5454, www.asri.org.
william shakespeare • Now – oct. 11 •
sponsored by the gould charitable lead unitrust • season sponsors
trinity repertory company TickeTs from $25 • (401) 351-4242 • TriniTyrep.com • 201 WashingTon sT. • providence
October 2015 East Side Monthly
53
On the town Calendar
The Best Noodle Soup in Town
continued...
50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket
BROWN UNIVERSITY October 1: Prioritizing Sleep in a 24/7 World. Alpert Medical Building, Case Study Room 280. 222 Richmond Street, Providence. 863-1000, www.brown.edu.
(off N. Main) In former Shaw’s Plaza 365-6278 • phohorns.com
Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 11am-9pm
HAMILTON HOUSE October 9: Hear! Hear! Learn how the ear works and how to tell if you have a hearing problem. October 16, 23 & 30: Multi-Week Lecture Series on China, Korea and Japan. 276 Angell Street, Providence. 831-1800, www.historichamilton.com.
Painting ServiceS
Interior/Exterior • Powerwashing Decks • Waterproofing
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE Wednesdays: Knitting Group. 8 Stimson Avenue, Providence. 421-7181, www.internationalhouseofri.org.
gutter ServiceS
27 Colors • Installations • Cleaning Repairs • Covers • Facial Board
LADD OBSERVATORY Tuesdays: Telescope Observing Night. 210 Doyle Avenue, Providence. 8632323, www.brown.edu/Departments/ Physics/Ladd/.
Licensed in Ri & MA • FuLLy insuRed
871-4500 • gorillapaintandgutter.com
LIPPITT HOUSE Fridays: Guided tours. 199 Hope Street. 453-0688, www.lippitthouse.org. PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY Mondays: Knitting Circle. Mondays: A Spanish Tea. Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence. 272-3780, www.provcomlib.org.
279 Water St. Warren, RI info.musehandcrafted.com
Facebook “f ” Logo
Nominated Best Erotic Boutique in U.S., AVN Awards 2012
Mister Sister Erotica CelebraTing 6 YearS!
More Toys than the Devil has Sinners Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 12-8
Order Online: mistersistertoys.com 268 Wickenden Street, Providence • 421- 6969
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East Side Monthly October 2015
CMYK / .eps
Facebook “f ” Logo
RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY October 24: What Cheer Day. Tuesday-Saturday: Walking Tours. 110 Benevolent Street, Providence. 331-8575, www.rihs.org.
and Sundays: Open Studios. 27 Sims Avenue, Providence. 273-7101, www. thesteelyard.org. SLATER MILL Thursdays and Fridays: Mills & Mysteries Paranormal Investigation. Saturdays: Walking Tour. 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. 725-8638, www. slatermill.org.
SPORtS BROWN MEN’S FOOTBALL October 3: Brown vs. Rhode Island. October 17: Brown vs. Princeton. October 31: Brown vs. Penn. 235 Lloyd Avenue, Providence. 863-2773, www. brownbears.com. BROWN MEN’S HOCKEY October 31: Brown vs. Holy Cross. 235 Lloyd Avenue, Providence. 863-2773, www.brownbears.com. BROWN WOMEN’S HOCKEY October 18: Brown vs. Toronto Junior Aeros. October 30: Brown vs. Quinnipiac. October 31: Brown vs. Princeton. 235 Lloyd Avenue, Providence. 8632773, www.brownbears.com. PROVIDENCE BRUINS HOCKEY October 9: Bruins vs. Wilkes/Barre. October 11: Bruins vs. Portland. October 16: Bruins vs. Bridgeport. October 23: Bruins vs. Lehigh Valley. October 30: Bruins vs. Portland. 1 La Salle Square, Providence. 273-5000, www. providencebruins.com.
