East Side Monthly July 2013

July 2013

Changes

Coming Big things are happening to east side retail

The Boulevard Concert Series Returns pg 25

A Fun Take on Summer School pg 23

New Listing! $179,000

College Hill upscale restoration! 3rd floor penthouse condo, chic contemporary design, granite counters, skylights, vaulted ceilings, washer/dryer, hardwoods.

Suzie Prescott

Sue Erkkinen

New Listing! $300,000s

Oak Hill. Custom built Colonial, well maintained, living room, formal dining room, kitchen opens to family room. Each bedroom with private bath. Large lot/ garden, cobblestone driveway.

Suzie Prescott

New Listing! $175,000

Remarkable condo in desirable Oak Hill. Convenient to East Side amenities. Large rooms, hardwood floors, updated cooks kitchen, central A/C. Front deck plus a garage!

Chris Healy

New Listing! $389,000

Spacious Townhouse near Wayland Sq. Living room, formal dining room, updated kitchen, marble countertops, pantry, private deck, 4 beds, 2 baths, family room, library, patio/garden.

New Listing! $1,150,000

Extraordinary luxury condo in prime College Hill location. Sunny, 2 level penthouse w/exquisite details, moldings, modern amenities. 2-car garage. Rooftop terrace offers panoramic city views.

Michael Young

New Listing! $259,000

Edgewood. Exceptional water view! 1 BR condo features hardwoods, fully applianced stainless/granite kitchen, bubble tub, W/D in unit. Park like grounds, on site fitness center, assigned parking.

Kathryn Lawrence

New Listing! $299,000

Attractive restoration in historic College Hill. 2nd floor condo features 2 fireplaces, updated baths and kitchen, high ceilings, 2 car parking. Low fees.

Great location!

Helen Macdonald

New Price! $555,000

Spacious condo! Bay windows, high ceilings, doublesided wood burning fireplace, custom shutters. Gourmet kitchen, large master. Great views, fabulous light throughout. Steps from Brown, RISD.

John McCann

New Listing! $335,000

Nice 2 family with terrific owner’s townhouse. Open kitchen, living space on 2nd, master bedroom, bath, loft area with skylights on 3rd. New windows, ample parking.

Sue Erkkinen

COLEMANREALTORS.COM Providence 401.274.3636

barrington 401.245.3050

east greenwich 401.884.5522

corPorate relocation 401.277.0570 2

East Side Monthly July 2013

watch hill 401.596.2390

Contents July 2013

This Month 15 The East Side Retail Boom Exciting new options are coming

21 Learning for the Whole Family Classes for all ages all summer long

23 All the State’s a Stage Theatre from every corner of the Ocean State

25 Music in the Park Blackstone Boulevard’s concert series returns

Photography: Katie Poor

Every Month

33

Neapolitan pizza from Figidini Wood Fire Eatery

35 Dining Guide

43 Calendar

4 Letters/Editorial 6 Other Side 9 Community News

Your resource for eating out

All the info on July happenings

37 Movies

50 East of Elmgrove

26 Art

38 Education

Capsule reviews of the latest cinematic openings

Exciting works in prints, puppets and paper mâché

How schools can connect to communities with gardens

33 On the Menu

41 Finance

The Biltmore Garage welcomes a new pizzeria

The do’s and don’ts of purchasing a new home

How history inspired an East Sider’s book on vodka

On the Cover: Bustling Wayland Square has a waiting list for retail space.

Photography by Jonathan Beller

FAmily owned And operAted For over 50 yeArs FEATURED PROPERTY A Beauty Near Prospect Park 169 Congdon Street Stunning (c1854 )Mansard Victorian located on the sought after college hill. Tastefully restored, staying with the charm of days gone by. State of the art kitchen, 6 beds, 2.5baths, wide plank floors & fenced yard.

Taxes do not reflect homestead. $565,000 Listed by Aleen Weiss

Assisting Buyers, sellers And renters

Aleen WeissH Jon WeissHF Karen MillerH Claire Sennott

Howard Weiss Lauren Sickel

HAlso licensed in MA FLicensed RI Environmental Lead Inspector 0065

785 Hope street, providence, ri 4 01-272-6161 • spitzweiss.com July 2013 East Side Monthly

3

1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 tel: 305-3391 | fax: 305-3392 esm@providenceonline.com www.eastsidemonthly.com

Editorial

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

Get Involved As part of the settlement that allowed the Gilbane Thayer Street dorm project to move forward, there was an agreement that the City’s Planning Department would implement a comprehensive overview of the entire Thayer Street area, encompassing the streets bordered by Lloyd, Hope, Waterman and Thayer, to prepare for any new projects in the foreseeable future. An outside consultant has been hired and an initial “visioning process” began earlier this month.

The first turnout was modest and only generated about 50 participants. Despite this, however, most were veterans of a similar effort that was held a few years back by the City. That said, the purpose of the process is to keep the neighborhood from being blindsided again by something as disruptive as the Gilbane project and unintentionally

undermining the area.

Thayer Street is in flux. The Gilbane project, bringing with it a huge infusion of students and a major change to the building size on the street, promises to bring dramatically more changes. Why should we care? One participant brought up the recent shooting on Brook Street that apparently emanated from the area as why what happens on Thayer Street affects all of us on College Hill.

While the initial process seems to be focusing on ways to make the street more neighborhood-friendly, eliciting suggestions for desirable stores, parking and loading improvements, public amenities and the like, the planners are open to suggestions on broader ranges of perhaps more controversial issues like zoning changes to maintain resident buffers, limits on permitted activities and

entertainment hours and the like. “Everything is on the table,” promises Emily Kish, the principal planner for this effort.

The first actual planning study public meeting will be held on June 26 from 6-8pm at Friedman Auditorium inside Brown’s Metcalf Research Complex (190 Thayer Street near Waterman). The consultants will be sharing the results of the original visioning meeting as well as soliciting feedback from the community as a whole. There will be no further meetings in July or August though a second planning meeting is planned for September.

Thayer Street and the adjoining neighborhood are too important to all of us on the East Side to ignore, so we encourage everyone to participate in the June 26 session and make your thoughts heard.

To not do so means likely future surprises and that’s something none of us want.

To the Editor: I am writing in protest to the article “Simply Parks” from your June issue.

The article is uninformed and speaks terribly about a beloved park that many young families on the East Side love and use well. How can the author, who admits to not even entering the park in years (“My boys are grown up now, and, truth be told, we haven’t stepped foot in the park in a few years.”), be able to speak intelligently to the state of the park today? She blithely comments, “If parents want new playground equipment or want to expand the existing slide and jungle gym, they should ask the City to help out.” How could she possibly think that the parents have not appealed to the city for funds and help? A Facebook group, Friends of Gladys Potter Garden-Humboldt Playground, has been formed to try and serve the needs of a park that the city has all but abandoned.

The vibrancy of the East Side is in no small part due to the passion and care

4

East Side Monthly July 2013

Managing Editor Barry Fain City Editor Steve Triedman Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Associate Editor Grace Lentini Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Digital Manager Samantha Pezza Art Director Karli Hendrickson Assistant Art Director Meghan H. Follett Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Veatsna Sok

Letters Controversy in the Park

Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre

Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich, Ann Gallagher, Nicole Greenspun, Kristine Mangan, Dan Schwartz, Elizabeth Riel, Kimberly Tingle Classified Advertising Sue Howarth

that its residents feel and demonstrate.

I would strongly suggest that you allow the people who have spearheaded the efforts with the park be able to speak on their own behalf.

Sarah Vukovich Mycroft

Don’t Dump Old Toys To the Editor: Kudos to Elizabeth Rau for pointing out the broken and dirty toys being dumped in the fenced-in “Tot Parks.” Some are probably placed there with the idea that the toy is still “good enough” and maybe some child will play with it (even though it’s broken). Some child might try to use the toy and quickly decide that it doesn’t work and run off to play in the sand. If the plastic toy isn’t good enough for one’s own child, why put it in a playground? Put it on the curb for trash pickup day; that’s where it belongs.

How do we get these parks cleaned up and keep them clutter-free? Who puts the junk there in the first place?

It’s you, the parents! Clean up your act!

Thanks again to Ms. Rau for bringing

up the subject.

Gailia Rutan-Annaldo

On the Wing To the Editor: My bedroom window near Hope Street overlooks a jutting roof, narrow with a gutter-like shelf. A robin started to build a nest among the leaves in the eaves.

She dropped one single turquoise egg on the shingle and took off. The little treasure lay there a day and a night.

The robin came back occasionally only to fly away again. The egg stayed put. I spoke to a neighbor. “I have this azure oval jewel on my roof. What does it mean? Why did the robin give up?” The answer surprised me. “Everyone on the street has asked the same question.

There are unbroken robin’s eggs here and there all the way up the hill.

A question: Are the trucks digging up the roads disturbing the robin’s instinct to find enough harmony between their homestead and ours on the once peaceful and placid East Side? Just wondering.

Mike Fink

Contributing Writers Bob Cipriano, Michael Clark, Mary K. Connor, Jill Davidson, Mike Fink, Don Fowler, David Goldstein, Betsey Purinton, Elizabeth Rau, Dan Schwartz, Erin Swanson Interns Adam Baffoni, Jacleen Charbonneau, Sameet Dhillon, Sarah Frazier, Desiree Hodge, Courtney Melo, Alex Spiess Contributing Photographers Jonathan Beller, Katie Poor, Dan Schwartz Contributing Illustrators Ashley MacLure, Caliegh McGrath, Christina Song

Calendar announcements and news releases should be submitted by the 1st of the preceding month. We reserve the right to omit and edit items. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters without exceptional circumstances. East Side Monthly is not responsible for typographical errors. Corrections will be run at discretion of editor.

Copyright ©2013 by East Side Monthly.

All rights reserved. Printed by TCI.

The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau Presents

PROVIDENCE

Restaurant Weeks July 7-20, 2013

THREE COURSES LUNCH: $14.95 DINNER: $29.95

or look for 2-for-1 specials

For menus and more info visit

ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com or call 401.456.0200

Providence is one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations. Find out what the fuss is all about during Providence Restaurant Weeks. Choose from mouthwatering menus at nearly 100 restaurants. With three-course lunches at $14.95 and three-course dinners at $29.95, you’ll fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

For menus & reservations visit ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com

Join us for the Taste of Wayland, Saturday, July 27th!

Other Side by Barry Fain

In Full Swing Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner

Live music Tuesdays & Saturdays, 8-11pm

Stray no further than the East Side for all your summer fun

Trivia

Wayland Square 161 Wayland avenue Providence • 751-3000 www.mcbrides-pub.com follow us find us on on twitter facebook!

McBride’s Pub Complimentary parking in the Wayland Square Parking lot

Mediation Services Divorce with Dignity

Karen Silver Lovett, Esq. Experienced Mediator

Divorce, Separation, Parenting Private – Affordable

401-621-6000

KLovett@lovettlovett.com

6

East Side Monthly July 2013

A Summer Sizzler at Wayland

Wayland Square ends the month with one of the nice traditions of the summer here on the East Side. With two events, “Taste of Wayland” and “Wayland Square Sidewalk Sale,” the merchants of the square get together and help us all save money while we grab some food samples. The Wayland Square Sidewalk Sale will be held all day on Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27. The Taste of Wayland will be held Saturday only from 12-4pm, where the restaurants of the area will be offering samples.

The area from Waterman Street to Angell Street will be blocked off for both events, which will be taking place rain or shine. Sounds like a pretty good way to end the month to us.

Our Locals Act Up Big Time

Traditionally the summer arts scene here in the Ocean State shifts south, closer to the water as befits a summer-oriented vacation state like ours. But all that said, perhaps the best theatre entertainment value this month is right here on the East Side.

The Brown/Trinity Playwrights Repertory Theatre program is an absolute gem. The company will perform three original plays from July 10 to August 3. The performances are enthusiastic and state-of-the-art and the ticket prices won’t set you back much more than a flick at the Avon.

For ticket info or to make reservations, call 863-2838 or go online to www.playwrightsrep.com. Oh, and lest you’re concerned, the place is air conditioned, too.

North Main Street is Beginning to Make Some Noise

After decades of inactivity, there are rumors that the northern part of North Main Street is showing signs of life.

We’re told that a huge workout gym complete with an Olympic size (or at

Wayland Square

least very big) pool is being planned for the old Sears building. Meanwhile, plans are being made for increased use of the area where the old Rhode Island Auditorium used to be (as we say in Rhode Islandese). Now used as an alternative outdoor food market, plans are afoot to use it for concerts and other outdoor festival venues in the fall. There’s a long way to go, but it’s great to see the wheels beginning to move.

The Joke’s on Them

The summer certainly offers plenty of great entertainment that performs locally and at nearby venues like the casinos. Some great comedy is coming in and the name of one of the unheralded performers caught our eye. On July 27 at Mohegan Sun, three comedians will take over center stage. We happened to catch one of them in New York and can attest that he’s a pretty funny guy.

His name is Jordan Ferber, and if you’re looking for an up-and-comer, he may be your man. He’ll be performing with Mike Britt and Joey Novick.

Food for Thought

Dolce Gelateria opened on Wickenden Street a few weeks back and it has become a huge hit in Fox Point.

It offers homemade gelato, ice cream and fresh made waffle cones, and it already seems to have established itself as a local favorite… or is it flavorite? Meanwhile around the corner on Ives Street, Bee’s Thai Cuisine has opened in the space formerly occupied by the Ugly American. Initial reports are positive. It’s interesting that the East Side now boasts no less than five Thai Restaurants: Bees, Sawaddee, Pakarang, Lim’s and Spice Thai Bistro.

More Food for Thought

If you’re an eco-oriented East Sider, right now the only way you can recycle your food scraps is to compost in your backyard. Now a non-profit ecological group, ecoRINews, will help you do the right thing. For $32 a month, they come to your house once a month and pick up your scraps and redirect them from the overcrowded landfill to eco-organizations that can use them. Those interested in signing up should visit www.ecoRI.org/earth.

The pilot program can take up to 40 customers and hopefully will serve as a model for a larger statewide composting service.

Photography: Jonathan Beller

Wednesdays, 9pm

Wayland Square Summer Days Celebrate all that Wayland Square has to offer!

Taste of Wayland

Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, July 27th 12-4pm

Fri-Sat, July 26th & 27th All Day

Wayland Avenue will be closed from Waterman to Angell Street Rain or Shine

Life is a quilt...a tapestry of family, faces and places.

Life doesn’t end when memories fade.

AT THE HIGHLANDS, we weave the thread to sustain

life’s quilt...connecting your loved one to the precious memories of their personal story. We honor them.

We celebrate their successes. We help them maintain their abilities and pursue their passions in the most gracious and cheerful surroundings.

Learn more about how you can bring dignity, meaning and joy to your loved one’s days. Call 401-654-5259 for a private tour.

Assisted Living – Memory Care High Standards. Higher Hopes.

101 Highland Avenue (Near Miriam Hospital), Providence | HighlandsRI.com | HK|HallKeen

8

East Side Monthly July 2013

Community News Community News is a space that East Side Monthly makes available to community organizations free of charge.

The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of this publication.

Fox Point

by John Rousseau Fox Point Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 270-7121 Website: www.fpna.net Email: fpna@cox.net Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603177, Providence, RI 02906 Events This Month: FPNA will hold its Monthly Board Meeting July 8 in the Community Room at the Vartan Gregorian Bath House Library, 455 Wickenden Street.

FPNA’s Opposed Tax Increase When Mayor Angel Taveras came into office, he and Councilman Seth Yurdin did the right thing and approached FPNA and other neighborhood organizations to explain the “Hurricane Five” budget scenario. Our organization had the chance to listen to the elected officials in person as they made a case for the need to raise our property taxes.

This time, FPNA was not so lucky.

The tax increase seemingly was rushed through the Council without any similar outreach from the Mayor’s Office or Councilman Seth Yurdin’s Office. Neither elected official bothered to approach neighborhood associations to see how such an increase would affect their neighborhoods, or them personally. (Perhaps, it was coincidental that the council okayed the tax hike while the majority of FPNA’s board was on vacation.)

According to ABC News, Providence already had the third highest tax rate, before the tax increase passed in early June, more than much larger cities like New York, New York and San Francisco, California. Providence’s Nominal Rate (per $100) is $3.59 Assessment Level with a 100 percent Effective Rate (per $100), or $3.59. That compares with New York’s effective rate of $0.77.

Under the $662 million tax-andspending plan, the tax rate on owner-occupied residential property will increase to $19.25 per $1,000 of assessed value, while the rate on nonowner-occupied residential property will jump to $33.75 per $1,000. Those rates take effect on July 1, when the

new fiscal year begins.

According to Councilman Sam Zurier, one of the four councilmen to oppose the budget (Kevin Jackson, Davian Sanchez, Carmen Castillo and Sabina Matos), the impact of the tax increase on the East Side was “especially harsh.” East Side residents will pay 36% of the $7.2 million in increased residential taxes even though they own only 18% of all residential property by value, Zurrier said.

Yet, where are the city services? FPNA’s board has invited personnel with the Parks Department to review the status of Fox Point’s parks at a future meeting. Have an idea for an improvement of one of these park? Contact us at fpna@cox.net.

Gano Park Gets Mural The back of some antiquated bleachers at Gano Park were the recipient of a young muralist’s impressions of its historic past, transforming a former eyesore into a colorful piece of art.

The mural that covers a wide area of space, which can be seen from most perspectives in the park, is the work of Jay West, jjair82@aol.com.

West’s mural includes a close up of a boat amidst some rough waters, alluding to the crossing of the nearby Seekonk River by Roger Williams, Providence’s founder in 1636. West’s volunteer effort, which was approved by the Providence Department of Parks, took about two weeks to complete. The formerly dull green space was a muchused space by graffiti vandals.

You will be able to read more about that historical event when FPNA installs an historical marker at on the park’s shoreline later this summer.

FPNA’s Seekonk Shoreline Initiative at Gano Park started in 2009 with shoreline clean ups, assisted by $1,500 Earth Day Grants from the Department of Environmental Management. So far, FPNA, has received a $1,982 grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and an initial $2,500 from the Providence/Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Community Relations Fund to construct the historical marker.

The historical signage also will direct visitors across Gano Street to the visible monument at Roger Williams Landing Park, which is considered Williams’ actual debarkation point. FPNA has established a committee to pursue restoration of the 1906 plaques, which have been lost. If you have any ideas on restoration of the plaques, or would like to join our committee, contact fpna@ cox.net or by calling 270-7121.

Volunteers Top Prior Clean Up Totals This year, Fox Point’s three major parks got a tremendous boost in the number of volunteers for their spring clean ups, thanks to the relatively new Providence Partnership of Parks. The partnership, led by Director Wendy Nilsson, made it the biggest Earth Day event ever — not only in Fox Point, but also throughout the city. “We got up to 37 sites and 2,300 volunteers, despite slight showers,” Nilsson reported.

