East Side Monthly November 2010

November 2010

Your Complete Guide to the East Side Elections

Pre-Sorted Standard US POSTAGE PAID Providence, RI Permit No. 34

FirstWorks Ends on a Sweet Note

Sunday Drives in RI

A Secretly Famous East Side Cowboy

New Listing! $299,900

New Listing! $267,000

Elmhurst. Pristine 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial. New windows, furnace/hot water, electric. Screened porch, central vacuum, private deck off master suite. Move-in condition!

Riverside. Historic 1720 Viall homestead on over 1/4 acre. Charming gambrel Cape. Beautifully maintained with updated systems. Fireplaces, solarium, built-ins, garage. Lovely landscaping.

Kathryn Lawrence

Sue Erkkinen

New Listing! $224,800

New Listing! $535,000

Beautiful 1 bed condo in the heart of Benefit St. New kitchen, bath. High ceilings with detailed moldings.

Walk to colleges, downtown and train station.

Elegant garden level unit. Beautiful details, luxurious master bedroom. Hardwoods, central air, 2 fireplaces.

Short walk to restaurants and downtown. Very special!

Suzie Prescott

John McCann

New Listing! $189,000

New Listing! $159,000

Estate sale. Spacious 2-family, high ceilings, hardwoods, original details. Needs extensive rehab.

1888 Carriage house on 7,500 sq ft lot. Quiet East Side location offers rehab/development opportunity. Many possibilities.

Sue Erkkinen

Bob Del Deo

New Listing! $349,000

Rumford. Lovely Colonial with charm, original details.

New kitchen, hardwoods, living and family rooms with fireplaces. Large fenced garden. Golf course within walking distance.

Suzie Prescott

New Listing! $245,000

Fabulous 2 bedroom condo in 6 unit brick building.

Granite eat-in kitchen, new bath, hardwoods, central A/C, basement storage. Walk to Wayland Square.

Bob Del Deo

New Listing! $349,000

Edgewood. Gracious 5 bedroom center hall Colonial on lovely street with fabulous wrap-around screened porch and large yard. Beautiful details, hardwoods, great 3rd floor.

Sue Erkkinen

COLEMANREALTORS.COM Providence 401.274.3636

barrington east greenwich 401.245.3050 401.884.5522 CORPORATE RELOCATION 401.277.0570

corPorate relocation 401.277.0570

watch hill 401.596.2390

Do you know The Catering Gourmet?

Sandwich Platters for Any Occasion Also Offering • Chicken Wings and Brats for Game Day • A Deep Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving • Chicken Parm & Pasta for Your Child’s Birthday • Spicy Tuna Rolls for Your Cocktail Party

The Catering Gourmet – Imagine the Possibilities!

401.751.0355 • Open Mon-Sun • Open Late 357 hope street, providence, ri 02906 • www.thepizzagourmet.net

Turn your office holiday gathering from prosaic to PARTY See you at the Flats!

355

Hope Street Providence 401.751.6777

November 2010 East Side Monthly

3

A Fresh spin on Lunch n o w o p e n F o r L u n c h * , F e At u r i n g $1 oysters, $1 littlenecks & cherrystones, $1 shrimp cocktail, $9.95 lobster roll, & a brand new lunch menu!

Providence oyster Bar 283 Atwells Avenue, Providence 路 *Tuesday - Saturday 401-272-8866 路 ProvidenceOysterBar.com

providence oyster bar

A cut Above the rest Now Featuring An A La Carte Exclusive...

All Your Sides Are Inclusive!

Providence Prime 279 Atwells Avenue, Providence 路 401-454-8881

Contents

November 2010 This Month 17 FirstWorks Finale An award-winning vocal group comes to town

21 Lynda Benglis at RISD

The pioneering female sculptor gets a retrospective

23 Artful Holiday Shopping

The season’s best local art and craft sales

27 Election Day 2010

23 11 Other Side 13 Community News The latest from East Side community groups

Your guide to the races and candidates that affect the East Side

43 On the Menu

39 Sunday Drives

45 Dining Guide

A roadmap to revive an American tradition

Every Month 9 Letters/Editorial

Retirement planning for the real long term

Two big anniversaries on the food scene

55 Movies The Social Network and Let Me In

59 Providence Flash Fiction Get on board with Gallery Night

Your resource for where to eat

62 Calendar

48 Pajama Monologues

All the info on November’s happenings

An intimate conversation with Tarzan

70 East of Elmgrove

52 Finance

A secretly famous East Sider

Fall For Your New Home Let Spitz-Weiss help you begin that search

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

Aleen WeissH Claire Sennott Jenny Wieting

Paul Levitt Judi BlauH

HAlso licensed in MA FLicensed RI Environmental Lead Inspector 0065

Ready to change your career path?

We have openings for new and experienced agents.

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

5

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Mobil

Travel Guide 2010

Restaurants

)RXU 6WDU )RRG <RX &DQ $IIRUG

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Dear East Siders, Thanks so much for the support you have given to me over the last eight years.

Together we have transformed our great city and accomplished many things. I am grateful to have had the honor of leading this wonderful city.

Now I am running to become your next Congressman and I am asking for your support. If elected, I promise to bring the same dedication and commitment to my work in the Congress that I brought to the City of Providence every day. I know I can go to Washington and deliver real results for Rhode Island and will work hard to get our country back on the right track.

David N. Cicilline PAID FOR BY THE CICILLINE COMMITTEE

8

East Side Monthly November 2010

Paid Advertising

Senator Rhoda Perry: “David is the candidate who is ready on Day One to start getting things done. He understands the problems our state faces and knows how to find solutions. He has done it as mayor and will do it in Congress.”

Representative Edie Ajello: “No one will work harder than David Cicilline. He is the kind of relentless fighter that we need in Washington.”

Councilman Kevin Jackson: “Rhode Island gets just two members of Congress. We have to send leaders to Washington who know how to get difficult work done. We will all be proud to have David Cicilline as our Congressman.”

Speaker Gordon Fox: “I have known David for a long time, and I have seen firsthand how hard he works to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders. I know that David will be a tireless fighter for us and an extremely effective legislator in Washington.”

Editorial 167 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909 tel: 521-0023 | fax: 521-0024 esm@providenceonline.com www.providenceonline.com Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Managing Editor Barry Fain City Editor Steve Triedman Editor Julie Tremaine Assistant Editor John Taraborelli Art Director Allison Cole Assistant Art Director Alli Coate Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Karli Hendrickson Account Managers Danielle Claro, Louann DiMuccioDarwich, Ann Gallagher, Nellie Lima, Dan Schwartz, Liz Sliney, Jessica Webb Classified Advertising Sue Howarth, Janice Torilli Contributing Writers James Arthur Anderson, Linda Beaulieu, Bob Cipriano, Mary K. Connor, Don Fowler, Mike Fink, Dana Rae Laverty, Bob Mariani, Betsey Purinton, Elizabeth Rau, Andrew Rock, Dan Schwartz, Martina Windels Calendar Christina Evon Interns Nicole Greenspun, Lauren Knight, Jen Liedke, Alison Schloss, Whitney Smith Contributing Photographers Jonathan Beller, Pat Schumaker, Dan Schwartz Contributing Illustrator Emma Tripp

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

Copyright ©2010 by East Side Monthly.

All rights reserved. Printed by TCI.

ESM Endorsements Governor: Lincoln Chafee (Independent) All four candidates seem to get it in terms of the fiscal crisis facing the state and the need for job creation. If our endorsement were based on new ideas, our vote would clearly go to Ken Block, the Moderate candidate, who continues to be creative in terms of problem solving. Lincoln Chafee, however, is earnest, honest and a non-insider. While we’re concerned with his increasingly cozy relationship with the unions, we think Chafee has a well-deserved reputation for independence, managerial experience and fiscal conservatism. He wins our endorsement.

Lt. Governor. Elizabeth Roberts (Democrat) While the Cool Moose Party provides a lot of journalistic grist for us, the reality is we should have a lieutenant governor and Liz Roberts has been more than adequate. What does need fixing, however, is that the governor and lieutenant governor should be paired and run on the same ticket. The problem with the snowstorm debacle was that the two staffs decided not to communicate with each other. This needs to be changed.

Secretary of State: Catherine Taylor (Republican) The current office-holder, Ralph Mollis, comes with a lot of baggage. East Sider Catherine Taylor is a gem: hard-working, politically astute (she worked for both Senators Chafee in Washington) and unequivocally honest. She’d bring the level of competence and integrity that the position deserves.

Treasurer: Gina Raimondo (Democrat) This is a no-brainer. Raimondo is experienced, honest, an outsider, and will offer some fresh thinking to the office.

We’re lucky she’s willing to commit to public service.

Attorney General: Chris Little (Moderate) As recent events have demonstrated, it is critical that the Attorney General’s office remain as politically independent as possible. Chris Little brings a lifetime of this to the office. His years of legal expertise, his community involvement heading the Boards of organizations like Save the Bay and Common Cause are demonstrable proof that he gets it in terms of what our state needs. What a wonderful breath of fresh air he would bring to the office, as well as a long overdue shakeup of the status quo.

Congress District 1: David Cicilline (Democrat) While we occasionally took issue with some of David’s positions as mayor, we never questioned his commitment to the rights of those who need protecting. His eight years as mayor, his ability to fight hard for causes he believes in and his finely honed oratorical skills all convince us he would be an effective advocate for Rhode Island in Congress.

our future. And we need someone to get us to believe in the possibilities of Providence again. Angel Taveras is certainly bright. He’s certainly committed. The key will be his ability to surround himself with a managerial team experienced and capable enough to make the necessary hard decisions. We wish him well.

Referendum items: Question #1: Change the Name of our State – Vote No While “Providence Plantations” may be politically incorrect, it’s also an indelible part of our heritage. Use it as a teaching tool in the schools, but don’t change the name.

We can’t allow history to be discarded so easily.

Question #2: Higher Education Facilities Bond – Approve Yes, $78 million is a lot of money in these economic times, but URI needs a chemistry lab to stay competitive with other nearby universities. Plus, it means jobs.

Question #3: Transportation Bond – Approve Again, a lot of money ($84 million), but it’s federal matching funds and it too provides jobs. Oh yeah, and our bridges and roads are falling apart all around us.

Mayor of Providence: Angel Taveras (Democrat) The next mayor of the City faces daunting challenges. We need new ideas. We need to bring our diverse city together. We need to take on the fiscal realities threatening

Question #4: Open Space/Recreation Bond – Approve Finally the public gets something back from the government that we can really use. Let us reclaim Rocky Point – and Shooters. Unequivocally yes!

the story. It was fun working with you, and a real honor to have made the front page. Thanks to the whole team for a great job.

article appeared long after the record had been corrected and has caused some confusion on our street, since his cousin, my husband Steve Markovitz, and I are strong supporters of Rhoda and do live on Memorial Road. Please correct the record as best you can.

Thank you.

Letters Thanks for the Memories Thank you for the deeply thoughtful article you wrote in the October issue of East Side Monthly on the Gordon School (“From the East Side to East Providence,” October 2010), which will be a keepsake for generations to come and an important part of our historical archives. You absolutely captured the essence of the school, its strong and enduring connections to the East Side, and the elements that distinguish it among a field of excellent independent schools. Everyone is “buzzing” at Gordon about the article, and both Ralph and Emily are absolutely delighted and so appreciative of your hard work. The photos are lovely, and the design, juxtaposing the old with the new, really helped to tell

Cindy Elder Centennial Programs Coordinator Gordon School East Providence

Corrections An article in your last East Side Monthly regarding people running for office incorrectly stated that Morris Markovitz, who is running as a Republican for the State Senate against Rhoda Perry, resided on Memorial Road. He does not and never did and has corrected his address with the City. This

Karen McAninch Memorial Road Providence Speaking of corrections, in our October issue we incorrectly attributed a letter (“Dealing with East Side Elitisim”) to Michael Tinnemeier. It was actually written by Maurice Methot of Summit Avenue. Our apologies to both men for the confusion.

November 2010 East Side Monthly

9

ELECTION 2010

Absolutely NO tax increases

YOUR CLEAN SLATE CANDIDATES FOR THE EAST SIDE

Real Pension reform Improve government services through regionalization/privatization Improve business environment by streamlining regulation and decreasing taxes & fees

DR. DAN HARROP

ERICH STURN

MORRIS MARKOVITZ

HOUSE DISTRICT 3

HOUSE DISTRICT 4

SENATE DISTRICT 3

Shrink the size of the state government End Unfunded State Mandates on Providence Decrease the size of the currently bloated budget Clean up corruption, arrogance, and one-party rule at the State House Stop wasteful, out-of-control spending and protect the taxpayers

Paid for by The Harrop Victory Fund, PO Box 60334, Providence. Michael J. Lancelotta, Treasurer

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Other Side by Barry Fain

We’re E-cstatic East Side Monthly is now fully online A Celebration at Peaceable Kingdom

Eat Your Art Out One of the season’s best juried East Side art shows will be held at St. Martin’s Church at 50 Orchard Avenue on Friday evening, November 19 and Saturday, November 20. The Gift of Art 2010 will feature the original works of 20 of the best regional artists and will raise money to help underwrite the restoration of St. Martin’s historic windows, as well to support the community arts organization CityArts.

The Friday evening preview gala will be held from 7-9pm, where you can meet the artists, get first crack at the artwork and enjoy an evening of fine food and music compliments of Russell Morin Fine Catering. Saturday hours will be from 10am-4pm.

For more information visit www.giftartsprov.org or call 751-2141. Great art. Good food. Great music.

Great way to start the holidays.

East Side Monthly Expands Its Coverage But in this case, it’s about warm coats, rather than circulation. East Side Monthly will be combining with our sister publication Providence Monthly, Seven Stars Bakery and Courtesy Cleaners for our third annual Coats for Coffee Drive. It’s an opportunity for you to get a free cup o’ joe just for doing the right thing. Here’s how it works: bring in a gently used coat to any Seven Stars location between October 31 and November 14 and receive a complimentary cup of coffee. The coats will then be cleaned compliments of Courtesy Cleaners and delivered to the Boys and Girls Club of Providence.

Last year we collected over 300 coats. This year, help us make it to 500. It’s a project guaranteed to make us all feel warm all over.

After 30 Years, It’s Time to Talk Turkey It was 30 years ago, September of 1980 to be exact, that Joan and Phil Ritchie first opened the doors of The Peaceable Kingdom on Ives Street in Fox Point. The couple had fallen in love with kilims and tribal weavings from Turkey and needed a reason to return and collect more. Soon their customers were into kilims too, providing the Ritchies with plenty of reasons to go back. Over the past three decades, they and their family have been to more than 35 countries on five different continents to buy from artisans, cooperatives and fair trade organizations. Drop in and wish them a happy 30th and congratulate them on creating such a special Kingdom right here in Providence.

Festive Fridays on Wickenden We knew the holidays were approaching when we received this message from our good friends on Wickenden Street. The first Friday night after Thanksgiving, November 26 to be exact, the retail stores there will be staying open until 8pm for holiday shopping. (Also: December 3, 14 and 16). Given the creativity of this artsy area, the stores always are dressed up for the occasion. ‘Tis the season to be…well, you know. Go and enjoy.

There will be fancy hors d’oeuvres, compliments of the Faculty Club, decadent desserts from Sweet Indulgence and divine entertainment from Tony Cerbo. There will also be a drawing for a one-night stay at the Hotel Providence and dinner for two at Aspire Restaurant. The event is to encourage you to learn more about what CHNA has to offer and hopefully entice you to join this wonderful community organization. Existing members are invited too. For more information, call 633-5320 or visit www.collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org.

Give Old ESM an E for Effort

Jack Reed Unplugged

We’re happy to announce that all four of our publications are now officially part of the 21st century. East Side Monthly, Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island and The Bay are now available online with just a click.

Go to providenceonline.com, choose your magazine and click “Read.” We think you’ll like what you see.

Let us know what you think.

Want to spend an interesting evening with interesting people in an interesting setting? Oh, and get fed too?

The World Affairs Council of RI meets every month at the Hope Club where they bring in world-class speakers to discuss a different hot spot. Their November meeting promises to be particularly informative.

Scheduled for Monday, November 8, the dinner meeting will feature our own Senator Jack Reed, coming up from Washington. The Senator obviously has earned his “world” credentials based on his countless trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. More intriguing however will be his thoughts on the election results from the previous week and its impact on the Senate. Call 228-8657 or email ygshill@yahoo.com to reserve a spot for this unique, behind-the-scenes look at things both in Washington and abroad. Dinner and the lecture are $35 for members, $40 for non-members.

Free Drinks on Them The College Hill Neighborhood Association is so eager to have you join their happy little neighborhood group, they’re throwing you a free party just to get your attention. On Tuesday, November 9 from 4:30-6:30pm, we’re all invited to the Brown Faculty Club at 1 Magee Street near the Brown campus for a free wine tasting sponsored by Madeira Fine Wines.

November 2010 East Side Monthly

11

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Act Now. Enjoy Forever.

# Vote Yes On www.

SaveOurShoreRI.org Paid for by Save The Bay

12

East Side Monthly November 2010

Community News

Community News is space that East Side Monthly makes available to community organizations free of charge. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of this publication.

Wayland Square

By David Kolsky Neighborhood Discussion Group at Books on the Square Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/waylandsquare Upcoming Events: Candidates’ night: local candidates for election to the Providence City Council and Rhode Island General Assembly (see below). Wednesday, October 27, 7pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street.

Combined meeting for November and December: General discussions of local affairs, events and issues (more details in the next issue of East Side Monthly). Monday, December 13, 7pm. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street.

Our meetings are always free and open to the general public.

A Month of Candidates Our meeting on October 27 completed a string of four local forums held

by the Summit, Fox Point and West Broadway Neighborhood Associations to hear local candidates in the contested November 2 elections for Mayor, General Assembly (state legislature) and Providence City Council. (At deadline, the Summit Association was trying to organize a fifth forum just for Mayoral and Congressional candidates.)

The Wayland Square meeting invited: • S tate Senator Rhoda Perry (D) and her opponents, Morry Markovitz (R) and Miriam Ross (I); • S tate Representative Edith Ajello (D) and her opponent Dr. Dan Harrop (R); • T wo rivals to succeed retiring Democratic Rep. David Segal: Chris Blazejewski (D) and Richard Rodi (I), who had opposed Rep. Segal in the 2008 Democratic primary; and • T wo candidates competing to succeed retiring Democratic City Councilman Cliff Wood: Sam Zurier (D) and Ronald Dwight (I) Chris Blazejewski and Sam Zurier had already addressed the group in August as candidates in the Democratic primary. More details about this forum next month.

A Taste of Wayland Two blocks of Wayland Avenue were blocked off on Saturday afternoon, September 25, for “A Taste of Wayland.” Music played, the Rhode Island Kung Fu Club presented lion dances and over half a dozen local

restaurants and cafés presented samples of their cuisine under a big tent, including Mad Ernie’s Ice Cream, United BBQ, Haruki East, The Edge, Twist on Angell, La Laiterie and L’Artisan Bakery. Wayland Square Wine and Liquors offered free samples of Hawaiian Kona beer.

Many customers were also drawn into non-food businesses on the Square, many of whom set their own tables out on the sidewalk.

Combined Meeting on December 13 Our group tries to meet regularly on the fourth Wednesday of every month, but because those days at the end of this year would run into Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’re combining the last two meetings of 2010 into one on Monday, December 13. Unless events intervene or plans change, the first meeting of 2011 should be on Wednesday, January 26.

Fox Point

By John Rousseau Fox Point Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 270-7121 Website: www.foxpointprovidence. org Email Address: fpna@cox.net Mailing Address: P.O. Box 603177, Providence, RI 02906 Upcoming Events: Public Space Bond Vote: FPNA urges residents to vote yes on Ques-

tion 4, the Bond Issue that includes purchasing Shooters for public use.

November 2 all day. Citywide. 2707121; www.makeshooterspublic.com.

FPNA Supports Save Our Shores Campaign The “Save Our Shores” Campaign initiated by Save the Bay has volunteers with nonprofit groups across Rhode Island working hard to get voter approval for Question 4, the Open Space Recreation Bond on November’s ballot.

Should voters approve the bond, both Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick and the Shooters property at 25 India Street in Providence, would be placed into public ownership, while Fort Adams State Park in Newport would undergo improvements and renovations.

“For Providence and Rhode Island, passage of this bond is the ultimate opportunity to keep the shoreline property that was formerly Shooters under public control,” according to Arria Bilodeau, secretary of Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) and co-chair of Head of the Bay Gateway (HOBG). “Providence’s hopes of creating a public waterfront attraction rest with voter approval of the bond,” Bilodeau says. “It must pass for Rhode Island to hold on to its shoreline for public use.”

Volunteers with FPNA, HOBG, the Rocky Point Foundation and the Fort Adams Trust have helped raise funds, which were matched up to $15,000 by Save the Bay for the effort. Also supporting the bond’s

November 2010 East Side Monthly

13

Buying or Community News continued...

Selling?

When buying or selling a home, expect:

The Providence Rotary Club, along with Providence Monthly and East Side Monthly, celebrated the 11th Annual Street Painting Festival downtown on Saturday, October 2. Here’s a look at the wonderful results, courtesy of photographer James Jones.

• Exemplary Service • Superb Results!

Call me today & let me do the work for you! passage were the Economic Council of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Grow Smart Rhode Island, a nonprofit alliance of community leaders promoting sustainable and prosperous growth and development.

In September, FPNA’s board approved a $1,000 contribution to support passage of the public space bond issue that is on the November 2 ballot.

Ellen O’Donnell-Forte

a.k.a. “Elle Forte”, Realtor® cell: 401.524.0563 office: 401.521.9490 EODonnell5@cox.net

Butterman & Kryston 749 East Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860 14

East Side Monthly November 2010

Outreach on Mural Lacking In mid-September, FPNA asked Thomas M. Brady, superintendent of the Providence Department of Schools to halt plans of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School to install a 250-foot mural to its East Street façade. After significant public objection this spring, the school board told FPNA that the project would be postponed until the fall so that there could be more public discussion.

According to a September 1 memo from Stephanie Federico, the district’s Chief of Staff, “The school and PTO have undertaken much public outreach over the past several months.” In a letter to the School Board, FPNA President Ian Barnacle points out that the PTO

has done little or no public outreach within the Fox Point community.

“Most of those persons pushing the project, conspicuously the PTO and Principal Grimsey, do not live in Fox Point and will not look at the mural with the regularity of its neighbors,” Barnacle adds.

FPNA has asked the school board to not approve the project until the PTO informs the neighborhood about their proposal at its membership meeting in October. At press time, the school board had not issued a decision.

School Principal Addresses FPNA Vartan Gregorian Principal Colin Grimsey told FPNA’s board in September that he did not know how the school board would rule on the controversy, but suggested that some capital improvements to the mid-century modern facility might be coming soon. “We all hate the broken glass blocks on the school’s auditorium and other locations,” Grimsey says. “They are just wrong in so many ways.”

A consultant for the district is developing a five-year capital improvement plan for all the schools, Grimsey adds.

Vartan Gregorian Elementary is slated for “modernization,” a category that means it could receive optimum attention, he explains. “The cost to

repair the glass blocks may be in range of the improvements,” he adds.

