East Side Monthly December 2010

December 2010

Holiday Greetings New PPS head discusses goals and the return of a tradition An Original Christmas Story

From Paris to Providence

Our Post Election Wrap-Up

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Contents

December 2010 This Month 17 Election Follow Up The results are in – and as expected

19 A Graceful Homecoming Downtown’s Grace Church gets a new reverend

22 Returning to His Roots Meet the new head of PPS

28 Our Annual Christmas Story

Santa’s little helper has a run-in with the law

31 Music

The Chopin Club celebrates a big birthday

Every Month 9 Letters/Editorial 11 Other Side 13 Community News

28 37 On the Menu

51 Movies

Make your own ice cream

Hereafter and Paranormal Activity 2

39 Dining Guide

53 Finance

Your resource for where to eat

Talking about a touchy subject

42 At School Today

55 Calendar

Our education column returns with a new voice

All the info on December’s happenings

44 Pajama Monologues A front row seat for jazz (almost) history

Remembrances of holidays past

Let Spitz-Weiss help you begin that search

A festive inheritance

On the Cover:

48 Opinion

Fall For Your New Home

62 East of Elmgrove

Photography by Jonathan Beller Wreath by Dennis Delsignore

Spitz-Weiss Realtors Family Owned and Operated for Over 50 Years Assisting Buyers, Sellers and Renters Howard Weiss Jon WeissHF

Aleen WeissH Claire Sennott Jenny Wieting

Paul Levitt Judi BlauH

HAlso licensed in MA FLicensed RI Environmental Lead Inspector 0065

Ready to change your career path?

We have openings for new and experienced agents.

785 Hope Street, Providence, RI 401-272-6161 • spitzweissrealtors.com December 2010 East Side Monthly

5

FH FEDERAL HILL

FEDERAL HILL World-class dining. Trendy boutiques. Upscale specialty stores. Cutting edge salons. International galleries. Exclusive nightlife. Old-world quality meets modern sophistication on Federal Hill, the heartbeat of Providence.

GASBARRO’S WINES Established 1898

Rhode Island’s Italian Grocery Store

RI's AwARd wInnIng wIne stoRe 1,600 wInes In stock specIAlty wIne bAskets stAtewIde delIveRy

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361 Atwells Avenue 401.421.4170

Ristorante A new chef, new menu, new hours

A simply sophisticated salon

Open for dinner, Thursday through Sunday

Voted Best New Salon RI Monthly’s Best of RI 2009

DePasquale Plaza 401.528.1100 vendaravioli.com

ROYAL GALLERY

Holidays

P resents : Contemporary masters: a ColleCtion

Gourmet gift baskets, prepared foods, catering for all your holiday needs

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A fresh spin on Lunch $1 Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, Littlenecks & Cherrystones 9.99 Lobster Roll & New lunch Menu

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A cut Above the rest

Authentic Tuscan Cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere

Featuring our a la carte exclusives: All Your sides Are Inclusive!

Voted “Best Restaurant in RI” 2010 RI Monthly's Reader's Poll

279 Atwells Avenue 401.454.8881 providenceoysterbar.com

238 Atwells Avenue 401.521.3311 sienari.com

TAMMANY HALL Federal Hill's BEST neighborhood pub 409 Atwells Avenue 401.831.3180 Find us on facebook

federal hill | the heartbeat of providence

Salon Bianco

Enjoy exceptional Neapolitan style cuisine in a rustic Mediterranean atmosphere.

Rhode Island’s High Fashion & Editorial Salon

Voted Best Providence Restaurant in RI Monthly’s 2010 Reader’s Poll

423 Atwells Avenue 401.331.8099 salonbianco.com

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Editorial

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

What is It About Rhode Island?

The post election headlines around the country have been ominous.

“Republicans make inroads into Northeast,” shouted one Projo front page headline. “Tea Party activists win Senatorial elections in Florida, Kentucky and Utah,” screamed another. Even next door in Massachusetts, 30-year incumbent Barney Frank had to put in his own money to protect his seat and when he won, the mood was more one of relief than jubilation.

Even the President wasn’t immune to this national tsunami of discon-

office – except here.

Oh, we heard anger spewing forth on the talk shows. We saw a record number of new candidates sign up to run as Republicans, Independents and Moderates. We watched as our economy tanked and our unemployment skyrocketed, our children’s educational performances failed to improve, the value of our houses decreased, our state and cities were unable to balance budgets or contribute to pension plans. We asked how a tiny state of one million people could still sup-

were eligible) meekly went into their polling places and reelected most of the same people who were responsible for the mess in the first place.

When the dust settled in our oneparty General Assembly, instead of 91% Democrats, the number “plummeted” all the way down to 84% – so much for national trends.

So the question we ask is, “Why is this?” Could it be that we Rhode Islanders see something that has eluded the rest of the country? Or is it perhaps that the “outrage” of our residents is overstated? Per-

tent. Some people were angry at him for trying to do too much. An equal number were angry that he hasn’t done enough. In short, almost everywhere, newcomers promising to cut costs, get things done and try new approaches were swept into

port 39 separate cities and towns.

We watched as Central Falls slid into bankruptcy. Everybody was screaming!

Until election day. That’s when the few voters who even bothered to show up (less than half of those who

haps we’re willing to accept that this simply is the best we can do.

Perhaps our well-organized unions really are that much more effective than anyone else at implementing their agenda. Or perhaps we simply don’t care enough.

Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Managing Editor Barry Fain City Editor Steve Triedman Editor Julie Tremaine Assistant Editor John Taraborelli Art Director Allison Cole Assistant Art Director Alli Coate Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designers Karli Hendrickson, Jessica Yan Account Managers Danielle Claro, Louann DiMuccioDarwich, Ann Gallagher, Nellie Lima, Dan Schwartz, Elizabeth Riel, Jessica Webb Classified Advertising Sue Howarth, Janice Torilli Contributing Writers James Arthur Anderson, Bob Cipriano, Mary K. Connor, Jill Davidson, Don Fowler, Mike Fink, Bob Mariani, Betsey Purinton, Elizabeth Rau, Andrew Rock, Dan Schwartz, Martina Windels

Letters Handicapping the Elections

Ocean State Not Worth the Wait

To the editor: While I was pretty much in agreement with your endorsements last month, I was surprised to pick up the Phoenix the following week to see they endorsed the very same candidates exactly. Does that mean you’re becoming more liberal, or are they getting more moderate/conservative?

John R. Providence Editor’s Note: We’re happy to report that all our endorsed candidates won with the exception of Catherine Taylor for Secretary of State – who came very, very close – and Chris Little for Attorney General who should have, but didn’t.

To the editor: After eight years of living in the Ocean State, I, a native Nutmegger, decided it was finally time to bite the bullet and get my very own Rhode Island State Drivers License. The task seemed simple enough. I checked the website and deduced that an out of state transfer could be done at any state DMV. I woke up early and drove to the Middletown DMV, wherein I waited for a little over two hours until my number was called. After I told my story, the man behind the counter informed me that as of Monday, any and all out of state transfers must be completed at the Cranston DMV. Did I mention this was Tuesday? He told me that they “hadn’t gotten around to updating

the online information” and it would probably take me around six hours at the Cranston DMV “since they’re so swamped with out of state transfers.” Six hours? Swamped with out of state transfers? I can’t fit six hours of sleep in a day – never mind sitting at the DMV! Seeing that I had to be into work the next day by 9am, and I didn’t have the time to sit in Cranston for six hours, I got up at early, drove to the Old Saybrook Connecticut State DMV, renewed my license in a record breaking 20 minutes, and made it to work by 10am. Although I love this state probably as much as the natives, and truly wanted to become a Rhode Islanduh, your state departments have a long way to go before I’m persuaded to call it my permanent home.

Nicole Greenspun

Calendar Christina Evon Interns Nicole Greenspun, Lauren Knight, Jen Liedke, Whitney Smith Contributing Photographers Jonathan Beller, Dan Schwartz Contributing Illustrators Emma Tripp, Susanna Vagt

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 ©2010 by East Side Monthly.

All rights reserved. Printed by TCI.

December 2010 East Side Monthly

9

BUY ART,

Buy Art Holiday Party

HAVE A DRINK

5:30 – 8:30 PM Thursday, December 9

WEAR YoUR BUY ART BUTToN AND REcEIVE A FREE DRINK !

Duck & Bunny 312 Wickenden St. Providence www.BuyArtProvidence.com

Meet this year’s artists • Mingle with the arts community Celebrate the Buy Art season • Sample light fare

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buyartprovidence.com

Thank you for giving.

Now and forever.

Our generous donors have made it possible for The Rhode Island Foundation to grant more than $240 million to nonprofit organizations in the past decade alone.

▼

Thank you for your continued trust in us.

Together, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

To learn more about how you can work with us, please call Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Carol Golden at 401 427-4027 The Rhode Island Foundation • www.rifoundation.org • 401 274-4564

10

East Side Monthly December 2010

bunny a snuggery

Other Side by Barry Fain

Have a Happy... Whatever.

ExPErt Legal Services When You Need them

Going Multicultural for the Holidays ‘Tis the Season to Be Something Local author, singer and entertainer Mark Binder has just announced the release of a new CD of stories called A Holiday Present, especially themed for the season.

Ecumenical as always, Mark’s tales cover all the December holidays: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Diwali, Solstice, New Year’s – you name it, Mark’s got it.

The CD is available through Light Productions at www. lightproductions.com or at www.amazon.com.

Talk about that perfect all-purpose holiday gift for everyone on your gift list. Well, maybe not everyone. Old Seinfeld fans might wonder why Festivus didn’t make the cut.

Go. Enjoy. Buy.

Our Streets Will Be Alive with the Sounds of...

One of our favorite East Side traditions returns when PPS offers its Holiday Festival on December 4. The event includes holiday decorating seminars, a historic presentation on local Providence signs, food, drink, door decorating contests, musical entertainment, carolers and, of course, a tree lighting. Check our cover story sidebar on page 24 that lists all the specifics. What better way to get us all in the holiday mood a little earlier than normal? Add a stray snowflake or two, and voila: instant Currier and Ives. Call PPS at 831-7440 or contact www.ppsri.org for last minute details.

A Worldwide Winter Wonderland If you like your holidays celebrated in a more ecumenical fashion, go visit International House at Stimson Avenue on the weekend of December 4-5. Those are the dates of their annual International House Bazaar, when gifts from all over the world are offered for your enjoyment and purchase. There will also be food, entertainment and all sorts of unexpected treats at the handsomely appointed East Side mansion that serves as the home for the House. For more details or to learn more about International House in general, call 421-7181.

Ain’t that a Kick Some people crumple paper to rid themselves of frustration. For others, it’s a plaintive scream. Another possibility? Kick up those heels and thrust. Kickboxing has just come to the East Side in the form of black belt Stephanie France, a trainer at Health Seekers at 580 Wickenden Street. Armed with 15 years of martial arts experience, this student of four-time world boxing champion Jamie “Hurricane” Clampitt feels the sport is the perfect way to take out frustrations, stay in shape,

Tom at Mirza & Andrew A Celebration Peaceable Kingdom defend yourself if needed or just relax. For more information on this alternative exercise approach, contact Stephanie at 487-6186 or at www.healthseekers.org.

No special gear is needed; you just need to be ready to kick some butt – figuratively speaking, of course.

For Our Eyes Only?

When East Side Eyewear, the longtime eyeglass store on Wayland Avenue, suddenly closed with its owner nowhere to be found, a collective “huh” went up from some of his old customers. Well, the good news is an exciting new replacement has popped up – and just in time for the holidays, too. Jed Leach has just opened a handsome upscale eyeglass store called Opt Boutique in the same location. In addition to an even wider range of glasses and sunglasses, he also hopes to hold special evening events to make his shop as user friendly as possible. There will be an optician on the premises at all times as well. So if you’re in the neighborhood, stop in and welcome Jed. Opt Boutique can be reached at 490-0200.

Pelletier have the experience, skill, & compassion you want on your side.

Pelletier & Mirza, LLP Attorneys At LAw 861-1743

469 Angell St., Providence Wayland Square Licensed in RI & MA

This Month, Going Tropical is Especially Topical It’s early December. The wind outside is howling. The chills of winter have begun in earnest. There’s even the hint of a snowflake in the air. So what’s the best way to deal with all this? How ‘bout a trip to the South Pacific?

Just hop down to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) to catch the new smash revival of the play by the same name. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic has been packing them in on Broadway and comes to Providence for six days only: December 7-12. Call 421-ARTS for tickets. Nothing like this great musical set on a South Seas island to help you “wash that winter right out of your hair.” It’ll make for “Some Enchanted Evening.” (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

Connecting the Dots Downtown Downcity Providence and East Side Monthly encourage you to add a dash of fun and games to your holiday shopping this year by playing Holiday Bingo. It’s simple.

Tear out the bingo card on page 12 in this issue and take it with you as you explore 20 participating downtown businesses. Shop at any one and get that square stamped on your card. Complete any five in a row and BINGO! You’re then entered to win prizes worth up to $1000, including hotel stays, gourmet dinners, theatre tickets and shopping sprees. The contest runs until December 31 with winners announced on New Year’s Day. (You don’t have to be present to win.) Visit www. indowncity.com for more info – and good luck.

Exclusively at Mignonette ��� Wickenden St., Providence • ���-���� December 2010 East Side Monthly

11

Community News Community News is 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.

Fox Point

By John Rousseau Fox Point Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 270-7121 Website: www.foxpointprovidence.org Email Address: fpna@cox.net Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603177, Providence, RI 02906 Upcoming Events: FPNA Monthly Board Meeting, 7-8pm, December 13 at the Vartan Gregorian Bath House Library. 455 Wickenden Street.

FPNA Audience Unhappy with RIDOT Lambri Zerva, supervising engineer with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), at FPNA’s October Membership meeting failed to convince the audience that his department has listened to neighborhood concerns on I-Way access streets and that measures are being taken to address widespread complaints of increased highway noise.

Those complaints of increased I-Way traffic noise from Fox Point residents erupted in the spring, prompting letters from Councilman Seth Yurdin and FPNA’s new president Ian Barnacle, which led to a meeting with RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis.

At the neighborhood meeting, Zerva attempted to convince the audience that subsequent testing indicated that sound levels were down from those taken before construction of the I-Way. The present “noise-making” comes from three areas: eastbound lanes,

westbound lanes and the bridge, Zerva said. “We are putting the final level of paving on those lanes, which should make the noise less,” he explained.

“But, the deck is grooved concrete (to improve traction) and it is permanent.”

Audience members described the new noise as roaring and asked why RIDOT is not considering decorative sound barriers like those used in Connecticut, Massachusetts and other major cities. Zerva said such barriers only reduce noise for the first street near the barrier and do nothing to lower levels beyond that point.

Zerva also attempted to portray RIDOT as listening to neighborhood concerns by re-designing the Wickenden intersection, but residents disagreed. Barnacle pointed out that the westbound Main Street exit into the neighborhood continues to block access to restaurants on the other side and presents a very dangerous situation for pedestrians who are crossing it. Zerva said that traffic could not be slowed down by signs indicating an upcoming traffic light because RIDOT did not want to interfere with interstate traffic flow.

“Well, we would certainly not be happy with the installation of a tall chain-link fence along that exit,” Barnacle said.

The area in question is the intersection of Pike and Transit streets, near Our Lady of Rosary Church. Beginning in mid 2009, FPNA had asked RIDOT to consider the extension of Pike Street to the west, which if done, would now have to cross the I-Way exit.

John Rousseau, FPNA executive secretary, said the exit seemed “plenty long enough for signs about an upcoming traffic light to slow traffic down.” He also pointed out that the extension of Pike Street to South Main would make the interstate parcels across the exit more valuable real estate for the City of Providence. “What about Father Esco-

bar’s complaints about the problems presented for funerals from the church?”

