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Barrington: Immaculate & gracious center hall Nayatt colonial. Sunny, open floor plan. Fabulous newly remodeled granite kitchen! Cook’s delight! Six burner Wolf gas stove, stainless steel appliances, gleaming hardwoods. Newer Anderson windows, freshly painted 2010, corner lot. Walk to beach. $559,000
Bristol: Unusual privacy in this fabulous light-
Warren: Elegant Nantucket shingle-style
Barrington: Lovely older home with great charm
filled townhouse. Abuts wooded conservation land with deeded path to beach. Open floor plan, granite kitchen, beautiful hardwoods, soaring ceilings, unobstructed water views. $519,900
townhouse in prestigious Oyster Point! Sunny corner residence, beautiful architectural details, vaulted great room, gas fireplace, first floor master, elegant baths, private patio and covered porch. Water/bike path access. A gem! $459,000
and lots of room! Newer kitchen and family room. Front porch and large back yard deck. Private in-law apartment on first floor. Well Maintained. $449,000
Bristol: Beautifully restored historic home with
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Barrington: Outstanding location! Darling water
ideal in-town location. Offering old-world charm, character and original period details. Private yard with beautiful gardens and patio. Walk to water and all that downtown Bristol has to offer. $425,000
Beautiful 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom Primrose colonial. Sunny/open layout, fabulous family room with fireplace. Two master suites - one on first floor or possible in-law. Spacious rooms! Pristine stone walls and landscaping, large corner lot, 2 car garage. $379,900
view Gambrel colonial on corner lot, dynamite brand new kitchen! Tall ceilings, wood floors, lots of charm! Terrific private deck & gardens, water access at the end of the street, a must see! $363,000
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the Bay | February 2012
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Contents Photography: James Jones Illustration: Eloise Narrigan
February 2012
18 This Month 18 A String of Opportunities
50 23 Live Well A Barrington native handcrafts woven bracelets 25 Connoisseur 26 Shop Around 27 Homestyle
An innovative music program provides innovative classes to the East Bay
31 Taste All-season waterfront dining in Tiverton
Every Month 8 The Bay List 9 Editor’s Note/Letters
11 The Buzz An antique boat restoration program in Bristol 13 On the Bay 16 Bay Views
33 Connoisseur 34 News Bites 37 Review 38 Drink 40 Dining Guide
43 Gallery The butler did it, with the candlestick, in the gallery 44 Calendar 47 On Stage 48 Artistry
50 Just Add Water It’s a seal’s life
On the Cover: Church Garcia plays his heart out. Photography by James Jones.
February 2012 | The BAY
5
February 16-21 2012
The Bay, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket, RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.thebaymagazine.com thebay@thebaymagazine.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391
Providence Children’s
Film Festival Features & Shorts | Filmmaker Presentations | Workshops
Contributor
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer Matt Hayes John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine
RISD Auditorium 17 Canal Walk
Editorial Assistant Erin Swanson
Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum of Art 20 North Main Street
Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Art Director Alli Coate
Cable Car Cinema 204 South Main Street
Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
Michael Clark Writer
Freelance
writer
Michael
Clark moved to Rhode Island from California in 2007. After graduating with his Master’s degree from Brown University in Providence, he went on to work as an environmen-
d dent an in d e p e n f o s y a 6 d il m s f o r t io n a l f a n r e t in a m il ie s ! s and f n e e t , n c h il d r e
tal consultant. He serves as Board Chairman for Capital Good Fund and enjoys writing, running, music and cheering on his favorite team – the Liverpool Football Club. Michael lives in Providence
www.pcffri.org
with his wife and two daugh-
With thanks to our partners and sponsors!
story he says, “Writing about
ters. About this month’s cover the Community String Project provided a unique opportunity to witness first hand the profound impact learning a
Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Kim Tingle Jessica Webb Illustrators Ashley MacLure Eloise Narrigan Photographers Amy Amerantes Mike Braca Judith Gardner
James Jones Kate Kelley Laurel Mulherin
Contributing Writers Jamie Merolla Keith Andrade David Nelligan Michael Clark James Pierce David Dadekian Caitlin Quinn Meagan Gann Rebecca Remillard Dawn Keable Bethany Vaccaro Patricia McAlpine Andrea E. McHugh Interns Samantha Gaus Michelle Reis
Member of:
on students.” Carter Family Charitable Trust
4
We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.
eyesdesign
Copyright ©2012 by Providence Media, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset.
6
PM-Feb.indd the 1 Bay | February 2012
1/9/12 12:51:39 PM
Photography: James Jones
musical instrument can have
FREE • CONFIDENTIAL • MULTILINGUAL/TTY United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island is a service of United Way of Rhode Island and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is funded by United Way of Rhode Island with support from the State of Rhode Island. For police, fire or medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 TDD/TTY: 519-0374 • out-of-state callers: 1-800-367-2700
special advertising section
The Bay List events / promotions / good deeds READ MORE
SHOW SUPPORT
Log On The Bay‘s new website provides one more way for you to stay connected to the events and people that make the area so great. Log on to read restaurant reviews, see photo galleries or learn about the many events that are
going on around town. Register via the link in the top left corner of our homepage so that you can comment on articles and post your own events on our user-friendly community calendar. www.thebaymagazine.com
BAY SPONSORED
A Festival of Film Single and Ready To Mingle
This month, our sister publication, Providence Monthly is sponsoring the Providence Children’s Film Festival, which will take place February 16-21. Let your inner child roam free and enjoy a wide variety of children’s films including international, independent, animated and documentary pictures handpicked for their positive messages. Also tak-
ing place during the festival are education opportunities for children to learn about filmmaking and animation, taught by skilled industry specialists. The whole experience will leave your child with a greater appreciation for the work that goes into making the movies they enjoy, while introducing them to some new favorites.
BAY SPONSORED
Get Your Paws Off My Beads Join the Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter on February 11 at their 6th Annual Mardi Gras Ball to benefit our furry friends who have not yet found forever homes. The event, which will be held at Linden Place, promises music by the Rockin’ Soul Horns Band, a
8
the Bay | February 2012
delicious spread by Blackstone Caterers and exciting live and silent auctions. $78 per person. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. To make your reservation, visit the Bristol Animal Shelter at 11 Broad Common Road or simply go online. www.friendsoftheanimalshelter.org
BAY SPONSORED
Celebrate Art in Newport The Newport Art Museum is celebrating its centennial this year. Its collections and exhibitions will focus on the area’s rich cultural legacy and lively contemporary art scene. Art classes, concerts, talks, trips and special events are scheduled throughout the year. For a full list of events call 401-848-8200 or go online to www.newportartmuseum.org. 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport.
Photograpy: (left) Harry Powers (right) Corey Grayhorse
Providence Children’s Film Festival Circus Dreams Lyra Act
Whether you’re happily taken or flying solo, make sure to come to Fete on February 8 for the Providence Monthly Most Eligible Singles Party. Meet, mingle (and maybe even dance with) the 10 eligible bachelors and bachelorettes featured in this issue. These dating superheroes are fighting crimes of loneliness, one single person at a time. There will be salsa dancing lessons available for anyone brave enough to shake it on the dance floor. Free. 6-10 pm. Valet parking available. 103 Dike Street. providenceonline.com
Editor’s Note String Theory Sometimes all it takes is one small idea to make a big difference. That’s definitely what happened when Bethany Sousa sparked the inspiration that created the Community String Project, a now-thriving after school music education initiative in Bristol and Warren. Not only is the project helping kids learn music, but it’s teaching them other vital life
skills. Recently, the CSP expanded into offering adult lessons. Read on to learn all about its good work. Despite the fact that February is the shortest month, there’s also a pretty strong argument for it being the least pleasant of all of them, especially in New England. Even though winter has finally arrived and the weather isn’t exactly hos-
pitable, there’s a lot to enjoy this month. Head On Stage to solve a murder mystery at the Newport Art Museum, or get a taste of France from our Taste Connoisseur. We’ve also got the scoop on a unique boat building class at the Herreshoff Museum, and how your kids can explore the coast in Westport during February vacation. After, you can warm up
with the boozy coffee recipes in the Drink column. Read on, and enjoy the month.
staff goes out of its way to accommodate them. Is there a reason why the library’s absence was so conspicuous?
knowledged what our readers rightly called “the biggest and best library,” we simply assumed that since so many people already knew about it that we could safely choose smaller, geographically diverse facilities to highlight. There was certainly no ill-intent behind our exclusion – just simply the desire to promote as many areas our magazine covers as possible.