RISD Professor Dennis Hlynsky, whose house is across from the school, points out that behind the stucco on the wall chosen for the mural are glass blocks, which once allowed light into the now dark offices and hallways. FPNA supports Hlynsky’s assertion that the school has architectural significance based on its large footprint and low impact on the neighborhood due to its low profile. Grimsey said that more information on the five-year capital improvement plan, including East Side Schools, would be posted on the school department’s website, http://www.providenceschools. org/inside-ppsd/facilities/eastplanning-zone.aspx

Brown Street Park

By Wendy Nilsson Friends of Brown Street Park Phone Number: 454-8712 Website: www.friendsofbrownstreetpark.org Email Address: wendy@friendsofbrownstreetpark.org

:+(5( )$0,/,(6 *52: 67521*(5 72*(7+(5 -2,1 ,1 $W WKH < ZH H[LVW WR VWUHQJWKHQ IDPLOLHV -RLQ RXU FDXVH DQG OHDUQ PRUH DERXW WKH PDQ\ IDPLO\ IRFXVHG SURJUDPV WKDW FUHDWH PHDQLQJIXO FKDQJH IRU \RX DQG \RXU HQWLUH IDPLO\ (DVW 6LGH 0W +RSH <0&$ 3URYLGHQFH 5,

\PFDJUHDWHUSURYLGHQFH RUJ

Mailing Address: 30 Pratt Street, Providence, RI 02906 Thank You for an Amazing Year We officially finished phase III of the Brown Street Park Revitalization Project on September 19. This past year we updated and added new adult fitness equipment, added a community garden, renovated all front entryways, and built the Climbing Spider. Additionally, we added new programming and events.

Please see our website for a full list of contributors. We will spend the winter planning for the 2011 season.

If you would like to get involved let us know. We need program, event and garden volunteers, a web master and more. If volunteering is not for you, we accept donations.

Please contact Wendy wnilsson@ cox.net if interested. Thank you all for an amazing park season.

Neighborhood Day Thank you to all who contributed labor and materials to our second Annual Neighborhood Day in September. Check out the awesome pics on the website. The front entry garden was designed and planted

by Kate Lacouture of Green Circle Design. Plants were generously donated by Paul Thompson Organic Landscaping and Marnie Lacouture.

College Hill

By Diane Greco College Hill Neighborhood Association Phone Number: 633-5230 Website: www.collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org Email Address: CHNA@collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org Mailing Address: PO Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906 Upcoming Events: Annual Fall Open Meeting: All College Hill residents are encouraged to attend.

Wheeler School, 216 Hope Street. 6335230; www.collegehillneighborhoodassociation.org.

Annual Fall Meeting Twice a year, CHNA convenes open public meetings on important areas of interest for all College Hill residents.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fall meeting will be held on Monday, November 19 from 7-8:30pm at Wheeler School and is open to all.

Featured speakers will be Councilman Cliff Wood and members of the City administration and City agencies. The primary topic of conversation will be the question of whether overnight on-

street parking might be appropriate for some or all areas of College Hill. Several pilot programs are operating elsewhere in the city. Come learn more about the subject and make your feelings known.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll even have some goodies for you to eat and drink after the meeting.

Theft, Parking Problems on the Rise We have been informed by the police that there is a group that has been stealing copper gutters throughout the neighborhood. Eighteen were just taken from a local church, for example. Keep your eyes open if you spot any unusual activities. There have also been reports of drug activity on the corner of Olney and Prospect. The police urge us to be vigilant but not foolhardy.

Parking, or rather the lack of it, continues to plague College Hill. We continue to discuss the problem with Brown and the City. Reports of new restaurants opening on Thayer Street, for example, can only make a ridiculously bad situation there even worse.

December Holiday Party Planned Plans are in the works for a CHNA Holiday party that will coincide with the weekend of the Benefit Street/ Downtown Holiday Stroll, scheduled for Saturday, December 8. Details to follow as our plans evolve. Want to get involved? Call 453-3937. We can use your help.

More than Meets the Eye your work day morning coffee new harvest coffee!

your sunday brunch delight full breakfast menu!

your evening ice cream treat 32 homemade & inventive flavors!

Take Out â&#x20AC;˘ Eat In

401.273.7230 1074 Hope Street (corner of Blackstone Blvd & Hope St)

November 2010 East Side Monthly

15

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

REPRESENTATIVE

GORDON FOX

As Speaker of the House, Gordon Fox delivered immediate results: •

A new funding formula for public education which will result in $30 million in additional funds for Providence schools in the next seven years.

•

As a leader in the education reform movement, he strongly supported the state’s winning effort in obtaining a $75 million federal Race to the Top grant to raise the level of achievement in public schools.

•

Assistance for small businesses by streamlining the state regulatory process and making capital available to enable companies to expand and prosper.

•

A strong advocate for smart economic development, he is a leader in the effort to enhance our green economy through important investments in renewable energy.

•

Introduced and voted for ethics reform legislation, which passed the House, to restore the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction over legislators.

•

Long-time supporter of civil rights, including marriage equality.

• Strongly, proudly protects women’s freedom of choice.

• Planned Parenthood Votes!

RI PAC • Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

REPRESENTATIVE

GORDON FOX DISTRICT 4

Paid Advertising

DEMOCRAT

Paid Advertising

Gordon has been endorsed by:

Paid for by Friends of Gordon Fox

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

We Now Deliver!

Pad Thai

Show Stopper

Lunch SPeciaLS! 11am -3pm Weekdays

93 Hope St., Providence • 831-1122

Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri 11am-11pm Sat-Sun 12pm-11pm

FirstWorks 2010 goes out on a high note with a legendary vocal group

sawaddeerestaurant.com

By Jennifer Liedke This year’s FirstWorks Festival is already in full swing and the excitement of the performances continues to escalate. No matter what event you choose to attend, you will not be disappointed by the collection of talented people that gather to celebrate and share their passion for cutting edge art. The festival closes out this month with Sweet Honey In the Rock at the VMA Arts and Cultural Center, November 13 at 7:30. This highly renowned musical spectacle is a must-see and was even declared a “National Treasure” by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, the a cappella vocal ensemble was committed to conveying African-American traditions through music. Sweet Honey had their first public appearance that year at Howard University’s W.C. Handy Blues Festival. They aspire to inspire, to instill peace, hope and love and to show the world how life should be – not just simply how it is.

Harry Belafonte summed them up quite nicely when he said of Sweet Honey, “Her songs lead us to the well of truth that nourishes the will and courage to stand strong. She is the keeper of the flame.”

Comprised of six African-American women whose voices join beautifully together to produce a sound like no other, the Grammy Award-winning act is a combination of blues, jazz, gospel, hip-hop and reggae. Their name was derived from a song that was based on a section of Psalm 81:16. In this piece, the people were promised to be fed with honey that would flow from the rocks if they were cracked open. The group uses this image to represent AfricanAmerican women who have stood strong and been devoted to their faith and sacred music during their pursuit for freedom and justice.

More than 20 individuals have been members of Sweet Honey over the years. It started as a quartet, but the current lineup boasts six members with one, Shirley Saxton, translating the music using her sign language ability. The other five gifted ladies include Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Nitanju Casel and Ysaye Barnwell.

For those who have never experienced FirstWorks, this finale is a great opportunity to check it out. The festival is not just about entertainment; it’s about bringing people together and connecting with the kids and the community. Sweet Honey rep-

resents this spirit well, according to Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director at FirstWorks. “They have been celebrating life and have been using original music that draws on tradition to make their own sound,” she explains. “In the best and hardest of times they have traveled to communities across the US and the world singing about hope, love, justice and resistance, and we felt that ending the festival with them would be inspirational, uplifting and joyous.”

Performing and celebrating on stage with Sweet Honey will be the Junior Providence Singers and students from the Rhode Island School for the Deaf and Trinity Academy for Performing Arts. The highlight of the performance will feature Sweet Honey and the Junior Providence Singers presenting a musical dialogue known as “Indaba,” which appropriately means “bringing together the right people, at the right time, to ask the right questions in order to arrive at the right answers.” The experience will be another example of what makes FirstWorks such a vital part of the local arts scene.

For more information on the FirstWorks Festival, call 421-4278 or visit www.first-works.org.

ExPErt Legal Services When You Need them Tom Mirza & Andrew Pelletier have the experience, skill, & compassion you want on your side.

Pelletier & Mirza, LLP Attorneys At LAw 861-1743

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

November 2010 East Side Monthly

17

strength. PoWer. insPiration.

Immerse

yourself in a movie or game with a custom media room

create a movie theater experience in your home with an amazing home theater system.

Owner, Denise Chakoian-Olney

Winter Cross training

Personal Training • CORE Body-Barre • Spinning Vinyasa Yoga • Strength Training • Navy SEAL Pilates • CORE Central • Run Group • MVE WillPower & Grace • Indo-Row

every system is designed to be easy to use with

simple one touch operation.

stylish design blends in with your decor.

For superb home theater systems, music systems, HDTV’s, and multi-room systems, call Jon Bell for a free in-home consultation.

No Membership Fee • Group Fitness Classes $12 NEW NutritioNal WEllNEss Program (with Body Composition Analysis offered) NEW PilatEs stick Program!

469 Angell St. Wayland Square • 273.CORE • corefitprov.com

18

East Side Monthly November 2010

www.simplysas.com

Jbell@simplysas.com

401.383.4102

Benefit Street Antiques Make the Holidays Bright!

401-751-9109 Marian L. Clark

Monday - Saturday 10-5 Sunday 1-5

22 years on Wickenden

243 Wickenden St. Providence â&#x20AC;˘ benefitstreetantiques.com

Make a Trip to

Mister Sister Erotica More Toys than the Devil has Sinners

Open Tue-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-5

268 Wickenden Street, Providence â&#x20AC;˘ 421- 6969 November 2010 East Side Monthly

19

e

ftland

g ou

fa

cu

RIS

expose

za caff taz

providen

estaur ra r

ce

www.indowncity.com

el

hot

t

tini ’

soap zop

stead lu rm

t an

estauran sr

D

antiqu

e

aspire

eir

su

q

s art

s salon the

h

n of h e uee

et heav rm

h nc

sium bo

po

n revolu ba

es

odern lov m

n tio

mestyle ho

ok

sy m

play.

Park at the corner of Union and Westminster and receive validation from any of the participating businesses for 2 hours of FREE PARKING while you enjoy your time in downcity Providence.

For more info visit www.indowncity.com/news

www.cornishlp.com

cra

en

dine.

fine wi

s

shop.

e

live.

no

ne

in downcity.

gracie’s

clover

providencedowntown.com

RI’s #1 Real Estate Company | Largest Relocation Company in the Country | Leader in Interactive Web Technology

184 Cypress st. Unit 1 Spacious Victorian 2 bed Condo w/period details, high ceilings, pocket doors. 500 sq. ft. in unfinished basement $319,000

75 LLoyd Ave This 3 bed, 1400 sq. ft. Townhouse features hardwoods, patio, garden, walking distance to schools. $ 234,900

206 Governor St. Impeccable 1 bed condo, private entrance, in-unit laundry, hardwoods. Fees include Heat & Hot Water. $189,900

372 S. Main St. Established Condo Complex, well maintained & parking. 2 beds, nice condition. Easy resale potential. $209,000

141 Woodbine St. This 2 family on corner lot has hardwoods, new windows, 2 car garage, 2 new boilers, separate utilities. $299,900

42 Adelphi Ave This 3200 sq. ft. historic 5 bed, 3.2 bath home is highlighted by period details, au pair suite, garage. $649,900

“Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” – 2009 J.D. Powers and Associates 225 Wayland Avenue, Providence 20

East Side Monthly November 2010

|

401-351-2017

|

www.nemoves.com

Increase Your Home’s Beauty & Value!

Still Sparkling

A retrospective on a pioneering female sculptor

By Don Fowler American sculptor

Lynda Benglis is one talented, controversial, innovative and challenging artist. Starting this month, we’re happy to announce the RISD Museum has scored a victory by obtaining more than 50 of her works, spanning 40 years, in a must-see exhibit that will run through January 9 of next year. The museum is the first of only two North American venues for this extraordinary show, New York City being the other.

Benglis uses a variety of materials, ranging from layered wax paintings, poured latex and polyurethane foam sculptures, to metal, glass, ceramics and even photography.

Her works are neatly displayed on pedestals, walls and floors, and include one incredible piece that fills an entire room. Phantom, which was completed in 1971, consists of five objects that are viewed in bright and dim light, and then in total darkness.

In the ‘70s, Benglis began a series of “sparkle knots” made with cotton bunting, plaster, acrylic paint and glitter over metal screen. They fill an entire wall in a room that is shared with unusual wax reliefs on the floor. My only problem with seeing the varied sculptures was resisting the urge to touch them.

Now approaching the age of 70, Benglis was a defiant female artist

who worked in a field dominated by men. One exhibit room clearly shows her boldness at a time when her work was considered scandalous by many.

(A sign suggests that the area is “inappropriate” for young viewers.)

This is a rare opportunity to experience the works of a major American artist. The museum also has available a fully illustrated book published especially for the exhibit.

If you have not visited the new section of the museum, with its entrance at 20 North Main Street, now is the time to do so. As a bonus, you can check out their new gift shop, since the holidays are coming up pretty soon.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-5pm. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.) Members are free. Senior Citizens, 62 and older pay $7. Adults pay $10. There is a special “free to all” on the third Thursday of the month, 5-9pm and the last Saturday of the month (except December). Every Sunday from 10am1pm is “pay what you wish.”

Lynda Benglis

Through January 9, 2011 RISD Museum of Art 224 Benefit Street, 454-6500 www.risdmuseum.org

M&M LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION INC. Patios • Walkways • Retaining Walls

Complete Landscape Design & Construction from site work to Completion

M&M ASPHALT PAVING

Asphalt paving • Driveways • Parking Lots

Create your dream landscape with ONE phone call!

401-397-7662

mmlandscapingri.com Fully Insured & Licensed, Free Estimates

November 2010 East Side Monthly

21

22

East Side Monthly November 2010

Pendants available at Craftopia

The Art of the Perfect Gift

This year, take the ho-ho-hum out of holiday shopping

By Dana Rae Laverty

Y

ou’ve battled throngs of shoppers at the malls.

Cursed at that jerk who took your parking space at Target.

You’ve even stood in line for a Zhu Zhu Pet for your niece.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again: the frenzied Holiday Season. This year, why not take a break from the commercialized, big-brand shopping experience and try something a little more crafty, handmade and personal? Something a little more local.

Soon all of Providence will turn glittery and sparkly, and hard-working artists and artisans will proudly display the wares they’ve worked on all year. You’ll find artsy holiday sales on nearly every snow-dusted corner, and we invite you to sample one, two, or perhaps all of them.

So this year, try shopping indie.

You’ll be supporting local artists, organizations and businesses. You’ll be surrounded by oodles of creativity. And heck, you’ll have more fun than being stuck in the never-ending checkout lines – and the accompanying cacophony – of Wal-Mart. Trust us on this one.

Happy shopping!

Craftland Know someone who needs a T-shirt emblazoned with the old Seekonk River Bridge – you know, that one forever stuck in the “up” position in the Providence skyline? How about a crimson and jet black pocketbook crafted from seat belts? If you said yes – or are just a fan of glittery, pretty and gorgeously

handmade goodies – then Craftland’s annual holiday sale is for you.

More than 170 artists and crafters – from across the globe and right here in Rhode Island – will showcase their wares at this year’s show. Think handcrafted jewelry, paintings, stationery, puppets, clothing, housewares, knickknacks and photographs – those are the sort of goodies you’ll find at Craftland.

From its humble beginnings in a drafty storefront in 2002 (now home to White Electric), Craftland’s annual holiday sale has morphed into a full-time store at 235 Westminster Street. This year’s show will take over the entire shop and gallery space from November 27 to December 31.

“We like to think that Craftland is the wacky younger sister or the weird uncle (as the case may be) to the other area shows,” says Deb Dormody, the store’s self-described Boss Lady. “We prize quality craftsmanship and unique, distinguishing work, but we’re also not afraid of things that have swear words on them – as long as they’re painstakingly embroidered.”

Saturday, November 27 through Friday, December 31 at Craftland, 235 Westminster Street. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 10am-6pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10am-8pm. 272-4285, www. craftlandshow.com.

Foundry Artists Holiday Show Now in its 28th year, the Foundry sale slightly edges out the RISD Alumni Art

Sale for title of second-longest running Providence holiday art show. (RISD’s sale has been held for 25 years).

The show, which will be held over the course of two weekends, was started by a small group of artists who worked out of the Foundry building in Providence. Although the Foundry now houses luxury apartments and office space, the name remains as a nod to the group’s history, says Michael Hauck, a furniture craftsman and the collective’s marketing manager.

Shoppers at this year’s sale – which features artists from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and one far-flung former New Englander who lives across the pond – will find handcrafted, high-quality work from more than 70 artists.

Beautiful glasswork and vases, jewelry, photography, clothing, toys, handcrafted books, furniture and kitchen gadgets will all fill the vast hall of the Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, where the sale has been held for the past 11 years.

“We’ll have a broad range very distinctive gifts,” Hauck promises.

Friday, December 3, noon-8pm; Saturday, December 4, 10am-8pm; Sunday, December 5, 10am6pm; Friday, December 10, noon-8pm; Saturday, December 11, 10am-8pm; Sunday, December 12,

10am-6pm. Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. www.foundryshow.com. Free admission, although donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted and donated to a local food pantry.

Craftopia Come for the funky, local goodies. For the DJ spinning sweet tunes. For the fun, festive atmosphere. But most of all, come to Craftopia for the fantabulous bacon-wrapped meatloaf sandw ich from Hewtin’s Dogs Mobile, aka the

A Sun Jar from the Foundry Artists Holiday Show

November 2010 East Side Monthly

23

Chez Pascal food truck.

Okay, maybe not most of all, because along with the cult-status wiener mobile, the one-day sale at Hope Artiste Village will feature 65 emerging and established crafters and designers selling everything from stationery, silkscreened prints, soaps, vintage jewelry, baby shoes, mixed-media collages and wares crafted from recycled goods – and it’s all local. About half the artists hail from Rhode Island, with the remaining vendors coming from across New England.

“We have a really interesting, eclectic body of work,” says Kim Turner Clark, the show’s director and owner of Rhody Craft 100, a seasonal store that carries only handmade, locally crafted goods.

This is only the second sale for Rhody Craft – the first was held in April and was so successful that Clark and her cohorts decided to hold it twice a year.

And yes, she wants you to sample the transcendent meatloaf sandwich. It will change your life.

Sunday, November 14, 10am-5pm.

Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. www.RhodyCraft100.com.

Admission: $1.

RISD Alumni Holiday Art Sale Take joyful heed, shoppers. This Rhode Island mainstay – now going on 25-plus years – is so big that the only venue that can contain it is the cavernous Rhode Island Convention Center. That translates into a whole lotta shopping for you. In fact, it’s so big that the school holds four such sales a year: three in Providence and one in San Francisco.

This December, more than 200 alumni from across the country – and even Australia – will turn the convention center into a veritable feast of crafty goodness. The thousands of items for sale will include greeting cards, fine art, jewelry, paintings, furniture, clothing, ceramics, glass, rugs and more.

Fun fact: Your artful dollars will go to a worthwhile cause, as all proceeds go to the Alumni Association’s Scholarship Fund. Last year, the school’s art shows raised $18,000 and helped send six students to the prestigious art school.

Just what is it about the sale that keeps people coming back? “(The show) gives people a view into a unique and original world,” explains Claire Robinson, associate director of alumni relations at RISD. “People enjoy looking at this world, even if they’re not going to buy anything.”

Saturday, December 4, 10am-5pm.

Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. www.risd.edu/alumni_ sale.cfm. Admission: $7, general public;

24

East Side Monthly November 2010

free, children under 14, current RISD students (with ID).

Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and Artisan Fair Gingerbread + handcrafted goodies + an unlimited supply of Tootsie Rolls, gumdrops and marshmallows = Sweet, sweet holiday goodness.

That’s what you’ll find at the sixth annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and Artisan Fair, held by the good folks at the Artists’ Exchange in Cranston. The juried show – expanded to two days this year – will feature ten local artisans showing their holiday wares as well as a whole lotta frosting, graham crackers and happy, sticky kiddo (and adult) fingers.

The event is a way for families to steal away some quality time during the manic holiday season, says Christina Mealey, director of development at Artists’ Exchange, a nonprofit group that offers art classes, studio and gallery space, a theater and café. Here, decorators are told to think big: Intrep-

Clockwise from top left: selections from Craftland (top two), the Little Pictures Show and Sale, and the Foundry Artsts Holiday Sale

id designers last year crafted a replica of the Guggenheim Museum and the onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral out of gingerbread. Yum. Saturday, December 4, 10am-4pm, and Sunday, December 5, 10am-3pm.

50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, www.artists-exchange.org. Admission: $11 per gingerbread house.

Providence Art Club’s Little Pictures Show and Sale Here it is, the granddaddy of them all: At the ripe old age of 106, the Providence Art Club’s Little Pictures Show and Sale proudly lays claim to the coveted title of oldest holiday sale in Providence.

Shoppers here will find small works by more than 100 artists and club members. Each piece measures less than 16 inches and costs less than

$250: quite a bargain for fine – and local – art. Most of the pieces are two-dimensional paintings – think oils, watercolor and mixed-media works – but the sale will feature some sculpture and glasswork as well.

Since the show is cash and carry, you can pluck your treasure from the wall and bring it home with you that day.

Translation: You can walk away with some really amazing pieces at really amazing prices, according to Kristin Grimm, the club’s gallery coordinator.

Because of the quick turnover – artists only show six pieces of work at a time – the show changes every day – but not the prices. They’re always small.

Sunday, November 21 through Friday, December 24. Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, noon5pm; Thursday, noon-6pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon-4pm. 331-1114, www. providenceartclub.org.

-T

nt xubera "…An eression of exp n voice ma the hu and spirit"t Pos hington he Was

KicKboxing comes to HealtH seeKers Stephanie France is all of 22 years old, but under her sweet demeanor she packs 15 years of martial arts experience with a black belt in Shaolin Kempo, a yellow belt in Judo and training in Jujutsu. She is a student of four time world boxing champion Jamie “Hurricane” Clampitt. Now Stephanie is taking her love of martial arts and boxing and offers small three-person classes at Health Seekers in Fox Point. “We have the music blasting and it’s fun,” she explains.

These hour long classes may be enjoyable, but you are going to get into some serious shape as the kickboxing is combined with the strenuousness of conditioning cardio. “I lost 80 pounds myself, so I want to help out others,” Stephanie says. “I like to pump people up and make them feel good.” The classes are for anyone 17 years and older and for all abilities, including beginners. Each small group class is only $10 per session, and one-on-one personal training sessions are $35 with packages of 6 at $180.

Kickboxing classes are on Mondays at noon, Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 10am.

No special gear is required so you just need to come ready to kick some butt... figuratively of course! Call Stephanie at 487-6186 to hold your spot.

Frank Warren is holding boot camp sessions on Monday evenings at 5 and Wednesday mornings at 9:15.