CMYK / .eps
ROGER WILLIAMS PARK October 17: Seed Saving and Garden Closing workshop led by a URI Master Gardener. In case of rain, the event will be held in the adjacent Botanical Center. Roger Williams Park Community Garden, Floral Avenue, Providence. www.uri.edu SARAH DOYLE WOMEN’S CENTER Mondays: Girls Night Out. Snacks and informal discussions for self-identified queer women. 26 Benevolent Street, Providence. events.brown.edu. THE STEEL YARD October 7: Free Public Tour. October 24: Halloween Iron Pour. Thursdays
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS MEN’S HOCKEY October 3: Friars vs. Simon Fraser. October 16: Friars vs. Holy Cross. October 23-24: Friars vs. Ohio State. Schneider Arena, Huxley Avenue, Providence. 865-4672, www.friars.com. PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS WOMEN’S HOCKEY October 17: Friars vs. Colgate. October 18: Friars vs. Syracuse. October 24: Friars vs. Vermont. Schneider Arena, Huxley Avenue, Providence. 865-4672, www.friars.com. TWIN RIVER October 30: CES MMA. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 723-3200, www. twinriver.com.
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Because we all need help sometimes. We help people. Join us, because every kid deserves to fall in love with learning, and we can’t do it alone. All of our fundraising costs, including this ad, are paid by a trust.
www.LIVEUNITEDri.org PM_Sept2016_halfpg.indd 1
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October 2015 East Side Monthly
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Couples Stay Together at
Spacious Apartments • Chef-Prepared Meals • Housekeeping 24-Hour Licensed Care & Assistance • Scheduled Transportation
Our personalized levels of care and assistance meet each spouse’s needs while promoting independence, making EPOCH on Blackstone Boulevard perfect for couples to safely live – and thrive – together.
To Benefit the Providence Rotary Charities Foundation
Great Art! Watch as dozens of amazingly talented artists -- amateur and professional, young and old -- create imaginative chalk drawings.
Stop by or call today to learn why EPOCH is the Residence of Choice for Couples.
401-288-3511
www.EPOCHBlackstone.com 353 Blackstone Boulevard • Providence, RI 02906 Assisted Living . Short-Term Rehabilitation . Long-Term Care (RI Relay 711) Skilled Nursing . Memory Care . Respite
East sidE UrgEnt CarE The Right Care, Right Now
Alex & Ani City Center
X-Ray/Labs avaiLabLe
Downtown Providence
Workman’s Comp Exams Immunization DOT, School & Sports Physicals
appointments avaiLabLe foR tRaveL medicine
1195 North Main Street Providence (401) 861.3782 Mon-Fri: 9am to 8pm Sat & Sun: 9am to 4pm
East Side Monthly October 2015
Saturday Oct 10 12 Noon 6:30 PM
Colds & Flu Minor Trauma Sprains & Strains
56
Vote for your favorites!
Live Music Food & Fun Free Admission Corporate Sponsors
Spotlight
special advertising section
AutoWerks Making buying a car easy and worry-free
A NEW CONCEPT ALZHEIMER’S / MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE
Now Accepting Residents
Call today to sChedule a personal tour
401.944.2450
49 Old Pocasset Road, Johnston • briarcliffegardens.com
IasImonE PlumbIng H e at i n g & D r a i n C l e a n i n g , i n C .
InstallatIons • RepaIRs • Replacements We are always providing a Free Estimate
Choosing health insurance, preparing taxes, investing for retirement; we manage so many things that can be made less stressful with the help of a trusted professional. With any major investment, such as a home purchase, it’s good to have a knowledgeable agent who works on your behalf and backs you up on the big decisions. Why wouldn’t you want that same level of expertise when buying a car? For most of us, this is a process riddled with potholes, as it were. Is this the right model for me? Does it have a history of repairs? Will it hold its value? What recalls have been performed? Did all the accidents get reported to Carfax? Even with current consumer laws, you can end up with a big, expensive problem. That’s where an expert can really come in handy. Bob Moreau of AutoWerks is that expert. After decades in the business he developed a new way of buying and owning a car - designed to take all your worries away. Bob and his crack team will make the buying process not only stress free-you may find yourself actually enjoying it! Sit with Bob over coffee and discuss all your requirements. How much do you want to spend? How long should you keep the car? How much do you drive? Will your kids use it? You can even list colors and options. Bob will suggest the perfect vehicle for your specific needs. Then, he will literally search the country to find your exact “pre-loved” dream car. Once you give the thumbs up, his factory-trained mechanics thoroughly inspect it, service it and meticulously detail it. Your vehicle arrives registered and ready to go, right there in your driveway. It’s that simple. All this happens for an agreed upon price using Kelly Blue Book standards (he often beats book prices) but your relationship doesn’t end there. Bob is available to answer questions 24/7, and do any future maintenance and repairs. It’s no wonder that 100% of his clients are loyal, repeat customers. An easy, worry-free car buying experience is indeed possible with AutoWerks.
