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CONTENTS East Side Monthly • December 2017
The Future of McCoy Stadium was one of the top stories in 2017, p. 30
This Month 13 Rhody Craft brings its quirky charm to the East Side, just in time for the giving season
25 17 IN 17 A look back at the stories that shaped the East Side in 2017
35 Festive Fun
15 A new exhibit at the Jewish Alliance shows athletes have been keeping it political for ages
Holiday happenings around the East Side and beyond
19 Neighborhood News
On the Town 49 Flavor of the Month: Don’t let the cold keep you from eating local with wintertime farmers markets 50 On the Menu: Providence Pie Company brings bite-sized sweets to the city 54 Restaurant Guide
Every Month
Close to Home
8 Editorial and Letters
40 Education: A conversation with Wheeler’s new head of school
Community 11 RIPTA gets poetic with its new project 12 A band that got its start at Brown is putting out a new album
On the Cover:
42 East of Elmgrove: Finding a room of one’s own
51 Calendar: Events you can’t miss this month
East Sider 58 A Brown professor who wrote the first doctoral thesis on hip-hop talks about Providence’s potential
Seventeen stories for 2017. Illustration by Nick DelGiudice. Photo by Luminous Creative Agency
East Side Monthly • December 2017 7
EDITORIAL
Nothing Loco About Going Local The rapidly approaching holiday season has always been a special time here on the East Side. Back in the old days, the focus was very much downtown. Longtime residents might even recall when Christmas shopping meant getting dressed up, going downtown and starting the festivities by checking out the stunningly decorated department stores. But the holiday elegance extended to many of the city’s smaller retailers as they painstakingly converted their appearances from post-industrial Providence into something more akin to Dickens’ London. Suburban malls began to change the landscape in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Thanks to the lack of chain store operations as well as a stable base of incoming students here, East Side merchants were spared the worst of the onslaught, allowing for a creative, if
ever-changing, base of mom-and-pop stores, both elegant and quirky, to remain solid. Unfortunately, even they are beginning to feel the effects of the latest assault on traditional retailing: the Internet amid the “Amazonation of America.” Sadly an increasing number of old customers have begun searching out websites and punching in credit cards from the luxury of their own homes. The challenge, one wit suggests, isn’t how to get all your holiday shopping done before you run out of time, but rather before you run out of batteries. That’s why, this year, we hope our readers will consider the importance of supporting our local merchants. It is these hard-working survivors, many of whom are also our neighbors, who make life on the East Side so special. The ones who greet you by name
when you visit. Who create unique inventories by supporting our local artists and makers. Who can provide part-time employment for your children if you ask. Can supporting local businesses really make a difference? According to the Huffington Post, it can. They report that if each family in the country spent just $10 in their local stores, over $9 billion would be injected back into our local economy. If they spend $100, you’d almost be within shouting distance of what Amazon grosses per year. One local Hope Street merchant, we think, said it best: “A community will ultimately be determined by how it treats its neighborhood stores.” Since we happen to love our East Side community, we hope, as you do your holiday shopping, you take this advice to heart.
Scouts stands for. The Girl Scouts has been promoting the strength, confidence and resilience of girls for over 100 years. The same goes for Lincoln, founded in 1884. That’s two-plus centuries of giving girls a space in which to express themselves. There is a unique confidence that girls develop when they can see firsthand, through positive role models and access to opportunities, examples of who they can become. While I believe the Boy Scouts’ decision to admit girls is a step toward gender equity, that move in no way devalues the remarkable female-first environment that the Girl Scouts is committed to providing. Some
people believe that if their daughters go to an all-girls school, then they will not be prepared for the co-ed world. The opposite is true. Lincoln students and Girl Scouts are more prepared because they are encouraged to be themselves every day in a culture that knows and supports them. Confidence and resilience become part of their DNA, which girls take with them into the world of college and beyond. I look forward to our future, one in which generations of girls and young women discover and embrace their limitless potential, and use it to shape the world. Suzanne Fogarty, Head of Lincoln School
LETTERS
The All-Girls Advantage: Why the World Needs the Girl Scouts As the head of Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school on the East Side, I witness the empowerment of girls every day. Lincoln students are leading in all areas: in the classroom, on the stage and on the playing field. The norm at Lincoln is that girls are speaking up, sharing their opinions, debating with each other and asking tough questions. They are finding their voices in an environment that puts girls first. Celebrating the potential of girls and young women is exactly what the Girls
8
East Side Monthly • December 2017
East Side Monthly Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre
Executive Editor Barry Fain
City Editor Steve Triedman
Creative Director Julie Tremaine
Managing Editor Tony Pacitti
Choose A Boutique Real Estate Agency With Big Results
Editor Sophie Hagen Art Director Meghan H. Follett Assistant Art Director Nick DelGiudice
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Brandon Harmon
Marketing Coordinator Kim Tingle
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NEW LIST 84 TELL STREET, UNIT 8A Great affordable condo in Browadway/Federall Hill Neighborhood. Corner unit with tons of light. Hardwoods, new appliances and bathroom. Why rent when you can own? $73,900 Karen Miller
Staff Photographer Savannah Barkley
Account Managers Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher
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94 UNIVERSITY AVENUE Recently updated first floor condo of two owner condominium. Separate entrance, front door, parking for 1 car. New white cabinets, tile floor, stone fireplace,two BRs and updated bath. Parking for one car, quaint backyard. $310,000 Aleen Weiss
Stephanie Oster Wilmarth For advertising information email: Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Mike Braca Mike Cevoli Contributing Illustrator Lia Marcoux Contributing Writers Erin Belknap Jessica Bryant Alastair Cairns Amanda M. Grosvenor Molly Lederer Lauri Lee
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SOLD 466 PLEASANT VALLEY PARKWAY Sweet spacious 3BR bungalow on the parkway. Hardwoods, newer windows & kitchen. Lrg living room and kitchen, enclosed porch. Priced to sell! $199,000 Karen Miller
Dan McGowan Stephanie Obodda Elizabeth Rau Adam Toobin
Classified Advertising Sue Howarth Interns Emily Buonaiuto Emily Lemieux Marissa O’Rourke
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386 BENEFIT STREET #2, What a location! Beautiful 2 bed 2 full bath second floor condo. Large living room/den, working fireplace w/ beautiful pine/soft wood floors. Age specific moldings. Large working kitchen w/ cherry cabinets. $385,000 Aleen Weiss
12 LINCOLN MEADOWS DRIVE, LINCOLN Custom designed 3,200 sq ft home in sought after Lincoln Meadows. 4 beds, 2.5 baths. Unbelievable master suite with huge walk in closet. Gas fireplace den with cathedral ceililng. $630,000 Aleen Weiss
ASSISTING BUYERS, SELLERS & RENTERS
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.
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Happy Holidays
TO ALL THE NEW EAST SIDE HOMEOWNERS 62 Alumni 597 Angell 51 Arlington #2 52 Armstrong 25 Barbour 34 Barnes #2 439 Benefit 56 Boylston 96 Bowen #2 168 Bowen 48 Brenton 27 Brookway 13 Charlesfield 66 Cole
83 Colonial 138 Congdon 56 Dexterdale 68 Dexterdale 5 East #A 5 East #B 10 East #11 57 East George #2 116 Elton 757 Elmgrove 39 Emeline #1 141 Emeline 33 Everett 162 Everett
139 Fifth 142-144 Fifth 40 Firglade 44 Fosdyke 105 Fosdyke 18 Glen 21 Glen 200 Grotto 9 Hidden 177 Hope 163 Ivy 23 Irving 264 Irving 181 Laurel #5
98 Lorimer 72 Manning #3 158 Medway #158 168 Medway #6 176 Medway #7 145 Meeting 151 Meeting 19 Mount 23 Mount 178 Power 242 President #10 262 President 100 Prospect 120 Prospect
158 Prospect #B 168 Prospect 173 Rochambeau 20 Ruthven 11 Sargent 28 Savoy 150 Slater 217 Slater 44 Summit 76 Taber 338 Taber 31 Taft 40 Taft #2 42 Taft #3
44 Taft #4 50 Taft #7 26 Old Tannery 61 Twelfth #1 39 Wade #B 1 Wayland #302S 387 Wayland 443 Wayland #2 45 Winfield 53 Wingate 50 Woodbury
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
COMMUNITY East Side Stories | Neighborhood News & Notes
East Side News
The Poems on the Bus
RIPTA makes the Monday commute more bearable with the Poetry in Motion project By Erin Belknap
Photo by Barabra Polichetti
RI poet laureate Tina Cane (pictured here with chair of RIPTA’s board Wayne Kezirian) saw RI’s buses as perfect for bringing poetry throughout the state
In public spaces that often are overrun with advertisements, commercial signage and capitalist messaging, would a simple poem catch your attention? Would it make you stop and reflect, take pause, perhaps provide a brief respite in the midst of a busy day, even if only for a moment? That is what the Poetry in Motion project hopes to do. The program, which originated several years ago in New York City, uses public transit as a vehicle (literally) for displays of short poems for public consumption. Since its inauguration, the program has been implemented
in transit systems across the country. This fall, Poetry in Motion was introduced in Rhode Island thanks to a joint effort by Rhode Island Poet Laureate Tina Cane and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). Poems will be displayed on the digital display boards inside RIPTA’s buses, with visual art to accompany each selection. The first poetic exhibit featured an excerpt from Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” along with artwork by Lucinda Hitchcock, the head of RISD’s Graphic Design Department.