0 1 0 2 l a Festiv

Y E N O H ® T E E SW E ROCK pm IN THovember 13, 7:3f0Life,

s k r o W t Firs

ing n e v E ing y f i r t c An Eeleand Sroovnidegnce Singers) Loving the Junior P

ay, d r u t a S

N

o

ow!

n ickets t Center r l a u r o u lt y Cu ...buyS (2787) rts and s t a e s WMA A est -ART

(featur

b 1 Get thi.eorg or 401-42 vmar

For full festival schedule visit: first-works.org November 2010 East Side Monthly

25

Join us

View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P FA O R ( 4 0 1 ) 45 6 - 8 1 4 4

Monday, November 22 7 : 3 0 P. M . | S A P I N S L E Y H A L L , N A Z A R I A N C E N T E R F O R T H E P E R F O R M I N G A RT S

The Muir String Quartet

with guest Ann Hobson-Pilot, Harp

Concord Companion Servicesâ&#x20AC;¦ IURP HUUDQGV WR KRPH KHDOWK VHUYLFHV ZH·YH JRW \RX FRYHUHG

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² JXDUDQWHHG 2XU DFFUHGLWHG VHUYLFHV DUH IXOO\ ERQGHG DQG LQVXUHG

9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH WR VHH D IXOO OLVW RI VHUYLFHV SULYDWH GXW\ FRPSDQLRQ FDUH Â&#x2021; OLJKW KRXVHNHHSLQJ HUUDQGV DSSRLQWPHQWV Â&#x2021; ODXQGU\ Â&#x2021; KRPH KHDOWK DLGH VKRSSLQJ Â&#x2021; RYHUQLJKW FDUH Â&#x2021; PHDO SODQQLQJ PHGLFDWLRQ PDQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021; GHPHQWLD FDUH

ZZZ &RQFRUG+RPH&DUH FRP

26

East Side Monthly November 2010

THE DOG DAYS OF ELECTION SEASON It’s been a long and exciting election season. The surprise retirement of Congressman Kennedy produced a domino effect that put the Mayor’s Office and seats in both City Council and the General Assembly up for grabs. A wave of anti-incumbency swept the nation, and didn’t miss Rhode Island, but whether it produces any real changes remains to be seen. Some big

names and some small ones jumped into the race to succeed Governor Carcieri. Now all the campaign dollars have been spent. All hands have been shaken, babies kissed and $1000 a plate dinners served. All that’s left is to see who wins and loses come election day. Here is your comprehensive rundown of the races that matter on the East Side.

ELECTION COVERAGE 2010

Mayor of Providence Jon Scott (Independent) vs. Angel Taveras (Democrat)

By Barry Fain The surprising size

of Angel Taveras’ victory over three other candidates in the September Democratic primary has most pundits already anointing him our next mayor. Independent candidate Jon Scott doesn’t quite see it that way. The garrulous, outspoken and highly energetic East Side native is determined to make his case over the final weeks before the November 2 election. Whether he has enough time (or money) to convince voters remains to be seen. What can’t be questioned is his determination. Meanwhile, Taveras is committed to keeping pedal to the medal for the final stretch drive.

Jon Scott Jon Scott often seemed to be the add-on during the almost daily neighborhood debates that marked the last weeks before the September Democratic primary. Most of the attention and questions were directed towards the three major Democratic candidates: Steven Costantino, John Lombardi and Angel Taveras – with fourth candidate Chris Young (and occasionally the Virgin Mary) supplying the street theatre.

JON SCOTT Now it’s Scott’s turn to get equal billing and guess what? He’s finding it difficult to get any stage time.

“It’s been frustrating,” he admits. “We’ve got a few debates and joint appearances coming up, but Angel backed out of a Channel 10 debate. We’ll have to see what happens.”

That in a nutshell is Jon Scott’s problem right now: too little name recognition, too little exposure, too little time. But the large, affable East Sider is a long way from abandoning ship. He has a series of fundraisers set up and has been meeting with some of the other candidates and their backers looking for help anywhere he can find it.

While much has been made of Angel Taveras’ background, Jon Scott has an interesting one of his

28

East Side Monthly November 2010

own. He too was brought up by a single mother – a former Ice Capades skater, by the way – who remarried a local boy. His mom went on to graduate first nursing school and then law school. Scott grew up on the East Side and attended Moses Brown for 13 years, graduating in 1984. He then went off to URI before becoming an inner city counselor for 12 years. It was during this period he adopted one of his student/ clients. His adopted son, now 27, works in New Jersey. Scott is perhaps best known for running against Patrick Kennedy in 2006 and 2008. He now works as a communications and PR consultant.

Scott hopes there will be more public forums so that he can highlight the differences between his positions and those of Taveras. What are they?

Scott is unequivocally against rehiring Chief Esserman (he’s too arrogant) though he does like the community policing model the chief helped institute. He’d also reinstate the position of Commissioner of Public Safety.

In terms of education, Scott believes the school board committee should be elected by voters rather than be appointed by the mayor. He feels one of his strengths is that he’d be much more forceful than either the current mayor or Taveras. “If a bad decision were made within my administration,” he declares, “like the recent decision by the current school superintendent to roll back all the positive changes that have been made at Hope High, I’d be there to intercede.”

Other differences between him and Taveras? First off he’d immediately try to reinstate the homestead exemption for non-owner occupied homes with under five dwellings. “The recent tax increase is going to cripple the housing market in Providence,” he predicts. “In fact, I think by inauguration day in January, it may be already too late to head off this potential housing disaster.” But, in his mind, perhaps the biggest reason to support his candidacy?

“Providence needs a champion, someone who’s high energy to jump start residents to start feeling good about themselves and the city. We need a return to the way we felt when the Renaissance City concept began to take hold, when as residents we believed we could do anything. My hope is to rekindle that kind of spirit again.”

Angel Taveras The last time we saw Angel Taveras he was dressed in a light pinstriped suit, and came across a tad tense, maybe even stressed out. It was about a week before the primary election and while he wasn’t yet running on fumes, he was getting close. As we chat at the bar at Blaze on Hope Street about a month later, he’s sporting a neat, opened collar sports shirt and a look that only be described as mellow.

Our interview is regularly interrupted as he politely accepts a handshake, a wave, a kind word from a

ANGEL TAVERAS stream of patrons who acknowledged him as they make their way to their tables. What a difference a lopsided election win doth make.

Angel Taveras remains the heavy favorite to defeat Scott. “But I’m not taking anything for granted,” he takes pains to reiterate at least half a dozen times.

“We all remember what happened in Massachusetts and what can happen. I know the voters have a choice.” But it’s clear, the light at the end of Angel’s political tunnel is getting brighter and brighter.

Was he surprised by the victory? Not really. His polls had shown him ahead, but the size of the victory caught everyone, including the candidate himself, off guard. He had been confident of his support on the East Side, but was proud of how well he did throughout the rest of the city. “I’ve always been a candidate who feels comfortable campaigning anywhere in Providence,” he explains.

Adroitly sidestepping any questions about who would be selected for key roles in a Taveras administration (“Right now I’m just concentrating on winning on November 2,” he stresses), he explains what he expects to do for the remaining few weeks of the campaign. “Except for taking three days off after the primary, I will continue to work as hard as I did during the primary,” he pledges. His specific strategy is to campaign hardest in those areas where he did not do as well as he feels he can.

We wonder if he’ll change his message since his Independent challenger is also a political newcomer, and certainly cannot be branded an insider, as were his two opponents in September. Why change what’s worked? His uplifting message of “Head Start to Harvard” still clearly resonates with residents throughout the city. As for specific issues? “I’m still running on the major cornerstones of my campaign,” he summarizes, “education, the economy, city services and public safety.”

So what has changed the most since the primary?

Taveras breaks open a smile. “Well, a lot more people are stopping to say hello.”

Governor Ken Block (Moderate), Frank Caprio (Democrat), Lincoln Chafee (Independent), John Robitaille (Republican)

By Steve Triedman It’s only October 4 and the four candidates for Governor, Democrat Frank T. Caprio, Republican John F. Robitaille, Independent Lincoln Chafee and Moderate Party founder Ken Block are guests of the Providence Rotary. It is probably their 20th similar appearance and no one looks particularly happy.

They can each recite the others’ stump speech and from all appearances they would rather be anywhere else. But in the end it turns out to be lively.

Ken Block’s team had done their homework: he jumped right in when the Rotary did their “Happy Buck” donations and swiftly pulled out a charitable buck of his own. Smooth move – obviously a political newcomer who learns quickly.

The event, held at the Marriott, is more of a joint presentation than a debate. The format calls for each candidate to talk for ten minutes about himself, his plans for the future of Rhode Island and what he will do as Governor, and then take questions.

The candidates’ views on the state’s problems are often similar. Chafee’s top concern is economic growth; Robitaille’s are economic growth, unfunded pension liabilities, the size of government and lowering taxes; Caprio claims to be the only candidate who has offered specific proposals to address the issues including a hybrid plan for pension reform; and, Block argues that he will bring a business perspective to government that will turn things around.

Here’s a quick thumbnail view of the event and where each of the candidates chose to take the audience. It undoubtedly is a precursor of what we can expect during the final weeks of the campaign.

Random observations were added, no extra charge.

John Robitaille His issues are jobs and the economy, especially small businesses and their struggles with taxes, permitting, regulations and access to capital. State and local government has grown too large and has become a severe burden to everyone. “Rhode Island doesn’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem,” Robitaille explains. “We have to eliminate the auto tax; we must also address the property tax burden and other regressive taxes.” If elected, he will institute an immediate spending freeze and cut wasteful government programs in order to balance the budget, and renegotiate union contracts to make them fair and more affordable.

Lower taxes, including a 2.5% cap on property taxes, elimination of ROBITAILLE the capital gains tax and an elimination of the minimum income tax for small

JOHN

business are parts of his platform, all targeted at making Rhode Island more competitive, as well as making government more efficient. “Rhode Island is 49th or 50th in the ‘business-friendly’ ratings because of our tax structure, our education system and our infrastructure, and we need new leadership willing to lead change,” he adds.

Robitaille is against extending taxpayer-funded benefits to individuals who reside in the state illegally and he is a proponent of the Second Amendment and hunter’s rights.

Ken Block The Moderate Party Founder and candidate wants to make sure that no one confuses him with either the race car driver, the singer or the other Rhode Island software engineer who all share his name. He also probably gives the best performance of the four.

The Moderate Party is a centrist political party that was formed because “Rhode Island politicians won’t address the ‘real’ issues.” The goal is to have a slate of candidates that are working towards better government, not partisan politics, by supporting the best ideas rather than ideology.

The Moderate Party has its “Four E’s”: Economy, Education, Ethics and Environment – all interconnected topics that are pivotal to restoring the quality of life that Rhode Island deserves.

Block wants to go after waste and fraud to help address the budget deficit, and he believes that the State can save 10-20%. He mentions that he and his company were involved in a project for the State of Texas that was able to generate these kinds of savings.

“The issues are black and white,” Block explains, “and we need to bring ‘out of the box’ thinking to government to improve and change.” He was against the 38 Studios deal, preferring to see a fund matching plan, leveraging the State’s investment in a company with outside investors.

Block is the President of Simpatico Software Systems, a software engineering firm, and Cross Alert Systems, a manufacturer of specialized traffic signals for recreational trail/public road intersections.

KEN BLOCK

Lincoln Chafee Linc Chafee opens with a sweeping view of his experience (Warwick City Councilor, Warwick Mayor and US Senator) and vision. Within 90 seconds, having dispensed with the pleasantries, he goes on the

attack, addressing weaknesses and lack of specifics by each of his opponents, and dismissing Block and Robitaille for their lack of experience, lack of knowledge about how government works and several of their proposals.

He talks about his ABC’s: Assets, Budgets and Corruption. “We have to leverage our assets, create real budgets that address the issues, and root out corruption,” he stresses.

“The table’s been set,” he intones, ticking off Quonset, 195 and the Providence Knowledge District, “and now we have to create ways to bring companies to the table that will create jobs.”

He mentions readdressing the tax issue, suggesting that a 1% sales tax on clothing will address the revenue problem. (Clothing is currently exempt from sales tax.) Chafee then re-attacks his opponents and retells the previous day’s New York Times story on Olneyville NY System and the problems state regulations impose on its business. He finishes by touting the new train stop at the airport as an economic engine and suggests that he will accomplish much in his first hundred days as governor.

LINCOLN CHAFEE

Frank Caprio Caprio immediately targets the audience that he knows is full of small business people. “There are 35,000 small businesses in Rhode Island and they have been ignored,” he declares. “The state has become the enemy, not an advocate, and I will change that.”

The candidate then reminisces about his grandfather who emigrated from Italy and arrived at Fields Point, Rhode Island’s Ellis Island.

“In Italy, my grandfather was told that the streets of America were paved with gold,” Caprio recalls. “What he found out when he got to Providence was that many of the streets weren’t paved and that there wasn’t any gold. However, they did have a job for him paving streets.”

When discussing the state’s pension, Caprio switches into a higher gear. As State treasurer, he sometimes seems more comfortable with numbers than people.

Caprio is the only candidate to ask for the audience’s vote in November.

FRANK CAPRIO

November 2010 East Side Monthly

29

ELECTION COVERAGE 2010

First U.S. Congressional District David Cicilline (Democrat) vs. John Loughlin (Republican)

By Barry Fain After surviving a grueling, and often nasty primary fight, David Cicilline now faces one final hurdle as he tries to swap his Elmgrove Avenue digs for something a little more, say, Washingtonian. Standing in his way is Republican John Loughlin, a young, personable, silverhaired ex-military man and three-term representative from Tiverton, who has designs on the Beltway as well. In the Democratic primary, one of the candidates, Anthony Gemma, tried to change the focus of the election into a referendum on Cicilline’s performance as Mayor of Providence. The tactic proved unsuccessful as Cicilline won the four-man race. That said, he only captured 36% of the vote within his own party. In the general election, the areas of the district outside of Providence are presumably more Loughlin-friendly and expected to vote more heavily. As the race nears its finish, the election promises to be more about issues due to the substantive differences between the candidates. The key will likely be the amount of money Loughlin can secure from the national Republican Party and if it’ll provide enough traction to wrangle this longtime Kennedy seat over to the other side of the aisle.

David Cicilline Armed with a seven-figure war chest, David Cicilline was able to parlay his name recognition, governmental experience and oratory elegance into a package that carried him to an impressive, though not overwhelming, victory over three other determined foes. While David Segal and Bill Lynch kept low profiles in the contest, businessman Anthony Gemma employed a scorched earth approach and tried to brand the current Mayor of Providence as one of the city’s worst ever. The tactics failed and ended with Cicilline nicely in front of the pack and Gemma pretty much at the rear. The question is whether all the negativity will tarnish the mayor’s reputation enough to allow a relatively unknown Loughlin to snatch the seat away from the Democrats.

DAVID CICILLINE 30

East Side Monthly November 2010

The Democratic primary forced the mayor into the center politically. David Segal, the most progressive of the challengers, presented a viable progressive alternative from the left and did surprisingly well, perhaps the recipient of voters who believed in Cicilline’s programs but were scared off by Gemma’s negative rhetoric. On the other side Gemma presented himself as a pro-life, pro-business alternative from the right.

Now that the dust has settled, Cicilline will have the opportunity to articulate traditional Democratic values that generally play well in Rhode Island.

Cicilline is at his best encapsulating issues that are important to him in staccato, articulate bursts.

In contrast to his opponent, he argues, he’s against the privatization of Social Security and traditional Republican trickle down policies, preferring to see funding go directly to small businesses. He supports creating a Made In America block grant to help create jobs, green technology development and the extension of tax breaks for those making less than $250,000 (but not for the top 2%). There’s no state more Democratic than Rhode Island and clearly the mayor is well in his comfort zone.

Cicilline also feels the skill set he’s developed as Mayor of Providence for the past eight years will serve him well in Washington. “I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of the recession on people,” he offers. “I’ve also worked on issues of affordable housing, education and jobs creation, and know what has to be done to bring people together to find solutions.”

Why should he be elected? For Cicilline the answer is obvious. “I’ve got the practical experience and the commitment to the issues. John Loughlin, I believe, is too extreme for our state. And if elected I promise to work hard every day for Rhode Islanders.”

John Loughlin It’s a gorgeous fall afternoon in the capital city and John Loughlin is making the rounds at the Providence Rotary Street Painting Festival. Dressed in tasteful but informal military garb, the short, silver-haired Republican looks every inch the retired reservist Lt. Colonel he is. A pleasant campaigner with an unexpected, self-deprecating sense of humor, Loughlin is midway through a typical day on the political circuit with a dozen more stops scheduled next in Barrington, Bristol and Tiverton.

Loughlin is well known in part of the First District.

He has represented Tiverton for the past six years, and gained a reputation for consensus building, but he realizes he needs to make some inroads into the state’s urban areas if he is to be successful. Loughlin has been elected House Minority Whip, a job he likens, in his typical self-effacing fashion, to being named the admiral of a rowboat. He does tick off a series of bills he was able to get passed, after putting together allegiances with members of the opposing party. “It’s amazing what you can do if you don’t care who gets credit for it,”

JOHN LOUGHLIN he shrugs. It’s a skill he feels will be quite useful if he is elected to Congress in November.

Loughlin is a native Rhode Islander, born in Portsmouth, but grew up in Lincoln. He went to high school there and was of course an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts. He went initially to Rhode Island College and ultimately joined the RI National Guard, never dreaming that this would lead to a 26-year career in the service. He retired in 2004 as a Lt. Colonel, having logged over 1000 hours as a chopper pilot.

Loughlin’s military career had some other interesting twists and turns to it as well. He became a communications specialist and ultimately was a senior producer at NASA. At one point, he actually was the voice of mission control for one of the space launches. Since retirement he has set up his own production company called Media Rite.

The key thing many independent voters in the district are trying to determine is what kind of Republican Loughlin is. He admits to being center-right, whatever that means. He believes the Republican Party is big enough to embrace a broad range of candidates. Though he is pro-life, or as he phrases it, “in support of the sanctity of human life, ” he also feels the issue is a personal one.

He feels there are many higher-priority, real world problems to deal with right now. Today, he argues, is the worst possible time to raise taxes and he’d like to see all Americans, even that top two percent, have their Bush tax cuts renewed.

“Many of the so-called two percent are business owners who help create jobs,” he notes.

So does Loughlin feel he has a chance to win? You bet. He acknowledges that he trails in name recognition in comparison to the Mayor of Providence, but feels a media blitz during the last weeks of the campaign will change all that. He notes that Cicilline has a record of working with some unsavory clients so don’t be surprised if the tone of the campaign goes negative at the end. “I feel very comfortable putting my record of service and consensus building up against the mayor’s,” Loughlin declares.

Loughlin is 51 and lives in Tiverton. He’s been married for 23 years and has two daughters.

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

One City – Two Great Restaurants

Dine In / Take Out Lounge • Catering

A message to East Siders, 401.383.3551 123 Dorrance Street, Providence Monday thru Thursday 11am-10:30pm Friday 11am-11:30pm • Saturday 12pm-11:30pm

www.asianbistrodining.com Hibachi • Japanese • Chinese Thai Cuisine • Sushi

20% Off

With College ID!

I am running for state rep because I really care... about you, our students, our seniors, our small business owners, and most importantly, I care for the average, everyday taxpayer. November 2nd cast your vote for someone who is truly looking out for you.

RICHARD RODI

• • • • • • • • • • •

Banquet Room w/ 250 Person Capacity

Appetizers Soups Vegetables Beef Chicken Seafood Fried Rice Lo Mein Chow Foon Chow Mein Fun Chinese & Japanese Lunch Specials • Bento Lunch Boxes • Asian Palace Entrees • Combination Platters

401.228.7805 1190 North Main Street, Providence

www.asianpalacedining.com November 2010 East Side Monthly

31

ELECTION COVERAGE 2010

Senate District 3 Morry Markovitz (Republican) vs. Rhoda Perry (Democrat) vs.

Miriam Ross (Independent)

By David Goldstein The next installment of “Will the Old Guard Get Older?” takes place here on the East Side in Senate District 3 when 20 year incumbent Rhoda Perry tries to survive the ant-incumbency fervor which seems to be sweeping the country, except perhaps for Rhode Island. Perry is facing two challengers this go-round: attorney Miriam Ross, running as an Independent and Morry Markovitz, a Republican.

Rhoda Perry If there’s one thing that defines Rhoda Perry’s ten terms in the State Senate, it’s been her strong advocacy for women’s and civil rights, health and mental health issues. She lists her primary accomplishment as keeping anti-choice legislation from passing. She also is proud of legislation that ensures contraceptive equity and guarantees that mental illness is treated the same as physical illnesses. She also cites her work on the legalization of medical marijuana.

While well aware there are other issues that need to be addressed like jobs, education and pension reform, Perry said she still has work to do in the areas that interest her most: seeking marriage equality issues, further adoption reforms, restrictions on tanning salons, ensuring reproductive health laws are not overturned and protecting the safety net. Another priority is to make sure the new education formula is fully implemented and Providence receives full funding.

While acknowledging the legislature’s role in the state’s current bleak status, she feels the executive branch and public are responsible as well. “We need to do better when it comes to things like quality education and growing the economy,” she admits. As for pension reforms, she believes in collective bargaining, but feels that unions understand that when the economy is down, they need to do something.

She does not believe that teacher unions have negatively impacted teacher quality and is not in favor of merit pay, questioning how anyone can really make the judgment as to what “merit” is. “There are student issues to consider in these matters as well,” she notes.

Perry said that illegal immigration should be a federal issue, and doesn’t support e-Verify. She also doesn’t support any expansion of gambling due to dangers to society, admitting it may be somewhat hypocritical given the state’s current reliance on gambling.

RHODA PERRY

32

East Side Monthly November 2010

Perry notes that one of her opponents, Miriam Ross, “seems like nice person and appears to be eminently qualified.” She doesn’t know the other.

Miriam Ross Miriam Ross has been a business attorney for 30 years. She pulls no punches when asked why she is running. “Enough is enough – it’s time for a new voice,” she declares. “As a parent and a taxpayer, I’m tired of hitting my head against the wall. It hurts.”

Ross has a vision of a thriving Rhode Island, but to accomplish it we “need new voices in the legislature that have a fresh perspective on how to address economic and structural issues the state faces.”

The small business community is one in which Ross has been active, chairing an SBA Energy Committee that sponsored an economic summit to create dialogue on small business issues between general officers, legislative leaders and the small business community. As a result, Ross drafted two pieces of significant legislation. The first requires that one-third of the members of the EDC Board be from small businesses. The second involved developing a statewide policy for state investment in renewable energy products directed towards small business growth.

Ross feels she is “a hard worker who can make things happen,” and as an Independent “will not be beholden to the will of a party.” Her priorities will be economic: creating jobs, assisting small businesses and growing the economy. “We need more of a strategic view and plan to get out of the mess 20 years of mismanagement have gotten us into,” she explains.

In particular, she sees opportunities for economic growth through strategic partnerships with colleges and the arts community.

Ross blames the legislature for not addressing structural budgetary issues, offering benefits when there is no money for them, and using band-aids to cover over structural issues, mostly thanks to ties to special interests. In addition, she feels they haven’t provided the foundation for small businesses to grow and thrive.

As for Perry, Ross is clear. “It’s time to try something new. Twenty years is enough. She hasn’t produced jobs or helped the economy, hasn’t helped small business or the taxpayer,” she argues. “If you like the way things are going, fine. My priorities are different than Rhoda’s: grow the economy, jobs, help

MIRIAM ROSS

small business.”

Ross notes she is liberal on the social side: “I feel I’m someone people can relate to from the social and civil rights policy perspective.”

Ross has received the endorsement of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, a pro business group. But can she win? She thinks she can. “I’m overwhelmed by the positive response I get as I walk the district – and it’s a big district! If there are a whole lot of people like me added to the legislature – new faces, Independents, not owned by special interests – we have a shot of making real change,” she summarizes.

Morry Markovitz Morry Markovitz admits he’s running because he thought Perry would be unopposed. When Ross entered at the last minute, he thought about dropping out, but has stayed in.

While he never had any ambition to run other than principle, Markovitz says if elected he would serve two terms then get out. “I enjoy meeting people, but don’t find politics stimulating,” he notes. “I prefer to be in a profession where you can solve problems. Whereas in politics, you can have solutions, but they are no good because there are idiots in the game, stupid people.”

Markovitz noted that while politicians have gotten worse, thanks to the internet, citizens have gotten better becoming more informed and sophisticated.

“People are now getting real news – there are fewer rocks for politicians to hide behind,” he says.

Markovitz maintains the state has been going downhill financially for three generations and we need to vote the incumbents out. “I can’t say it’s Rhoda’s fault directly, but the legislature makes the laws and she is a leader. She has been there for 20 years and presided over this,” he states. “I don’t care if you are the most good hearted person in the world; if you are inefMARKOVITZ fective you should go.”