In a March 4 letter, Rev. Joseph A. Escobar had asked RIDOT to extend Pike Street through South Water Street so that churchgoers especially those at funerals would have an easier access to I-195 East by being able to cross the exit and turn left on South Water Street.

In Councilman Seth Yurdin’s letter, he asked RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis to assess noise and pollution issues; recommend a series of actions; provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the issues and implement necessary measures to address the problems. Since the request, no public meeting to update residents on the existing I-way design plan has been held.

Tax Levy Targets East Side Residents and apartment owners on the East Side of Providence are now carrying an unfair property tax burden, thanks to the City Council’s July 31 Tax Levy, according to Keith Fernandes, president of the newly formed Providence Apartment Association. Since real estate prices on the East Side have held their property values better than other parts of the city, the property tax increases are targeted, Fernandes said. “Property tax rates have gone up for all of you sitting in the audience,” thanks to an irresponsible City Council who raises taxes and decides how to spend the money later, he explained.

For owners of investment property, the removal of the 33 percent non-owner occupied exemption means they have taken a more devastating hit, Fernandes said. “Adding the 25 percent-plus tax increase to the loss of the 33 percent exemption means many landlords saw increases of 70 to 80 percent.” Unfortunately this action will lead to higher rents for tenants, he added.

FPNA President Ian Barnacle, who

also is a licensed real estate broker with Residential Properties, said it has been much more difficult to find persons willing to invest in Providence real estate since July 31. “Some deals we had in process before the Council’s decision fell through before closing,” he added.

To learn more about the issue, go to the Providence Apartment Association’s new web site, fixprov.com.

FPNA Thanks Candidates FPNA would like to thank everyone, who supported the Open Space Recreation Bond endorsed by FPNA, including the political candidates speaking at the October membership meeting, who unanimously supported the measure.

Blackstone Parks

By Anna Browder Blackstone Parks Conservancy Website: www.blackstoneparksconservancy.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603141, Providence, RI 02906 Blackstone Boulevard The concert series at the trolley shelter was a resounding success with an average attendance of 250.

Many thanks to Butler Hospital for this wonderful gift to the community. Anyone interested in volunteering for Boulevard projects – garden maintenance, edging garden beds with stones, general maintenance – please contact us through our website. We hope to finish pruning the remaining section of the Boulevard to the north. We are seeking funds for this project and others.

December 2010 East Side Monthly

13

Community News continued...

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Dec

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Blackstone Park Conservation District The kiosk on Parkside Avenue has been upgraded. The Steel Yard crafted a pair of locking doors for the back to increase the space available for posting information about the park.

They also replaced the worn lexan on the door on the front, repainted the frame and added cork. And volunteers cleaned away the cobwebs and painted the frame and uprights. Note the beautiful hardware patterned after leaves in our woods, giving the kiosk its own stamp of individuality.

On October 16, 19 volunteers built fences to close a portion of a trail that was badly eroded and unsafe for continued use. The edges of inner trails were delineated with wood. This work, seemingly a matter of a few hours of physical labor in a pleasant setting, requires weeks of preparation emails, phone calls and meetings on site. The project must be planned with the Parks Department and the Appalachian Mountain Club and a grant proposal written to cover the approximately $2500 cost of materials.

The split oak rails are made for us in Athol, Massachusetts, and the delivery truck must be met. Hardware must be purchased. Volunteers must be signed up, and supplies, including tools, gloves and materials, brought to the site on the day of work.

We thank the volunteers for their amazingly hard work and accomplishments well beyond what was anticipated for the day!

Please send your Eastside Marketplace cash register receipts to the P.O. Box to help us cover administrative costs.

To volunteer to work on the Boulevard or in the park, or to become a member, contact us through our web site. You may also send membership donations to our P. O. Box. Levels are $25/individual; $50/family; $100/Protector; $250/Conservationist; $1000/ Lifetime.

Y

By David Kolsky arents ProspectiveouPse & Open H bration l Winter Cele a n o ti a rn te In th December

11

R.S.V.P to \VGprospectiveparents@gmail.

*Other tour dates Nov 30, Jan 11, Feb 2 and Mar 1

com

Neighborhood Discussion Group at Books on the Square http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ waylandsquare Upcoming Events: Combined Monthly Meeting for November & December 2010. Monday, December 13, 7pm. Books on

the Square, 471 Angell Street (near Elmgrove, next to CVS).

Local Election Candidates’ Night on October 27 Over 50 people filled Books on the Square six days before the November 2 general election to hear nine candidates for local seats in the Rhode Island General Assembly and Providence City Council.

This was the last of three primary election and seven general election forums held by Brown University, the West Broadway Neighborhood Association and four East Side neighborhood groups (College Hill, Summit, Fox Point and Wayland Square) that also heard candidates for Mayor, Governor and Congress.

The last forum uncovered some interesting points of agreement and difference over policy and philosophy between the Democrats (Sen. Rhoda Perry, Rep. Edith Ajello, Chris Blazejewski and Sam Zurier), Republicans (Dr. Dan Harrop and Morris Markovitz) and Independents (Miriam Ross, Richard Rodi and Ronald Dwight).

Many thanks to the hardworking staff of Books on the Square for the essential physical arrangements (and rearrangements) and to Hollie Courage for keeping time. Thanks also to the candidates and audience for their civility and patience.

A Rash of Burglaries Before the election forum began on October 27, the meeting heard a brief update from Officer García and Sergeant Romano of the Brook Street police substation about a recent string of local burglaries.

It’s not clear if two clusters of such break-ins have been committed by different thieves or are the work of a single group. Some of them happen at night (even when a house is occupied) while others occur in the middle of the day when a house or apartment’s residents are away at school or work.

The advice the officers gave was similar to that police speakers had offered at our spring meeting on safety. Occupants of multiple-unit housing should secure their common entrances and individual doors. Single-family homeowners should activate their burglar alarms whenever they’re away. Mask the telltale flicker of computer and television screens from passersby.

Call 911 as soon as possible to give details about something serious, urgent or immediate (such as a vehicle or clothing description), but don’t

28TH AnnuAl

Foundry Artists GAlA HolidAy sAle hesitate to use the non-emergency number, 272-3121, to ask questions or to report something that gives you general concern because it seems out of place.

Combined Meeting on December 13th Because our regular date on the fourth Wednesday of each month would clash with Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’re instead combining November and December’s meetings on Monday, December 13 at 7pm.

No subjects or speakers had been decided at press-time, but possible topics include property taxes, planning issues, new local businesses, year-end reviews from invited officials, the future of the Clarke Flower Shop site and replacing the Eastside Marketplace’s trees. Check the latest agenda on our Yahoo! Group’s public message board (at the site listed above).

College Hill

By Diane Greco College Hill Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 633-5230 Website: www.collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org Email Address: CHNA@collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org Mailing Address: PO Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906 The Board of the College Hill Neighborhood Association met at Lippitt House Museum on November 1. Attending were Allison Spooner, Heidi Heifetz, Ed Bishop, Barry Fain, Diane Greco, Sara Bradford, Ron Dwight and Yvonne Shilling.

At the meeting, the Board heard a presentation from Sue Greenfield, Program Coordinator for VIPS Inspiring Minds. Founded in 1963 as VIPS (Volunteers in Providence Schools), the organization has for over four decades provided students in Providence’s public schools with educational support through the cultivation of meaningful relationships with community members. Using carefully designed matching criteria, VIPS Inspiring Minds places volunteers in every public school throughout Providence. These volunteers provide mentoring and tutoring in our city’s classrooms, creating a more supportive environment for both students and teachers.

While VIPS Inspiring Minds often

links high school and college students who are interested in education with meaningful fieldwork, everyone, especially retirees, is welcome to volunteer. The programs occur during the school day as well as after school. The usual commitment is one hour per week for fifteen weeks (a semester). Volunteers are required to attend a brief training session. Greenfield also shared news of the program’s latest focus: the provision of literacy support to K-3 students who are refugees. As recent arrivals to the United States, they are in urgent need of basic help adjusting to a new language, culture and educational system. If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, you can reach VIPS Inspiring Minds at 2743240, on the web at www.vips4kids. org or email vips@vips4kids.org.

CHNA extends warm congratulations to neighborhood election winners State Senator Rhoda Perry, State Representatives Edith Ajello and Seth Yurdin, and City Councilman Sam Zurier, as well as our new Mayor Angel Taveras.

Thanks to the tireless work of Board members Heidi Heifetz, Donna Lee Gennaro and CHNA President Alison Spooner, CHNA has produced a substantial “welcome packet” of useful neighborhood information and money-saving coupons for new neighbors. These packets will be distributed to new College Hill residents through local realtors. CHNA gratefully acknowledges our packet sponsors: Hemenways, Squires, Waterman Grille, Details, Kebab & Curry, Green & Cleaner and Thayer St. Cleaners.

Thanks to new Board member Adrian Bryce D’Orio, you can now find CHNA on Facebook, where D’Orio is keeping track of events and breaking news. If you “like” our page on Facebook, you will automatically be entered in a monthly contest giveaway. Please stop by!

On December 4, look for CHNA President Alison Spooner and other Board members at the Providence Preservation Society’s annual Holiday Festival. The festival’s highlight is a self-guided walking tour of several meticulously preserved and restored historic houses on Benefit Street. If you’re contemplating a renovation, you’ll be sure to find great ideas and inspiration on this tour.

To join CHNA or renew your membership, visit our website and click “Join CHNA.” Or send a check for $20, made out to College Hill Neighborhood Association, to the Treasurer, and include your email address.

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East Side Monthly December 2010

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the more things change, the more they stay the same. Bucking the national and regional trends, Rhode Island, already the most heavily Democratic state in the nation solidified its position by electing Democrats to four of the state’s five general office positions The one Republican who almost made it, the East Side’s own Catherine Taylor, came excruciatingly close to winning the Secretary of State post, losing by just 1%. The fifth spot, of course, went to liberal Independent candidate, Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee. His quirky ways at least promise to make his years in office interesting ones indeed.

As in the past, the General Assembly will remain pretty much a one party institution from ten Republicans (out of 113) to eighteen. On the East Side, all the positions in play went Democratic as well. The Providence City Council also remains 100% one party. In fact there hasn’t been a Republican in the City Council in over 25 years.

So while the results here certainly didn’t come as a surprise, they did highlight the efforts of several determined office-seekers, a few of whom were making their first run for office. The most contested race was the bid by two outsiders to take on 20-year incumbent Rhoda Perry for State Senate. A proven vote getter, Perry garnered 61% percent of the vote. Independent Miriam Ross, an attorney with a strong interest and background in small business job creation, came in second with 28%. Her dog, often seen sporting “Vote for Ross” campaign signs as the candidate went door to door, was certainly a welcome and enjoyable part of her campaign team.

Republican Morrie Markovitz brought levity to the few public debates with his humorous observations about the lamentable state of our state, but finished in third with 11% of the vote.

Representatives Gordon Fox and Edie Ajello both easily won reelection in their

races, the former gathering 77% of the vote, the latter 74%. Two newcomers vied for the State Rep seat vacated by David Segal in what proved to be a hard fought contest. Independent candidate Richard Rodi launched an aggressive campaign, with his signage and ads visible throughout Fox Point. Also endorsed by the Tea Party, he was unable to match newcomer Chris Blazejewski, an attorney and one of the founders of the progressive social group Drinking Liberally. Blazejewski was endorsed by Segal and much of the Democratic establishment, campaigned hard for the seat as well, and won by a 71% to 29% margin.

The final East Side race pitted Sam Zurier, a well-known East Side resident, attorney and education activist against Ron Dwight, also an attorney and longtime College Hill board member. Zurier, who had defeated financial planner Ted Trafton, first time candidate, in a hardfought primary, captured 81% of the vote this time around.

If you’re a numbers wonk with extra time on your hands, go the State Board of Elections site where you can access the November 2 results precinct by precinct.

While its usefulness is debatable, it is fun. The most obvious observation about East Side voting is how liberal our area remains. Robitaille and Loughlin barely made a dent. And for all the talk about outgoing Mayor Cicilline’s plummeting popularity, it sure didn’t effect his numbers. About 75% of the East Side supported him in his successful Congressional quest. Linc did great too, with about 63% of us agreeing with his message of trust.

In general though, the turnout on the East Side was lighter than average. This mirrors low statewide trends in which less than half of the state’s eligible voters actually went to the polls.

Another interesting observation is about the role of Brown voters. A sample of results at the Solomon Center voting area located on the Brown campus

reveals that virtually every Democrat received close to 90% of the vote, including candidates Mollis and Kilmartin, who both polled far lower at the other East Side precincts, which suggests straight party voting is the norm here. As a footnote, not unexpectedly, the Brown polling area was the only one on the East Side that voted to omit “Providence Plantations” from the name of our state.

On a statewide basis, the name change was voted down overwhelmingly by a 78% to 22% margin.

Citywide, some changes will indeed be coming. We’ll have a new mayor, of course, when Angel Taveras gets sworn in as the city’s first Latino mayor in January. He’ll face some serious financial issues brought on by ongoing cuts to the cities and towns by the General Assembly and significantly underfunded pension obligations. The retirement of five City Councilpersons and the defeat of several others will be bringing in a whole new group of lawmakers to City Hall.

Several – Zurier, Ward 13’s Brian Principe and Ward 15’s Sabina Matos come to mind – are young, energetic, liberal and newcomers to the old ways of doing things. It could be quite interesting.

Even bigger changes will be coming to the power base on Federal Hill. Three of Providence’s most powerful power brokers – State Treasurer Frank Caprio, House Finance Chair Steven Costantino and former Mayor and City Council President John Lombardi – all are out of elected office for the first time in decades. The status of Councilman Terry Hassett, who was badly injured in a hitand-run accident on Atwells Avenue, is unclear as we go to press. One can only speculate on what happens next and who will fill the voids they leave behind.

And of course, there’s always Buddy.

But one thing is for certain. The phrase “shove it” will officially and forever be deleted from the state’s political lexicon.

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

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COMING SOON

18

East Side Monthly December 2010

A Graceful Homecoming A Brown-educated reverend returns to Providence from Paris

By Mary K Connor | Photography by Jonathan Beller

From Paris to Providence?

From Avenue George V and a fiveminute walk to the River Seine, to Transit Street and a five-minute walk to the Providence River?

Such a move could be a tough adjustment for a young family, right? Not at all, says the Rev. Jonathan Huyck. He should know. After five years as the Canon Pastor of the American Cathedral in Paris, Father Huyck – along with his wife, Ann and their son, Benjamin – made exactly that move so that Jonathan could begin his ministry as the 21st Rector of Grace Episcopal Church on Mathewson Street in downtown Providence. Father Huyck’s first service at Grace Church was Sunday, August 1.

His installation, on November 21, will be presided over by Bishop Geralyn Wolf.

Father Huyck’s friend, mentor and for-

mer boss, Rev. Zachary Fleetwood of the American Cathedral in Paris, will participate as well, sharing the special day with the Huyck family.

In one sense, moving to Fox Point “has been like coming home” for Jonathan Huyck, a 1991 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Brown University. While he enjoys being able to walk to Brown’s campus, Father Huyck is also thoroughly enjoying becoming involved in the greater East Side community.

“Brown has always had such a vibrant campus life,” he enthuses. “Even if you lived on the East Side, as a student, you could go for weeks without really being aware of what was going on outside the ‘gates’ of the campus.”

Father Huyck is no longer a student, however. He and his family are settling in as true residents. They have

explored the Farmer’s Market at Lippitt Park, joined the Athenaeum and RISD’s Museum of Art, and participated in Fox Point’s National Neighborhood Day event. Jonathan rides his bike to work.

He hopes to get on the East Bay and Blackstone River Bike Paths soon. “Oh, and there is Taste of India on Wickenden Street – my all-time favorite restaurant,” says Jonathan. “It is better than anything in Paris.”

It is this opportunity to settle into a community – the owner of Taste of India recognized and greeted Jonathan from his student days – that attracted him back to Providence. “It was one of the things we missed in Paris: not being deeply committed to the local community,” he explains. “It was one of the things I was looking for in my new ministry ­– being actively involved and

rooted in my community.”

