The Bay December 2018

Page 1


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Contents

The Bay Magazine • December 2018

Features

24 Ship Ahoy

28 Chop Local

Blount Small Ship Adventures is based in Warren, but they travel the length of North America

For local growers, Christmas trees are a year-round business

Photography by Michael Cevoli

This row of Christmas trees was years in the making

Departments The Buzz

17 VOICES OF THE BAY: Meet carpenter

36 WHOLE BODY: Salt-water baths

44 EAT: Brisol’s Localz serves up big

9 Warren’s tattoo shop

Chris Holland of Water Street

at The Retreat at Castle Hill in Newport

portions and hospitality to match

1001 Troubles just got bigger

Woodworking

38 CONNOISSEUR: Photographer

46 NEWS BITES: Yacht Club Soda labels

10 East Bay non-profit We Share

19 RHODY GEM: Bristol Oyster Bar

Maaike Bernstrom shares tips for

get a facelift courtesy of an Ocean

Hope empowers Rhode Islanders in need

is a touchstone of the East Bay

showcasing the beauty of the

State artist

seafood community

Ocean State

23 CALENDAR: Events you can’t

40 HOME: An East Providence couple

miss this month

decks the halls with retro-inspired

13 How Willow’s Way turns troubled dogs into thriving ones

14 The Stitchery RI weaves together community and crafts

15 African-inspired drumming program Connecting the Beats

48 CONNOISSEUR: Pomodoro Pizzeria co-owner talks family and tomato sauce

holiday decor

51 RESTAURANT GUIDE

35 SHOP AROUND: Find wreaths and

Taste

Pic of the Bay

much more at Grasmere in Bristol

43 TREND: Recipes for success at Ink

58 An East Bay snapshot from one of our readers

Live Well

Fish Bookstore in Warren

educates and inspires in Middletown

ON THE COVER: ‘Tis the season for picking a Christmas tree. Photography by Maaike Bernstrom.

The Bay • December 2018 5


Never Re-Gifted

CO MME NTA RY READERS CHEERED FOR OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE “Come spend an artsy afternoon with us!” @Bristol Art Museum on “Home Run” via Facebook stars atin Seec the Pumpk Keeping Warren weird at It’s Giganti s Farm FrerichEmporium the Galactic Theatre Time atHotpoint

Sweet Lorraine’s CANDY SHOPPE

211 Waseca Avenue, Barrington • 401-694-1128 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

at combinati sliceons donutthe Endless Behind Hill Pizza Federa at Proudl Mary’s

“So proud to be part of this! If you’ve been to the Galactic Theatre, you know. If you haven’t... come by! All weirdos welcome.” @Lindsay S. on “Weirdos Welcome” via Facebook “Thank you, Elyse Press Major and The Bay Magazine, for this feature in the November issue! Such an honor. An explosion of fall colors in the background, I loved creating this bright and fun seasonal arbor for the occasion.” @Christina Flower Co. on “Branching Out” via Facebook

East Bay Game Day

High school rivals face off for annual Thanksgiving matchups

NOVEMBE R 2018 FREE

“Awesome article and love that [The Wolfe & Hound Company] helps out rescue organizations.” @Denise J. via on “Handsome Hounds” via Facebook

Let Us WraP These Jewels For The Holidays!

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR WICKED AWESOME GIVEAWAYS

Upscale boutique with accessories for you and your home. Located in the heart of Barrington.

NOW OPEN EVERYDAY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON! 123 MAPLE AVENUE, BARRINGTON 401-245-0580 • DAISYDIGINS.COM

6

The Bay • December 2018

Follow @TheBayMagazine on Facebook look out for fun giveaways all season long! Participate for a chance to win prizes like a pair

PIC OF T H E B AY

of tickets to a show at Trinity Rep, passes to cool events, and gift certificates to great local restaurants.

Want to see your photo published in our next issue? Tag your shots around town with #TheBayMag for a chance to be featured on our backpage, Pic of the Bay (p. 58).

Photo courtesy of Trinity Rep

F R ENCH KANDE J EW EL RY


The Best Things

Come in

Small Packages Make the holidays extra special this year. Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer Matt Hayes John Howell

Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Tony Pacitti

Editor Robert Isenberg

Assistant Editor Megan Schmit

Art Director Nick DelGiudice

Assistant Art Director Brandon Harmon

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Graphic Designer Taylor Gilbert

Caron Jewelers specializes in fine jewelry, rare gemstones, and custom wedding and engagement rings. We have a wide selection of luxury watches for men and women, as well as artisan giftware from Rhode Island designers. Jewelry and watch repair, battery replacement, cleaning services, and layaways available.

Caron Jewelers

Staff Photographer Savannah Barkley

Your trusted family jeweler since 1956

Marketing Coordinator Kim Tingle

473 HOPE STREET, BRISTOL • 401-253-946 • CARONJEWELERS.COM

Account Managers Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher

COLDWELL BANKER

Kristine Mangan Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Stephanie Oster Wilmarth For advertising information email: Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Maaike Brenstorm Michael Cevoli

8 Sowams Road, Barrington, RI Water views from every room of this sun filled Palmer River Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths. Fireplaced living room. Bonus room w/ sliders leading to pergola and pool. Farmers porch for amazing sunrises! Mooring rights available. $465,900

31 Leeshore Lane, Tiverton, RI Spectacular waterviews from this Town House at Tiverton’s Villages of Mount Bay. First floor Master suite w/ patio & waterview. 2nd level also has a master suite w/ deck & view. Large open kitchen. Formal dining room. 2 car garage. Community pool & boating. $765,000

22 Fireside Dr., Barrington, RI New to Market. Artisan showcase home. 4 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms. 1st floor Master w/ marble bath and adjacent nursery or office. Cathedral ceilings. Hardwoods. Wood stove. Fireplace. Generator. Private location bordering conservation land. $674,900

242 Sowams Rd., Barrington Charming 3 bedroom bungalow with 2 full baths. New kitchen remodel. Bedroom & bath on first floor. Large deck & pool. $339,000

836 Bullocks Point Ave., E. Providence, RI Seaview Condominiums offering of a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath Condominium. Bright & Sunny unit w/ open concept layout. Both bedrooms have ensuite baths. Central air. Integral garage. Walk to water. $209,900

Starlit Road, Tiverton, RI Panoramic views of the Sakonnet River from your brand new Ford Farm Colonial. Gourmet custom kitchen. Living room with a bank of windows to soak in the Bay views. Gas fireplace. Great open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Private community beach. $789,900

Grace Lentini Contributing Writers Alyssa Anderson

Karen Greco

Caroline Boyle

Adam Hogue

Alastair Cairns

Jackie Ignall

Ava Callery

Nina Murphy

Bob Curley

Ellinor Walters

Interns Isabella DeLeo

Shannon McDonnell

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM

PROVIDENCE MEDIA INC. 1070 Main Street, Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com TheBayMagazine.com

280 County Road | Barrington | 401.247.0202 | 495 Hope Street | Bristol | 401.253.3295 CB Home Protection Plan 866.797.4788 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 231653NE_12/17

The Bay • December 2018 7


A LUSH PARADISE AWAITS YOU at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Journey to the depths of the Amazon, for an immersive wildlife experience like no other in the Zoo’s new exhibit

open Now!

rwpzoo.org


The Buzz Buzz on the Bay

At 1001 Troubles, a reclining chair is where untold customers have left their mark – and many more will follow