The partnership coordinated volunteer registration through Serve Rhode Island’s website, arranged for assistance with park personnel, provided small grants and energized park partners by distributing posters, t-shirts, buttons and providing publicity. If you would like to become involved in partnering with a park, contact Wendy Nilsson (wnilsson@cox.net).

Blackstone Parks

by Jane Peterson Blackstone Parks Phone Number: 270-3014 Website: www.blackstoneparksconservancy.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603141, Providence 02906 Summertime “Summertime… and the living’s easy…”

The Blackstone Parks Conservancy is humming with new volunteers and new subcommittees and activities.

There are many different ways to enjoy – and contribute to our parks. Consider the following: Pursuing Invaders If being active outdoors and working with a team appeals to you, hook up with the new Invasives Control Subcommittee. Led by managers certified in invasive plant removal by URI, the committee and small teams of volunteers tackle the unwanted plants — “superweeds” if you will - that are infiltrating the Blackstone Park Conservation District. Learn about invasive plants and the natives they displace.

Implementing a Major Matching Grant In partnership with the Providence Parks Department, the BPC is refining its plans for implementing a Recreational Trails Program Grant received for work in the center section of the Conservation District.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the Department of Transportation (RIDOT) presented the Trails Program award in a ceremony at the capitol in April in the amount of $67,320. This grant gives the Conservancy a chance to put to work lessons about erosion control learned through experience.

This is a very welcome gift with great potential. While the work made possible by the grant may be a fraction of what is needed in the long run, it will enable us to gain a meaningful foothold against erosion.

In order to meet its obligation to match the grant, the Conservancy has to raise nearly $17,000 in the community. Please consider directing your contribution to this fund.

Get Involved If you enjoy teamwork and like to be part of a going concern, several strong committees and subcommittees would welcome you: The Committees for the Boulevard, the “Park” (Blackstone Park Conservation District) and Education are highly productive. If you have an interest in design, planning or publicity, we could use your help. And we always need assistance finding and organizing volunteers.

If You Fear and Loathe Poison Ivy, Read On We need people who are either not allergic to poison ivy or who are willing to put on the disposable long gloves provided for the purpose of pulling out the dastardly plant in certain areas targeted by the Conservancy. If you are such a person, or if you know one, please contact us. Poison ivy is a native plant and a source of food for birds, but there is a limit even to ardent conservationists’ tolerance. Our compromise plan is to remove it in areas close to heavily used areas.

Everything we do is aimed at providing Healthy Urban Green Space for All. We greatly appreciate your Eastside Marketplace receipts. Please mail them to the P.O. Box above.

Summit

by Kerry Kohring Summit Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 489-7078 Website: www.SummitNeighbors.org Email: sna@sna.providence.ri.us Mailing Address: SNA, PO Box 41092, Providence, RI 02940 July 2013 East Side Monthly

9

Community News

Opinion Survey for ‘Tot Lot’ Gardens The proposal to build community gardens alongside playground equipment in the city’s “tot lot” on Summit Avenue has drawn much community support – and some opposition. The Providence Parks Department strongly backs the idea of public use of its land for growing food and has committed to participate in an upgrade of the entire tot lot to blend playground with garden.

However, the city will not move forward without neighborhood support.

Although the SNA has done opinion surveys showing support for gardens in the tot lot, some neighbors have objected. To further gauge community feelings, the SNA has worked with the Parks Department on a new survey.

The questionnaire is available on the SNA’s web site at this address: www. summitneighbors.org/ParkSurvey Both the SNA and the Parks Department urge all Summit residents to participate in the survey. The results will be analyzed to determine the future of gardening in the tot lot.

park.org Email: wendy@friendsofbrownstreetpark.org Mailing Address: 30 Pratt Street, Providence, RI 02906

Night, Day Difference in Road Work In response to complaints from area residents, the Narragansett Bay Commission has directed its contractors on North Main Street to work during the day rather than at night. At a public forum at Summit Commons in April, several sleep-deprived neighbors told NBC administrators that the beeping backup warnings on construction equipment was very disturbing. As a result of the discussion, work has been halted at night.

All Children’s theater at St. Andrew will be back for their 3rd annual performance of Treasure Island, Friday, August 9 at 1pm. Best for kids four and up, but all welcome.

The Providence Athenaeum will be bringing story hours to the park on Tuesday mornings.

Tuesday, July 9 will bring Music for Children at 10:30am with Lindsay Meehan and Lindsay Shaw. Please check out the Athenaeum website for details. www.providenceathenaeum.org.

This year, Brown Street Park will be participating in Playful Providence.

More details available at www.providenceparks.org.

Great news — Friends of Brown Street Park received a grant from the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund to do the following: 1) Pilot a new kind of volunteerism guiding folks with small signs and small actions to take care of the park and enlist a friend in doing so 2) Re-start the undergrowth in the forest and plant native plants and wildflowers with a little path and signs to educate young children Please contact wendy@friendsofbrownstreetpark.org to find out how you can donate or get involved in Brown Street Park or visit www.friendsofbrownstreetpark.org. Check the

Residents Invited to Directors Meetings The board convenes at 7pm on the third Monday of every month in the cafeteria of Summit Commons, 99 Hillside Ave. The meetings are open and neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend. Minutes of all board meetings are posted on the SNA website under “Meetings and Agendas.”

Brown Street Park

by Wendy Nilsson Friends of Brown Street Park Phone Number: 454-8712 Website: www.friendsofbrownstreet-

10

East Side Monthly July 2013

Events this Month The summer fitness schedule is available online at our website. Check out Stroller Fit for Moms, Yoga, Hybrid Training, Crossfit, Street Workout, Parkour and more. Also, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 6th Annual Celebrate Providence Neighborhood Performing Arts Series on Wednesday nights this summer. We’re excited to provide you with the line-up for Brown Street Park with our great sponsor, Whole Foods University Heights. We also secured the RISD food truck, “Rosie”, to be present at all four concerts.

July 10: RPM Voices July 24: Joe’s Backyard Band August 7: Smith&Weeden August 21: Superchief Trio

website for cancellations and updates for classes and events.

Wayland Square

by David Kolsky Neighborhood Discussion Group at Books on the Square Website: groups.yahoo.com/group/ waylandsquare Monthly Meetings Wednesday, June 26 and Wednesday, July 24, at 7pm, Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street at Elmgrove, next to CVS. Free and open to all.

Possible special meeting in June or July to consider the City budget, property taxes or a proposed dog park (see below). No date or agenda had been set by press-time, so please keep checking our website (above) or the bookstore’s Angell Street window.

City Budget and Property Taxes Although we couldn’t bring an elected or permanent official to our small but lively May 22 meeting, the residents themselves were able to exchange useful information, history and views about the recent sharp changes in East Side property taxes (usually upward).

While the City’s property values have generally fallen or stagnated between the last two valuations, the more recent one showed a faster decline on the other side of the river, shifting a greater proportion of the overall tax burden onto the East Side.

Were the overall levy stable, that would still mean some increase in East Side property taxes. However, proposed 6% increase in the City’s total budget (with few alternative revenues) further raised East Side property tax bills, while being absorbed in many other neighborhoods by an even greater drop in assessed valuation.

Various specialized changes in “homestead” exemptions for the elderly, owner-occupiers and absentee landlords, plus a changed balance between residential and commercial property-tax liability, sometimes sharpened and sometimes dulled the bite on individual taxpayers.

What seems hardest is the

suddenness of the increase, sometimes as much as $100 a month for a single retiree or beneficiary on a fixed income, but this state’s current law (unlike some others’) has no mechanism to soften the blow.

While the Wayland Square group had hoped to invite our city council members and the Mayor’s office to the May 22 meeting, that conflicted with a major public hearing that night on the same subject at city hall.

We still hope to talk to officials either at our regular June 26 meeting or at a special meeting yet to be determined at press time. (Unfortunately, that may be well after the city’s spending and taxes have been fixed for the year.)

Please watch our group’s webpage and the bookstore window for details.

Waterman Street Dog Run On May 23, a day after our own meeting on taxes, the City’s Parks Department gave a presentation at Lincoln School about a proposed new park for unleashed dogs on unused state property at the foot of Waterman and Angell Streets, between Blackstone Park, Richmond Square, the Bethany Homes and the Henderson Bridge approaches.

Parks and Recreation Director Robert McMahon estimated the cost of the fenced-in and partly-landscaped area (currently owned and managed by RIDOT, the state transportation department) to be about $75,000, to be covered from different sources including voluntary contributions. If such a park were to be built, much of the long-term burden of management would fall on the dogowners who use the park.

Neighbors raised several questions about access to the park across some of the city’s busiest stretches of road, and over winter sidewalks buried by street plowing. Other neighbors asked whether the area had enough parking and whether the park’s use could be restricted to Providence residents (who might be more likely to walk).

Another question is whether this would reduce or replace the running of unleashed dogs in Blackstone Park, on the other side of Angell Street. The Blackstone Park Conservancy worries about erosion of natural soil and vegetation, while others have had awkward encounters with seemingly uncontrolled dogs. These wouldn’t be such problems in a dedicated, fencedin area built on cleared industrial land

Community News

GIANT • SPECIALIZED • TREK • MIRRACO HARO • REDLINE • THULE • YAKIMA · · · ·

that is flatter than Blackstone Park’s.

Again, our group would like to learn more, either at our regular June meeting (if it isn’t discussing taxes) or at an as-yet-unscheduled special meeting.

More Local News Check our Yahoo! Group’s public message board (above) to stay abreast of current local events and issues. Or join the group to receive regular announcements by e-mail, including select notices of neighborhood meetings, civic affairs and cultural events.

College Hill

by Allison Spooner College Hill Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 633-5230 Website: www.collegehillna.com Email: chna@collegehillna.com Mailing Address: CHNA, P.O. Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906 Thayer Street Planning Study – CHNA Visioning Workshop At the June CHNA Board meeting, we welcomed members of the Providence Department of Planning and Development and a project consultant to discuss the Thayer Street Planning Study. Councilman Sam Zurier opened the discussion, explaining that the planning study was a required condition for approval of the 257 Thayer Street development project. The boundaries of the study extend North/South from Lloyd Street to Waterman Street and East/West from Thayer to Hope Street. The Thayer Street Planning Study committee is comprised of representatives from several community stakeholders including CHNA, Brown University, RISD, Thayer Street residents, Wheeler and the Thayer Street District Management Authority.

The team then presented an analysis of the area’s existing conditions and key issues, and a hands-on visioning exercise followed. The objective of this exercise was to have the community members offer their input, feelings, observations and ideas for the future of the Thayer Street area, which will contribute to the shape of the Draft Concept Plan. Six different workshop stations with three key questions were created for those in attendance to offer their thoughts.

Topics ranged from retail diversity, the ‘look and feel’ of future development,

streetscape treatments, parking and transit infrastructure. A general Q&A topic was also made available for questions for the Planning Department or the project consultants.

With the great number of colored post-its that marked responses peppering the questions and maps offered at each station, we view it as a successful first community exercise. CHNA offers their thanks to Brown University for providing the location space for the workshop and AV support.

BMX Bikes · Kid’s Bikes Cycling Apparel · Electric Bicycles Equipment · Computerized Fitness Equipment Bike Fitting

401·434·3838

www.EastProvidenceCycle.com 414 Warren Ave., East Providence, RI 02914

Introducing The Wurst Kitchen at Chez Pascal Small open kitchen featuring hotdogs, house made sausages and sandwiches for lunch.

For dinner enjoy sausages (served outside the bun) and small plates of delicious ideas.

Thayer Street Planning Study Public Meeting There will be a formal public meeting of the draft concept on June 26 from 6-8pm at Friedman Auditorium inside the Brown Metcalf Research Complex (190 Thayer Street). We encourage all to attend.

Crime Updates There have been reports of various types of crime throughout the East Side. CHNA will be specifically looking into the aggressive activity in the Thayer Street area, and continue to post crime updates as we receive reports. Please be proactive with home safety measures!

To report a crime, please call the non-emergency number at either 2723121 or 272-1111. If you have questions about filing a report, you may contact the Records Office at 243-6416.

Join CHNA A reminder to members to renew your CHNA membership – new members are welcome as well! Annual dues have changed slightly to $20 per year for an individual membership or $35 per year for a family. To join (or renew), visit our website, www.collegehillna. com and click “Join CHNA.” Checks may be made out to CHNA Attn: Treasurer, Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906.

Be sure to include your email and mailing address.

Councilman Sam Zurier Weekly Updates Sign up to receive informative weekly letters from Ward 2 Councilman Sam Zurier. Visit his website, www.samzurier. com, to subscribe.

More on the CHNA Website Visit www.collegehillna.com for additional updates on special use permits, crime activity, local resources, events and neighborhood activities.

Wurst Days

Tues-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm

Wurst Nights

Tues-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm

chez pascal

960 Hope Street, Providence 421-4422 • chez-pascal.com

PArty PACk

SPeCiAL

PiCk uP or DeLivery

• 2 Large Cheese Pizzas • Large Wings • 2 Liter Soda

$31.80

Call 272-2279 20 South Angell Street, Providence Wayland Square • www.minervapizza.com 257 Benefit Street

21 Rose Court

Remarkable building meticulously renovated & maintained w/ impeccable taste & quality. High ceilings, period details, hardwoods, working fireplaces, granite kitchens, central air, new electric, plumbing & more! $1,900,000

Lovely 6 bed, 5.5 bath Colonial in Freeman Parkway.

Home features over 4000 sq.ft. of living with new granite & stainless kit, 2 fireplaces, hardwood floors, sliders to patio, 1st fl lndry, central air & more. $738,000.

Debbie Gold

401-640-0403 • 225 Wayland Ave, East Side Of Providence Deborah.Gold@NEMoves.com Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society award.

2012 Greater Providence Board of Realtors Gold Award.

Relocation & Previews Property Specialist © 2012 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Owned and operated by NRT, Incorporated. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Housing Opportunity

July 2013 East Side Monthly

11

hope street!

BLAZE

BLUE COTTAGE

CHEZ PASCAL

COIffURIUM

776 Hope St., 277-2529

748 Hope St.,

960 Hope St., 421-4422

800 Hope St., 331-1115

www.blazerestaurants.com

383-7307

www.chez-pascal.com

www.coiffurium.com

This

neighbor-

Under new management. Serving

Also home to the Wurst Kitchen/

Coiffurium was selected in 2012 by

hood favorite serves delicious cre-

the best breakfast in RI 7 days a

Window, a cozy open kitchen lo-

Elle Magazine as one of the top 100

ative worldly fare and refreshing

week! Come in and try the new

cated in Chez Pascal. House made

salons in the country. Stop in and

cocktails. Lunch Tuesday thru Satur-

lunch

sausages, sandwiches and more.

see why!

day. Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday.

breakfast served all day.

CREATOYVITY

longtime

casual

menu.

Open

7am-2pm:

D’AMBRA SERVICE STATION

EAST SIDE PRESCRIPTION

fROG AND TOAD

736 Hope St., 351-5718

761 Hope St., 621-2348

632 Hope St., 751-1430

795 Hope St., 831-3434

www.creatoyvity.com

A Hope Street staple for over 60

www.eastsiderx.com

www.hopestreetprov.com

Creatoyvity specializes in quality, cre-

years, this full service station pro-

Your neighborhood pharmacy car-

A special little neighborhood shop

ative, open ended playthings from

vides exceptional customer ser-

ries a full selection of fine wine,

with an ever-changing selection

vice and expertise car repair.

craft beer and spirits. Prescriptions

that ranges from odd to incredible

filled for all health plans.

and features tons of locally-made

around the world. Free gift wrapping and great everyday pricing.

goodness.

GOURMET HOUSE

HOPE STREET PIZZA

INDIA RESTAURANT

J. MARCEL

787 Hope St., 831-3400

772 Hope St., 273-5955

1060 Hope St., 421-2600

808 Hope St., 383-9777

www.gourmethouseri.com

www.hopestreetpizza.com

www.indiarestaurant.com

www.hopestreetprov.com

The neighborhood’s most popu-

Great pizza, grinders, salads and

Come swing outside! Featuring

Name brand and designer shoes

lar authentic Cambodian and Pan

comfort food like fish and chips

garden patios with swing seats

at 40-60% off retail everyday, plus

Asian cuisine. Beautiful interior

and lasagna in a family friendly

and water fountains. New menu

great accessories!

setting. New menu includes wheat

includes summer salads and veg-

crust pizza and panini.

etarian choices.

dining room.

eat. shop. play.

On Providence’s East Side

LuLi Boutique 7 8 2 H o p e S t r e e t, p r ov i d e n c e

KITCHEN BAR

KREATELIER

LULI BOUTIQUE

PIPPA’S PAPERS

771 Hope St., 331-4100

804 Hope St., 432-7995

782 Hope St., 369-4332

780 Hope St., 331-0990

www.kitchenbarri.com

www.kreatelier.com

www.luliboutique.com

www.pippaspapers.com

Hope Street’s hottest restaurant,

Bird

offers

A fun fab funky boutique! Featur-

Custom designed monogrammed

offering

comfort

unique fabric creations for life and

ing lines Moontide Dyers, Bryn

stamps. Stationery from Paris. Art

cuisine in an elegant setting. Own-

home as well as home décor and

Walker, Luna Lutz, XCVI, Magdela-

papers from Italy. Paper arts work-

ership thanks all their patrons dur-

upholstery services and creative

na , Habitat, local artists and more!

shops, like decoupage, calligraphy

ing the street construction.

sewing workshops.

contemporary

Mobiles!

Kreatelier

and bookbinding. Custom invitations starting under $2/ea.

PIZZICO

RAN ZAN

SEVEN STARS BAKERY

SPITZ-WEISS

762 Hope St., 421-4114

1084 Hope St., 276-7574

820 Hope St., 521-2200

785 Hope St., 272-6161

www.pizzicoristorante.com

www.ranzan.net

www.sevenstarsbakery.com

www.spitzweiss.com

An award-winning Italian restau-

Ran Zan takes pride in bringing

Serving

coffee

Your friendly neighborhood real

rant serving some of the best Italian

you the colors, flavors and ambi-

along with breads and morning

estate agency. Family owned and

food with a wide variety of wine in

ance that are the hallmarks of truly

pastries, all made from scratch

operated for over 50 years. Assist-

a rustic, yet eclectic atmosphere.

enjoyable Japanese dining.

and baked fresh daily.

ing buyers, sellers and renters.