AutoWerks 474-1300 / www.werkswell.com
Servicing all of RI & nearby Mass. for over 35 years
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
We Can Do anything With Water Except Walk on It Winner of the super service award from Angie’s List four years in a row
27 Allen Avenue, North Providence • (401) 300-9761 • iasimonephdc.com
Golden Crest nursinG Centre Exceptional Post-Surgery Rehab Services ~ Since 1969 ~ Experience Counts!
~ GoldenCrestNursingCentre.com ~ (401) 353-1710 • 100 Smithfield Road, North Providence
Core CyCling & Fitness studio | Core Personal training studio 727 East Avenue, Blackstone Plaza Core Pilates Mind/Body studio 208 Governor Street, Providence
corefitprov.com 273-2673
October 2015 East Side Monthly
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Spotlight
by Dan Schwartz
special advertising section
Marc Allen
New StudeNt Special
3 Private Lessons for $165 w Private
& Group Sessions w Offering Mat Classes w Power Pilates Teacher w Training Center w Register Online
The mobile Style Van is deployed
189 Cole Avenue, Providence • 401-480-0193 providencepilatescenter.com
ACCESSORIES! BRACELETS EYEGLASS CASES GLOVES SCARVES
178 Wayland Ave • Providence • 621-6452 • milanclothiers.com
Authentic Cape Verdean Tapas There is so much happening • Sophisticated dining in a relaxed atmosphere • Live music on weekends • Half price on select apps 4-6pm
1091 Main Street, Pawtucket (just over line) • 728-0800 Tues-Thurs 4pm-11pm • Fri-Sun 4pm-1am
Membership...It’s more than just fitness! It’s an open door to a variety of outstanding social, cultural, and educational activities that celebrate family, foster health and well-being, embrace tradition, and expand cultural horizons.
All are welcome at the Dwares JCC! 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org
Dwares Rhode Island
SAvINg Up TO 70% Off ReTAIl pRICe New, Refurbished and Scratch & Dent Appliances
Stainless Refrigerators Ranges • Washers & Dryers Built-In Refrigeration Cooktops & Wall Ovens Dishwashers 416 Roosevelt Avenue, Central falls • 401.723.0500 • www.kitchenguys.com
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East Side Monthly October 2015
at Marc Allen. The latest news is their fully equipped Style Van has been launched, a vehicle designed to bring to your home or office different lines of clothing, expert fitting service and, of course, a wine bar. Available by appointment, the van is perfect for the busy man who likes concierge home service, and also wants to browse a range of options one would find at the shop location. Business owner Marc Streisand says, “Wait until you see this thing. It’s beautifully appointed with quarter cut oak and lots of fabrics. You can stand up in there, with head room to accommodate a man up to 6 foot 5 inches.” Beyond going to places in Rhode Island, the Style Van will also travel out of state to events like one being held in New York City for Mercedes Benz. The Newport Location that opened April 1 has been a smashing success, helping to serve the East Bay and South County areas. The Club Room upstairs at the Providence location has been completely renovated with interesting artistic touches, like steel shelving. This room serves as a place for private consultations, meeting space and lately has been a spot where clients can just “get away” and relax. What separates these guys from the rest is the customer service and expertise. During the interview, a client came in and when asked why he comes here, he gave this response: “Service, número uno. The tremendously well edited high quality stuff they offer. Taste and selection. But it’s really the guys – I think of them as friends.” Marc explains he isn’t just selling clothes, he’s providing an experience. Marc’s associates Will and Colin are always doing research to keep tabs on the latest fashion coming from the major metropolitan areas. They really develop relationships with their clients, so when they are going to market they are shopping with individual customers in mind. Come pay Marc Allen a visit to view their fall collection, while also enjoying some great conversation with the crew.