Ain’t Nothin’ But Trouble 1001 Troubles tattoo shop in Warren is expanding and growing its staff Warren is getting weirder. It might be happening slowly, but it’s definitely happening. While still maintaining its old-world charm, Warren has become home to some of the funkiest places in Rhode Island, and at the top of that list would have to be 1001 Troubles Tattoo. Located right on Main Street, directly next door to Town Hall, the shop is co-owned by Fredd Cheetham and Michelle Carter, two incredibly talented artists who have each filled binders and bodies with illustrations and ink both serious and surreal. Along with Dani Ryan, a RISD graduate, and their newest addition to the team, Charity Enos, they are the only tattoo artists working in Warren. “That was what really drew us to this spot,” shares Carter. “There wasn’t a shop in Warren. It’s artsy, it’s downtown, there’s a bit more foot-traffic than our last spot, but there wasn’t a shop set up here.” Cheetham agrees with his friend and business partner: “I like it here. It’s grown on me a lot.” “It’s grown a lot here!” Carter was quick to interject, proud of both their business and their artistic growth since moving to Warren nearly

five years ago. Though the shop started out small, they’re now expanding into the space next door, adding more waiting space, a merch counter, bigger tattooing areas, and an all-around more open and relaxed atmosphere. The artists and staff are all easy-going, light-hearted, and extremely helpful – now their space will be sure to match. Each tattoo is 100 percent custom and original. The artist will sit down with a client to get a better understanding of what they’re looking for; they discuss size, shape, color, price range, theme, and more during a consultation, and then create something completely unique for that person, sometimes redesigning entire pieces to make sure each client walks out with exactly what they wanted. Tattoos are permanent, after all. 1001 Troubles is now a part of Warren’s colorful downtown scene, fitting like a puzzle piece beside the quirky galleries, restaurants, and shops. Now, with an even bigger space, the tattoo shop will be able to make that much more of a mark in the community. 1001Troubles.com -Alyssa Anderson

Photo courtesy of 1001 Troubles The Bay • December 2018 9


The Buzz

ON THE BAY

Hope For All Warren-based nonprofit We Share Hope distributes donated goods and a sense of empowerment to Rhode Islanders in need

In 2008, two friends began picking up donated bread and delivering it to one of their churches from the back of a station wagon in an effort to fight local hunger. Their work attracted donors and volunteers and eventually led to the formation of We Share Hope (WSH), a nonprofit located at 624 Main Street in Warren. The organization has grown rapidly. Last year, WSH hired their first five employees, according to chief operating officer Cristina McKibbon. When McKibbon joined as a volunteer four years ago, four or five pallets of donations arrived each week. Now, the current weekly volume is 50 to 120 pallets, an amount that prompted them to acquire a 10,000-plus square foot distribution center in East Providence. Numerous organizations donate to WSH, including some of Rhode Island’s best-known businesses, like Seven Stars Bakery and CVS.

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The Bay • December 2018

“We have perishable and nonperishable food, toiletries, and sometimes household goods,” says McKibbon. “It depends on what we’re given – we don’t say no to anything. Once those items come in, we assess what’s been given to us and sort it.” In turn, WSH distributes the food items for free to about 60 nonprofits across Rhode Island, including churches and other smaller organizations. “We have different organizations that come on different frequencies,” McKibbon explains. “Some come daily, others weekly, monthly, and so on; some with one-time events. They usually give us about a month’s notice to gather the items they’re requesting because it trickles in – we never know what we’re getting for donations.” WSH also operates three empowerment centers in Riverside, Warren, and Warwick, aimed at helping the working poor. Visitors to

the centers can choose food items from the shelves for $3 per filled bag. The centers also provide health and beauty products under a separate arrangement. “People can find everything from razors to shampoo and laundry detergent,” says McKibbon. “We ask for a $5 donation for six items taken from that part of the center. We’ve found that’s really a big draw for people because everything is so expensive nowadays.” Demand for WSH’s services is growing, but the group’s focus remains local. “We get calls from Massachusetts and New Hampshire and people ask when we’re adding empowerment centers in their areas, so there is room for growth, and that’s part of the long-term plan,” McKibbon says. “But we want to make sure Rhode Island is well taken care of before we expand to other states.” WeShareHope.org –Ed McCarthy

Photo courtesy of We Share Hope

We Share Hope volunteers unpack between 50 and 120 pallets of donations a week


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Enhancing the book lover experience, read locally! As a locally owned independent bookstore we provide a unique customer experience and carry a variety of new and gently used books in all categories including a children’s section. We also carry locally made food and kitchen products with food culture and cookbooks and create “food and book” pairings. Ink Fish Books will host local authors, food events and story times. Join us in a relaxing, friendly environment that encourages browsing, reading and community involvement!

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Shop local for the perfect holiday gift! 488 Main Street, Warren • 401-368-6827 • inkfishbooks.com 12

The Bay • December 2018


The Buzz

ON THE BAY

Where There’s Willow, There’s a Way Willow’s Way turns troubled dogs into thriving ones

Photo by Margaret Seward courtesy of Willows Way Dogs

Kella Woodard and Kaylee Bashaw help troubled pups with personalized training and plenty of love and treats

Hoss is doing great. The nearly two-year-old super-mutt is in an unknown park surrounded by unfamiliar noises and, even worse, unknown humans. “Hoss has stranger danger issues,” says Kella Woodard, co-owner of Willow’s Way Dog Training and Walking, which serves Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Woodard and her partner Kaylee Bashaw are steady hands with Hoss, praising his good behavior with a mix of treats and extra love. Rewarding him for small successes helps to combat his triggers, they explain. Bashaw and Woodard met while working for the same doggie daycare. That’s where they encountered Willow, a rescue pitbull who found daycare overstimulating. They teamed up to tackle Willow’s behavioral issues and, with their help and guidance, she learned how to socialize. Through Willow, Bashaw

and Woodard realized they shared not only a love of dogs but the passion to work with the troubled ones. Bashaw’s background was in early childhood development, an experience that lends itself surprisingly well to working with canines. “Babies have to communicate without words, just like dogs,” she explains. “It’s up to us to understand what they are trying to tell us, either with body language or with expressive sounds. We need to know how to read the dog to anticipate how the dog may react.” Woodard majored in zoo studies in college. Subsequently, she was hired as a zookeeper at The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center in Springfield, MA, working with their wolf population. Although she sees similarities between wolves and their domesticated counterparts, she says that watching the behavior of feral dogs gives a more accurate read on

the instinctive behavior of man’s best friend. “Dogs have an innate bond with humans,” explains Woodard. “They’ve spent 15,000 years being our companions. It’s woven into their DNA. Wolves don’t share that.” The Willow’s Way training philosophy is focused on positive reinforcement. They never try to out-alpha the animal. “The alpha is a wolf thing,” Woodard continues. “In a feral dog pack, it’s about compromise and cooperation.” “Anxiety is at the root of nuisance behavior,” Bashaw says. “We need to turn whatever makes them anxious into a positive association.” As Willow’s Way grows, Bashaw and Woodward are living their dream. “We get to work with dogs all day,” says Bashaw. “I can’t imagine a better job than that.” WillowsWayDogs.com –Karen Greco

The Bay • December 2018 13


The Buzz

ON THE BAY

Sew Very Social Learn a handicraft at Portsmouth’s The Stitchery RI

When the gusty winter winds and freezing temps drive you inside, why not pick up a new hobby – especially one associated with curling up, hearthside. The Stitchery RI in Portsmouth is the perfect place to try your hand at cozy crafts like sewing, knitting, and apothecary that you can practice socially or solo, fireplace not required. The Stitchery first opened in February 2017, when co-founder Traci Vaspol saw a need in the local community for knitting classes after many local yarn shops shut their doors. Vaspol, alongside Karen Katin, decided over coffee one day to combine their talents and rent a studio in the bay as classroom space. The pair first met through the Great Rhody Yarn Crawl four years ago, a pub crawl-esque event for local yarn enthusiasts. Katin,

14

The Bay • December 2018

a self-taught sewer, first picked up a needle as a child, learning the craft and its techniques from her mother and grandmother. “Teaching sewing classes combines all of my past experiences into the ideal job,” says Katin. Vaspol learned when she was a child, too, from her grandmother, an extraordinary knitter. She also took the time to study aromatherapy when her own children were young, and “enjoys opening doors for other folks to learn these skills.” To the duo, their success is partly dependent on timing. Amid a renewed interest in making things with your own hands as a response to “fast fashion” and wanting to know where clothing is made, coupled by the lack of home economic programs in most schools, they’ve created a welcoming studio space where children and adults of

similar interests can get together. According to Katin and Vaspol, “There aren’t many places where you can go to learn things previous generations took for granted.” Classes and private lessons are available for students of all ages and ability levels throughout the week. Class sizes are small, no more than eight, presenting the opportunity for one-on-one skill work with The Stitchery’s talented instructors. Classes typically run after school, during the evening, and Saturday mornings, but are available during the weekday. In the winter months, projects coordinate with the season and holidays: In December, they’ll sew holiday decorations and make scented candles, and in January, they’ll focus on cozy quilts and knitted hats. For more information on classes, visit TheStitcheryRI.com. -Caroline Boyle

Photo courtesy of The Stitchery RI

Novice tailors learn basic needlework at The Stitchery in Portsmouth


Celebrating 20 Years! To the Beat African-inspired drumming educates and inspires in Newport County

Gift Certificates Available!