From Our Readers A Thanks from Beyond On behalf of the Linden Place Board of Directors, thank you for The Bay’s sponsorship of the very successful A Taste of Bristol & Beyond fundraiser. This event brought over 40 restaurants, wineries and breweries throughout the East Bay to Linden Place for a fantastic afternoon of live music, food and drink. With your help, Linden Place raised $20,000 for the restoration and preservation of the historic 1810 mansion and grounds. The Bay’s support enables us to carry on the Friends of Linden Place mission to restore and maintain its treasured historic property, to ensure its public accessibility and to enhance the artistic, cultural and educational life of the community. Most of all, Jim and I would like to sincerely thank you for your assistance in getting the word out to the Rhode Island community about our big fundraising event and for Nicole Greenspun’s patience and assistance in putting together an amazing and highly effective advertising campaign. It is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Susan Battle
Thanks for the great photography and the text. Pat Redfearn Director, George Hail Library
Regards, Karin Weldy
Left Out You really blew it this time, with your library story [“Check It Out,” January, 2011]. How could you not mention the busiest and best library in the East Bay? I’m talking about the Rogers Free Library in Bristol. It is very definitely the hub for patrons coming from East Providence, Warren, Barrington, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport – even Swansea and Rehoboth. Our library has 45 computers, an excellent selection of materials and awesome programs for children, youths and adults. It also has the most knowledgeable and nicest patrons, and the
The editors of The Bay owe the town of Bristol and the Rogers Free Library a huge apology. How could you write an article about the libraries in the East Bay and exclude the gem of them all, The Rogers Free Library? Someone didn’t do their homework. This is an issue that should be rectified immediately. Kathy McGovern Editor’s note: It’s always a challenge to fit every good lead into a story. With our libraries cover story, we included fewer than half of the places we could have – and while we definitely should have ac-
We’re Grateful Our heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful words about Braving the Light [Calendar, January, 2012], our collaboration of poetry and photography exhibited at Roger Williams University School of Law. It was a well-received and well-attended show, in no small part a result of your enthusiastic highlight in The Bay. Many thanks, Kim M. Baker and Seth Jacobson
Send us a letter
Email us a letter to the editor to thebay@thebaymagazine.com and it could be published in an upcoming issue.
Read us online
Terrific Job
Full issues of all our magazine available on www.thebaymagazine.com
Is there any chance of having more copies of the January issue delivered here to the George Hail Library? All of our copies flew out the doors within three days and people are still asking for them. I guess this means the story is terrific, which it is.
Find us on Facebook Reach out to us at the Bay Everyday
February 2012 | The BAY
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The Buzz
People and places on the bay
13
The Sailing Class
Boat restoration at the Herreshoff Museum
February 2012 | The BAY
11
FirstWorks presents
Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company “Story/Time� World Premiere Tour Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones layers movement, language and music for an exhilarating full company performance of 70 stories in 70 minutes.
March 10, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18 vmari.com, 401-421-ARTS (2787) View full spring schedule at first-works.org
Photo by Paul B. Goode
Experience a first by a master at the peak of his powers
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the Bay | February 2012
Buzz on the bay
Bay
! s n i a g r Ba Check out these great deals in The Bay this month! $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at DeWolf Tavern page 46
$13.95 Fajitas & Margaritas
from page 11
at Fieldstones page 24
Class Act If your kids are
tired of the same old after-school routine, sign them up for the Herreshoff Marine Museum’s Boat Shop Program, running now through April 27. Talented volunteers and regional boat restoration specialists who are passionate about their trade offer students a unique collaborative experience. The program is open to middle and high school students and provides them the opportunity to learn how to care for, preserve and restore a wide variety of antique sailboats. Participants will gets hands-on experience and learn about
project planning, shop safety and tools, sanding, panting and varnishing, along with useful real world skills such as time management, communication and team building. The classes run from 3-5pm on Tuesdays for the high school lot and Wednesdays for middle schoolers so the sessions can focus on age appropriate lessons. This week, instead of video games, get your kids out and involved in a trade they can use for a lifetime. For more information contact Richard Feeny. 401-253-5000, education@herreshoff.org. -Samantha Gaus
$12.95 Lobster Dinner at Atlantic Grille page 42
30% Off at Sak’s Consignment page 49
25% off Hookah at My Shisha page 45
SWeeT CHarITY
Taste Your Way Through Seekonk
Do It for the Critters
The town of Seekonk will continue to celebrate the bicentennial of its founding with the sixteenth annual Taste of the Town event on February 7, to be held at the Johnson & Wales Inn from 6-9pm. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Seekonk, this yearly fundraiser not only includes samplings of food from the area’s finest restaurants, but also offers wine and craft beer tastings from local vendors, along with exhibitor certificates and a 50/50 cash raffle. The Kiwanis Club works to positively impact community youth through leadership programs, scholarships, service programs and more. $30 per ticket; 508-3368130, krekoriane@yahoo.com. –Meagan Gann
Support your favorite furry animals at the fifth annual Mardi Gras Ball by Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter on February 11 at Linden Place. Enjoy music by The Rockin’ Soul Horns and food from Blackstone Caterers along with live and silent auctions. Get your tickets or donate to the cause online. You can also stop in the shelter, located at 10 Minturn Farm Road. Festivities will begin at 6:30pm. Tickets will also be available at the door. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. www.friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org. –Samantha Gaus
20% Off at Therapy in New Leaf page 35
10% off at Spa Vana page 38
February 2012 | The BAY
13
Buzz on the bay
Be a fILm eXTra
Your 15 Minutes of Fame Nicholas Jon Beaubien and Ricky Adelon Laprade of Cut to the Chase Productions are co-directing a feature-length horror film titled Erebus to be shot entirely on Block Island, beginning in March. Building on the foundation of their last soon-tobe-released feature, Villanelle, the Rhode Island natives plan on taking both the gore and the thrill-factor up a few more notches. According to the production website, Erebus is “an anthology horror film inspired by the well-documented history of supernatural phenomenon in Rhode Island.” Much of the action will take place in and around the Gorham House, a mysterious old hotel with a history of bone-chilling occult activity. “In Erebus, we don’t
just spit out ghost stories,” says Beaubien, “we make you feel as if you lived one.” As part of their Kickstarter campaign (in which the duo hopes to raise funding for the film), Beaubien and Laprade offer the rare opportunity for anyone to be in the movie as an extra. Spend the day on Block Island – ferry fees covered – with the entire cast and crew. Receive full makeup and wardrobe services, an official call sheet and an IMDB named cast credit. It’s an opportunity to live out your actor fantasy while also supporting local indie film; pledge rewards will be finalized by February 17 so don’t delay. To find out more, or to watch trailers and interviews, visit www. kickstarter.com/projects/rickyalaprade/ erebus?ref=live -Erin Swanson
TaSTY TreaT
Near and Dear to our Rhode Island Hearts
Scenes from Villanelle
14
the Bay | February 2012
When a native Rhode Islander is asked to name things local to our state, he’s sure to mention coffee syrup (in addition to stuffed quahogs and Newport Creamery, of course). It’s rich, it’s sweet and it’s oh so delicious – at any time of the year. Uncle Matty’s Coffee Syrup would be the first to agree. The East Providence-based company points out that, in fact, coffee milk was made the official state drink in 1993. Their product is all-natural and mixes well with ice cold milk, iced coffee or (if you’re so inclined) a cocktail or martini. The locally-made coffee syrup can be purchased at several stores in the general Providence vicinity including Whole Foods in Cranston, Eastside Marketplace and Eastside Mart in Providence, Buckets General Store and Schroders Catering in East Providence and Shores Market in North Providence. If you’re unable to take the trip “up north” don’t fret – Uncle Matty’s is also available online. www.unclemattyscompany.com. –Erin Swanson
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Buzz Bay Views On New Year’s Day, hundreds of brave, foolhardy (and, let’s face it, hungover) swimmers took to the water at Easton’s Beach in Newport for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. The event raised money for A Wish Come True, a Tiverton-based charity that helps sick children live happier lives. www.awish.org Photography by: Rob Thorn
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the Bay | February 2012
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Playing with Heart
The Community String Project teaches more than just music By Michael Clark
Photography by James Jones 18
the Bay | February 2012
In 2008, Bethany Sousa,
a graduate of Mt. Hope High School in Bristol, asked Bob Arsenault, the school’s band director and chair of the performing arts department, what seemed an innocuous question at the time: Where can I give violin lessons? Little did they know that the question would lead to what is today a burgeoning non-profit organization that provides violin, viola and cello lessons to nearly 100 students – including 70 children and 30 adults – employs seven instructors, and whose budget has nearly doubled in the past year. Co-founded in 2009 by Arsenault and Sousa, The Community String Project has proved exceedingly successful. What began as a three-week summer course in 2009 is now a full program of lessons offered to students in grades three through 12, as well as adults, nearly every day of the week in nearly every school in the Bristol-Warren Regional School District. The District, a critical partner, allows the organization the use of its facilities for after school lessons and concerts. The Community String Project is loosely modeled on El Sistema, the famous Venezuelan after school music program
dren as well as adults, and subsidize the costs for eligible children using grants and adult fees. Children who qualify for reduced or free lunches also qualify for subsidized lessons and free instruments. Currently, 40% of students have been subsidized. Students who don’t have an instrument can rent one at an affordable price. Much has been written about the positive impacts associated with learning musical instruments, particularly the violin, roundly known as one of the most difficult to master and one which has marked peripheral impacts on the musician, including increased concentration, as well as improved grades, focus and study habits. Arsenault invited me to attend a couple lessons to see if the veracity of these assertions were supportable, at least by anecdotal evidence. A few days later I showed up at Hugh Cole Elementary, at three in the afternoon on a sunny Wednesday, to attend an advanced violin class. The halls, named such things like Perseverance Avenue, were largely empty, as was the music room. Suddenly a gaggle of girls swept into
A lesson at Colt-Andrews School