STOCK CULINARY GOODS

STUDIO HOP

THREE SISTERS

ZACKS CAMERA REPAIR

756 Hope St., 521-0101

810 Hope St.,

1074 Hope St., 273-7230

791 Hope St., 273-7247

www.stockpvd.com Stock Culinary Goods is devoted to kitchen culture, with tools, gifts and resources for those who love to cook. Now offering a wedding registry of Rhode Island and New England crafted gifts.

621-2262 Studio Hop blends contemporary fine art, jewelry and fine crafts with period furniture and jewelry.

They also feature unique wedding and engagement rings and handmade clothing.

www.threesistersri.com

www.zackscamerarepair.com

Ice cream, breakfast, coffee, baked

Old images moving or still or old

goods and lunch… all made in house

sound recordings you can’t play

with love. Get happy and healthy

anymore? Zacks can rescue and

with your Three Sisters!

convert them!

locally

roasted

Tickets $15 Now

at ProvidenceOnline.com

$25 Later at The Door

What’s ahead Major changes are coMing to east side retail By steven triedman • Photography by jonthan Beller

Retail space on the

East Side is at a premium. Yet because of the occasional “for rent” sign (and there aren’t many) some people seem to notice and get concerned. We’re happy to report some exciting upcoming changes. The reality is good things are coming to most of the East Side.

The East Side is a retail hot bed. There are over 400 stores, restaurants and coffee shops to choose from, with more on the way. Retail occupancy on the East Side is well above the national rate of 93%. Some of the areas are so hot that there are new merchants waiting for a storefront to become available.

Each area has a blend of local and national players, but it is the local character that keeps people coming and gives each area its own distinctive essence.

You could eat out every day for over four months on the East Side and never hit the same spot twice. And, you could sample food from over 18 countries. You could also go to a different hair salon or nail salon for a month without doubling up. (In New York City, you can go for 53 years without going to the same restaurant.) You have two olive oil stores, two fish stores, at least 10 places to get eyeglasses, one map store, two stores for smart children, eight liquor stores, a handful of tattoo parlors and services from massage parlors to auto parts, service and sales.

More importantly, there are very big and exciting changes coming to most of the shopping areas. An unnamed national retailer is close to inking a deal on the recently vacated Gabrielle store in Wayland Square.

On Thayer Street, the old Adesso is under renovation to become Flatbread,

an all-natural, wood-fired, clay oven pizzeria known for offering organic foods from local suppliers. Also on Thayer Street, the vacant Store 24 site will likely become a major development with stores to service Brown, the East Side and the new dorm.

On North Main Street, a major fitness chain is opening a 40,000 SF facility in the old Sears building, which has been partially occupied or vacant

retail losses: Bambini, the only baby store on the East Side, and SOMA Cigars, the very popular cigar store and lounge, which was not allowed to renew its lease by RISD. The growth reflects the changing face of today’s retail. Half a century ago, shopping in Wayland Square, Elmgrove, Hope and Thayer Streets was anchored by small, distinctive markets where shoppers knew the butcher and many

Many East Side businesses have hit the 50-year mark

for 15 years. The old Ethan Allen store has been demolished and the rumor mill has narrowed the new tenant down to either a CVS, auto parts store or a bank. The Shaw’s Plaza, below North Main Street, which makes up the majority of the vacant retail space on the East Side, has been sold to Ocean State Job Lot, which is a major draw and will likely change the complexion of the plaza.

On South Main Street another new women’s store will open next to Capucine. SoMa, as it’s becoming known, recently suffered two big

of the workers. Today, there are three supermarkets on the East Side and one that is nearby on Branch Avenue. “One of the key benefits of the local businesses is that owners have a large presence and often know their customers,” was a thought echoed across the shopping areas. “People like when you know their likes and their preferences.”

On Wickenden Street, we caught up with Charlie Samos, the owner of the building that formerly housed the Reflections Cafe, a coffee and sandwich shop that anchored the east end of the

street. When Reflections closed, he had been in negotiations with another coffee shop, but the deal never came to fruition. When we met up with him, he was meeting with a young couple who knew the area well and want to open a coffee shop. Negotiations are on-going but they would be a great addition to the street and neighborhood.

The East Side has diverse shopping areas, some small and others quite large.

Each caters to its immediate neighborhood, but because of the proximity of other neighborhoods there is extensive overlap by shoppers. Moses Brown, Wheeler, Lincoln, Brown, offices and doctors almost every day bring a large influx of non-East Side adults, children and teenagers to all of the shopping areas. And some of the smaller streets have been the most active lately.

The farmer’s market that started at Hope High has moved to the the end of Hope Street and has consistently brought new people to the area which has a trickle up effect to Wayland Square and Hope Street.

Its success has spawned the Alternative Farmers Market in the old RI Auditorium parking lot on North Main Street. “It’s big for North Main Street,” explained Peter Kamerer, owner of the Sandwich Hut and president of the merchant’s association, “and starting in September we have teamed up with the Miriam Hospital to sponsor a music festival, which we hope to grow.”

Thayer Street has a smattering of service establishments, hair salons and almost every imaginable type of food.

The area caters to young adults and students, and sees a younger, wilder crowd with numerous bars and nightJuly 2013 East Side Monthly

15

The Ocean State boasts a wide variety of fine dining establishments along with some nationally recognized restaurants.

In support of our capital city and its superb dining venues, Taco is a proud sponsor of Providence Restaurant Weeks.

This month come out and sample the three-course, prix fixe menu offerings at participating establishments. It’s a great value and it helps our economy.

www.taco-hvac.com

At Taco we believe in RI.

Family owned and operated For over 50 yearS ED

C DU

RE

84-86 EIGHTH STREET Fully rented 3 unit in great location close to Miriam Hospital and walking distance to Hope Street shops and restaurants. 2nd and 3rd floors are renovateed w/ new kitchen and baths plus gleaming hardwoods and newer heating systems. $299,000 Karen Miller

169 CONGDON STREET Stunning (c1854 ) Mansard Victorian located on the sought after college hill. Tastefully restored, staying with the charm of days gone by. State of the art kitchen, 6 beds, 2.5baths, wide plank floors & fenced yard. Taxes do not reflect homestead. $565,000 Aleen Weiss

NG

LD

DI

N PE

28 WELLESLEY AVE Wonderful bungalow, lovingly maintained with beautiful hardwood floors, unbelievable handcrafted wood work in every room. Needs some minor updating but in absolute move-in condition. Also has a newer roof, heating system and one car garage. $129,000 Aleen Weiss

49 GoVErNor StrEEt Spacious first floor two bedroom condo in a beautiful historic home.

Featuring a grand entry way, large living area, formal dining room and new kitchen with a large informal dining area with a working fireplace.

10 foot ceilings with crown molding, hardwood floors, spacious bathroom. $249,000 Karen Miller

LD

SO

121 ButLEr AVENuE Perfect for investors!

Great rental history with this 3 unit multi-family home right on the bus line a walking distance to all conveniences. Recently updated with new fire code alarm system and plenty of off-street parking. $325,000 Aleen Weiss

125 ButLEr AVENuE Spacious legal 3 family building close to all conveniences.

Investors take notice! Recently updated with new fire code alarm system, plenty of parking and very nice large units drawing tops rents. $375,000 Aleen Weiss

SO

19 KENNEDY BLVD Beautiful, Spacious 4 bedroom home located in sought after Lincoln Estates. Features large eat-in kitchen, living area with fireplace and a bonus florida room plus 1st floor laundry and a full finished basement. All situated on a well manicured half acre lot with in-ground swimming pool and two-car garage.

Just move right in! $329,500 Aleen Weiss

6 JoSEPHINE DrIVE This 2008 custom built Colonial with a wrap around farmer’s porch has tons of classic charm but is built for the modern family.

The open floor plan is great for entertaining with the action centering around a huge granite topped kitchen island. High-end finishes include stainless steal, granite topped vanities throughout, cherry hardwood floors and french doors. $629,000. Lauren Sickel

Assisting Buyers, sellers And renters Aleen WeissH Jon WeissHF Karen MillerH Claire Sennott HAlso licensed in MA

Howard Weiss Lauren Sickel

FLicensed RI Environmental Lead Inspector 0065

785 Hope Street, providence, ri • 401-272-6161 • SpitzweiSS.com 16

East Side Monthly July 2013

spots drawing people from all over.

This produces some other issues especially in terms of late night activities. Last week an 18 year-old man was critically injured in a shootout at Brook and Meeting Streets. According to the Police Supervisor, the department has at various times increased patrols, but with a freeze on overtime they are short-handed. (The College Hill Neighborhood, usually with Brown’s support, has unsuccessfully fought every liquor and late night license, but nightspots continue to flourish.)

“Retail on the East Side is extremely vibrant,” observed Stephen Lewinstein who is the dominant landlord in

Wayland Square and Thayer Street. Other building owners are also very pleased with their investments but there is some concern over the taxes which have a direct effect on rents. The mayor’s budget froze the commercial tax rate to landlord’s glee at the expense of homeowners, especially on the East Side.

There is a constant evolution, sometimes with fads and often with customers changing tastes and needs.

Trends like more health conscious eating and diets have also had an effect on the restaurant mix. Several stores have passed the half-century mark including Reliable Gold, Dorothy Williams and the Avon Theater, and many

others have been serving East Siders for over 25 years. Adler’s Hardware on Wickenden has been around for nearly a century.

The retail and restaurant climate on the East Side is healthy, eclectic and, in several areas, has new businesses waiting for a vacancy. “Wayland Square has the best mix of tenants that it has ever had,” noted Lewinstein, the landlord who oversees about 80% of the space.

A national tenant is in negotiations on the recently vacant Gabrielle space and there is no other space available.

Lim’s, the Thai and sushi restaurant which opened last year, is already expanding to the adjacent storefront.

Sidewalk Dining in Wayland Square

soMe Vacancies haVe a reason My mother used to say, “No one notices good table manners.” This corollary also holds true for busy shopping areas. So, when there are noticeably vacant storefronts, they stand out, but there is often a reason.

North Main Street on several key issues including “the transit corridor [being] disconnected from the neighborhoods; lack of pedestrian safety; poor street level attractiveness; ineffective use of space; heavy traffic and speeding; unaesthetic buildings for retail; poor street amenities and inconsistent maintenance and a lack of local businesses.” Many of these issues are slowly being addressed.

operated it until 2012 when they proposed razing the building and building a Brewed Awakenings coffee shop with a drive thru. The neighborhood responded with petitions and a massive letter writing campaign in opposition. Four hours of testimony by 61 people at the Providence Zoning Board ended this plan.

HARUKI EAST

172 Wayland Ave Providence / 223-0332 HARUKI EXPRESS 112 Waterman St Providence / 421-0754

HARUKI CRANSTON 1210 Oaklawn Ave Cranston / 463-8338

WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM

2. 1200 North Main Street

1. 653 North Main Street The space in the great old Steam Engine No. 5 Fire Station building on North Main Street and Doyle Avenue has been vacant since Miko moved out. Miko, the popular store that sold lingerie, sex toys, gifts, books, videos and accessories opened at this location in 1993 before relocating to the more mainstream (and, closer to Brown) Wickenden Street in 2007. Miko closed in 2008, but was quickly replaced by Mister Sister with a similar theme. Miko wasn’t exactly an updated version of Mrs. Robinson in Wayland Square, but it developed a loyal following and was a trendsetter in its day.

The North Main Street building is architecturally beautiful, but has several issues. It is at an extremely busy intersection (labeled especially dangerous in the City of Providence North Main Street Guidelines report) and the parking is inconvenient. The report also cited all of

Adams Drug which became Brooks Drug dominated the “big” drug store business and featured a 24 hour pharmacy that was a great niche for decades serving much of Providence and Miriam Hospital. Rite Aid took over and Walgreens opened down the street. Speculation is that Rite Aid lost 20% of their business to Walgreens, then, almost inexplicably stopped operating for 24 hours and following a minor fender bender installed high speed bumps to further hinder shoppers. The vacant store still pays rent.

Computer Consulting For Your Business or Home

4. 729 Hope Street 729 Hope Street has been vacant for so long that locals joke that there is “no Hope before Rochambeau.” Owner Heidi Liff is very optimistic that she will have a new tenant soon. “There seems to have been a surge in interest recently,” she explained, “and, I hope that within a few weeks we will be in a better position to talk. Being the only empty store is starting to bring us some interesting possibilities.”

Expert Witness Web Design Repair Training Network Admin Home/Commercial

5. 509 North Main Street

3. 398 Hope Street 398 Hope Street was built as a greenhouse in the 1890s. For decades it was the home of Clarke Flower Shop.

Schartner Farms acquired the shop and

The former Strawberries then For Your Entertainment space at University Heights is the other major available space, but due to its size and location a national retailer is the most likely occupant. While there have been some changes over the years at this plaza, this is the first large space to open up.

Richard Suls // 401.270.3785 richard@richardsuls.com www.richardsuls.com

July 2013 East Side Monthly

17

Your Wellness Oasis • • • • • • • • •

Facials Body Treatments Cosmetic Laser Massage Botox Waxing Threading Nail Treatments Make up

Grand Opening Event Sunday, June 23rd Free manicure for you when purchasing a gift card for him for Father’s Day!

Purchase Gift Cards & book online at www.spacitron.com

500 Angell Street, Providence • 401-861-0908 • www.spacitron.com

There are talks to put a new coffee shop in the old Reflections space on Wickenden

The now-vacant McCurdy’s on

h Cookin’ Just Like c t a r c S Mom Used To Make!

Meeting Street Café Breakfast All Day

Gourmet Sandwiches Homemade Soups Delicious Entrées World Famous Cookies

Now Offering

Free Delivery!

220 Meeting Street, Providence • 401.273.1066 Celebrating 40 years

1973-2013

P Design P Construction P Maintenance

Specializing in Sustainable Landscapes 401-309-6601 View our award winning work at:

northernlandscapecorp.com 18

East Side Monthly July 2013

Wayland Square has a waiting

Ives Street is a location that

list for retail spots

has seen frequent turnover

Gayle Gertler, owner of Southwest Passage which offers Native American jewelry from the Southwest, echoes Lewinstein’s comments. “We have a great base of local shops and a new store opens as quickly as one closes,” adding “I give Steve (Lewinstein) a lot of credit, he’s made Wayland Square very successful and it will continue if he can bring more local businesses in.”

It’s attention to detail that is one of Wayland Squares key to success. If graffiti appears, it is removed by a crew that has paint to match every building.

The streets are always clean. There is a mix of regulated and free parking which greatly helps the businesses.

Hope Street, despite the recent traffic nightmare, is hanging tough. The parking, or lack thereof, has had an effect on most of the businesses. The major problem has been for non immediate-area residents who go there to shop, can’t navigate around the obstructions, finally succeed and then can’t park. While talking with one of the restaurant owners, we observed the same car circle at least four times looking for a space.

You can literally see the change on Thayer Street overnight following the Brown exodus. There is still a constant din of activity, although somewhat less frenzied. Shops are small and rents are

not; it is rare to find a vacant space but there is some turnover. Restaurants with outdoor seating are patronized throughout the day and evening.

Wickenden Street has a uniquely independent character. There is virtually no national retail. There are local bars that are happy to serve the locals without letting things get too out of hand.

The original (non-chain) coffee shop is here along with trendy pizza that was trendy when trendy meant something. There are great names like Scissor Hand, Café Zog, The Duck & Bunny.

Adler’s Hardware remains a staple for its high quality selection and special services, including owners who probably know your name and Campus Liquors, a mainstay for decades is just off the thoroughfare. There are art and antique galleries but everything is a lower key. There is a nice selection of Indian, Cambodian-Thai, Japanese, Ethopian and American food.

All in all, the new retail promises a bright future. The larger spaces are clearly harder to fill, but when smaller spaces open up they don’t seem to have much problem in finding new businesses.

The major developments and changes detailed above will have significant effects on their neighbors and with any luck, some of the unique spaces will find tenants.

Summer J-Camp

JCC! e c n ia l l A at the June 24 - August 23

Find the right camp for your child at the Alliance JCC! ages 2 - 15 Sports, art, acting, animals, cooking, science, travel and so many more ways for your child to create an exciting summer full of memories!

Summer Camp Guide now available! visit www.shalomri.org Welcoming all ages, faiths, and backgrounds.

401 Elmgrove Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 www.shalomri.org The Alliance JCC is a division of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

July 2013 East Side Monthly

19

Wouldn’t it be great if you could erase years from your face without painful surgery?

You CAN! For many centuries women have been using all sorts of methods to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet on their faces.

Let your body tell you what it needs!

The Alive Academy is the Premier Health and Wellness Center in RI.

One of the safest and most effective methods of anti-aging is facial rejuvenation with

We create personalized programs for our Clients using the ZYTO Scan and additional non-invasive tests.

Acupuncture Face Lifts.

• Lifts Sagging Skin • Reduces & Eliminates Age Spots • Lifts Cheeks & Eyebrows • Stimulates Collagen • Improves the Tone of the Jaw Line • Reduces Puffy Eyes • Reduces Crows Feet This minimally invasive, non-surgical technique has been around for many years as a well kept secret in Traditional Chinese Medicine used by both men and women to stimulate collagen, as well as plump and firm the face in order to minimize and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

We specialize in:

Acupuncture Facelifts involve insertion of tiny needles (smaller than a strand of hair) into specific points on the face to “enhance” one’s appearance to a more youthful glow.

Dr. Timothy Armstrong is one of the only certified acupuncturists in Rhode Island who can do acupuncture facelifts. He guarantees to rejuvenate your skin transforming wrinkles and sagging skin into a youthful, tight complexion.

With your Prioritized Acupuncture Facial Protocol, studies have shown that results typically last about 2 to 3 years. Results may vary depending on health history and health habits. Results can be maintained and even enhanced with a healthy lifestyle and a regular monthly visit.

• Weight Loss • Anti-Aging • Pain Relief • Thyroid • Facial Rejuvenation • Nutrition • Chiropractic We can create the Body you always wanted without Medications and Dangerous surgeries.

At The Alive Academy you can expect Real Results

The ALIVE Academy New England’s Premier Health and Wellness Center

401-305-3959

541 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860

www.TheAliveAcademy.com

Family Fun

Learning for all ages at local colleges and universities

By Jacleen Charbonneau design • site plans • consulting installation • planting • hand pruning

Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University

Summer is a season

for fresh ideas and new beginnings, and with undergraduate classes out of session, local colleges have opened their doors to the public, offering a range of fun, exclusive workshops that can suit almost anyone’s taste. What’s exciting is that these schools (RISD, JWU and RIC) offer top-notch workshops at affordable prices, allowing everyone to check an item off the bucket list without having to travel very far.