He points out that Perry has continually voted for tax and pension increases.

Clean government, jobs, fiscal reform, and education will be Markovitz’s top priorities. “I’d like to be a gadfly,” he says. “When politicians do bad things, I want to name names. When they pull shenanigans, get illicit contracts or do stuff in the middle of the night, I’ll let people know.” He also favors a spending increase cap that will force the elimination of useless programs, waste and corruption.

MORRY

State Representative District 2 Chris Blazejewski (Democrat) vs. Richard Rodi (Independent)

By Steve Triedman The Second Representative District encompasses most of Fox Point, part of downtown and a small portion of East Providence. There are 8,500 eligible voters, but a turnout in excess of 3,500 would be very surprising. It is a mostly blue collar, working class area with a large Portuguese population extending down to Brown and areas around Benefit Street, also running to the WoT (West of Thayer) area that includes the Jewelry District and parts of Downtown.

Democrat Chris Blazejewski easily won his Democratic primary. He is backed by outgoing State Rep. David Segal, who lost his primary bid for Congress, and City Councilman Seth Yurdin, whose ward is in District 2. In the general election he faces Democrat turned Independent Richard Rodi.

Chris Blazejewski Chris Blazejewski is an attorney, community activist and one of the founders of Drinking Liberally, an informal group of progressive social activists that meets monthly at the Wild Colonial Tavern. (The group has an aggressive social agenda, and some members were allegedly behind the anonymous smear emails against John Lombardi and Steven Costantino in the recent Providence mayoral campaign. “Some people may take things farther than they should,” acknowledged a participant, “but overall their intentions are good.”)

CHRIS

BLAZEJEWSKI

Blazejewski grew up in North Smithfield and Cumberland and graduated from Cumberland High School.

He is the first college graduate in his family and received his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. He is currently an attorney at Sherin and Lodgen LLP, representing several Rhode Island nonprofits and small businesses. He is co-founder of Young Lawyers for Obama, serves on the board of several alumni associations and is a member of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, Friends of India Point Park and Rhode Island Bar Association.

Blazejewski clerked for the Rhode Island State Courts and taught undergraduate courses at Harvard in economics, ethics and law. He started a nonprofit organization providing free college counseling to Rhode Island public high school students. He and

his wife, Ami Gada, a Brown University graduate and Johnston High School history teacher currently studying urban education policy at Harvard, have lived in the District since 2005.

The Democratic candidate is well grounded with strong values, and is running because he believes that new ideas are critical in turning the state around. “I will fight to preserve our natural resources, strengthen our public education, and grow a stronger economy for working families,” he touts.

“We have so much underutilized potential with our location, colleges and natural resources right in our own backyard, but we need to focus on organic economic growth,” Blazejewski explains, adding, “not the Studio 38 deal. In Massachusetts, the state rents space in vacant buildings, and provides free technology to help new companies get going. We should be doing this and encouraging Brown and RISD graduates to stay here. We shouldn’t have all of our eggs in one basket.”

“We need to make it easier to do business,” he continues. “We must take advantage of opportunities that are right here, like green and clean technology jobs: solar, water and wind energy, design and manufacturing that can harness our state’s sustainable, natural resources while creating professional and working-class jobs that provide career paths, excellent wages and a boost to our economy.”

On education Blazejewski believes that Rhode Island’s education funding structure is inadequate to provide a high quality public education to its students, and while a new education bill recently passed, it did not go far enough to support Providence and East Providence. “I will fight to fix the way we fund our public education system, which will both improve schools and provide property tax relief,” he notes.

He supports the development of robust renewable energy programs, better public transit and improved open spaces. “The Shooters site offers a once-in-alifetime opportunity for the City and State to create a vibrant public waterfront – the signature of a great city – but it must also fit into our neighborhood,” he adds.

Blazejewski is 30 and lives with his wife on Williams Street.

Richard Rodi Richard Rodi is running as an Independent candidate. During the last election, he was a Democrat who lost the primary by almost three-to-one to David Segal. “The Democratic Party is splintered between the traditional Democrats and the progressives,” he explains. “I’m running as an Independent because I believe that we need elected officials who care about the people that they represent, which in this District are the working class, blue collar and Portuguese, and the issues that matter to them.”

“I actually thought that I was progressive,” Rodi adds. Rhode Island’s Future, the progressive group

that “fosters healthy debate and discussion on various important issues facing the Ocean State” seems to have a bulls-eye on Richard Rodi.

Rodi had a contracting business for over 20 years before starting The Rodi Foundation, a social service agency providing emergency assistance, medical assistance and advocacy, social services and recreational activities for low-income seniors, children and families at risk in Providence. It is located in the Jewelry District.

He is President of the Red Bridge Neighborhood Association, a former Board member at the Nickerson Community Center, a former Secretary of the Jewelry District Association, a member of the Fox Point Boys Club Alumni Association and a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Fatima Council in Fox Point.

RICHARD RODI “Look,” Rodi explains, “at my age [44] I’m not a career politician. I grew up in Silver Lake where my father was a hard working union truck driver. I know the struggles. So, I can either sit back and complain or I can step up and try to make a difference.”

“I care about people,” Rodi exclaims, “and this is an underserved District that really needs help.

I’ve been going door to door on both sides of the river, and jobs, taxes and education are on everyone’s mind.”

He supports consolidation in Rhode Island’s school systems, performance based pay for teachers and “retraining teachers to make them better educators.”

“Small businesses are the real backbone of Rhode Island,” Rodi explains, “and the State makes it very tough, which I know firsthand. Then it hits them when they lose money; they get hit with a mandatory $500 income tax, which at that point becomes a slap in the face.” He points to the example of Claude Goldstein, owner of United BBQ on Ives Street and Abe’s on Wickenden, who struggled with regulations, unnecessary red tape and financing.

Rodi is an avid boater and outdoorsman and wants to protect our natural resources while encouraging tourism. He supports renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, which also bring jobs. He is single with a son, and lives on Pitman Street.

November 2010 East Side Monthly

33

ELECTION COVERAGE 2010

State Representative District 3 Edie Ajello (Democrat) vs. Dr. Dan Harrop (Republican)

By Barry Fain In a race that could be called “Back to Future: Round Three,” longtime East Side representative Edie Ajello is again being challenged by Republican Dan Harrop.

The two squared off in 2002 and 2004. This time Harrop is hoping to ride the crest of an anti-incumbency tsunami that seems to be sweeping the country. For her part, Ajello hopes her accomplishments, especially her leadership of House efforts that produced a long overdue state educational funding formula, will help her resist the tide.

Edie Ajello

EDIE AJELLO Edie Ajello has been serving as the Representative for District 3 since 1992. While she had no opponent two years ago, this year a longtime East Side Republican with deep Brown University roots has stepped up to do battle.

Ajello wears her liberal credentials proudly and takes special pride in her accomplishments as an advocate for women’s, human and individual rights issues. She received the highest marks from Common Cause and the ACLU in 2009 based on her votes on bills of importance to them. While she’s feeling good about her prospects for reelection, she certainly isn’t taking anything for granted. “I’m running as hard as I ever did, and hope to meet as many of my constituents as possible over the next few weeks,” she emphasizes. “I think they know what I stand for.”

Ajello is particularly proud of three legislative successes this past year. The first, of course, is the longawaited state education funding formula that gives cities and towns a mechanism to predict how much money they can expect from the state. She notes that Rhode Island is the first state to create a funding mechanism without either being under a mandated court order or putting more money into the pot. “We tried to come up with something that was fair to school children regardless of where they lived in the state,

34

East Side Monthly November 2010

which meant some communities gained share, while others lost,” she notes. “And we did it in the midst of incredibly difficult economic times. In the end, I am quite proud of what we were able to achieve.”

Another piece of legislation she helped champion allows victims of sexual abuse to get more no-contact protection from the courts. Though the police opposed it on the grounds that everything should go through them, sponsors of the bill felt there were too many loopholes that needed immediate closure. The legislation passed with support from groups like Day One. While Ajello concedes she’s not a budget expert, she feels the current legislature has begun “nibbling around the edges” of pension reform and balancing budgets.

Given the unpredictability of current revenue projections, she admits it’s a difficult process. “It’s not pretty,” she admits. “Am I proud of it? No. But I think we’re making progress.” As with the work that was done on educational funding, Ajello feels there needs to be a formula for revenue sharing to allow cities and towns to budget more predictably.

So why should she be reelected? “I think I’ve done a good job,” Ajello declares. “I like the work, and I still like the challenge.” She has received endorsements from Clean Water Action, Planned Parenthood, RI Now, the Sierra Club and the Progressive Leadership Fund. The incumbent is 66, lives on Benefit Street and has two grown children and two grandchildren. She is also the manager of Rustigian Rugs in Fox Point.

Dan Harrop Because the East Side is so heavily Democratic, some Republicans prefer the path of running as an Independent. Dan Harrop is not one of them and wears his Republican colors proudly. “Quite simply, we need a two-party system in Rhode Island,” he stresses. In addition to being the current finance chairman of the State Republican Party, Harrop was also one of the organizers of the Clean Slate initiative which has brought Republicans, Independents and Moderates together to sign a pledge committing themselves to no new tax increases, real pension reform and streamlining the local business environment. Whether this new effort has traction remains to be seen.

Unseating the 18-year incumbent, Harrop admits, will be difficult. “This district is tough. They know Edie. And I’m a Republican,” he notes. “Still, I think it’s important there be a choice. There certainly is a lot of well-deserved frustration with the current legislature.”

What’s the basic difference between Ajello and her challenger? “That’s an easy one,” he laughs. “Edie has never met a tax increase she didn’t like.” He points to her votes “to initiate taxes on bottles and sugar, her votes against unfunded mandates, maintaining the car tax, her support of unbalanced budgets and on and on and on.”

He feels this policy is crippling the state. “Unfortu-

DAN HARROP nately many residents of the East Side are willing to just pony up an extra $1000 or whatever, but it kills the rest of the city and drives businesses from our state,” Harrop laments. “Our manufacturing sector has fallen from 18% of the workforce to 12% in just 12 years. And the jobs we’ve just lost at Stanley Bostich aren’t going to Mexico; they’re going to Indiana.”

As to his decision to drop out of the recent mayoral race, Harrop says, “Once I saw that the three major Democrats would stick together, I realized my chances were remote at best. I’m glad Jon Scott chose to enter.”

Is there any hope for a vibrant Republican Party in Providence? “I like to think so,” he speculates. “We’ve got to be realistic though and not think necessarily of winning. If Republicans here can capture say 35-40% of the vote, instead of the 20% we do now, this will be important for Republicans all around the state. The lopsided urban vote often produces too much of a deficit for the statewide candidates to overcome.”

What of Angel Taveras and the future of Providence? “I wish him well, but given the economic realities facing him, I think it’s going to be a difficult four years for him,” Harrop says. “Everyone now recognizes the need to fix pensions and limit expenses.” He recalls an evening he this spring where a group of concerned citizens convened something called the “Uncaucus.”

Potential mayoral candidates were all invited and encouraged to ask the audience questions rather than the other way around. “So when it was my turn, I asked the group where they’d suggest we cut expenses first,” Harrop recalls. “There was dead silence. It isn’t easy.”

Harrop is 51, single and a psychiatrist who lives on Tabor Avenue. A resident of the East Side since 1972, he earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown. He also has an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. Harrop is quite active at Brown, having been a professor, a member of the Board of the Brown Club and a former president of the Faculty Club.

State Representative District 4 Gordon Fox (Democrat) vs. Erich Sturn (Republican)

By Steve Triedman In the House District that covers Blackstone, Mt. Hope and Summit, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox faces Republican Erich Sturn. Rumors are that Mr. Sturn has not been campaigning and numerous efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful, so we have created a composite of his positions based on his public comments.

Given that Fox is the powerful Speaker of House, arguably the second most important position in state politics, a loss would be considered catastrophic to the Democrats. It would also have to be considered highly unlikely. The speaker has taken this race seriously and has been campaigning throughout his district.

The district has safely been in Fox’s hands for almost two decades. Given the often contentious relationship between Providence and the State Legislature in terms of funding, the general consensus is the city is probably well served by having a speaker who understands urban issues.

Gordon Fox Gordon Fox is another of Rhode Island’s classic “local boy makes good” stories. One of six siblings, the son of an Irish-American father and a Cape Verdean mother, Fox grew up in the Fox Point and Mt. Hope sections of Providence and helped fund his way through college by working in a Carvel ice cream shop. His academic success in local schools helped provide the impetus for his success, first as an attorney and later as an elected official.

First elected in 1992, Gordon Fox has risen through the ranks, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee, then Majority Leader and now Speaker of the House. The speaker stands behind the Secretary of State in the line of command in state government.

Fox was voted in as speaker in February of

2010. In a race against several more conservative candidates, Fox received 51 of the 75 votes cast.

While there will be many changes in the House, it appears that Fox will be reelected as speaker.

That said, the final roster of representatives won’t be determined until after the general election.

“The speaker sets the agenda,” Fox explains.

“Jobs, the budget issues and education will be my priorities. The challenge is to balance all of the representatives’ agendas and ideas while keeping the process functioning.” There will be new leadership on the powerful Finance and Judiciary Committees so it is expected that some issues like marriage equality will be addressed, as well as more involvement on economic development.

“It is imperative that we take all the necessary steps to come out of this recession in a stronger position than which we entered,” Fox stresses.

“That must include a very aggressive job creation agenda that emphasizes a better trained, better educated and more qualified workforce. As an example, just look at Amgen and CVS, two great companies and growing employers that need well-educated science and marketing people. We have the resources at both URI and CCRI. We have to get Rhode Islanders back to work. That is my top priority.”

His record of accomplishments is long and includes a fair and equitable funding formula for public education, a restructuring of the state income tax system which has saved money for a majority of taxpayers, support for renewable energy, the promotion of more affordable and efficient energy, the banning of smoking in restaurants and workplaces, and the streamlining of the regulatory and permitting process to help small businesses grow and prosper. Locally, he points to Nathan Bishop that, despite the City’s claims, was 85% State funded.

Fox is an attorney and an adjunct professor at Johnson & Wales. He grew up in Mt. Hope and is a graduate of Classical, Rhode Island College and Northeastern University School of Law.

Erich Sturn

GORDON FOX

Republican Erich Sturn, 24, is a political novice running because state legislators were “not being truthful when they said the new state budget did not contain any tax increases and they did not phase out the car tax which is causing Providence residents and drivers across the state to pay hundreds of dollars more each year in local car taxes.” He has been endorsed by the Tea Party.

Sturn works for a bank and on a daily basis “sees the plight of people trying to make ends meet and hears the stories of how Rhode Island’s small businesses are struggling. I’m not a politi-

ERICH STURN cian. I am a common sense fiscal conservative who will fight for legislation that benefits all Rhode Islanders. I will not tow a party line. My guiding principles are lowering taxes, controlling spending, supporting equal rights, improving educational and job opportunities, cutting through government red tape, and protecting our Constitutional rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Sturn feels this election is not about electing Republicans. It is about breaking the one-party monopoly in this state, providing a real opposition to the Democratic leadership and freeing the remaining Democrats to vote their consciences.

On jobs and the economy, Sturn will support reducing the taxes levied on businesses while pushing for an appropriate level of regulation.

On education, Sturn sees the schools as a major sinkhole in our state’s budget due in large part to its unnecessarily sprawling bureaucracy. “Let’s find ways to combine purchasing departments so that our school districts can save money on supplies and personnel without impacting education,” he offers. He is willing to go a step further and consolidate school districts, cutting through the many layers of administrative bureaucracy.

On immigration reform, Sturn believes that the epidemic of illegal immigration is a moral, ethical, and legal travesty. In the absence of federal action, he would work to craft legislation that addresses the illegal immigration problem, while safeguarding against racial profiling. He supports common-sense measures like e-Verify that require employers to check the immigration status of new employees.

Sturn is a New Jersey native and spent time in California and Seattle before moving to Providence.

November 2010 East Side Monthly

35

! e r o l a G s y o T

T GUIDE A HOLIDAY GIF

Holiday shopping has never been easier because Benny’s has all the hot toys of the season at famous low prices plus free lay-a-way! Benny’s is your one-stop-shop for stocking stuffers, classic board games and the latest and greatest toys – Sing-A-Ma-Jigs by Fisher Price, Paper Jamz Guitars by Wowwee, Air Hogs Moto Frenzy and Zoobles by Spinmaster, Hot Wheels Stealth Rides and Monster High Dolls by Mattel, Scrabble Flash by Hasbro, the newest Lego sets and games, and thousands of other fantastic toys. Benny’s – making the holidays very merry. Since 1924.

Visit www.hellobennys.com to find your closest Benny’s

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

Berk’s Shoes

offers a large selection of Frye classic and contemporary boots.

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

272 Thayer Street, Providence • 831-0174 • Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-7pm

Caster’s Bicycles (4th Street Opening October) Rhode Island’s bike shop since 1919. We feature Trek, Specialized (Warwick only), Haro and Redlines bicycles. Lifetime free tune-ups. Kid’s trade-up program. Bicycle accessories, service, strollers, tri wetsuits, auto racks and roof top boxes. Be a kid again. Ride a bike.

212 4th Street, Providence (behind Festival Ballet) • 274-5300 3480 Post Road, Warwick • 739-0393 • www.BikeRI.com Sun 12pm-5pm, Mon 9am-6pm, Tues-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm

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

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

by Rhode Island Monthly.

795 Hope Street, Providence • 831-3434 • Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

Kreatelier is an innovative textile product design store, dedicated to offering

colorful, useful, environmentally aware design. Come check out our fabric accessories, organizers, reusable gift wraps, workshops, home interior services, and many more goods from local artists.

804 Hope St., Providence • 432-7995 • www.kreatelier.com • Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Open Sundays Nov 14-Dec 19 11am-5pm

NAVA

Stop by NAVA on Thayer Street this season to find the perfect holiday cocktail dress and check out their accessories including jewelry, hats, scarves and bags. Vintage cowboy boots and so much more. Perfect gifts for your loved ones this year.

281 Thayer Street, Providence • 453-6282 • www.shopnava.com • Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm

WHAT ARE THE

BUILDING BLOCKS OF A GOOD LIFE?

Job-skill development & financial stability “Building Futures and United Way of Rhode Island are changing the lives of hundreds of Rhode Islanders who are now trained and active members of the construction industry. This program provides a tremendous opportunity for people to get on a better path in their lives.”

– Andrew Cortes, Director, Building Futures www.bfri.org

Personalized Service at a Price You Can Afford

Andrew (right) helps student Marlo Jackson with window installation in Building Futures’ virtual classroom, which is completely constructed by students.

Please LIVE UNITED by investing in United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund. Every dollar counts. YOU can make a difference in the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDri.org.

We design kitchens of all sizes and styles

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

For a free consultation, call or visit our showroom to speak to one of our Kitchen Design Specialists “THE CONTRACTOR’S CHOICE”

185 Union Avenue, Providence • 943-9369 Conveniently located off of Route 10 38

East Side Monthly November 2010

LIVE UNITED

™

Point Judith Lightouse

Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield

Buck Hill Management Area in Burrillville

Sunday Drives

The case for reviving a great American tradition

By Don Fowler

I remember when I was a child and dad warmed up the station wagon on Sunday afternoon for a special family trip. Gas was 25 cents a gallon. There were no super highways. And the backcountry roads were not that crowded.

There were trips to Rocky Point, Crescent Park, Misquamicut, Roger Williams Park and on special occasions, a ferry ride over to Newport. Driving was a special pleasure shared by every member of the family.

Today, driving has become a necessary evil, a take-your-life-in-your-hands challenge, made miserable by traffic jams, accidents, cell phones and potholes. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d argue that there is hope, however. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revive the pleasurable Sunday drive, the family trip to a particular destination, with a few stops along the way. True, our tiny state remains the butt of a lot of jokes: is there any iceberg, Texas ranch or asteroid that is not measured by us? But that said, we are large enough to offer even the casual Sunday driver some worthwhile weekend targets. This month, some colorful leaf-peeping still remains, as

*VSVY *VUZ\S[HU[Z (QKDQFLQJ <RXU (QYLURQPHQW

you drive by local farm stands that still, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky, can sell you that last pumpkin or freshly picked apple.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to do it. First task: get yourself a Rhode Island map, published by the RI Tourism Division, and one of the best state maps in my collection.

Call 278-9100 or go to www.visitrhodeisland.com and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll send you a copy.

You can also visit one of the nine visitor information centers scattered around the state. Then all you have to do is decide whether you want to go north, south, east or west.

Northern Rhode Island Drive north on Route 146 to Woonsocket, stopping at the Museum of Work and Culture located at 42 South Main Street. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make an interesting visit, I promise.

Next, a tour of Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dairy Farm, off Route 146A (200 Woonsocket Hill Road, North Smithfield), is a must.

It will bring back many memories of the way farms used to be. Then visit the â&#x20AC;&#x153;otherâ&#x20AC;? Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm, the famous

all-you-can-eat chicken, macaroni and fries restaurant located off Route 102 (84 Inman Road) in Burrillville.

The great thing about Sunday driving is taking the less-traveled roads through the small rural communities.

Slatersville, Harrisville, Pascoag and Mapleville are but a few of the quaint villages, all easily accessible from Route 102. Farms stands are everywhere too.

For a good taste of countryside, travel all the way to the Connecticut border on Route 100, which will lead you to Wallum Lake and the Buck Hill Management Area.

On the way home, choose Routes 100 or 102 for a southerly ride through Chepachet and Foster. Most people are not aware of the thick forests we still have in northwestern Rhode Island.

Southern Rhode Island Technically, there is no such place as South County. (Try telling that to a Rhode Islander.) In fact, the RI Tourism map lists Washington County as â&#x20AC;&#x153;South County,â&#x20AC;? but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not quibble over names.

*VSVY :LSLJ[PVU 0U[LYPVYc,_[LYPVY 9LZPKLU[PHSc*VTTLYJPHS

&RORU &RQXQGUXP" /HWÂśV 7DON JVSVYJVUZ\S[ 'NTHPS JVT

Expert Custom Framing

The Camera Werks

766 Hope Street, Providence 401-273-5367 www.thecamerawerks.com M-F 10-5:30 â&#x20AC;˘ SAT 10-2:00PM

Passport Photos only $8.95 November 2010 East Side Monthly

39

Therapeutic • Chronic Pain • Cancer Appropriate

Gift Certificates Available

FREE M A S S A G E* *Purchase a package of 5 massages & receive the 6th free

Kristen Casey, LMT 255 Hope Street, 2nd Floor Providence 401-728-8018 • onewellnessmassage.com

BEAUTIFUL PRE-OWNED JEWELRY

Empire Loan 1271 North Main Street Providence, RI 02904

• Fine Custom Upholstery and Slip Covers • Custom Window Treatments • Blinds and Shades • Area Rugs and Wall To Wall Carpeting • Paint Selection and Wallpaper • Decorative Consultation 231-1660

2179 Mineral Spring Ave, No. Providence

www.bobfrances.com

The Towers in Narragansett

Travel south on Route 95 to Route 4, hopping off at the Route 102 exit to avoid the commuters and offseason beachgoers. Follow Route 2, making a quick stop at Schartner Farms (1 Arnold Place, Exeter) for some fresh produce, and continuing all the way to Route 1 in Charlestown. Take 1A to Watch Hill, the southernmost point in the state.

You’ll enjoy the little shops, beaches and “flying horses.” Drive in and out of the narrow lanes, off the beaten path, and enjoy the elegant homes. Don’t worry about getting lost. Somehow, you always come out on Route 1A. Follow Routes 1 and 1A home, taking the Galilee exit to Point Judith, and stopping for the freshest seafood in Rhode Island at Champlin’s (256 Great Island Road, Narragansett), where you can still sit on the deck, watch the seagulls and wave to the folks on the Block Island Ferry as it enters and leaves the breakwater. The difference this time of year is that the tourists are gone, which makes it rather peaceful.