Custom Suits & Shirts In Store Tailor

Photo by Isabella DeLeo

Connecting the Beats traces rhythm back to its roots with percussion and performance

Connecting the Beats, an initiative from the Middletown-based concert destination Common Fence Music, has been working to educate local youth on African-inspired drumming for 10 years. Led by Tom Perrotti, the program brings teachers and performers of West African and Caribbean dance and drumming traditions to Newport County schools for educational workshops and performances. To give the public a taste of their mission, Connecting the Beats invited frequent collaborator the Lafia Ensemble to perform at the Broadway Street Fair. On one sunsoaked Saturday afternoon in October, the Lafia Ensemble – brainchild of Malian Master Drummer Issa Coulibaly, dancer and troupe leader Tara Murphy, Chris Keniley, and Matt Maloney – drew crowds and pulled them onto the stage. Scores of curious fair attendees gathered around the performers at the historic Foley’s Garage, spilling out from the sidewalk and onto the street. Many danced and sang with the band, and others played the drums alongside the professionals. The joy from dancer Murphy as she executed each song was immediately palpable and infectious: It’s no wonder so many people in the audience

joined her onstage. Perrotti, who was previously the Concert Director for Common Fence Music, credits the founding of Connecting the Beats to his own background in teaching at Portsmouth High School, participation in West African-inspired drumming workshops (which became “a big part” of his life), and involvement with the Newport chapter of the Boys & Girls Club. At the latter, he noticed many children would spend their afternoons creating music on the computer, and he decided that he wanted to expose them to the traditional music that has inspired much of today’s rhythms. That led to workshops at the Martin Luther King Center, the Claiborne Pell Elementary School, Thompson Middle, the Boys & Girls Club, and many others. As for his role, Perrotti describes himself as “the mover of chairs,” facilitating music education. For Perrotti, music is a way of connecting communities: “People don’t often get to hear live music, especially drumming.” In his view, there is something therapeutic about music, particularly West African-inspired percussion, where people can form a circle of drummers and “play freely.” CommonFenceMusic.org -Isabella DeLeo

Casual Wear • Outerwear & Accessories

270 County Road Barrington • 401-247-9209 The Bay • December 2018 15


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The Bay • December 2018

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The Buzz VOICES OF THE BAY

by Nina Murphy

Going with the Grain

Photography by Savannah Barkley for The Bay Magazine

Water Street Woodworking’s Chris Holland

It’s always been about working with wood for Chris Holland, which fueled his purchase last spring of Warren’s Water Street Woodworking, housed for over 30 years in the historic Moyes Garage. Growing up between Saunderstown and Barrington, Chris’s journey back to the East Bay included travels to Chile, Panama, Colorado, and the Southwest, education at CCRI, RISD, and graduating from Burlington College’s Vermont School of Woodworking, and jobs in construction

and house building. The artisan wood-maker takes pride that his distinctive cabinetry and furniture have an heirloom quality and are created individually to his customer’s wishes. Chris also has a new line of smaller products including cutting boards, vegetable muddlers, and surfcasting plugs available for sale at Warren’s Ink Fish Books on Main Street. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and surf fishing. Water Street Woodworking, 332 Water Street, Warren.

I was that hands-on kid. My dad always had a drill press and chop saw. We’d do little stuff. I grew up skateboarding, so, ‘Hey, mom and dad, I want a large ramp, here’s a drawing, will you buy the materials and I’ll build it?’ Later on, in high school, my parents said, ‘You need to get a summer job.’ I got hooked up with one of the best contractors in Barrington, Jay Gasbarro. I learned so much, one of the best summers of my life. With woodworking, there are a hundred ways to do something. Before I bought from Mike Mongeon, I worked side-by-side with him to learn his business and his processes. My cabinetry is essential furniture; there are no screws, nails, or staples in the box. There is just joinery, glue, and three-quarter wood, so it is built to stay. I work primarily with homeowners who want their cabinets customized, unlike the cookie cutter cabinets built to only one size or style. In the summer, if we aren’t spraying, I leave open the huge slider door and people walking by will stop in and enjoy learning what we do. It’s been really great to work with the local business owners in Warren. I made a spruce bar top for Prica Farina, the pasta shop, and I’m working on a huge counter out of cherry for Ink Fish, the new bookstore on Main Street. I honestly never thought I would be back in the East Bay. I’ve lived all over, traveled, and have had a lot of great experiences, and some eye-opening stuff, which made me realize what a great opportunity it is to be here and grow the business. Being able to come in here, flip the switches, and have everything ready to work – it’s like a gift. To practice the craft and see my progression every day is a dream.

The Bay • December 2018 17


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DAILY & WEEKEND SPECIALS

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1 Lagoon Road, Portsmouth • 401-293-0930 GulfStreamBar.com

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180 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport

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105 CLOCK TOWER SQUARE PORTSMOUTH • (401) 293-5445


The Buzz

RHODY GEM

Bristol Oyster Bar Discover Fisherman-to-Table Delicacies Just Off Hope

We are pleased to introduce Rhody Gem, a new monthly column in The Bay Magazine. We’re always being thanked for spotlighting the “hidden gems” of the state, and in our ongoing efforts to leave no stone unturned, we’re putting the call out to our readership! Each month we’ll spotlight a Rhody Gem: a business, artisan, or place suggested to us by our faithful readers.

Photography by Savannah Barkley for The Bay Magazine

What it is: Bristol Oyster Bar is a restaurant beloved by Bristolians for its right-outtathe-ocean seafood and a menu filled with sumptuous dishes and desserts boasting locally sourced ingredients. As its name implies, there are oysters a-plenty – including the daily two-hour “Legendary Buck a Shuck” deal (check their website for details). Owner Peter Sebring claims to have been planning the restaurant since his mid-teens, and with its thoughtful upscale-yet-welcoming atmosphere and inventive menu, we believe it. Fun fact: It’s part of the Rhode Island Oyster Trail. Where to find it: While the address is Hope Street, you actually need to turn onto Court Street and then take a left to find the entrance to this true hidden gem. What makes it a Rhody Gem? Being slightly tucked off the main strip, any visit makes you feel like a true inthe-know local. Come for the oysters but stay for the warm lobster potato salad… and upside-down banana cake… and then a few more oysters.