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers 200 South Main Street, Providence 453-0025 / www.marcalleninc.com
Spotlight
by Dan Schwartz
special advertising section
Providence Pilates Center
Custom Made Clothing & World Renowned Ready To Wear
The best fully equipped classical Pilates studio
200 South Main Street, Providence 401.453.0025 marcalleninc.com theclubchair.com Tuesday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-4
Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors
“Pilates is not just a form of exercise – it’s a way of living,” explains Cherly Turnquist, owner of Providence Pilates Center. She and I are talking about what makes her fitness center unique in her comfortable group class studio space lined with Pilates Towers, TRX and Barre apparatus. “What differentiates me the most is that I’ve studied and dedicated myself to teaching classical Pilates.” A good way to understand Pilates is that it’s like martial arts, where with repeated movement in the right form and order you develop strength and mastery. The progressive benefits are discerned by feeling stronger in your core, having better posture and gaining the confidence to handle all of life’s physical challenges. In a nutshell, you live better. Like any exercise regimen that requires repeated movements, you want to make sure that you are doing it correctly. Many of the big box gyms in the area offer the full range of exercise options, but they don’t have teachers with the training required to offer classical Pilates. “Myself, and most of my instructors, are Power Pilates certified,” says Cheryl. “Most of our classes, except for a couple with different contemporary instructors, are based on Classical Power Pilates. And all of the equipment we use is Classical too.” Providence Pilates Center is located in the heart of the East Side, with plenty of on-street parking. Classes begin at 5:30am with some of the latest ones lasting until 9pm, so there is something for everyone. Those brand new to Pilates can begin with a special private one-on-one offer of three classes for $165. Group classes range in price from $15 to $30, and there are special discounts when you buy in five- and ten-class packages. Private, duet and trio instructions are available on all apparatus. Look online at providencepilatescenter.com for their full fall schedule. Cheryl’s neighboring business, East Side Fitness, specializes in cardio and strength training (talk to Cheryl for details). Providence Pilates Center is a positive motivating place for all ages where you can practice authentic Classical Pilates. Join them and feel stronger today!
Providence Pilates Center 5 Lincoln Avenue (corner of Cole and Lincoln) 480-0193 / www.providencepilatescenter.com
Tip of the Month Don’t forget that the A/C is crucial in winter for defogging your windshield. It’s advised to have it checked.
We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models • ASE Certified • RI inspection and repair station #27b Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
729 East Avenue • 401-723-1111 (Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid)
T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc.
Ornamental and Shade Tree Specialists
• fine hand pruning • tree preservation • hazard tree removal • tree evaluation & diagnosis • shade and specimen tree planting 401-331-8527 • www.TFMorra.com Now offering the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method “After a week of treatment, all the pain was gone... I recommend Dr. Tom to everyone I know.” – J.T.
Northeast Chiropractic Dr. ThomaS moriSon, ChiropraCTiC phySiCian
401-861-1300 • 187 Waterman Street • www.wickedgoodposture.com October 2015 East Side Monthly
59
marketplace HOME IMPROVEMENT CEIlING REPaIRS Repairing water damaged, cracked, peeling ceilings & walls. Located on the East Side. Over 100 satisfied local customers. Malin Painting, RI Reg. #19226. Call 226-8332.
CEIlING WORK, dRyWall Plaster (hang, tape & paint). Water damage repair. All phases of carpentry. Reg. #24022. Fully insured. Steven, E. Prov., 401-641-2452.
STONE MaSON 30 yrs. exp. Stone, brick, veneers, walls, fireplaces, patios, chimneys, pavers. Design work. Reg. #7445. Call 641-0362. lousstonework.com
SUPERB HOUSEPaINTING High end workmanship. Small jobs a specialty. Call Ron 751-3242. Reg. #18128.