Continue north on Route 1A through Narragansett, dining under the Towers and along the beach or perhaps by a cozy fire if the autumn winds have kicked in. You’ll pass more elegant homes, some of them, unfortunately, blocking your view of the ocean. Stop in the village of Wickford for a walk through the area, then continue home on Route 1.

Eastern Rhode Island The east means Newport to most Rhode Islanders who cross the Newport Bridge and head right to the

40

East Side Monthly November 2010

downtown shops. We’d like to offer you an alternative.

Avoid the downtown and follow another route. Take Route 195 East to Fall River and then go east on Route 24, avoiding the tolls. If you have time, you may want to ride through Tiverton and Little Compton. Stay on Route 24 until you see the Route 114 sign to Newport Beaches. Take a quick detour to Anthony’s Seafood (963 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown) for the best and most inexpensive seafood dinners in Rhode Island. But don’t tell the natives I told you, because they consider Anthony’s to be their place.

Continue into Newport past First Beach, possibly stopping for a stroll along the Cliff Walk. Take a left at Bellevue Avenue, past the International Tennis Hall of Fame and all the mansions, and make a leisurely circuit around Ocean Drive, stopping at the parking area and picnic grounds to watch the sea gulls, kite fliers and waves pounding on the rocky shore. This is also a great place for a late season picnic – again without the tourists.

On your way home, take Route 114 or Route 138 back to the Mount Hope Bridge (still toll free) and follow Route 114 through Bristol, Warren and Barrington, back to Route 195.

Western Rhode Island The roads least traveled take you to western Rhode Island, although the last frontier is rapidly developing, as people move further away from the city.

Take Route 44 west out of the city, through Chepachet to West

Glocester. Putnam, Connecticut is only a few miles west. If you are in to antiquing, that’s the place for you. The scenery is colorful and breathtaking.

On our side of the border, Route 94 is the north-south road that will take you through a number of wildlife management areas, such as Killingly Pond in North Foster.

At Route 101, take a detour west.

“Down the road a piece” is Jerimoth Hill, the highest point in Rhode Island at 812 feet (about the height of a 10-12 story building if you’re keeping score). Park along the road and take a two-minute walk to the exact spot. The area was closed to visitors for a long time, but new owners have allowed visitors to cross their property. When you’re done with your “climb,” you’ll be able to say with pride you conquered the state’s tallest peak and impress your out-of-state friends who don’t know any better.

Continue south on Route 94 to Foster Center and Clayville. It gets a bit tricky here. Be sure to go north on Route 14, which will quickly take you east over the Scituate Reservoir, the beautiful body of water that supplies most of us with our drinking water. Route 14 will take you through Western Cranston and back to Providence.

These are but a few suggestions to enjoy our beautiful state. Don’t worry if you get lost. We’re not that big, the signage isn’t all that bad and, in a worst case scenario, when you see something that welcomes you to either Massachusetts or Connecticut, you’ll know you’ve gone too far.

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

“I ask for your support so I can continue to fight for quality education, affordable health care, incentives for small businesses and equal treatment for all Rhode Islanders. And please vote Yes on Question 4 to protect India Point Park by keeping Shooters from being sold for condos.”

+ + + VOTE + + +

Pendant

$38

G R E E N R I V E R S I LV E R . C O M

Join Clean Water Action, Planned Parenthood Votes RI PAC, Progressive Leadership Fund, RI NOW PAC, Sierra Club Rhode Island, Joan Gelch, David Riley and so many others in supporting our Senator Rhoda Perry

Exclusive

The RHODE ISLAND

chain sold separately

$5 from each sale will be donated to

Fine Sterling Jewelry at Everyday Low Prices! www.rhodaperry.com Paid for by the Rhoda E. Perry for State Senate Committee. Kim Ahern, Treasurer.

BRISTOL PROVIDENCE WICKFORD 297 Hope St 735 Hope St 24 Brown St 253-5005 621-9092 295-0086 All Locations Open 7 Days a Week and Always FREE Gift Wrap!

DREAM • WISH • WORK • BE Name three things your child should never leave home without...

Confidence Strength Determination

Providence

275 Smith St. (1/4 Mile from State House) 401-421-7256

East Providence

2745 Pawtucket Ave. 401-434-3030

Warwick

www.thepaintshoppes.com

1329 Warwick Ave. 401-463-5262

South Attleboro 15 Highland Ave. 508-399-6161

West Warwick 713 Quaker Ln. 401-821-6644

Skills for Life!

(401) 435-0159 887 Waterman Avenue, East Providence

www.RenaissanceAcademy-RI.com November 2010 East Side Monthly

41

Gabriel A. Cooney

Gabriel A. Cooney

open house saturday, november 20, 9 a.m. - noon

E>C43 14BC 685C B7>?

BC0C4F834

! A8 <>=C7;H A4034AB ?>;;

216 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 â&#x20AC;&#x2019;2246 phone: 401.421.8100 web: www.wheelerschool.org

Nursery - Gr. 12 | Coeducational | College-preparatory | Independent | Founded 1889 NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: The Wheeler School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability in the administration of its educational, admissions, and ďŹ nancial aid policies, faculty and staff recruitment and hiring policies, athletics or other programs or activities administered by the School.

795 Hope Street â&#x20AC;˘ Providence â&#x20AC;˘ 831.3434

Open Every Day east side monthly 9/10:Layout 1

9/28/10

4:26 PM

Page 1

CAN YOU SOLVE THIS. . . ?

2 V â&#x20AC;˘ sin (2θ) o Xmax = g

OUR GIRLS CAN. 34% of Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 graduates plan to major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) compared to the 5% national average for women in STEM ďŹ elds.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010 1:00 ďż˝ 3:00 P.M.

Infâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;PK: Co-ed, Kâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Grade 12: All-girls â&#x20AC;˘ A Quaker school 301 Butler Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 â&#x20AC;˘ 401-331-9696 www.lincolnschool.org

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

On the Menu

Roasting Coffee Daily.

Since 1984.

by John Taraborelli

coffee EXCHANGE wickenden st

www.sustainablecoffee.com

A Toast to Longevity Two big anniversaries Two local companies

are celebrating big anniversaries this month: Federal Hill’s famous Blue Grotto turns 30, and Russell Morin Fine Catering turns a whopping 100. In such a fickle industry, longevity is always something worth noting.

While the Blue Grotto (210 Atwells Ave.) is no doubt familiar to most Rhode Islanders, Russell Morin might be a bit less so – at least in name. However, with 100 years of weddings, fundraisers, receptions and myriad other events under its belt, there’s a good chance this company has fed you at least once in your life.

“Certain standards of behavior and excellence have been passed down through the generations,” says Russell Morin, Jr., a third-generation owner of the family business, which began in 1911 when Jean Baptiste Morin opened a 24-seat diner next to the Attleboro train station. The catering jobs began in 1914, with workers in the factory behind the diner lowering their lunch pails to be filled. In 1930, the family bought a second diner on South Main Street, which is still the home of Morin’s Hometown Bar & Grille. Russ, Jr. entered the family business in 1957, working the pot sink at the diner.

Over the years, Russell Morin has taken on its fair share of interesting and unique jobs, including serving as official caterer to the New England Patriots for 20 years (Bob Kraft later brought the services

in-house) and providing a cocktail party and dinner for 1500 guests at the Rhode Island Bicentennial. One event, spoiled by one party crasher in particular, however, stands out.

“We catered the Gravity Games that once were in Providence,” Morin recalls.

“A helicopter came down into the middle of the food complex – which one can imagine caused quite a situation with tents falling and equipment flying – but we always pull through, regroup and smile!”

The Blue Grotto’s history doesn’t go back quite so far, beginning on Thanksgiving Day in 1980, but it’s still seen its share of changes.

“The city was nowhere near the restaurant haven it is today,” current owner Michael Danahy, the third in the restaurant’s history, recalls. “Back then everyone dined here in their Sunday best. Can you imagine today having children at dinner behaving and in suits and dresses? It was a different time then for sure.”

The Blue Grotto remains one of the old lions of Federal Hill, but Danahy made it his mission to update a classic for the modern diner. “We have gotten rid of the tuxedos and table side service, looking for a slightly more contemporary feel,” he notes. “We are holding on to some of the old world dishes…but we have brought contemporary twists into the menu as well.”

We congratulate both of these fixtures on the local dining scene for

Design contractors inc.

Design / Build Fine renovation general contractors residential • commercial

401-751-6363 www.dci-ri.com

additions • built-in cabinetry

Two generations of Morins at work in their kitchen in the 1930’s

Water damage reconstruction

Kitchens • bathrooms

Providence, ri 02906 registration #1324

their longevity and integrity.

EATING LOCAL GETS COMPETITIVE The first of the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmer’s Market at the Hope Artiste Village (1005 Main Street) is upon us, Saturday, November 6. Having this source of fresh, local food even in the cold months has been a major improvement to the local food scene, and the crowds that flock to it every Saturday are proof of that. On opening day, Farm Fresh, the nonprofit that runs the market, will host its second annual Perfect Pickle Contest.

Competitors are encourage to sign up at www.farmfreshri.org and start jarring their favorite recipe (which must contain at least one local ingredient) in four categories: Best Pickle (traditionally brined cucumbers), Best Brine (any produce, any flavor), Best Ferment (i.e. sauerkraut or kimchee) and Best in Show.

Rhody Fresh Milk is running its “Get Rhody Fresh” photo contest now through December 1 on Facebook. Contestants should submit a photo featuring all or part of a Rhody Fresh Milk carton.

That’s it – that’s the only rule. Beyond that, creativity is encouraged (but let’s keep it clean), and Rhody Fresh’s Facebook friends will rate their favorites.

Prizes range from hayrides to a Providence Bruins VIP package. Visit www. rhodyfresh.com for more details.

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

Painting • restoration

Quality Dealers And Antiques Wanted!

Empty Nesters • Re-Locating • Downsizing 8100 sq. ft. showroom

Richmond Antique Center & Country Store 401-539-2279

320 Kingstown Rd. Richmond, RI 95S to Exit 3A (go approx. 3 miles) Open 7 days 10-6

The Pets’ Home Companion

Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Pet Parenting Advice 401-274-0907 P out our helpful links

google us at: www.activesurface.com/petshomecompanion

Bonded & insured November 2010 East Side Monthly

43

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Demand Authentic BBQ! All of our meats are cooked low and sloooow in our hickory smoker Succulent St. Louis cut Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket Vegetarian options too!

Open Tues thru Sun 11am – 11pm s Closed Mondays 146 Ives St. Providence 751-9000 s www.unitedbbq.com

WWW.MORINS.COM | 888 552 7822

Perfect Holiday Gifts!!

Custom stationery For the art of the Hand Written Word

Bien Écrit (well written)

Personalized note Cards, Gift enclosures, & accessories mary e. musat-Crandall

www.bienecrit.com

mary@bienecrit.com

Gift CertifiCates – Perfect for the holidays

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

■

Equipment Sessions

■

Power Pilates Teacher Trainings

Call or Email for Schedule w: providencepilatescenter.com | e: provpilates@aol.com t: 401-480-0193 | 545 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket – On the Prov/Pawt. Line 44

East Side Monthly November 2010

UNITED BBQ DELIVERS!

751-9000

Dining Guide

paid advertising

Nice Slice

267 Thayer Street; 453-6423. Hip and healthy are the best modifiers for this pizza joint. The whole wheat, New York style pizza satisfies with its crispy crust and zesty sauce, while toppings include vegan and vegetarian options. Open until 2am every night. LD $

Downtown ASIAN BISTRO 123 Dorrance Street; 383-3551. Chinese, Japanese and Thai, hibachi and sushi – they’re all under one roof at Asian Bistro. For the freshest flavors in a convenient downtown location, this is the place.

LD $-$$$

Photography: Dan Schwartz

ASIAN PALACE 1184 North Main Street; 228-7805. All the flavors of Asia are here: from Chinese classics to new Thai favorites to fresh, impeccably prepared sushi. The gorgeous banquet room is available for private functions. LD $-$$$ CAV 14 Imperial Place; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary upscale cuisine is available al fresco for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature weekend brunch. LD $$-$$$ 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 variety to the local favorite Poppasquash Point. LD $$-$$$ MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main Street; 272-3331. The only restaurant in RI to receive the Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. LD $$-$$$

Wayland/Elmgrove HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Avenue; 223-0332. The chefs behind this sushi bar provide a minimalist, upscale, comfortable dining experience. Try the toro ankimo – sauteed fatty tuna and monkfish liver pate with eggplant tempura, served with a black bean sauce. LD $-$$$ L’ARTISAN CAFÉ & BAKERY 9 Wayland Square; 331-4444. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches and artisan breads, premium coffees, delectable desserts and baked goods, as well as specialty foods, all in the charming ambience of Wayland Square. BLD $-$$

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Give the gift of Relaxation..

Spa Gift CertifiCateS from faCinG thayer

Facing Thayer Beauty Spa offers: Facials, Body Services, Waxing, Nail Services, Makeup Artistry & Eyelash Extentions, as well as a Beauty Boutique with over 30 lines of perfume, body & skin care products, cosmetics and beauty accessories.

Gift wrapping and free shipping is always available!

Visit us online at www.facingthayer.com or on thayer St. in providence's east Side Voted 2010 BEST Spa in Providence by RI Monthly Magazine

297 THAYER ST, PROVIDENCE • 331.4777

PROVIDENCE ART CLUB Little Pictures 2010

Original Art $250 or less Cash & Carr y: paintings, prints, glass, mixed media and more

Opening Reception Sunday, November 21, 12-4pm Exhibition Dates November 21 - December 24 Extended Galler y Hours Monday–Wednesday, Friday 12-5pm Thursday 12-6pm Weekends 12-4pm

11 Thomas St, Providence, RI 02903 401.331.1114 www.providenceartclub.org

46

East Side Monthly November 2010

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

RED STRIPE 465 Angell Street; 437-6950. Red Stripe serves classic comfort food with a French influence. From their signature Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to their ten different styles of Moules & Frites, their food is reasonably priced and made with passion. LD $$-$$$ TWIST ON ANGELL 500 Angell Street; 831-4500. Get casual fine dining with a “twist” at the popular Wayland Square restaurant. With creative takes on classic comfort food and inventive appetizers and entrees, it’s a successful combination of food and flair. D $$ WATERMAN GRILLE 4 Richmond Square; 521-9229. With its covered outdoor seating overlooking the Seekonk River, Waterman Grille offers seasonally inspired New American fare in a comfortable setting, with a great variety of “Signature” and “Short & Share” plates. BrD $$-$$$

Hope/Thayer CHEZ PASCAL 960 Hope Street; 4214422. Chef Matt Gennuso’s East Side kitchen offers French food with a modern twist. Sample the Escargots a la Bourguignonne, or try the Bistro Menu (Tue-Thur), which features three courses for $30 per person.

Delicieux! D $-$$$ GOURMET HOUSE 787 Hope St.; 8314722. Beautiful murals and decor set the mood for delicious Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy curries and noodle dishes. The tamarind duck is a must. LD $-$$ GOURMET TAKE & BAKE PIZZA 357 Hope Street; 751-0355. Toppings like sirloin steak and shallots justify this pizza shop’s name. Also available are specialty entrees such as Tuscan Chicken Florentine with fresh mozarella, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, balsamic and olive oil. LD $$ RUE DE L’ESPOIR 99 Hope Street; 751-8890. 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. Superb brunch.

BBrLD $$-$$$ THREE SISTERS 1074 Hope Street; 273-7230. Try their local, organic coffee, quick and filling breakfast sandwiches, fresh panini and famous homemade ice cream that’s simply to die for. BBrL $ TORTILLA FLATS 355 Hope Street; 751-6777. You can’t go wrong with the laid-back attitude and exceptional Mexican fare at Tortilla Flats.

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

Wickenden TASTE OF INDIA 230 Wickenden Street; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies like Shrimp Masala and Tandoori specialties like broiled Chicken Tandoori, made with authentic Indian spices. LD $-$$ NOODLES 102 102 Ives Street; 3835004. A staple of the Asian diet, noodle dishes are a healthy, quick and inexpensive meal. Noodles 102 offers a variety of customizable noodle bowls, claypot baked rice and Asian appetizers. LD $ UNITED BBQ 146 Ives Street; 7519000. Barbecue is an art form here.

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

Outside Providence 1149 1149 Division Street, Warwick/ East Greenwich line; 884-1149; 965 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk; 508336-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu and some of the best cocktails around. LD $$-$$$

ELISE PENN PANSEY

Voted 2010 Best New Restaurant

The Pet Friendly Realtor

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!

ELISE PENN PANSEY The Pet Friendly Realtor Butterman & Kryston, Inc.

401.455.1625 www.elisepennpansey.com 401.521.9490 x22

749 East Ave. Pawtucket, RI @ Blackstone Blvd

Experience the award-winning cuisine of New York City’s La Masseria now in East Greenwich. Founded by first-generation Italians, La Masseria features authentic, farmhouse-style food with a menu created by Executive Chef Pino Coladonato.

New York 235 West 48th Street New York City, NY 10036 (212) 582-2111

lamasseriari.com Follow us on Facebook

Rhode Island 223 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 398-0693

ABOVE ALL ROOFING “Always On Top with Price, Time & Quality” • • • • •

ROOFING SIDING WINDOWS DECKS GUTTERS

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS ★ All Work is 100% Guaranteed ★ ★ Free Inspections & Estimates ★ ★

Quality Work at Affordable Prices ★ We Do Call You Back

Fully Licensed & Insured

888-ROOF-113 ( 8 8 8 - 7 6 6 - 3 1 1 3 ) 401-769-5151 www.aboveallroofinginc.com

Serving RI & Mass

Member Member Rhode Island Rhode Island

November 2010 East Side Monthly

47

EYE GLASSES

Pajama Monologues 10

20

STARTING

30

AT

40

Single Vision $79 BiFocals $99 Progressives $149 (EXP. 11/30/10)

Prescriptions Filled • Designer Eyewear Sunglasses

SPino’S

EyEgLaSS gaLLEry SINcE 1979

Lucien M. Spino Registered Optician

831-7353 145 Wayland Ave. Providence Mon thru Fri 9am - 6pm & Sat 9am - 2pm

For Your Consideration, Election Day

Dr. Daniel S. Harrop House, District 3

• B.A. & M.D., Brown University • M.B.A, U. of Edinburgh Business School • (Former) Faculty, Brown and Harvard Medical Schools • Medical Advisory Board, Workers Comp. Court • (Past) President, RI Psychiatric Society • Chair, Ocean State Policy Research Institute • Advisor, Foundation for Intellectual Diversity

www.harrop.org Paid for by Harrop Victory Fund PO Box 603364, Providence 02906

Paid Advertising 48

East Side Monthly November 2010

by Bob Mariani

King of the Jungle An intimate conversation with Tarzan Host: Good evening.

Our guest tonight, ladies and gentlemen, is not only a famous folk hero and icon, he’s also a world-renowned movie and TV star. Please welcome the one and only “Legend of the Jungle.” Please welcome Tarzan! Tarzan….of….the….Apes!

(Sound of applause under the famous Tarzan yodeling yell) Host: Welcome to the show, Tarzan.

It’s so nice to have you with us. Tell me, do you prefer being called Tarzan of the Apes, or Tarzan, King of the Jungle? Or… Tarzan: Actually, Ed, I prefer to be called Mr. T, but…

Host: Oh, right, yeah, but that’s taken.

Tarzan: Right, so I guess just Tarzan is good. Or Tarz’. The Tarz’Man or whatever.

Host: OK. So I noticed you were almost late getting here. Was there a problem?

Tarzan: Yeah, well Tantor, my socalled trusty elephant was supposed to pick me up, but the big jerk never showed. He called me a few minutes ago saying how sorry he was that he forgot he was supposed to come get me.

Host: Gee, I thought elephants never forgot.

Tarzan: Huh, yeah, right. I’m thinking of changing his name to Dumbo.

Host: So then, how’d you get here?

Tarzan: I came on my own, the way I usually travel, you know through the trees – which, I might add, are few and far between in this town.

Host: You mean like swinging on vines?

Tarzan: Yeah, but I must have taken a wrong vine back there near Benefit Street someplace. Your vines are not very well marked around here. Hard to tell one from the other.

Host: You know it. Providence isn’t the easiest town to get around in anyway.

But, changing the subject here, I was hoping the lovely and talented Ms. Tarzan would be with you tonight. Is she…?

Tarzan: You mean Jane? Huh, not likely.

Host: Oh? Why? Tarzan: We broke up over a year ago,

Ed. I thought everybody knew. It was all over the jungle.

Host: Gee, I hadn’t heard. Can you tell us what happened?

Tarzan: Yeah, well, I caught her one day with that supposedly loyal chimpanzee of mine – you know, monkeying around up in the tree house.

Host: You mean..?

Tarzan: That’s right. With a name like Cheetah, I shoulda known.

Host: Sorry to hear it. Do you have any other animal pals these days?

Tarzan: I tried making friends with this pride of lions, but you know how they are; they’re all so darn clubby. It’s like you have to have a mane and work for MGM or they won’t even talk to you.

Host: Any other animal friends?

Tarzan: Well, I was pretty tight with this anaconda for a while. I called her Anna for short. She was kind of cute in a reptilian sort of way, and a really great hugger.

Host: I’ll bet. So what happened between you and Anna?

Tarzan: One time she got kind of carried away and busted a couple of my ribs. I mean she really had a crush on me.

Host: I see. And so, have you made any new human friends out in Hollywood now that you’re a movie star?

Tarzan: Humans are tough, too. I mean it’s hard out there, Ed. You know you show up at one of those Hollywood parties in a loincloth and people immediately get the wrong idea.

Host: Well sure, but did you ever think of maybe wearing like slacks and a sports shirt?

Tarzan: The loincloth is part of my image, Ed. I know it looks like just some old rag I threw on, but I pay this fancy French designer some serious coconuts to keep me in loincloths.

Host: Gottcha. Well, listen, Tarzan, it’s been great talking with you and we wish you the best of luck and just keep on swingin’.

(Tarzan yells a triumphant farewell and swings off into the blue.)

Good morning.

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

Spotlight by Dan Schwartz

paid advertising

SAVING UP TO 70% OFF RETAIL PRICE We have been supplying new, refurbished and scratch & dent resistant appliances for over 5 years Stainless Refrigerators • Ranges • Dishwashers • Front-Load Washing Machines • Built-In Refrigeration • Cooktops & Wall Ovens

416 Roosevelt Ave. • Central Falls • 401.723.0500 • www.kitchenguys.com

Breathing Time Yoga

Your Yoga Sanctuary on the East Side / Oak Hill line

Kitchen Guys

The Latest Appliances for Less

New StudeNt Special

50

$

2 weeks unlimited yoga Over 20 classes a week!

402-421-9876 • BreathingTimeYoga.com

Are you tired

of the older model refrigerator and oven sitting in your kitchen? Yes, they are quaint and go with your home’s historic charm, but then you saw your neighbor’s Dacor Dual-Fuel range and gleaming Electrolux fridge with its bright LED lighting. Now you know it’s time for a change. Enter Kitchen Guys, with one of the largest selections in New England of new, scratch-and-dent and refurbished appliances. They are known as one of the best kept secrets in the area, drawing people in for their huge discounts of up to 70% off the retail price.

The no-frills warehouse is chock full of refrigerators, gas and electric ranges, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, cook tops, washers/dryers, ice machines and wine refrigerators. They offer a larger selection than the big box stores, and Kitchen Guys service everything they sell. Owner Michael Gaffin says, “In this tight economy saving money is important.