Brist ol Oyster Bar 449 Hope Street • 396-5820 BristolOysterBar.com

To submit your Rhody Gem please email: Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

The Bay • December 2018 19


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The Bay • December 2018


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November 30-December 16: JMG Theater and Bristol Theater Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play”. Told through a live radio broadcast, the 1940s classic details George Bailey’s life story while he ponders ending it on Christmas Eve. Featuring favorite characters, radio commercial jingles, and live sound effects. Bristol, JMGTheater.com

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December 1-30: Christmas at Linden Place is as detailed and visually stunning as the historic home itself: each room is festooned in garland, wreaths, lights, and colorful ornamentation of red, green, and gold. Visitors can step back in time to the holiday celebrations of the past, complete with various family-friendly events throughout the month. Bristol, JMGTheater.com

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December 2: Find everything on your list and more at Tiverton Christmas Craft and Gift Fair. Cushions, baskets, furniture, embroidery, toys, decorations, original cards, jewelry, puzzles, and more made by artisans in the East Bay. Celebrating 30 years. Tiverton, Twitter: @tivcraftfair

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December 8: Just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean the end of all outdoor fun. New this year is Deck the Trunks with Food Truck Follies at Frerichs Farm. Bringing you tidings of joy are food trucks, cookies and hot cider, a decorated Holiday House, a holiday trunk trimming contest, and wreaths and garland for purchase. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

December 8: Cherish the Moments, LLC and Knights of Columbus raise money for Hasbro Children’s Hospital with their Christmas Craft Fair. Vendors and crafters sell their holiday creations, accompanied by baked goods, refreshments, arts and crafts for kids, a raffle, music, and door prizes for the first 100 customers. Middletown, KOfC.org

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December 8: Alongside the Grand Illumination and Breakfast with Santa, Bristol’s Christmas Festival holds a very special Christmas Storytime at Rogers Free Library, where members of the Bristol Fire Department and its Ladies Auxiliary read Christmas classics and new tellings to kids. Bristol, Facebook: Bristol Christmas Festival

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The Bay • December 2018

Photo courtesy of 60’s New Years Eve Party

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208 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI (401) 849-1800

December 31: 60’s New Years Eve Party at Sandywoods

Wishing you warm holiday greetings from our homes to yours! For more information about buying or selling your home, call 401-849-1800 today or visit us at OwnNewEngland.com

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December 12: The EP Senior Center transforms for WinterFest 2018: Mrs. Claus’ kitchen serves holiday goodies, kids can craft and play, vendors sell their art, Santa makes an appearance, and the magnificent tree lighting honors departed loved ones. East Providence, Facebook: E Prov Winter Fest

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December 15: The Baptist Church in Warren hosts its annual Christmas Cookie Walk, a tasty tradition with handmade, hand-decorated cookies for sale, including yearly favorites like “Ugly Sweater” and “Gingerbread House”. Pick from thousands of cookies, weigh ‘em, buy ‘em, and gift, share, or eat ‘em. Warren, BaptistChurchInWarren.com

Good to know.® ©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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December 20: The Barrington Public Library screens Scrooged, a modern take on the favorite Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol. Cozy into the Salem Family Auditorium for a comedic retelling that follows a successful TV executive visited by a series of ghosts that force him to reevaluate his life. Barrington, BarringtonLibrary.org

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December 31: Get groovy at Sandywoods’ 60’s New Years Eve Party. Don your tie-dye, fringe, and platform shoes, and get ready to rock ‘n roll to welcome 2019. Think “Motown, British Invasion, girl groups, bubble gum, and psychedelic rock!” Tiverton, Sandywoods.org

Three galleries with over 600 works in all media by our artist members. All $300 and under, sales tax free, cash and carry. New work added daily.

Providence Art Club 11 & 13 Thomas Street, Providence, RI. The Bay • December 2018 23



The miniature cruise ships of Blount Small Ship Adventures are based in Warren, but they travel the length of North America By Robert Isenberg Photos courtesy of Blount Cruises

Blount Small Ship Adventures offers just that – intimate adventures in a dwarfish vessel

Blount Small Ship Adventures has two cruise ships, the Grande Mariner and the Grand Caribe, and they have been everywhere. They’ve skirted the coasts of New England, explored Chesapeake Bay, and squeezed through the locks of the Erie Canal. They’ve journeyed from Chicago to Montreal, dropped anchor in Saguenay Fjord, and – most surprisingly – floated down the shores of Honduras and through the Panama Canal. Their passengers have enjoyed lobster bakes on the beach and hiked in the Darien jungle. They have snorkled with naturalists. They’ve partied in Roatán. They have sailed by the gleam of Maine’s lighthouses. And of all the seaside towns in the world, their home port is Warren, Rhode Island. “Our boats are not for everybody,” says Nancy Blount, president of Blount Small Ship Adventures. “We try hard to help people understand what the experience is.” Compared to a mainstream cruise ship, which typically carries thousands of passengers, the Blount ships are lilliputian – they have cabins for about 80 people. The ships are so narrow, they can maneuver down the slimmest waterways. Thanks to a patented “retractable pilot house,” the ships can slip under low bridges. In the dining room, there are no assigned seats – travelers can mingle wherever they please. Most novel of all,

the company pioneered the “Blount Bow Ramp,” which drops open like a toucan’s beak and invites passengers to walk directly onto the beach. “It’s very casual, very friendly,” says Nancy. “Things start to really mesh [among the passengers] after day three.” Most New Englanders recognize Blount Fine Foods, the trailblazing seafood company that popularized quahogs and currently supplies soups to Panera Bread. That company was begun by F. Nelson Blount, who also founded Steamtown, USA, a train-themed museum. Less familiar is Nelson’s brother, Luther Blount, an energetic shipbuilder and owner of Blount Boats. “He was a tried-and-true Warrenite,” says Nancy, who is also Luther’s daughter. “He loved his work crew. And he was really ahead of his time.” Luther Blount was a renaissance man on many levels. He had a lifelong affection for farming and fishing; after the 1938 hurricane ruined the oyster beds of Narragansett Bay, he started cultivating clams instead. He built a range of ships, from a 77-foot steel catamaran (his first) to the 130-foot ferry Miss Liberty, which would carry 60 million passengers around Ellis Island to view the Statue of Liberty. But the turning point was in 1972, when Blount built Le Bateau, a “dinner boat.” The concept was novel – to host diners and take romantic jaunts


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The Bay • December 2018

around the bay – and Le Bateau inspired a fleet of imitations. An avid traveler, Blount fostered his love of cruise ships, and soon he was running a new business, the American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL). The way Nancy describes her father, and the way he appears in articles, Luther sounds irresistibly eccentric, a tireless tinkerer. He started his career whittling duck-shaped jewelry. He once paddled a canoe into a remote Guatemalan lake. A tree once fell on him, shattering his leg. Small wonder, then, that his cruise ships are so defiantly unconventional. But in an era of boutique travel, Blount offers something many people yearn for – the intimacy of a 184-foot vessel, exploring waterways for as long as a fortnight. “The name was hard,” says Nancy. “We had this cumbersome name, the American Canadian Caribbean Line, and we needed to rebrand. We did a lot of research on it.” Like her father, Nancy has lived an unusual life. She was raised in Warren, in a house that has since been replaced by the Blount offices. As a youth, she worked on her father’s ships as a steward and assistant chef. Later, she would spend some time as a welder in the Blount shipyard. She left Rhode Island for a few years, then returned in 1979. She watched the business grow and evolve, then took over as president in 2001.

Find both international and domestic destinations on Blount Small Ship Adventures’ itineraries

When Luther passed away in 2006, he left five children, who each had a stake in the company. Nancy spearheaded a series of updates, including the name Blount Small Ship Adventures, and had both ships refurbished. The many itineraries are more far-flung than ever, with journeys to New Brunswick, Chicago, Savannah, and Belize. The company still reflects Luther Blount’s original vision – putting a premium on individualized experience and highend dining – yet the ships are equipped with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and stair lifts between decks. Nancy is right, of course: Small ships aren’t for everybody. Most routes hug the shore, far from mid-ocean swells, but motion sickness can still be an issue. Some cruisers prefer the anonymous crowds of a Royal Caribbean ship to the close-quartered familiarity of the Grand Mariner. But for that intrepid minority, the Blount experience can be life-changing. Nancy says that passengers have returned a dozen times, and one fan sailed on 30 separate trips. After all these years of fostering her father’s legacy, Nancy still relishes the magic of those ships. “I love leaving my phone in my cabin,” she remarks. “I love not having any use for it.” Her favorite destination is Maine. “It’s just so rugged and beautiful,” says Nancy. Then she adds, “Also Belize.” To learn more about Blount’s 2019 itineraries, visit BlountSmallShipAdventures.com


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The Bay • December 2018 27


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For local growers, the holiday magic of a Christmas tree is years in the making By Elyse Major