Prompt, Reliable Quality Work
Levine Painting Co., Inc. Interior, Exterior, Residential/Commercial Wallpaper Hanging, Power Washing, Staining 25 Years Experience
(401) 885-1580 • (401) 323-6100 cell R.I. Lic 7140 Liab/ Work Comp Insured
The Finest in New England Craftmanship EaST SIdE HaNdyMaN
Boreal Remodeling
34 years experience. Repairs, upgrades & renovations. Small jobs welcome. References. Insured. Reg. #3052. 524-6421.
General Home Repair, including Kitchens, Baths, Decks & Additions Reg. # 22013
Michael Packard • (401) 441-7303
ElECTRICal SERVICES All types. Energy efficient & security lighting & new circuits. Master licenses: RI #A3338, MA #16083A. Insured. Call Larry 529-2087
MalIN PaINTING Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based and latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. Call 2268332. Reg. #19226.
Harold Greco, Jr. Plaster Perfection ★ ★
Small Repair Specialist
Emergency Water & Vandalism Repairs
Insurance Quotes ★ Mold Inspections
Historic Restorations Painting
738-0369 Senior ★ Veteran ★ Cash Discounts
Reg. #4114
★
Member BBB ★ Est. 1946
Quality Materials Perfection is Everything! 33 Years Experience
East Side References ✎ Reg. #17730
We Specialize in painting & carpentry Experts in Water Problems
From Roofs, Gutters & Basements Over 20 years of experience on historical homes
David Onken Painting
Certified Lead Renovated LRM #0514 RI Reg #7320 • Fully insured GET IT dONE! Call TOday!
Call Al Medina (401) 438-8771 or (401) 323-8252
Interior/Exterior Lead Certified Carpentry Renovations Gutter Cleaning â– Chimney Pointing Roof Leaks Repaired Reg. #19031
Insured
248-5248 davidokenpainting.com
pyramidpainting.net Fully Insured � Reg. #25418 Workman’s Compensation Covered
Alex Perry
573-9360
HOUSE ClEaNING
BUSINESS SERVICES aRCHITECT on the East Side!
dOROTHy’S ClEaNING We clean your home as our own! References & free estimates. Call 401-524-7453 or 401-228-6273.
HOUSE ClEaNING Experienced. Local references. Free estimates. Call Lilly, 401-419-2933.
HOUSEClEaNER available Crystal Clean, a quality housecleaning service. We don’t cut corners. Weekly or bi-weekly. We use environmentally friendly products. Bethany 265-0960.
LEE’S CLEANING SERVICE Basic house cleaning & more. Reasonable rates. References.
Over 20 years experience.
Call Lee 868-5127 785-1230
Residential & commercial. Additions, renovations & new construction. Call Dave: 401-5957070. dave@ds-arch.com
aUdIO/VIdEO HElP If you need some help with your TV, home theater or stereo, call me at 401-383-4102. Jon Bell, Simply Sight & Sound. Reasonable rates. 30 years of experience.
CUSTOM SlIPCOVERS Work directly with seamstress and save! Purchase fabric elsewhere. Linda Toti, 508-695-2474.
lEaTHERWORKS, llC
PROPERTy MaNaGER Available. On call 24/7. Rent collection. Rentals, evictions, maintenance. Call 421-0092.
THE laUNdRy ClUB Is now offering free laundry & dry cleaning pick-up & delivery service to the East Side and downtown areas. Call 272-2520 for details.
FEELING OVERWHELMED???!!! Need your cellar, attic or garage cleaned, but... can’t quite get to it?? You can call
TAKE-IT-AWAY-TOM at 401-434-8156 Mobile 316-2273
A leather and vinyl restoration company. We specialize in funiture, automobiles, boats and aircraft. Visit us at LeatherWorksRI.com, or call Robert at 401 837-0548.