Of course, the real reason Father Huyck moved from Paris to Providence has nothing to do with Fox Point, or Taste of India. Father Huyck’s real enthusiasm is for leading the community of Grace Church.

Jonathan Huyck grew up in New York City and then its suburbs. By the time he was in high school, his family had gotten as far from the city as Connecticut, but never, he points out, “were we beyond the boundaries of Yankee territory.” After graduating from Brown, Father Huyck earned a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago. He then spent time in Los Angeles, some of it writing comedy scripts for studios and networks.

“I was an only-occasionally-successful comedy writer,” Father Hucyk recalls, December 2010 East Side Monthly

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downplaying this aspect of his resume.

“I was always called to the ministry.” He uses comedy in his sermons, but “only if it serves the greater purpose.” The more significant thing about his comedy writing was that through it Jonathan met and worked with an Episcopal priest. “He was the first priest I had ever met who was my age. At the time, the average age of a priest being ordained was 40.

I was 25. Meeting him convinced me to pursue my ordination.”

Father Huyck subsequently earned a Master of Sacred Theology in Anglican Studies from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. While in New York, he worked for a year as the first Episcopal Chaplain at NYU, and also served as Director of Young Adult and Newcomer Ministries at the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is where he met his wife, Ann. Father Huyck was one of nine priests ordained in New York at the time. Since there were openings for just three within the diocese, he was “released” and thus able to pursue a job anywhere. “It was wonderful timing,” Father Huyck says of the Paris opportunity. “Ann was just finishing up her masters at NYU (in Dance and Dance History). Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to go.”

The Huycks loved living in Paris. Ann taught ballet and dance history and participated in the work of the Friends of the American Cathedral. Through his work as one of two clergy on the staff, Jonathan earned the respect of the Cathedral community, and is credited with growing that community through outreach, effective preaching and a revitalization of the Cathedral’s “Sundays at Six” services. The Huycks spent more time in Paris than they had originally intended, and about a year ago Jonathan began to consider returning to the Northeast. “The time was right,” he rememebers. “I had been the Canon (i.e., associate rector) for five years. I worked closely with the Dean of the Cathedral. He was a great mentor.

I thought it was time for me to be a rector of my own parish.”

Last spring, when he was in Providence to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of his Brown a cappella group, The Jabberwocks, Father Huyck learned of the opening at Grace Church. He knew right away he would apply for the job. “I felt called to Grace Church,” he declares.

“It was head and shoulders above the other opportunities I had.” Again, the sense of community appealed to the rector. “Grace is deeply embedded in the Downtown community – that drew me to it,” he says. “I am excited to be meeting the folks involved in the business community. Everyone is very committed to continuing the work of revitalizing Downtown and I am excited to be a part of that.” Of course, a vibrant downtown will help Grace

Church, but Father Huyck also recognizes that the parish can and should be an active participant in the revitalization. “I am learning, what are the ways in which Grace Church can be helpful to these efforts? I am interested in asking different questions. For example, with the issue of homelessness, we are trying to find ways we can be truly helpful to those in need. At the same time, we want to be a good neighbor to the folks who are trying to work and do business in Downtown. There are no easy answers.”

What is the biggest part of Father Huyck’s week right now, as he gets into his ministry? “It is changing. At first it was just figuring things out. Now it is trying to put a structure into place that allows the church to continue to flourish,” he explains. “I am fortunate in that my predecessor left me a wonderful and healthy parish. His are great footsteps to follow in.”

What draws people to Grace Church?

“One is its reputation for excellent music.

More important, I think,” says Father Huyck, “is Grace Church’s diversity. It is attractive to people who want to be members of a church where everyone doesn’t look like them. Grace Church is very diverse – black and white, gay and straight, rich and poor – and everyone loves being together. That is important to me. I recognized it right away during my interview process. I can recognize when people are enjoying each other’s company. That was the definitely the case with the search committee.”

Father Huyck also has a message about Grace Church for East Side Monthly readers: “It is a very short bike ride or walk. So come across the river, my friends! It is easy to get to, and it is a wonderful, wonderful community, a diverse and fun community.”

While “crossing the river” now refers to the Providence River and not the Seine, the Reverend Jonathan Huyck is just fine with that. He and Ann, and their son Benjamin, feel right at home. Why wouldn’t they? As Father Huyck puts it, “I always say that Providence is the Paris of Rhode Island!”

Ever the comedian?

Grace Episcopal Church, 175 Mathewson Street, was built in 1845. It was designed by architect Richard Upjohn, in a Gothic Revival Style and in 1972 was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

For a self-guided tour of its magnificent stained glass windows, installed between 1846 and 1929, visit the Parish office, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. The annual Christmas Open House and Snowflake Silent Auction, to benefit The George Hunt Help Center, the Rhode Island Free Clinic and The Grace Church Coffee Ministry, will be held Saturday, December 4, from 5-7pm. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

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Grace Church is a vibrant and diverse downtown parish that has welcomed all to its historic church since 1846. We would love to welcome our East Side neighbors this holiday season or any Sunday of the year !

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Roots

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R.I. Native James Hall settles in as new director of Preservation Society

By Barry Fain | Photography by Jonathan Beller

S

itting in the Providence Art club over a cup of coffee, attired in a natty jacket, his stylish bowtie slightly askance, James Hall certainly looks comfortable in his role as the newly appointed head of the Providence Preservation Society (PPS), arguably one of the most active and respected preservation groups in the country. As we sat having lunch, a seemingly endless stream of well wishers would stop by the table to say hello, ask a question or just offer a nod. “This is what I love about Providence,” observes Hall, who took over his PPS stewardship in July. “Our two degrees of separation.

And I like to think our city’s commitment to preservation is one of those factors that creates this longevity and sense of comfort. All I know is you won’t find a more diverse, textured and vital community than here in Providence.”

Trained as an architect, with an academic background in architectural history, the Rhode Island native seems to possess the skill-set necessary to handle this demanding job. Better still, he also knows the territory better than most, coming over from the Rhode Island School of Design after almost 25 years in a variety of capacities, most recently as the school’s Assistant Director of the RISD Museum.

Yet while PPS has been quite visible lately – taking an active role with initiatives like their “10 Most Endangered Properties” list, actively lobbying with the city over its demotion policies and trying to protect high visibility sites like the façade in the Financial District and the Grove Street School – there also have been concerns over the turnover at the group’s executive director position. In the past six years, no less than three previous directors have come on gone. Most recently, well-respected Board Member, former PPS treasurer and East Side resident Vicki Veh stepped in as interim director to stabilize the organization. But the two predecessors before her, both out-of-towners, rotated out of the position after a few years. Fortunately PPS has been quite secure financially, the result of a recently concluded capital fund drive and a series of highly visible and successful fundraising events, anchored by their nationally known Festival of Historic Houses held each June.

The recent turnover, Hall feels, has less to do with the organization itself but rather is a reflection of the state of nonprofits in general. “Quite frankly, the whole landscape has changed,” he explains. “In the past there were maybe a dozen nonprofits competing for the attention of donors. Now there are more like 50 or 75 vying for the same charitable funds. The need now is for organizations to create a passion among their givers, to make sure it is a top priority for those who care.” Hall notes that recently economic realities have created a “last one standing wins” philosophy among charities. “My hope is that we can all work together and help tell each other’s stories. Our collective success is what is needed to build a vibrant local sense of community.”

Hall, a North Providence native with a solid background in architectural history, is clearly committed to Providence and to preservation interests in general.

“I grew up as a teenager coming into Providence to study at the downtown Providence Public Library and fell in love with the grand old buildings we have here,” he recalls. “It was also a time when Providence, thanks in large part to the heritage of the wonderful work of Antoinette Downing and Happy Chace on Benefit Street, put Providence well ahead of the curve when it came to historic preservation. I am so proud to now be part of that tradition.”

After a collegiate career at the University of Virginia where he majored in architectural history, Hall took a job running an art gallery in Galveston, Texas. “Believe it or not, the experience there was quite consistent with my interest in architecture,” he remembers. “Galveston was at the time quite successful economically because of oil refining, and much of the money was being spent in creating an architecturally diverse and impressive building infrastructure. Along with cities like Providence and Charleston, a great deal of care and thought was going into developing a new design idiom while protecting the historic traditions of its past.”

Hall returned to his native state to take a job at RISD while also pursuing his Master’s in landscape architecture there. Since one of the challenges that will face him as executive director of PPS is working with local nonprofit institutions on their building expansions, he feels his RISD experience will be of use to him. But he

acknowledges the problems, saying, “Schools here on the East Side have made strategic decisions to stay in historic areas, as compared to schools like Bryant that moved off the East Side and now enjoy a beautiful life among apple orchards. Located where they are, schools like Brown and RISD need to realize that they have a responsibility to preserve the historic legacy that is an integral part of their fabric, and I think they do. But they also need to realize that what they build on their campuses affects the historic community that adjoins them.”

While noting some of the assets he will be inheriting in his new position, Hall also admits there will be some challenges as well. “I am proud to be part of an organization that has been one of the country’s shining examples of how historic preservation can energize a community,” he declares. “Because of what happened on Benefit Street over 50 years ago, historic preservation is now embedded in all sections of the city and is what makes it so unique. One of my challenges is to demonstrate that the same commitment and energy that went into saving Benefit Street can be continued to ensure our preservation prospers in the 21st century.”

One of Hall’s mantras will be to make the case for preservation as an integral part of the “greening” of today’s society. He points out that it takes almost 50 years to offset the carbon footprint that is created when a building is demolished and replaced with a new structure, adding, “We have to champion not just the aesthetic success of Benefit Street but its economic success as well.”

This said, the new PPS executive director acknowledges that his role extends to new construction, as well as preserving the old. “PPS needs to be a loud and clear voice for what happens with newly developed buildings, like the Masonic Temple and the GTECH building for example,” Hall says. “It’s about design. It’s about detail. It’s about scale.”

What is especially important to Hall, given his architectural background, is what happens to new buildings at the streetscape level. He uses the Fleet Building that was constructed a few decades ago as an example, explaining, “The building itself is handsome, but it creates a less December 2010 East Side Monthly

23

Benefit Street Stroll to Return December 4 One the best appreciated holiday traditions here on the East Side has been the annual Benefit Street Stroll sponsored by PPS. The last few years, the event has been divided between Benefit Street, Downtown and the Broadway area. This year, it has been expanded and returns to its original Benefit Street roots on December 4, extending from 9am into the evening. In acknowledgement of its expanded daylong activities, it is now being called the PPS Holiday Festival.

Benefit Street was created in 1758 “for the common benefit of all” to relieve congestion on Main Street. Known as Back Street until 1772, it followed a path along existing gardens, orchards and family plots. The street is closely associated with Providence’s rapid growth and development. By the 1950s, however, the street was blighted and endangered; its poor condition inspired neighbors to form PPS in 1956 to restore the inherent charm. The area has since become one of the nation’s foremost vibrant historic neighborhoods.

The day will start off with a holiday decorating seminar. Martha Beckman, former product designer for Martha Stewart Living, will present a holiday house-decorating lecture at the Hope Club (on the corner of Benefit and Benevolent Streets). The seminar starts with a continental breakfast at 9am and includes

lunch and a ticket for the Holiday Festival tour. The seminar is limited to 60 people.

Of course, what would a PPS event be without a house tour? Several interesting Benefit Street houses, will be open from 11am-5pm. Preserved, restored, and furnished carefully and creatively, the houses included on this self-guided tour are sure to dazzle and inspire. The Tour Registration Center will be at the Old State House (150 Benefit Street).

The festivities will also feature

24

East Side Monthly December 2010

hayrides, carolers singing along the streets, activities for children, a doordecorating contest, and holiday snacks and hot beverages. Ticket holders will also have access to a lecture by James Hall, PPS Executive Director, on the history of Benefit Street and docent-led walking tours. The tour is walking distance from many retail districts including Wickenden, South Main Street and Downtown.

A Patrons’ Reception featuring a lecture by art historian Nancy Austin, entitled “Signs of the Times,” will be held at 3:30pm. After the lecture, patron ticket holders will be invited to meet Ms. Austin over cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

The celebration continues after 5pm with a procession Downtown, culminating at City Hall for Mayor Cicilline’s Annual Tree Lighting at 6pm. After the tree lighting, many Downtown shops will have entertainment and be open late for your shopping pleasure.

Tour tickets are $25 in advance ($30 on the day of the event). Ticket prices for the Holiday Decorating Seminar are $125 (includes lunch and a ticket for the tour). Ticket prices for the Patrons’ Reception are $75 (includes a ticket for the tour). For more information or to purchase tickets, call PPS at 831-7440 or visit www.ppsri.org. Proceeds benefit PPS’s advocacy and education initiative.

The Providence Preservation Society, founded in 1956, is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the city of Providence through historic preservation and enhancement of the built environment.

than ideal pedestrian experience at the ground level with its clunky overhead doors and less than grandiose entrance.”

He also proudly defends RISD’s new Chace Center at RISD. “At the risk of offending Projo columnist David Brussat, not every building needs to be brick or Georgian,” Hall quips. “Before the new museum entrance on South Main Street, there were no windows to allow passersby the opportunity to look into any of the buildings. Now, the RISD Works entrance provides an exciting new visual experience for visitors to our city.”

In his new role, Hall hopes to be as proactive as possible in dealing with city government. “Rather than just react to problems, I see PPS as being a resource to help the City deal with development projects early in the process.” He sometimes feels city administrators have a tendency to give up too easily and take whatever deal the developer offers.

“We know how to keep Providence special,” he counters. “We’ve been doing it since the mid-1950s. We know we can help.”

Another initiative that is important to Hall will be PPS’s role in education, but with a decided change from previous commitments. In the past, much of the society’s efforts have gone into the education of local school children with an eye towards helping them develop what PPS hopes will be a lifelong-commitment to preservation. While PPS will retain some efforts in this regard, Hall feels a more primary focus should be on adult education.

“My hope is to help people who come to live in an historic area to better appreciate what’s around them and how critical it is to preserve it,” he explains. “Additionally, I feel PPS can play an important role in educating homeowners on what they could and should do to preserve the integrity of their properties. Today a replacement window might last 15 or 20 years. Some of our historic homes have windows that were built to last for centuries if they’re maintained properly.”

Hall expects that much of his role in the future will be to work with the City over issues like enforcement, demolition policies and establishing design criteria, feeling that this is an important role for his organization. “It’s frequently said that architects are only as good as their clients,” he notes. “Well, I would argue developers are only as good as the City officials who watch over them.”

PPS under Hall’s stewardship expects to be increasingly active in issues all over the city. He quickly points out though that just because a project may be on the East Side, it still might have relevance to the entire city.

He uses the recent flap over a plan to replace the Clarke’s greenhouse on Hope Street with a drive-through coffee shop as a case in point.

The controversy produced a groundswell of objections from nearby residents, as well as the College Hill Neighborhood Association and PPS. “Many of the objections were site specific,” Hall notes, citing “things like safety concerns over its proximity to Hope High; the economic impact of the drive-through on the wonderful, more neighborhood-friendly sit-down coffee shops nearby; the importance of preserving at least a part of the historic greenhouse and the like. But I would argue this is a citywide problem as well. Drive-throughs are never good in terms of creating a sense of neighborhood and community. And this applies whether it’s the East Side, Mt. Pleasant or South Providence.”

In Hall’s estimation, many important needs connect all city residents – things like the creating walkable neighborhood schools, local businesses and shops that invite in the neighborhood, keeping things green, decreasing our reliance on cars. He admits some of his thinking might create controversy as well. “I also believe in the importance of overnight parking,” he offers. “I don’t want people tearing down every third building and blacktopping them to provide for parking. Paving is not the answer.”