New poems and exhibits will be posted monthly, with Cane acting as curator. Barbara Polichetti, director of public affairs for RIPTA, says that RIPTA aims to ensure “that the poetry selections are inclusive and accessible to a broad population” and that they “celebrate or explore our oneness as individuals and as a community.” As Cane puts it, public transit is the “most perfect and egalitarian vehicle to disseminate poetry throughout our state.” In the future, Cane and Polichetti hope to give the project a uniquely Rhode Island flavor by featuring the work of local poets and artists.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 11
Community East Side News
A Providence Indie Band’s Return
Belly, once stars of alternative radio, are releasing a new album with a little help from their fans By Wendell Clough
Belly, once in heavy rotation on WBRU, is releasing new music soon
We’re getting a new Belly record in the new year. And there’s a way for you to get up close with the band while they complete it. Rhode Island quartet Belly (BellyOfficial. com), which formed at Brown in the early ‘90s, came to an important conclusion while on tour in 2016. If there was ever going to be a new album, it was “sort of now or never,” says Belly founder Tanya Donelly. The greatest hits package was fifteen years ago; the five US alternative radio hits, including the number-one single “Feed the Tree,” came out between 1992 and 1995. Now the band members – Tanya, bassist Gail Greenwood and brothers Tom and Chris Gordon – are ready to birth new Belly music. A third LP will be released April 6, 2018. “Originally it was just going to be the tour,” Tanya says. “I wanted to play together
12
East Side Monthly • December 2017
again.” But after the band began writing new songs to play live, the idea of a new album started to come into focus. Tanya Donelly and the band write mostly remotely, sending each other a whole skeleton song, a chorus or just a riff to which other members then contribute. This setup is especially helpful when, as with most DIY bands, the rest of life is constantly calling. All four members run businesses and two have kids. “Sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike still absolutely happens,” Tanya says, “but now I have to find the two hours a day, tops – tops – to get it done.” Donelly credits Tom Gordon with being organized enough to “stitch it all together like Doctor Frankenstein.” The band’s first two records were released in the traditional way, through a
record company. This new record finds Belly taking part in what has become, for many acts that already have a following, the New Way (although arts patronage is as old as feudal Japan). The new record is being supported with a pre-order program via PledgeMusic (PledgeMusic.com/ Projects/Belly), which offers both bundled item packages and limited band-used items for sale. Buy one of the larger bundles and you get insider access to the record-making process. Also available are tickets to the Providence listening party where patrons will hear the album for the first time in its entirety, in the presence of the band’s members. “We’re making all the decisions, providing all of the content,” affirms Tanya. “It plugs right into the DIY thing we’ve been doing the last two years.”
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MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY East Side Monthly • December 2017 13
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
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Community East Side News
Sports and Politics: America’s Pastimes The Jewish Alliance examines baseball’s reflection of American identity By Adam Toobin
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Hank Greenberg and Joe DiMaggio, in a photo from the Jewish Alliance’s new baseball-themed exhibit
Photo donated by Corbis
CALL Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733 Today, national political figures regularly spar with professional athletes who use their public profiles to protest discrimination, police brutality and other issues. But the upcoming exhibit at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island (JewishAllianceRI.org), Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American (on display through December 15), reveals that contests over politics and American identity have permeated professional athletics for much longer than the last few news cycles. “Since the nineteenth century, baseball has been an exhilarating metaphor for America, a land of so much promise and opportunity,” says Dr. Josh Perelman, co-curator of the exhibit. “And for minority communities in this country, the sport has long served as a path to learning and understanding American values, representing a shared American identity and sometimes highlighting our differences. It is, in short, a mirror of America.” The exhibit itself manages to reflect not only the triumphs of baseball, but also the exclusion that is inseparable from American history. All of us will recognize the stories of Jackie Robinson, Hank Greenberg and other trailblazers who
won a place for their communities in the national narrative through their athletic achievements. But the exhibit also captures how all the Americans involved in the game – vendors, team owners, scouts, broadcasters, journalists and novelists – helped shape what it means to be American. Originally on display at the National Museum of Jewish American History in Philadelphia, the exhibit specifically explores the American-Jewish relationship as a tool for understanding how immigrant and minority communities viewed the game. As the Jewish Daily Forward put it in 1903, “Let your boy play baseball and play it well... Let us not so raise the children that they should grow up foreigners in their own birthplace.” “It’s about how Jews and other minority groups became Americanized through the sport of baseball,” says Lawrence Katz, director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance, and about how racism and sexism have impacted how baseball has developed. As the national pastime, baseball has long been far more than just a game to Americans. Chasing Dreams tells the story of why that matters.
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Community Neighborhood News
Participants in the SNA annual yard sale got to meet their neighbors as well as exchange treasures
Neighborhood News is a space that East Side Monthly makes available to community organizations free of charge. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of this publication.
College Hill Neighborhood Association At this month’s CHNA board meeting, architects from ZDS Inc. presented the latest designs and site plans for 249 Thayer Street, the former Store 24 site. The project has been revised to conform with the 50-foot height requirement for the zone. It will consist of a first-floor restaurant space and three floors of office space with a modern design and lots of windows. The developer will be adding a bump-out to the corner for increased sidewalk space in front of the new building. Construction is expected to begin shortly and the contractor has agreed to create a walkway to avoid pedestrians from having to cross the street mid-block. We also had the opportunity to meet with Stefanie from Durk’s BBQ about their recent request for an entertainment license. They are interested in offering amplified live music during dining hours but our board has worked hard to prevent entertainment licenses from proliferating on Thayer Street and cannot support Durk’s request. Instead we recommended Durk’s try acoustic entertainment which is permitted without a license as long as it does not exceed noise ordinance restrictions. Stefanie liked that idea and indicated they will give it a try. Our community activist board member Sam Bell has stepped down from the CHNA board as part of his relocation to the West Side. WBNA will be lucky to have him, but we now have a vacancy on our board that we would love to fill. Please come to our next board meeting or reach out on our website if you are interested. We meet the first Monday of every month at 7pm at Lippitt House Museum. If you want to help but have limited time, please contribute funds to help support our efforts and pay for an annual membership or make a donation on our website using PayPal. The annual CHNA holiday party will be at the Lippitt House Museum at 199 Hope Street at 6pm on Monday, December 4. There will be free food and great company so please join us. All College Hill neighbors are welcome!
As always, the CHNA welcomes all residents of College Hill to join our efforts to protect the area we all love. For more information about joining CHNA and meeting your neighbors, contact: College Hill Neighborhood Association, PO Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906. 633-5230, CHNAProvidence.org, CHNA@CHNAProvidence.org. –Josh Eisen
Summit Neighborhood Association Annual Yard Sale a Success About 500 shoppers picked up maps Sunday, September 24, from SNA in what one participant called “the best yard sale I ever had.” “I’m almost wiped out,” said one seller on Colonial Road about noon, midway between the 10am–2pm limits. She added that she would definitely “do it again.” She was talking about SNA’s annual neighborhood-wide yard sale. Sellers paid a fee to get on the organization’s list and map, then put out their treasures on their own front lawns, although one operated out of a garage that faced the street. There were 19 locations plus several
who chose to bring their goods to the parking lot of Citizens Bank on Hope Street where SNA had a booth to hand out the maps. Sellers could also stop by to get balloons supplied by the Hope Street toy store Henry Bear’s Park. Buyers with maps in hand then proceeded around the neighborhood to find the promised bargains. Some stores on Hope Street also put out merchandise for sidewalk sales. But besides the exchange of household treasures, the exchange of neighbor-to-neighbor pleasantries was a major goal of the yard sale system. It aimed to promote face-to-face meetings of people in Summit, and according to Anne Holland, the member of the SNA board of directors who organized this year’s event, even people from outside the neighborhood, including Congressman David Cicilline and City Councilor Nirva LaFortune, seized the opportunity. Caroling Set for December 17 The annual Caroling for a Cause, which is sponsored by SNA in cooperation with The Miriam Hospital, features a band of singers tramping through the neighborhood giving voice to the
East Side Monthly • December 2017 19
Community Neighborhood News
festive season and soliciting contributions of peanut butter or cash from residents to benefit the St. Raymond’s food pantry. Everyone, including families with children, is invited to gather on Sunday, December 17, at 4pm at the hospital for hot chocolate and cookies. At 4:30, the group will proceed along Sixth Street to Bayard, then to Fifth, then to Summit and on to Fourth, where it will end the evening in the parking lot of Seven Stars Bakery on Hope Street about 6:30. Songbooks will be provided, but participants should bring flashlights to read the words. There will also be singing leaders, so no one should worry about not being able to carry a tune. Residents Invited to Meetings The SNA board of directors meets at 7pm on the third Monday of every month in the cafeteria of Summit Commons, 99 Hillside Avenue. The sessions are open and neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend. Summit Neighborhood Association, PO Box 41092, Providence RI 02940. 489-7078, SNA.Providence.RI.us, SNA@ SNA.Providence.RI.us -Kerry Kohring
Wayland Square Neighborhood Association Meetings The Neighborhood Association welcomes everyone! We meet the second Tuesday of each month at various spots around the square. Agendas are determined by the group. We’ve planned an Earth Day cleanup, a tree planting, hosted conversations with the police lieutenant and the director of the DPW, met with our mayor’s office liaison and our councilpeople. To be part of creating a better, richer and more effective community, join us! Our Facebook page (Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association) includes meeting locations, meeting notes, recent events and news and posts from our members. PVD311 In our meeting with Mike Borg, director of Providence DPW, residents asked how to get community needs addressed: sidewalk repairs, clogged drains, traffic calming, street sign requests, etc. Director Borg walked us through the mayor’s Center for City Services: 311 (ProvidenceRI.Gov/ PVD-311/). Using PVD311 is the community’s link
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
to city departments and offices and by utilizing it, requests are logged, tracked and monitored. The system has had some hiccups since inception, but one resident submitted a 311 request for a speed limit sign to be posted on the street in front of his home and the sign was up within weeks. Please utilize the system so needs can be tracked and advise your councilpeople if the system isn’t working. Sidewalks Following the approval of the infrastructure bond measure, Providence will conduct a citywide sidewalk assessment by a third party. They will evaluate every sidewalk in the city, report the needs back to City Hall and repairs will be prioritized giving precedence to sidewalks near schools and hospitals, high traffic walks, those with the greatest damage and those who’ve waited the longest for repair. The assessment should be completed by the end of this year and repairs should begin in the spring. Trees The Neighborhood Association and Providence Neighborhood Planting Program planted 23 trees around Wayland Square. Residents volunteered to plant trees and nurture them through their first year. Whole Foods donated lunch and refreshments – thanks to everyone! The trees look great and over time will add to the beauty of our streets. Stop Signs A regular meeting topic is motorists not stopping at stop signs, especially on the side streets. Many of the stop signs are obscured by foliage and we have engaged our councilpeople to assist. Please be especially cognizant of where stop signs are. As it’s getting darker earlier, runners and bikers are at risk if motorists don’t stop. Wayland Square Neighborhood Association, Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association. –Marti Del Negro
Fox Point Neighborhood Association Makers and Merchants In mid-October, the Wickenden Street Merchants Association (WAMA) sponsored the Maker’s and Merchant’s Sidewalk Sale, an extravaganza of local wares. Despite early rain, more than 50 vendors lined Wickenden Street
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between Benefit and Brook Streets to sell arts, crafts, beer, cocktails and food. “The weather was a bit of a downer at first,” said organizer Vin Scorziello, “but even when it was drizzling, there were people on the street.” By mid-sale, not only had the sun arrived, but so had lots of neighbors. “Some vendors said they did better [sales] on this rainy day than they did at the last sale,” added Scorziello. “It turned out to be a fun day!” Thank you, neighbors, for your enthusiasm and support!