Kitchen renovations and new appliances don’t have to be painful on your wallet.” In fact, seeing all the fun new models may get you downright excited.

The Kitchen Guys specialize in stainless steel and has the largest selection of cook tops in the state. “There is nobody else doing what we do,” Michael explains. “People drive from all over New England and New York.”

The merchandise rotates weekly, so if there is a particular model you’d like, you can have it put on a wait list. They offer a huge selection of Energy Star certified appliances, so you will be saving money both on the sticker price and utility bills.

We are approaching the holiday season, which means entertaining guests. The Kitchen Guys have an enormous selection of 15” and 24” wine refrigerators, plus built in ice machines. Now you can host in style.

Call Michael, or his assistant Ian, today to see what is in stock or drop by the warehouse to view their enormous selection in person: open Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm or by appointment. Upgrade your kitchen today!

Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors

We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models • ASE Certified • RI inspection and repair station #27b

Tip of the Month

Now is a good time to have Mon-Fri your AC system serviced.

8am-6pm Your air conditioning helps to quickly remove moisture and clear your windows during 729 East Avenue • 401-723-1111 winter months.

(Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid)

Demand Authentic BBQ! All of our meats are cooked low and sloooow in our hickory smoker Succulent St. Louis cut Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket (Vegetarian options too!)

United BBQ

Kitchen Guys

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

Open Tues. - Sun. 11am-11pm • Closed Mondays 146 Ives St. Providence

751-9000 • www.unitedbbq.com

UNITED BBQ DELIVERS! 751-9000 November 2010 East Side Monthly

49

Spotlight by Dan Schwartz

paid advertising

WallFlys EXERCISE AND YOGA CLASSES • AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS HEATED POOL • FITNESS CENTER • BASKETBALL GYM

Removable Graphics Kids Will Love

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM • SUMMER J-CAMP

ALL ARE WELCOME! Members Get Discounts! Call for Details 401 elmgrove ave. providence, ri 02906 401.861.8800

www.jccri.org

We Understand Your Desires

fine clothiers 200 South Main St. Providence 401.453.0025 • www.marcalleninc.com Monday–Friday 10-6 and Saturday 8-4 • Mondays by appt.

It is harder and harder to find unique gifts these days, but you can stop your search. Jim Larkin of Graphic Innovations has a brand new concept called WallFlys. It’s a photo printed onto fabric that clings to any smooth surface, with the ability to be removed and reapplied countless times without leaving any marks. Attention grandparents: you can be the hero by having your favorite sports photo of a grandchild turned into a WallFly for a bedroom wall or even the fridge.

The process of uploading a picture onto the website is a snap, and then you can crop it if you want to isolate an image or leave instructions to have a body traced so the image will be cut perfectly for the wall. The online process is simple and payment is completely secure. All orders are shipped anywhere in the country. WallFlys are terrific for hockey players.

“It’s a really fun gift,” Jim says. “I’ve got some pictures of my kids laughing on the stairs, and I cut a few of the photos out and gave them to my mother, my wife’s mother and my wife’s sister.” Youth photos are very popular, and WallFlys also carries silhouettes for different sports. This service works well for pet photos too – that image of Fluffy can keep you company at the office.

If you don’t want to process the work online or only have hard copies of the photo you’d like to use, you can stop into the Graphic Innovations office for friendly service and have the image scanned.

The sky is the limit for how to creatively use WallFlys, and it’s very inexpensive as well. Equestrian jumping, a football player or a gymnast on the balance beam – each WallFly can be cut out how you like or you can keep the entire image as a square. Children really get a kick out of it and you will too. Visit their website to start putting together a wonderful and unique gift.

WallFlys

380 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick / 751-5333 www.wallflys.com

50

East Side Monthly November 2010

Spotlight by Dan Schwartz

paid advertising

FREE 12” TAKE & BAKE PEASANT PIZZA With purchase of any large specialty pizza (Good for pickup with coupon only. One special per visit)

Converting One Pizza Lover at a Time!

Open Mon-Sun • Open Late Pickup • Delivery • Take-and-Bake 357 Hope Street, Providence • 751-0355 • www.thepizzagourmet.net Rhode Island’s Bike Shop Since 1919

The Catering Gourmet

From Holiday Feasts to Game Day Fare The prospect of arriving guests for holiday dinner can strike fear in the host. Relax, because you have The Catering Gourmet’s Holiday Helper menu to assist you with amazing sides like wood oven roasted autumn vegetables and candied butternut squash with honey and cinnamon. Eliminate the stress of cooking entirely and order a complete feast – The Pilgrim’s Dream – which comes with your choice of either a roasted or deep fried turkey, or another entrée like their signature bacon wrapped pork loin stuffed with corn bread and sun-dried cherries. This is complemented with all the sides, stuffing and house made desserts to feed your party of 12-14 people.

Everything on the menu is high quality and can be prepped ready for pickup so you can spend more time with friends and family. Sausage, apple and Gorgonzola stuffing? Homemade cranberry sauce? Desserts like pecan caramel pie, pumpkin pie and their show-stopping baklava cheesecake, all made on the premises? Now that’s what you call mother’s little helper.

Owners Dave Goulart, Misty Scott and Joshua Willey are passionate about food. Stop in to discuss options and they can get a little worked up over the delicious possibilities. Josh this season is offering his famous “Willey Style” Asian braised beef short ribs. If you are looking for some guidance the best thing to do is stop in and look over the holiday menu, then have one of the expert staff guide you through a meal plan.

The fall sports season is in full swing and the Catering Gourmet has a special Tailgate Menu to please the crowd. They offer hotel pans of mouth-watering chicken wings, 16-hour house barbecued pulled pork, Guinness steamed bratwurst, sandwich platters, seven layer dips, pans of pasta and, of course, their wood grilled pizzas (delivered hot or available for take-and-bake). Yup, no matter what the score is you win. Tailgate menu orders must be placed 24 hours before pickup. So don’t fret this holiday season, and make your game day something to cheer about – The Catering Gourmet is in your corner.

The Catering Gourmet / The Pizza Gourmet 357 Hope Street, Providence / 751-0355 www.thepizzagourmet.net

Bicycle Sales • Maintenance/Repair Clothing/Accessories • Free Clinics • Shop Bike Rides Caster's 3480 Post Road, Warwick 739-0393

Caster's on 4th 212 4th Street, Providence • 274-5300 (off Hope behind Festival Ballet) BikerI.com

COVINGTON PROPERTIES Buyers Broker

Donating 30 percent of my commission to your charity of choice

Let us open doors together...

Supporting You Supporting Community Armistead Covington | 401-545-1760 | a@covington.necoxmail.com

-ADEIRA ,IQUORS OFF CASES OF WINE 3PECIAL /RDERING !VAILABLE ,ARGE 3ELF 3ERVE 7ALK IN #OOLER -ON 3AT AM PM

)VES 3TREET

Tired of Living with Back Pain?

“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 November 2010 East Side Monthly

51

Finance by Betsey Purinton

Destination 95 The realities of retirement planning we’d rather ignore My clients won’t live to 95 – or so they tell me. Their logic? They don’t want to live that long.

The topic comes up when we are doing retirement projections. Assuming you have just retired, the ingredients for any planning projections are pretty straightforward: assets at the beginning of retirement, assumed rate of return, expected inflation, how much you need to live on in current dollars and longevity. Add in all the special circumstances (non-investment income sources, proceeds from the sale of real estate or other property excepting the primary residence, one-time expenses such as weddings and gifts, etc.) and you have a workable plan.

Well, not quite. Here’s where the discussion begins.

“Couldn’t you just say we die at age 85? I just can’t imagine that Bernice and I will live that long, given our family history.”

I look at this request suspiciously.

After all, the shorter the life span, the more the couple can spend now, according to the projections.

“Look,” George, Bernice’s husband continues, “Over the last year we have watched two friends pass away and a cousin wind up in a nursing home. We don’t want to forego the best of our retirement years if it means we die with a lot of money in our pockets.”

“Fair enough,” I say. “I want you to have an enjoyable retirement. But I can’t just kill you off at 85. What happens if one of you outlives this plan? If you live longer than your assets, who is going to take care of you?”

Longevity risk is probably the most overlooked risk factor any investor faces. Just look at the numbers: at age 64, women have a 37% chance of living until age 90 while men have a 23% chance. As a couple there is a 51.8% chance that one of the partners will live to 90. Yet two thirds of Americans surveyed underestimate their longevity, according to the Society of Actuaries.

I explain the odds to George and Ber52

East Side Monthly November 2010

nice, who reluctantly accept the statistics and 95 stays in the projections. But then George and Bernice turn to another assumption – the rate of return.

“You know,” Bernice pipes in, “we are just not comfortable with the markets any more. The thought of losing money again pains us. What we have is all we have.”

I sympathize; Bernice makes an extremely good point. 2008 was devastating (at least psychologically, if not in absolute numbers) to many retirees. Most people do not feel they can absorb another substantial hit to their portfolios. They are focused on avoiding future losses, not creating a lasting portfolio.

“Ah,” I say, “that is called the less worry retirement asset. It is a must-have for many people. How much are you willing to pay for it?”

Bernice and George look at me blankly. I now have to turn to the second most overlooked risk factor in investing: If you can’t get your money to grow, you might not get your money to last.

Let’s assume you have all the money you will ever need. You are fortunate; you don’t have to take risk. CDs and money market accounts (what passes for the mattress nowadays) are a fine place to park your savings. But most people have to take on some risk in order to achieve their spending and longevity goals. If I run retirement projections at 6% or 7% annual expected

return over time, and the retirement assets are stuck in a 1-2% yielding assets, the projections won’t work.

I try not to rush people from the sidelines into any investment – bonds or stocks.

But the safety of the sidelines is not as safe as it might appear. It is now time for George, Bernice and me to really size up their risk tolerance.

No one wants a repeat of 2008, but investing is not an all or none proposition. Volatility can be limited with proper risk diversification, although no one can promise that it will be eliminated.

George, Bernice and I engage in an intense back and forth about risk, supported by a risk assessment survey I have had them take. In the end they select a portfolio model that emphasizes capital preservation, but allows for some growth. By most standards, it is conservative. It is subject to modest volatility, yet provides some reassurance against a repeat of 2008.

We return to the retirement projections. Their life expectancy is 95 and we now have a 6% expected annual return.

These parameters trigger a change in yet another one of the moving parts of the financial plan: annual retirement spending.

This leads into our next discussion.

(It is definitely a long meeting.) Bernice and George have been retired for three years, spending half the year in Rhode Island and the other half at their condo in Florida. They each have small

part-time jobs and have recently begun taking Social Security benefits. Since retirement, withdrawals from their portfolios have averaged $5,000 a month.

Rental income on a third property nets another $900 a month. They are debt free. Until starting Social Security, they were living on $98,000 a year, seemingly making ends meet without difficulty.

“So, what are you doing with your Social Security payments?” I ask.

“Oh, we use it,” Bernice says happily, clearly excited about the newfound wealth.

George looks at me quizzically. “Perhaps we shouldn’t be touching it?”

I glance at the retirement projections, which say $103,000 in annual spending.

This is where I love retirement numbers.

It is not just me, the financial advisor, saying to clients that they need to take a close look at their spending. I have backing, although the numbers are fungible. Face it. George and Bernice don’t want to live to 95, they don’t like risk and they like to spend. They are normal people – like you and me.

Financial planning is all about give and take – the tradeoffs and the process of making decisions regarding those tradeoffs. I am a firm believer that having a financial plan is far better than no plan. Without an understanding of what you need to do to get your money to last, you might find yourself living in naïve bliss or undeserved terror. With a plan, you at least have the ability to make good choices.

George turns and says to Bernice, “I think we should reduce our portfolio withdrawals to $3,000 a month, at least until we stop working altogether.” Bernice looks somewhat crestfallen but nods.

“It can’t hurt to try,” I say. And that’s what we do – we try.

Betsey Purinton, CFP® is Managing Director at StrategicPoint Investment Advisors and is the Chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island. You can e-mail her at bpurinton@ strategicpoint.com

Paid Advertising

Paid Advertising

Coats for Coffee is back !

Our third annual

coat drive to benefit the

Boys and Girls clubs of Providence will make everyone feel warm all over. From Sunday, October 31 to Sunday, November 14, donate a lightly worn kid’s or adult’s coat at any Seven Stars Bakery location and

Stay warm while using your favorite touch screen devices!

These soft, colorful gloves have special nylon fingertips on the thumb and forefinger, making them compatible with the iPod, iPhone, iPad and other touch sensitive digital devices.

receive a free cup of coffee. We collected 300 coats last year — help us get to 500 !

three Seven StarS lOcatiOnS

Sponsor

342 Broadway, Providence 820 hope Street , Providence 20 newman ave ( r umford center ) , east Providence

Dry Cleaning

discount shoe boutique

iPhone Gloves 5 Colors, $25 pair

401.383.9777 808 Hope Street, Providence

Amos House Builds

• We deliver high quality work to our customers • We deliver ongoing training and the tools to rebuild their lives to our employees • Painting, powerwashing, interior and exterior repairs and renovations Invest in your home...

Invest in your community

Call us today for a free estimate 401-338-2108 • www.amoshouse.com

Licensed, Insured, OSHA Certified

Serving all of Rhode Island November 2010 East Side Monthly

53

Now at LumiNous saLoN aNd spa

BraziLiaN BLowout

Got one of these?

The ONLY PrOfessiONaL smOOThiNg TreaTmeNT ThaT imPrOves The heaLTh Of The hair.

Need one of these?

• No damage! No formaldehyde!

• Takes just 90 minutes!

• The minute you leave the salon, you can wash and air dry your hair, and it will be smooth, frizzfree and radiant!

• Results last up to 3 months • D on't be fooled by copy cats.

We are a 100% Certified Brazilian Blowout Salon.

See the experts at German Motors.

$50 off*

a Brazilian Blowout Service *Expires 11/30/2010. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Owners of German Motors since 1972, brothers Gerry and Denis Moreau are Rhode Island's top experts on German cars. Along with their factory trained technicians they have the tools, technology and talent to solve any problem. Need their advice or services?

For a quick, honest and expert opinion, call, email or stop by to schedule an appointment today.

Courtesy drop-off in Providence.

L UM I NOUS S A L O N

&

S P A

(401) 228-7008 • 133 Pitman Street, Providence • www.LuminousSalonandSpa.com

G E R M A N MOTO R S

INC

Run better.

879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 401-272-4266 Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com

1/4 page Color ad 4.375 x 5.875

Gourmet House Affiliated with

Apsara Palace

Boneless Duck w/ Mandarin Pancake

Chicken Red Curry

BYOB 787 Hope Street, Providence • 401-831-3400 Sun - Thurs 10am - 9:30pm, Fri - Sat 10am -10pm gourmethouseri.com • New owner Kim Te of Apsara

54

East Side Monthly November 2010

Movies

by Bob Cipriano

Frederick J. Harkins AAMS, CRPC

harkins Wealth Management LPL WeALTh MAnAgeMenT AdviSoR Life. Money. Balance Both.

The Social Network

Securities offered through LPL Financial.

Member FINRA/SIPC.

Tel: 401.728.1728 | Fax: 401.728.1160 194 Hillside Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 frederick.harkins@lpl.com www.harkinswealthmanagement.com

Lost Souls

Two films about troubled loners The things that lonely, isolated people do in the dark make for some pretty memorable movies.

These two are exceptional for their adherence to the dark standards of their genres and the subtle changes they introduce that make them stand apart.

The Social Network, director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin’s fascinating, funny, and oddly thrilling film about the creation and success of Facebook, is about the price of ambition. But in the brave new digital world of Facebook’s creator, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), the people around him pay the price.

The film would be nothing more than an unflattering portrait of a geek gone wild, save for an incredibly sharp screenplay that acknowledges the intelligence and wit of its characters, plays fast and loose with time to sharply suggest consequences of actions and boasts brilliant casting with performances to match.

Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerberg is brave in its refusal to give into what must have been serious temptations to gain a little sympathy for a kid under many influences, not the least of which is a streak of paranoia

that tracks neatly with his total lack of social skills. He’s backed by his director and screenwriter, neither of whom provide any kind of back-story to soften his character. As far as anyone can tell, he has always been the jerk who insults his girlfriend in person and then blogs bigger insults after she walks out on him.

Fincher contrasts the dark little world of Zuckerberg’s dorm room, where he pounds his keyboard, to the rest of the college, where everybody else is apparently pounding each other. His flip-flops and hoodie are in stark contrast to the preppie garb of the people of privilege he envies and despises, because he knows he’s the smartest guy in the room. The contrasts of style and character are enhanced by the pace of the film, which Fincher shoots like a thriller, even though bombs, bullets and car chases are replaced by the rise and fall of bank accounts in the midst of manipulation, deceit and betrayal.

The film cuts back and forth in time between the creation of Facebook and the lawyer-infested hearings that occurred when Zuckerberg’s former partner, and other students who claim he stole their

idea, sued him for millions.

Fincher and company manage to seamlessly weave rowing competitions and wild parties into the mix to break up any potential monotony, but mostly do so through sharp dialogue and impeccable performances: Armie Hammer as both of the frequently comical twins, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who came up with a social network idea they sought help from Eisenberg to create; Justin Timberlake as Napster creator Sean Parker, who lures Eisenberg to California with talk of coke, Victoria’s Secret models, fame and fortune; and especially Andrew Garfield as Eisenberg’s uneasy, betrayed partner who is the conscience of the film.

That’s an important point. There is a conscience at the heart of The Social Network. There is both good and bad at work here (mostly bad, admittedly), but in the brave new world of soulless ambition and greed on garish display, it’s still the loss of a soul in Eisenberg’s frequently dead eyes that haunts the proceedings.

Let Me In is a seriously good movie on several levels. It’s an effective vampire movie that adheres to genre traditions. It’s a modern tale

The Focus Is On Results Facials • Waxing • Makeup

By Appointment Only 194 Waterman St., 3rd Floor Providence • 401-835-4327 www.saracraftskincare.com Mention Ad for 1 Free Day of dAycAre!

The Dog house - Doggie Day Care - Overnight Boarding - Dog Walking Service - Behavior Training

401-455-DOGS 1255 North Main Street, Providence JeD Sheckley, Certified trainer

November 2010 East Side Monthly

55

Movies

DAUGHTERS.

continued...

SISTERS. MOTHERS. FRIENDS. East Side Monthly 1/4 PAGE 4.375"w X 5.875"h November 1, 2010

And they own Gil’s.

Lisa and Gail know what it takes to run a business, raise a family and keep a home.

They also know that the right appliances can make every day easier and chores, well, less like chores.Their parents opened Gil's in 1961, so you could say they've grown up in the business. If you need appliances, why not talk with Lisa and Gail?

HOURS: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm

Tues-Thurs 9:00am - 8:00pm Sun Closed - Family Day

397 Metacom Avenue, Rte.136 Bristol, RI 02809 401-253-9789 Fax: 401-253-2404 www.gilsappliances.com

56

East Side Monthly November 2010

Let Me In

of youthful alienation as 12-yearolds cope with parents who are absent in various senses of the word and vicious school cliques that can intimidate with hints of violence and sexuality. And it’s an antidote to the Twilight saga.

While Let Me In may rise above its genre telling a genuinely tender, human story about adolescent relationships and the rush to maturity that modern society imposes, it’s mostly about the little girl who can and will knock you down and drain your blood. It (along with the Swedish original upon which it is based, Let The Right One In) is on a very, very short list of the best vampire movies ever made. Who says any genre should rise above itself anyway?

Writer/director Matt Reeves, who did fine work with doomsday horror in Cloverfield, sets his stage here in a cold 1983 winter in northern New Mexico. A soft-spoken, almost frail 12-year-old boy, alone outside of the apartment complex where he lives with his mom, and either works his Rubik’s Cube or acts out harmless little revenge fantasies by the jungle gym. Then the little girl appears. She takes an interest, and speaks in a thoughtful, reassuring tone. But why are her feet bare?

The young actors Kodi SmitMcPhee, who was so impressive in The Road, and Chloe Grace Moretz, who was the best thing about KickAss, perform splendidly. Their depth as actors, supported by Reeves’s dialogue and direction, dramatize rather than exploit the circumstances and events of the story.

Smit-McPhee is the picked-upon

weakling at school. His fear and loneliness make him vulnerable to new influences. Moretz crosses his path when she and a sad, quiet Richard Jenkins, who appears to be her dad, move into the apartment next door.

Of course, Moretz isn’t the usual movie girl who sees the strengths beneath the weakling’s surface and nurtures him. She’s just trying to survive herself, only in a radically different way. The two find toleration and friendship in each other’s company, and would become soul mates, if Moretz had a soul.

Jenkins plays a small but key role as Moretz’s familiar, because he’s tired of running out to get her meals for her. More to the point, he’s getting sloppy. Moretz’s bloodlust forces her out on her own, making for some tense, exciting and grisly scenes that remind anyone who might have forgotten that vampires don’t make moral choices, they seize opportunity. These scenes contrast neatly with all her gentle scenes with Smit-McPhee and Jenkins.

Reeves creates an atmosphere that is both heavy with tension and dread, and coldly ambivalent to life and death struggles. The friendship, bordering on romance, between Smit-McPhee and Moretz, softens and warms the atmosphere to a degree, but Moretz is too hungry too often to make an audience completely comfortable in her presence.

That’s the strange beauty of Let Me In: an unlikely partnership evolves when one lonely individual finds meaning and purpose in the life of another. That feeling becomes mutual. And, don’t forget, one is a vampire.

Fine Stonescapes A New Name in Artistry & Craftsmanship

276 Benefit St. - $429,000

Totally renovated 2 bed Condo on historic Benefit St. NEW kit. & bath, living rm. w/ fireplace, deck & secure parking.

25 Clarendon - $469,000

Totally renovated 3 bed home off Blackstone Blvd. NEW kit. & bath, windows, central air, roof, landscaping & more!

Patios • Steps • Walls • Firepits • Fireplaces

Michael J. Marelli • 410-212-7837

Frankly Scallop, I Don’t Give A Clam!

30-32 Cushing St - $595,000

Half block from Brown U. 2 very large sideby-side Townhouses. 6 beds each side. Period details, high ceilings, beautiful neigborhood!

93 Bluff Ave-Edgewood - $425,000 Staley 4 bed, 2.5 bath Center Hall Colonial, hardwoods, central air, marble soloriam, 3 car garage, sprinkler sytem & much more!

Debbie Gold

401-640-0403 225 Wayland Ave, East Side Of Providence Deborah.Gold@NEMoves.com Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society award. 2009 Greater Providence Board of Realtors Gold Award. Relocation & Previews Property Specialist

A Family Tradition Since 1945

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

© 2010 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Owned and operated by NRT, Incorporated. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Housing Opportunity

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

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

Trust...

My guiding real estate principle.

In the past 18 months, 30 of your East Side neighbors have trusted me to represent their best interests in the sale or purchase of their homes.

If you are considering selling or buying a property and would like an honest and thorough assessment of the real estate market on the East Side, please give me a call or e-mail me at kfox@residentialproperties.com.

Kevin Fox

Kevin Fox: Cell: (401) 688-5556 • (401) 553-6388 ResidentialProperties.com • 401.274.6740

Rhode Island’s Real estate Company® Barrington • Cumberland • East Greenwich • Narragansett • Providence November 2010 East Side Monthly

57

"A landmark known for quality and creativity of its constantly evolving menu . . . One of Rhode Island's very own fine dining places."

Bob Mariani, Find RI.com "The favorite Sunday brunch spot."

Glamour Magazine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relaxed . . . A charming bistro.â&#x20AC;?

Food & Wine â&#x20AC;&#x153;An authentic cafĂŠ that could have been lifted from the streets of Paris.â&#x20AC;?