“ I heard violin was the hardest instrument and I wanted a challenge.” -Michaela Carroll that provides virtually free lessons to children for the purpose of providing at-risk children with, at a basic level, something to do after school, and (more importantly) the skills necessary to excel in school and in life: discipline, critical thinking and focus. Shortly before Sousa popped the question, Arsenault attended a conference at Yale where he saw the El Sistema founder speak. He was intrigued. Sousa’s inquiry precipitated a revelation: perhaps the El Sistema concept could be replicated in the Bristol-Warren School District to meet a specific need. String instrument lessons hadn’t been offered in the school district since the ‘60s. Children, particularly disadvantaged children, had little or no options if they were interested in string instruments. There were expensive private lessons and that was it. So Arsenault and Sousa, who, at 22, has been playing violin for 19 years, came up with a plan: provide affordable lessons and instruments utilizing Bristol-Warren School District facilities to interested chil-
the room; a ball of giggles, talking and laughing. They grabbed music stands and left the room, their voices trailing off to the left. A few minutes later, a grown up poked her head in. “Mike?” “Yes?” “Hi, I’m Bethany Sousa, the instructor. The class is down the hall.” Sousa lead me to a room where the girls, seemingly all talking simultaneously, were readying their violins and setting up their music stands in a small circle. Sousa, currently a graduate student at URI, gives me the stats: in this group, there are 11 students, all of whom attend Hugh Cole, ranging in age from nine to 11, and each have been in the program for two to three years. She strolls into the middle of the circle of music stands. The students are set to go: music is open, bows are out, violins in hand. Sousa has an easy rapport with the children. It’s clear they know each other well and share a mutual respect. She asks for silence and promptly gets it. After announcements, instructions,
Stringing along at Hugh-Cole
February 2012 | The BAY
19
listening has improved through the program, which has made me a better student. -Kaelen McKenna
“ No one wanted to play violin when I started
“ My dad played the recorder, my brother
because it wasn’t cool. Now everyone wants to play it. -Lanya Antoine
”
20
“ My
“ I’ve learned to focus even if the building is burning down.” -Hunter Rodriguez (on right)
the Bay | February 2012
”
sang, and I played the violin at a family Christmas party. -Church Garcia
”
and other minutiae, Sousa says, “Ok, let’s start with D.” The silence is broken by a chorus of singing violins playing in near perfect unison. They run through some chords, Sousa occasionally stopping them to offer instructions. They begin practicing a song, the theme from Paganini’s Witches’ Dance. During the second run, Sousa stops them. She asks a student for her violin and bow and she instructs them to “hold the bow nearer the middle, not at the bottom, which makes it too heavy.” She belts out a few startling notes and hands the violin and bow back to the student. A few tries later the students make it through the entire song. Sousa, clearly proud, turns to me and says, “They’ve only had this song for one week. That’s pretty good.” I’m impressed and slightly embarrassed. My pursuits at that age were, in comparison, decidedly pedestrian. Sousa sends a few children over to chat with me. First up is Lanya Antoine. She tells me she started playing violin because it was unique. “At first,” she said, “no one thought violin was cool, but now everyone wants to play.” Melissa Brule, a startlingly articulate fourth grader, tells me she started playing simply because she wanted to learn violin. Initially she used one of the rental instruments that the organization provides to students who don’t have their own instrument. Recently, however, her parents bought her a violin. “Now,” she says, “music has become my entire life.” Amelia Michaud, soft spoken and earnest, explains that she started playing violin because she wants to play music with her brother, who plays drums. She said she’s enjoyed making new friends and putting on concerts for family and friends. Her goal is to play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at one of her brother’s baseball games. Kaelen McKenna, a fifth grader, says, “The program has improved my listening skills, which has made me a better student.” I relay this to Sousa as we chat after class. She smiles and says she isn’t surprised. She’s received letters from parents who say their children’s grades have improved significantly since staring the program. We head to Colt Andrews Elementary School for the 4:25pm violin lesson. I speak to a few students. Hunter and Forest Rodriguez, identical twins, explain that their ability to concentrate has improved. Hunter says, “The class has taught me to focus even if the building is burning down.” The boys’ mother, Suzanne, who attends every class, pulls me aside after the chat with the boys and tells me that their grades – in math particularly – have improved. “Music is math,” she says. Marykae Wright, a board member
since the beginning, adds further anecdotal evidence that what they say about learning a musical instrument is true. Her already strong commitment to the program, she said, was absolutely solidified by a letter she received a couple years ago from a parent, who wrote that the program had transformed his daughter from a layabout video game junkie with average grades to a disciplined violinist with excellent grades. He also praised the program for allowing his daughter to continue her lessons even after he’d lost his job and fell on tough financial times. Wright says, “This means we are meeting our unique mission.” Wright and Arsenault say there are no plans as of yet to replicate the program in other school districts. This isn’t to say that they don’t think about the future. Wright said she imagines a community orchestra down the road. At this point, however, they are focused on simply meeting existing demand, a challenging prospect. Finding qualified and passionate instructors is difficult, Arsenault says, and, at some point soon, the organization will need administrative staff to operate it, which would relieve the already swamped volunteer Board of Directors who currently oversee the organization’s functions. All of this capacity building requires funding, which the organization obtains through grants, program fees and individual donations. To solicit the latter, the organization sends an annual appeal to potential donors and it utilizes the various concerts it holds as tools for fundraising, as well as student recruitment. According to Arsenault, “Many of our prospective students are touched by seeing their friends or older siblings playing in front of the entire school.” It’s clear the future is bright for the Community String Project, so long as funding is available to allow the organization to build the capacity necessary for meeting rising demand. With a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors, staff and student body, it’s hard to see how the program couldn’t continue to grow. During our chat, Sousa tells me that working with the students is something she looks forward to regardless of how bad of day she’s having. She turns and looks at the students, who are talking incessantly and simultaneously, and says, “These are third through fifth graders and they’re friends. This wouldn’t be the case without this program.” I ask about her future plans. She says she will remain involved: “I can’t not do this.” www.cpsri.org
Online Exclusive
Go online to www.thebaymagazine.com for more photos and video of the Community String Project.
“ The
students are very disciplined. The Christmas concert went so well we got ice cream. -Lyla Saye
”
“ My
goal is to play ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ at one of my brother’s baseball games. -Amelia Michaud
”
February 2012 | The BAY
21
It's here, don't miss the fun! 5th Annual
Mardi Gras Ball February 11, 2012 6:30pm at the Linden Place Ballroom 500 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
Live & Silent Auctions The Rockin' Soul Horns Band Blackstone Caterers/Cash Bar
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Live Well
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
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February 2012 | The BAY
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the Bay | February 2012
Live Well Connoisseur
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David Norton on nautical style and function When I look at your Lemon & Line bracelets, I think “preppy� and “nautical.� Is that how you’d describe your personal style? I think if I had to describe my style it’d be functional with a subtle prep. Sure, I own polo shirts, Nantucket reds and Sperry Top-Siders, but I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt guy. Granted, most of my t-shirt are from J. Crew. The functional element of my style comes from my actual participation in the sport of sailing. Layering is critical to comfort on the water, and anywhere for that matter.
Race Week this past summer. Sailing is my passion.
How long have you been sailing? I think I might have salt water in my blood. I grew up cruising onboard my family’s Pearson 36, Orion. We still keep her in Barrington (my hometown) and I’m fortunate enough to sail her all summer long. I’m humbled by other sailing adventures in the British Virgin Islands, Tahiti and Bora Bora. In addition to my leisure sailing, I’m also part of a great racing program onboard Steve Thurston’s J29, The Mighty Puffin. We travel the coast, participating in various regattas. We placed first at Charleston Race Week last April and second in our class at Block Island
Where can I buy your bracelets? More importantly, can I afford them? They look expensive... in a good way. They’re far from expensive, as I never want price to be what keeps our bracelets off the wrists of people who want them. Hopefully you’ll be able to buy them at your favorite local shops soon, but until then you can go online to purchase, www. lemonandline.com.
Your bracelets are handcrafted in Newport, where you live. Do you have a “hand� in the manufacturing process? To date, every bracelet we’ve ever sold has been made in Newport by my wife, Elizabeth, and I. We use a variety of materials, but the core of our products are constructed using double braid line. This is the real deal, as seen on boats; it’s functional, recognizable and fashionable.
Tell me about your Pink Boat bracelet. That bracelet was created to help Thomas Watson raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Tom has
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a personal goal of raising one million dollars for the foundation before he sets sail around the globe, solo, onboard his 28-foot boat, Darwind. I’ve always believed in helping good causes and we donate 50% of the proceeds from our pink bracelets to Tom’s efforts. To date, it’s one of our top-selling products.
THE
I hear you’re a new dad. Do tell! Indeed I am! Elle Margaret Norton came into our lives on January 1, at 3:41pm. I am head over heels in love with this little girl. We’re truly grateful for her health and look forward to the adventures to come.
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How long until she’s sporting Lemon & Line? Well, the whole family wears them, so it’s only a matter of time. We offer many colors, styles and sizes so we have something for everyone, children included. Our extra-small was developed for kids; my nieces and nephews love the fact that they can swap pieces of bracelets, taking half from one and half from another. Elle will be wearing hers just as soon as her hands come out of her onesie sleeve. Dave owns Lemon & Line out of Newport, www.lemonandline.com
SNOW BALL To Benefit The Gamm’s Artistic and Educational Programs
SATURDAY 6:00 PM
FEBRUARY 18
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February 2012 | The BAY
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ExpEriEncE TradiTion
Live Well Shop Around by Samantha Gaus
Live Music Saturdays 12 Beers On Draught Cocktail Lounge ModernCreative & Traditional Cuisine
Deliciously Gourmet. Stylishly Local. Gifts of Distinction.