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Tree Time? In late October, Fox Point neighbors gathered at the Arnold Street playground to plant ten saplings along lower Brook Street and in other nearby locations. The trees arrived free of charge, thanks to the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP), a public-private nonprofit that supplies saplings and prepares the sites, provided volunteers do the planting and mulching. “The program is about 30 years old,” said neighbor-volunteer Anne Galbraith, “and about 7,000 trees have been planted throughout the city over that time.” Five hundred trees, according to Galbraith, have been planted in the neighborhood, largely due to the efforts of Marjorie Powning, the longstanding volunteer tree coordinator for Fox Point. The October planting went as smoothly as ever. “Many neighbors joined in to help,” added Galbraith. Need a tree on your street? Learn more about the program at PNPP.com.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 21
Community Neighborhood News
Summer may be over but connections grow
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Events this Month Board Meeting, Monday, December 11, 7pm. Please join us at our monthly FPNA Board Meeting in the Community Room of the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, 455 Wickenden Street. The public is welcome. Meet Up With Us! Please join us for drinks and casual conversation at the next FPNA Meet-Up. Check our FPNA News e-newsletter for timing, usually the third Wednesday evening of the month at 7pm at The Point Tavern. All are welcome. The Fox Point Neighborhood Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Fox Point and protecting its historic integrity and resources. The FPNA speaks out on neighborhood issues and builds community through local events. Our monthly board meetings are open to the public. Please join us! Fox Point Neighborhood Association, PO Box 2315, Providence, RI 02906, FPNA. net, FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com. –Amy Mendillo
Mount Hope Neighborhood Association As we near the end of 2017, it has been rather a fruitful year and we would like to thank The Miriam Hospital for their support of the Pop-up Farmers Markets, Summer Basketball League this past summer and creating the Mini Orchard in Billy Taylor Park. We would like to thank them for our Christmas gift giving program. We would like to thank the City of Providence and The Department of Arts Culture and Tourism for supporting us to initiate the ongoing Mt. Hope
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Intergenerational Oral History Project with the Music Mural on Cypress Street. Please stay tuned for future events and programs. We want to thank the Rochambeau Library for creating the garden library and other programs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, the Collis Family Foundation, the Church of the Redeemer and Partnerships for Providence Parks for all their work and support of making Billy Taylor Park a point of community connections and supporting the Culinary4Change Teen Program. The Empowerment Dialogues for Community Action (EDCA) will meet on Thursday, December 14. Please join us to help us plan as we build our programs and projects for the new year: more murals, performing arts programs, more storytelling and possibly the development of a walking tour. Help us create our collaborations across the community, from Vincent Brown Recreation Center, MLK Jr Elementary School and all our partner organizations in the community. Also, as always the MHNA monthly board meeting will meet on the third Thursday of the month – this month December 21, at 6pm. Call 401-521-8830 or come by 199 Camp Street to hear about our programs. Our office hours are Monday and Tuesday 10–3, closed Wednesday but open on Thursday 12–5 and Friday 1–6. Wishing all a wonderful holiday season. Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, 199 Camp Street, Providence, RI 02906, 521-8830, Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, mhnainc@gmail.com. –Courtesy of the EDCA
Blackstone Parks Conservancy Time Again to Take Stock It’s nearly time for Blackstone Parks Conservancy (BPC) volunteer staff to stop working outdoors and shift inside. Time to assess how both Blackstone parks fared this year and plan for 2018. How can we do a better job of caring for the Boulevard Park and the semi-wild 45-acre Blackstone Park Conservation District that overlooks the Seekonk River? How can we recruit more volunteers to help achieve our mission? The Do-ers in the Blackstone Park Conservation District In 2014-15, major grants from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC)
Participate in a Research Study! plus key help from the Parks Department enabled dramatic upgrades to gullied trails and worn areas in the center section of the Conservation District. With the idea that it would be removed in two or three years, snow fencing was installed to protect thousands of young plants from trampling. Seedlings in a large test area without fencing were quickly crushed. Since then small groups and individual volunteers working half days have helped maintain the popular plateau in the center section, led by Park Committee Chair Carrie Drake. From the first work session of the year with Wheeler students in April, to the last – with AIPSO volunteers in October – the Do-ers achieved much. They enjoyed working outdoors in this beautiful park. The volunteers spread woodchips, lined trails with logs, and fixed fences, giving the park and BPC staff volunteers a badly needed lift. The Undo-ers After learning the hard way that fencing of some sort is still needed at least for the time being, the BPC and the Parks Department are working to replace ugly snow fencing with less intrusive protection. Most of the many visitors to the Conservation District honor the signs asking them to please stay on the trails. But a few repeatedly tear down signs, break fences, and trample plants, undoing hundreds of hours of volunteer work. Nobody likes fences in this park. We tried for years to avoid installing any. But early experiments with split-rail fences showed that placing them along the bluffs led to renewal of grass and forbs in bare areas, and the first order of business is to prevent erosion of the vulnerable bluff top, a job best done by plant roots. Aboveground as well plants slow runoff by catching sticks and leaves. We welcome more feedback about how to make the parks work better for people, plants and wildlife. (More on this subject in future issues.) Tune in next January for the latest news on fixing the Boulevard path. And please keep sending Eastside Marketplace receipts to the address below. Blackstone Parks Conservancy, PO Box 603141, Providence, RI 02906. 2703014, BlackstoneParksConservancy.org, JaneAnnPeterson@gmail.com. -Jane Peterson
Brown University researchers are seeking healthy adults for a research study developing cognitive tests sensitive to identifying at-risk individuals for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Participation involves multiple sessions of computer tasks and questionnaires. To be eligible you must be: • Age 60 – 85 • Native English speaker • Good vision and hearing (with correction) • No history of psychological or neurological disorders
Monetary compensation of $10/hour is provided. For more information, please contact the Aging and Cognition Lab at:
(401) 863-3347 or AgingandCognitionLab@brown.edu Principal Investigator: Dr. Elena K. Festa Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences Brown University
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East Side Monthly • December 2017 23
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
17
‘
A look at the headlines that helped shape the neighborhood this year… and some that point to where it might be heading
Photo courtesy of Luminous Creative Agency
By Barry Fain
What’s Up, Doc?
What’s in a Name?
Here Come the Cranes
As the office hour signs come and go in front of the old Tillinghast Mansion on the corner of Lloyd and Thayer, it’s still unclear whether suboxone-dispensing doctors will be moving in. The project that has generated so much heat throughout the neighborhood also seems to have produced a paralysis in both the city council and the mayor about addressing the appropriateness and legality of the current proposal. Will it be a clinic? A prescribing doctor’s office? A condo project? All we know is that the city’s guidance and leadership have yet to materialize.
Apparently on the East Side, quite a bit. Our streets here are frequently named for the original founders, leaders and families who built this section of town. So it is quite significant that the street that houses the Brown Faculty Club will be changing its name from Magee to Bannister Street. Magee, a wealthy East Sider, was also a slave trader. The Bannisters were an African American couple: Edward Bannister, a nationally respected artist; Christiana Bannister, a well-known philanthropist and businesswoman. Introduced by Councilman Zurier, the resolution passed at the urging of Ray Rickman, former State Rep and executive director of Stages of Freedom. “We can never change our ancestors’ actions,” he wrote in an editorial for the ProJo, “but we can choose how we recognize them.”
It has taken a while, but cranes have finally appeared downtown, some perched on North Main and Canal streets and more expected. In October, ground was officially broken for the new Wexford Innovation Complex, the first of several highly anticipated mega-projects hopefully coming to the I-195 land if approved by the I-195 Commission. These include a pedestrian bridge linking the East Side to the Knowledge District. It’s about time, and we hope to see great designs that don’t eliminate public access to the waterfront.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 25
With an expanding war chest and no visible challenger, it has been assumed that Mayor Elorza might have a pretty easy path to reelection. But things have become a little more interesting with the announcement
that the well-respected South Providence activist Kobi Dennis is planning to organize a mayoral campaign. It seems likely that any race for mayor will have to go through the voters of Wards 13, 15 and, especially, our
own Wards 1, 2 and 3. Given that the East Side generally represents almost 30 percent of citywide voter turnout, Dennis’ campaign may embolden other potential candidates with an East Side agenda to test the waters.