Photo by Maaike Bernstrom Photography

Camilla Bradley and family enjoy their tree-cutting adventure in the East Bay


Photography by Michael Cevoli

E

ach year, Carlos and Lorraine Miranda of Fall River cross the state line to Rhode Island on a quest to tag the family Christmas tree at Pachet Tree Farm in Tiverton. The couple began this tradition, which now includes grown daughters Kelsey and Stephanie, early in their marriage. “We walk up and down the rows looking for our ‘perfect tree.’ It has to be around seven feet tall and just as round, very full. We bring bows with us to mark potential trees. After we find the tree, [it gets] tagged with our information and we head back to the office to pay and set our pick-up date. The trip back is usually the hayride,” says Lorraine. But just how are there enough trees each year for families like the Mirandas? It’s all about planning and planting, and you don’t exactly go into the business overnight. For every tree cut, most farmers will plant at least two seedlings flanking the stump, and it can take up to 15 years for a tree to reach the coveted retail height of seven feet. Jan Eckhart of Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown likens growing Christmas trees to trying to turn around an ocean liner. “It’s a long process. You plant trees that are four years old from a nursery and they take six to eight years to mature. Some years you have bad weather and you don’t sell as much, so it’s hard to quantify what you’re going to need, but we do the best we can,” he says with a chuckle. Being at “the mercy of the weather,” Eckhart has diversified his offerings by also growing seasonal fresh fruits, cut flowers, and vegetables on 100 acres of conserved farmland. There’s even a cafe. “Our busiest day of the year is the day before Thanksgiving, we sell desserts and sides and gravy. Trees start the day after,” he says. According to the Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association (RICTGA), Christmas trees are a $6 million business in Rhode Island. Top selling tannenbaums in our state are Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine, and White Pine, but offerings vary by farm and can include types such as Canaan Fir. As a renewable resource, the RICTGA notes that Christmas trees are an important part of the state’s agricultural industry. “For trees, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. [Like the] Charlie Brown tree. People have a concept based on something they grew up with and they know it when they see it. It’s a very personal decision. Interesting to watch, it’s a family affair,” says Eckhart. “It’s nice when they all agree and say ‘we’ll take it!’”

Jan Eckhart of Sweet Berry Farm

WHAT’S YOUR TREE In Rhode Island, different growers specialize in different varieties. This breakdown can help you find what you’re looking for in a tree: If you like: That Christmas tree smell A picture-perfect shape Sweet scent, soft needles Bright green, long-lasting Blue-green, low fragrance Strong needles, low fragrance

Look for: Balsam Fir Blue Spruce Douglas Fir Scotch Pine White Pine White Spruce


Photography by Michael Cevoli

Sweet Berry Farm’s Christmas trees


Photo by Maaike Bernstrom Photography


TOP TREE TIPS TAGGING Offered by some Christmas tree farms, tagging or pre-tagging is when you visit during fall and are led to the lot of living trees and can designate the one you wish to have cut down at a later time. Tagging season varies from farm to farm and can begin in October or November. The return visit happens after Thanksgiving. As excited as you are to bring your tree home, you don’t want to risk it drying out before Christmas Day.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT Before visiting a farm, it is best to call ahead for details such as hours, are credit cards accepted, and are there public restrooms. Many farms are also on social media, so check for recent updates and special activities, like hayrides or baked goods. Some farms provide a bow saw for customers to cut trees themselves. If you’re up to the challenge, bring a pair of heavy-duty work gloves and goggles. Consider bringing a blanket or plastic tarp along to protect the surface of your car’s roof. Also pack bungee cords, straps, and/or rope to secure the tree to your car’s rooftop. Remember, you won’t have farmhands helping you to take the tree off of your car back at home – or lugging it up three flights of steps to your apartment – so be sure to enlist assistance from friends and neighbors ahead of time as needed.

AT THE FARM You may want to ask for your fresh-cut tree to be shaken to make sure you’re not bringing home a surprise pet, and request netting or baling, which is wrapping the tree for easier transport. Chances are the farm will do this for you without asking, but be sure an inch is cut off the bottom of any pre-cut tree or that a hole is drilled at the base. This will allow the tree to take up water again and prolong freshness. Just like fresh flowers, you want the tree to be placed in water as soon as possible, even a bucket while you prep the stand.

BACK AT HOME

from the tree.

CHRISTMAS TREESOURCES Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association RIChristmasTrees.com Farm Fresh RI FarmFreshRI.org

Photography by Michael Cevoli

While the vision of a Christmas tree beside a fireplace might make for a nice greeting card image, you’ll want to keep your tree clear of any heat source to prevent premature drying. Check water levels daily as trees can absorb up to a gallon of water each day. Unplug lights whenever you are away from the tree, whether asleep or out of the house. When you are ready to clean up from the holidays, your tree can be recycled into mulch. Check your town website or the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation's website to get the pickup date. Before leaving your tree on the curb, remove any ornaments, hooks, and tinsel


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Whole Body

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Photos courtesy of Grasmere

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Creative Forces

A beloved East Bay boutique is filled to the brim with mindful gifts If you’ve been living in the East Bay for a while, you’ve probably heard of Grasmere, a unique boutique that sells mindfully handcrafted goods. Originally located in Barrington, owners Beth and Peter Gresch moved the store to the seaside town of Bristol in 2016. The original Grasmere opened back in 1995 when Beth, a former visual merchandising designer, knew the corporate world wasn’t for her and decided to go into small business with her husband Peter. The store is known for their preserved floral arrangements, wreaths, greenery, faux succulents, vintage lamps, and pottery. Through the years, the shop’s offerings have expanded to include jewelry, sweaters, vegan leather goods, hats, and scarves. There are also ceramics, incense, and candles. “In our times of digital everything, we want our store to continue to focus on people, and so we chose our items by who

creates them,” says Beth. “We want the store and the individual objects we offer to tell a story of people creating for people.” During the holiday season, Beth and Peter decorate the shop with moss garland, wreaths dotted with pine cones, sea shells, or flowers, preserved centerpieces, glass, felt, and seashell ornaments, seasonal scents, wood incense burners from Germany, and preserved boxwoods and topiaries dressed with beautiful ribbon. “We re-envision each holiday season according to a specific visual concept, “ says Beth. “We use specialty greens, like juniper and arborvitae, for our wreaths, and import special wreath decor from Germany to match the design theme of the season.” Finding the perfect gift is easy at the shop and the Gresches are helpful at guiding you through some of their independent designers and local

artists. “I love keeping everything individual and personal, forming relationships with our customers and the artists we work with in creating the overall experience,” says Beth. 1. Preserved lemon leaf wreath with faux juniper, glass matte ornaments, and embroidered ribbon, $145 2.Sterling silver Fair Trade rings from India, $26-$56 3.Grasmere red glass cardinal in nest potted with reindeer moss, $19-$36 4. Japanese style slings and backpacks from Harvest Label, $62-$105

Grasmere 6 Franklin Street Bristol, RI • 401-247-2789 GrasmereTheShop.com

The Bay • December 2018 35


Sparkle This Season

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Farm-to-Table-to-Tub Indulge naturally at The Retreat at Castle Hill Inn by Farmaesthetics

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Is there anything more Rhode Island than salt water? Even Gilded Age railroad and shipping magnate (and maternal great-great-greatgrandfather of Anderson Cooper) Cornelius Vanderbilt had a faucet for running cold salt water installed in his Newport digs, that mansion known as The Breakers. Back in the late 1800s, sitting in a tub of salt water was considered good for you, and as it turns out, that notion still holds true today. In fact, at Castle Hill

Inn in Newport, a salt water soak is among the many offerings at their spa, The Retreat, but the minerals come from Portsmouth-based Farmaesthetics and not via a third faucet. Farmaesthetics is a line of 100% natural herbal skincare products recognizable by its streamline packaging of simple glazed glass apothecary bottles and labels that look like they’ve been click-clacked from a manual typewriter with descriptions scrawled in

Photo courtesy of Castle Hill Inn

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cursive. Brenda Brock founded the line after selling her homemade concoctions at farm stands to rave reviews. A former actress, by the late 1990s she had traded a commute to NYC to devote her time to the pursue building a company. Today, the line can be found at stores like Anthropologie and Whole Foods, and since 2015, at Castle Hill Inn’s spa. If you’ve never visited Castle Hill, the ride along Ocean Drive to discover a compound of buildings surrounded by trees and abutting the Atlantic is a pleasure. Check-in at the main building and be led upstairs to a checkpoint to complete an intake form by the fire prior to heading in to The Retreat. Like the Farmaesthetics brand, the treatment room has an understated elegance. The space is painted a creamy neutral with towels to match. While the room has obviously been refurbished through the years, the radiator and sloping ceilings remain, adding to the sense of old New England. And, of course, there is the tub. Before or after your treatment, a bath is prepared for you with a swirl of hand-harvested, essential oil-soaked, high mineral sea salts to create a detoxifying, skin softening deep tub experience. Products have a light, pleasing fresh scent, nothing too overwhelming. The soak lasts 30 minutes and there are jets for gentle circulation. Benefits include everything from stress relief to an immunity boost to even thwarting a winter chill. Kate Hanna, who performed my massage, also prepared my tub and knocked on the door to signal my bath time was nearly complete. One can’t underestimate the indulgence of having someone run a bath for you as an adult, and setting out a pile of soft, thick towels, along with a white robe and slippers. A complete cozy coastal indulgence!