Rhode Island School of Design may become one of your family’s new favorite places. Children can explore their art abilities with hands-on workshops like Tooning Around (August 8-9) and Cartooning Critters (July 22-August 2), by encouraging imaginations to come to life through the creation of pen-and-ink (and other techniques) cartoon characters. However, if drawing is not in your child’s taste, make sure to check out workshops like Architecture: Fantasy Play Space (July 22-August 2) where kids can create building models based on their original ideas after exploring the city of Providence. Back to the Future: Time Machine Challenge (July 8-19) also integrates exploration and building as children are encouraged to create a project based off of old cultural artifacts.

For mom and dad, a number of adult workshops are offered at RISD as well.

Traditional art courses like Oil Painting (July 20-21) and Acrylic Painting (July 27-28) are available to help you discover or brush up on (no pun intended) your inner Picasso. However, if your favorite form of art is in the art of food, spend your evening at Affordable French Wines (July 18), taught by French wine scholar Jo-Ann Ross. Here you will learn of the affordable alternatives to expensive wines, along with the many dinner choices that will suit them, making each dinnertime an opportunity for a masterpiece. For information on age range and pricing, visit www.ce.risd.edu or call 454-6200.

Speaking of food, what better university is there to take cooking classes at other than Johnson & Wales University? Specifically referred to as Chef’s Choice classes, JWU’s summer classes focus on unique categories of cooking, even catering to those with special diets. If you or someone in your family is diabetic, don’t miss Diabetic

401-742-1895

robertalanmatthews.com

G R O U N D F L O R A

e x t e r i o r

d e s i g n

consultation installation maintenance Bring out your inner chef at Johnson & Wales University

Cookery Nutrition (July 30). This class guarantees a fresh twist in diabetic cooking, eliminating the dry, uninteresting food and incorporating fresh, new recipes that will appeal to just about anyone. Those who are gluten-free also understand the limited flavorful foods that are available for such a diet.

However, at Gluten-Free - Pro-Series (July 16), students will be able to enjoy their old favorite foods again as they learn to cook gluten-free recipes that mimic those of their pre-gluten-free days.

To break away from the shorter length programs, summer camps are available through JWU as well. Chef’s Choice for Kids Summer Camp (ages 8-12) will be held three separate weeks, each holding a different theme. During week one (July 8-12) children will learn a variety of recipes and cooking skills related to topics such as healthy snacking, pizzas, pies and cookies and even the fun trend in baking: cake pops. Week two (July 22-26) offers more unique snacks and dishes like pastries, no-bake treats (like salsa) and even sashimi. Students can explore different cultural dishes during week three (August 5-9) by cooking and tasting famous flavors from around the world including Africa, Asia and the Middle East. All three weeks of camp will end with each student cooking for his or her person of choice. Keep in mind that space is limited for all of

JWU’s summer classes and camps. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.jwu.edu.

Rhode Island College is also offering a range of summer camps that will get your child educated in a new atmosphere, keeping the fun in summer break. If your child enjoys the art of writing, he or she can learn unique, creative writing skills at R.I. Writing Program (RIWP) Summer Writing Camp (July 15-26), held for kids and teens of all ages. A group anthology will be composed and published as a final project. For kids ages six through 12 who want to spend more time outside, Nature Camp (July 8-August 2) may be the right fit. This camp involves more summery activities such as hiking and exploration, as well as interactive teachings about the life of nature’s furry creatures. For more information, visit www.ric.edu/summeryouthprograms.

So make sure to keep your child’s lunchbox aside this summer because you may find yourself packing a lunch or two. With a rich variety of affordable classes and camps offered just minutes away from home, it may be hard to find a reason not to get your child out and active. And for you?

Round up some friends for an evening to taste some wine or paint a picture; you deserve it. Who said summer break was just for students?

EUGENIE J. NAJJAR 401.331.1332

Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors

Celebrating 44 Years

We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler Audi • Lexus • Infinity • Ford Volkswagen • Honda • BMW Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes • Mini Prosche • Ford • General Motors Mazda • Saab • Volvo • Hyundai Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi

ASE Certified RI inspection and repair station #27b

401-723-1111 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

729 East Avenue

Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid

July 2013 East Side Monthly

21

P o x i nt o F Your Local Beer is Here

Introducing

the hot shave…

And other fine services

Extraordinary Hand-Made Ceramics

Benefit's Best Kept Secret!

Autumn's

Café & Catering Gourmet

SandwicheS • SaladS • SouPS

®

G BREWIN

a gentleman’s barber shop

of

D E ISLAN RHOD

WESTERLY, RHODE ISLAND

351-2200 404 Benefit Street, Providence

91 Hope street Providence, RI 02906 (401) 400-5500

Madeira Liquors

autumnscafeprovidence.com

Mon-Sat 10am-10pm chez-moustache.com

174 Ives Street • 272-5911

FREE bottle of water w/ menu purchase and this ad (exp. 7/31/13)

Thousands of Great Movies to Rent

2 Eggs, Home Fries & Toast $2.99 Hand-cut steak and cheese Allie’s Donuts (Fri-Sun) Bliss Ice Cream

acme 137 Brook St., Providence • 453-2263 Mon-Sat 12pm-10pm

Three Wheel Studio

436 Wickenden Street • 451-2350 threewheelstudio.com Mon-Wed 11-5:30 • Thur-Sat 11-6 Sun 12-5

EAST SIDE CREAMERY & DINER WiFi

170 Ives St. Providence 865-6088

Mon-Thur 7am-10pm Fri-Sat 7am-11pm • Sun 7am-5pm

LEGEND BICYCLE F o x P o i n t ’s N e i g h b o r h o o d B i k e S h o p Bicycle Sales /Service/Rentals L a y ‘o t h e L a n d M a p s

Tues. - Fri 10-7 Sat. 10-6 Sun. 12-5

To u r i n g / C o m m u t i n g g e a r

THAI CUISINE

270 Wickenden Street Providence 401-944-0707

167 Ives Street, Providence Open 11:30am-9:30pm Daily 401-273-2727

Nominated Best Erotic Boutique in U.S., AVN Awards 2012

Mister Sister Erotica

IK

B

A

Y

B

E

PA

TH

More Toys than the Devil has Sinners

Mon 12pm-8pm, Tue-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-5

w w w.legendbic ycle.com

E AS

T

Everything for the Transportation Cyclist and Urban Explorer

BEE’S

181 Brook Street Providence 401.383.3070

268 Wickenden Street, Providence • 421- 6969 •

by Don Fowler

If

Photography: Steven Richard Photography

thoughts about saving money, getting on an airplane or traveling to big cities have you thinking about staying close to home this summer, there is a busy, bold and bright summer theatre season awaiting you right here in Rhode Island.

Brown/TriniTy PlaywrighTs rePerTory ProducTions Each summer, Brown University teams up with Trinity Rep to perform myriad original and well-known plays. From July 10-August 3, the joint theatre company will be putting on three new productions: Melena: A High Energy Drama by playwright Emily Young, is the first installment of the Brown/Trinity trifecta.

Beginning July 10, this drama portrays Melena, a bride who has unfortunately, or is it willfully, forgotten her wedding vows. Her and her soon-to-be husband throw everything at each other in a drastic attempt to stay together, but will they?

The Hunchback of Seville, premiering July 17, takes us back in time to Spain’s conquest of the New World and the atrocities that follow. Written by comedic genius Charise Castro Smith of The New Dramatists based in New York City, the play depicts a hysterical image of Queen Isabella’s imaginary family.

With the tagline “Faith is a journey.

Not a destination,” The Gospel of Lovingkindness by Brown’s own playwright professor Marcus Gardley focuses on a reverend’s battle with his own optimism that things will turn around in his troubled neighborhood in south Chicago.

The violence that surrounds his shrinking congregation and hardships that befall his family comes to a climax when Reverend Seer must choose between his hope that things will improve and his prodigal son. This production hits the stage on July 24. Reserve your tickets by calling 863-2838, or online at www. playwrightsrep.com TheaTre By The sea Bill Hanney’s Theatre by the Sea will feature oldies but goodies: First up is Andrew Llyod Webber’s musical CATS. Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Broadway’s longest running musical

BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER

Summer theatre season kicks into high gear

MERCEDES BENZ

VOLKSWAGEN

MINI

EXPERT AFFORDABLE SERVICE

BMW AUDI PORSCHE MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER For:

Courtesy drop-off to downtown.

G

E R M A N

MO

Sales &

T O R S

INC

Service

879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 0290 401-272-4266

Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI PORSCHE

Busy, Bold, Bright

AUDI

BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER

BMW

DentPlus Dental Center

Providence Media • Veneers • Crowns Spot ads: 2.125" x 2.875" • Dentures May 20, 2013

• Family Dentistry • Tooth Whitening

July 10, 2013 Providence Monthly, August Iss in and Schedule an July Issue May 29, 2013Come East Side Monthly, appointment today!

June 4, 2013 Bay Magazine, July issue Where you’ll always find the brightest SMILES! Your DownCity General and Cosmetic Specialist 2nd Story Theatre presents The Mousetrap in repertory with The Murder Room

makes yet another trip to Rhode Island June 19-July 13. One of the best songs ever to come out of a musical is “Memory,” which still gives me goose pimples.

Starting July 17-August 10 is Annie, another musical that has made its appearance in Rhode Island at least a dozen times. Chances are you will start humming “Tomorrow” when you read this. Reserve your tickets by calling 782-8587, or visiting www.theatrebythesea.biz. newPorT Playhouse & caBareT The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant opened its 30th summer season in May with James Sherman’s Beau Jest.

Sarah is a Jewish girl whose parents have no idea that her real boyfriend is a WASP executive. Sarah even hires a man from an escort service to present to her family when they come to dinner.

The comedy plays through July 7.

Beginning shortly after Beau Jest’s final showing, Jesse Jones’ The Hallelujah Girls will be in Newport July 11-August 18. This southern comedy takes place in an abandoned churchturned-day-spa, where the girlfriends meet every Friday afternoon. When they lose a dear friend, they decide to change their lives and achieve their dreams – with hilarious results. For reservations to evening and matinee performances, with buffet and cabaret,

call 848-7529, or visit them online at www.newportplayhouse.com.

2nd sTory TheaTre Ed Shea’s 2nd Story Theatre has a “killer” summer treat, offering Agatha Christie’s classic The Mousetrap in repertory with Jack Sharkey’s parody of whodunits, The Murder Room. The two plays will run from July 5-September 1 at their Market Street theatre in Warren.

The Mousetrap is “the longest running play in the world,” and although I’ve seen it more than once, I can’t for the life of me remember who did it.

The hilarious spoof, The Murder Room, depicts two newlyweds who already want to kill each other – literally. Individual tickets are $25, or you can see both plays for $40. Call 2474200 for reservations, or go online at www.2ndstorytheatre.com. ocean sTaTe TheaTre comPany After a successful opening season, Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company is planning one musical for this summer – the 2007 Broadway hit Legally Blonde.

Everyone will enjoy the music, dancing and light-hearted comedy. It is scheduled to run from July 10-28 at their new theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Blvd. Purchase tickets online at www.oceanstatetheatre.com, at the box office or by calling 921-6800. Tickets range from $39-$49.

66 Kennedy Plaza Providence www.dentplus.net | 401-454-3000

Furniture Repair & Refinishing BILODEAU’S Rt. 44 N. Dighton, MA 508-252-6456

bilodeausfurniture.com

Recommended by Leonard’s Antiques

REaL WoRLd Dog Training FoR LiFE

Listen to Jeff’s radio show

Every Saturday 9-11am Jeff Gellman 401.527.6354 Jeff@SolidK9Training.com SolidK9Training.com

July 2013 East Side Monthly

23

World class medical imaging...focusing on you.

Rhode Island Medical Imaging combines nationally and internationally recognized doctors with the newest imaging technology, including the only two state-of-the-art 3T MRI systems in a community setting.

You and your doctor can be confident in our team of highly trained radiologists, whose diagnoses impact the direction of your care.

You have a choice in your imaging provider.

Ask your doctor to send you to the premier radiology group in Rhode Island.

速

401.432.2400

w w w. r i m i r a d . c o m

The trolley stop across from Swan Point Cemetery is an entertainment hotspot come summer

Weight gain?

Low Energy?

Brain Fog? Hair Loss?

Studies show it could be your thyroid

The Boulevard summer concert series begins this month

By Barry Fain If you’re a dinosaur

like me who grew up as a child on the old East Side, the trolley station across from the entrance to Swan Point Cemetery has always been a special place of mystery. As kids, it was a place for secret meetings, hide and seek and pivotal destinations for impromptu snow ball fights.

Over the years, the building fell into disrepair, something that actually added to the allure of the place for many of us. A few years back, however, through the determined efforts of preservationists and most specifically the Blackstone Park Improvement Association, sanity returned and the building was restored. Now, the old trolley station is a true work of art. Even better, it is now being used for a focal point for special East Side activities, especially in the summer. Perhaps the best event is beginning this month with a series of five outdoor concerts that will run into August. Better still, all five concerts will feature home grown talent from right here in Providence and the East Side.

Called “In Concert with Nature,” the first concert takes place on June 19.

The schedule: June 19: Classical High School Jazz and Classical music groups.

July 10: The Tish Adams QuartetBlues and Jazz.

July 24: Latin Jazz Featuring Wendy Klein

August 7: Motown Lead by Allan Raskin, MD, an East Side resident who also directs the Classical High School Jazz Ensemble.

August 21: Miss Wensday & the Cotillions, one of the area’s most provocative and entertaining groups.

There are several East Side elements to this series, in addition obviously to its location, that make it a uniquely Providence event. First off, most of the featured entertainers are East Siders, each of whom boasts an enthusiastic following of music lovers who will attest to their individual artistry. All are professionals, save for the Classical High students, which leads to another interesting story.

Longtime Blackstone Boulevard residents Sandra and Richard Bornstein have always had a special place in their charitable giving for both music and Classical. A proud Classical alum himself (class of ’67), Richard got involved five years ago, when it became apparent that high school music programs in Providence were about to succumb to educational cutbacks. The Bornsteins generously agreed to provide the funds to ensure Classical could maintain its music program. To date, their donations have supported a school choir, an orchestra and a jazz ensemble, the latter of which will kick off this year’s trolley festival. Their skills will be on display during the first concert.

Providence based professionals Tish Adams, Wendy Klein, Allan Raskin and Miss Wensday will perform in the subsequent concerts. All are well respected within the local musical community, which explains the success of the series as it continues to expand.

The series is the outgrowth of volunteer efforts begun five years ago by the Blackstone Parks Conservancy. It’s a group that has been working in partnership with the City of Providence since 2000 whose objective is to maintain and enhance Blackstone Boulevard and the Blackstone Park Conservation District, the 45-acre park that runs along River Road.

For the concert itself, the Conservancy rents out 100 chairs for each concert, provides police support and even invites food trucks to add to the festivities. Picnic dinners, lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged as well for this family friendly event. In the past, some 300 attendees have made the series something special. Butler Hospital has generously supported these concerts from the beginning. Miriam was a co-sponsor last year.

Gale Aronson is the concert producer and is chairperson of the Blackstone Boulevard Committee under the Blackstone Parks Conservancy.

Jane Peterson is the President. For more information visit www.blackstoneparksconservancy.org

In your appointment you will learn: • How to lose the weight for good & become lean for life!

• How to slow & possibly reverse hormonal aging • How taking iodine can actually put you into a “Thyroid Storm” • How to overcome your symptoms, naturally & successfully • How to regain your mind, energy & health

Our proven 3 step program works!

Look and feel better today!

$50 OFF your consultation and tests!*

*When you mention you saw us in East Side Monthly Expires 8/1/13

The ALIVE Academy Health & Wellness Center 541 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket (401) 305-3959 www.TheAliveAcademy.com

July 2013 East Side Monthly

25

shop local cook american... with a french soul

Art

by Erin Swanson

Rising Up from the Dirt The queen of the palace brings her puppets to Craftland

a place to go, to eat, to see, to hang out

Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking

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

Private Sailing charter Full Day Charters Block Island Bound Weekend for 2 Birthdays Special Occasions Reunions

Aboard “Victoria” Beautiful 42’ Sailing Ketch

~ Sailing from ~ EaSt grEEnwich

Peter B. Dupré U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain

401.742.3978 SailBlueLobster.com 26

East Side Monthly July 2013

Crab Theater

Xander Marro is an iconic figure on the Providence art scene; with humble beginnings as a self-described “pain-inthe-ass punk kid,” she went on to cocreate The Dirt Palace and later served as managing director of the AS220 empire. This month, she exhibits new works of prints, puppets and paper mâché in Foot Apple Parade at Craftland.

You heard right: prints, puppets and paper mâché. There’s no genre too big and no media too small for this whirlwind of creative energy. “I work in printmaking, puppetry, installation, quilt-making, costume and set design, performance, video, film, animation, diorama and at the bottom of it all, drawing, writing and collage,” Marro explains.

“I used to do more with sound, but I’m sort of retired from that.”

It’s only been about a year since she’s been freelancing, and the majority of that work involves installation – making figures and props to create spaces that evoke a certain feeling. “I aspire to make work that is an antidote to the myriad forces that quietly urge us to dehumanize each other, and I think the only way that I can do this is with some level of comedy.”

It’s that light-hearted spirit of cultivating individuality that seems to govern The Dirt Palace, a feminist art space in Olneyville, which she co-founded in 2000. “The Dirt Palace is a place that most people hunker down at for a couple of years, but Pippi [Zornoza] and I as co-owners have taken it on as a bit of a life project. It’s been around for so long,” it’s seen as a bit of an institution.”

Marro says that by design, The Dirt Palace is driven by the collective efforts of the people who are there at any given time. “While there is a like-mindedness around art and feminism – and the need to maintain and develop the space physically – the point is really to create conditions where we can continue developing as artists and engage as sanely as possible in the never ending project of growing as human beings.”

The artist’s own personal evolution found her running an arts organization she’s been involved with since the ‘90s.

“I first went to AS220 to see a hardcore show in 1995… I applied to live there [as an artist in residence] at some point around 1997 but got rejected. I kept hanging around, going to shows, volunteering, getting drunk and pissing

off donors at the Fools Ball,” she says with a laugh. “I eventually grew into an adult with job skills that could serve the organization.”

In 2007, Marro applied for the managing director position. “I think they took a big risk in hiring me,” she says, “but Bert [Crenca] knows what he’s doing. At the time, they were growing like crazy, and having someone in leadership who deeply understood the roots, had a long history with many of the programs and players and had a certain amount of underground cred was actually less risky than hiring a career not-for-profit type.”

Morro resigned from the position in May of 2011, yearning the freedom to delve into her studio practice in the way that she’d always aspired to do.

“I’ve been fantasizing since I was a kid about making entertainment for children, so I’ve been stockpiling ideas for characters, sets, stuff like that… [At the Craftland show] there will be a bunch of prints for sale and probably some puppets and puppet theaters too. I’m going to let loose.” Foot Apple Parade runs through July 20. 235 Westminster Street, Providence. 272-4285, www. craftlandshop.com.