Neighbors Ripping over Stripping
Heading Off in a New Direction
When it comes to city rankings, Providence gets a lot of attention. Unfortunately one of our top rankings is for our impressive number of strip clubs. While most are centered along Allens Avenue, one recently opened on the edge of the East Side. Called the Penthouse, it’s located on the second floor of the old Mile and a Quarter restaurant near Baccaro. In response to heated complaints about noise violations, drinks served after closing hours and, of course, the scantily clad female performers, neighbors, the police and the mayor successfully convinced the Board of Licenses to revoke the club’s licenses for both operation and entertainment. The decision now has been appealed and will go before the full Department of Business Regulation. What is perhaps more interesting is that the attorney representing the club is Nick Hemond, who is also the current head of the Providence School Board. The first calls for him to resign that post have already come from acting City Council President Sabina Matos. Keep in mind that the club is located within shouting distance of the I-195 land that is about to be developed. Only in Rhode Island.
On the local educational front, this past summer marked the retirement of two of the East Side’s longest serving and, dare we say, most respected heads of school. The departure of Dan Miller, the popular head of school at Wheeler for the past fourteen years, coincided with the graduation of his youngest child. During his tenure, he led two capital campaigns that raised over $35 million and completed a ten-year master plan that resulted in three new buildings. He is being succeeded by the school’s now eighth head of school, Alison Gaines Pell. Meanwhile, over at nearby Gordon School, the beloved Ralph Wales will step down after an incredible 23-year run, to be replaced by Noni Thomas Lopez, formerly interim principal of the lower school for NYC’s Ethical Culture Fieldstone School. Our belated congratulations to both on jobs very well done.
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Photography by James Jones
M
ixing It Up With the Mayor?
A MUST TRY Parking Up the Wrong Tree Parking meters in the heart of a residential community that depends on neighborhood retail to survive? Has there ever been a worse plan? While Hope Street, the East Side’s new shopping mecca, managed to keep the meters at bay, Thayer Street couldn’t do the same, despite a concerted letter-writing effort led by Ken Dulgarian. The result: the surface parking lot that Brown created by tearing down half a city block is underused and charges for parking, and there are plenty of unused meters on both Thayer and Wayland. Furthermore, some of our shorter fellow residents have complained that the new meters are too tall for them read anyway. Here’s hoping there are some adjustments in the program next year to assist our beleaguered local merchants.
182 Angell Street, Providence 401-234-9955 DendenHospitality.com KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN
Closed Encounters of the Medical Kind With the unfortunate news that Memorial Hospital in nearby Pawtucket will be closing, everyone is trying to prepare for whatever medical tsunami may ensue. Led by Mayor Grebien, local officials there are scrambling to keep at least some health care services in the area. Unfortunately Care New England, the owner of the hospital, has already announced plans to close emergency and in-patient services almost immediately. The impact of the closure will also likely have a significant effect on the East Side as well. Demand is already up at Miriam’s emergency facilities and undoubtedly will affect the always fragile bottom line of the hospital. Also at risk is the status of Memorial’s endowment assets as well its highly regarded family medicine residency program. As we go to press, the prognosis going forward remains unclear.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 27
L
et the Beat Go On
directors and a few paid employees. The frequency’s new owners will be changing the call letters and have converted the station to one focused on contemporary Christian rock. As for the proceeds of the sale, the plan is to create another educational workshop that will focus on new programming techniques rather than the business of running a
radio station. Defenders of the sale say that today’s students are increasingly getting their music from mostly non-radio sources anyway, which is why WBRU is still broadcasting in an Internet-only capacity. We take a bit of comfort knowing that it’s still out there, but our FM dials – and summer concerts – will never be the same.
His Houses? Our Homes?
A New Act for the Gamm
The East Side continues to enjoy a mini-housing boom as both sales and prices seem to be on the upswing. One reason has been the enormous purchasing deluge by Walter Bronhard, now easily the largest residential landlord in Providence. Local realtors estimate that Bronhard now owns over 50 East Side properties. Some, like those along Benefit and Congdon streets, are in the high rent district. Most, however, are clearly aimed at providing student housing. Concern has grown enough that a new group called the Mile of History Association (MOHA) has been created to protect the historic importance of Benefit Street by demanding that the city enforce all appropriate zoning codes. Expect 2018 to be an active year in this regard.
Surprising even some of its most devoted followers, the popular Gamm Theatre has announced that it will be moving from its cramped space in the Pawtucket Armory to Warwick in the fall. While clearly there are advantages to the former Ocean State Theatre space that just underwent a seven-figure renovation, the move will nevertheless create major shockwaves here on the East Side. Many of the Gamm faithful are sure to pack a lunch and follow the talented Tony Estrella all the way to Jefferson Boulevard. But others undoubtedly will be tempted to stay closer to home and sample the exciting programs being offered at the adventurous Wilbury Theatre Group’s new performance space in Olneyville. And of course, there’s always Trinity Rep. The curtains will go up next fall as they always have. The question is where the residents of the East Side and Oak Hill will be watching the show.
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Photography by Tony Pacitti
The sale of WBRU this summer, which had been on our local FM dials for over 50 years, produced much debate among longtime followers of the station. The city’s much beloved home for alternative rock was not owned by Brown but rather by an educational workshop group composed mostly of students but with a board of
We Make Sandwishes Come True Rosa Parks Here A significant act of recognition with national implications will be coming to Providence this spring. Rosa Parks, a prominent activist in the battle to end US racial segregation, grew up with twelve siblings in a tiny shack in Detroit. That house, which was disassembled and moved to Germany years ago, will now be returning to its original site in Detroit – after a three-month stop in Providence. Initiated by Brown, the plan is to erect the house temporarily in the new WaterFire Arts Center on Valley Street, and to convince RISD to add an artistic component to the project and use it as a teaching opportunity for local students. The irrepressible Barnaby Evans, WaterFire’s executive artistic director, is seeking some big names to kick off the project. Barack, are you listening?
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The Reaction to Jackson In the first recall in Providence in recent memory, the residents of Ward 3 voted by over 90 percent to recall longtime city councilman Kevin Jackson and remove him from office after 23 years. It was a classic example of what motivated citizens can accomplish when they are moved to act. In the September election that followed, newcomer Nirva LaFortune won impressively and has joined the City Council. Since the city councilmen from Wards 1 and 2 are currently part of what Sam Zurier called the “Siberian Caucus” and often get outvoted by their colleagues, LaFortune will almost immediately play a role in determining who will replace Luis Aponte as the permanent council president, the implications of which for the East Side couldn’t be more important.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 29
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Take Me Out to the Ballgame?
Providence Loses a Leading Lady
We’re heading into the late innings of the attempt to keep the Paw in our beloved PawSox. A site at the old Apex Mall has been selected and an 80 million dollar proposal has been made. Is the State willing to swing at the pitch? And are taxpayers willing to take the hit if they miss? The deal is better than the team’s previous effort to relocate to Providence and is a no brainer for Pawtucket in terms of economic development. There aren’t many inexpensive diversions that can appeal to such a broad cross section of our state. The devil is in the details as they say, and we think this one deserves a hard look. Besides, the WorSox? C’mon!
When it comes to the pioneers who helped transform Providence from a woeful dining wasteland into a culinary colossus, only a few names stand out. One of them sadly passed away this past September. Born in Egypt, Sylvia Moubayed moved to Providence and poured her heart, soul and culinary magic into making CAV, her culinary tour de force, arguably one of the city’s first dining options to attract national buzz. With the aid of internationally sourced decorations, unusual and wholesome menu options and a grand sense of style, CAV continues to provide a wonderful dining experience while also impressing outof-town visitors. Sylvia, you will be missed.
A
nd Finally, Of Course, Our Face Lift
Our Final Goodbye to Benny’s As Benny’s prepares to close its doors for good, we’re reflecting not on why it succumbed, but on why we’re so sad that it won’t be around any longer. Even if we hadn’t been there for a while, we remember when they came through for us. That first bike. The emergency snow shovel. The first beach chairs of summer. And as their 31 stores join the ranks of the “used to be’s,” we’re remembering how they never tried to hustle us. If they didn’t have what we wanted, they seemed really disappointed and would direct us to a store that did. Benny’s… you’re still our favorite.
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In the increasingly challenging world of media, the current mantra for success is pretty straightforward: If you aren’t moving forward, you’re undoubtedly moving backward. Which is why every decade or so for more than forty years, we here at East Side Monthly have taken it upon ourselves to try something new. We changed from a weekly to a monthly, from paid circulation to free, from instore distribution to home delivery, from black-and-white to color. And this year, with our last three issues of 2017, we went portable and glossy, with a classy look that’s easy to read and appealing. Our hope is that all our readers will enjoy our new look as much as we enjoyed putting it together. But if not, please call or email. After all, this is your community paper, which means we’re in this together.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 31
Photo Printing Services Framed /Unframed Art Ready Made Frames Gift CertiďŹ cates Antique Maps Photo Books Mir Mirrors Posters
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
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‘ Tis the Season
10 ways to get festive at events in and around the East Side this month by Julie Tremaine
Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol
1 Jingle All the Way
Strap on your racing Santa hat for the Downtown Jingle 5K (DowntownJingle5K.com), a December 3 road race through the streets of downtown that raises money for Toys for Tots and Project Undercover.
show, on December 14, will feature his original songs and seasonal favorites. The Boston Pops are returning to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPACRI.org) on December 22 for their Holiday Pops Tour, featuring Conductor Keith Lockhart leading the orchestra through holiday standards with a jazzy twist.
2 Appreciate the Classics
5 See Visions of Sugarplums
Brown University’s (Brown.edu) annual Latin Carol Celebration is a holiday tradition in the truest sense, when the Classics Department performs seasonal songs and readings in Latin, Greek and Sanskrit – with translations for people whose ancient language skills might be a bit rusty – at the First Baptist Church on December 4. The Providence Singers and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (RIPhil. org) come together for a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah on December 16 at The Vets (TheVetsRI.com).