It is, by Hall’s own admission, an ambitious vision for PPS. “We are not a sleepy organization and there’s a lot we need to accomplish,” he declares. In addition to doing battle to spread the preservation gospel locally, he also wants to ensure Providence remains an essential part of the national historic canvas as well. “We enjoy a wonderful national reputation for preservation and I want to make sure we retain that buzz.”

He also is committed to attracting a new generation of younger preservationists through events like the Winter Bash. “The secret is to make sure we tell our story in a succinct and useful way, teaching young homeowners how to take care of their historic residences and convincing them why preservation is more important than ever.”

Pragmatically, he believes there are professional opportunities for craftspeople to work on old buildings. “I think PPS can help establish mentorship programs with RISD craftspeople for example, as well as sponsor trips to learn how other cities are doing things,” he predicts.

Suffice it to say, if PPS’s new director has his way, Providence’s historic past is going to be an essential part of its future.

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East Side Monthly December 2010

Our Annual Christmas Story

By James Arthur Anderson

Green Card Michael Fisk loved being a cop, but he hated this part of the job: staking out the local speed trap at two o’clock in the morning on Christmas Eve. The speed limit dropped from 40 to 20 and the sign was all but hidden behind an evergreen tree. The locals knew the trick and slowed down and either waved or threw him the middle finger, which, unfortunately, wasn’t a ticketable offense. But a steady stream of out-of-towners would rather pay the fine than have to take a day out of work to fight the ticket in court. Budgets had been cut and would be again, and the speed trap was a steady source of revenue. Fisk was the low man on the ladder and could easily be the next to go if the town council decided he was expendable. Right now, he thought, he was expendable.

So here he sat in his cruiser with the lights off, the heat on and a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in his hand and fumed because he hadn’t even had a chance to buy his wife a Christmas gift.

Just then he saw a pair of headlights coming towards him. There was no way this guy was going to slow down and, sure enough, the radar clocked him at 60 as he blew past.

Michael flipped on the siren and the lights and peeled out after him.

The car had Canadian license plates, which meant this guy wouldn’t be coming back to fight this ticket.

He wasn’t driving your everyday car, either. This one was a fire-engine red Lamborghini, something that belonged on a Hollywood movie set, not a suburban Rhode Island town.

At first Michael thought the guy wasn’t going to stop, and if he didn’t he’d never be able to catch him. But the car dutifully pulled to the right, stopped, and put on its emergency flashers.

Michael stepped out of the cruiser with a flashlight in one hand, the other resting on the grip of his duty-issued Glock, and cautiously approached the car. The vehicle was worth more than his house – anyone who drove a car like this deserved a ticket, he thought.

In fact if they were speeding they were literally begging for one.

The window went down and Michael shined the flashlight in. The driver was the weirdest-looking man he’d ever seen. He was short, round, had wrinkled skin and huge pointed ears, like Mr. Spock. He wore a green pointed hat with a bell on the end, and a green jacket.

“License and registration, please,” Michael said.

A leathery hand emerged holding the documents. Michael put the light on them.

The license photo was impossibly even uglier than the driver.

“John Claude Elf?” Michael said.

“They call me J.C.,” he said in a squeaky voice.

“Hmm. This license is from the North Pole.”

“That is correct.”

“And your car is registered to Santa Claus.”

“Yeah. He’s my boss. I’m supposed to meet him in Providence in 15 minutes and I’m running late.”

“What is this, some kind of joke?”

“No, Officer. It is not” “Are you from Canada?”

“No, Officer. I’m from the North Pole.”

“Is that the one in New Hampshire?

I took the kids there last year…”

“No, it’s the North Pole. The one

where Santa lives.”

“Yeah, and the Easter Bunny lives in my garage.”

“No, he lives in Bunnyville, New Jersey.”

Michael shook his head. This character was delusional. Or else on drugs.

“Step out of the car, please.”

The man opened the door and jumped out. He was only four feet tall.

“Officer, I’m really running late. I have to meet Santa and help with distribution.”

“This Santa is your boss, you say?”

“Yes. And I’m very late for work.”

“Hmmm. Then I’m going to need your proof of citizenship or your green card.”

“My what? I don’t have that. I’m the Rhode Island Distribution Assistant.

I’m just here for the night, just for Christmas.”

Michael sighed. “How do I know you’re not one of those illegal immigrants taking a job away from a hardworking American? They’re pouring across the Canadian border and taking our jobs.”

Michael put the man’s hands behind his back and slapped a set of handcuffs on him.

“Hey, you can’t do that! I’m one of Santa’s elves.”

“You don’t have your papers.

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Michael drew his Glock from his holster. He wasn’t taking any chances.

The bells were louder and then, suddenly, a huge sleigh headed toward them, pulled by seven reindeer. The lead one had a nose like a red light, and guided the sleigh to a landing right beside them.

“Holy…”

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Michael looked at the elf, then at the sleigh. This couldn’t be real. The elf must have injected him with drugs or something. Now he was delusional.

He held up his gun and looked at it like it belonged to someone else.

Santa leaped out of the sleigh in a full costume of red with white trim, the black boots and the beard. It was very authentic.

“Put that down!” he boomed, and the gun dropped from Michael’s hand.

“What’s your name, young man?”

“Michael… Michael Fisk.”

Santa frowned, then pulled a tiny electronic device from his pocket.

He fiddled with it for a moment, then looked at Michael.

“That is with an ‘f’ and not a ‘ph’, correct?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, Michael Fisk. You haven’t been a very good boy this year, have you?”

“What do you mean?”

For the first time Michael realized that this whole thing was real, that he was standing here in the middle of Benefit Street talking with Santa Claus – the real one. He was suddenly very afraid.

“You have tricked 217 people into getting tickets they didn’t deserve.

You lied to your wife and told her you were working when you were playing poker with your friends. And, let’s see… there was that incident with the…”

“Hey, that’s private.”

“Okay, okay. It’s not really that big a deal anyway. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Look, I gave those tickets because I had to. So go talk to my boss and the Town Council. They’re the ones who deserve coal in their stockings.

I’m just working hard to keep my job and support my family. And I did take

the kids to Santa’s Village in New Hampshire.”

“I make guest appearances there sometimes,” Santa said, and looked at the electronic thing again. “You did donate to the toy drive, even though you couldn’t afford it. And you haven’t cheated on your wife or taken any bribes…”

“I’m a good guy. Really.”

“Well you’re better than your role models. I’ve had to double the coal order this year. Between Tiger Woods, David Letterman and Jessie James….”

“Those guys make regular men look real good.”

“By the way, what are you doing here with J.C.?”

“I thought you were a Canadian drug lord. I was going to arrest you.”

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa said, and rolled in the snow in laughter. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard since Paris Hilton claimed to be a singer.”

“That was funny,” Michael said. “But seriously, look around. I haven’t been that bad. Nobody’s perfect.”

Santa scratched his beard. “Okay, okay. You made me laugh so I won’t dump a truckload of coal in your living room. But have this, just as a reminder.”

He tossed a lump of coal and Michael caught it. It left black dust on his fingers.

“Now pick up your gun and get back to work.”

Michael holstered the gun and then everything went black, then light, and then he was in freefall. He landed in a heap in the snow next to his police cruiser none the worse for wear and holding a lump of coal in his right hand.

“Well, I’ll be,” he said.

The coal seemed to melt in his hand, shrinking smaller and smaller until it was a diamond… a diamond necklace, a perfect gift for his wife. Michael looked at it for a long time. He didn’t write any more tickets that night.

James Arthur Anderson is a professor of English at Johnson & Wales University’s North Miami Campus. He has been writing the ESM Christmas story since 1982.

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You’re Canadian and you just admitted that you work here. So you’re an illegal alien.”

“I’m not Canadian. I’m from the North Pole.”

“Shut up or I’ll book you for resisting arrest. As it is, I’m going to have to bring you in for questioning.”

“You can’t! I’m supposed to meet Santa in ten minutes. He’ll kill me if I don’t show up. I’m the local distribution assistant.”

Michael thought for a moment. This had to be the stupidest criminal on the planet. This Santa was obviously the code name for a drug kingpin, and this little guy was part of the Canadian drug cartel. This was his chance to infiltrate the cartel and catch the boss. This little elf-like guy was too stupid to even realize….

“I’ll tell you what, Jean Claude…”

“J.C. Call me J.C.” “Ok, J.C. I’ll make a deal. I’ll take the cuffs off and let you go under one condition.”

J.C. stretched to look at his watch, a gold Rolex.

“Anything.”

“You let me come with you to meet this Santa.”

“Well, Santa usually likes to go stealth, you know. Like under the radar. But if I’m not there soon the whole night is gonna go bust.”

“So you’ll bring me along?”

“You leave me no choice, but I’m warning you: this could get you on Santa’s naughty list. And you don’t want to be there.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Michael unlocked the cuffs and climbed into the passenger’s seat.

“Let’s go. I even give you permission to speed.”

The elf could have been a NASCAR driver. Within minutes they were on the East Side of Providence. Michael was way out of his jurisdiction and was breaking at least a million department rules, but he didn’t care. Anything was better than the speed trap.

They stopped on Benefit Street. The place was deserted and it had begun to snow. The so-called elf turned off the engine and they got out. Michael heard bells in the distance.

“That’s him,” J.C. said.

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Music

by Don Fowler

One City – Two Great Restaurants

Celebrating Chopin’s 200th Chopin Club begins a series of Sunday concerts at Music Mansion Frederic Chopin was born in 1810 and left this earth over 160 years ago, but his music lives on. Not a day goes by when his waltzes and etudes are not being played by music students, amateur pianists and philharmonic orchestras around the world.

So who better to celebrate the anniversary of his birth 200 years ago than Providence’s Chopin Club? Appropriately, they have planned a number of events and concerts this season to honor the composer.

The Chopin Club in Rhode Island boasts over 150 members from all over the state who are, according to their constitution, committed to “perform fine music, encourage and develop a greater interest in music appreciation, and assist our young artists through scholarships.”

Twelve charter members, all pianists, started the club in Providence in 1897, making it the second oldest of its kind in the country.

The club is celebrating its 132nd season of afternoon musicales and teas, with monthly performances at the Music Mansion on Providence’s East Side. The stately 17th and 18th century style manor house at the corner of Meeting and Congdon Streets has been their home for over 50 years and seats about 100 people. “You walk into the foyer of this magnificent building, and you immediately sense the history and tradition; it’s a special place where the intimacy of the music is preserved and enjoyed,” says Regina Andrews, publicity chairman of the group.

Membership in the Chopin Society includes many pianists, plus classical singers, conductors and players of just about every musical instrument imaginable. The club recently held a successful fundraiser to support local musicians.

“Many of our students go on to prestigious institutions, like the New England

Conservatory of Music,” Andrews says.

“The scholarship program is a big part of who we are and what we stand for.”

While Chopin is a major interest of the club, works of other composers are also presented at their concerts. “We want to incorporate the beautiful music of the past into today’s world,” Andrews enthuses. “Our active membership is intergenerational and representative of the college and general communities.

Many of our members play in symphony orchestras, chamber groups and are guest soloists. Many also teach in our private and public school systems.”

Yearly, the club also honors prominent members of the musical arts community.

The Chopin Club also has many associate members, music lovers who are part of the college community and communities from all over the state. Membership is only $25 per year. “One of our most beloved members is Dr. Sam Chase, an East Side resident and a professor at a local college,” Andrews adds.

“Our President is Haig Yaghoobian, an accomplished pianist in his own right and an East Sider. Our monthly musicales are an important refuge from the din and chaos of the world around us.”

In this special bicentennial year, the Chopin Club is trying to reach as many people as possible. “We want to share our mission,” Andrews declares, “and share our appreciation of the people who make such beautiful music in such a beautiful setting. We also welcome inquiries and new members on line.”

Concerts are planned at the Music Mansion, 88 Meeting Street, on Sunday afternoons: December 12, January 9, February 13, March 12 and April 10 at 2pm. You can find a full listing of their programs and participants on line at www.chopinclub.org.

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! e r o l a G s Gift GIFT GUIDE A HOLIDAY

Clad in

the spirit of the season! Choose from our endlessly interesting designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Now featuring a delightful collection of gift items for women of all ages.

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Keep your feet warm and dry with Uggs and Hunter rain boots. In comfort footwear we carry Dansko, Birkenstock, Sperry Top-Siders and many many more! Berk’s – a Rhode Island tradition since 1900.

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Wild Flower Florist Give a little spring cheer in the wintertime with Paper-

white bulbs gift sets. Wild Flower Florist Ltd offers these popular gifts, as well as the touching Willow Tree Demdaco Angels. We offer hand designed centerpieces and wreaths to decorate for the holidays. Unique floral designs for any occasion. We deliver daily!

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Frog and Toad A special little neighborhood shop with an ever-changing

selection of gifts, from lovely and inspiring to odd and incredible, and featuring tons of locally-made goodness. Find out why Frog & Toad was voted Best Gift Shop Statewide

by Rhode Island Monthly.

795 Hope St., Providence • 401-831-3434 • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Caster’s Bicycles

Rhode Island’s bike shop since 1919. We feature Trek, Specialized (Warwick only), Haro and Redlines bicycles. Lifetime free tune-ups. Kid’s tradeup program. Bicycle accessories, service, strollers, tri wetsuits, auto racks and roof top boxes. Be a kid again. Ride a bike.

212 4th St., Providence (behind Festival Ballet) • 401-274-5300 3480 Post Rd., Warwick • 401-739-0393 • www.BikeRI.com Sun12pm-5pm, Mon 9am-6pm, Tues-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm

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A Gift For You! Purchase a $50.00 gift certificate and receive a $10.00 gift card for yourself. Experience Kartabar’s chic cosmopolitan feel and be treated like a VIP. 284 Thayer St., Providence • 401-331- 8111 • www.kartabar.com Sun -Thur 11:30 am -1am, Fri - Sat 11:30 am - 2 am

Bien Ecrit

A collection of classic, elegant and distinctive note cards and stationery accessories. Choose pre-printed designs. Or customize and personalize pieces using unique motifs, monograms and font designs. www.bienecrit.com • mary@bienecrit.com

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Stop by NAVA on Thayer Street this season to find the perfect holiday cocktail dress and check out their accessories including jewelry, hats, scarves and bags.

Vintage cowboy boots and so much more. Perfect gifts for your loved ones this year.

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diamond earrings from Norm’s Jewelry, your hometown jeweler. Professional customer service, jewelry and watch repair done on premise. Free layaway and gift wrap. Get a present that shows you really care!

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On the Menu

by John Taraborelli

Lucia Dias-Hoff, MD, MS Family Medicine

Jocelyn Dube of Three Sisters on Hope Street

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Ice cream: it might not be the first treat you associate with December, but it does have its place. There will undoubtedly be pies this holiday season, many of which will pair well with ice cream. And let’s face it – if you think you’re going to get through the entire winter without popping open a pint of Ben and Jerry’s or ordering a sundae at some dessert shop, well, you’re only lying to yourself. So this winter, when you inevitably reach for that carton, why not make it your own? As in, your recipe, named after you.

Three Sisters (1074 Hope Street) has carried on a fine tradition of creative, locally made ice cream on the East Side. (In Rhode Island parlance, it’s known as the place where Maximillian’s used to be.) Their original, homemade ice cream has made them very popular – and rightfully so with unique flavors like Dirty Garden Mint and the Middle Eastern inflected Khulfi (cinnamon, pistachio, cardamom).

However, as Joceyln Dube, one of the partners behind Three Sisters, notes, “Since we have been making ice cream for over four years, our creativity is starting to… repeat itself.”

For that reason, Joceyln is seeking your suggestions for new flavors.

Yes, you. Starting after Thanksgiving, patrons of Three Sisters will be able to come up with their own ice cream flavors, and Jocelyn will make them.

Simply submit your recipe, along with

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829 South Main Street, Fall River, MA preferred name and ingredients, and the staff will vote on which ones to actually make and sell. Don’t be scared to come up with something crazy either. “One of the things that makes us unique,” Jocelyn says, “is the ability to make potentially every flavor you can think of.”