A Providence Original

10 Years In The Making...And We’re Just Getting Started

Enjoy the many flavors of Mill's...

• $29.95 Three course Tavern Menu • Happy Hour Raw Bar • Chef's Table • Small Bites Menu • Private Dining Room • Complimentary Valet • Wine Flights • Expanded Selection of Fine Wines • Now Serving Summer Seasonal Menu For reservations visit:

millstavernrestaurant.com

401.272.3331 101 N. Main Street, Providence

Bring your sunglasses and your appetite.

Enjoy lunch, dinner, & Sunday brunch al fresco in beautiful Wayland Square.

For reservations visit:

redstriperestaurants.com

401.437.6950 465 Angell St. in Wayland Square, Providence Open Sunday, including Brunch from 10am - 3pm

m Within

”

rovidence area

come to us!

Spotlight

u 4

by Dan Schwartz

SAvINg Up TO 70% Off ReTAIl pRICe

m

New, Refurbished and Scratch & Dent Appliances

Stainless Refrigerators Ranges • Washers & Dryers Built-In Refrigeration Cooktops & Wall Ovens Dishwashers

TRAINING

special advertising section

Kitchen Guys A hidden gem among appliance stores

416 Roosevelt Avenue, Central falls • 401.723.0500 • www.kitchenguys.com

INSPIRED

PERSONAL

TRAINING

Get In Shape! $12 CLaSSeS, 6 for $60 Mat Pilates Zumba Water Workout

TRX Belly Dancing Yoga

Boot Camp Cardio Kickboxing Circuit Training

For class schedule visit: bodysoultraining.com Lisa Mongeau 401.714.7324 • lisa@bodysoultraining.com

g.com

Dr. David A. Vito Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow Dr. J. Lawrence Norton Dr. Matthew D. Doyle Dr. Michael R. Martinez

Leader’s in Eye Care Since 1927

• Emergencies Seen Immediately • Same Day Appointments Often Available • Evening and Weekend Hours Available

• • • • • •

Glaucoma Macular Degeneration Cataract Diabetic Eye Disease Designer Glasses Specialty Contact Lenses

Official Eye Care Provider of the Providence Bruins

331-2020 • AdvancedEyeCareRI.com • 780 North Main Street, Providence

We Understand Your Desires

day 10-6, 4.

fine clothiers

hair.com

Let your fellow East Sider help you navigate the

200 South Main St. Providence 401.453.0025 • www.marcalleninc.com • theclubchair.com

buying or selling process

Tuesday–Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4 • Mondays by appt.

Your neighborhood is special to you – it is to me too!

I am a Realtor, and your neighbor.

Call today for a complimentary home analysis!

Licensed in MA &RI • Certified Home Stager

401-714-1644 Marian Luke |marian@marianluke.com 28

East Side Monthly July 2013

Is your kitchen in

need of a new microwave, dishwasher or refrigerator? Well lucky you, because Kitchen Guys currently has an oversupply of these appliances in their teeming showroom. Their entire selection of new, used and refurbished appliances are up to 70% off the retail price.

Go ahead, that gleaming Thermador Fridge and Viking Duel Fuel Range are within your budget. Business owner and East Side resident Michael Gaffin has over 30 years of experience in kitchen design and residential appliances. With his knowledge you will get the right model at a terrific price. “It’s all about the savings here,” he explains.

Kitchen Guys has a warehouse feel with mazes of high-end refrigerators, gas and electric ranges, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, cook tops, washers/dryers, ice machines and wine refrigerators. The atmosphere is pretty eclectic (Michael has a large fossil and mineral collection in his office that visitors can view) and his knowledgeable team can assist you in getting just what you need. All of the appliances come with a 90-day warrantee and they service what they sell. Time to dump that dated refrigerator for a beautiful Electrolux ICON with its bright “Theatre Lighting.” You’ll be beaming when you see the price is half of what you’d pay at the big box store. His auxiliary 8,000 square foot warehouse is packed – with triple racks – of appliances. We’re talking serious selection.

Most appliances are stainless steel models, plus there are a large number of washer/dryer units including the Electrolux Steam Washer. “I have the latest and the greatest,” Michael says.” You’ll see top brands like Thermador and Jenn-Air. Kitchen Guys is one of only two stores of its kind in New England and people drive from all over to see his selection. They can arrange delivery and installation if needed. Visit weekdays between 9am and 5pm or on weekends by appointment. Head to their website to view a portion of their appliances online. “Every client we have is our most important,” Michael says. Come experience great service and the best prices at Kitchen Guys.

Kitchen Guys

416 Roosevelt Ave, Central Falls 723-0500 / www.kitchenguys.com

Spotlight

by Dan Schwartz

The Alliance JCC A sparkling pool and summer programs for all

special advertising section

Indoor Pool | Fitness Center | Basketball Gym Group Exercise & Yoga Classes | Spin | ZUMBATM Early Childhood Center | Afterschool Programs Summer Camp | Art Gallery | Computer Lab Creativity Center | Educator Resources Community Events and so much more!

ALL ARE WELCOME!

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 | www.shalomri.org

Beautiful Pre-Owned Jewelry

Photo: Alisa Grace

The issue with most gyms is while they have strengths in particular areas, they usually lack a certain few amenities. The Alliance JCC has it all: an extensive state-of-the-art fitness center with a multitude of machines, group exercise programs, a full basketball court and a beautiful four lane heated pool. The pool space has recently undergone a series of upgrades, so now is a great time to come and take a dip. The Alliance JCC is open to everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish. Day passes are available, or they have discounted summer memberships good through Labor Day. The pool facility is open Monday through Thursday 5:30am–8:30pm; Fridays 5:30am–6:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays 7:30am–5:30pm. Call their fitness desk for information about aquatic exercise classes and open lap swim schedules.

For the kids, The Alliance JCC has a terrific lineup of weeklong summer camp programming for children ages 2 - 15. The camps continue throughout August and admission is rolling week-to-week. You can sign up your child for a general camp program one week and then switch to a sports specific camp the next.

It is all about the breadth of options here: robotics, basketball, soccer, theatre, young adventurers, travel camp... you name it. All the different camps include swimming. The Early Childhood Center also utilizes the pool, so any child enrolled in their preschool or after school programs will learn to swim using the American Red Cross methodology. Alliance JCC Controller Daniel Hamel says, “The preschool kids get to use the pool on a daily basis. It’s a real benefit.”

The vibe at the Alliance JCC is family friendly and inclusive. This year two Israeli summer camp counselors will be here to help lead the counselors-in-training to develop team games for the kids. The overall mission for the programming is collaboration, where the campers work together to accomplish goals while doing joint activities. Camp groups of all ages get together everyday for a communal lunch. Contact the Alliance JCC, or look online, to plan an enriching summer for yourself and your child. Welcoming all ages, faiths and backgrounds!

The Alliance JCC

401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence 421-4111 / coming soon…www.jewishallianceri.org

437-8421 • 1271 North Main Street, Providence 273-7050 • 358 Broad Street, Providence

Now offering the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method “After a week of treatment, all the pain was gone...

I recommend Dr. Tom to everyone I know.” – J.T.

Northeast Chiropractic Dr. ThomaS moriSon, ChiropraCTiC phySiCian

401-861-1300 • 187 Waterman Street • www.wickedgoodposture.com

T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc. Ornamental and Shade Tree Specialists • fine hand pruning • tree preservation • hazard tree removal • tree evaluation & diagnosis • shade and specimen tree planting 401-331-8527 • www.tomstreecare.net July 2013 East Side Monthly

29

Spotlight

special advertising section

JULY SPECIAL

FREE

Graphic Design* * With purchase of stationery or note card package.

Must be presented at time of purchase.

Offer expires 07/31/13.

102 Waterman Street • Providence, RI p:401.421.5160 f:401.272.0686 allegraprovidence.com

P R O V I D E N C E

P R O

Allegra Print and Imaging Direct mail with a kick

Advocacy and Caregiving To Enrich The Lives Of Seniors

Creating personalized care plans to help maintain daily routine and lifestyle

401.641.0991 Serving All Of Ri And Southeastern MA

Technology has made marketing more scientific. Smartphones have increased interaction, software makes it easier to measure results and social media makes nearly everything shareable. However, despite growth in new channels, consumers have a preference for direct mail – and that can’t be ignored. While direct mail response rates have dipped, they still deliver the Introducing the Blow Out Bar at Aidile’s best results.

No Appointment Necessary “The future of marketing is multi-channel,” Ted Stein says, owner of Allegra Open 7 Days • Walk-ins Welcome in Providence. “But direct mail has that universal reach that other channels Wednesday Special: Mani/Pedi $25 don’t, and it’s not going away.” Don’t forget the basic keys of marketing success: relevance, timing, the right audience and the right offer. Below are 401.434.3665 • 53 Waterman Avenue some marketing tactics you can use once your strategy is set.

East Providence • www.aidiles.com Variable Data Printing: “Think of VDP as adding relevance to your message,” Stein says. “Personalization is more than a name. You can also custom-Windows -Siding ize images and offers which get uniquely delivered directly to your target.”

-Roofing -Doors Offers: “Success of a mail piece is based 40% on the list, 40% on the offer Owners -Skylights Bruce Schulbaum We specialize in Wood replacement windows and 20% on creative,” Stein says. The 40/40 portion is most important, be& John W. Mills III • Windows • Doors 30 Years in Business! approved by the Providence Historic Commission -Windows cause you have to get the audience and the offer right before you can create • Siding • Skylight -Siding Free No Pressure ACCREDITED • Roofing 2012 -Roofing or execute a piece.

-Windows BUSINESS Estimates -Siding-Doors -Windows in less thanOwners 1 Hour A Division of Venture Window LLC PURLs/Landing Pages: A personal experience can be powerful by in-Siding • Brand names you can trust -Roofing -Roofing -Doors-Skylights Bruce Schulbaum -Windows We specialize in Wood replacement windows • Installation by our own crews corporating PURLS, QR codes and other two dimensional mobile barcodes Owners One of the largest showrooms -Doors -Siding -Skylights -Brand names Owners you trust We specialize & John W. Mills Bruce can Schulbaum in Wood replacement windowsIII 401-273-3600 approved by the Providence Historic Commission -Roofing in New England -Skylights &our Johnown W. Millscrews IIIWe specialize Bruce Schulbaum • 100% available -Installation byFinancing in Wood windows approved by replacement the Providence Historic Commission -Doors when used correctly.

To deliver on a great offer, try links to informative vid& John W. Mills III Owners approved by the Providence Historic Commission -Skylights -100% Financing Bruce Schulbaum available We specialize in Wood replacement windows 401-273-3600 & John W. Mills III approved by the Providence Historic Commission eos or some type of reward, such as a free trial or exclusive discount.

VentureWindow.com 859 N Main St Providence RI Free No Pressure ACCREDITED Free No Pressure No Pressure ACCREDITED ACCREDITED BUSINESS Estimates ACCREDITED FreeEstimates BUSINESS BUSINESS Estimates Physicality: The brain fires more rapidly when touch is involved. Physical2012 in lessinthan less1than 1 Hour A Division of Venture Window LLC BUSINESS A Division of Venture Window LLC less1inHour than Hour A Division of Venture Window LLC One of the largest showrooms -Brand names you can trust ity, via a thicker piece of paper or a peel-off sticker, leaves a stronger impresin New England -Installation by our own crews One the largest showrooms One of theof largest showrooms -Brand names you can trust -Brand names you can trust -100% Financing available 401-273-3600 inEngland New England in New A Division Venture Window LLC sion on the brain. You’ll get a higher engagement factor. Direct mail offers -Installation own crews -Installation byby our own crews VentureWindow.com 859 N Mainwindows St Providence RI We specialize inour Wood replacement approved by the Providence Historic of Commission -100% available -100%Financing Financing available 401-273-3600 401-273-3600 VentureWindow.com 859859 N Main St Providence RI One VentureWindow.com N Main St Providence RI of the largest showrooms what other channels do not, including the best response rate. “No matter the -Brand names you can trust in New England -Installation by our own crews tactic, use the direct mail channel to its greatest strength,” Ted adds.

-100% Financing available We service and repair ALL Ted Stein is the owner of Allegra in Providence. He consults with busiVentureWindow.com Main St Providence RI nesses and organizations about their strategic marketing initiatives. Stein foreign859 andNdomestic models has been helping businesses develop their print communications and other • ASE Certified promotional tools for more than 19 years. For information, visit the com• RI inspection and repair station #27b pany’s website at www.allegraprovidence.com.

Replacement Windows for Every Budget

2012

2012 2012

859 North Main Street • Providence, RI Free No Pressure

Estimates www.VentureWindow.com in less than 1 Hour

Tomasso Auto

401-273-3600

Swedish Motors

Tip of the Month Don’t wait for the hot weather to arrive. Now is the time to check your air conditioning system in the event that it may need work.

30

East Side Monthly July 2013

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

729 East Avenue • 401-723-1111 (Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid)

Allegra Print and Imaging 102 Waterman Street, Providence 421-5160 / www.allegraprovidence.com

JJ’s

FLOOR

COVERING

OUTLET

FlooR CoveRing FoR All BudgetS

Never Pay Full Price Again!

Free In Home estImates Professional installation • Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Wood

100 REBATE

$

• Marble • Granite • Vinyl

ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES OF HUNTER DOUGLAS MOTORIZED WINDOW FASHIONS.*

30 Years In Business!

Featuring Brands Like:

CARRying

Wool Carpeting & Stair Runners

JUNE 15 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades

Easy does it.

One tap gets your day in motion.

Hunter Douglas motorized window fashions can be controlled by remote, wireless wall switch or the Hunter Douglas Platinum™ App. With the app and your Apple® mobile device, you can easily set your window fashions to operate automatically.** Ask for details today.

• Glen eden • royal Dutch • antrim Carpets • Godfrey Hirst • stanton

Blind King

425 Atwells Ave Providence RI M: 8:00-500, T-W: 8:00-5:00, Th: 8:00-7:00, F: 8:00-5:00 Sat : 8:00-1:00/ Closed on Sunday) 401-521-1611 blindking.hdwfg.com

Why Wool?

Stain Resistant • Durable Ages Gracefully

1874 Fall River Ave (Rt 6) • Seekonk, MA (508)336-4860 • www.jjsfloors.com

* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions with the PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized system made 6/15/13 – 9/3/13 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A minimum purchase of two units is required for select styles; if you purchase less than the minimum, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **Additional equipment is required for app operation; ask for details. ©2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

35259

11 Clarendon ave, east side Mls# 1039452

257 Benefit St, eaSt Side – MLS# 1024424

283 Benefit St Unit f – MLS# 1004897

Lovely 2 bed, 1.5 bath Colonial w/ hardwoods, fenced in yard, garage and much more! $274,900

Remarkable building meticulously renovated & maintained w/ impeccable taste & quality. High ceilings, period details, hardwoods, working fireplaces, granite kitchens, central air, new electric, plumbing & more! $1,900,000

120 South Angell St unit# 5, eASt Side MlS# 1035039

102 LaureL ave, east side MLs# 1041051

15 Constitution Hill, East sidE Mls# 1039911

Sunny & spacious 2 bed Condo features living & dining room, private balcony, hardwoods & deeded 2 car parking w/ garage.

New gas furnace & windows. $194,000

Majestic brick Center Hall, 4 bed Goergian Colonial in Freemans plat. Spacious foyer, formal living & dining room, kitchen w/ deck, master bed w/ bath and library. $889,900

Fabulous 1 bed, 1 bath Condo in the heart of College Hill! Unit features granite & stainless eat in kitchen, beautiful cherry floors, high ceilings, period details, brick patio & deeded storage. Freshly painted interior! $219,500

3 Level Townhome w/ City & Statehouse views. Master suite w/ marble bath, walk in closets, sitting room w/ fireplace. Recent upgrades include hardwoods & Pella windows. $499,900

RI’s #1 Real Estate Company Largest Relocation Company in the Country • Leader in Interactive Web Technology Serving Providence, East Bay & MA | 401-351-2017

| www.nemoves.com July 2013 East Side Monthly

31

Thayer StreetStyle pIe In the Sky If you like things that make perfect sense, you’ll LOVE the Periodically Inspired line of clothing and gifts created by local designer Courtney Church.

225 Thayer Street 861-3954 Like us on Facebook

When Was the Last Time You Had Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

Call Clean Air Today. for Clean Air Tomorrow!

Air Duct Cleaning Makes a Healthy Difference!

Dirty air ducts are much less efficient then clean air ducts and can reduce your home’s cool airflow and increase energy rates. Dust, dead skin, and dust mites are just some of the debris that can build up and burden your HVAC system. Clean air ducts can also help to protect

FacIng thayer Beauty Spa & BoutIque

your family from air born pathogens that can aggravate allergies and create health issues. Advanced technology allows our certified technicians to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home’s air ducts conveniently, safely, and effectively. Visit our website for more information or call 401-274-4444 for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Certified Your

Company

cleanairofamerica.com

Summer is here... take those toes out of hiding and treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure. After being pampered with luxurious products and an amazing massage, you’ll love your sandal ready toes!

40 Minnesota Avenue Warwick, RI 02888 401-274-4444

Just in Time for Summer Call Markham + DeRentis today, your source for new summer listings

297 Thayer Street • 331-4777 www.facingthayer.com

Spectrum-IndIa EAST SIDE 15 Ray St $599,000

EAST SIDE

165 Waterman St

$338,000

ER AT W IEW V

EDGEWOOD 299 Norwood Ave $399,000

Your place for the unexpected, unusual and exotic! Have you had your astrological chart done and read? Call to order your Astrological Chart and for an appointment for a reading. Also, Tarot Reading, Handwriting Analysis and Henna Tattoos. Great prices!

252 Thayer Street • 421-1010 Like us on Facebook

32

East Side Monthly July 2013

EDGEWOOD

1543 & 1545 Narragansett Blvd $659,000 ea.

EAST SIDE

264 Bowen St

$799,000

ER AT T W ON FR

TIVERTON 135 Riverside Dr $629,000

Serving Providence’s East Side & West Side, Elmhurst, Edgewood and Oak Hill M A+ R D KH M AR K H A M e RA EMN + T I DS e R E N T I S

Platinum Plus Producer associates associates Greater Providence Board of Realtors® Markham + DeRentis Associates - Residential Properties Ltd. Jim DeRentis | Nancy Markham | Office: 401.553.6383 www.jimandnancysold.com

On the Menu

by Sarah Frazier

Cookin’ in the Fire Neapolitan-style pizza comes to the Biltmore Garage

Photography: Katie Poor

Some people just have

to do things a certain way. You try to shake and break them, but they stay stubbornly cemented to their certainty. While for many this may seem a sort of stunted growth, for Kara and Frankie Cecchinelli it’s taken them from the shores of Cape Cod to the streets of Providence. Raised in the traditional wonders of wood fire grilled cooking, Frankie continues to uphold the culinary customs of his family.