3 See a Beloved Holiday Play
You may not enjoy waiting in line to get your kid’s picture taken with Santa, but trust us, neither does Santa. The Santaland Diaries at The Gamm (GammTheatre.org), December 13–23, is David Sedaris’s hilarious account of his time working as a Macy’s Elf. Trinity Rep’s unstoppable A Christmas Carol (TrinityRep.com) is running through December 31, in its 40th year, this time with Joe Wilson, Jr. as Scrooge.
4 Take in a Festive Concert
Billy Gilman comes Home for the Holidays at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DunkinDonutsCenter.com). The Voice star’s first headlining arena
Festival Ballet (FestivalBallet.com) stages its hugely popular production of The Nutcracker at PPAC December 15-17. Providence Ballet Theatre (ProvidenceBallet.com) performs ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a dance interpretation of the beloved story, at Rhode Island College on December 15.
Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
STORE CLOSING
The Providence Rink
CLEARANCE
SALE!
6 Celebrate Old World Style
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671 North Main Street Providence 421-2184 www.MapCenter.com 36
East Side Monthly • December 2017
Aurea Ensemble (AureaEnsemble.org) is offering up festivities of a different kind: on December 15, the group will stage a performance of A Child’s Christmas in Wales, poet Dylan Thomas’s autobiographical story of his childhood holidays, at the First Unitarian Church on Benefit Street. Add some Old World charm to your season on December 20 at A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan, host of WGBH’s A Celtic Sojourn. The evening at The Vets (TheVetsRI.com) will celebrate the holidays with Celtic, Pagan and Christian music. Get a taste of Austria at the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert on December 30 at The Vets (TheVetsRI.com). Inspired by Vienna’s celebrated New Year’s concert, this performance includes European song and dance and local musicians.
7 Glide Into the Season
Nothing says “holidays in the city” like ice skating in the middle of downtown. The Providence Rink (TheProvidenceRink.com) at Alex and Ani City Center opens for the season at the end of November when the weather is cold enough to keep the ice frozen and stays
open for the duration of winter. There’s no more heartwarming time to do it than when you can skate under the giant Christmas tree.
8 Buy One-of-a-Kind Gifts
The annual Foundry Artists Holiday Show (FoundryShow.com) December 1–3 and 8-10 gathers local artists for a one-of-a-kind marketplace at the Pawtucket Armory, featuring large and small works by all local artists working in jewelry, painting, glass, photography and more. The Providence Flea Holiday Market (ProvidenceFlea.com) takes place at Hope High School on December 3, 10 and 16-17, and brings together vintage vendors, artisans and creative makers for a unique shopping event. The first year of the Art Providence Holiday Show (ArtProvidenceShow.com), happening December 9–10 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, will feature nearly 200 local and national artists selling their oneof-a-kind wares, including fine art, furniture, jewelry and ceramics. The summer season may be over, but the Lippitt Park Artisans Market comes back for one day only on December 18 for the PVD Artisans Holiday Show (Facebook: PVD Artisans Holiday Show) at Hope Artiste Village, featuring over 50 art and craft exhibitors.
9 Take the Festivities Outside
Mayor Elorza kicks off the holiday celebrations with the 2017 PVD Winter Lights Market and Tree Lighting (ArtCultureTourism. com) December 1–2, including a tree lighting at City Hall and one at The Providence Rink, plus figure skating demonstrations, live performances and an artists’ marketplace. One of the most beloved neighborhood traditions in the city is the Hope Street Holiday Stroll (HopeStreetProv.com) on December 3, featuring performances by local musicians, street performers, tons of food trucks and lots of holiday festivities, including an appearance by characters from Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
10 Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Style
The Providence G (ProvidenceG.com) is hosting three unmissable events on December 31: a Midnight Masquerade Ball with the New Providence Big Band in the ballroom, a Southern Style NYE Celebration downstairs at GPub, and Star Light, Star Bright on the Rooftop, with a dessert buffet and dancing all night.
RI REG. #3984 MA LIC. #164199 CT #HIC. 0673137
A New Year’s Resolution You’ll Love
Start the process today to transform your kitchen or bath in 2018. Schedule a complimentary showroom consultation or sign up for a free seminar. Love Your Home, But Not Your Kitchen? Saturday, December 2nd 9:30-11:00am
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
New Trends, Products & Technologies from The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Saturday, January 20 9:30-11:00am
Pre-registration required. Sign up at RIKB.com/events 401-463-1550 • 139 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888 • RIKB.com East Side Monthly • December 2017 37
LIVE SOLD East Side
SOLD
Blackstone Boulevard Downtown Providence $562,000
SOLD Seekonk
Waterplace $575,000
SOLD Kenwood Court East Side $802,500
Medway Street $515,000
Ben Scungio Sales Associate
c: 401.413.5753 ben.scungio@ mottandchace.com SOLD East Side
Benefit Street $375,000
SOLD East Side
Elmgrove Avenue $650,000
BARRINGTON | CHARLESTOWN | EAST GREENWICH | NARRAGANSETT PROVIDENCE | WATCH HILL Each office is independently owned and operated
PROVIDENCE SOLD
SOLD | TWO UNITS
East Side
Slater Avenue Pawtucket $810,000
SOLD East Side
SOLD Wayland Avenue East Side $565,000
SOLD East Side
George Street $299,100 & $250,000
Taber Avenue $499,000
SOLD Medway Street East Side $390,000
Morris Avenue $523,000
CLOSE TO HOME East of Elmgrove | Education
Education
A New Chapter at Wheeler
Allison Gaines Pell returns to the East Side as the institution’s head of school
This year, the Wheeler School welcomed its eighth head of school, Allison Gaines Pell. Pell comes to Wheeler from the Blue School in Manhattan, a K–8 progressive school founded by the members of the Blue Man Group. Although at first glance the schools seem quite different, both communities encourage creativity and respect. Pell describes the warm welcome she has received from both parents and students – this welcoming nature, she says, is a hallmark of Wheeler’s dynamic community, a place both strong and “humble enough to accept and invite the idea of a next chapter that isn’t in any way a comment on the chapter before.” While Wheeler is in great shape, Pell says, there are opportunities for growth in thinking about education in general as a backdrop to the student experience. “The absolute central focus of every decision and program is the students,” Pell says, with a faculty focused on innovation, curiosity and challenge. “When there’s a problem with a course placement or when a student wants to study a particular subject, such as black holes, the school will make it happen.” Neeltje Henneman, Head of Upper School, describes the effort that Pell has put into spending time visiting classes and getting to know the community. “We are really appreciating her energy, intelligence, warmth and insight,” Henneman says, “and we are excited to see where her leadership will take us.” Pam Levanos, parent and faculty member, mentions that Pell often reads poems aloud and “has introduced excellent group activities” during staff meetings “that we can also bring to our students.” As a Brown University alumna, Pell was familiar with the East Side, but her experience of the neighborhood now that she is a full-time resident (and parent) has
40
East Side Monthly • December 2017
changed dramatically. She sees the city as having grown into its artistic and creative culture; when she was here last, WaterFire had just begun and AS220 was a much smaller operation. She and her husband have been exploring the city’s restaurants, farmers markets, the Athenaeum and all the places that she didn’t get a chance to visit
while in college. “I feel like I won the Head of School lottery,” Pell says. “The promise of a school to be a place that engages kids so completely and deeply and sees them as individuals and enables them to find their place within the school, and then in the world, is pretty spectacular.”
Photo by Gabe Cooney
By Lauri Lee
EAST SIDE PRIMARY CARE WELCOMES
Dr Daniel Valicenti & Sean Eden PA-C NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Same Day Appointments Available
Smart News Books Are Wings Gift of Literacy Campaign To further their mission of putting free books in the hands of children, Books Are Wings has launched their fourth annual Gift of Literacy Campaign. Last year’s campaign allowed them to place over 52,000 books into the homes of Rhode Island children. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000 for programs that build children’s opportunity, desire and passion to read. There will be a Holiday Open House at the nonprofit’s new location in Hope Artiste Village on Saturday, December 9 from 9am to 1pm, with many family-friendly activities. For more information or to donate or volunteer, visit BooksAreWings.org or email JWhite@ BooksAreWings.org.
Fourth Graders Visit National Parks for Free The Every Kid in a Park program allows fourth graders and their families free access to 2000+ federally managed public lands and waters nationwide for an entire year. According to the initiative’s website, “Connecting our nation’s youth to the great outdoors is even more important at a time when 80 percent of American families live in cities and most children spend more time on computers and smartphones than exploring nature.” To obtain a pass for your child or for more information, visit EveryKidInAPark.gov.
East Side Primary Care Providence
1195 North Main Street, Providence • 340-1000
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795 WATERMAN AVENUE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI East Side Monthly • December 2017 41
Close to Home East of Elmgrove
Hiding in Plain Sight
Finding serene escapes, even in the middle of the East Side By Elizabeth Rau
Established. Innovative. Results. Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) Probate & Trust Administration Corporate Law & Business Planning Elder Law | Real Estate
Simply Invitations & Calligraphy By Rhode Island Artist
RHONDA MARZETTA
Bridal • Baby Special Occasions From Contemporary to Classic
Studio: 401-353-1502 Cell: 401-996-1502 rhonda@mysimplyinvitations.com 42
East Side Monthly • December 2017
I’ve had secret places since I was a kid. On Christmas, I’d hide under the piano next to our Douglas Fir, observing the world through a mosaic of blinking colored lights. I could see my mother’s high heels clacking across the wood floor. I could see the claw-feet of a side table, jacks and their red rubber ball. I’d hide in closets with my flashlight and a good book (The Secret Garden, of course), and I’d hide behind thick yews. Old habits are hard to break. Three decades on the East Side is plenty of time to find hideouts. They are places I go for solitude, or to flee the frenetic pace of modern life. Virginia Woolf advocated a room of one’s own; I advocate a bench of one’s own. I thank the Hound of Heaven that our neighborhood has twists and turns that lead to peace and quiet, even in an urban setting.