Once your flavor goes into production, customers will be able to vote on their favorite. The future Ben and/or Jerry behind the winning flavor will get a free pint of their creation, a free t-shirt and, of course, the pride that comes with having a namesake ice cream. The first round of flavors will be voted on the first week of December, and Joceyln says they’re likely to keep doing it “as long as it works out and no one fights dirty” – adding, “Vote for something that matters: ice cream flavors.”

NEW LATE NIGHT OPTIONS While normally I’m leery of “fusion” cuisine (A self-proclaimed “New American” restaurant doing their “take” on “pad thai”? [Bad fusion cuisine practically begs for the liberal use of scare quotes.] No thank you.), I have watched with great envy the rise of Los Angeles’ wildly popular Kogi BBQ food trucks, with their late night Asian-Mexican fusion. They seem to pop up in Food and Wine every other month, their Chef Roy Choi is a rising star, and I really, really want some Korean-inspired spicy pork tacos.

While I might not be making the trek

out to LA any time soon, Aspire (311 Westminster Street) is trying to save me the trip. Their new “Late Night Bites” menu, available from 9pm-midnight, Sunday-Thursday, features ten menu items and one dessert, all for under $5. Of course, the one I’m most excited about is the 99-cent Korean taco with marinated beef, avocado and house made kimchee. Other selections include a fried brie wedge, bacon and blue arancini, and three flavors of chicken wings.

But what about late night eats on the weekend? you (and by “you,” I mean “me”) might ask. Café Noir (125 North Main Street) has you covered. Their new “Late Night for Foodies” menu runs from 11pm-1am, Friday and Saturday nights, and features dishes like plantain crusted fish tacos and moo shu duck.

RIP EVERYMAN Sadly, another Providence restaurant has been done in by the bad economy: The Everyman (311 Iron Horse Way).

This “Rhode Island bistro” was owner Leah Reynolds’ worthy successor to her still dearly missed downtown watering hole, the Custom House Tavern. Their menu featured Little Rhody staples like saugies and beans, and they provided a venue for a lot of local musicians and artists. Sad to see them go.

Got food news? Send it to John at onthemenu@providenceonline.com.

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

37

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East Side Monthly December 2010

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Dining Guide

Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10-20 $$$ 20+ mood for delicious Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy curries and noodle dishes. The tamarind duck is a must. LD $-$$ GOURMET TAKE & BAKE PIZZA 357 Hope Street; 751-0355. Toppings like sirloin steak and shallots justify this pizza shop’s name. Also available are specialty entrees such as Tuscan Chicken Florentine with fresh mozarella, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, balsamic and olive oil. LD $$

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The gorgeous banquet room is available for private functions. LD $-$$$ CAV 14 Imperial Place; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary upscale cuisine is available al fresco for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature weekend brunch. LD $$-$$$

Photography: Dan Schwartz

HEMENWAY’S 121 South Main Street; 351-8570. A true Providence classic, Hemenway’s has been serving top-notch seafood for 20 years. Their oyster bar features everything from the famed Prince Edward Island variety to the local favorite Poppasquash Point. LD $$-$$$ MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main Street; 272-3331. The only restaurant in RI to receive the Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. LD $$-$$$

Wayland/Elmgrove HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Avenue; 2230332. The chefs behind this sushi bar provide a minimalist, upscale, comfortable

dining experience. Try the toro ankimo – sauteed fatty tuna and monkfish liver pate with eggplant tempura, served with a black bean sauce. LD $-$$$ RED STRIPE 465 Angell Street; 4376950. Red Stripe serves classic comfort food with a French influence. From their signature Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to their ten different styles of Moules & Frites, their food is reasonably priced and made with passion. LD $$-$$$ TWIST ON ANGELL 500 Angell Street; 831-4500. Get casual fine dining with a “twist” at the popular Wayland Square restaurant. With creative takes on classic comfort food and inventive appetizers and entrees, it’s a successful combination of food and flair. D $$ WATERMAN GRILLE 4 Richmond Square; 521-9229. With its covered outdoor seating overlooking the Seekonk River, Waterman Grille offers seasonally inspired New American fare in a comfortable setting, with a great variety of “Signature” and “Short & Share” plates.

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Hope/Thayer CHEZ PASCAL 960 Hope Street; 4214422. Chef Matt Gennuso’s East Side kitchen offers French food with a modern twist. Sample the Escargots a la Bourguignonne, or try the Bistro Menu (TueThur), which features three courses for $30 per person. Delicieux! D $-$$$ GOURMET HOUSE 787 Hope St.; 8314722. Beautiful murals and decor set the

NICE SLICE 267 Thayer Street; 4536423. Hip and healthy are the best modifiers for this pizza joint. The whole wheat, New York style pizza satisfies with its crispy crust and zesty sauce, while toppings include vegan and vegetarian options. Open until 2am every night. LD $ RUE DE L’ESPOIR 99 Hope Street; 751-8890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better.

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Sample a Margarita from the bar and the “Nawleens”-style Catfish to get the full experience. LD $-$$

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Feed the inner man with a classic rack of ribs (sold in half or whole racks) or make it light with a “Tofurkey” kielbasa sandwich from the menu’s Weird Stuff section. They deliver. LD $-$$

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39

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40

East Side Monthly December 2010

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

41

Christmas Light

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Bonded & insured 42

East Side Monthly December 2010

At School Today

by Jill Davidson

What Happened at School Today?

A question and an introduction “So, what happened at school today?” It’s a habitual question if you regularly sit at a dinner table with school-aged kids, and it’s the inquiry that drives me personally and professionally. I write about education, analyze policy and research, and collaborate with educators, students and community members within schools as a facilitator and organizer for new initiatives. I’m always wondering: what really did happen at school today? What does it mean? How do we know? How can we sustain effective practices and policies? How can we identify and challenge the obstacles that stand in the way?

And how can we bridge differences to create great educational options for all young people?

I spent nearly a decade of employment with the Coalition of Essential Schools, a national education reform and restructuring organization with East Side roots, founded at Brown in 1984 and now located in Oakland, California. Now, I am focusing my enthusiasm and experience here at home, joining educators, administrators, community leaders, families, students, scholars, activists and others who have rolled up their sleeves to work for what’s best for our city, state and region’s schools.

To be closer to East Coast family, we – my husband Kevin, sons Elias and Leo, and I – moved to Providence’s East Side from San Francisco in the final weeks of 2004.

My oldest son Elias was gearing up to enter kindergarten in 2005, and I introduced myself to our new friends and neighbors with school-aged kids. “Hi! New in town! Talk to me about the school your kid goes to.” I queried kids about what they thought of their schools. I listened, asked questions, and listened some more. Unfortunately, the timing of our winter arrival was all wrong for what I describe as the “playground phenomenon” – that is, often as not, at the playground or park, when you see a cluster of parents with young kids, they’re deep in discussion about their kids’ actual or possible future schools. Despite the deep freeze, birthday parties, trips to the Providence Children’s Museum and other community events provided plenty of opportunities to listen and ask yet more questions.

We balanced what we learned from those chats with visits to our community’s schools, including the charter schools, independent schools, and the two Providence public schools that were designated for our neighborhood: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and Vartan Gregorian Elementary School. We sought an appropriate learning environment for our particular kid, and felt fortunate that several choices emerged as sound options. Ultimately, King best matched our family priorities and my son’s needs. Elias is now in fifth grade at King, getting fired up about enrolling at Nathan Bishop Middle School next fall. His brother Leo is also at King, in second grade.

Since moving to Providence, a third son, Henry, joined our family. He’s four and a half, preparing to enter kindergarten.

Again, I am in “playground phenomenon” mode, learning about families’ experiences and visiting schools. My two other kids are thriving at King, and I suspect Henry will as well, if

that’s the choice we make. However, we owe it to him to understand the options now, not as they were three or six years ago. And we need to acknowledge that we’re grateful to have options; that’s not something that all families can say, and that needs to change.

Since that cold winter of our arrival, I’ve connected with hundreds of parents on similar paths. Many East Side families ask me to explain why we chose King. It’s a reasonable question to which there is no “right answer.” We chose King for a few specific reasons. We had become friendly with other families with kids at the school. It had a long-established and thriving PTO. I connected well with teachers there. It was fairly close to our house.

A belief seems to persist that there is a dire scarcity among public school choices. There must, many seem to think, be the best pick, the right answer. I suggest that parents’ responsibility is not to find the platonic ideal of the “best” school according to anyone else. Our responsibility is to examine the options available and make the best choice for our particular kids. At the same time, I feel compelled to warn against complacency in any form. It’s great that my own kids – and yours, I hope – are learning and thriving, but I will not be happy until all families in all parts of Providence and beyond can feel similarly about their kids’ schools. None of us should be.

I’m grateful to East Side Monthly assistant editor John Taraborelli for tapping me to share my thoughts on education in these pages. Thanks also to Sam Zurier for years of informative, balanced, well-researched columns that ranged far and wide on issues that affect education in Providence and beyond. Congratulations, Sam, and thank you for taking your passion for great schools for all kids into your new role on the Providence City Council as Ward 2’s representative.

Jill Davidson can be reached at whathappenedatschool@ gmail.com, @dazzlingbetty on Twitter, and at her blog, providenceschools.blogspot.com. To make “At School Today” the best it can be, please contact her with your thoughts, ideas, comments, criticism and ideas.

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

43

Providence Welcomes

Pajama Monologues

by Bob Mariani

Saturdays with Mort A front row seat for jazz history (and almost history) Coming out of my teens, I’d had

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44

East Side Monthly December 2010

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my fill of top-40, pop and rock, but didn’t really know what I was searching for. Then one windy Saturday afternoon in April, I heard this music on our living room radio broadcasting from a little local station in Westchester County.

There was no sledgehammer backbeat and no loopy falsetto singing, no adolescent lyrics or twanging guitars. This music had a different structure and a subtle pulse that got inside you and invited you places you’d always thought existed but never knew how to reach.

The voice that came on after the music was not hyped up and ranting. It was a modulated, middle range male voice that talked conversationally, clearly. It told me that the sounds I’d just heard had been made by someone called Miles Davis, a trumpet player, and a saxophone player named John Coltrane, and the song they’d just played was “‘Round Midnight,” written by someone named Thelonius Monk.

The announcer’s voice belonged to Mort Fega and it became my Saturday afternoon companion for years to come. It told me which jazz records to buy and explained who “Dizzy” was and what “Bird” and “Monk” and “Duke” had done to change music.

One Saturday, in my naivete, I wandered into the small second-story studio of WNRC. There was no receptionist. Just a little hallway leading to a closet-sized booth where Mort Fega sat with his headset on, a stack of LPs, and a turntable under each hand.

As he spoke into the mic, he put his finger to his lips and gestured me in. I took a seat across the turntables from him as he set the needle, clicked a switch, and removed his headphones.

The music came on and the voice that had talked to me through my radio speaker was suddenly talking directly to me in person.

We became friends before the LP he’d just put on ended. I returned to the studio a few more times on Saturday afternoons, drawn by the music and by the jazz stories and names that Mort told me about.

One day after school, I got a call

from Mort inviting me to go to Birdland that night. Birdland! “The Jazz Corner of the World!” He was MCing there for the exciting new Johnny Richards Orchestra. (Richards was supposed to become famous with his masterful “symphonic” approach to jazz orchestration, but it never happened.)

Because I was with Mort Fega, I got to sit down in front at a table with a tablecloth, instead of over on the side of the bandstand in The Bullpen where penniless college kids like me and struggling musician wannabes were usually relegated.

I’d never heard a big band live in a small space like Birdland before. There were musical moments when I thought I was going to levitate. And even though the Johnny Richards Orchestra never made it to “the big time,” I feel very lucky to have been there that night.

Jazz Unlimited was the title of Mort’s Saturday afternoon show. It soon reached into Manhattan and he developed a real following of music lovers. He was invited to be the MC at the very first Randall’s Island Jazz Festival. Mort had hit the Big Time.

Needless to say, I was more than thrilled when he invited me to sit down front for this big event. The Randall’s Island Stadium was filled to capacity.

It was a warm July evening and I sat entranced as jazz star after jazz star appeared on the stage: Thelonius Monk.

The Jazz Messengers. Count Basie. Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Sarah Vaughn.

Dakota Staton. Dizzy Gillespie.

Mort’s MC work was flawless – like someone who’d been in showbiz all his life, instead of a hardworking hardware salesman, which was how he’d been making a living. Riding home later that night in the car with Mort, he told me that he hadn’t been the least bit nervous in front of the huge arena full of people.

Excited, yes, but not nervous. And I thought: so that’s what being cool is.

Good morning.

Bob Mariani and his brother, John, have published a memoir, Almost Golden, about growing up in the North Bronx in the fifties. Available at www. bbotw.com or on Amazon.com.

Spotlight by Dan Schwartz

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When Dixie Carroll

and husband Bill Jette opened a storefront on Hope street, they envisioned a place where people could enjoy low prices found in discount stores, yet feel like they are in a boutique shop. In two and a half years J Marcel feels like it has really established itself as a major part of the Hope Street fabric. Dixie says, “We made so many friends here and the relationships between the businesses are really unbelievable.” Bill adds, “This is one of the few real walking neighborhoods on the East Side, where people live and shop here.”

Stroll in on a Saturday and you’ll find shoe brands like Seychelles, Miz Mooz, Chooka, Frye and Corso Como. In the high end category you’ll spot brands like Ralph Lauren, Cordani, Guiseppe Zanotti and Casadei. Since all the merchandise comes from overstocks, they begin at 40% off the retail price. The shoes are organized by size, and what you see is what’s available. This creates that thrill of the hunt feeling, and because the inventory rotates weekly you’ll want to return often.

Dixie and Bill select all the merchandise for handbags and accessories, like umbrellas, tote bags and their ever-popular Pashmina scarves, which are 3 for $25. Many of the non-leather bags range from $20 to $100, with some accessories starting at $4. “I want my customers to be able to walk in and afford anything they fall in love with,” Dixie explains. They are showcasing 30 great gifts for the holidays, including the stylish and useful iTouch gloves. They’ll keep you warm while allowing pinpoint maneuvering on your touch screen device. Other holiday items include perfume, lip balms, pocket mirrors and more.

Dixie and Bill just opened a second location, called Blue Suede, in Warren in the American Tourister/Samsonite building on Main Street. There will be a 60-70% overlap with the merchandize at J Marcel, but they’ll also carry complete size runs for some current shoe lines. There will also be a good range of costume jewelry. So walk into J Marcel and find some of your favorite things at affordable prices. Open seven days a week.

Open Mon-Sun • Open Late Pickup • Delivery • Take-and-Bake 357 Hope Street, Providence • 751-0355 • www.thepizzagourmet.net EXERCISE AND YOGA CLASSES • AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS HEATED POOL • FITNESS CENTER • BASKETBALL GYM EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM • SUMMER J-CAMP

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808 Hope Street, Providence / 401-383-9777

December 2010 East Side Monthly

45

Spotlight

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In today’s competitive marketplace owner Ted Stein has identified an underserved niche of Marketing Consulting for small and medium sized businesses. Therefore, Stein is shifting his business focus from just printing to “marketing communications provider.” “The traditional marketing services community cannot provide everything under one roof economically,” Stein says. Often small businesses lack the resources and knowledge to handle their own marketing needs internally, and typically they cannot afford to use an agency who charges by billable hours and then mark ups outside services.

Further, the alternative is gathering piecemeal information from reps, websites and individual suppliers who are often biased towards their own solutions and do not provide an overall objective strategic plan for the company.”

“My background is Marketing,” Stein says, having spent 15 years (prior to owning Allegra) as a senior marketing executive with companies like Gillette, Revlon and Hasbro. Our program has the resources to evaluate and understand a client’s business and develop a well rounded marketing solution that includes strategies and tactics like advertising, media, promotion and the like.

Further, we can execute that strategy with measured results.