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Maaike Bernstrom is busy. She’s a photographer who works with top brands like Anthropologie and Vineyard Vines while still making time for local assignments and keeping up with her ever-growing Instagram feed, all from the Middletown home she shares with her husband and daughter. Her favorite time of day to shoot is what she describes as “the golden hour” that

glorious moment before the sun sets for it’s flattering light, sun flare, and warmth. Name your top locations in Rhode Island for a photo shoot. Rhode Island is not lacking in beautiful locations. I love shooting down at Sachuset Point in Middletown, local farms, and beaches. Tiverton and Little Compton,

Photo courtesy of Jodi Paquin Photography

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Any advice for someone preparing to have a portrait done, indoors or out? My approach is very relaxed: We are just hanging out and I am aiming to capture more candid moments than staged. As far as clothing, keep the colors neutral, tones on tones, whites with creams, etc. Keep the patterns to a minimal; if one person in the family is going to wear a print, the others should wear solids. What do you think are the pros and cons of Instagram? We live in such a digital age and everyone wants visuals. Any photographer should start building their Instagram presence. Positives: Instagram is a great way to get your work seen and connect with local and national brands, which ultimately leads to making money. The cons: it is almost a full-time job trying to keep up with the posts. A total time suck. What is the best thing about being a creative person in Rhode Island? For my industry specifically, Rhode Island is a fantastic place to photograph and to get into photography. We have endless beautiful backdrops to choose from, a huge wedding industry, a hip cool city with heaps going on. We are not far from the mountains, NY, or Boston… everything is within our reach. Our little state actually has very strong social media presence compared to other New England states. I was down in Charleston, South Carolina, a few months ago, and in a store overheard a group of girls talking about a social media influencer out of Rhode Island!

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Live Well

HOMESTYLE

by Elyse Major

Home for the Holidays Tour the East Providence Home of the couple that founded The Craft and Kitsch Winter Market

40

The Bay • December 2018

Butts built a custom four-tiered display to support a mini winter wonderland, complete with vintage bottle brush trees and plently of glitter.

and other decor to transform their abode. The couple revels in unpacking their collected stash over mugs of cocoa with holiday movies playing in the background. “We like making vignettes of characters that include new, vintage, and retro

Photography by Grace Lentini

Angela Zampell grew up crafting ornaments with her mom and sisters. Tom Butts helped his grandparents tinker with their miniature Christmas village. When Zampell met Butts, it was a match made it kitsch heaven. Together with their two pups Bridgette and Gidget, the couple pulls out all of the stops–along with stacks of bins–to prepare their East Providence home for the holidays. “A double parlor with an adjacent den allows our Christmas decor to flow like an endless sea of glitter and cheer,” says Zampell. “When Tom and I start decorating for Christmas, we put away our regular home decor so that every nook has a new look,” she explains. Zampell makes new pillows, drapes,


trees, deer, and the sweetest faced Made in Japan elves and Santas,” says Zampell, who enjoys sprucing up old decorations. When the couple met, they were delighted to learn that they both shared a love for Christmas and holiday decorations – integral parts of both of their upbringings with fond memories attached. They combined their collections – a mix of flea market finds, goodies from local vintage sellers, treasured family holiday hand me downs – and continuously add to the mix with handcrafted items they make themselves. Butts and Zampell are a crafty pair. Butts is a tattoo artist, and Zampell is a fashion designer and crafter. “Making cute things and using creativity was a huge part of childhood,” says Zampell, who credits her mother with instilling a trust in her daughter’s sense of style and talent. Zampell started and operates the retro-inspired clothing line Modd Merr, but also creates and sells mini dioramas made with recycled tin under the name Hot Glue Heroes. Her wee vignettes are filled with vintage figurines, retro trim, ephemera, and lots of glitter. “My craft line

combines three of my favorite things: crafting, cute figurines, and holiday ornaments.” Inspired by his grandparents’ Christmas village, Butts designed and built a custom four-level display for the couple’s own mini wonderland scene. The showcase includes a carved winter landscape with snowy banks and mountain ranges, complete with frosted mirrors serving as frozen ponds, bottle brush trees, and plenty of glitter. “Miniature homes and petite villagers are carefully placed under a starry night sky for a truly festive display,” muses Zampell. Butts is also in charge of the interior and exterior illumination, which we all know from Clark Griswold can be a vast undertaking. “Together we work like a team of elves staging every corner of our home, hanging hundreds of ornaments, garland, and blow-molds. Our neighbors love seeing our enthusiasm. We hear families walking by commenting on our yard or glimpsing at our windows.” Zampell notes that they use LED lights whenever possible “so as not to short circuit the neighborhood.” Even long after the decorations are tucked

away, the couple is drawn to bright colors and graphic elements. “Our style can be described as eclectic, retro, nostalgic, and cozy, and we love technicolor!” says Zampell, who likes to accent bold hues with graphic elements such as animal prints and traditional tattoo art inked by Butts and friends. The couple also likes streamlined furnishings from the Mid Century/ Atomic Age, citing Hayward Wakefield pieces as a favorite. Says Zampell, “We love treasures from the 1940s through the 1980s–the decade of our childhoods. Of course, the latest holiday fads catch our eye as well.” When they’re not busy making their mark, making art, or festooning their digs, they’re co-hosting The Craft and Kitsch Winter Market, held December 8-9 this year at the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative.

Want your home featured in The Bay magazine? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

The Bay • December 2018 41



Taste Eat

News Bites

Connoisseur

Restaurant Guide

Recipes for Success Ink Fish Bookstore You can find a lot of great reads in Ink Fish Books, the new corner book shop in downtown Warren. The shelves are lined with modern classics, like George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo and Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The shop is clean and bright, and a bibliophile could easily sink into one of the chairs and flip pages all afternoon. But you’ll also find tables laden with cookbooks – as well as jarred ingredients to putter with, from Mesa Fresca’s chimichurri to pepper shakers from Ocean State Pepper Co. “I call them ‘book pairings’,” says Lisa Valentino, proprietor of Ink Fish. “It made sense to me that you could pair a book with a food product. And people get it. It’s a lot of fun.” She uses, as an example, cocktail

syrups by RI-based Bootblack Brand, which she displays with mixology books. Ink Fish will also host a series of pop-ups and demonstrations. Valentino worked in the newspaper publishing industry for more than 30 years, but she’s been happy with the switch in careers. She’s partnered heavily with Hope & Main, the kitchen incubator located only a few blocks away. “Culture cookbooks are really big,” adds Valentino. “For the holidays, I’m getting another table, and I want to do all food culture – Irish, German, Vietnamese. All this fusion stuff, too. I think people will love it.” 488 Main Street, Warren. Facebook: Ink Fish Books –Robert Isenberg