301 Hope St. Bristol RI 401.253.3117 26
the Bay | February 2012
Flipping Out A skate shop in Bristol for once and future pros No longer just a trendy hobby for wayward teens, skateboarding has evolved over time to a full-blown sport; one that can earn its professional athletes both fame and fortune through endorsements by big name companies such as Element, Zoo York and Spitfire. Anyone entering into the sport – whether in attempt to make a name or just to have some fun – will need to purchase the right gear. FlipSide Skateboard Shop in Bristol is skater-owned; owner Donnie Patchin is a veteran boarder with an extreme passion for the sport. The first thing you may notice upon entering FlipSide is how vibrant it is: hardwood floors, neatly displayed products, a colorful wall of skateboards and an overall warm feel. Patchin is the only employee and he works six days per week, so the shop will only be closed on Monday. It is clear that he is the man to go to for expert advice. He has been riding for 25 years and has had numerous sponsorships over that time. Patchin moved to Bristol 12 years ago and lived above a vacant shop on High Street. It wasn’t long before he decided to put his knowledge and experience to use in the community, renting the space below. FlipSide was born. Patchin’s customers are loyal be-
cause they know he is always going to give the best advice in spite of profits. “If someone comes in and they don’t need new bearings I’m not going to tell them they do and sell them something they don’t need,” says Patchin. It is a one-stop shop: not only does he sell gear and accessories, he also does in-shop skateboard repairs and gives lessons to new skaters (including the local cub scout troops). Patchin is always excited to get a new rider on the perfect board. Recently, he believes, the sport has become more about the skater image and less about talent. FlipSide is taking a hit from online sales and wannabe retail shops that sell only what is trendy (often to people who don’t even skate). Big names like Nike and Adidas recently got into the sport and are trumping the lesser-known products, causing smaller shops to struggle. Donnie cares about keeping money within the industry so most of the items he carries are by quality, skater-owned brands that he himself uses. “It’s a huge industry but the people that should be making the money aren’t making it,” he says. In spite of the competition, Donnie says, “The people that come, they like the one-on-one. I had a customer come
from Cranston at Christmas time and he was stoked because he wanted to actually talk to someone that knew what they were talking about. People tell me they would rather spend a few more dollars to get the handshake, the personal service and the knowledge.” Skateboarding shouldn’t be about looking cool, or dressing a certain way; it requires hard work and dedication, just like any sport. Patchin feels that the parents of the younger skaters are the ones he really wants to appeal to because they know the importance of buying a quality product and getting the right equipment to ensure their children’s safety. Catering to all ages is important to him as he considers himself an older skater. “A lot of the shops don’t carry stuff for older people, but I do because that’s where I’m at and I like to support the guys my age who still skate. I have the stuff that they can’t find; the stuff that other places don’t want to carry.” FlipSide carries a great selection of clothes, sunglasses and sneakers that are hand selected by Patchin himself. He will show you what the pros are buying and get you on your way to becoming an old pro in no time at all. 170 High Street, Bristol. 401-253-3033.
Photography: Judith Gardner
90 Pottersville Road Little Compton • 401-635-8367 crowthersrestaurant.com
Live Well Home Style
by Andrea E. McHugh
seeiNg the light: this seaside home boasts 44 windows, many of them with this stunning view
Divine Reinvention
A couple’s new home mixes old with new
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
When Gerry and Barbara Vachon were looking to downsize from their expansive 4,000 square foot Massachusetts home to a cozier Rhode Island cottage by the sea, they turned to the captivating community of Bristol. Though willing to sacrifice space, they weren’t willing to compromise on function or character. “We were looking for a place with an open concept, but all we found at first were condos,” explains Gerry. “We wanted something kind of new.” The couple’s hopes and needs merged at Sea Star, a stylish but comfortable home perched on the edge of Narragansett Bay, adjacent to the Bristol Highlands Improvement Association. Just five years old when they bought it, the home had a fresh appeal that enticed the Vachons, especially with its open floor plan and the 44 windows that capitalized on the pan-
oramic views of the glistening bay. “We came in here and fell in love with it,” says Gerry with a smile. “The home’s builders were very thoughtful and very good,” Barbara chimes in. Single-level living, two spacious bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage make the home ideally situated to their lifestyle. But, like any nesters, the couple was eager to make the adjustments needed so that the home would truly feel like their own. Though already elegantly appointed and in turnkey condition, the couple looked to Glenn Marr of Living Design in Warren to help integrate their existing furnishings and décor with the new surroundings, and to locate complementary antiques that would offer a polished, comprehensive aesthetic. “We had no intention of re-designing our entire home when we asked
Glenn to decorate our master bedroom,” explains Barbara. “While creating that masterpiece, he made suggestions regarding other rooms and we just could not resist.” Gushing over Glenn’s talents, Barbara met the highly-touted designer in a serendipitous way: he was working on a project next door. By the time he made his way through the Vachon’s Sea Star, he had spent nearly a year there. Though they had bought some new pieces for the home, it was Glenn’s talented eye that was able to tie it all together. “He only got rid of a few chairs and a few lamps – and a few oriental rugs,” says Barbara with a laugh, conceding that the rugs may have been the most difficult items to part ways with. “After considering our lifestyle, he blended our furnishings with a few antique pieces, added interesting moldings and created
a soft color scheme that flows and blends from room to room. We are so much more comfortable!” The master bedroom, the first leg in the home’s reinvention, gave the Vachons a peek into the mind of the designer. “In each room he chose something to be the focal point, and in this room, he chose the rug,” explains Barbara, pointing to the plush carpet underfoot that’s awash in a spray of bold hues, contrasted with subtle shades. “Crushed raffia” is the wall color, a restful green that morphs to khaki as the sunlight changes. The soft tone complements the sky and sweeping water view, which regardless of the luxurious bedding (made by Glenn), will always take center stage. The existing en suite bath, a soft pumpkin color, was modified slightly with the installation of marble countertops and new whimsical light fixtures with frosted glass
February 2012 | The BAY
27
sculpted to resemble face cloths. The mirrors were framed, and crown and decorative molding were added. “The house didn’t have any molding, so we put it in ourselves,” adds Barbara. The kitchen too, was a space that was given a fresh look with some added touches – new and extended countertops, tile and light fixtures including pendant lighting over the counter space that allows for bar stools. The extra seating is particularly handy when the Vachon’s grandchildren –
28
the Bay | February 2012
there are seven of them – pause their clamming adventures in the bay out back to refuel with a quick sandwich. Off the kitchen is the breakfast room, which the couple admits isn’t the most widely used space in the home but is helpful when family is in town for an extended stay. With a rich coral wall color (called “Savannah”), dark wood furnishings and accent décor including a mounted brass porthole, the room makes for the perfect bar area when the couple entertains.
continued...
The kitchen blends seamlessly into the dining room and living room, both of which are made less formal with sisal rugs that define the separate spaces and add a touch of coastal flair. A set of the couple’s chairs from their former home were reinvented with new upholstery, boasting an embroidered “V” design. Artwork by local talents grace the walls and a fireplace lends a cozy feel in spite of the 14-foot cathedral ceilings. Barbara explains that Glenn came with an assistant in tow one day
and summoned most of their pieces to one space. Little by little, she explains, after he had fully evaluated their collection, everything found its new home. A large pair of patinaed ducks, for example, are now perched on the corner space at the edge of the master soaking tub. Barbara acknowledges it would have never occurred to her to put them there, but it works. “He just used our stuff differently,” she says. In the entry, wide-set stripes in alternating muted tones of yellow
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
Live Well Home Style
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Elegantly Simple. and white conjure up images of an elegant beach cabana while handstamped gold bumblebees add a fanciful touch – all Glenn’s conception. A hand-painted compass rose on the ceiling that allows entrance into the main living space is a nod to the dramatic water views that await. While the Vachons use most every space in the home, the area they may feel most at home in is the den. Grasscloth wall coverings in the color of the sea add a decidedly natural ele-
ment while framed photos pepper the built-in bookshelves surrounding the second fireplace. Above the mantle, a television is mounted; it is not hard to imagine the family gathered around enjoying a drink and a good laugh. Now complete, the Vachons describe their home as beautiful, open, fresh and perhaps most of all, tranquil. “Our association with Glenn and his fabulous staff has developed into a warm and caring friendship,” says Barbara. “We hated to see the project end.”