Who is the target market? How can you best and most economically reach them with a creative message? And how can you measure the results? “From business evaluation, creative campaign development, direct marketing, e-marketing, list management and printing, we can provide the whole package as a cost effective alternative to traditional methods,” Stein says.

As the saying goes, “If you do the right things, then you can worry about doing things right. If you do the wrong things, it doesn’t much matter how well you do them.”

Call Ted Stein for an appointment to discuss the possibilities. Allegra Printing & Imaging, Located at 102 Waterman Street (corner of Thayer), is open M-F, 9-5.

Allegra Print and Imaging

102 Waterman Street, Providence / 421-5160 www.allegraprovidence.com

46

East Side Monthly December 2010

Spotlight by Dan Schwartz

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us and everything has been taken care of except figuring out where to board your pooch. You may not realize it, but right around the corner – near the intersection of 8th and North Main Street – is The Dog House, run by certified dog trainer Jed Sheckley. For $40 a night, and $250 for a week, your dog will be lovingly taken care of and have the company of other friendly canines. Jed personally lives on the premises so your dog will always be attended to. Boarding is available seven days a week with drop-off/pickup hours between 10-11am and 5-6pm.

“We are the East Side’s premier doggie day care,” Jed says. “We offer small play groups, individual attention and free training.”

Behavior modification is done through verbal corrections, helping to cut down on excessive barking and overly rough play. The daycare rates are affordable at $25/day, $20/day when you bring your dog more than once a week and $18/day when you buy 20 days or more.

These packages never expire and you can use them however you like.

This fully licensed and insured daycare is open between 7:30am and 6:30pm, Monday through Friday.

The Dog House is offering a special deal to first time customers for one free day of daycare. Test it out for yourself risk free and see how your pet likes it. There are small dog and big dog rooms, plus an enclosed outdoor play area. Jed’s business is going on four years now and he recently went through a renovation with new flooring and paint on the walls. He jokes that he wants to keep his furry clients happy. The Dog House works with the East Side Veterinary clinic, and if there are medication needs for your dog everything is taken care of.

The Dog House also does dog walking services on the East Side. So if you need boarding for the holidays or daycare during the workweek, Jed is right next door on North Main. Or as he puts it,” We’re on the East East Side.”

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

47

Opinion by Mike Fink

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48

East Side Monthly December 2010

In remembrance of Downtown Christmases long ago Santa Claus has

always figured in my soul and spirit, ever since I saw him at the Outlet Company. (For any of you Providence-newbies out there, that’s where Johnson and Wales now struts its stuff.) In fact, I still believe in St. Nick to this day.

Back in the old (make that very old), days Providence had trolley cars that clanged their way up and down Westminster and Weybosset Streets.

(How ironic that there’s now a transportation panel studying how to make transversing our Capital City easier and trolleys are on their short list of possible suggestions.) St. Nick, of course, preferred other modes of transportation and his reindeer, sleigh, elves and the songs and their lyrics that went with them were celebrated by one and all alike. Of course, the Downtown theaters (and there were many of them) and department stores universally welcomed his visits.

My memories of Christmas in Downtown Providence go back to the days of the Depression, the long nights of the Duration (of World War II, of course) and the first winters of the Postwar. If your parents went Downtown, your mother always wore a hat – often with a veil, white gloves and perhaps even a stole – for a visit into the grandeur of a rendezvous at the Shepard Clock. You never carried a package: the store delivered your purchases to your front, or back, door. My memory of the process is quite exact and precise.

You paid your money for your gifts into a large bullet-shaped cylinder, which was launched into a chute and quite soon, but with a dignified wait, sent back with your change and receipt slip. It was a ceremony, to shop, just like scenes in the classic December movies: Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop’s Wife, Miracle on 34th Street, Meet Me in St. Louis – the list is endless.

Christmas back then meant the

luxurious illusion of plenty, though during the War it also meant homecoming, the fireside, the promise of peace. Here in Providence, so close to the Shipyard, there were real fears and threats of spies and traitors as well as of submarines and dive-bombers, at least at the start of combat, and so, it was often dark Downtown: no brilliant lights, black shades blotting out the lamps, maybe a few blue bulbs, but nothing alarmingly crimson to signal the foe. We chanted the hopeful words, “When the Lights Go On Again, All Over the World.”

I believe we had more theaters here among our cobblestones than anywhere else, and Downtown glittered once the Victory was declared. I was already beyond grammar school and could wander the byways of Dorrance Street and Exchange Place by myself. I actually saw Harry Truman during his 1947-48 campaign: I was covering his appearance for our school newspaper. He had none of the glamour of FDR with his cape and cigarette. He was just a businessman in a plain suit, standing before you like the prosaic personality he seemed to be. Of course, in retrospect, he was quite a guy! A tough and rough American who liked his Christmas bourbon and told it like it was.

Christmas was different then.

It wasn’t even really particularly religious. It was about evergreens and silver icicles you could buy at Woolworth’s. We had a fireplace we used, so we had what I thought of as Christmas. I had a neighborhood friend: her name was “Minter,” and she regularly asked me over to watch her unwrap her toys and then, later, to share a cocktail on the cluttered, enclosed porch.

The Postwar was a time when everything was available once more, and shoppers reveled in the horn of consumerism – for a while. Until the mill outlets stole customers away, and

the whole illusion that was and had been Downtown vanished into the void like a hallucination. You rolled your cart, stuffed what you picked into the trunk of your car, and that was that. Downtown seemed to have died. I’m encouraged by what seems to be a resurgence of some of that Downtown spirit, though here on the East Side much of it has permanently diffused into our neighborhoods: Wayland Square, Hope Street, Wickenden, each competing for our attention in their way.

Summing it all up? Christmas in Providence in those days was wondrous and yet quite democratic and inclusive. Winter fell upon us, and we needed cheering up. From the hardships of the have-not times that our parents took care to warn us about. From the absence of loved ones. From personal problems that made you feel alone.

The Brits said, “Happy Christmas.”

We said, “Merry Christmas.” And all of this was before today’s more ubiquitous “Happy Holidays.” I’m not sure if this political correctness is good or bad. It was far simpler when Bing Crosby wished us season’s greetings with feeling and perhaps a little melancholy, when Danny Kaye sang it with nonsense silliness. But there was a lot more spirit and it seemed to be universal, regardless of your background. We were all encouraged to have a nice egg nog with plenty of good cognac in it, and sing “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem,” which you could manage even if you had been a listener in Glee Club.

Today, we still have some Downtown traditions. We still have Bright Night, the descendant of First Night.

There’s still Trinity’s A Christmas Carol or the Nutcracker at PPAC. But much of what made Christmas Downtown so unique, at least in my backward view, has regretfully gone with the wind.

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

49

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East Side Monthly December 2010

Movies

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Hereafter

Who’s That Knocking?

Exploring the other side in two very different ways Hereafter and Paranormal Activity 2 both explore what lays beyond the boundaries of life as we know it. They are nevertheless about as far apart as you can get in terms of scope and production values. The thing is, though, they both work in their own clever ways.

Clint Eastwood, who directed Hereafter, has developed a deservedly exalted reputation for never repeating himself. Each new film, while often touching familiar themes and structured in an unhurried, orderly pace, seems to break new ground, which is what happens in Hereafter.

Tod Williams, who has taken over the directing of the Paranormal Activity sequel from Oren Peli, has pretty much shot the same film all over again. But thanks to some clever writing by Michael R. Perry, Williams has filmed a sequel that’s also a prequel, and may be appreciated, with the help of some top-notch marketing, as a “collective experience” in conjunction with the original.

Hereafter, which has some clever marketing of its own going for it, was reportedly the 80-year-old East-

wood’s exploration of the afterlife, a theme he’s touched upon before, most notably in Million Dollar Baby.

In fact, Hereafter is first and foremost a romance, the story of two misfits on different continents, brought together by a common preoccupation with death, some valid circumstances that make them a perfect match, and a heaping measure of romantic coincidence.

Matt Damon is a nice single guy living in San Francisco with a serious social problem: whenever he touches someone he suffers a jolt from beyond, seeing and hearing dead people from that person’s past.

He wears gloves a lot and avoids his brother (Jay Mohr), who would have him return to his lucrative work as a medium, the profits from which were not enough to compensate for Damon’s haunted life.

Many of his scenes don’t propel the film’s plot, as Eastwood lingers over his character. The director consistently gets away with this kind of thing in his films because his extraneous scenes, such as the ones with Damon in a cooking class, are small

vignettes that can stand alone.

Eastwood is also a crafty commercial director who knows he can’t afford to bog down his film in character and subplot. So for the first time he takes a multi-story approach, a la Babel and Crash, in which separate stories play out and converge.

While Damon is slicing tomatoes and trying not to see dead people in America, Cécile de France survives a splendidly shot tsunami (after briefly dying and seeing the kind of shadowy shapes that haunt Damon) and returns to television work in France to explore her experience. Finally, Frankie and George McLaren are twins living in England, one of whom must soon cope with the death of his brother by seeking him out through, you guessed it, mediums.

If all this sounds trite, it doesn’t play that way, thanks to plots and characters that are not only credible and sympathetic, but are written and shot with great attention to the kind of detail that creates intrigue and fascination for the day-to-day existence of the main characters.

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Movies

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East Side Monthly December 2010

Paranormal Activity 2

a very deep exploration about the afterlife in Hereafter. Life after death is much more of a plot device than a storyline. This is a romance of a clearly different sort, and a grand addition to Eastwood’s array of fine films.

Paranormal Activity 2 has a significantly bigger budget than the original, but is savvy enough to know there’s no need to flesh out the beast to make it scary. The notion of things that go bump in the night again dominates the proceedings, which build from inexplicable movement caught on household cameras (home security cameras this time, broadening the scope of the handheld job at work in the original) to another seriously scary finale.

The film is geared entirely to the same audience who were captivated by the first film. Another young, suburban, nondescript family of fairly humorless and largely uninteresting people do nothing whatsoever of any interest for far too long as an unearthly presence slowly makes itself known. But, this film has something the first one didn’t: a toddler.

Also a dog and a teenager. Clearly the stakes are higher this time, and it’s relatively easy to excuse the painfully long build up.

More intriguing still: before you realize what’s happening with Mom (Sprague Grayden), Dad (Brian Boland), Sis (Molly Ephraim), baby and Fido, the two principals from the first film who ended up dead or otherwise severely compromised (Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat) show up to chit chat with these new folks.

Suddenly it’s clear you’re watching the past. (But why? Surely, you may

think, nothing can happen here! It’s going to happen to Featherston and Sloat later, somewhere else!) Now, in addition to patiently waiting and hoping for threats to graduate from sights and sounds to body-snatching reality, you can’t help but wonder how there can be any kind of payoff, given the timeline on screen.

The new family’s particulars don’t help much. Grayden is Featherston’s sister. But the family connection and their talk about what happened when they were kids makes you grit your teeth and bear it. More annoying is Boland as the husband/father in this new household, a standard issue horror film lump of bad theories and wrongheaded action. Ephraim has a computer, a boyfriend and a willingness to explore the notion of evil, but gives us key information via a Ouija board, just as blatantly as in the first film.

An atmosphere of dread prevails, but director Williams and his ensemble aren’t talented enough to generate sympathy, except in an abstract sense. The adults are bland and the toddler is too young to have a personality.

Obviously, Paranormal Activity 2 is an uneven mix. What works is what worked the first time and will scare you out of your seat again, along with the crucial plot elements that cleverly link both films and allow an impressive climactic shift from prequel to sequel near the end.

The film is at once shameless in its willingness to revisit the same effects as before, and smart enough to not only connect all the past and present dots with seamless agility, but also make you wonder about the future.

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The Generation Above With the generation above, the conversations are often less defined by topics and more associated with process and specific situations. The older the parents, the more resistance you are likely to find – whether it involves the parents staying in their home or investing in ways that won’t preserve their money. Conversations can be authoritative when needed but understanding when time permits.

Start small: offer help on organizing their finances or visiting the local extended care communities. Accept the fact that you may not win the conversation or even avoid a crisis down the road, but you may make the transitions easier when the time comes.

The seeds for talking about money are best sown early and allowed to grow. A true dialogue is not built overnight nor is it a one-way street. As time passes, the relationships between generations change, complicating the conversation. If money talk does not start early enough, it can have a hard time keeping up with the maturation and aging of family members. And that’s when the misperceptions and mislaid fears can creep in.

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The Generation Below With the generation below, conversations can be centered on topics, mixing general advice with examples from your own finances. You can start with cash flow – this can happen at almost any age – focusing on prioritizing and make choices. Next might come debt management – conversations about credit cards or getting a mortgage. Discussions on savings should also start early, as can investing. This can be a time to introduce some of the patterns of behavior that you have developed and where you have placed your money. Other topics include: expectations around the affordability of college, your choices of beneficiaries and responsibilities involved with your estate planning documents. Be

mindful that what you do is as important as what you say.

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them on the same level?”

• Children in their 50s can be too intrusive, asking worried, nosy questions.

The aging parents try to preserve their independence and control and may offer statements designed to close the conversation, such as “I don’t want to talk about it.”

It is never a good time, especially if money hasn’t been part of a life-long conversation.

So how do you talk about your money? Talk early. Talk often. Talk on many levels. Keep the conversations short and cycle back to the same subjects in a pattern that is unobtrusive and non-judgmental but shows persistence. Your message should be that your opinions, advice and values are not going away.

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A lot of people can feel uncomfortable talking about money. “It is a private matter,” they say. But a lot can be hidden behind the walls of “privacy,” including mistakes, misperceptions and fear. At the same time, a lot of good can be accomplished in open, frequent conversations about money – especially within families.

A client and his wife are comfortably retired, living on two pensions and one Social Security. They have a reasonable nest egg, which, during our financial planning discussions, we have earmarked for health, emergencies and the extras. They also have three children – two of whom have been struggling recently, unable to find or keep jobs. In the last year and a half, these clients reduced their nest egg by 20% in order to provide for their adult children.

The intent was pure – out of love and concern – but they are now wondering whether they have sent the wrong message to the children.

Will their son and daughter see them as much wealthier than they actually are and believe that they will always be the backstop?

“Have you discussed your assets and resources with your children?” I ask. “Not yet,” they admit.

So when is a good time to talk about your money? There never appears to be the perfect time to broach the subject with your kids or your parents, if my clients are to be the judges. Here is a sampling of what they have told me: • Kids in their twenties are too young (materialistic, not yet responsible) for us to share information about our financial situation.

• Thirty-something children are too busy with marriages, young children and jobs often requiring unreasonable hours.

• Kids in their 40s are too diverse. They have grown apart or have developed wide ranging financial needs. One may have broken up with a loved one and be living on the edge, another may be a spendthrift living comfortably but with no savings, and a third may be settled into a secure job with steady income. Parents wonder, “How can we possibly talk to all of

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December 2010 East Side Monthly

53

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East Side Monthly December 2010

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Calendar

by Christina Evon

December music | performance | social happenings | galleries | learn | sports

DON’T MISS THIS MONTH: 10 events at the top of our list Bright Night Providence, December 31, citywide. www.brightnight.org.

1

A Christmas Carol, thru December 31 at Trinity Rep. www.trinityrep.com.

2

Foundry Artists Holiday Sale, December 3-10 at the Pawtucket Armory. www. foundryshow.com.

3

Jerry Seinfeld, with special guest Larry Miller, December 3-4 at COMIX at Foxwoods. www.foxwoods.com.

4

MUSIC arena & club | classical ARENA & CLUB THE APARTMENT Dec 9: Lori and Andrew. 373 Richmond Street. 453-5253.

BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE Dec 12: Atwater-Donnelly Trio with Cathy Clasper-Torch, The Miller Family Trio and Pendragon. Dec 17: Cherish the Ladies. 549 Broad Street, Cumberand. 725-9272, www.riverfolk.org.