Once owners of a catering company based out of Cape Cod, operating out of the back of their trailer on a makeshift wood fire grill, the Cecchinellis saw the potential for their business to grow and began looking for a more permanent location. The search originally had them seeking in-state, towards more metropolitan locations like Boston. However, as Kara explains, “Boston just didn’t feel right,” and so they eventually found themselves in Providence. Brought into contact with Cornish Associates, who are developing in the Biltmore Garage, the realtors informed them, to their surprise, that a pizzeria was being actively sought for that location. As if sanctioned by the fates, the signals couldn’t have been clearer. From a tiny trailer in Cape Cod, the Cecchinellis have now built a new hip location for pizza lovers in Providence, Figidini Wood Fire Eatery (67 Washington Street in the Biltmore Garage).

Currently seeking VPN pizza certification for their margherita and marinara pizzas, Figidini takes their reputation as a premier pizza establishment very seriously. VPN certification, which is essentially a legally documented seal of approval from a group of pizza masters out of Naples, based on the use of authentic Neapolitan pizza ingredients and preparation (seriously, look it up), shows how dedicated Kara and Frankie are to providing quality and authenticity to their customers. Figidini’s assortment of pizzas, from a simple Margherita to specialties like Sweet Potato and Fresh Ricotta, demonstrate with every bite the genuine Neapolitan-style approach that the Cecchinellis strove for from their days in Cape Cod. And everything, literally everything, is grilled

Frankie Cecchinelli in the kitchen at Figidini

on their wood fire grill.

Figidini’s also has a variety of unique salads, and of course other grilled items such as shrimp, calamari, brandt skirt steak, sausage, lamb and grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe. Offering one creatively delivered dessert per night, usually consisting of wood grilled fruit with homemade yogurt or some other delicious concoction, every experience is unique, with menus changing every season.

Food For thE Soul If pizza isn’t your food of choice, try newly opened Succotash (373 Richmond Street). Operated by executive chef Ryan Keough and Umberto Sorbo of Coco Pazzo, this venue offers a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also includes a full service bar. With culinary that is described as “southern-flare soul food,” this location offers favorites like fried chicken and waffles and cornmeal crusted catfish salad, to a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Dinner is served after 5pm with succulent entrees like the Apple Brined Calabrese Pork Chops with creole mustard, which can be paired with any of their southerninspired sides. If you’re an early bird and want to do breakfast as big as they do in the South, try some of their fluffy banana and berries waffles and

pancakes or smoked salmon omelet.

Even their juices have a unique twist, like Little Havana, a mixture of banana, lime, mint, pineapple and coconut – a refreshing taste of the tropics for the summer heat. Soon to provide special discounts to students around the area, including Johnson & Wales and Brown University, you’ll be sure to see plenty of hungry mouths there.

FrESh Food From our FarmErS Looking for a little more than just a sit down dinner? Try the Providence alternative market (the Arena Lot, North Main Street). Every Saturday between 10am-2pm from now until October 26, this “alternative” farmer’s market provides food trucks such as Mijos Tacos and Rocket Fine Street Food, other food vendors, artisans, musicians, crafts and local farmers’ produce. Browse the various artisan pieces and musical performances, all while enjoying a fist full of food in each hand. So what makes this market so alternative? “We’re shooting for the full package,” says Richard Suls, “with workshops almost every week, food trucks, musicians and ample parking. It is really an evolution of the farmer’s market.” To find out which businesses and vendors are coming each week, simply log on to the Providence Alternative Market Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProvAltMarket.

July 2013 East Side Monthly

33

SAVOR EVERY BIT OF SUMMER.

Haddock BLT

®

SOUP BAR 371 Richmond Street, Providence

NOW DELIVERING!

When You’re Thinking of Selling...

LD

LD

SO

96 Transit St

LD

SO

SO

167 Emeline St

672 East ave

LD

LD

LD

SO

SO

SO

Order on-line only! Quick & Easy.

BlountRetail.com

165 ninth St G

DIN

N PE

We Make the Food that Makes Your Event

125 Prospect St G

DIN

N PE

348 Slater ave

cozycaterers.com • 351-3111

207 Williams St

79 lauriston St

2 Pratt St

Kevin Fox

kfox@residentialproperties.com cell: (401) 688-5556

residentialProperties.com EaST GrEEnWich • ProvidEncE narraGanSETT • BarrinGTon • cumBErland

Photo by highSail Media

Help is Just Around tHe Corner!

• • • • • •

Two Convenient Locations

Therapeutic Heated Pool (Cranston) Chronic Pain Conditions Orthopedic & Neurological Conditions Post-Surgical Care Sports Injuries Rehabilitation of the Spine

100 Highland Avenue // Suite 305 Providence // Summit Medical Bldg.

865-6940 1528 Cranston Street Cranston // Spine Tech Bldg.

228-7216

www.Libertypt.com

New Student Summer Special!

3 Private Sessions: $150 ■

Fully equipped Pilates studio: private & group sessions

■

Mind/Body nutritional counseling

■

Power Pilates teacher training center

Call or Email for Schedule

w: providencepilatescenter.com | e: provpilates@aol.com

t: 401-480-0193 | 5 Lincoln Avenue, Providence 34

East Side Monthly July 2013

G

DIN

N PE

special advertising section

Dining Guide

B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10-20 $$$ 20+

There’s a variety of foods and flavors including Portobello Penne Pink Vodka or the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. LD $-$$ CHEZ pASCAL 960 Hope Street; 4214422. Chef Matt Gennuso’s East Side kitchen offers French food with a modern twist. Try the Bistro Menu (TueThur), which features three courses for $35 per person. Delicieux! D $-$$$ GOUrMEt HOUSE 787 Hope Street; 831-3400. Beautiful murals and décor set the mood for delicious Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy curries and noodle dishes. The tamarind duck is a must. LD $-$$ INDIA 1060 Hope Street; 421-2600. India maintains its traditional flavors and dishes while also serving up some local favorites. Try their Spicy Steamed Mussels followed by Lamb Chop Kabobs for a well-rounded experience.

BrLD $-$$

MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main Street; 272-3331.

The only restaurant in RI to receive the Mobil Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting.

D $$-$$$

Downtown CAV 14 Imperial Place; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrLD $$-$$$ HEMENWAY’S 121 South Main Street; 351-8570. A true Providence classic, Hemenway’s has been serving topnotch seafood for 20 years. Their oyster bar features everything from the famed Prince Edward Island varieties to the local favorite Poppasquash Point. LD $$-$$$ JACkY’S WAtErpLACE 200 Exchange Street; 383-5000. Experience sushi, Chinese and Japanese food, noodles and much more in a stunning atmosphere, right in the heart of Waterplace Park. Sip an exotic drink while taking in the spectacular view. LD $-$$$

Wayland/Elmgrove HArUkI EASt 172 Wayland Avenue; 223-0332. The chefs behind this sushi

bar provide a minimalist, upscale, comfortable dining experience. Try the toro ankimo – fatty tuna and monkfish liver paté with eggplant tempura, served with a black bean sauce. LD $-$$$ LIM’S 18 S. Angell Street; 383-8830. Dive into the unique combination of Lim’s fine Thai cuisine and sushi served in an intimate and modern setting. LD $$ rED StrIpE 465 Angell Street; 4376950. Red Stripe serves classic comfort food with a French influence. Their food is reasonably priced and made with passion. LD $$-$$$ WAtErMAN GrILLE 4 Richmond Square; 521-9229. With its covered outdoor seating overlooking the Seekonk River, Waterman Grille offers seasonally inspired new American fare in a comfortable setting. BrD $$-$$$

Hope/Thayer BLAZE 776 Hope Street; 277-2529.

Opened in 2005, this fun and friendly neighborhood establishment plays host to a unique bistro style of cuisine.

kArtABAr 284 Thayer Street; 3318111. This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes with Mediterranean flair and eclectic flavors. They also offer a topnotch wine list and martini menu. LD $-$$ kItCHEN BAr 771 Hope Street; 3314100. Offering contemporary comfort cuisine in an elegant setting, Kitchen Bar features daily specials and takeout. Try their Clams Zuppa or Coriander Encrusted Flat Iron Steak or have the kids order from the kid’s menu. LD $-$$ rUE DE L’ESpOIr 99 Hope Street; 7518890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients, the innovative, constantly changing menu keeps diners on their toes. Check out their superb brunch. BBrLD $$-$$$ tOrtILLA FLAtS 355 Hope Street; 751-6777. A fixture on the Providence restaurant and bar scene, this spot serves up fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern food, along with top-notch margaritas and ice-cold cervezas. LD $-$ WUrSt kItCHEN At CHEZ pASCAL. 960 Hope Street; 421-4422. Come have lunch or dinner at the Wurst Kitchen, a small open kitchen located in Chez Pascal, featuring house made sausages, cured meats and more. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner also

Tuesday through 9:30pm. LD $-$$

Saturday,

5:30-

Wickenden EASt SIDE CrEAMErY & DINEr 170 Ives Street; 865-6088. Bring the family and indulge in 24 flavors of soft serve and hard ice cream as well as other classic diner treats. BLD $ ZBIStrO 244 Wickenden Street; 8311566. Enjoy the summer lounging on the outdoor patio or cozy up to the classic wooden bar at this Americaninspired bistro. LD $-$$

Jewelry District/Waterfront rUE BIS 95 South Street; 490-9966.

This intimate eatery provides breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere – all with the gourmet pedigree of Hope Street dining staple Rue De L’Espoir behind it. BBrL $ BAkEr StrEEt rUE 75 Baker Street; 490-5025. The Rue De L’Espoir empire expands with this comfortable neighborhood café serving “upscale diner food.”

BBrL$

Broadway JULIAN’S 318 Broadway; 861-1770. A unique microcosm of Providence’s hip and artsy culture, Julian’s is always packed with regulars looking for great food and a great staff. Be sure to enjoy the freshest ingredients in their Cinnamon Orange Vegan French Toast or the House Smoked Salmon Platter. BBrLD $-$$

Outside Providence LJ’S BBQ 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket; 305-5255. LJ’s features ribs, pork, chicken and beef cooked low and slow in their customized pit, made with recipes from co-owner Bernie Watson’s grandmother, Miss Leola Jean. It’s great food at a great value. LD $-$$ pHO HOrN’S 50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket; 365-6278. Pho Horn’s offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine like the popular Pho (noodle soup) and Rice Chowder with Pulled Pork. It’s a delicious choice for anyone looking for something different. LD $-$$ July 2013 East Side Monthly

35

Your one-stop resource for kitchen and bath remodeling

Whether you’re considering changes or ready to turn your ideas into action, count on the remodeling experts at RI Kitchen & Bath.

Our in-house staff of talented designers and installation craftspeople are ready to bring your kitchen and bath ideas to life.

Visit our Showroom at: 139 Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, RI 02888 401.463.1550 www.RIKB.com

RI Reg. #3984 | MA Lic. #164199 | CT Lic. #HIC 0673137

Someone to count on …

Concord Companion Services helps seniors enjoy the comfort of living at home by offering a helping hand with daily tasks.

Whether you could use some help just hours a week or an in-home companion 24-hours a day, Concord Companions can be available anywhere in Rhode Island with just two hours notice. Our accredited services are fully bonded and insured.

Visit our website to see a full list of services. private duty companion care • light housekeeping errands & appointments • laundry • home health aide shopping • overnight care • meal planning medication management

www.ConcordHomeCare.com

36

East Side Monthly July 2013

401-725-8400

Movies

by Bob Cipriano

Maisie, Gatsby, Kirk and Spock Relationships are at the heart of these summer flicks Past, present and future, the eras encompassing three good movies around here, don’t make much difference when it comes to people relating to other people. Relationships can make or break couples, the people around them and the movies they figure in.

What Maisie Knew: Novels by Henry James usually don’t play very well as movies. Try out Daisy Miller, The Ambassadors, The Golden Bowl, Turn of the Screw or Portrait of a Lady if you can find them, if you dare. One good version of Wings of a Dove exists (1997). That’s about it.

So it’s a little hard to fathom why the producers of What Maisie Knew made this excellent version of James’ short novel, and then released it during a summer of iron men, supermen and zombie hoards. Screenwriters Nancy Doyne and Carroll Cartwright and directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel may have had a vision, seeing the timeless universality of this tough little story as an alternative to all the noise.

Easily updated to 21st century Manhattan, the marital strife, break-up and resulting jealousy, spite, weakness and malice that play out in front of six-yearold Maisie are the stuff of moving contemporary drama. Susanna (Julianne Moore) is a musician. Beale (Steve Coogan) is an art dealer. They fight. They break up. Each wants Maisie (Onata Aprile) more to spite the other than from any kind of parental devotion.

They are manipulative monsters, sincere only in the moment when they individually declare their love for their daughter and give her tokens of affection. Then they turn their backs, returning to their defining self-absorption.

The reality of this sort of situation is obvious, taken somewhat to extremes here, but all too recognizable.

What makes this film stand out, apart from the great acting (expected from Moore, surprising from the more comically disciplined Coogan), is the suspense it generates. Rather than reduce the film to its lowest common denominator as a turgid drama about a suffering child, or the cliché about the resilient sunshine child who overcomes all manner of lemons to make lemonade and win a competitive trophy, What Maisie

Knew plays like a thriller about a child in danger. An atmosphere of dread, using thriller camerawork and a moody score, gets you involved on a gut level, which is where movies belong.

The Great Gatsby: Some relationships suffer failure. Others have failure thrust upon them. The Great Gatsby has twice before had no success as a movie. Baz Luhrmann’s new version probably comes as close as possible, and turns out to be a good movie.

Australian Luhrmann, responsible for the excellent Strictly Ballroom, the fine Moulin Rouge and the generally awful Australia, has a thing for extreme opulence and flashy color, which might seem like a bad match for a literary classic like Gatsby. But the fact is that Jay Gatsby’s embrace of the Jazz Age and all its excess is at the heart of this story. He wasn’t prepared when the age failed to embrace him. Luhrmann films the age and watches the characters it makes and breaks.

Previous versions have taken a literary approach to this classic novel and lost the motion required for a motion picture. The temper of the times is everywhere in Luhrmann’s lavish production, which never shortchanges the novel’s characters and dialogue. Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) describes what he sees as an amusement park, and that’s what Luhrmann films. The decadence and consumerism of Gatsby’s world become a caricature in Luhrmann’s hands, and while he may push the envelope a bit too far, his movie has perspective and pace.

As the self-made Gatsby, Leonardo DiCaprio uses every inch of his charismatic presence to symbolize Gatsby’s self-delusion and fantasies, which he projects to the world and accepts as personal truth. He and Carey Mulligan make the romance between Jay and Daisy a viable one for the first time on film because in the amusement park where they dwell, anything seems possible.

If you can remember all the classic novels filmed like page-by-page tributes, (and also remember how boring they were), you might just enjoy this Gatsby.

Star Trek Into Darkness: One of the great relationships in movie and television history is back, again: Kirk and Spock. They have endured the indignities of a television series’ premature

The Great Gatsby

cancellation and a movie franchise updated and recast with different characters. Re-emerging in the 21st century from their origins, these two old characters, now young again in slightly new faces, begin to feel like the original ground-breaking buddies, always welcome on any screen.

That Human/Vulcan dynamic that has always been at the heart of Star Trek is what primarily makes Into Darkness more than just another routine entry in a long-running franchise. At the beginnings of their friendship here, during the time just before the TV series began (just before beginning the five-year mission to “explore new worlds, and boldly go yada yada yada”), Kirk and Spock spar and struggle to understand each other, both comically and seriously, as scenes shift from repartee around the office to the threat of total oblivion.

The film begins with hotheaded young Kirk (Chris Pine) breaking rules, taking chances and getting in trouble with father figure Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood) to the tune of losing his command of the Enterprise. Spock (Zachary Quinto) gets reassigned. Then, through a convoluted series of events that only take a few minutes (yet seem quite logical to Spock, so they must be okay), Kirk is back at the helm with Spock by his side. (Which is good, because Earth finds itself threatened by war with the Klingons again, for the first time.)

The threat to Earth seems real, tension

builds, and the plot, even as it reaches outrageous heights, plays out credibly because of the 50 years or so of goodwill created for the two key individuals involved. There’s nothing especially new going on here, not even anything new to say about Vulcan philosophy or cultural exchange. Possibly that’s because of the blockbuster digital violence element that requires, among other things, the devastating destruction of a large chunk of San Francisco and the implosion of an awfully big volcano.

Too much of the subtlety is born of the original Shatner-Nimoy relationship, which could flourish in movies as long as this one takes a back seat to 21st century science fiction special effects. Star Fleet’s prime directive is routinely dismissed, in spite of some token hand wringing about peaceful motivations sacrificed for expediency, which translates to poor excuses for blowing things up digitally. Even old peacenik Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban), despite his familiar, “I’m a doctor, man!” protestations, has more to do with arming torpedoes than healing the sick.

But those tag lines are still a pleasure to hear, and the film manages to work in several effective references to the old TV series, including a tribble, not to mention Khan, the greatest enemy Kirk and Spock ever faced. If too much attention is paid to 21st century demands, enough of the 20th century’s sensitivity remains to make the film a worthy entry in an apparently endless saga.

July 2013 East Side Monthly

37

Invest in you...

Counseling & Life Coaching

Get your life back on course – or chart a new course.

Steven M. Kane, Ph.D. Providence, RI • 401.454.5700 kanesmk@verizon.net Inquiries invited

At School Today by Jill Davidson

Learning and Growing Hybrid school-community gardens are bridging many gaps

Fine Horticulture Maintenance, Design & Installation

www.CityEstateGardener.com

401.935.2312 How Can A Parenting Coach Help You?

Chrissy Collins, MA, CEIS

Parent coaching is a one on one opportunity in understanding your child’s behavior and what you can do to help. Utilizing a nonjudgemental approach I will help you handle your daily life stresses and empower you to be a successful parent.

Rumford Center

20 Newman Ave. Rumford, RI • Building 2

401-601-4808 chrissy@chrissycollinsri.com • chrissycollinsri.com

Rib Kits – We do the Work. You get the Raves.

Fully Smoked & Ready to Finish on Your Grill!

Lunch & Dinner Daily 11:30am - close

and Weekend Brunch 10:00am - 2:00pm

727 East Ave. Pawtucket 401.305.5255 • LJsBBQ.com 38

East Side Monthly July 2013

this month’s column, I stayed away from my computer for as long as possible. Instead, I took myself to the school and community garden at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School on Camp Street, wandered around, sat down on a bench and thought about my recent conversation with East Sider Kate Lacouture.