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37
The Boat House Review
Native Fluke
February 2012 | The BAY
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the Bay | February 2012
Taste Connoisseur
by Erin Swanson
French Sizzle
Rizwan Ahmed on global cuisine and learning from the best
Photography: Amy Amerantes
Can you name a few of the most popular dishes at Hourglass Brasserie? Our menu changes four times a year, with the seasons, so right now we’re in winter (although I’m hoping spring is right around the corner). Customers love our stuffed quail appetizer and our caramelized squid app. The quail is served with Mission fig, Prosciutto, pork sausage and a balsamic port reduction, while the squid is served on harissa (a Middle Eastern Sauce) and accompanied by Spanish chorizo, red capsicum (like a red bell pepper) and smoked paprika. Oh and people love our beet salad. That always stays on the menu: I just change the garnishes and dressings. It seems that for a French restaurant, your menu is quite global. What world cuisines influence you most? Well I’m half English and half Pakistani, so obviously much comes from my heritage. I’ve also worked and studied throughout the world. I attended Le Cordon Bleu in London for five years
and worked at The Newport Room, a five diamond award-winning restaurant in Bermuda. It was known for its elegant French cuisine. I’ve always had a passion for food so it was easy to fall in love with the French methods of cooking. The French really know what they’re doing in the kitchen. It must have been hard to leave sunny Bermuda. What brought you to Bristol? I met my wife while I was in Bermuda – she’s a nurse and was working there at the time. We fell in love and I followed her home to be near the in-laws. I really love it here. I hear you’ve worked with some Michelin-starred chefs and in some pretty impressive kitchens. Do tell. Well I apprenticed under Paul Gayler at The Lanesborough Hotel in London. After that I worked under Britishborn French chef Michel Roux at the Michelin-starred Le Gavroche. I went on to work under Andre Garrett at the
Michelin-starred restaurant The Orrery (both also in London). I learned from the best. What entrée menu items do you serve that you make especially well due to your formal training? On the winter menu, customers are really enjoying the Roasted Duck Breast (with a confit of leg, pickled apples, parsnips, plum compote, purple mash and jus natural) and the “Four Hour” Braised Short Ribs. They’re served with glazed baby carrots, pearl onions, pommes mousseline and braising jus. You recently got a full liquor license. How has that affected your business? People used to call and ask, “Do you have a full liquor license?” When I’d say no, they’d say, “I’ll come in when you do.” Luckily, they have. What drink from the bar would you recommend to a guest? Wine. A strong drink dulls the palate. I
don’t believe in following the old rules of white wine with fish and red with meat. I ask the customer, “What do you like?” If they like a merlot, I suggest a merlot, regardless of what they are eating. I believe people should drink the wines that they like. What’s the best thing about being located on Thames Street? The waterfront views and the convenience. People can park anywhere, come in to eat, then stroll around downtown after their meal. What’s your favorite dish? Well, since I’m half-Pakistani I have to go with Brain Masala. It’s salted lamb brain. It’s spicy (I love spice), and the creaminess of the brain is just delicious. If I was choosing my last meal on earth, that would be it. Chef Riz is the chef-owner of Hourglass Brasserie, 382 Thames Street, Bristol. 401-396-9811, www.hourglassbrasserie.com
February 2012 | The BAY
33
Wild Flower Florist Ltd.
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the Bay | February 2012
Taste News Bites
by Julie Tremaine
Those Crunchy Types
A new granola company offers a fresh approach to nutrition Lori Vartanian is an
instructor at Body Natural Fitness Center in Barrington who is, naturally, concerned about eating healthy. When the options for a good, nutritious granola came up short, she decided to make her own, and Wholly Granola was born. The wholesome granola contains quality ingredients like raw honey, brown rice syrup, organic extra virgin coconut oil, raw nuts and dark chocolate. It’s also high in protein and fiber, low in sugar, and contains no refined sugars or trans fats. (Because it’s moist and soft, unlike a lot of other varieties, Wholly Granola is also good for your teeth.) It’s currently available in seven varieties, like Dark Chocolate & Cashew Butter and Peanut Butter. There are also a handful of gluten free varieties. Purchase Wholly Granola online, or at three East Bay locations: Tom’s Market in Warren, Clement’s Market in Portsmouth and Body Natural in Barrington. Or, visit the Mount Hope Farm indoor farmers market in Bristol every Saturday to get your fix. www.whollygranolacompany.com OFF-SEASON SIPPING You might think that visiting a vineyard is only a summer activity, but Sakonnet Vineyards (162 West Main Road, Little Compton. 401-6358486) is giving people plenty of good reasons to visit this month. On February 11, the vineyard is hosting a Valentine Open House. From 1-4pm, enjoy sweet treats and barrel tastings with the winemaker. Reservations are required. Every weekend this month (excluding the date of the Valentine’s Day event), Sakonnet is offering guests another way to warm up – that is, in addition to the roaring fire and the flowing wine. On Wine & Soup weekends, visitors can enjoy a bowl of Blount soup with the purchase of a glass of wine. The selections change every week, but have included Chicken and Rice and Blount’s signature New England Clam Chowder. CHEERS TO THAT A new restaurant is opening on State Street in Bristol. The British Beer
Company, a local chain with a dozen or so locations throughout Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts, is set to open in the old location of The Anchor (29 State Street, Bristol). BBC serves good quality pub food with some authentically English flair. When they open sometime in February or March, make sure to try the Guinness Stout Onion Soup, Bangers and Mash or their Pasty Pies. THAT’S CHEESY The owners of Tortilla Flats in Providence have taken over The Cheese Plate (54 State Street, 401-245-3932). Stay tuned for more developments.
GET IN THE SPIRIT The Newport Restaurant Group has two unmissable special dinners coming up this month. On February 9, 22 Bowen’s Wharf (Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. 401841-8884) is hosting a Pacific Northwest Wine Dinner. The four-course dinner will be paired with wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Erath, Col Solare, Northstar and Snoqualmie wineries, and a winemaker from Chateau Ste. Michelle will be there to discuss the pairings. Then, on February 21 and 22, The Mooring (Sayer’s Wharf, Newport. 401-846-2260) will be hosting a Samuel Adams Beer Dinner, when a brewmaster from Sam Adams will pair their beers with a four-course meal.
Photography: Laurel Mulherin
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February 2012 | The BAY
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Taste Eat
by David Dadekian
Raw Talent Seafood and scenery on the Sakonnet There seems to be a reoccurring
Photography: Kate Kelley
theme in the last few restaurants I’ve reviewed recently: the view. It may be safe to say that we’ve found a winner with The Boat House on the Sakonnet River in Tiverton. With a seafood-focused menu to match the picturesque waterfront scenery, The Boat House is definitely trying to raise the level of dining quality in a quiet part of the state. Not to belabor the point, but you can’t help but continually look west as you enter The Boat House. The whole design of the space tends to focus your eyes toward the wall of windows overlooking the river. The room is open and airy, with a large bar surrounded by tables and an outdoor seating area. As you might expect, being a waterfront restaurant named Boat House, there is a nautical theme to the design, but it’s very clean and understated so as to not compete with the river view. We started with a couple of cocktails at the bar. As the sun set behind the restaurant, it cast some beautiful light across the river onto the coast of Portsmouth and Bristol. Several of the cocktails incorporate Newport-made Thomas Tew rum, which is one of my favorite spirits. The Tew Old Fashioned and the Basil Gimlet, which uses Hen-
Executive Chef Jonathan Cambra
dricks Gin and fresh basil, were great starts to the evening. In addition to their cocktail menu, The Boat House has a nice selection of wines, including over 30 by the glass, which is a good way for a group to have different selections to complement their own dishes, or to try a variety yourself. After watching the sun set, we moved to our table. What other starter could we order at a seafood restaurant but chowder? The Creamy Clam Chowder ($6) has won competitions in the past and it was a very good one, not too thick or too full of potatoes, with lots of clams. But the Hall of Fame Chowder ($7) was definitely the winner between the two. This chowder was loaded with chourico and had a nice hunk of cornbread on top. It was excellent. While the rest of dinner did not disappoint, it might have been my favorite bite of the evening. We also sampled a couple of salads and an appetizer. The Mixed Field Greens ($7) with tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, fennel and white balsamic-honey vinaigrette was a perfect side salad. The Arugula & Grains ($8) was tasty, but with the black quinoa, cucumber, tomato, feta, red onion and tahini vinaigrette, the greens were
Georges Bank Scallops
masked a little bit. The Pork & Clams ($12) was loaded with littlenecks, chourico, onions, garlic, tomato and a Vinho Verde broth, which was so good I made sure to sop up what was left with bread. I didn’t get an answer as to whether The Boat House’s chourico is house-made, but regardless, it was a high point in two dishes by this point. For dinner, we ordered the Georges Bank Scallops ($26) and Berkshire Pork Chop & Bacon ($26). The scallops were perfectly pan-roasted and the Brussels sprout-chestnut hash was a delicious side. That side, along with the autumn squash puree and cranberry butter, made the dish seem somewhat holiday-like. But, it was definitely an updated holiday with the scallops. The pork chop was beautifully cooked and very tasty, and the bacon was great. It is served with parsnip-celery root soubise, broccoli rabe, organic Maine beans and Banyuls vinegar. I could have gone for more of the soubise as I didn’t feel the rabe was such a perfect fit with the pork. Overall, the chop and bacon were the clear stars and very well done. For dessert we tried a Chocolate Torte and the Bread Pudding. I made
the torte disappear almost as soon as I tasted it. It was a very rich dessert but not so rich that I couldn’t clean the plate. It was an excellent chocolate dish. The pudding was good as well, but outshined by the torte. The Boat House is part of the Newport Restaurant Group, which also runs 22 Bowen’s, Castle Hill Inn, The Mooring and Smokehouse in Newport; Hemenway’s and Waterman Grille in Providence; and Trio in Narragansett. I get the feeling the Boat House doesn’t get the attention that it should. The food is on par with the other Newport Restaurant Group restaurants and the location almost rivals that of Castle Hill on Ocean Drive in Newport. The cocktail and wine list is welcoming as well. Make sure to give the Boat House some more attention in 2012.