Counselor on the Debris of Life
JOBS BY JIM
PET CaRE
Garages, Attics & Basements Cleaned Unwanteds Removed Small Demolitions - Garages, Sheds, etc. Appliances & Lawn Mowers
PaWS-N-ClaWS, llC Dog walking/pet sitting. Professional, reliable pet care. Insured & bonded. Call 401-3699000 or www.pawsnclawsri.com
Motors ❖Machines ❖Batteries ❖Etc.
❖
Cell 401-742-7258
laWN & GaRdEN
Reg. #4614
CHRIS’ LAMP REPAIR We Make Housecalls!!!
MISCEllEaNEOUS PaRKING/STORaGE Congdon St., $125 covered carport. Benefit St. (north end), $115/mo. Call Roger, 339-4068. rogernc@mac.com
✭
Repairing all types of Lamps Vintage Lighting Specialist ✭ Chandelier Repairs ✭ Serving the East Side for 20 years ✭ Fully Insured
✭
401-741-1478 www.chrislamprepair.com
Vinny’s Landscaping
& BOBCAT SERVICES Hammering Power Raking Aerating (For a Healthy & Stronger Lawn) ● Free Estimates FIREWOOD: Seasoned Hardwood (18 mo.), Cut & Split ● $250/cord delivered
497-1461 ● 231-1851
SENIOR CaRE EldER CaRE aVaIlaBlE Very kind, patient, mature woman seeks position with elderly person. Intelligent, cheerful, reliable, with 20 years experience, including several long-term positions. Impeccable references. Please call 781-3392 or 497-3392..
KINd CaRE ~ SENIORS Appointments, errands, shopping, cleaning & maint. Refs. Safety bars installed. Reg #3052. 559-0848.
WaNTEd I BUy BOOKS Old, used and almost new. Also buying photography, art, etc. Call 401-286-9329. jcminich1@gmail.com
USEd MUSIC WaNTEd! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.
Advertise in the Marketplace for as low as
$12! Go to
www.eastsidemonthly.com/ marketplace.html or call Sue at 401-732-3100 or email sueh@rhodybeat.com to reserve your space. Deadline for East Side Marketplace is the first of the month prior.
The easT sider
Justina Doak
From Refugee to Business Owner, Justina Doak is Living the American Dream For many high-achieving
East Side families, having a child graduate with high honors from Central High School might not seem so significant… unless that child had arrived in America only six years earlier and knew virtually no English. Meet Justina Doak, owner of Justina Nails & Spa on the street. When she and her Cambodian parents arrived at a refugee camp in Thailand, Justina was six years old. “Back then, [living in a refugee camp] was the only way to have a chance to come to America,” says the soft-spoken Doak. They relocated to Rhode Island –
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East Side Monthly October 2015
where her father had relatives – when she was 12. “I didn’t know how school… or life in America worked. I was scared.” Although she says she wasn’t a strong student, she worked hard and was enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) through middle school. After earning an associate’s degree from CCRI, she took her father’s advice and worked in nail salons. Fast forward to 2015: She has more than ten years of experience as a manicurist; three of them as a business owner. “Everyone wants that American dream,” says Doak, who is fulfilling the American immigrant’s dream. She hopes our nation
can help immigrants who arrive legally with jobs and some education. Of her salon, she says, “It’s not just an in-and-out type of service. We like to get to know our clientele and spend a lot of time with [them]. If a customer wants to be here on Sunday at 7am, I’ll come in.” At our interview, Doak’s fingernails were free of polish and her toenails had paper-white polish. She plays with colors – darker in the winter and light, fresh colors in summertime. “In the summer, try at least one color you don’t think you’d ever wear,” she says. Clients who listen to her have chosen
hot neon colors and yellow for the first time. Her son, Alexander, 11, persuaded Doak to write her life story. Although she struggles with grammar and “putting [words] in a nice paragraph,” Doak has accepted the challenge – line by line, page by page, to write her memoir. What has her life taught her? “Life is not easy, but don’t give up. Do something that makes you happy.” Nancy Kirsch is an award-winning freelance writer in Providence. Contact her at writernancy@gmail.com
Photography by Michael Cevoli
By Nancy Kirsch
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