Owner of Green Circle Design, where she serves private clients as a landscape architect, Kate has channeled her skills into working with community members as they plan and grow gardens in locations ranging from the Adult Correctional Institute (ACI) to the East Side’s Sessions Street Community Garden (SSCG). Kate collaborated on school gardens at International Charter School in Pawtucket and Nathan Bishop Middle School, where her own kids are students. She is also building a garden with South Providence’s Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School and works with King on its garden. The garden was created when King’s faculty and ParentTeacher Organization raised funds and galvanized community energy to build a vegetable garden on school property.

Everyone involved responded well to research demonstrating that school gardens have a beneficial effect on both academic achievement and the development of healthy attitudes toward vegetables. After several years of leaving a fledgling garden in the spring and returning to an unmanageable jungle in the fall, King engaged Kate as a garden coordinator to implement a hybrid garden that would serve both community members and the school. King’s garden has developed into a hybrid school garden and community garden, in which community members rent individual plots and grow what they want while sharing supplies, learning opportunities and upkeep tasks. This solved not only the summertime garden problem but also provided gardening space for some community members who were languishing on the SSCG waiting list.

Part of Kate’s role is to make sure that students and teachers are able to be involved with their school gardens

in meaningful ways that make the best use of the intersection of school and garden growing schedules. For example, in the springtime at the International Charter School and at King, first graders plant a salsa garden with tomatillos, serrano peppers, cilantro and onions. “When they come back in second grade,” Kate says, “They harvest from their plots and make tomatillo salsa. It’s quick – an hour from the start of the harvest to eating the salsa with chips at a harvest party, and it took just one hour in the spring to plant everything.

It’s not a lot of time but it’s amazingly meaningful to the students. They feel a sense of ownership because they have planted that food, and they’re willing to eat what they grow.”

Schools can also use gardens to study ecosystems. The school garden at Nathan Bishop Middle School, which is located along the school’s Elmgrove Avenue side, is a butterfly garden designed to attract pollinators.

It’s tied to the science curriculum and helps students learn about classification of genus and species, seed dispersal and other concepts. Though the Nathan Bishop garden isn’t designed as a community garden, there’s plenty of need for community participation.

Additionally, at school gardens all over

the East Side community participation is welcome and valued.

This hybrid model of a schoolcommunity garden also offers a way for community members to connect with their local schools. Schools are tremendously complex places, difficult to understand from the outside.

School involvement and support from everyone, whether or not we happen to be in the thick of it with our own school-aged children, helps our communities as a whole. At King and at other such gardens, community members support student enrichment from planting and harvesting food by being present in the summer to keep the garden going. This small act can make all the difference to a school community, and for some of the community gardeners, it’s an entry into a school’s rhythms and needs.

A school-community hybrid garden allows for just the right amount of adjacency that can break down barriers and tie a school more securely into the life of its neighborhood.

If you want to be involved in a school garden, feel free to email me and I’ll help you get connected.

Jill Davidson can be reached at whathappenedatschool@gmail.com or her blog, providenceschools.blogspot.com

Illustration: Christina Song

In order to write

East sidE Primary CarE Same Day and Evening Appointments 331-8555

ROWING & SCULLING CLASSES

DSC_8096.JPG

For Adults & Kids (13-19 Years Old) No rowing experience necessary From Right to Left: David Ramos NP, Jason Xynellis PA, Frederick Crisafulli MD, Christine Cassel PA, Christoph Sahar MD

Sign up for an introductory rowing lesson at 9:00, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15am for these

Colds & Flu • Minor Trauma • Sprains & Strains • X-Ray/Labs Available Workman’s Comp Exams • Immunization • DOT, School, and Sports Physicals

Open HOuse dates JULY 27 • SEP 7

Appointments available for Travel Medicine

For more information, including class schedule and rates, call or visit our website:

East sidE UrgEnt CarE The Right Care, Right Now

DSC_8097.jpg

1195 North Main Street, Providence • 401.861.3782 Mon-Fri: 9am to 8pm • Sat & Sun: 9am to 4pm

f01_ESM_6.13_Layout 1 6/6/13 4:43 PM Page 1

Warwick - Waterviews overlooking Narragansett Bay. Master suite with sitting room that opens onto a mahogany deck. Guesthouse has 3 bedrooms, full bath, gym and two-car garage. Heated Gunite pool. $1,695,000 401-789-6666

Located on the East Side of Providence

www.RowNBC.org 401.272.1838

barrington - Waterfront Luxurious beachfront home set on over an acre on Nayatt Point. Offering a sunfilled open floor plan, 4 bedrooms. Master suite with deck access, full basement with wine cellar. $2,750,000 401-274-1644

Local Legacy...

International Reach™ NEWPORT NARRAGANSETT PROVIDENCE JAMESTOWN WATCH HILL BLOCK ISLAND

CORPORATE OFFICE 401-789-6666 New Listing WARWICK - Brick one level home located on private lot. Elegant master suite with oversized shower and whirlpool with a view.

Landscaped grounds surround Gunite pool, built-in brick bar and grilling center. $545,000 401-274-1644

New Listing east side - California one level, located on idyllic Blackstone Boulevard. Includes expansive living room with brick fireplace, dining room and den. Finished lower level. Professional landscaping surrounds pool. Attached one car garage. $715,000 401-274-1644

DETAILS@LILA DELMAN.COM

L ILADELMAN .COM

July 2013 East Side Monthly

39

Spring Special

Finance by Betsey Purinton

One-Hour Consultation $50

Need Help With Your Garden?

Housing Fever Returns How to trust your head, not your heart

R.I. Certified Horticulturist R.I. Licensed Arborist #120

• Don’t like the way your front yard looks?

• Tired of spending money on plants that die?

• Want to learn more about taking care of your plants?

401-212-0669

www.angeladeller.com angela.gardencare@cox.net

Tuesday special!

Manicure and Pedicure for $30 15% OFF with student ID

Offering Shellac We welcome walk-ins • FREE Wi-Fi

Angell Nails and Spa

490-3137 • 15 So. Angell St, Providence

Mon-Sat 9-7:30, Sun 10-5, after hours appts available

upside down on their property values.

With mortgages still being affordable, and the threat of rising interest rates in the future, it is a good time to buy.

Just not any house.

I think many of us long for that homebuyers’ high of the previous decade, when we believed our homes were destined to become castles. We claim to be much smarter this time round, but the urge to get in at the bottom and to secure the bragging rights for the best price remains powerful.

Here are three pieces of advice I give clients about purchasing a home now: 1. Follow your instincts, not your emotions. Emotions guide you by fear and greed; instincts tell you when to listen to your rational side.

2. Distinguish between a smart purchase and a bargain. This house is going to be your home; pick one that you can learn to love.

3. Make sure the numbers work from

the start. The less you like the property, chances are the more money you will want to sink into it to make changes and the higher the risk that it will become unaffordable.

Even if you don’t buy at the bottom, you will likely be able to get a reasonable price. The housing market has a long way to go before it recaptures its peak. There may be plenty of opportunities. Don’t be afraid to pass up the early ones.

Betsey Purinton, CFP® is Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at StrategicPoint Investment Advisors in Providence and East Greenwich. You can e-mail her at bpurinton@strategicpoint.com. The information contained in this report is not intended as investment, tax or legal advice. StrategicPoint Investment Advisors assumes no responsibility for any action or inaction resulting from the contents herein.

Make a statement this Summer!

Illustration: Ashley MacLure

It’s back! Housing fever has reemerged, and it is hitting home.

My husband and I have two children looking at houses right now – first time homebuyers. Our kids are solidly into Generation Y – the Millenials – and hold down respectable jobs, so the move from being renters to owners is not surprising. They are part of a much larger demographic of pent-up demand that has recently been unleashed. But while opportunities abound, I see sales pressure tactics and outright greed on the rise as well. I fear the early reincarnation of a buying frenzy, which ensnared so many during the housing bubble.

Case in point: my son called the other day about purchasing a piece of property that combined a fixer-upper home with four small plots of land in a part of Philadelphia on the cusp of gentrification. “So if I buy the land and hold it for a few years, I am bound to make money,” Peter surmised, “even if the house isn’t in great shape.”

“Whoa,” I said. I don’t doubt that Peter has sized up the neighborhood pretty well, but I felt the need to add a note of caution. “There are no guarantees here.” Land tends to be highly illiquid, and Peter’s future plans could involve a major move at some point.

“What if gentrification takes a lot longer than you anticipate?”

Eyeing the property from a different numerical perspective, Peter had a gutcheck moment when he drove by the next day. “Yeah, the math doesn’t add up,” he noted, sensing an element of greed by the current owner. Still, Peter worries about timing. “My agent says that things are getting a little nuts in Philly, so hopefully it all calms down and I didn’t miss the bottom entirely. I just hope that patience will be a virtue this time around.”

I do believe that we have reached a bottom in the housing market in most locations, but we are crawling – not racing – out of it. Prices are rising, especially for vacation properties. Housing starts and permits are increasing, inventory has shrunk and fewer people are

A Style for Every Man

178 Wayland Avenue Providence • 621-6452 270 County Road Barrington • 247-9209 July 2013 East Side Monthly

41

Getting back on your feet after surgery isn’t complicated, you just need someone to show you how.

Expert Oriental Rug Cleaning 10% off through June 30th!

Revive the beauty of your fine Oriental rugs! Years of hidden dirt and dust build-up can prematurely age and dull your costly investment. To prolong their beauty, experts say that oriental rugs should be cleaned professionally at least once every two years.

Smoke Clean of New England provides gentle, expert cleaning in our Warwick facility for all types of wool and silk rugs. Call today for your free estimate and receive 10% off your first rug cleaning.

• • • •

Also offering:

Smoke & Soot Removal Mold & Mildew Removal Immersion Wash Mothproofing

• • • •

40 Minnesota Avenue Warwick, RI 02888

Experience counts.

Carpet Shield Pet Stain Removal Odor Removal Pick-up and Delivery

401-274-4444 Your

Golden Crest Nursing Centre Complete Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies Private Rooms • Joint Commission Accreditation

Family Owned and Operated Since 1969

of New England SM

Company

100 Smithfield Road, North Providence, RI 401.353.1710 GoldenCrestNursingCentre.com

10 th

KELLY MILUKAS

SUSAN STRAUSS

Creative Waters!

AN NU AL

Open Studio Tour 2013 JULY 20 – 21 AUGUST 17 – 18

Saturday & Sunday 11am – 5pm HEATHER FRYMARK

LITTLE COMPTON & TIVERTON, RI • DARTMOUTH & WESTPORT, MA

www.ediblesouthshore.com

42

East Side Monthly July 2013

southcoastartists.org

Calendar

edited by Erin Swanson

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

DON’T MISS THIS MONTH: 10 events at the top of our list

Cold War Kids. July 12 at Waterplace Park in Providence. www.wbru.com

1

The Bank RI Independence Day Celebration.

July 4 at India Point Park in Providence. www.providenceri. com/artculturetourism

2

Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series. JThursdays at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. www.kennedyplaza.org

3

8th Annual Cruise Night.

July 12 at the Steel Yard in Providence. www.thesteelyard.org

4

Come to India Point Park for Fourth of July festivities

MUSIC arena & club | classical ARENA & CLUB AS220 July 1: La Fraction, Lolita Black and more. July 12: VavaBlume (EP release).

July 13: Japanther, Dungeon Broads and more. July 20: Howl, Lord Dying and more. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www.as220.org.

CHAN’S FINE ORIENTAL DINING July 5: Joe Moss. July 6: Peter Novelli Band. July 12: Chris Duarte. July 13: Luther Johnson & the Magic Rockers. July 19: Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling with the Jewel Tones. July 20: Through the Doors. July 25: Lil Ed & the Blue Imperials. July 26: Cory Pesaturo & His All Star Quartet. July 27: The Blue Project.

July 31: Blues Jam with Lil Cousin. 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. 765-1900, www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com.

FÊTE MUSIC July 5: Tony Dispirito. July 14: The Wild.

July 18: Young Dubliners. July 19: Grand Evolution. July 20: Incantation. July 21: Beyond Wrestling Americanrana. July 27: Iced Elements 1st Anniversary Trophy Party. 103 Dike Street, Providence.

383-1112, www.fetemusic.com.

FOXWOODS July 10: Aerosmith. July 11: Original Stars Formerly of Steppenwolf, Iron Butterfly, Blue Oyster Cult and The Knack. July 13: Cyndi Lauper. July 13: Doo Wopp Hall of Fame of America. July 14: The TGT Tour. July 28: Lynyrd Skynyrd. 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. 800-200-2882, www.foxwoods.com.

LUPO’S HEARTBREAK HOTEL July 13: Streetlight Manifesto. July 19: Hot 106 Presents The Space Migration Tour with Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, Chance the Rapper, Vince Staples and The Internet. 79 Washington Street, Providence. 331-5876, www.lupos.com.

THE MET July 26: Elise Testone and her band.

1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-

1005, www.themetri.com.

MOHEGAN SUN July 3: The Doobie Brothers. July 4: Heart with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. July 4: The Mowgli’s.

July 5: Gigantour 2013 with Megadeth, Black Label Society, Device, Hell Yeah, Newsted and Death Division. July 18: The Eagles. July 19: Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster. July 20: Big Time Rush. July 20: Kenny Wayne Shepherd. July 23: Jonas Brothers.

July 24: Robert Plant presents the Sensational Space Shifters with Bombino.

July 28: The Beach Boys. 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 888226-7711, www.mohegansun.com.

ROOTS CULTURAL CENTER Tuesdays: Jazz Jam. Fridays: Ladies Night. Sundays: Sweet P and the Who Dat Band. 276 Westminster Street, Providence. 272-7422, www.rootsprovidence.com.

THE SPOT UNDERGROUND Mondays: 990WBOB’s Mondays on

Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band. July 11 at the Rhode Island Historical Society in Providence. www.rihs.org

5

Fireworks. July 1-3 at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. www.pawsox.com

6

Cycle Out Cancer. Registration is open now – July 31.

The ride is August 11, at Bryant University. www.lifecycleinc.org

7

Legally Blonde. July 1028 at Ocean State Theatre Company in Warwick. www. oceanstatetheatre.org

8

Design the Night Block Party. July 18 at the RISD Museum in Providence. www. risdmuseum.org

9

Providence Alternative Market. Saturdays on North Main Street in Providence. www.provaltmarket.com

10

July 2013 East Side Monthly

43

Sizzlin’ Summer Savings Up to $10,000!

With Sizzlin’ Summer Savings of up to $10,000, the engaging, fulfilling and enriching lifestyle offered at EPOCH Assisted Living of Providence has never been more affordable!

Limited Time Offer. Act Now! Don’t miss your opportunity to save up to $10,000. Call today!

Assisted Living on Blackstone Boulevard

353 Blackstone Blvd. • Providence, RI

401-273-6565

www.EPOCHBlackstoneAL.com

Assisted Living on the East Side

One Butler Ave. • Providence, RI

401-275-0682

www.EPOCHEastSide.com

(RI Relay 711)

Assisted Living . Memory Care . Respite . Fitness Center



 

    

wayland sq | providence

chapel view | cranston

www.teasandjavas.com | brought to you by Alex and Ani, LLC



              

               

44

East Side Monthly July 2013

Calendar

continued...

Blast. Tuesdays: Creation Tuesday.

Wednesdays: Free Funk Wednesday. 101 Richmond Street, Providence. 383-7133, www.thespotprovidence.com.

TWIN RIVER July 26: Gordon Lightfoot. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 723-3200, www. twinriver.com.

WATERPLACE PARK July 5: 95.5 WBRU presents The Mowgli’s. July 12: 95.5 WBRU presents Cold War Kids. www.wbru.com.

CLASSICAL OPERA PROVIDENCE July 1-31: Elixir of Love. 585 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence. 331-6060, www. operaprovidence.org.

RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY July 11: Concerts Under the Elms presents Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band.

July 18: Concerts Under the Elms presents Atwater-Donelly Band. July 25: Concerts Under the Elms presents Swings ‘n Strings with Al Basile. 52 Power Street, Providence. 331-8575, www.rihs.org.

PERFORMANCE comedy | dance | theatre COMEDY ARTISTS EXCHANGE Fridays: Bring Your Own Improv. 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www. artists-exchange.org.

AS220 Saturdays: Improv Jones. July 7: The Empire Revue: sketch comedy, improv, music, burlesque and magic. 115 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www. as220.org.

COMEDY CONNECTION Fridays: Hardcore Comedy. Sundays: Comedy Showcase. July 13: Eric Andre.

July 19: Corey Rodrigues. July 20: Corey Rodrigues. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 438-8383, www.ricomedyconnection.com.

EVERETT Every Friday: Friday Night Live. 9 Duncan Avenue, Providence. 831-9479, www.everettri.org.

FOXWOODS July 12: Cedric the Entertainer. 350 Trolley

Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. 800200-2882, www.foxwoods.com.

MOHEGAN SUN July 6: “The Coach” Tom Whiteley featuring Keith Anthony with special guest Peaches Rodriguez. July 13: Jeff Dunham’s Disorderly Conduct Tour 2013. July 17: Billy Gardell. July 20: “Goumba Johnny” Sialiano featuring Perry Gardner with Vinnie Mark. July 27: Mike Britt featuring Jordon Ferber with Joey Novick. 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 888-226-7711, www.mohegansun.com.

95 EMPIRE BLACK BOX Saturday Nights: Improv Jones. 95 Empire Street, Providence. 831-9327, www. improvjones.com.

DANCE STATE BALLET July 8-12: Children’s Summer Ballet Camp. July 15-19: Children’s Summer Ballet Camp. July 22-26: Summer Intensive Day Program. 52 Sherman Avenue, Lincoln. 334-2560, www.stateballet.com.

THEATRE ARTISTS EXCHANGE July 12-29: The 8th Annual One Act Play Festival. The Black Box Theatre, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www.artists-exchange.org.

Brunch, Dinner, Craft Beer, Cocktails & More JULIANS RESTAURANT & CATERING 318 Broadway Providence, RI 401.861.1770

for more info, visit 3 juliansprovidence.com

ELISE PENN PANSEY The Pet Friendly Realtor

THE COMMUNITY PLAYERS July 12-21: Hollywood Arms. Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division Street, Pawtucket. 726-6860, www.thecommunityplayers.org.

OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY July 10-28: Legally Blonde. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 921-6800, www.oceanstatetheatre.org.

2ND STORY THEATRE July 5-28: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. July 12-26: The Murder Room.

28 Market Street, Warren. 247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

DEDICATION... ...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession.