The Boat House 227 Schooner Drive, Tiverton 401-624-6300 www.boathousetiverton.com
February 2012 | The BAY
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Taste Drink
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the Bay | February 2012
Slow Sipper
Take your coffee the Irish way Coffee is an anytime beverage: any time of year, any time of day. The same goes for whiskey, though I suppose some might argue the “any time of day” part. Either way, put these favorites together and you are just two ingredients shy of the stately Irish coffee (not to be confused, of course, with Irish Coffee, the Canadian talk show from 1969). Add a little brown sugar and thick freshly whipped cream – not Bailey’s Irish Cream if we’re talking the classic version, which we are – and the result is a satisfying mug of gold. Because this drink’s namesake conjures centuries’ worth of tradition and culture, it’s easy to believe that Irish coffee has been around as long as the shamrock. This is not the case. In the pre-World War II era, the transatlantic transportation method of choice – and necessity – was the flying boat or seaplane. (Pan Am even had its own fleet of these bad boys.) The near 20-hour flight from America to Port of Foynes, the last port of call on the eastern shore of Ireland at this time, was rough. Upon arrival, passengers were greeted not only with the miserable Irish weather, but also with a boat ride to the real terminal from the seaplane base. Sound like they were in need of some warmth and a stiff drink? Brendan O’Regan, manager of the popular restaurant in the Foynes terminal, thought so. The story goes that after a particularly nasty spell of weather in 1942, O’Regan asked his chef, Joe Sheridan, to create something that would warm both the chilled bodies and the tired spirits of the passengers as they arrived. Chef Sheridan developed a pleasantly reviving and soothing hot beverage, which also showcased Ireland’s whiskey: Irish coffee was born. Ireland’s version of arrival hospitality is much better than a bee-attracting Hawaiian lei, don’t you think? A few years later, Shannon International Airport
opened and by that time, Sheridan had perfected his recipe. One of its travelers was the owner of San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café, who brought the recipe home and began
serving the first Irish coffees on this side of the pond in 1952. It’s pretty easy to make a traditional Irish coffee. Add the strongest coffee you can tolerate to Irish whiskey and brown sugar, mix very well, and top with a layer of freshly whipped cream. Because the flavor of Irish coffee is only truly achieved by sipping through the top layer of cream, you want to use the good stuff. This is one corner you shouldn’t cut. Supermarket whipping cream is so pasteurized that it does not float well and instead melts into the coffee, where it can curdle. Try to get your hands on the least treated cream you can find. Your efforts for authenticity will be rewarded. And because high-grade coffee is velvety by nature, it complements the cream well. The molasses from the brown sugar adds depth with a touch of sweet, balancing the bite of the whiskey. This is rich, sensual drink making. You’ll notice that Bailey’s Irish Cream is not present in the recipe. Though Bailey’s is an Irish
spirit that’s made with cream and whiskey, using it here produces the Irish coffee’s over-processed, overly sweet cousin. Will it be delicious? Yes. But I encourage you to take a couple passes at the original version. It will be delicious on a whole other level. Still, some of you will want the Bailey’s… and that’s okay. According to Dawn Stickland, bartender at Seekonk’s Old Grist Mill Tavern, “Sometimes people prefer it a bit creamier, so we put a little Bailey’s in. The wintertime is the perfect time for hot drinks, and a lot of people seem to love a good traditional Irish Coffee.” Sadly, the Foynes port is no longer operational, but the Shannon Airport displays a plaque in honor of Chef Sheridan. To this day, the people of Foynes celebrate Irish coffee with a festival in the summer and the World Irish Coffee Championship, where bartenders travel from all over the world to compete. Thankfully, we only have to travel as far as the supermarket to make the Irish coffee of the old country.
Original Irish Coffee Start with a warmed mug. Add 1 tsp of brown sugar and a jigger of Irish whiskey. Fill the glass to within an inch of the top with strong, black coffee. Gently pour freshly whipped cream over the coffee, using the back of a spoon to float the cream on top. Do not stir and enjoy. Try this alternative, from Dawn of the Old Grist Mill Tavern: omit the brown sugar and substitute green crème de menthe, to taste.
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
fabric gallery
by Caitlin Quinn
Brighten Up Your Day While you’re pampering your Valentine, pick up a copy of The Bay. Always available at: Reynolds Florist, Swansea Daisy Dig’ins, Barrington Wild Flower Florist, Barrington The Greenery, Warren Paul’s Flowers, Tiverton Twigs and Treasures, Seekonk
TheBay
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LE CENTraL 483 Hope Street; 401396-9965. Enjoy a variety of classic French staples from Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, to North African tajines in an intimate setting. They also offer a gourmet wine list. BrLD $-$$$
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www.peacockandparade.com Above Barrington Books County Rd. Barrington, RI 401-289-2185
THaMES WaTErSIDE Bar & GrILL 251 Thames Street; 401-253-4523. Enjoy all your seafood and pub favorites – from lobster rolls to half-pound burgers, from pizzas to pastas – in an incomparable waterfront setting overlooking Bristol Harbor. LD $-$$
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Tong - D Fine Thai Cuisine & More
Jacky’s Galaxie 383 Metacom avenue, Bristol; 401-253-8818. Jacky’s offers an eclectic taste of asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese. Enjoy traditional recipes combined with modern technique and flair for a unique dining experience. LD $-$$
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restaurant. For great food and service in an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere, try Tong-D. LD $$
BILLY’S 286 Maple Avenue; 289-2888. Billy’s creates a warm, inviting family atmosphere and ensures the finest quality ingredients in everything from fresh salads to juicy burgers to pizzas and Italian entrees. Full bar available. D $-$$
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the Bay | February 2012
East Providence
CHIazza TraTTorIa 308 County Road; 401-247-0303. Chiazza provides delicious Italian American cuisine in an upscale setting nestled in the heart of historic Barrington. Enjoy brick oven pizzas, as well as antipasti, pasta, seafood and a full bar. LD $-$$ MaDIGaNS’S CaFE & WINE Bar 328 County Road; 401-245-1900. Enjoy upscale bistro cuisine with international influence, from a full breakfast menu to sandwiches, pastas, and chicken and steak entrees with a gourmet twist, plus excellent wine and beer selections. BLD $-$$ ToNG-D 156 County Road; 401-2892998. Curry lovers and Asian food fanatics will go crazy for this authentic Thai
Key
TYLEr PoINT GrILLE 32 Barton Avenue; 401-247-0017. With its nautical décor and open-air kitchen, Tyler Point Grille serves up contemporary Italian fare and classic seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting. You can even arrive by boat. D $-$$$
Bristol aGaVE 805 Hope Street; 401-256-1566. Agave presents an eclectic mix of flavors and influences, encompassing tapas, Latin food, Southwestern dishes, pizzas, local seafood favorites, even pastas, all with a great view of the waterfront. BLD $$-$$$ DEWoLF TaVErN 259 Thames Street; 401-254-2005. Serving contemporary American cuisine in a historic waterfront setting, DeWolf Tavern is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in New England, and has been nominated
ICHIGo ICHIE 5 Catamore Boulevard; 401-435-8989. The name roughly translates as “one encounter in a lifetime,” but you’ll want to visit again and again for the enchanting Japanese décor, and of course, the sushi and hibachi menus. LD $$ VINE YarD EaST 315 Waterman Avenue; 401-432-7000. Wine-influenced dining meets casual down home atmosphere, and an eclectic menu of regional fare like local seafood favorites and Italian and Portuguese classics. LD $$
Little Compton CroWTHEr’S rESTaUraNT 90 Pottersville Road; 401-635-8367. Crowther’s has maintained a tradition of quality dining and service in Little Compton for over 25 years, serving everything from small plates to seafood classics. LD $-$$
Middletown aTLaNTIC GrILLE 91 Aquidneck Avenue; 849-4440. Since 1992, the Atlantic Grille has been a daily stop for locals in search of a hearty breakfast, quick lunch or a special dinner. It’s always a hot spot. BBrLD $-$$
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Photography: Kate Kelley
`
Taste Dining Guide
We focus on all of your child’s needs... Sakonnet Early Learning Center, Inc. “Celebrating Over 25 Years of Quality Child Care”
Portsmouth
Swansea
15 PoINT roaD 15 Point Road; 401-6833138. If you’re not too entranced by the breathtaking view of the Sakonnet River, be sure to try the seafood, poultry and beef dishes that make up 15 Point’s signature selection. Traditional yet innovative cuisine at its best. D $$-$$$
TICKLE’S TEa rooM 2219 Grand Army Highway (Rte. 6); 508-379-0717. A cozy spot for tasty meals, Tickle’s features a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches and quiche. Enjoy a classic and delicious Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, or a fresh Apple Walnut Salad. L $
FIELDSToNES GrILLE 980 East Main Road; 401-293-5200. The casual and lively atmosphere of Fieldstones is perfect for family dining, seven days a week. Choose from pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks or their specialty fajitas, all made with the freshest ingredients. LD $-$$
Providence CaV 14 Imperial Pl.; 401-751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrLD $$-$$$
Seekonk 1149 EaST 965 Fall River Avenue; 508336-1149; also 1149 Division Street, Warwick/East Greenwich line; 401-884-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs – its second location, no less – at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu and some of the best cocktails around. LD $-$$$
Tiverton BoaT HoUSE 227 Schooner Drive; 401624-6300. Enjoy views of the Sakonnet River as you sample fresh seafood and local produce. The award-winning clam chowder and prime waterfront location make this a quintessential New England restaurant. D $-$$$
(401) 624-6327 752 East Rd., Tiverton, RI ACCREDITED BY: NAEYC National Association For The Education of Young Children www.sakonnetearlylearningcenter.com email: selckids@aol.com
Deborah, M. Raposa, Dir. • Licensed by RI DCYF & Dept. of Ed.
All Teachers are Certified by the American Red Cross in CPR & First Aid.