One of my favorite hideouts is at Swan Point Cemetery. I first started visiting after my mother-in-law, Carol, died more than a decade ago. Her grave is off North Road, in the part of the cemetery that abuts Oak Hill. I’d brush away dead leaves and sticks, and if the weather was pleasant I’d sit on the grass. One day, I decided to explore the grounds and ended up at a pond where I had watched frogs with my sons when they were boys. I sat down on a bench. The water was still. A dragonfly was at rest on a rock. I noticed what I thought was trash poking out from ground cover near the water’s edge. As I got closer, I realized it was a single rose, still in its chiffon wrapping with a pink bow. The rose was brittle, faded into a pale brown. Someone must’ve left the bouquet at a grave, and the wind carried it to the pond. Since then, I’ve gone
Illustration by Lia Marcoux
4 Richmond Square | Suite 150 | Providence 401.272.6300 | www.mswri.com
to the bench at the pond in all seasons. When it’s bitterly cold, I wrap myself in my oversized fake fur coat. I must look like a grizzly bear. On rainy days, I stay in my car. My hideout for inclement weather is too “weird,” as my kids would say, so I’ll leave out details about the location. Let me say this: It is not the long and winding driveway of an East Sider’s house. It is a public spot, accessible and open to all. I’ve driven by it many times, but one evening I decided to check it out, so I stopped and parked. I did not cut the engine. I left my wipers on so I could take in the view of the Seekonk River. I sat in my front seat for 30 minutes or so, watching the current and thinking. One evening when I was there, a man pulled up, rolled down his window and started to chat. I suppose he thought I was a lady of the night. I drove off. The incident has not kept me from going back, but I lock my car doors now. Our neighborhood parks are loaded with hideouts. The bench late at night at The Baby Park on Humboldt. Behind the forsythia at Brown Street Park. The boulders at India Point Park. I like sitting under a pine in the park across from the Salvation Army on Pitman, and on a stormy day the dog park on Angell is practically empty of people and pets. It is a tangle of trees and bushes. Another place for privacy is my backyard. Tucked in a far corner, behind an unruly shrub, is a white wicker chair undetectable from our kitchen window. I’d sit there on summer evenings, shielded on all sides by nature: boxwoods, a dogwood, towering maple, hibiscus. I’d listen to birdsong, and watch the squirrels flirt. One day, I went back there to do nothing. I was startled when I discovered that a visitor was sitting in my chair: my husband. I ceded the hideout to him. Sharing is caring.
FOR CATERING INQUIRES:
catering@durksbbq.com 275 Thayer Street, Providence 351-2807 • DurksBBQ.com
studio hop
PHOTO BY NAT REA
810 hope street, providence • 401-621-2262 • mon-sun • extended holiday hours @studiohop.ri • studiohopri.com • complementary gift wrap • peace East Side Monthly • December 2017 43
A Real Estate Market on the Rise Lila Delman Real Estate International is doing big business in Providence and Northern Rhode Island
B
ig things are happening in the Providence office of Lila Delman Real Estate International, and not just because of the $1.65 million dollar home that office co-manager Christine Dupuis just sold on Barrington’s Rumstick Point. The Providence office of the state’s top-grossing luxury real estate firm has also just announced their appointment of office co-manager, Sales Associate Jacob Rochefort. Jacob has 13 years of experience in the real estate market, two of which he was working in the Beverly Hills market. “It was a learning experience, and something I brought back to the Rhode Island luxury market,” he says. “Lila Delman is like no other with its boutique approach.” The East Side office recently listed a Cook Street home for just under $1 million and had it under contract within a week. “He brings a new energy into the office,” Christine adds. “He adds a fresh approach to everything he does.” Jacob’s philosophy is simple: “You have to adjust to the market trends, and understand that behind every door there’s a differ-
ent sale, and a different story about what’s going on. It’s understanding the client’s needs and the ultimate goal of being able to meet those needs.” Surviving the market downturn a few years ago taught him a lot. “I have a vast understanding of different climates of the market, and I can deliver under any circumstances.” Right now, though, the real estate market in Rhode Island is strong, especially with so many people relocating from other parts of the country. That Rumstick Point home Christine just sold was purchased by a California family. “He’s thrilled to be in Rhode Island,” Chris says. “This is my third relocation this year. More and more people are discovering the beauty of Rhode Island.” Jacob adds that he’s seeing a lot of clients from New York. “People who want the New York lifestyle are coming to Providence because they see the similarities between the two,” he says. People are also turning their attention to areas like Burrillville and Scituate. “The median price in Burrillville is $300,000, and Jake and
I just sold an $825,000 property there,” Chris says. “That’s luxury in northern Rhode Island. It was the highest sale in Burrillville since 2014.” There are homes up north that have unique features and exceptional architecture, but are more affordable than they would be in other parts of the state. “Luxury comes in all different price points,” Jacob says. “Northern Rhode Island can offer high quality, but with more seclusion and lower price points than similar waterfront properties.” “I’ve got a fabulous home coming up in Scituate,” Chris adds. “It’s a custom built house like I’ve never seen before. It’s such a truly unique home, and that’s what people look to us for.” But no matter what the price point, clients get the same service from agents at Lila Delman Real Estate International, from their exceptional marketing savvy to their unparalleled customer service. “It’s even after the sale,” Jacob says. “We don’t stop after the closing. It’s the same as you’d get if you were selling a $10 million property. That’s the benefit of working with us.”
PROVIDENCE | NEWPORT | NARRAGANSETT | JAMESTOWN WATCH HILL | BLOCK ISLAND
369 SOUTH MAIN STREET, PROVIDENCE • 401-274-1644 • LILADELMAN.COM
736 Hope St.
Ramen Raw bar Relax
Wara Wara $1 OYSTER MONDAYS
Japanese Restaurant
7 7 6 H O P E S T R E E T, P R O V I D E N C E • 8 3 1 - 9 2 7 2 • WA R AWA R A R I.C O M East Side Monthly • December 2017 45
DIGITIZE!
VHS TO DVD TRANSFER SERVICE MOVIES, SLIDES & PRINTS TO DVD
The Camera Werks
HOPE
STREET
Custom Framing & Photo Boutique
766 Hope Street, Providence 401-273-5367 | TheCameraWerks.com Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm | Closed Sun-Mon
INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT PHOTOS
Home-Cooked
Indian Cuisine Not Just Snacks 833 Hope Street, Providence 831-1150 • NotJustSnacks.com
Think remastered American favorites and delightfully unexpected bursts of flavor
LuLi Boutique FUN FAB FUNKY Unique Clothing for Fashionable Women FASHION JEWELRY GIFTS
LuLi 782 Hope Street, Providence • 369-4332
LuLiBoutique.com
SAYING GOODBYE TO A LEGEND
– Providence Monthly
THE BEN NY’ S TRI BUT E TEE FRO M
Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm
LUNCH Wed-Sun: 11am-3pm DINNER Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pm Fri-Sat: 4pm-11pm | Sunday: 4pm-9pm
795 HOPE STREET • PROVIDENCE, RI • SHOP.FROGANDTOADSTORE.COM 771 Hope Street, Providence • 401-331-4100
East Side of Providence • HopeStreetProv.com
MAILEG MICE IN BOX, $25 EACH
HAZEL VILLAGE STUFFED CREATURES, $42 EACH
KREATELIER PILLOWS, $60 EACH
PETIT COLLAGE FABRIC WALL STICKERS, $49 EACH SET
ERIN FLETT TEA TOWEL, $19 EACH
REUSABLE SWEDISH DISHCLOTHS, $8 EACH
RFP SCARF, $32-$75
DESIGNERS GUILD BAGS, $24-$38
KREATELIER GIFT CARD, ANY DENOMINATION
FABRIC CREATIONS • SEWING WORKSHOPS CUSTOM HOME DÉCOR
804 HOPE STREET, PROVIDENCE • 401-432-7995 • WWW.KREATELIER.COM
The Wurst Kitchen Small Open Kitchen Located In Chez Pascal Focusing On Our House Made Sausages and Sandwiches
LUNCH TUES-SAT 11:30AM–2:30PM DINNER TUES -SAT
You haven’t had our best until you’ve had our Wurst
Chez Pascal Serving Dinner Monday-Saturday Night
Monday Night is Burger Night The Chezpron Aprons For Comfort MADE IN RHODE ISLAND DESIGNED BY CHEZ PASCAL
WWW.CHEZ-PASCAL.COM
| 960 Hope Street, Providence • 421-4422
| WWW.CHEZPRON.COM
Evolve and the Holidays go hand in hand. In the store, in the spa or online, let’s make this a holiday to remember!