The Best of Daytripping & Dining

Rue De Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Espoir American Bistro Cooking

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

l ia ree ec t F e p n e S n Re F e i thâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tion v o n a M Mo plic rst o Ap i F N

Live in the Square!

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

Because...

110 million

10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their lifetime.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dedicated . . .

10 years to helping those with

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and their families enjoy better relationships and an enhanced quality of life.

10 years

10 years to serving the Providence Community and to

ensuring those residents challenged by Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other memory impairments lead fulďŹ lling and meaningful lives in BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED NEIGHBORHOODS

BRIDGESÂŽ. Multi-level Memory Care by EPOCH Senior Living.

In Your Neighborhood 10 Years & Counting.

Assisted Living on the East Side /NE "UTLER !VENUE s 0ROVIDENCE 2)

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

401-275-0682

Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard "LACKSTONE "LVD s 0ROVIDENCE 2)

401-273-6565

Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door

w w w. e p o c h s l . c o m 500 Angell Street, Providence â&#x20AC;˘ 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com

Assisted Living Skilled Nursing

s s

Short-Term Rehabilitation s Long-Term Care Memory Care s Respite s Fitness Center

For Youth Development For Healthy Living For Social Responsibility

WHERE FAMILIES GROW STRONGER. TOGETHER. JOIN IN. Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Eye Care Since 1927 Dr. David A. Vito Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow â&#x20AC;˘ Emergencies Seen Immediately â&#x20AC;˘ Same Day Appointments Often Available â&#x20AC;˘ Evening and Weekend Hours Available â&#x20AC;˘ Glaucoma â&#x20AC;˘ Macular Degeneration â&#x20AC;˘ Cataract â&#x20AC;˘ Diabetic Eye Disease â&#x20AC;˘ Designer Glasses â&#x20AC;˘ Specialty Contact Lenses

331-2020 â&#x20AC;˘ www.AdvancedEyeCareRI.com 780 North Main Street, Providence OfďŹ cial Eye Care Provider of the Providence Bruins

58

East Side Monthly November 2010

At the Y, we exist to strengthen families.

Join our cause and learn more about the many family focused programs that create meaningful change for you and your entire family.

Call today for a consultation

438 Hope Street, Providence â&#x20AC;˘ 401-521-0155 For more information or to take a virtual tour, visit

www.YMCAGreaterProvidence.org

The YMCA of Greater Providence is a 501(c)3 Charitable organization

Providence Flash Fiction By Andrew Rock

Gallery Night A Thanksgiving Story I hadn’t planned on doing Gallery Night, but when the afternoon turns dark at five and when the warm air still pushes out of the southwest, as it did that third Thursday in November, it seems an utterly charming idea to leave the office a little early and ramble along South Main Street from gallery to gallery sipping wine and munching cookies or even to jump on the free Art Bus to get back and forth across town to some of the more out of the way museums, or galleries, or craft shops.

At four-thirty, Dallas Alice sat at my conference table across the room. Legs crossed and a ramrod straight back. Each question on her Lippitt-estate list we had gone over, twice. She was very professional. Now, we sat in silence.

“Are you leaving early, Henry?”

Margaret asked from the hall.

“Well, if it is OK. I was thinking of rambling down South Main. It’s Gallery Night.”

Ms. Alice stood. She rolled the plat maps and walked out the door past Margaret down the hall.

Margaret stepped into my office. “I see you’ve given the Lippitt property to Dallas. I wish you would talk to me before handing off your work. Dallas’s not capable of handing the complexities of Lippitt by herself and that means more hand-holding by me on something that’d be a cakewalk for you.”

“Dallas Alice is more than capable of....“ Margaret closed the door behind her. “If mother could hear you, my good God. I did not ask for this job, Hal. I am doing the best I can. But you constantly undermine me....” She turned to the window and breathed deeply as Dallas does when demonstrating yoga breath. Then, she said: “Where will you be for Thanksgiving, Hal?” “Fall River. Hillary White’s having the old Navy squad for dinner. Be about ten of us this year.”

Walking South Main with my topcoat open, the sweet soft breeze on

my chest. The second-floor office lights set the street aglow. The Ginkgo trees all stood naked, ready for their winter. Looked like a movie set.

“Henry! It’s Tulip. How are you, Henry.” We hugged. She brushed her left hand over my suit-coat lapel, as if dusting away cookie crumbs or something. “Do you love this show?

Do you remember his paintings?”

“Of course, Tulip,” I said. “I remember every one.”

The paintings were a series of forty

Her face brightened as if she had an idea. “Henry, why don’t you come with us over to Fox Point. We’re gonna jump on the Art Bus in about five minutes. Roz is showing some things by Grosvenor; we feel somewhat obligated to visit. Galley Fox has an opening tonight. I need to get some things at Peaceable Kingdom for the Thanksgiving table. So, come on, now. Say you will, Henry?”

So, I’m on the blue Art Bus as it huffed and puffed up College Hill

minimally rendered watercolors of homes that we had listed back in 2005 and 2006. The mayor’s brother painted them in Emlen’s empty office after his life-long best friend, our dear Emlen, went off to Iraq. He taped the watercolors along the hall leading to the receptionist. After Emlen’s funeral, mother had them framed and hung them in the hall, but they made the staff cry too much, for some reason, so she put them in storage.

“Tulip, you look fabulous.”

“Oh, come on.”

“No, darling, you do. ‘Those lips, your lips, they’re meant to be kissed.’” I touched her cheekbone with my thumb. “It’s wonderful to see you. It’s been a while.”

“Alex and I were just saying, we haven’t seen you since the funerals.”

then down Ives Street to Fox Point. I recognize faces in the bus, but can’t place names. I wave a little here and there. Tulip chats away for which I’m grateful. Always loved Tulip. “And what are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

“I’m going to be with Dallas Alice, I’m happy to say.”

“Oooh?” Tulip leans closer, “Ooh la la?”

“Don’t be silly. You know, she was dating the mayor’s brother until the end. She and Emlen were great . . . great buddies.” My eyes suddenly flooded. “Thanksgiving is the worst for me, Tulip. I am so sorry.” Faces on the bus turned to me. Tulip hugged my shoulder and waved them off.

Although I love Richard Grosvenor’s watercolors, Roz didn’t have his good stuff. Galley Fox was so packed

we couldn’t get in and the evening air was getting cooler, so I bid Tulip and Alex goodnight and walked back to The Peaceable Kingdom to look at this funny little medallion Dorothy had in her case. About the only thing Tulip hadn’t bought.

“It’s a tribal medallion; a symbol for – the closest I can translate is – patience for a kind lover, or a true lover. It’s hope, but more about patience than hope. In the Sahara, young girls wear them.” She buffed it with a pink cloth. “I actually saw this medallion fashioned – in the heart of the Sahara, by a little oasis village, under a golden tent, against a mahogany block. This village is named ‘In Salah.’”

I rubbed my thumb against the surface. The double string of beads from which it hung didn’t look very old. “You say the 1940s?

You saw this made? It looks like something from a dime store.”

“Mother and Murray bought every piece she had on the table, like maybe 150 pieces of this quality, more or less. No telling how long the poor woman had been working them, probably all during the war.

This is my last one, Henry. Are you looking for something for Dallas?”

“I don’t know what I’m doing.” I looked around; I was the only customer in The Peaceable Kingdom. “I am an old fool, Dede.”

“This is a medallion full of love that will capture the heart of the woman you adore.”

“Oh, do stop playing the Gypsy merchant.” We laughed. I reached for my wallet. “I’ll take a dozen.”

I have a dinner with Dallas tomorrow. Mother’s been gone a year, now.

And, this Tuesday, Emlen’s gone exactly three. In March, I retire and Margaret can take over. Don’t know anything more.

Submit your Flash Fiction to editor@ ProvidenceFlashFiction.com. Guidelines: First-person narratives of 800 to 1200 words in length, set in contemporary Providence.

November 2010 East Side Monthly

59

OFFICIAL BALLOT

N98

Home entertainment made simple I’ve been doing this for 25 years right here on the East Side

FOR RHODE ISLAND ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 2010

Vote For One

DON’T VOTE FOR CANDIDATES BECAUSE YOU LIKE THEM

VOTE FOR

simple - I design easy to use home entertainment systems with in-home service and expert installation.

CANDIDATES

savings - I choose equipment that fits your needs

BECAUSE YOU

and you’ll pay the same or less than at BestBuy.

UNDERSTAND THEM

stylish - every system blends in with your decor For superb home theater systems, music systems, HDTV’s, and multi-room systems, call Jon Bell for a free in-home consultation.

The better the journalism The better the election

Rhode Island’s own NPR news station WRNI.org

www.simplysas.com

Jbell@simplysas.com

401.383.4102

Sophisticated Urban Living

Only 2 Units left starting $154,900

WESTMINSTER PLACE • • • •

Gourmet Kitchens Master bath plus 1/2 bath Central a/c & gas heat Hardwood floors

• • • •

W/D hook ups in unit 2 car parking Basement storage room Convenient location

Judy Croyle Judy.Croyle@NeMoves.com 1488 Westminster Street, Providence • 401-499-7541 60

East Side Monthly November 2010

Extra Ordinary Training.

Extra Ordinary Results “Your gym is uniquely special. You are genuinely concerned about each and everyone of us."

-Pat W.

Open Sundays 9am-4pm

20 Newman Ave. Rumford, RI • 401.383.5959 rumford.punchgym.com

Wellness Screenings on Weekends

Mon-Wed 15% OFF All ServiceS Children 5 & under Get poliShed Free

Join our rewards Program.

After 9 Visits, Get a Free Manicure!

Angell Nails and Spa 15 South Angell St, Providence • 490-3137 Mon-Sat 9-7:30, Sun 10-5, after hours appts available

781-8280

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) Kitchens & Baths Painting & Paperhanging House Painting Roofing & Gutters Windows & Doors Vinyl Siding Shingles & Clapboards Insulation Additions & Dormers Cabinet Fronts Lead Abatement

1704 Broad St Cranston, RI 02905

www.wartesani.com

November 2010 East Side Monthly

61

Calendar

by Christina Evon

November classes | concerts | dance | galleries | kids | lectures | theatre | sports | comedy | volunteer

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at PPAC

CONCERTS CHANS Nov 6: Diane Blue with Jimmy “Two Suit” Capone. Nov 12: Greg Hodde’s Blue Reign. Nov 20: Mississippi Heat.

Nov 26: James Montgomery Band.

Advanced ticket sales only. 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. 765-1900, www. chanseggrollsandjazz.com.

CLUB HELL Nov 14: The Chariot. Nov 28: Linfinity.

73 Richmond Street. www.etix.com.

FIRST WORKS CONCERT Nov 13: First Works presents Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Grammy-winning a capella ensemble. VMA Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue of the Arts.

421-ARTS, www.vmari.com.

FOXWOODS Nov 4: Experience Hendrix 2010 Tribute Tour. Nov 5: Al Green. Nov 13: Smokey Robinson. Nov 16: Allman Brothers Band. Nov 20: Aretha Franklin. 39 Norwich-Westerly Road, Ledyard, CT. 800-200-2882, www.foxwoods.com.

GOVERNOR HENRY LIPPITT HOUSE

62

East Side Monthly November 2010

MUSEUM Nov 5: Ameranouche, a Gypsy jazz trio. 199 Hope Street. 453-0688, www. preserveri.org.

JERKY’S MUSIC HALL Nov 1: Qwel and Maker. Nov 11: Oceano.

Nov 14: The Lawrence Arms. Nov 16: Blood on the Dance Floor. Nov 19-20: Slave to the Metal Music Festival. Nov 30: Iration. 71 Richmond Street. 6212244, www.jerkysmusichall.com.

LUPO’S Nov 5: Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Nov 6: Motion City Soundtrack and Say Anything. Nov 10: A Day to Remember.

Nov 12: La Roux. 79 Washington Street.

331-LUPO, www.lupos.com.

LUXURY BOX Nov 6: Something Else. Nov 10: Brian Joseph Duo. Nov 13: What Matters?

Nov 20: Under the Coverz. Nov 27: Crunchy Monkey. 350 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. (508) 336-6634, www.luxuryboxrocks.com.

MET Nov 4: Greg Brown. Nov 7: Matt & Kim. Nov 18: Maceo Parker and Karl

Denson’s Tiny Universe. Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. www.lupos.com.

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Nov 12: Brad Paisley with special guests Darius Rucker and Justin Moore. Nov 17: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Nov 27: Chayanne. Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 800-745-3000, www. mohegansun.com.

MUSEUM CONCERTS Nov 14: Diabolus in Musica performs Rose Tres Belle – Voices from Medieval France. At the Cathedral of St. John, 271 N. Main Street. 621-6123, www. museumconcerts.org.

www.parktheatreri.com.

PROVIDENCE GAY MEN’S CHORUS Nov 13: Divas of Drag Holiday Revue.

At Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 621-6123, www. provgmc.org.

RI COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS SERIES Nov 7: Pianist Robert Degaetano. Nov 22: Muir String Quartet with guest Ann Hobson. Sapinsley Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-8000, www.ric. edu/pfa.

OPERA PROVIDENCE Nov 17: Puccini with Pasta, an evening cooking lesson with Puccini and Chef Walter Potenza at Walter’s Restaurant, Atwells Avenue. Event also includes concert. For details, call 331-6060. www.operaprovidence.org.

RI PHILHARMONIC Nov 19: Rush Hour Concert, featuring violinist Jennifer Frautschi, performing selections of Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Ravel’s La Valse. Nov 20: Classical concert with violinist Jennifer Frautschi and the Philharmonic, performing Barber and Ravel. At the VMA, One Avenue of the Arts. 421-ARTS, www.ri-philharmonic.org.

PARK THEATRE Nov 6: Nuttin But Jazz. Nov 21: Straight No Chaser, an a cappella group. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275,

RI-RA Nov 3, 10, 17: Rudy from the Rock. 50 Exchange Terrace. 272-1953, www.rira. com.

WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM

Brown University is hosting

A SERIES OF FORUMS FOR THE COMMUNITY Please join University representatives and neighbors for lively discussions about ideas and issues of interest to the community.

MEETING SCHEDULE: Wednesday, November 3rd at 5:30 PM

Visit us at the location of your choice...

Haruki Cranston 1210 Oaklawn Ave Cranston 401.463.8338

Haruki East 172 Wayland Ave Providence 401.223.0332

Providence Fall Home Show

STADIUM THEATRE Nov 6: Eagles tribute band, Another Tequila Sunrise. Nov 14: Sinatra Duets Live, recreating Sinatra’s Duets album.

Nov 26: Ornament, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute Band. 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 762-4545, www. stadiumtheatre.com.

STONE SOUP COFFEE HOUSE Nov 6: Eric Anderson, with opener Mark Cutler. Nov 13: Tony Bird. Nov 20: Bill Staines. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 9215115, www.stonesoupcoffeehouse.com.

VMA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER Nov 21: An Evening with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. 1 Avenue of the Arts.

222-1467, www.vmari.com.

DANCE FESTIVAL BALLET Nov 6-7: All Balanchine. At the VMA Arts and Cultural Center, One Avenue of the Arts. www.festivalballet.com.

FUSIONWORKS Nov 19-20: Annual Fall Concert. At RI College, Mt. Pleasant Avenue. 9460607, www.fusionworksdance.org.

PERISHABLE THEATRE Nov 3, 10, 24: Modern Dance with Nikki Carrara. Nov 4, 11, 18: Hop to the Beat hip hop dance classes. Sundays: Improvisational Tribal Belly Dance, and Rush Hour Ballet class. 95 Empire Street.

331-2695, www.perishable.org.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE DANCE Nov 20-21: Blackfriars Dance Concert.

Angell Blackfriars Theater, Smith Center, 61 Eaton Street. 865-2218, www. providence.edu/theatre.

Smith-Buonanno Hall, Room 201 95 Cushing Street Wednesday, February 2nd

location pending Wednesday, April 13th

location pending Forums sponsored by the Government Relations and Community Affairs office

To offer suggestions for agenda items, possible presentations, and topics to discuss, please contact Jennifer_Braga@brown.edu.

Haruki Express 112 Waterman St Providence 401.421.0754

THE SPOT Every Wednesday: Belly Dance Classes. Every Thursday: Salsa “On 1” Dance Classes. 286 Thayer Street. 383-7133, www.thespotprovidence.com.

GALLERIES & ART EVENTS BANK RI GALLERIES One Turks Head Place – Nov 4-Dec 1: Portraits: Photographs by Jeffrey Silverthorne. 137 Pitman Street – Nov 4-Dec 1: Undersea Photographs by Matthew Malczewski. 456-5015 x 1330, www.bankri.com.

BANNISTER GALLERY AT RIC Nov 4-24: Anthony Quinn: A Modernist Vision, a Focus Exhibition. 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-8000, www.ric. edu/bannister.

GALLERY NIGHT Nov 18: Last Gallery Night of 2010! Featuring 21 galleries, live music, refreshments, celebrity guides, and free Art Buses. Central Art Bus depot and info booth at One Regency Plaza. www.gallerynight.info.

GALLERY Z Thru Nov 6: The Aprahamian Brothers.

Nov 10-Jan 1: Dalla Collezione: Artists from the Gallery Stable. 259 Atwells Avenue. www.galleryzprov.com.

Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors

Celebrating 41 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-6pm

729 East Avenue

Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid

fabric gallery In Store Design Assistance

20 Years Of Personal Design Assistance And Custom Fabrication Window Treatments, Bedding, Upholstery Slipcovers, Woven Shades, Shutters , Duettes, Verticals First Quality Fabrics, Wallpapers, Trims In Stock and Samples

401-295-2760 606 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown

Mon-Sat 10-5 Closed Thursday & Sunday

www.fabricgalleryri.com November 2010 East Side Monthly

63

Lucia Dias-Hoff, MD, MS Family Medicine

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME We speak Spanish & Portuguese 401-654-4480

Calendar

continued...

GIFT OF ART 2010 Nov 19: Gala Preview Party, where guests will be the first to see and purchase original works of art, meet the artists, and enjoy music and food. Nov 20: Gift of Art Show, a juried show and sale featuring the work of 20 regional artists. At St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Avenue. 751-2141, www.giftartsprov.org.

1 Randall Square, Suite 410, Providence, RI

508-235-0487

829 South Main Street, Fall River, MA

p With Your Gard d Hel e en? e N

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

Professional Landscape Gardening 212- 0669

PHOTOS BY ROBYN IVY PHOTOGRAPHY

angela.gardencare@cox.net

MUSEUM OF WORK AND CULTURE Nov 13-Jan 30: The Preservation Movement Then and Now, chronicling the revitalization of historic sites and neighborhoods. 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket. 769-9675, www.rihs.org.

PROVIDENCE ART CLUB Thru Nov 17: Ruth Clegg and Ron Rosenstock at the Dodge House Gallery; and Mary Benton and Jacqueline Gordon at the Maxwell Mays Gallery.

Nov 21-Dec 24: Annual Little Pictures show and sale. 11 Thomas Street. 3311114, www.providenceartclub.org.

RISD MUSEUM Thru Nov 14: Designing Traditions Biennial: Student Explorations in the Asian Textile Collection. Thru Dec 12: Of Clover and Chrysanthemum: Autumn Themes in Japanese Woodblock Prints. Thru Jan 9: Lynda Benglis. Thru Feb 27: Brian Knep: Exempla.

224 Benefit Street. 454-6500, www. risdmuseum.org.

64

East Side Monthly November 2010

Taste_ESM_SEP2010.indd 1

7/26/10 10:28 AM

COMEDY CONNECTION Nov 4: John Valby “Dr. Dirty.” Nov 5-6: Danny Kelly. Nov 12-13: Vinnie Brand.

Nov 19-20: Derek Furtado. Nov 26-27: PJ Thibedeau. 438-8383, www.ricomedyconnection.com.

FOXWOODS Nov 19: Kathy Griffin. 39 NorwichWesterly Road, Ledyard, CT. 800200-2882, www.foxwoods.com.

SPORTS

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

BROWN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL November home opponents: Nov 6: Yale. Nov 20: Columbia. Brown Stadium, Elmgrove Street. www.brownbears.com.

PROVIDENCE BRUINS November home opponents: Nov 5, 19: Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nov 12, 14: Abbotsford Heat. Dunkin’ Donuts Center, One Lasalle Square. 331-0700, www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

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

URI BASKETBALL November home opponents: Nov 16: Brown. Nov 24: Drexel. Nov 27: Davidson. Ryan Center, One Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston. www.gorhody.com.

AUDUBON SOCIETY Nov 6: Citizens Bank Foundation Free Family Fun Day. Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. www.asri.org.

CARRIAGE HOUSE STAGE Saturdays: Friday Night Live improv troupe. 9 Duncan Avenue. 831-9479, www.everettdancetheatre.org.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO Nov 20-21: Charity Coat Drive, where those who donate will receive halfpriced admission. Nov 21: “Wild at Work,” a program for teens to help them discover the career opportunities a zoo holds. Nov 27: Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Parade. 1000 Elmwood Avenue. 785-3510, www.rwpzoo.org

PC FRIARS BASKETBALL November home opponents: Nov 13: Dartmouth. Nov 15: Yale. Nov 18: Morgan State. Nov 20: Prairie View A&M. Nov 29: CCSU. At the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, One LaSalle Square. 865GOPC, www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

POLAR EXPRESS Nov 7, 13-14, 21: Train ride departs from Cumberland for the reading of the book, Polar Express, hot chocolate and cookies, sing-alongs and a visit from Santa. Providence Railroad, Ann & Hope Way, Cumberland. 724-2200,

Patti Watson 401. 423 . 3639 tastedesigninc.com

PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Nov 11: “Stories Alive,” where kids craft puppets from recycled materials so they can share their own stories.

Nov 13-14: “Play Spaces,” where kids use interesting materials to build play environments. Nov 27: “Native American Tales,” featuring storyteller Thawn Sherente Harris. 100 South Street. 2735437, www.childrenmuseum.org.

RI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY Thru Nov 5: 17th annual National Watermedia Competition. Nov 7-26: Joyce Devine, Antonia Marshall, Nancy Alimansky, and Dyan Rook. Slater Memorial Park, Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket. 726-1876, www.riws.org.

KIDS & FAMILY renovation planning interior design decoration

www.tourblackstone.com.

URI FOOTBALL November home opponents: Nov 6: Villanova. Meade Stadium, Kingston. www.gorhody.com.

THEATER & COMEDY SHOWS 2ND STORY THEATRE Nov 12-14, 18-21, 26-28: School for Wives

by Moliere. 28 Market Street, Warren.

247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

BROWN THEATRE Nov 11-14, 18-21: Pippin. Lyman Hall, 77 Waterman Street. 863-2838, www. brown.edu.

GAMM THEATRE Thru Nov 21: Mauritius. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, www. gammtheatre.org.

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA Nov 6: Dane Cook. Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT. 800-477-6849, www.mohegansun.com.

PARK THEATRE Nov 20: Film premiere of Gotta Find Barry, a movie filmed in RI. Nov 26-28: Gilday Magic Show. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. www.parktheatreri.com.

PERISHABLE THEATRE Nov 5: Live Bait: True Stories From Real People, where people can share their stories on a monthly theme.

Nov 19: Blood From a Turnip, Rhode Island’s oldest late night puppet salon.

95 Empire Street. 331-2695, www.perishable.org.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE THEATRE Nov 5-7: Hedda Gabler. Angell Blackfriars Theater, Smith Center, 61 Eaton Street. 865-2218, www.providence. edu/theatre.

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Nov 6: An Evening with Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss. Nov 12-28: Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes. 220 Weybosset Street. 421ARTS, www.ppacri.org.

RI COLLEGE Nov 17-20: Hay Fever by Noel Coward. Forman Theatre in the Nazarian Center, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue.