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SUNNYSIDE 267 Water Street; 401-2471200. Daytime dining goes gourmet. Featuring innovative dishes and local ingredients served in a refined but relaxed atmosphere, this cozy waterfront favorite brings nighttime sophistication into the sunshine. BBrL $-$$
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TraFForD 285 Water Street; 401-2892265. While the bright interior space and beautiful waterfront deck are charming, the eclectic menu is Trafford’s specialty. The fresh seafood and seasoned wood grilled entrees are bold enough to match the decor. Valet service offered. LD $-$$$
oLD GrIST MILL TaVErN 390 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk; 508-336-8460. Built in 1745, the Old Grist Mill offers classic New England dishes to match the atmosphere. Come to the river’s edge for legendary crab cakes and lobster. LD $-$$$
WHarF TaVErN 215 Water Street; 401289-2524. Fine American dining and fresh seafood are what distinguish the Wharf’s menu. You’ll find everything from soups and salads to classic surf and turf options in a beautiful waterfront location. LD $-$$$
South Dartmouth
Westport
BLaCK BaSS GrILLE 3 Water Street; 508-999-6975. Located right across from Padanaram Harbor in South Dartmouth, this hidden gem specializes in inexpensive seafood, fresh off the boat. Be sure to try one of their creative nightly specials. BrLD $-$$$
MarGUErITE’S 778 Main Road; 508636-3040. Chef Trafford Kane infuses classic New England comfort food with the flair of the Southwest and California. It’s no wonder Marguerite’s boasts about their “fresh ingredients, fresh air, fresh food.” BLD $-$$
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Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
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February 2012 | The BAY
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the Bay | February 2012
Spring 2012 Courses Begin February 27 Make plans now to study with Brown this Spring. Choose from language, writing, science and humanities courses. Join the conversation, gain perspective, and meet like minds.
For a full course listing and online registration visit:
www.brown.edu/continuingstudies
Gallery
The best of February’s entertainment
44 52
Fun Amazing Days at Allens Maize Pond
Exploring nature in Westport
February 2012 | The BAY
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Gallery Calendar by Erin Swanson
February from previous page February 20-24: School vacations can be a double-edged sword. While kids enjoy some down time, boredom can quickly set in. Luckily, the Mass Audubon South Coast Sanctuaries has got you covered. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in South Dartmouth is offering a week-long February Vacation Week Fun Days at Allens Pond. Each day starts at 8am and ends at 4pm (half-days available), with extended day option to 5pm if needed. Parents don’t have to miss work and children will have a blast discovering (or re-discovering) the wonders of nature. Each day starts with a discovery map, charting the course for both morning and afternoon programming. The morning kicks off with indoor learning games and activities. Later in the day, the troops will venture outdoors for some winter field investigation, ecological exploration and (most importantly) good, clean fun. Topics include Tracking Winter Animals, Winter Ducks and Hot Chocolate Olympics. Participants will be sent home with projects and artwork to share with family and friends. Registration is required and can be done by mail or phone. Parents can also email allenspond@massaudubon.org to register or request more information. $30/day, $15/halfday. 10% sibling discount. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport. 508-636-2437, www. massaudubon.org. February 2 Bristol’s Rogers Free Library offers their Limbo Kids Book Club for readers in grades 3-5 each Thursday in the library’s quiet room on the main floor. On February 2, the children will read When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. Stop by the library or go online to find out all of the selected book titles and other activities they have to offer. 3:30-4:30pm. 525 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-6948, www.rogersfreelibrary.org.
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the Bay | February 2012
February 3 Feeling cultured? Then head down to the Newport Art Museum for the artists’ reception to open their Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition. This much-anticipated show is the state’s largest exhibition of contemporary regional art. The preview reception will kick off the exciting display. 5-7pm. Free for members, $10 suggested donation for non-members. 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 401-848-8200, www.newportartmuseum.org. February 4 Celebrate Black History Month with Linden Place at their African American Arts and Crafts Class, geared for children in grades 1-5. The projects covered will celebrate the history of African creativity. Four projects will be completed during the two-hour class including raffia paper masks and woven belts. 10am-noon. $20, $15 for members. Includes materials. Class size limited to 12, so reservations are a must. 401-253-0390, info@lindenplace.org. February 5 & 12 Check out this multi-part lecture series if you’re yearning to brush up on your art knowledge. Examine the explosion of changes in The Birth of the Modern – the period starting from the 1887 World Fair and the following period during the two World Wars. These events directly influenced art produced in the 20th century. Artists discussed include Matisse, Picasso, Pollock and Rothko, among others. 2:30-4:30pm. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Light refreshments provided. Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts, 2679 East Main Road, Portsmouth. 401-254-1668, www.portsmouthartsguild.org. Through February 12 Love baseball? Head to 2nd Story Theatre and check out Richard
Greenberg’s Take Me Out. Much of the play is set in the locker room of a professional baseball team and has an all-male cast. It explores the themes of homophobia, race, class and masculinity in sports. $25. 28 Market Street, Warren. 401-247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com. February 12, 19, 26 Pregnancy and back pain seem to go hand in hand. Try Tracy Cooper Ramos’s Prenatal Yoga class at Bristol Yoga Studio and watch the pain just melt away. Your stress may just follow. $96 for the six-week series, which continues through March. Register by February 9. $17 drop-in, email before coming. 676 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-569-0147, www.bristolyogastudio.com. February 15 Feel young again with a performance by Suzanne Vega. Wildly regarded as one of the most brilliant song writers of her generation, Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk music revival of the early 1980s. Catch her and her guitar onstage for a performance you won’t soon forget. 8pm. $40 advance, $45 day of. Narrows Center for the Arts. 16 Anawan Street, Fall River. 508-324-1926, www.ncfta.org. February 18 Meet at the Bristol Ferry Landing and head off to Prudence Island for the day for a Prudence Island Tour and Seal Watch. Headed up by The Audubon Society, this trip is appropriate for the whole family. Explore the island and watch the seals play at one of the best haul-out spots in Narragansett Bay. After viewing the adorable creatures and having lunch, the group will tour in a van, stopping at a one-room schoolhouse, historic sites, beaches and salt marshes. 9:45am-4:30pm. $20 adult, $15 member adult. $10 child, $8 member child. Registration required. 401949-5454 ext. 3041, www.asri.org.
February 19 Escape the winter blues and enjoy the sounds of Cheryl Wheeler, a New England singer known for her unique blend of charming melodies and quirky comedy. The show is a part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum’s Casino Theatre Concert Series. 7pm. $30-$40. 9 Freebody Street, Newport. 401-849-6053, www.tennisfame.com. February 21-24 Do your kids follow you around the kitchen wanting to help you prepare the family dinner? Encourage their cooking creativity with Kids in the Kitchen, a workshop in which children and adults will learn how to cook farm-raised produce over the hearth of an 18th century farmhouse. Together, you’ll select produce and then prepare a dish… the way it was done 200 years ago. Noon-3pm. $25 adults, $17 children. Reduced rates for museum members. Reservations required. 401-253-9062, info@coggeshallfarm.org. February 24 & 26 Enjoy the ambiance of the Blithewold Mansion as you take in the music of Opera Providence. For two performances, An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan featuring soprano Erin Holmes, mezzo-soprano Desiree Maira, tenor Killian Mooney, baritone Nicholas LaRoche and pianist Eric Mazonson. Eat dessert, drink wine and enjoy some songs. 7-8pm. $40, $35 members. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, www.blithewold.org.
Got a cool upcoming event? Send the details, with plenty of advance warning, to events@providenceonline.com
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The Sweet Life February 18-19: At Coggeshall Farm, there is always something exciting going on. From kids cooking classes to workshops on farming in your backyard, the schedule is everchanging. This month, join them for a Maple Sugaring Weekend. Learn about Bristol’s long and complex relationship with sugar as you watch guides produce their own from the museum’s maple trees. See how New Englanders of old rendered a saleable commodity out of the woods by helping to tap trees with handmade spiles. You’ll also observe and assist in the refining of the maple sugar using 18th century techniques. If this doesn’t put you in the mood for a big stack of pancakes, nothing will. 10am-4pm. $8 adults, $5 seniors and children, free for children under six. Call or go online for details. 401-253-9062, www.coggeshallfarm.org.
February 2012 | The BAY
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KNOWLEDGEABLE.
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Cannot be combined with any other offers. 1 per party. Excludes taxes & gratuity Mention this ad to your server to redeem
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The Bay Magazine 1/4 PAGE 4.375"w X 5.875"h February 1, 2012
And they own Gil’s. Lisa and Gail grew up in the business, which was started by their parents Gil and Sarah, 51 years ago. They offer discounted pricing because they are members of one of the c o u n t ry's largest buying groups allowing them to be competitive with the Big Box Stores.They are very knowledgeable about the products they carry and can offer great advice. So, if you need appliances, why not talk with Lisa, Gail or their expert staff? HOURS: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tues-Thurs 9:00am - 8:00pm Sun Closed - Family Day
397 Metacom Avenue, Rte.136 Bristol, RI 02809 401-253-9789 Fax: 401-253-2404 www.gilsappliances.com
a restaurant Please call to reserve your table for Valentine's Day 285 Water Street, Warren, RI 401-289-2265 • traffordrestaurant.com
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the Bay | February 2012
Call now for Valentine’s Day Reservations Full Menu 12pm-10:30pm M-Sat 12pm-9:30pm Sunday
DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing 259 Thames Street, Bristol www.DeWolfTavern.com • 254-2005
Gallery On Stage by Patricia McAlpine
Who Done It?