apothecary
+ spa
evolveapothecary.com 401.383.3089 769A Hope Street Providence 48
East Side Monthly • December 2017
ON THE TOWN Restaurant and Food | Restaurant Guide | Calendar of Events
Flavor of the Month
Eating with the Season, Even in Winter
The Wintertime Farmers Market keeps people connected to local growers By Julie Tremaine
Photo courtesy of Farm Fresh RI
One of the summer’s greatest pleasures is straight-from-the-farm produce, preferably purchased from one of the dozens of weekly farmers markets around the city. That pleasure, though, doesn’t have to end just because the weather is colder. Farm Fresh RI’s Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market (FarmFresh.org) is up and running for the season at Hope Artiste Village, selling everything from late harvest vegetables like winter squash and apples to freshly baked treats,
locally made condiments and fresh meat and seafood. This year’s market will host over 80 vendors from all over Rhode Island and surrounding areas, including seafood from Matunuck Oyster Farm and The Local Catch, baked goods from Olga’s Cup and Saucer and Knead Doughnuts, fruit and vegetables from Ward’s Berry Farm and Barden Family Orchard, herbal remedies from Farmacy Herbs and Earth Essence Organics and more. Particularly exciting this year are vendors that have
been creating buzz in the last few months, like Fully Rooted, a fresh-pressed juice company that just set up shop in Pawtucket, and The Burgundian Waffles, which has been doing pop-ups at Stock on Hope Street and Borealis Coffee in East Providence. That, plus food trucks outside and regular entertainment, will get you through until the Lippitt Park market comes back in May. So yeah, summer is over, but deliciousness is not. Just don’t try to sunbathe after you shop.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 49
On the Town On the Menu Leaders in Eye Care since 1927
Heart Eyes for Mini Pies
Find bite-sized sweets at Providence Pie Company pop-ups all over town By Erin Belknap
Emergencies Seen Immediately Same Day Appointments Often Available Evening and Weekend Hours Glaucoma ∙ Macular Degeneration Cataract ∙ Diabetic Eye Disease Specialty Contact Lenses Designer Glasses Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow Dr. J. Lawrence Norton
Chocolate Cream, Pecan and Caramel Apple Pies
Dr. Matthew D. Doyle Dr. Michael R. Martinez Dr. Scott Sylvia
331-2020 • AdvancedEyeCareRI.com 780 North Main Street, Providence Pawtucket Red Sox and Providence Bruins Official Eye Care Provider
Though Providence Pie Company (PVDPie. com) popped up only recently on the city’s foodscape, owners Sandra and Tom Morgan have had the twinkle in their eye for quite some time. The married couple both worked in the financial sector before deciding to make the leap to full-time pies. One of the biggest catalysts for the transition was Sandra’s pregnancy with their daughter and her resulting cravings for sweets. Tom, who previously worked as a chef at a pizza joint, would attempt to satiate his wife’s sweet tooth by making smaller versions of her favorite dessert: pie. The menu changes according to seasonal
availability, and this holiday, customers can expect flavors like peppermint, eggnog, cranberry and cinnamon. One of the duo’s favorite parts of the business is “seeing how our customers are incorporating our pies into their lives. We have had our pies on dessert tables at events and used as favors [and] even featured in the VIP tent at the Newport Folk Festival.” The couple is currently looking for a brickand-mortar shop to call home, with hopes to have something underway in 2018. Until then, Providence Pie Company pop-up shops can be found at markets and events around the city.
Victorian Era Sipping at the Lippitt House On the evening of December 7, the Lippitt House Museum on Hope Street will host an evening of Victorian hospitality at their Christmas Scotch Party (PreserveRI.org). Guests can enjoy belly-warming single malt whisky paired with artisan hors d’oeuvres throughout the night as they explore the beautifully adorned rooms. The estate will be aglow with holiday cheer and festive decor with all of the grandeur that one would expect from the Victorian Era without any of the awkwardness that comes with typical office Christmas functions and ugly sweater parties.
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
BOOM Brings Oven-Fired Goodness to Hope Artiste Village
DESIGN YO U R
LIFE
Adler’s Design Center & Hardware 173 Wickenden Providence
Come visit our Design Center to see our wide selection of wall coverings, window treatments, fabric, decorative hardware, and C2 Paint. Our knowledgable specialists are there to help you Design Your Life.
401.421.5157 M–F 7:30–6pm SAT 8–5pm adlersri.com
ART, INSPIRATION & DESIGN A unique experience, minutes from Wickford Village
Brick Oven on Main (Boom.rest), also known as BOOM, is a crowd-pleasing newcomer to Hope Artiste Village. The restaurant has a menu that achieves that ideal balance between approachable and elevated, with oven-fired selections like the baked garlic shrimp mac ‘n cheese, and, of course, a creative assortment of pizzas to please a crowd. It also has fairly extensive beverage offerings, including draft and bottled beers, champagne and rosé, white and red wine and classic cocktails. Post-work unwinders will score weekday happy hour specials, and weekend brunchers will find an additional brunch menu with yummy dishes like the croquet madame and farmers market quiche.
The gallery exhibits the paintings and photographs from local artists, as well as the sculpture and creative works of owner Henry Gauthier. Wed, Thur, Fri: 12pm-5pm Saturday: 12-4pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday By appointment or by chance
Studio460Gallery.com 460 Tower Hill Road Wickford • 401-640-9435 East Side Monthly • December 2017 51
Great Gifts!
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Smudge Supplies
100’s of Energy Crystals
Succulent & Air Plants
SPECTRUMINDIA Unusual Gifts • Fashions Eyebrow Threading Dreadlock Services NEW: CBD Oil Products
OPEN LATE 252 Thayer Street Providence • 421-1010 @SpectrumIndia 52
East Side Monthly • December 2017
R I C H M O N D S Q UA R E
Passion Meets Innovation at SalonPROV
S
alonPROV’s team of stylists are not only dedicated to meeting their clients’ expectations, but to exceeding them. They achieve this by constantly innovating through their passion to provide great hair and trendy styles. From their carefully chosen Oribe hair care products to their unique line of “Uno de 50” jewelry imported from Spain, they take every step to enhance their clients’ experience. With SalonPROV’s devotion to ongoing staff education, they welcome clients to experience the most on-trend and innovative haircutting, nail and makeup techniques from their team. Their unique array of services includes creative hair coloring, retexturizing and keratin hair smoothing treatments, nail specialties such as silk wrapping, and award winning makeup artistry. Knowing that all beautiful brides need a trusted team, SalonPROV also offers in-salon wedding services, bridal hair and makeup trials, day of wedding hair, nail and makeup application, as well as on location bridal services. In addition to offering the city’s top on-trend styles coupled with renowned customer service, clients of SalonPROV can also enjoy plenty of free parking adding the pleasure of convenience to the overall salon experience. Next month they’re excited to announce their salon expansion to welcome new talent. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their upcoming even wider array of stylish offerings.
1 RICHMOND SQUARE Suite 163W • 421-4141 SalonProv.com
“Innovative”
SalonPROV
Spotlight on
Hair Nails MakeUp Weddings
One Richmond Square Providence Rhode Island
401.421.4141
One Richmond Square, Suite 306E, Providence 401-246-2130 • www.AuthenticWholistic.com
NOW OFFERING TRAVELING SERVICES! Available at
YOUR HOME OR OFFICE 7 Days A Week
RICHMOND SQUARE Monday-Friday
Also Offering
CUPPING • TUI NA MASSAGE HERBAL THERAPY
Rhode Island’s professional personal training studio.
1 Richmond Square, Suite 109C Providence • 519-5190
1 Richmond Sq. Providence 02906 MethodFit.com 401.274.6384
ONCOLOGY TRAINED
Custom Facials & Skin Care With Results 4 richmond square 401.521.9229
watermangrille.com
1 Richmond Square Suite 215W 632-4444 • viriditas.skincaretherapy.net East Side Monthly • December 2017 53
RESTAURANT GUIDE
WE SERVICE & REPAIR
HYUNDAI
Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
F E AT U R E D R E S TA U R A N T
Caserta Pizzeria __________PLUS__________ Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler • Audi • Infinity • Ford Lexus • Honda • BMW • Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes • Mini Porsche • Mazda • Saab • General Motors • Volvo Volkswagen • Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi (ALL foreign and domestic models)
Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors
ASE Certified RI Inspection & Repair Station #27B
729 EAST AVENUE, PROVIDENCE 723-1111 • MON-FRI 8AM-5PM Top of the East Side, just past Lippitt Park
SENIORS & 5% OFF FOR STUDENTS
(w/ ID)
Rhode Islanders don’t agree on everything, but they do when it comes to Caserta Pizzeria. The Providence legend is hands-down one of this state’s favorite pizza restaurants, and has been since it opened on Federal Hill in 1953. The oneof-a-kind traditional Italian pizza is made
PUP
with the finest quality ingredients available. The hand-tossed dough is topped with Caserta’s famous housemade sauce and a variety of traditional toppings. Be it dine in or take out, the out-of-thisworld Caserta experience is always a memorable one.
121 Spruce Street, Providence 401-621-3618, CasertaPizza.com
of the Month This is Murphy! Though he looks very serious, Murph Dog is goofy and sweet. He’s a fantastic on leash runner with us and even runs alongside his owner’s bicycle! One of our favorite things about Murphy is that he is quite the snuggler. Such a good boy!
DOG JOGGING, WALKING & OFF-LEASH EXCURSIONS 401-919-2267 • CanineCardioRI.com caninecardiocori@gmail.com 15% OFF First Excursion, Run or Walk 54
East Side Monthly • December 2017
PROVIDENCE AREA 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ Blake’s Tavern Premier Irish pub with two event rooms in the heart of downtown Providence. 122 Washington St, Providence. 274-1230. LD $$ Cafe di Panni Italian American dining with an available banquet facility. 187 Pocasset Ave, Providence, 944-0840. LD $-$$
CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, 7519164. BrLD $$-$$$ Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 West Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$ Character’s Cafe & Theatre 82 Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee and
2017 FOUNDRY ARTISTS HOLIDAY SHOW
FREE ADMISSION
Our 35th annual show & sale featuring unique gifts, fine art, functional crafts and original designs from over 65 local artisans.
MEET THE ARTISTS - OPENING RECEPTION Thursday, November 30th 5pm - 9pm Live music & refreshments SHOW & SALE DATES December 1-3 & December 8-10 Fridays 12pm - 8pm Saturdays 10am - 6pm Sundays 10am - 6pm
NO SALES TAX
EASY HOLIDAY SHOPPING
FREE PARKING
The Pawtucket Armory Arts Center 172 Exchange Street • Pawtucket, RI 02860
Thank you to our supporter…
www.foundryshow.com • www.facebook.com/foundryshow
Innovation. Experience. International Exposure.