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

With A Grateful Heart Drop-ins Are Welcome

with help from 100 area vendors. Twin River Event Center, Lincoln. 888-7743976, www.twinriver.com.

PROVIDENCE FALL HOME SHOW Nov 6-7: 2nd annual expo, featuring home improvement companies and specialists, TV hosts Kevin O’Connor from This Old House and Matt Fox from HGTV, and more. RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. www.jenksproductions.com/rihomeshow.html.

CLASSES, SEMINARS & LECTURES BRIDGE CLUB OF RI Offers daily games to all levels of bridge players. Calart Tower, 400 Reservoir Avenue. 621-0323, www. bridgeclubri.com.

EDUCATIONAL WINE CLASSES Thru Mar 3: Fun and educational wine classes, held the first Thursday of each month. Pane e Vino, 365 Atwells Avenue. 223-2230, www.panevino.net.

Mauritius at the Gamm Theatre STADIUM THEATRE Nov 5: Gallagher. Nov 7: Spiritual Medium Roland Comtois. Nov 12: Get a Life! Sane Wisdom for an Insane World, with humorist Loretta LaRoche.

Nov 20: The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion magic show. Nov 27: 5th annual Stadium Theatre Christmas, featuring Emily Luther, the Night Life Orchestra, Show Me The Glory Gospel Choir, Heritage Ballet, Dance Theater of RI, and many more. 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 762-4545, www.stadiumtheatre.com.

TRINITY REP Thru Nov 21: Absurd Person Singular.

Nov 19-Dec 31: A Christmas Carol. 201 Washington Street. 351-4242, www. trinityrep.com.

VMA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER Nov 15: Medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams. One Avenue of the Arts. www.vmari.com.

MISC. EVENTS CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS Nov 20-Jan 2: Experience the magic of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. See website for calendar of events. 847-1000, www.newportmansions.org.

EVENING WITH THE BAND OF BROTHERS Nov 12: Retired Red Sox player Curt Schilling hosts several of the original Band of Brothers in a panel discussion on World War II. At the VMA Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue of the Arts.

421-ARTS, www.vmari.com.

GHOST TOURS Nov 5-6, 12-13: Walking tours leave from Prospect Terrace Park (60 Congdon Street) and weave through the East Side’s darkened streets. www. providenceghosttour.com.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF RI Offers ongoing classes in English as a second language, from beginner to advanced, every month. Also offers foreign language classes in Spanish, Italian, and French Salon de Conversation. Open to non-members. 8 Stimson Avenue. 421-7181, www.members. cox.net/internationalhouse.

KATE’S STUDIOS Offers open figure drawing classes every Wednesday evening from 7-10pm. 109 Summer Street. 4405997.

HOLIDAY HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO Nov 20: Showcasing more than 50 exhibitors to help you learn how to stay healthy and happy through the holidays. Hyatt Regency, 1 Goat Island, Newport. 847-7666, www.holidayhealthandwellness.com.

PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM Nov 10: Proust, Prismatically, Part One: author Louis Begley discusses his book, Why the Dreyfus Affair Matters.

Nov 12: Proust, Prismatically, Part Two: Arnold Weinstein, Brown University Professor of Comparative Literature, on Love in Proust: You Can’t Get There from Here. Nov 13: Poetry and fiction reading by Black Lawrence Press writers Helen Marie Casey, Tina Egnoski, Jason Tandon, and Norman Waksler.

Nov 15: Attorney Gregory V. Sullivan on “The First Amendment: Five Freedoms, If We Can Keep Them – Where Do You Draw the Line?” Nov 20: Book auction and talk by Rick Stattler of Swan Auction Galleries, presented by the John Russell Bartlett Society. 251 Benefit Street. 421-6970, www.providenceathenaeum.org.

ORIGINAL WEDDING EXPO Nov 6-7: Plan the perfect wedding

RI HISTORICAL SOCIETY Nov 6: Textile Preservation Workshop;

GREAT INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL Nov 13: Unlimited sampling of beer, live music, food, and more. RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. www. beerfestamerica.com.

Yoga in the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar

Visit our website for FREE Preview Classes www.lindadicarlo.com

461.6665 • 2170 Broad St, Cranston

Custom slipCovers

Sofas, Chairs, Cushions & more * Save 1/2 of designer prices * You purchase fabric anywhere * Deal with 3rd generation Seamstress directly

Linda Toti

(508) 695-2474

Invest in you . . .

Life Coaching Your key to a better life

Dream!

Dare!

Do! Steven M. Kane, Ph.D. Providence, RI 401-454-5700 kanesmk@verizon.net Inquiries invited

November 2010 East Side Monthly

65

A Friendly Visitor

Christmas Light

by Eileen Fiore ~Westerly’s Soloist By The Sea~

- Walks/Home Visits - Unique in home boarding services with up to 3 dogs at once for individual attention For more information call Sharon at 401.301.1712

continued...

Album Available November On iTunes, Amazon & Rhapsody

Pet Sitting and Boarding Services

Providing high quality pet services:

Calendar

Debut Album Quiet Light Sold 800 copies!

Contact Eileen for Cd mail order soloistbythesea@cox.net tunecore.com/music/eileenfioremusic

Compass Medical, P.C. Welcomes

Michael Klein, MD

Dr. Michael Klein is now located in our brand new office located in Easton, MA Compass Medical in Easton is conveniently located to the Providence area and offers: Family Medicine Urgent Care Radiology Cardiology Behavioral Health + MORE!

C MPASS MEDICAL

PC

Exceptional Medicine. Compassionate Care.

Compass Medical Family Medicine 21 Bristol Drive, Suite 101 Easton, MA 02375

Call 508.565.7300 or visit www.compassmedical.net for more information Dr. Klein also sees patients in the Urgent Care Center

Festival Ballet

at RIHS Library, 121 Hope Street, 2738107 x 12. Nov 10: 189th Annual Meeting of the RI Historical Society; at Aldrich House, 110 Benevolent Street, 331-8575 x 33. Nov 18: If These Walls Could Talk: John and Sarah, recalling John Brown’s 18th century wedding to Sarah Smith; at John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street, 331-8575 x 45. www.rihs.org.

UNITED CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE AND NEW THOUGHT Offers classes and workshops in meditation and affirmative prayer. Spiritual counseling also available. 292 West Shore Road, Warwick. 732-1552.

VEDANTA SOCIETY OF PROVIDENCE Sundays at 5pm: varied lectures on Vedanta. Tuesdays at 7:15pm: “Gospel of Ramakrishna.” Fridays at 7:15pm: “Bhagavad-Gita.” 227 Angell Street.

421-3960, www.vedantaprov.org.

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINAR Monthly seminar on weight loss surgery, gastric band, gastric bypass, etc.

Second Wednesday of the month. Kay Auditorium, Roger Williams Medical Center. 521-6310, www.rwmc.org/bariatric_surgery.cfm.

COMMUNITY GROUPS/ PROGRAMS/SERVICES ADOPTION OPTIONS Free informational meetings for those exploring adoption held every third Thursday of the month at the Adoption Options office, 959 North Main Street.

331-5437.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

66

East Side Monthly November 2010

“Man to Man” support group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Spouses are encouraged to attend.

Free admission and parking. 222 Richmond Street. Contact Susan Garland at 444-6735.

CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE Cancer prevention is a key focus of the Cancer Information Service. Smokers are counseled, lifestyle risks assessed, and diet guidelines are provided.

1-800-4-CANCER. CARITAS Outpatient substance abuse program.

Offers services including the Intensive Outpatient Program, treating young people with substance addictions and helping families to cope with the effects of substance abuse. Call ahead for assessment. 166 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket. 722-4644 x 303, www.caritasri.org.

EAST SIDE MT. HOPE YMCA Offers a variety of programs available for all ages including fitness classes, martial arts, yoga, senior fitness, play group, ballet, after school and before school child care, and more. 438 Hope Street, Providence. 521-0155.

THE FRIDAY SCHOOL The Friday School is a parent-run cooperative Jewish education program for kids in grades pre-K to 7. Meets Fridays after school at the Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Avenue.

965-2025, www.thefridayschool.org.

HAMILTON HOUSE Center offers program for active

3RD ANNuAL

adults 55+, including Kundalini Yoga (Wednesdays), Tai Chi, Non-impact Aerobics (Thursdays), art classes, Shakespeare studies, creative writing, computer lessons, knitting, and more.

276 Angell Street. 831-1800, www.historichamilton.com.

PROVIDENCE PFLAG Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets 6:45-8:45pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the Met School, 325 Public St. Nonsectarian volunteer organization to share knowledge and support about our gay relatives. 751-7571, www.pflagprovidence.org.

PROVIDENCE OUTDOORS GLBT Social group for local GLBT community. Activities include hiking, walks, day trips, picnics, and more. http://groups. yahoo.com/group/priog/.

RI DEPT. OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES Informational meeting on becoming a Foster Parent held on different times throughout the year. RI Foster Parents Association, 55 South Brow St, East Providence. 438-3900.

YOUTH PRIDE Offers free support to young persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. 421-5626, www.youthpride-ri.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BEACON HOSPICE Volunteers needed to care for hospice patients on the East Side. Volunteers bring compassion, comfort, and assistance to hospice patients at home and in nursing homes. Volunteers also help with grief support groups. Call to register for a free training course.

438-0008.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF RI Volunteers are needed to tutor adult students in either reading or conversational English. Workshops now forming throughout the state. Volunteers will be trained and then matched with a learner to work on a one-to-one basis at a time and place of mutual convenience. 861-0815.

PROVIDENCE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Volunteers needed for the day-to-day operations of the house, which provides temporary housing for families of hospitalized children. Duties may include light cleaning, cooking, office work, household and garden maintenance, or

interacting with families. Shifts available on weekdays and weekends. 45 Gay Street. 274-4447, www.prmh.org.

RESEARCH STUDY FOR CAREGIVERS If you are a caregiver for a person with Dementia, you may be eligible to participate in a new study. You will receive resource materials and telephone support calls at no cost. Call Kristi at 444-4528 or email kemerson@ lifespan.org.

Who’s Your hero™

Survivor

FashIoN shoW

RI BLOOD CENTER RIBC is seeking two volunteers in the greater Providence area to assist with blood pick-up from their mobile donor coach drives. Volunteers use their own vehicles and will receive mileage compensation. For more information, call Christopher Macri at 453-8378 or christopher.macri@ribc.org.

RI COMMUNITY FOOD BANK Food bank welcomes food and monetary donations year round. 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence. 942-MEAL, www. rifoodbank.org.

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF RI VCRI connects people who are looking for volunteer opportunities to agencies throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts that are in need of volunteers. To search for opportunities, or if you are an agency who would like to list opportunities, visit www.vcri. org. 421-6547.

VOLUNTEERS IN PROVIDENCE SCHOOLS Volunteers needed to mentor and tutor elementary students during the school day, and tutor high school students after school in its Technology Center.

274-3240, www.vips4kids.org.

WOMEN’S CENTER OF RI Seeking volunteers to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in its shelter and on its confidential hotline. There is also a need for child advocates, community outreach, court advocacy and development. 861-2760.

YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING Welcome an international exchange student into your family for a year or a semester. Call Sarah at 335-3287. www. yfu.org.

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

November 13, 2010

STARTS AT 5pm FoR cockTAIlS ANd Food STATIoNS

TWIN rIver, LINCoLN, rI FEAT U R I N G

Harley Davidson Clothing & Formal Wear By The Gloria Gemma Dresses That Cure Boutique Cocktails & Food Stations Pop-Up Boutiques Jewelry, Shoe, Make-up, Accessory Vendors 30+ Racks of $20 Items

Tickets: $40

available at GloriaGemma.org EMCEE

RAFFLE

Barbara Morse Silva

Patriots Tickets

SPECIAL APPEARANCE

MEDIA SPONSOR

Jonathan Joseph Peters

Providence Monthly

Find. Follow. Join Our Cause.

249 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860 • (401) 861-4376 GloriaGemma.org November 2010 East Side Monthly

67

Classifieds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bethany 265-0960.

(401) 831-8693 www.chrislamprepair.com

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

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

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

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

Call 401-421-2628. jcvp@cox.net

AUDIO/VIDEO HELP If you need some help with your TV, home theater or stereo, call me at 401-383-4102. Jon Bell, Simply Sight & Sound. Reasonable rates.

25 years of experience.

CEILING WORK, DRYWALL Plaster (hang, tape & paint). Water damage repair. All phases of carpentry. Reg. #24022. Fully insured.

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

BIG SALE - ROOFING!!!

Windows, chimneys, vinyl & wood siding, sunporch & patios. 18 yrs. exp. Lic. & insured. Refs. Reg. #331222. NECS, Inc. 769-5901.

DOG WALKER/PET SITTER Trained to administer medications.

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

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

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

All work guaranteed. Save $$$.

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

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

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

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

Chimney Repair

68

East Side Monthly November 2010

Reg. # 12299

Classifieds

MALIN PAINTING Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based and latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. Call 226-8332.

Reg. #19226.

NORTH PROVIDENCE APT. Cozy 4 room apt. 1st., newly renovated, hardwood floors, living, study, bedroom. On bus line, quiet area, storage, laundry. Near PC & RIC. Cats OK, no dogs. $650/mo. no utilities. Call 508-252-5252.

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

SNOW PLOWING Residential/Commercial Free Estimates

Vinny’s Landscaping

& BOBCAT SERVICES

497-1461 ● 231-1851

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

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

Call 351-6292.

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

Reg. #18128.

STONE MASON 30 years experience. Design & build, patios, walls, steps, fireplaces.

Restoration. Reg. #7445. 641-0362.

Vinny’s Landscaping & BOBCAT SERVICES

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

Fall Cleanups Lawns Installed & Restored Aerating For a Healthy & Stronger Lawn Seed & Sod ● Fertilizing ● Planting ● Small Loads Delivered

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

Call 647-7702. www.pcsllcri.com

FEELING OVERWHELMED???!!!

Need your cellar, attic or garage cleaned, but... can’t quite get to it?? You can call TAKE-IT-AWAY-TOM at 401-434-8156 Mobile 401-316-2273

“Counselor on the Debris of Life”

Free Estimates 497-1461 ● 231-1851

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

Landscape Construction Parking Lot Cleaning Handyman ❊ 26 Years Experience

MG Landscaping 644-7417 ❊ 831-5109

T & T PAINTING

Fanatics in Surface Preparation Interior & Exterior Specialist ✶ Lead

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

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

944-0336

Reg. #3469

November 2010 East Side Monthly

69

East of Elmgrove

by Elizabeth Rau | illustration by Emma Tripp

The Cowboy Next Door The life and high times of a secretly famous East Sider A few years ago, I was talking with my neighbor, Tom Hunter, and our conversation turned to the topic of movies. It was Oscar season, and Tom and I were discussing his picks. I think he mentioned Clint Eastwood for best actor – or maybe best director. I’m fuzzy on the details.

What I do remember is that Tom seemed to know a lot about the movie industry. He knew about producers, directors, screenwriters and those actors from long ago with square shoulders, slicked back hair and ruggedly handsome looks that could snare a dame for the night. I think he mentioned the name Robert Mitchum.

I’m pretty sure he called him Bob. One thing led to another and before you know it, I had a stack of old movies in my arms that all had one actor in common: Tom, better known on the big screen as Thomas Hunter.

If you’re a movie buff, you’ve probably heard of spaghetti Westerns: Italian-made films that emerged in the 1960s and were shot in inexpensive places that resembled the American Southwest, primarily Spain and Italy.

One of the films Tom gave me was The Hills Run Red, produced by the Italian filmmaker Dino De Laurentiis. I watched it that night after my sons went to bed. It had all the ingredients of the genre: covered wagons racing past the mesquite; dark-eyed women with luscious black hair; a tuneful score by the great Italian composer Ennio Morricone; gunfights; dustups; bad guys and heroes. Tom was the good guy – and a star.

Up until that late-night viewing of Hills, I thought of Tom as my kindly and courteous neighbor who always tipped his cap and waved, who liked to take daily walks down Blackstone Boulevard and play tennis on the courts at Brown University with his lovely wife Isabelle.

Now, I was seeing him in another light, as a young man with a chiseled face and piercing blue eyes and a two-day stubble that he didn’t seem to give a hoot about, because he was out to get the lousy good-for-nothing that killed his wife. I was seeing him as a spaghetti Western cowboy.

“It’s Tom!” I shouted to myself when he appeared on my TV, all sweaty-faced with a red kerchief tied around his neck and a soiled cowboy hat with a three-pinch crease perched on his head. I couldn’t help but smile – how many people have movie stars for neighbors?

By the end of the week, I was something of an expert on the filmography of Thomas Hunter. His movies were simply too irresistible not to watch.

More sidewalk chats ensued, and I soon came to discover that Tom, uh, Thomas, was pecking away on 70

East Side Monthly November 2010

his computer day and night writing a book, Memoirs of a Spaghetti Cowboy: Tales of Oddball Luck and Derring-Do. He gave me a copy to read.

He graduated from the University of Virginia and found work as a model in New York, where, on a whim, he auditioned for Uta Hagen’s acting class. He eventually landed a two-month contract job on the Blake Edwards film, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?

At the end of the shoot, he figured his movie career

might be over. But one day he was rushing down a hallway at the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills and bumped head-on into the diminutive De Laurentiis.

The call came a few days later: Do you want to star in Mr. De Laurentiis’s first Western? Geez, said Tom. That role in Hills as the vengeful Jerry Brewster led to 17 more movies, among them: Death Walks in Laredo, another De Laurentiis film, this one about three half-brothers who inherit a secret goldmine from their philandering father.

Tom played Whity Selby, the brother with the smoking four-barreled colt.

Battle of the Commandos, a war film about a tough Army colonel (Jack Palance) who leads a group of ex-convicts on a mission to destroy German cannons. Most memorable scene: Tom (Captain Burke) gnawing on a cigar butt while dismantling a mine. Tom was well-suited for the role: he served as a Marine Corps captain in the mid-1950s.

Anzio, a film based on the 1944 Allied assault on a small Italian port in World War II. Tom is Private Andy, who, sadly, takes a bullet in the neck far too early in the film. Mitchum plays a news correspondent.

And don’t forget The Amsterdam Story, X-312

Flight to Hell, Escape from KGB and The Cassandra Crossing, which starred Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner and O.J. Simpson, who received acting lessons from Tom for a week.

TV was kind to Tom too. He had guest appearances on Flipper, Hawk and Gunsmoke, where he played a prostitute’s son.

In his free time, Tom wrote scripts: The Human Factor, a thriller starring George Kennedy, and The Final Countdown, a sci-fi flick with Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen, shot aboard the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.

Along the way, Tom met the famous and near-famous. Do tell, I said one day.

Jack Palance liked to warm up with pushups, the one-arm type.

“The idea is to get your energy up,” Tom said. “After all that sitting around in Spain’s hot weather, waiting for the next scene to be filmed, you get listless. I’d do pushups while he did them. Same number.”

Martin Sheen was friendly. He told Tom he liked his Countdown script and wanted to star in the movie. “I remember bouncing seven-year-old Charlie Sheen on my knee, doing my best ‘Trot, trot to Boston’ routine,” Tom said.

Tom sat next to Ava Gardner during Cassandra: “In her 50s, still beautiful, still warm.’’

Robert Mitchum had a “great swagger” and always looked stoned, even when he wasn’t.

During Anzio, Tom shared a trailer with the then-fledgling Italian film actor Giancarlo Giannini – yes, that one.

“Mitchum had a bad hangover and refused to work, playing cards in his trailer instead,” Tom said.

“The director comes over and asks us to work, and we have to pass by Mitchum’s trailer. Mitchum gives us the finger for being ‘scabs.’ Giancarlo and I answer with the ‘up yours’ Italian arm salute.”

Finally, there was Clint, another spaghetti cowboy. He took Tom and Burt Reynolds (“incredibly athletic”) out to dinner one night in Rome. At a wild party later, Clint and Tom watched as an Italian actor slashed a German actor’s face with broken glass.

“Blood went everywhere,” Tom said. “Clint and I are sipping our beers when he turns to me and says, ‘Cut. Print.’ Very cool, this guy. Never ruffled.”

Now we have another cool guy in our midst.

Maybe you’ve seen him. He’s that lanky fellow walking the boulevard, moving so fast he’s kicking up dust in his tracks.

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

Enjoy life’s important moments While we care for your property needs.

Engel & Völkers is the best address for anyone looking to sell their home. Our real estate agents not only have unparalleled local market knowledge and expertise, but they also have access to our global network consisting of thousands of qualified, distinctive clients. From the initial property valuation to the showing of your property, right through to the drafting and signing of a successful sales contract, Engel & Völkers is there for you every step of the way. So sit back and relax – your property needs are in good hands with us.

East Side Providence · Phone 273-2050 www.engelvoelkers.com/Providence · Realtor

ce1c8ac7dd2202fc732b0b3f55930ab61 1

08.10.2010 14:25:03

, Ruffin It

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

www.RuffinItRI.com

dog excursions

,

Ruffin’It, LLC (previously named Scratch and Sniff, LLC), was founded in 2004 with the belief that your dog’s quality of life is as important to you as your own.

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

So, what is a dog excursion? ,

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

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

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

Do all the dogs get along?

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

,

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

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

How do I get my dog started? ,

Ruffin’It currently covers the East Side of

Providence, Downtown Providence, Rumford and Barrington.

,

Ruffin’It will set up a meet and greet with

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

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

November 2010 East Side Monthly

71

E a s t

s i d E

P r o P E r t i E s

Rochambeau. Magnificent & private 3.5 acre estate features substantial 4 bedroom main house with over 9000sf.

Majestic grounds, carriage house and outbuildings. Once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the East Side’s most impressive property!

Cooke. This architecturally stunning 7 bedroom Colonial is a rare find, and brimming with elegance! Stunning 3 story staircase, expansive fireplaced rooms, tastefully renovated kitchen and bathrooms, central air, wonderful master suite. Truly a dream home. $1,950,000.

Woodland Terr. Exceptional Contemporary beautifully sited on an acre plus in the quiet Grotto area. Sunny & spacious rooms, large windows, custom details. Huge family room. Freshly painted interior! New hardwood floors! $1,350,000.

Meeting. Gracious 1902 Colonial Revival in College Hill. 7 beds, 3.5 baths. Exceptional details, gorgeous floors, 4 fireplaces.

Large kitchen w/butler’s pantry opens to deck and city garden.

Excellent condition. $729,000.

Cole. Spacious Colonial with well designed interior. Custom kitchen opens to family room, master & living room with fireplaces, secluded deck & yard. New windows, updated mechanicals.

Walk to Wayland Sq. and Blackstone Blvd. $595,000.

Cole. Location! Opportunity! Spacious 1930’s Colonial with unique original details. Beamed ceilings. Hardwoods. 2 fireplaces.

Large kitchen w/breakfast area. Sunroom & family room. Central air. Nice fenced yard. Garage. $589,000.

Emeline. Sun filled 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath Colonial. New kitchen & baths, gorgeous arched doorways, hardwoods, new windows, finished lower level, recent gas heating. Private garden.

Move-in condition. $529,900.

Brenton. 5 bed, 2.5 bath Colonial with Craftsman details.

New kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops.

Light & airy floor plan, formal dining room opens to family room & living room. Fireplace, hardwoods, new windows. $489,000.

Sessions. Great location! 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Colonial with bonus study on second floor. Open living/dining room, eat-in kitchen, sunroom, fireplace and full dry basement. Two car garage and nice yard. Add your imprint and move right in! $329,000.

401.274.6740 • ResidentialProperties.com

BARRINGTON CUMBERLAND EAST GREENWICH NARRAGANSETT PROVIDENCE RELOCATION