Test your sleuthing skills at the Newport Art Museum If you find yourself
trying to outguess the crime detectives on the popular CSI or Law and Order shows or can’t get enough of the latest Sherlock Holmes movie, why not test your detective prowess with a murder mystery? Get caught up in the action and step back in time to the gilded age for some lively interactive theatre at the Newport Art Museum. Produced and performed by the Marley Bridges Theater Company, Murder at the Museum is a familyfriendly who-dun-it, staged at the John N.A. Griswold Mansion, located in the heart of Newport’s Old Quarter. Designed in 1862 by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt, the building was completed in 1864. A national historic landmark, it has been home to the Newport Art Museum since 1916 and currently houses restored rooms, galleries, a children’s art classroom, administrative offices, a lecture hall and the Griffon Shop. Upon a recent visitation, it proves to be the perfect setting for a mystery. Formerly known as the Beechwood Theatre Company, The Marley Bridges Theater Company (MBTC) specializes in interactive, historical and educational theatre programming, which Artistic Director, Patrick Grimes calls “edutainment.” They have been collaborating with the museum for 18 months and are committed to C.R.I.M.E., Creative Role-playing Interactive Mystery Experiences. The company strives to offer Rhode Islanders and visitors to the state exciting and affordable entertainment, in addition to providing educational acting workshops to area schools at little or no cost. Money raised through their program helps to fund art programs in the community. Working with original scripts that are tailored around the history, art and culture of Newport as well as the house itself, the current production, The Butler Did It, centers on the staff
Marley Bridges Theatre Company
during the period in which Griswold lived in the mansion – the late 1800s. The premise is that Griswold has gone to New York and his staff decided to throw a party while he’s away. As Grimes puts it “when the cat is away, the mice will play.” As guests start dying, the audience must work together to solve the clues and accuse the proper murderer of his crime. Grimes explained that audience will be considered servants from other Newport homes who have been invited to the party. “The show is 100% interactive,” he says. “It is similar to a giant game of Clue.” The audience will spend the first 40 minutes meeting and mingling with an array of amusing servant characters. It all begins in the “ball-
room,” the Ilgenfritz Gallery of the museum. Some guests may become suspects and will be separated from the rest of the guests and sent where they would have been at the time of the crime; These audience members will see a whole different perspective of the play. Other guests will have the opportunity to question suspects and wander within several of the museum’s galleries, searching for clues. Grimes recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes. Costumes may also be worn – but are completely optional. Would a guest be a victim? Not likely, but be careful with who you trust because you never know. In February there are four performances (February 11, 18, 22 and 25),
three of which coincide with the Newport Winter Festival, which runs from February 17 through February 25. All performances begin at 5:30pm. It really is the best of both worlds: browse the museum’s renowed collection of art on display and then have some fun solving this interactive crime.
For more information about the theatre company visit www.marleybridges.org. Check out www.newportmurdermystery.com to learn how you can schedule a get-away mystery weekend at the Architect Inn, also in Newport. For more information about exhibits and programs at the museum, go to www. newportartmuseum.org. 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 401-848-8200.
February 2012 | The BAY
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Gallery Artistry by James Merolla
The Art Around Us
A Westport artist turns ordinary to extraordinary a heavyset women perusing a yard sale; a young lady reaching for a jar of jelly in the fridge; various plastic bottles of drinking water on display; self-portraits that are so uncanny they will make your head spin. These are some of the genre paintings, or, more specifically, the “petit genre” works done by Nick Kozak, who prefers to paint ordinary people and everyday things. His style is classical yet modern, colorful yet sedate. In a geographic area where landscapes and ocean scenes dominate the walls of galleries, Kozak paints in realistic snapshots, yet from a clearly abstract frame of mind. Kozak, 32, a Westport resident, is a full-time art teacher at Dighton Middle School. Kozak will tell anyone who asks, his students included, that it isn’t the subject matter that interests him most, but “how these people and objects relate to each other and share the space around them.” His studio is a small room in his house, with one window on the north side. It’s not very neat. “I have small piles of books and paintings throughout. There’s a TV in the corner; I like to play familiar movies like Star Wars in the background while I work. It gives me a reference of time so I know I’ve been painting for two hours [when a movie ends],” he says. “I have a very bright overhead light and a separate spot lamp since I often paint at night and want my light to be as consistent as possible. My studio is technically not large enough for the size paintings I like to work on, but hopefully I will soon move into a larger space to allow me to step back from my paintings more.” Kozak’s favorite media is oil. “I feel that it still presents a challenge. There are so many difficulties to overcome when working with oil. I like to create compositions that will provide me with obstacles to overcome,” he says. He also challenges himself by experimenting with the
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the Bay | February 2012
surfaces on which he paints. “I have explored painting on a variety of canvases, woods and metals. They have all offered unique qualities to the paintings, but I still gravitate to canvas. Canvas is lighter, more portable, and easier to frame.” In painting there is very little uncharted territory, so he experiments less to please the public and more as a language by which he can express himself. “I hope people are interested in what I show and how I show it. In this area, I know I am in the minority as a figurative painter. The bulk of local art tends to be saturated with landscape and still-life,” says Kozak, also being sure to mention that many of those artists are quite talented. As a youth, Kozak copied cartoon characters and drew every chance he got… even in class. In fact, most of his early “art experience” was gained through drawing during school when “I
should have been doing other things.” It was a few years after graduating from high school and working nonart-related jobs (retail, construction, restaurants), that Kozak realized he had strayed too far away from the thing he felt passionate about. “When I looked at my possible future, I did not like what I saw, so I made an abrupt change in my lifestyle and sought to bring art back into my world.” Kozak started dabbling in paint and enrolled at Bristol Community College for a drawing class with David Barnes. “I immediately knew I had found my place,” he says. He studied full time with his family’s support. Eventually he met his very encouraging wife who inspired him to get his fine arts degree from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Kozak also began working for Tom Deininger, a local artist. It was full immersion.
“I learned as much about art from my time with Tom [Deininger] as I did from school. I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by great artists, teachers and positive influences and I owe my success to a lot of people,” he says modestly. Kozak appreciates artists from the French Renaissance because they painted what they believed in. “They weren’t painting for the money, they were painting for themselves. I believe that is a factor in a successful painting; not to paint what you think others will want to see, but what you want to create. I feel that all my most successful paintings have been the ones that fulfilled my own interest of subject and style, rather than follow a trend in the art world.” Nick Kozak has displayed his work at studios throughout Massachusetts and in Tiverton. Go online to view his paintings at www.nicholaskozak.com.
Photography: Judith Gardner
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A Look Back in Time February 25: Bristol’s Linden Place can always be trusted to provide educational opportunities that are also entertaining. This month, delve into history with the Tales of the Slave Trade Tour. In observance of Black History Month, the museum is offering a special guided tour of the mansion, focusing on the DeWolf family and their involvement with the slave trade. Bristol’s preeminent family in the 18th and early 19th centuries was amongst the largest traders of slaves in New England. The tour will explore Bristol’s lengthy history and profitable involvement with slavery. The tour is limited to 25 people, so reservations are recommended. 10am. $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, free for Linden Place members. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. 253-0390, www.lindenplace.org.
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February 2012 | The BAY
49
Just Add Water
by Dave Nelligan
Snow Birds It’s February, and around here that means it’s video game, DVD rental and bowling season. While living in an area such as southern New England has its many benefits, it also has its downfalls, like the fact that the area practically shuts down shop for the duration of the winter months. Local stores set shorter winter hours or even close completely. The beaches still play their beautiful scenic role, but are mostly viewed from the heated seats of vehicles. To escape the bitter chill, many people head south to Florida, the Caribbean, or another tropical location; but for others, Narragansett Bay actually happens to be a warmer winter retreat.
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the Bay | February 2012
Migrating down from Maine and the coastal provinces of Canada, hundreds of harbor seals come to our area, following their prey to the warmer, protected waters of Rhode Island each year. Just like humans on the beach stretching out on their lounge chairs and soaking up some rays, harbor seals can be seen lounging around at 15 different “haul-out” sites, or simply, rocks the seals find rather relaxing, throughout Rhode Island. According to Save the Bay, as many as 169 seals have been seen hanging out together at one single time at Rome Point in North Kingstown (the spot with the largest seal population in the state). While the saying goes that it’s a
“dog’s life,” you might actually be better off with a seal’s life. That is, once you get past all the survival aspects like looking out for predators and constantly having to find your own food. Overall, it looks pretty fun. During my afternoon observation, the seals spent most of their time on land with everything but a server to bring them a cocktail. They then splashed around in the water playing games with their friends and enjoying what was (in their eyes) a beautiful winter day. Anyone looking to catch a glimpse of these cute rug-rats of the sea in their normal habitats should venture out to Usher Cove in Bristol, to Sakonnet Point in Little Compton or to the
rocks of Brenton Point in Newport. In addition, Save the Bay also offers educational seal watching tours for individuals or groups by boat, operating out of Newport Harbor. The tours are offered from November through April and come with expert guides and a pair of binoculars for each passenger to ensure optimal viewing. For a schedule and more information on seal watching visit www.savebay.org. You may have to put away your Xbox 360 Kinect or save the Harry Potter marathon for another time, but experiencing real wild life in your own “backyard” (of Narragansett Bay) will put any HD television picture to shame.
Illustration: Eloise Narrigan
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