Photography by Robert Isenberg The Bay • December 2018 43


Taste EAT

by Alastair Cairns

Sunset on the Bay The Beach House in Bristol flanks the bike path, serves a little of everything, and you can’t beat the views Only in Island Park could a restaurant have a nicer view than many Rhode Island mansions, and still appropriately be known as “Localz.” I’m sure summer tourists come to enjoy the vista in this little nook of Portsmouth, but as the weather gets cooler, I felt like I’d walked in on a neighborhood haunt. Someone named Tony told someone named Tracy that he was owed a hug; next to us, a first date was laboring on. There was nice chatter over at the bar. It reminded me of darker taverns, except with water views and generous windows. The service had a more personal feel, too – always welcome when you’re inflicting a toddler on a restaurant. Our waitress, Cindy,

escorted us to a booth so we could imprison our child more effectively and produced a fun, improvised toy rattle made from a paper soup bowl, as well as packets of oyster crackers and crayons. She diffused our little bomb, who loved her. The menu has its share of local sourcing and a lot of appetites represented. This is a place for ample portions. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, grilled meat, and seafood cover the pub grub, and on top you’ve got the New England classics that folks expect: Portuguese Necks, Mussels, Stuffies, and oceans more. “All good things must have a beginning,” quips the appetizer menu. I began pondering that a little too hard. For my beginning, I went

with a Sam Adams Octoberfest ($4.50), but I have to say, the better and more varied option here is the unexpected little mule menu. (I know because I set about stealing my wife’s). Mules have enjoyed a real resurgence over the last decade, and their Montana Mule ($8.50) shows why – it’s not just the fun metal mug. Jim Beam, lime, and ginger, nothing overthought here. From there we got some potato skins. It’s been ages since I’ve had one, and although I claimed they’d be a hit with my son (they were) it was mostly for me. They used a nice fat russet in halves, with plenty of crispy diced bacon, all garnished with some green onion,

Photography by Michael Cevoli

Ribeye steak with veggies of the day and baked potato

44

The Bay • December 2018


Firecracker shrimp tossed with spicy pepper rings and cherry tomatoes

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and that orange stuff many Americans think of as cheddar. You know, a potato skin. “Yum,” says the child, and the child in me. For the mains, my wife diverged radically pricewise. I went for the 657 Burger and she for a Surf and Turf Special. First, the burger. No matter how many ounces of ground beef there are in your burger, I feel slightly disappointed when the large roll overhangs the patty like a large brioche umbrella. Not so here: This was a structurally sound stack. You already have crispy bacon, but the garlic herb spread smeared on the patty had a slight tang and creamy richness. My buttered-up burger was cooked as I ordered, pink on the inside, and was really filling. My wife’s Surf and Turf was daunting; onion rings atop an herbed pat of butter atop a large grilled steak, with sides of asparagus, mashed potatoes, and breaded, stuffed shrimp.

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Taste

NEWS BITES

by Robert Isenberg

Sweet Pics Yacht Club introduces colorful new labels to its sodas and seltzers

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The Bay • December 2018

You rarely see all the Yacht Club flavors in one freezer – there are simply too many to display. So maybe you’ve tried the Cola or Ginger Ale, but have you sipped the Quinine Tonic, the Golden Ginger, or the Peach Seltzer? In all, Yacht Club comes out in 33 varieties; some of their recipes are more than a century old; others, like the Grapefruit Seltzer, are fairly new. This season, there’s another reason to track down Yacht Club in all its flavors: The North Providence company is releasing a slew of colorful new labels. Created by Pawtucket artist Mike Bryce, the new portraits boast bright pastel hues and seaside imagery. Many of the bottles depict iconic landmarks, such as WaterFire, Blackstone Boulevard, and the Rose Island lighthouse. One of the most eye-catching is the Root Beer label, which shows a mermaid perched on a rock,

gazing at the shore. “I’ve been a professional artist for over 30 years,” said Bryce. “[I’ve] had the soda for years, and [Yacht Club owner] John Sgambato approached me to make some new labels. They went over well, and so it works out great for both of us.” Yacht Club was founded as a family business in 1915, and the company is well known for its glass bottles and exclusive use of cane-sugar syrup. Yacht Club is also enthusiastic about recycling, reusing more than 100,000 bottles each year. The labels have always featured nautical imagery, including anchors, sailboats, and bearded captains. And while coffee milk may be Rhode Island’s state drink, Yacht Club is the state’s “official soda.” Bottles are available in restaurants and supermarkets across the state. YachtClubBottlingWorks.com

Photo courtesy of Yacht Club

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DeWolf Tavern in Bristol jars its own jams

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DeWolf Tavern is known for many things: a 200-year-old building, beautiful presentation, and a scrumptious breakfast. The menu offers new takes on contemporary American fare, such as the Po’Boy and Pulled Leg of Lamb. Chef Sai Viswanath also peppers the menu with Indian classics, like basmati rice and naan bread. One standout ingredient is the DeWolf Tavern jam, which accompanies pancakes, French toast, and other items. This season, DeWolf’s staff started jarring its preserves on the premises, and you can now purchase jams to-go. Varieties include the Mixed Berry Jam and Spiced Cranberry Chutney, each available for $6.50 plus tax. When DeWolf first announced the new product on Twitter, they were careful to note that the supply is limited. But staff seemed confident that, barring a jelly-craving stampede, the jars would still be available for in-person purchase through the New Year. 259 Thames Street, Bristol. DeWolfTavern.com

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A Family Affair Owner of Pomodoro Pizzeria talks about cooking up Italian fare the Micheletti way

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The Bay • December 2018

What do you think Pomodoro means for the people in East Bay? I think it’s a new concept for them. Pomodoro is a neighborhood restaurant, and that’s what I hear people talk about the most. We love that we can be small and quaint and people can just walk in from their homes.

They enjoy that it’s BYOB, too. You serve a combination of American and Italian cuisines, from buffalo chicken calzones to homemade gnocchi. What kinds of dishes have customers responded to the most? We really get a lot of great feedback from our customers, and that’s really what’s most important here. We try other specials, but they love the Italian cooking. That’s what they come for; they love the pasta, the pizza. So, we try to keep it that way for them. They definitely love eggplant. Eggplant is a big dish. It’s difficult to prepare at home; it’s time-consuming. Everybody has their particular favorites and I’ll get people who say, “Well, I can’t try anything else because I love this dish so much,” be it eggplant or Bolognese. When did you first have the idea for Pomodoro? It stems from years ago with my husband. We have always wanted to get back into

Photography by Brandon Harmon

THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

The restaurant business runs in Mark Micheletti’s blood. His family owned two now defunct East Bay institutions, The Castle in Popasquash and Micheletti’s in Warren, and now he co-owns Pomodoro Pizzeria with his wife, Tina. Early on in their marriage, Tina “fell in love” with the idea of owning a restaurant that would combine the Italian comfort foods that they both grew up eating. In August of 2013, Pomodoro Pizzeria was born. For Tina, the restaurant was the perfect marriage of tradition, family, and a love of all things tomato sauce. We spoke with her about what it’s like to manage one of the East Bay’s favorites.


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the restaurant business. Before, our children were too young. We didn’t want to take away from them. But we made a promise that when they were older that we would do it as a family, and we did. We just took a walk one day and I found a building for rent. A bell rang like, “That’s the one, let’s do it.” Within 24 hours we had a business. Growing up in Rhode Island as an Italian-American, what does authentic Italian cooking mean to you? Both of our grandparents were from Italy. It’s just the food that we grew up with; it’s our comfort food. To us, that’s what makes it authentic. A lot of our dishes are Italian-American. It’s the food that we would have on a Sunday afternoon at our grandparents’ house. I used to make tomato sauce with my grandmother. We would grow the tomatoes and take them upstairs, grind them, boil them. I have just so many memories. All of our dishes are married from both of our families. Some of them are from his side, some of them are from mine, and the rest are ones that we’ve created from a love of both sides.

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The restaurant business can be very challenging. Have there been any surprises or difficulties that you’ve had to face since you first opened your doors? No, actually, it’s been great. With the help of my daughter, Erin, and my son, Marcus, they fill in on anything we need. We’ve been very lucky, it’s a family-run business and we have great staff. We work in harmony, which is great. It’s tough to run a business without family or a good support system. That’s the key to any good business. Support, having an anchor there.