FOXWOODS & MGM GRAND Dec 11: Cyndi Lauper. Dec 12: Kenny Rogers. 39 Norwich Westerly Road, Mashantucket, CT. (866) 646-0609, www.mgmatfoxwoods.com.

RISD Alumni Art Sale, December 4 at the RI Convention Center. www. riconvention.org.

5

LUXURY BOX Dec 4: Take 3. 350 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-6634, www. luxuryboxrocks.com.

MET Dec 3: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.

Dec 4: Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks.

Dec 6: Minus the Bear and Tim Kasher.

Dec 18: Roomful of Blues. Dec 29: Bette Lavette. Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. www. lupos.com.

STONE SOUP COFFEEHOUSE Dec 4: John McCutcheon. Dec 11: Triple Spiral. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 921-5115, www. stonesoupcoffeehouse.com.

CLASSICAL

JERKY’S MUSIC HALL Dec 18: Madball, Bitter End, and Lionheart. 71 Richmond Street. 621-2244, www.jerkysmusichall.com.

OPERA PROVIDENCE Dec 9: Holiday Favorites. Metacomet Country Club, East Providence. 3316060, www.operaprovidence.org.

LUPOS Dec 26: Badfish, a tribute to Sublime. 79 Washington Street. 331-LUPO, www.lupos.com.

PROVIDENCE GAY MEN’S CHORUS Dec 1, 4, 5: Holly Jolly Follies. Beneficient Church, 300 Weybossett Street.

621-6123, www.provgmc.org.

PROVIDENCE STRING QUARTET Dec 12: Performance of Samuel Barber’s String Quartet, Op. 11. Pembroke Hall at Brown University, 172 Meeting Street. 863-6070, www. events.brown.edu.

Handel’s Messiah, performed by RI Philharmonic and Providence Singers, December 11 at the VMA. www. vmari.com.

6

RI COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS SERIES Dec 12: Toxic Audio. Auditorium in Roberts Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-8000, www.ric.edu/pfa.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, December 16 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. www. dunkindonutscenter.com.

RYAN CENTER AT URI Dec 3: The Celtic Tenors. 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston. 331-2211, www.ticketmaster.com.

The Nutcracker, performed by Festival Ballet, December 17-19 at PPAC. www. ppacri.org.

RI PHILHARMONIC Dec 11: The Philharmonic is joined by the Providence Singers for a performance of Handel’s Messiah. VMA, 1 Avenue of the Arts. 222-1467, www. vmari.com.

SOUNDS & RHYTHMS OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE Dec 3: Art League of RI presents performance by Grammy award-winner Paul Winter at First Baptist Church of America, 75 North Main Street. Concert

7

8

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Mamma Mia!, Dec 28-Jan 2 at PPAC. www.ppacri.

from the Polar 10 Scenes Express, presented at

Classical High School, December 11-12 by Jump! Dance Company. www.mohegansun. com.

See general event listings for additional contact details.

December 2010 East Side Monthly

55

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Calendar

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followed by Winter Solstice Party at the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec 16: Performing its world-renowned holiday show. Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square. 331-0700, www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

VMA Dec 7: Celtic Thunder. Dec 16: Christmas Celtic Sojourn Concert. 1 Avenue of the Arts. 421-2787, www.vmari.com.

Dear Fellow East Siders,

I wish to thank the voters of Ward 2 for electing me to the Providence City Council. As you know, I did not campaign on the notion that there are easy solutions to the serious problems confronting the City of Providence. I began working the day after the election to find the best City issues for me to address in the coming year, and to build relationships with my colleagues with the hope of getting off to a productive start in January.

Along the way, a number of you have stepped forward to help my campaign, and I wish to thank you here if I have not done so already more personally. I do, however, have more to ask from everyone. You will help me tremendously if you pass along your suggestions about how I can do a better job. (Please send me an email at samforcouncil@verizon.net). Also, I need to hear from you if any of you see my personality changing for the worse in my new position -- as people who know me will attest, I have many reasons to be a humble person, and with your help

PERFORMANCE comedy | dance | theatre COMEDY MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Dec 31: Chelsea Handler with special guest Sarah Colonna. Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 800-4776849, www.mohegansun.com.

COMEDY CONNECTION Dec 3, 4: Greg Howell. Dec 10-11: Orlando Baxter. Dec 17-18: Frank Santorelli. Dec 23: Corey Manning’s Girls Night Out. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 4388383, www.ricomedyconection.com.

FOXWOODS & MGM GRAND Dec 2: Michael Ian Black. Dec 3-4: Jerry Seinfeld with Larry Miller. Dec 16-18: Greg Fitzsimmons. Dec 17: Bill Engvall.

Dec 18: Lisa Lampanelli. 39 Norwich Westerly Road, Mashantucket, CT. (866) 646-0609, www.mgmatfoxwoods.com.

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Dec 11-12: Albano Ballet Company performs The Nutcracker. Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 800-4776849, www.mohegansun.com.

RI COLLEGE Dec 2-3: Annual Christmas Musical.

Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-8000, www.ric.edu.

STADIUM THEATRE Dec 17-19: The Nutcracker Ballet. 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 7624545, www.stadiumtheatre.com.

THEATRE BROWN UNIVERSITY Dec 2-5: Kaspar, the 2010-2011 Senior Slot production. Leeds Theatre, Lyman Hall, 77 Waterman Street. http://brown. edu/tickets.

GAMM THEATRE Dec 9-26: Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, www.gammtheatre.org.

MIXED MAGIC THEATRE Thru Dec 12: When Mahalia Sings. 171 Main Street, Pawtucket. 305-7333, www. mixedmagicri.com.

DANCE

PARK THEATRE Dec 10: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Dec 18: A Christmas Carol, performed by Black Box Theatre at Artists’ Exchange. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston.

467-7275, www.parktheatreri.com.

FESTIVAL BALLET Dec 17-19: The Nutcracker. PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street. 421-ARTS, www. ppacri.org.

PERISHABLE THEATRE Dec 17: Breathing Tube – Short Plays for Radio, Live. 95 Empire Street. 331-2695, www.perishable.org.

I will avoid any temptation to lose this important part of my identity.

Sincerely,

Paid for by Friends of Sam Zurier, Ken Kirsch, Treasurer

Scenes from The Polar Express by Jump! Dance Company

56

East Side Monthly December 2010

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! gift certificates from "The Rue" always the right color always the right size

Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking

open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com

Leader’s in Eye Care Since 1927 Dr. David A. Vito Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow • Emergencies Seen Immediately • Same Day Appointments Often Available • Evening and Weekend Hours Available • Glaucoma • Macular Degeneration • Cataract • Diabetic Eye Disease • Designer Glasses • Specialty Contact Lenses

The Nutcracker at PPAC PROVIDENCE COLLEGE THEATRE Dec 3-5: Dinner With Friends. Bowab Studio Theatre, Smith Center, 61 Eaton Street. 865-2218, www.providence.edu/ theatre.

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Dec 7-12: South Pacific. Dec 28-Jan 2: Mamma Mia! 220 Weybosset Street.

421-ARTS, www.ppacri.org.

STADIUM THEATRE Dec 3-5, 10-12: A Christmas Carol, performed by the Encore Repertory Company. Dec 21: Twas the Night Before Christmas. 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 762-4545, www.stadiumtheatre.com.

TRINITY REP Thru Dec 31: A Christmas Carol. 201 Washington Street. 351-4242, www. trinityrep.com.

SOCIAL HAPPENINGS expos & exhibitions | seasonal EXPOS & EXHIBITIONS BAY COLONY DOG SHOW Dec 9-12: View “Best in Show” conformation events, holiday shopping, demos, and much more. RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. 458-6000, www.baycolonydogshow.com.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Dec 4: NASA Solar System Ambassador leads a day of space adventure. Dec 4: Our Place in Space Planetarium Show.

Roger Williams Park. http://cityof.providenceri.com/museum.

SEASONAL ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY SALE Dec 4-5: Featuring holly and wreaths, decorated miniature evergreen Christmas trees, international foods and desserts, holiday cookies, clothing, jewelry, holiday crafts, a “gold elephant” boutique, “white elephant” boutique, books, and an all-day café.

International House of Rhode Island, 8 Stimson Avenue. 421-7181.

BANK OF AMERICA SKATING CENTER Thru Mar 20: Public Skating. 2 Kennedy Plaza. 331-5544 x 5, www. kennedyplaza.org.

BLITHEWOLD MANSION Dec 1-22: Children’s Holiday Story Times. Dec 2: Family Sing-A-Long with Santa. Dec 4-5: Creative Gingerbread House Workshop. Dec 4: Wreath Making Workshop. Dec 6, 13, 20: Children’s Holiday Tea. Dec 8: Cocktails, Cooking and Christmas with Russ Morin. Dec 10-19: Gingerbread Wonderland exhibit; the public are invited to submit their creations for display. Dec 11: Simple Gifts and Ornaments for Children to Make. Dec 18: Paper Crafts for the Holidays. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 253-2707, www.blithewold.org.

331-2020 • www.AdvancedEyeCareRI.com 780 North Main Street, Providence Official Eye Care Provider of the Providence Bruins

Gift CertifiCates – Perfect for the holidays

Offering ■ Mat Classes Only $10 Per Drop-In Class!

■

Equipment Sessions

■

Power Pilates Teacher Trainings

Call or Email for Schedule w: providencepilatescenter.com | e: provpilates@aol.com t: 401-480-0193 | 545 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket – On the Prov/Pawt. Line l ia ree ec F Sp ent Fee n R e i h’s ion ov ont icat M M pl rst Ap Fi No

Live in the Square!

Studios,One, Two & Three Bedroom Apartments All Utilities & Parking Included

Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door

24 Hour Fitness Center 24 Hour Concierge 24 Hour Emergency Service Twist on Angell Restaurant Tailor Shop on Site Femme Fatale Salon

500 Angell Street, Providence • 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com December 2010 East Side Monthly

57

Start BEFORE the holidays this year. Schedule your FREE Orientation today!

Calendar

continued...

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A selection from The Craftland Show BRIGHT NIGHT PROVIDENCE Dec 31: Artist-run New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Providence. 3512596, www.brightnight.org.

Serving all of Rhode Island CHRISTMAS AT HEARTHSIDE Dec 5: Guides in Victorian finery welcome guests to stroll through the decorated 1810 home. 677 Great Road, Lincoln.

746-0597, www.hearthsidehouse.org.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS Thru Jan 3: Experience the magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. See website for calendar of events. 8471000, www.newportmansions.org.

WWW.MORINS.COM | 888 552 7822

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Dec 4-5: Featuring holiday décor, refreshments, and live music. Smith Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, Wickford. 294-3521, www.smithscastle.org.

A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN Dec 16: WGBH presents a live presentation of the Christmas edition of O’Donovan’s radio program, A Celtic Sojourn. VMA, 1 Avenue of the Arts. 2221467, www.vmari.com.

CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT Dec 1-31: A month-long festival of holiday events throughout Newport! Features the Polar Express Train Ride, lantern tours, Santa visits, tree lightings, craft fairs, concerts, book readings, and much more. Visit www.christmasinnewport. org for a complete calendar listing.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Dec 2-5: The Historic Wickford Vil-

58

East Side Monthly December 2010

lage is transformed with thousands of white lights. 295-5566, www. wickfordvillage.org.

HOLIDAY EVENING AT THE BREAKERS Dec 4, 11: Enjoy a self-guided holiday tour, music, and sweets. 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. 847-1000, www.newportmansions.org.

HOLIDAY EVENING DUET: ELMS & MARBLE HOUSE Dec 18: The two historic mansions will be decked for the holidays.

Enjoy live music and holiday sweets.

367 & 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 847-1000, www.newportmansions.org.

LATIN CAROL CELEBRATION Dec 6: Brown University’s 63rd annual Latin Carol Celebration, readings and songs of the season performed entirely in Latin. First Baptist Church, 75 North Main Street. 8631267, www.events.brown.edu.

PAWTUCKET WINTER WONDERLAND Dec 4-12: Holiday season village display located inside Slater Memorial Park. Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket. 728-0500 x 251, www.pawtucketri.com.

VISIT WITH SANTA AT THE ZOO Dec 4-5, 11-12: Celebrate the holiday season at the Zoo. Santa visits during a breakfast buffet and afternoon cookies, with a variety of activities for the whole family. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue.

941-4998, www.rwpzoo.org.

GALLERIES BANK RI GALLERIES One Turks Head Place – Dec 2-Jan 5: Undersea Photographs by Matthew Malczewski. 137 Pitman Street – Dec 2-Jan 5: Paintings by Mac MacDougall.

456-5015 x 1330, www.gallerynight. info/bankri.html.

BANNISTER GALLERY AT RIC Dec 9-31: Mike Hansel: Sculpture in all its Parts. 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue.

456-8000, www.ric.edu/bannister.

BELL GALLERY AT BROWN Thru Dec 21: Faculty Exhibition 2010, Part I. List Art Center, 64 College Street. 863-2932, www.brown.edu.

BERT GALLERY Thru Dec 23: Holiday Selections 2010.

540 Water Street. 751-2628, www. bertgallery.com.

CRAFTLAND SHOW Thru Dec 31: Annual holiday craft show, featuring the work of more than 200 local and nationwide artists. 235 Westminster Street. 272-4285, craftland.myshopify.com/index.

FOUNDRY ARTISTS HOLIDAY SALE Dec 3-10: 28th annual holiday sale offers inspiring creations in wood, ceramics, jewelry, home décor, and more. Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. www. foundryshow.com.

GALLERY Z Thru Jan 1: Dalla Collezione: Artists from the Gallery Stable. 259 Atwells Avenue. www.galleryzprov.com.

PROVIDENCE ART CLUB Thru Dec 24: Annual Little Pictures show and sale. 11 Thomas Street. 3311114, www.providenceartclub.org.

RISD ALUMNI ART SALE Dec 4: Featuring thousands of items created by alumni, including fine art, home décor, jewelry, furniture, clothing, photos, ceramics, and more. RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street.

454-6379, www.riconvention.org.

RISD MUSEUM Thru Dec 12: Of Clover and Chrysanthemum: Autumn Themes in Japanese Woodblock Prints. Thru Jan 9: Sculptor Lynda Benglis. Thru Feb 28: Brian Knep: Exempla. 224 Benefit Street.

454-6674, www.risdmuseum.org.

URI FEINSTEIN PROVIDENCE CAMPUS GALLERY Nov 1-30: Interrogating Race: (Mis) Perceptions & (Mis)Conceptions. 80 Washington Street. 277-5206, www. uri.edu/prov.

LEARN discussion | instruction DISCUSSION RIHS LIBRARY Dec 1: Christine DeLucia, Ph.D. candidate at Yale, discusses the King Philip’s War. 121 Hope Street. 2738017 x 12, www.rihs.org.

781-8280

Kitchens & Baths Painting & Paperhanging House Painting Roofing & Gutters Windows & Doors Vinyl Siding Shingles & Clapboards Insulation Additions & Dormers Cabinet Fronts Lead Abatement

INSTRUCTION MOSTLY WALTZ RI Dec 12: Whirl at Mostly Waltz holiday event, featuring rotary waltz instruction, open dancing, live music, and more. Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Avenue. 447-4247.

SPORTS PC FRIARS BASKETBALL Dec home opponents: Dec 1: Northeastern. Dec 4: URI. Dec 6: Brown.

Dec 11: Alabama. Dec 21: Sacred Heart. Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square. 865-GOPC, www. dunkindonutscenter.com.

PROVIDENCE BRUINS Dec home opponents: Nov 3: Hartford Wolf Pack. Dec 10: Portland Pirates. Dec 12: Springfield Falcons.

Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1 Lasalle Square. 331-0700, www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

BROWN BASKETBALL Dec home opponents: Dec 21: Army.

Dec. 31: Bryant. Pizzitola Sports Center, Hope and Lloyd Street. 863-2773, www.brownbears.com.

BROWN HOCKEY Dec home opponents: Dec 3: Union.

Dec 4: Rensselaer. Dec 7: Providence.