If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am... ...DEDICATED... to serving YOU! Call me today!

SOCIAL HAPPENINGS expos | fundraisers | seasonal FESTIVALS DEXTER TRAINING GROUND PARK Thursdays (except July 4): West Side

ELISE PENN PANSEY The Pet Friendly Realtor Butterman & Kryston, Inc. 749 East Ave. Pawtucket, RI @ Blackstone Blvd

401.455.1625 www.elisepennpansey.com 401.521.9490 x22 July 2013 East Side Monthly

45

Experience

let’s have an oth er rou n d

R H O D E

I S L A N D

Explore Providence!

A two-hour excursion combining a narrated shuttle tour of the history and culture of Providence and pastry at a popular local café. $26

Newport For A Day

A narrated shuttle journey through the city, visit to Beavertail Lighthouse, guided tour of a mansion, and shopping along the wharf $55

Dine Around Providence

Returns September 21-28

A delightful evening on the town with a wonderful 3-course, progressive dinner tour of 3 of the highest-rated restaurants in Providence. $79

Waterfire/Restaurant Shuttle

Unlimited hop on/hop off shuttle service to and from WaterFire to the best restaurant neighborhoods in the city. (20 Minute Loop) $6

For participation call 305-3391 or email johnt@providenceonline.com

For Details and Reservations, Please go to our Website

cocktailweekprovidence.com

401.886.0733

RIExperience.com

Brown welcomes the community to campus!

Since 1919 Granoff Center for the Creative arts 154 Angell Street | Providence Join us for an evening of familyfriendly entertainment at Brown’s outdoor amphitheatre. All you need is a blanket. We’ll supply the popcorn.

All are welcome.

Behold the Big Green Egg.®

The Ultimate Grilling Machine sm|med|lg

f 46

173 WICKENDEN PROVIDENCE 401 421-5157 VISIT US ON FACEBOOK www.adlersri.com

East Side Monthly July 2013

Rain dates are the following nights, same time.

For more information, contact the community liaison: Jennifer_Braga@brown.edu or (401) 863-3717

July 9 @ 8:30 p.m.

August 6 @ 8 p.m.

August 27 @ 7:30 p.m.

Calendar

continued...

Thursdays. Live music with a chance for children to learn about music with an interactive educational program prior to each performance. 73 Dexter Street, Providence. www.wbna.org.

KENNEDY PLAZA Thursdays: Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series. Bank of America City Center, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence.

331-5544, www.kennedyplaza.org.

INDIA POINT PARK July 4: The Bank RI Independence Day Celebration: patriotic concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra followed by a fireworks display.

Access the park via the India Point walking bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets. 680-5770, www. providenceri.com/artculturetourism.

MCCOY STADIUM July 1-3: Post-Game Fireworks. One Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 7247300, www.pawsox.com.

Providence. www.provaltmarket.com.

RISD MUSEUM OF ART July 18: Design the Night Block Party.

224 Benefit Street, Providence. 4546500, www.risdmuseum.org.

SEA STAR MARKETPLACE July 27: 3rd Annual Sea Star Marketplace. Ninigret Park 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. www.frostydrew.org OTHER FOXWOODS July 26: Summer Dinner and a Movie.

350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. 800-200-2882, www.foxwoods.com.

THE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY & PRACTICE OF NONVIOLENCE First Friday of Every Month: Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry. 265 Oxford Street, Providence. 785-2320, www. nonviolenceinstitute.org.

ATRIUM GALLERY July 1-31: The State Employee Art Show. One Capital Hill, Providence.

222-3880, www.arts.ri.gov.

THE STEEL YARD July 12: Steel Yard Fundraiser: 8th Annual Cruise Night. 27 Sims Avenue, Providence. 273-7101, www.thesteelyard.org.

CRAFTLAND July 1-20: Xander Marro: Foot Apple Parade. 235 Westminster Street, Providence. 272-4285, www.craftlandshop. com.

FOR FOODIES BOTTLES Fridays: Beer Tasting. Saturdays: Wine Tasting. 141 Pitman Street, Providence. 372-2030, www.bottlesfinewine.com.

DAVID WINTON BELL GALLERY July 1-19: Kelli Rae Adams: Breaking Even. 64 College Street, Providence.

863-2932, www.brown.edu/campuslife/arts/bell-gallery.

PROVIDENCE ALTERNATIVE MARKET Saturdays: Shop locally for healthful foods while supporting RI artists, craftsmen, charities and other merchants. 1111 North Main Street,

Large Format Color Printing

Any image. Any size. Any place.

Posters • Banners • Wall Murals • Floor Graphics Backlit Displays • Vehicle Graphics • Window Graphics Tradeshow Graphics • Laminating & Mounting • Long-term Outdoor Signage

380 Jefferson Blvd. Unit C, Warwick, RI 401-751-5333 www.graphin.com

GALLERIES

SAINT MARY’S FEAST July 17-21: 108th year with parade, fireworks, carnival food and arts and crafts. 15 Phenix Avenue, Cranston. www.sangennarofeast.com/feastcranston_main.htm.

FARM FRESH RHODE ISLAND Wednesdays and Saturdays: Summertime Farmers’ Market. Lippitt Park, 1059 Hope Street, Providence.

Thursdays: Armory Farmers’ Market.

Parade and Hudson Streets, Providence. Tuesdays: Downtown Farmers’ Market. Kennedy Plaza, Washington Street, Providence. www. farmfreshri.org.

Graphic Innovations

GALLERY NIGHT PROVIDENCE July 18: Ride the art bus to 25 of the city’s best art spots. One Regency Plaza, Providence. 490-2042, www. gallerynight.info.

GALLERY Z July 1-27: Elibekian: 3 Generations of Painters. July 18: Second Opening.

July 25: Second Art with Food and Wine. 259 Atwells Avenue, Providence.

454-8844, www.galleryzprov.com.

PEREGRINE GALLERY July 9-31: Michal Truelsen: Earth Stories. 150 Waterman Street, Providence.

654-4618, www.peregrinegallery.com.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Quality Custom Design

July 2013 East Side Monthly

47

401-216-5275 Preserve the special place that your pet holds in your life through soulful images reflecting the unique personality of your pet.

} $100 off a pet session with this ad {

*Offer applies to interior/exterior Regal® Select, Natura®, and interior/exterior ben® and is valid 05/20/2013 through 06/30/2013.

Providence

275 Smith Street 401-421-7256

East Providence

2745 Pawtucket Ave 401-434-3030

Warwick • Johnston • West Warwick thepaintshoppes.com

48

East Side Monthly July 2013

Innovation,

Creativity, Style…

4 Frank Avenue, West Kingston, RI • (401) 792-9799

davittdesignbuild.com

Calendar

continued...

It’s never too early to plan ahead Pre-arrangements are a thoughtful and prudent decision that may help to ease your loved one’s anxieties.

RISD MUSEUM OF ART July 1-14: The Festive City. July 1-31: Artist/Rebel/Dandy. 224 Benefit Street, Providence. 454-6500, www.risdmuseum.org.

kIDS + FAMILy AUDUBON SOCIETY July 5: Fireflies: An evening celebration.

12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 9495454, www.asri.org.

BROWN UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE Every Saturday: Children’s Story Time.

244 Thayer Street, Providence. 8633168, bookstore.brown.edu.

KENNEDY PLAZA Tuesdays: Kidoinfo Providence Storytime and After Storytime Fun. Thursdays: Sandwich Skateboarding. Bank of America City Center, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence. 331-5544, www. kennedyplaza.org.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND PLANETARIUM Daily (except July 4): Planetarium shows. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 785-9457, www.providenceri. com/museum.

PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM July 2: Get Out! July 3: Wheels at Work.

July 9: Get Out! July 10: Wheels at Work.

July 16: Get Out! July 17: Wheels at Work.

July 23: Get Out! July 24: Wheels at Work. July 27: Bubble Blowout. July 28: Bubble Blowout. July 30: Get Out! July 31: Wheels at Work. 100 South Street, Providence. 273-5437, www.childrenmuseum.org.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO July 1-31: Animal Feedings: giraffes or harbor seals. July 6-27: Family Nights.

July 9: Animal Birthday Party: camel.

July 17: Sunset Safari. July 25: Animal Birthday Party: red river hog. July 31: Sunset Safari. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 785-3510, www.rwpzoo.org.

LEARN discussion | instruction | tour BROWN UNIVERSITY July 15-19: IdeaLab 2013: Weeklong Program for Early Career Researchers.

121 South Main Street, Providence.

863-5030, www.events.brown.edu.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE July 10: Visit to an American Home.

July 19: National Museum of American Illustration. 8 Stimson Avenue, Providence. 421-7181, www.internationalhouseofri.org.

• Accommodations for all faiths, traditions and wishes.

• All-in-one options for calling hours, service and reception.

• Newly remodeled throughout

• Reception room • Easy access from I-195 • Ample free parking • Over 125 years of reputation for excellence

GOVERNOR HENRY LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM Fridays (except July 4): Guided Tour.

199 Hope Street, Providence. 4530688, www.preserveri.org.content/ gov-henry-lippitt-house-museumhistory.

PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM Fridays: Drop in from 5-7pm for the free weekly Salon Series. 251 Benefit Street, Providence. 421-6970, www. providenceathenaeum.org.

RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL July 9: BRIGHT Pathway Global Health Lecture. George Auditorium, 593 Eddy Street, Providence. 444-6072, www. events.brown.edu.

SARAH DOYLE WOMEN’S CENTER Mondays: Girls Night Out. Snacks and informal discussions for self-identified queer women. 26 Benevolent Street, Providence. events.brown.edu.

THE STEEL YARD July 3: Free public tour. July 12: Cruise Night. July 25: Steel Yard Fundraiser.

27 Sims Avenue, Providence. 273-7101, www.thesteelyard.org.

SPORTS DUNKIN’ DONUTS CENTER July 16: WWE presents Smackdown. 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 331-6700, www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

MOHEGAN SUN July 2: Connecticut Sun vs. Tulsa Shock. July 12: Connecticut Sun vs.

Chicago Sky. July 14: Connecticut Sun vs. San Antonio. 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 888-226-7711, www.mohegansun.com.

RHODE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER July 27: Ring of Honor Wrestling. 1 Sabin Street, Providence. 458-6000, www.riconvention.com.

401.331.4592 • 401.421.9887 230 WATERMAN AVE., WAYLAND SQUARE • PROVIDENCE WWW.MONAHANDRABBLESHERMAN.COM • EMAIL: MKDSFH@AOL.COM

William Raveis ExCEpTiONaL pROpERTiEs

The Largest Family-Owned Real Estate Company in the Northeast an award-Winning Team

&

TAYLOR Company

RESIDENTIAL SALES + RENTALS + INVESTMENTS

Nelson Taylor president

Bethany Calitri sales & Leasing specialist

Victoria Rogers sales Director

Robin Lake Client Care Coordinator

203 south Main street (across From the Cable Car) providence, Ri 401-270-7909 • TandC@Raveis.com

www.taylorandcompanyri.com July 2013 East Side Monthly

49

East of Elmgrove

by Elizabeth Rau | illustration by Caleigh McGrath

For the Love of Vodka How an East Side author’s passion for history sparked the spirited tale Patricia Herlihy likes her vodka “neat.’’ That means she likes it without embellishment. No orange juice or heavy cream, thank you very much. On occasion, she will drink a vodka tonic or a vodka martini, but it has to be a really big party. Her favorite vodka is Russkiy Standart, known on this side of the world as Russian Standard. “It’s smooth,’’ she says, with a grin.

Pat is 83 years old with white hair cut in a bob and grey eyes that light up when she laughs, which is often. Maybe you saw her latest YouTube video, a sevenminute gem that chronicles her travels to different “watering holes’’ on the East Side and beyond to imbibe. And Da, she lived to tell the story.

But this Brown University historian is more than an Internet sensation. She has also written a charming book about this most versatile of spirits, Vodka: A Global History. The book takes us for a ride through vodka’s history, from its origins in a Slavic country in the 14th century to its global popularity today. Along the way, we get clever illustrations and tidbits like these: “Bison Grass Vodka, a favorite among Poles and Russians, is reputed to enhance virility, and vodka demand spiked in the United States after James Bond, uh, Sean Connery, uttered those famous words, shaken not stirred,’ in the 1962 film Dr. No.” I’m not much of a drinker, but I love this book. It’s a fun read. I like the author just as much. How lucky we are on the East Side to have her in our midst, holding forth on both Russian history and a seemingly unremarkable clear liquid without color, odor or taste that marketers have cleverly promoted.

Surely you’ve seen the vodka in a bottle shaped like Marilyn Monroe with her skirt billowing up.

Pat is charming crowds at local bookstores and restaurants, as she did one night at Waterman Grille at an event hosted by the liquor store Bottles and its general manager Eric Taylor. Her talk included a PowerPoint presentation and a “tasting’’ of five different vodkas, among them, Hammer + Sickle and Sons of Liberty Loyal 9 - made here in Little Rhody. The veggies, bread and smoked salmon were not optional. Pat explains: 50

East Side Monthly July 2013

“Russians, unless they’re really, really far gone, never drink without food. You toast. You eat.’’

All roads lead to the East Side, and so it is with Pat. She was born in San Francisco and moved to China in 1930 with her newly-divorced mother, Irene, who had planned on a brief visit, but instead

stayed five years. Pat’s first language was Mandarin, her second, Pidgin English. She graduated from Kaiser-Wilhelm kindergarten in Shanghai. (We should all be so lucky.)

The two returned home in 1936, settling in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, long before it became a hippie haven. Pat graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in history and married another historian, David Herlihy.

They met at a high school debate in 1945

about socialized medicine. Pat was for; David against.

They raised five boys and a girl – whew! – while pursuing academic careers. David got his doctorate in medieval history from Yale University, and Pat earned her doctorate in Russian history from the University of Pennsylvania. “I

preferred studying to housecleaning,’’ she says.

David taught at colleges throughout the country, including Harvard, eventually becoming a world-renowned Italian medievalist. Pat made her mark too; her expertise is 19th century Russian history, especially in Ukraine. They moved to Providence in 1986 to teach at Brown University, where David was a professor until his death in 1991 of pancreatic cancer. “We were great pals,’’ says Pat. The Herlihys lived on Keene Street –

number 92, to be exact. (You know, the house with the turret.) Pat’s son-in-law, an émigré from Albania, worked in the fish department at Eastside Market in the mid-1990s. Her son, Maurice Herlihy, is a professor of computer science at Brown.

A grandson graduated from Brown last year, and a granddaughter will graduate from there next year.

Pat taught at Brown until 2001 and moved a few years ago to Cambridge to be closer to her children. She commutes to Brown’s Watson Institute for International Studies, where she’s an adjunct professor. From her sun-drenched office on Thayer Street, she does research, meets with students, mentors professors from Tajikistan and engages all with her wit and warmth, raising her charka only after hours.

Her fascination with vodka began while researching Nicholas II’s ban on the spirit in August 1914. In short, the czar thought Russians were turning into alcoholics and he wanted his troops to be prepared for the first World War. That work resulted in a book, The Alcoholic Empire: Vodka and Politics in Late Imperial Russia, published in 2002. It took her four years to write Vodka, partly because the Russians were skittish about providing information, fearing that she might portray them in a bad light. She did not.

In between visiting her six grandchildren and following her beloved Celtics and Red Sox, Pat is cranking out two more books: a memoir and a book about Eugene Schuyler, an American diplomat who served in Russia. (I like him because his father owned a drugstore in Ithaca.)

Pat is also a three-time cancer survivor: breast cancer in 2009, chronic lymphocytic cancer in 1994 and kidney cancer in 1978. If you want to hang out with an optimist or chat about the Bolsheviks, check out Room 315 at the Watson Institute. The door is always open.

“I’ve always found that life is fun,’’ says Pat. “I told my kids to put on my grave, ‘She had a good time.’’’

Oh, one last thing. She prefers red wine over vodka, but don’t tell her publisher.

Elizabeth Rau can be reached at erau1@verizon.net.

SomerSet Subaru Forester • outback • XV crosstrek • Impreza • Legacy

We make the deals others can’t or won’t!

all new 2014 Forester starting at $19,950*

all New 2014 crosstrek starting at $19,986*

over 20 0 vehicle s to cho ose From

all New 2014 outback starting at $21,649*

*order in your choice of colors

Free Pick UP & Delivery! • JUst 15 minUtes From ProviDence!

1451 Brayton Point roaD • somerset, ma 02725 sUBarU sales: 1-800-922-3445

www.somersetautogroup.com

Residential PRoPeRties ltd.

arLinGton Gorgeous sun filled arts and Crafts style home has been tastefully renovated. Gracious entry, large well appointed kitchen, handsome f/p living/dining rms. master suite, 2brs, 2 baths on 2nd, 4 rooms, 2 baths on 3rd. a/C garage. $1,398,000

benefit fabulous federal (1814) brick home. 4 beautifully renovated levels. features include 5-6 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 7 fireplaces, original details, hardwoods throughout, indoor infinity pool, central air, capitol views. $995,000

SLater fabulous redo on this generously proportioned 4 bedroom tudor. master suite on 1st. Custom cabinetry, breakfast nook. Kitchen is a cook’s delight! Large bedrooms on 2nd with 2 guest baths. full fenced yard with patio & garage. $769,900

DoyLe Queen anne plaque house lovingly restored.

Glorious inlaid hardwoods, historic details. Updated kitchen/baths. Sunny, spacious w/charm and open, versatile floor plan. Great for entertaining, inlaw apt or home office. Lovely yard, 4 car garage! $699,000

ray remarkable bow front Colonial in pristine condition. five bedrooms, two full and two half baths. new kitchen, heat & electric, windows and roof. Lovely floor plan and beautiful hardwood floors. $599,000

benefit wonderful antique Colonial townhouse. all restored. Gorgeous wide pine floors. original beamed ceilings. two brick fireplaces. Great custom built-ins. new kitchen. 1.5 new baths.

Private fenced patio and garden. a gem! $429,000

CoLe fabulous 4 bed/1.5 bath home in scarce east Side location. Hardwood floors, updated baths, and fresh paint throughout. Lots of systems upgrades, high-efficiency furnace and hot water system, french drains, private yard. $409,000

bowen architect designed, newly renovated one bedroom on College Hill overlooking Prospect Park. beautiful! walk to train, colleges, and downtown. Sleek and new residence in a desirable historic setting. $329,000

waterman Desirable 2 bed, 2 bath townhouse in very nice condition in mainly owner occupied building. Lovely fireplaced living room has 9 ft ceilings, private brick patio off family room with a gas fireplace. additional parking available next door. $338,000

140 Wickenden Street Providence 401.274.6740

Rhode Island’s Real Estate Company®

ResidentialProperties.com