Pomodoro Pizza 271 Wood Street, Bristol • 401-396-9699 Facebook: Pomodoro Pizza

The Bay • December 2018 49


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The Bay • December 2018


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50 Middle Highway, Barrington 401-246-2342 RedBrickSchoolRI.org Built in 1745 and a restaurant since the 1930s, the rustic tavern overlooks a picturesque pond complete with a bubbling waterfall. The classic New England view perfectly complements the menu, which boasts traditional favorites like hand-cut steaks and chops, hearty pastas, and seafood. The portions are very generous

and include a trip to the salad bar. A large surf and turf menu allows you to indulge in the best of both worlds. A pub menu available at the lounge offers crowd-pleasers like burgers and sharing boards. The bar hosts monthly tasting events where guests can taste the newest tastes in spirits.

Photo courtesy of The Old Grist Mill Tavern

390 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA 508-336-8460, OGMTavern.com

EAST BAY / NEWPORT Aviary Creative, locally sourced menu featuring rotating craft beers and fromscratch cocktails. 2229 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA, 508-379-6007. BrLD $$ Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, MA, 508-999-6975.LD $$ Blount Market & Kitchen Traditional New England seafood summer favorites offered

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RESTAURANT GUIDE For full restaurant profiles, go to TheBayMagazine.com

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East Bay Oyster Bar Local seafood meets innovative preparation in a rustic setting. 308 County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $$ Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi, and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 435-5511. LD $-$$$

KC’s Burger Bar Burgers, hot dogs, and sides enjoyed in a retro car-themed diner. 1379 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. 508-557-1723. BLD $$ Redlefsen’s European-style dining with a waterfront view focusing on traditional German foods. 444 Thames St, Bristol, 254-1188. LD $$

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The Bay • December 2018

Red Stripe really gets neighborhood dining. Cozy yet chic, the bistro’s diverse menu features dishes typically found in a traditional French brasserie such as steak frites, moules (mussels), and short rib Bourguignon. American

favorites include hand-packed burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled seafood, and housemade pasta. Everything is made from scratch at Red Stripe so you know you’re getting fresh, quality food with every visit.

465 Angell Street, Providence 437-6950, RedStripeRestaurants.com

Photo courtesy of Red Stripe

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Tav Vino Waterfront dining with an Italian and seafood focus. 267 Water St, Warren, 245-0231. D $$ The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA, 508-336-8460. LD $-$$$

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PROVIDENCE AREA 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ Caserta Pizzeria Casual kid-friendly pizza spot offering traditional Italian crispcut pizza and calzones. 121 Spruce St, Providence, 621-3818. LD $-$$

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CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, 7519164. BrLD $$-$$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$ Character’s Cafe & Theatre Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee, and theater-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $ Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant Homestyle Mexican fare plus beer, wine, and cocktails in a colorful setting. 351 Atwells Ave, Providence, 454-8951. LD $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence, HarukiSushi.com. LD $-$$

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For full restaurant profiles, go to TheBayMagazine.com

Heng Authentic Thai street food served – including noodles and rotisserie chicken – in Providence’s College Hill neighborhood. 165 Angell St, Providence. LD $

Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural steaks, and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 273-1444. LD $-$$$

Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$

Pizza J A fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin-crust pizza, pub fare, and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD$-$$

Joe Marzelli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant High-end Italian restaurant serving up specialty dishes and drinks. 120 Atwells Ave, Providence. 751-5544. LD $$-$$$

Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily specials. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$

Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express Handmade Italian classics and prepared foods to go. 1457 Hartford Ave,Johnston, 455-0045, LuigisGourmet.com. LD $$

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Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 3982900 BrLD $$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sydney Providence Australian-inspired cafe and coffee shop featuring breakfast and light lunch options. 400 Exchange St, Providence, 648-4994. BL $-$$ Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine and beer list. 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349 4979. LD $-$$ The Grange Vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a juice bar, vegan bakery, and cocktail bar. 166 Broadway, Providence, 831-0600. BrLD $-$$

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The Bay • December 2018

Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 155 Westminster St, Providence, 282-6772 BL $-$$ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$

The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun, and Southwestern fare, cocktails, and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American


staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$ XO Cafe Acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine with a fantastic Sunday #PajamaBrunch. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$

SOUTHERN RI Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$ Celestial Cafe Fresh, locally sourced ingredients from farms and fisheries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 567 South County Trail, Exeter, 295-5559. BLD $$ Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$ Coast Guard House A new American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. BrLD $$$

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NOV 21 - DEC 16

LASH LIFTING TREATMENT

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST

LASH LIFTING TREATMENT & TINT

BY BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS

Last 8-12 weeks • No Glue Amazing Results

Blue Pearl Salon A cut above the rest...

1458 Park Avenue, Cranston • 270-7404 • BPSalonLash.com

GLORIA

DIRECTED BY RACHEL WALSHE

"Shocking, hilarious and spectacularly honest." - Chicago Tribune

Rhode Island’s Premiere Piano Care Specialists

We Do Tunings • Repairs • Restoration And Whole Lot More! Visit us online for our full suite of services

419-6509 OR

Book Online

GAMMTHEATRE ORG |

PianoPracticeRI.com

1245 Jefferson Blvd. Warwick, RI

RESTAURANT GUIDE

George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ Mariner Grille Seafood, steaks, and pasta in a fun setting, with live entertainment. 40 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284-3282. LD $$ Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort

56

The Bay • December 2018

food with a great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sophie’s Brewhouse Espresso drinks and sandwiches with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. 699 S County Trail, Exeter, 295-4273. BL $$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, and Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $

Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/ American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ The Cove A traditional bar and grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and classic New England seafood favorites. 3963 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, 364-9222. LD $$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Tong-D Fine Thai cuisine in a casual setting. 156 County Rd, Barrington, 289-2998; 50 South County Common Way, South Kingstown, 783-4445. LD $-$$


Providence Media presents

You Find. They Shine!

SHINING LIGHT ON HIDDEN GEMS

What is a Rhody Gem? They are local businesses, people and places. They are unique, off the beaten path, and are community-focused. They are special to you, and we want to know why!

Share your favorite Rhody Gems

‌And they might be featured in our magazines! By email: RhodyGem@ProvidenceOnline.com On social: #RhodyGem

Introducing the first Rhody Gem on page 19


Pic of the Bay The Sun Sets on 2018

[This photo was taken at] one of the newest docks at Colt State Park - my favorite place to watch the gorgeous sunsets. The night I took this, the setting sun cast a beautiful glow onto the dock. Submitted by Nancy Securo-Gibbemeyer. Follow her on Instagram @Nancy_And_Camera

Want to see your photo featured in Pic of the Bay? Tag us on social media, use #TheBayMag, or email your photo to Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com


LIVE HISTORIC Your best life begins with a home that inspires you.

c.

1896

c.

1890

Middletown 6 Renfrew Park Avenue Eric Kirton c.

Barrington $1,379,000 401.743.2744

190 5

c.

1914

Barrington 84 Alfred Drown Road David Coleman c.

$1,995,000 401.529.1600 c.

1892

Barrington $659,000 401.529.1600

1750

305 Rumstick Road Midge Berkery c.

Bristol $3,295,000 401.330.7488

1 Viking Drive Janet Emond

$1,599,000 401.316.8394

ME E T OUR AGE NTS

1915

Barrington 125 New Meadow Road Carolyn Nolan

53 Rumstick Road David Coleman

Combining local market expertise with a world renowned brand.

Barrington $849,000 401.743.2488

85 Martin Avenue Lynda Terhune

$329,900 401.499.2575

Allison Dessel 401.339.6316

Janet Emond 401.316.8394

Morgan Hollenbeck 401.212.6313

210 County Road, Barrington | 401.245.3050 BARRINGTON | CHARLESTOWN | EAST GREENWICH | NARRAGANSETT | PROVIDENCE | WATCH HILL Eac h Of f ice is In de pe n de n tly Own e d a n d Operated.

m otta nd c ha c e.c om


Welcome home for the holidays from Full Channel. Wherever you plan to enjoy the holidays, you’ll enjoy it more with all the bandwidth and speed you need with our clear, reliable and local network. It’s the holiday gift that keeps on giving all year.

www.fullchannel.com | (401) 247-1250


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