Meehan Auditorium, 235 Hope Street.

863-2773, www.brownbears.com.

To have your listing included in the East Side Monthly Calendar, please send press releases or event information to Christina Evon at esm@ providenceonline.com. Please send submissions at least one month prior to event date.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

www.wartesani.com

1704 Broad St Cranston, RI 02905

MYOFASCIAL PAIN Headaches • Neck Pain • Jaw Pain • Eye Pain Face Pain • Ear Pain • Tinnitus • Dizziness Dr. Douglas Vrona has successfully treated these head and neck symptoms for over 20 years with physical medicine techniques taught to himby Dr. Janet Travell, White House physician to J.F.K. (covered by most medical insurance)

Douglas G. Vrona, D.M.D. Westport, MA 1-508-636-3044 20 minutes East of Providence

Frankly Scallop, I Don’t Give A Clam!

0 gif4t 5 5 $ uy a ly $

B n for o ember 24th d r c ca h De

ug thro Now

A Family Tradition Since 1945

Fried Clams • Baked Dinners • Chowder/Clam Cakes 809 Broadway, East Providence • 434-3116 www.hortonsseafood.com • Wed. Thur. Sat. 11-8, Fri. 10-9

December 2010 East Side Monthly

59

Classifieds

To place your classified ad, please call 732-3100.

DOROTHYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLEANING We clean your home as our own!

References & free estimates. Call 401-274-7871 or 401-524-7453.

HOUSE CLEANER Excellent references. Thorough & reliable. Experienced. Call Cannie, 868-8345.

ELDER CARE AVAILABLE Compassionate, intelligent, mature woman seeks sleepover position with elderly person. 20 years experience. Impeccable references. Please call 781-3392 or 497-3392.

A+ INTERIOR PAINTING Fine interiors. 20+ yrs. experience.

Highest quality work. Many references. Fully insured. Based on the East Side. (RI Reg. #19226). Call Patrick, 226-8332.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT Brown University Stadium near.

2nd, living w/FP, dining, modern kitchen, new bath, 3 beds, washer & dryer, dishwasher, garage, hardwoods, $1300/mo. Blackstone Blvd., corner of Lloyd, studio, 2nd, heat, hot water & parking included, hardwoods, attractive, $750/mo.

Call 831-2233.

CHRISâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LAMP REPAIR We Make House Calls!!! â&#x153;Ż Repairing all types of Lamps â&#x153;Ż Vintage Lighting Specialist â&#x153;Ż Chandelier Repairs â&#x153;Ż Serving the East Side for over 15 years â&#x153;Ż Fully Insured

(401) 831-8693 www.chrislamprepair.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES All types. New circuits. RI #A3338.

MA #16083A. Insured. Larry 5292087. Also, small handyman jobs.

FEELING OVERWHELMED???!!!

Need your cellar, attic or garage cleaned, but... canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite get to it?? You can call

LEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BASIC CLEANING Basic house cleaning. Reasonable rates. References. 20 years experience. Call Lee, 785-1230, please leave message if out.

Mobile 401-316-2273

TAKE-IT-AWAY-TOM at 401-434-8156 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Counselor on the Debris of Lifeâ&#x20AC;?

HOUSECLEANER Available Crystal Clean, a quality housecleaning service. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut corners.

Weekly or bi-weekly. We use environmentally friendly products.

Bethany 265-0960.

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.

25 years of experience.

HOUSE CLEANING Experienced. Local references. Free estimates. Call Lilly, 401-419-2933.

Outside & Inside Painting Clean Cellars, Yards & Garages Install Fences

We also Clean Apartments & Houses Specializing in Removing Boilers and Oil Tanks Bennie Woods Office 438-5708 â&#x2014;? Cell 286-6338 Reg. #6515

BUYING OLD PHOTOGRAPHY Also art, fine books, collectibles, etc.

Call 401-421-2628. jcvp@cox.net CEILING WORK, DRYWALL Plaster (hang, tape & paint). Water damage repair. All phases of carpentry. Reg. #24022. Fully insured.

Steven, E. Prov., 401-641-2452.

DOG WALKER/PET SITTER Trained to administer medications.

Reliable, bonded, references available. Home visits. Call Susan 5273914. Loves animals.

All Concrete Services Specializing in all Masonry Repairs Decorative Stamp Concrete No Job Too Small

Chimney Repair

60

East Side Monthly December 2010

Reg. # 12299

Classifieds

To place your classified ad, please call 732-3100.

T & T PAINTING

Fanatics in Surface Preparation Interior & Exterior Specialist ✶ Lead

✶ Meticulous Workmanship Certified All Painters have 14+ years experience ✶ FALL SPECIALS!! ✶ FREE Written Estimates ✶ Clean, Neat, Organized ✶ Huge Senior Citizen Discounts! ✶ FREE 1 Year Warranty ✶ BIG or small- We do it all!

No Deposit Required ✶ Satisfaction Guaranteed ✶ 20yrs. in Business

944-0336

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Spring & Fall Cleanups Bushes Trimmed ❊ Tree Removal Pine Bark Mulch

Landscape Construction Parking Lot Cleaning Handyman ❊ 26 Years Experience

MG Landscaping 644-7417 ❊ 831-5109

PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES Photos, slides and papers saved to CD or DVD. Comen Co., 7516200. Email: hcomen@cox.net

SNOW PLOWING

PROACTIVE Computer Services Home or office. Computer repairs, data recovery. Fully equipped mobile service. Service calls $40/hr.

Call 647-7702. www.pcsllcri.com

Residential/Commercial Free Estimates

Vinny’s Landscaping

PROPERTY MANAGER AVAILABLE 24/7 on call. Rent collection. Rentals, evictions. Call 421-0092.

& BOBCAT SERVICES

497-1461 ● 231-1851

classified advertising Order fOrm

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 226-8332.

Reg. #19226.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN Install, service, repair. Expert troubleshooting. Free detailed computerized estimate. Deal direct with owner. Lic. #AC 004110 & insured. Small jobs done promptly.

All work guaranteed. Save $$$.

Family owned & operated. Local resident. Calls returned immediately. 401-258-4793, John.

Reg. #3469

r 4 lines /$10 r $2.50 each additional line (includes headline) r $2.00 additional — Boxed Ad name:

______________________________________ phone: _____________________________________ STONE MASON 30 years experience. Design & build, patios, walls, steps, fireplaces.

Restoration. Reg. #7445. 641-0362.

SUPERB HOUSEPAINTING High end workmanship. Small jobs a specialty. Call Ron 751-3242.

Reg. #18128.

USED MUSIC WANTED! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid.

Call 351-6292.

address: city:

___________________________________

_______________

state:

____

zip:

_________

amount enclosed: __________________________ Visa/mastercard #: _________________________ Please complete form and fax to 732-3110 or phone in your ad to sue at 732-3100 or email sueH@rhodybeat.com mail Payment in full tO: East Side Monthly, c/o Beacon Communications Classifieds, 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 December 2010 East Side Monthly

61

East of Elmgrove

by Elizabeth Rau | illustration by Emma Tripp

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To On inheriting some heirloom Christmas cheer My mother-in-law

was not a sentimental woman, but she kept everything that came from someone or somewhere: a painted rock from Maine, her brother’s ball of twine, Uncle Harry’s stick matches.

After she died my husband and I emptied out her house and found boxes filled with her things, and soon we began the process of trying to decide what to keep and what to discard. In the end, nothing much was thrown out except maybe a fountain pen, and, even then, we were tempted to keep it.

Carol’s belongings were too precious to give away. No one else would understand – or care about – their history. They wouldn’t know that the walnut transformed into a thimble-sized flower basket was carved by her grandfather on a sun-dappled day in June or that the rusty, hand-operated egg beater was owned by her mother, Sophie, who made everything from scratch, including her famous mince pies.

One box in particular piqued my interest. The top flap said in big orange and blue letters: Electronic Jet Fighter. The outside had illustrations of planes and bombs, as well as a radar scope that promised to “fire 1-2-3 rocket guns at moving targets.”

My husband noticed the box immediately.

His paternal grandmother, Ruth, gave him the jet fighter as a Christmas present when he was nine-years-old, and he spent many Sunday afternoons on his living room floor flying at supersonic speed. While the toy disappeared long ago, Carol kept the box to store her Christmas ornaments. I peeked inside.

No Christmas is complete without ornaments.

They doll up a sad-sack tree or make a grand tree look even more majestic. Unfortunately, most ornaments today are mass-produced to satisfy our consumerist culture and bear no resemblance to their unique forebears. Now you’re more likely to find a dull red ball (probably made of plastic), than a hand-made gold pear with a curled green stem.

Carol’s ornaments were relics of bygone days.

Half a century old, maybe older, they were all made of glass and wrapped in white tissue paper, faded and brittle. I don’t think it would be a stretch to call these wondrous decorations works of art.

I have no idea who made them, but I imagine he must have been a heck of a craftsman – maybe a shy old man with bad posture who owned a trinket shop on Broadway and displayed his creations on a wilted evergreen in a dimly-lit window he never

62

East Side Monthly December 2010

bothered to clean. Did Eddie, the neighborhood dreamer, press his freckled nose against the pane every holiday season and calculate how much penny candy he’d have to forgo to buy the toy soldier with the red drum?

Par-rum-pa-pum-pum, Eddie hummed. A week with no licorice.

Nothing is truly yours until you use it, until you roll it around in your hands and smell it. You can inherit all sorts of things from a doting aunt, but if

they remain in a box, untouched, they are museum pieces tucked away in storage for an exhibit that, in all likelihood, will never happen.

If you have children, as I do, you worry that these heirlooms could break. I am the mother of two spirited boys. The latest mishap around our house involved an antique cabinet whose glass door was shattered by a football tossed by my 10-year-old son, Peder, who was aiming for the sofa and missed.

I suppose I could have made a case for keeping Carol’s ornaments in the jet fighter box, at least until my sons go off to college, but I decided to risk it. The decorations were too charming not to share with family and friends and, anyway, what misfor-

tune could befall an ornament dangling from a top branch, out of reach of small hands?

I took the box downstairs and we trimmed the tree with Carol’s stuff: a reindeer in snow-capped mountains; a gold vase with arched handles; a bell that went ting-ting with the slightest tap; a skyblue genie lamp that looked like it belonged to Alladin; a pinecone so delicate I was tempted to offer it to a squirrel; a gold trumpet fit for a little person, maybe a troll; a bluebird with a tail of yellow feathers.

In all, there were 56 ornaments, some still in their original boxes, including one that contained 12 hexagons in various shades of blue and, according to a sticker on the box, went for a mere 49 cents at McLellan’s, a five-anddime at the corner of Medway and Wayland that closed down decades ago.

Other Christmas decorations were in the box too. I found a package of Christmas tree bulbs – gold, blue and green – and although they no longer worked, I kept them anyway and put them in a fruit bowl where they looked like polished gemstones.

I found a candleholder carved from a birch tree and a foot-high cutout of Santa from a shop called The Tin Woodsman. I found a Santa piggy bank from the now-defunct Old Stone Bank and a string of Norwegian flags that Carol hung across her tree in honor of her heritage: God jul.

We celebrated our tree trimming with eggnog and sugar cookies. Later that night, after my sons went to sleep, I crept downstairs and plugged in the lights.

Christmas is a hectic holiday, with all that pressure to spend and please. I have always found solace, at night, next to a lit-up Christmas tree. In the darkness, the ornaments come alive. The drummer drums, the bell rings.

I searched the thick branches for my favorite ornament, the bluebird.

There she was perched high, just below the star, shining bright. I noticed that she was crooked, so I decided to straighten her. I reached up and touched her gently, and she came crashing down.

Shards of colored glass littered the floor. I knew a repair job was out of the question and that she was gone forever. To this day, no one but me knows what happened. Clumsy mom will keep it that way.

If my sons ever ask about the bluebird, I’ll tell them the truth: she flew away, and I couldn’t catch her.

Elizabeth Rau is an East Side resident who can be reached at erau1@verizon.net.

, Ruffin It

og to d r u o Want y ff It Ru ild? in the w

www.RuffinItRI.com

dog excursions

,

Ruffin’It, LLC (previously named Scratch and Sniff, LLC), was founded with the belief that your dog’s quality of life is as important to you as your own.

A dog needs to run and be free in the wide open outdoors, where they belong!

So, what is a dog excursion? ,

Ruffin’It, will take care of it all! , The Ruffin’It Wranglers will come to your

home in one of our “dog outfitted” Honda Elements, pick them up and whisk them away for an adventure on our “secured” 15 acres of beautiful land close to the East Side.

Your dog will run, hike & play for , well over an hour supervised by our Ruffin’It Wranglers & then will be delivered back home for a great afternoon nap…content, tired, exercised & socialized.

Do all the dogs get along?

The answer is “yes”…it is truly amazing to watch the bond that grows between the dogs and to see them develop long lasting friendships! They often fall asleep on one another for the ride home…ridiculously cute.

,

Ruffin’It conducts a “meet & greet” with every

potential client. We assess the compatibility of your dog with the rest of our “pack.” We do not admit any dogs that may have aggression issues in order to ensure everyone’s safety. photos © Annie Langan 2010 www.AnnieLangan.com

How do I get my dog started? ,

Ruffin’It currently covers the East Side of

Providence, Downtown Providence, Rumford and Barrington.

,

Ruffin’It will set up a meet and greet with

you & your dog, and they will be off running with the Ruffin’It pack in no time!

Blythe Penna Blythe@RuffinItRI.com 401.419.4318 , Ruffin’It, LLC is insured and bonded

December 2010 East Side Monthly

63

E a s t

s i d E

P r o P E r t i E s

Olney. Classic Colonial Revival with sophisticated style & quiet elegance. Meticulously restored and updated with thoughtful designer touches. 5 bedrooms including Master with new spa bath, sleek Ian Thompson kitchen. $1,150,000.

77 S. Angell St. New Construction! 6 units left! 2 bed, 2.5 bath Condos feature a stunning kitchen, den, high ceilings, hardwoods, fireplace, balcony, garage, & elevator. Walk everywhere! $789,000-$1,029,000.

Hope. Exceptional 1886 historic home proudly sits on 1/2 acre lot in the middle of College Hill. Moved to this site in 1977: foundation, basement, mechanicals dates from then. Original details preserved, high ceilings, gorgeous floors, 6 beds, 4 full baths, 5 fireplaces. A gem! $965,000.

Brown. Restored College Hill Victorian in beautiful condition.

7 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, lovely details, private terrace and front porch, 2 car garage. Ideal location - short walk to shops, schools and park. Great curb appeal. Move-in condition. $849,000.

Morris. Elegant 1927 Tudor with charming period details.

Gracious rooms, high ceilings, gorgeous floors, fireplace. 5 beds, 2.5 baths. Large family kitchen opens to deck & fenced yard.

Garage. Great opportunity! $499,000.

Cushing. Walk everywhere from this great historic home.

Period details abound. 5 beds, 2.5 baths, 3 fireplaces. High ceilings, formal dining room with hand painted mural, huge cook’s kitchen with granite counters. Private patio and fenced yard. $495,000.

Transit. Beautifully restored antique Colonial (c1790) in the charming Historic District! 2+ beds, 2 full baths. Originals details, wide plank floors, 4 fireplaces. New cook’s kitchen w/ French doors to patio & garden. $439,000.

Hope. Sunny & spacious 4 bed Colonial opposite Blackstone Blvd park. Den, living room, dining room, office, eat-in-kitchen, lav on 1st floor. Hardwoods throughout, many major updates, fenced yard, 2 car garage. $409,000.

Transit. Circa 1796 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the heart of coveted Fox Point. Southern light dances on wide plank flooring; 3 fireplaces evoke a sense of warmth. Tremendous yard. $396,500.

401.274.6740 • ResidentialProperties.com

BARRINGTON CUMBERLAND EAST GREENWICH NARRAGANSETT PROVIDENCE RELOCATION