75 Hazard Avenue, Providence MLS# 1175042
BARRINGTON | CHARLESTOWN | EAST GREENWICH | NARRAGANSETT | PROVIDENCE | WATCH HILL
mottandchace.com
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East Side Monthly • December 2017
Each office is independently owned and operated
theatre-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $ Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$
FALL SALE
15-50% OFF And Explore our Newest Selections, Fresh In From The NY International Rug Show
Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence, HarukiSushi.com. LD $-$$ Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$
One Governor Street, Providence (401) 751-5100 • www.RustigianRugs.com Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-5
Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ LaMei Hot Pot Authentic Chinese cuisine in a unique, casual setting. 256 Broadway, Providence, 831-7555. LD $$
Breakfast Delivered
Luigi’s Restaurant & Gourmet Express Handmade Italian classics and prepared foods to go. 1457 Hartford Ave, Johnston. 455-0045, LuigisGourmet.com. LD $$
ALL DAY LONG
Luxe Burger Bar Build Your Own Burger: You dream it, we build it! 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$ McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$ Meeting Street Cafe BYOB eatery with large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. 220 Meeting St, Providence, 273-1066. BLD $-$$
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220 Meeting Street, Providence 273-1066 • MeetingStreetCafe.com East Side Monthly • December 2017 57
RESTAURANT GUIDE For full restaurant profiles, go to EastSideMonthly.com
Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 155 Westminster St, Providence, 282-6772. BL $-$$ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural
steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 273-1444. LD $-$$$ Pizza J A fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin-crust pizza, pub fare and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily specials. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-
WO RT H T H E D R I V E
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560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket 58
East Side Monthly • December 2017
A Rhode Island tradition since 1948, the third-generation family restaurant continues to delight diners with its outstanding boat-to-plate cuisine, sweeping waterfront views and customer service. Seafood is the signature specialty here; clams, shrimp,
oysters, lobster, mussels, fluke and salmon are just a sampling of what’s available on the award-winning seafood menu. Hand-cut ribeye steaks, freshly made pastas, sushi and kids’ favorites are also among the delicious options available daily for lunch and dinner.
250 Sandhill Cove, Port of Galilee 401-783-2306 GeorgesOfGalilee.com
Let us exceed your Expectations 6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 3982900. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse Honest, authentic BBQ with a large selection of whiskey. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich and Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $ Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine and beer list. 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349-4979. LD $-$$ The Grange Vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a juice bar, vegan bakery and cocktail bar. 166 Broadway, Providence, 831-0600. BrLD $-$$
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The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ The Village Lively bar and grill with comfort fare, bar bites and beer. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $-$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 7516777. LD $-$$ Trinity Brewhouse American pub fare and craft beer in a downtown setting, with lunch, dinner and late-night menus. 186 Fountain Street, Providence, 4532337. LD $-$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and
East Side Monthly • December 2017 61
Creating Memorable Experiences.
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$ The Vig Contemporary sports bar with craft tavern fare. 21 Atwells Ave, Providence, 709-0347. LD $-$$
Narragansett, 363-9820. BrLD $-$$$ Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$
XO Cafe Acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine with a fantastic Sunday #PajamaBrunch. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$
Coast Guard House A new American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. BrLD $$$
SOUTHERN RI
Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery Pizza Calzones and baked goods made fresh daily. 91 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-8086. BrLD $
Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$ Chair 5 Locally sourced and seasonally inspired menus with a main restaurant and rooftop lounge. 1208 Ocean Rd,
62
East Side Monthly • December 2017
Dante’s Kitchen American food with Southern flair. 315 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-7798. BL $-$$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in
the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$ Frankie’s Italian Bistro Fine dining with imported wines from around the world. 1051 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 2952500. D $-$$$ Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$ George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 363-9988. LD $-$$ Mariner Grille Seafood, steaks and pasta in a fun setting, with live entertainment. 140 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284-3282. LD $$ Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food with a great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455
Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$
EAST BAY / NEWPORT
Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$
Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, 508-999-6975. LD $$
T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $
Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$
Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/ American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 2945771. LD $$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Tong-D Fine Thai cuisine in a casual setting. 156 County Rd, Barrington, 289-2998; 50 South County Common Way, South Kingstown, 783-4445. LD $-$$
Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 435-5511. LD $-$$$ The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, 508-336-8460. LD $-$$$ The Wharf Tavern Serves fresh seafood and steak with bay views from almost every table. 215 Water St, Warren, 289-2524. BrLD $-$$$
East Side Monthly • December 2017 63
The Miriam Hospital
Weight Management Program For over 25 years, our team of physicians, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, nurses and exercise physiologists have guided patients through safe, healthful weight loss. Health benefits achieved by patients after just 21 weeks in treatment: Average weight loss: 43 pounds Average reduction in blood pressure: from 130/79 to 116/72 Exclusive Rhode Island provider of OPTIFAST medical replacement supplements.
Two locations:
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December music | performance | social happenings | galleries | sports
THE TOP OF OUR LIST:
10 Events You Can’t Miss This Month
December 9: RI Community Food Bank Holiday Open House
1
Through December 10: Four actors take on 21 different roles in the three interwoven stories that unfold in The Gamm’s (GammTheatre. org) production of Incognito. It all asks the big question: are memory and identity real?
6
2
December 1: For this month’s installment in their First Fridays series, the Music Mansion (MusicMansion.org) is hosting New York percussion collective Rest/Noise as they perform Michael Gordon’s Timber.
7
3
December 1-2: Gilbert Gottfried – known for film and voice-over roles – is coming back to the Comedy Connection (RIComedyConnection. com) this month for two hilarious nights of comedy.
8
4
December 1-3, 8-10: The East Side is home to “America’s Oldest Little Theatre,” the Barker Playhouse (PlayersRI.org). Don’t miss this month’s performance of Isn’t It Romantic.
9
5
10
December 9: Give back this month at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s (RIFoodBank.org) Holiday Open House. Tour the facility and learn about their mission to help fellow Rhode Islanders in need.
December 9 and 14: The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island (JewishAllianceRI.org) celebrates Hanukkah with its Teen Hanukkah Party at Dwares JCC on December 9 and (401)j’s Vodka Latke for young adults at downtown’s Boombox karaoke lounge on December 14. December 10: As part of their Sunday Afternoon Music Series, Hamilton House (HistoricHamilton.com) presents Vox – Voices of Christmas at the Central Congregational Church Hall Auditorium. December 16: Get a taste of how they celebrated in the Victorian Era when Lippitt House Museum (PreserveRI.org) holds its Holiday Open House. Explore the historic home for an afternoon of music and treats. December 27-31: Anna, Elsa and Olaf skate into Providence for Frozen on Ice at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DunkinDonutsCenter.com). Sing along as the characters recreate Disney’s wintry classic. December 30: Mixed Magic Theatre (MMTRI.com) presents A Kwanzaa Song, an annual celebration of the holiday in music. This year’s performance will feature Karamu with music by the Mixed Magic Exult Choir.
East Side Monthly • December 2017 65
DEC - DEC
THE
MUSIC
arena & club | classical
SAN TALAND BY DAV ID SE DAR IS ADAPTED BY
JOE MANTELLO
ARENA & CLUB COLUMBUS THEATRE December 2: Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Bill Janovitz (Of Buffalo Tom). December 3: Lonnie Holley. December 8: Ian Felice. December 14: An Acoustic Evening with Dispatch. 270 Broadway, Providence. 621-9660, ColumbusTheatre.com
DIARIES
FETE MUSIC HALL December 1: La Secta Allstar. December 2: Kris Allen. December 3: Suicide Silence. December 8: The Morgana Phase.
TWO WEEKS ONLY!
December 9: The Nightmare Before Christmas. December 13: The Independents. December 15: Funky Dawgz Brass Band. December 21: ZOSO. December 22: The Sidewheelers. December 29: Kilgore. December 30: Dopapod. 103 Dike Street, Providence. 383-1112, FeteMusic.com THE MET December 2: Ripe. December 3: Makeout. December 4: The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra. December 7: Wolf Alice. December 9: Start Making Sense. December 10: Violin River. December 13: Samantha Fish. December 14: The MovieLife. December 22: Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey Christmas Show. December 28:
All That Jazz Don’t miss the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra at The Met
TH E PE R FECT SOLUTION
102 Waterman St., Providence, RI 02906 print@allegraprovidence.com www.allegraprovidence.com
You + Allegra is the simple solution for a solid and successful partnership. PR IN
print + mail + design
web + signs WEB
SI
GNS PROMO PR
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66
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D
D E SI
GN
M
T
AI
East Side Monthly • December 2017
December 4: One of the hottest shows all month is the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra’s monthly gig at The Met in Pawtucket. See local jazz musicians at the top of their game continuing a decades-long legacy of big band tunes. (TheMetRI.com)
Photography by Tony Pacitti
(401) 421-5160
lespecial. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 7291005, TheMetRI.com THE STRAND December 1: Real Deal Championship Boxing V. December 8: Lil Pump. December 9: Grace Evora. December 23: The Rosendale Group Presents: PnB Rock. December 28: Sammy Adams, The White Panda. 79 Washington Street, Providence. TheStrandRI.com
PERFORMANCE
comedy | dance | theatre COMEDY COLUMBUS THEATRE December 1: Rory Scovel. 270 Broadway, Providence. 621-9660, Columbus Theatre.com COMEDY CONNECTION December 1-2: Gilbert Gottfried. December 7: WPRO Roast of Tara Granahan. December 8-9: Mark Normand. December 15-16: Ian Edwards. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 438-8383, RIComedyConnection.com THEATRE TRINITY REP November 9-December 31: A Christmas Carol. 201 Washington Street, Providence. 3514242, TrinityRep.com
We Salute Our Veterans
We are honoring our brave veterans with special move-in incentives, including 10% off your first month’s rent and community fee and up to $500 toward moving expenses. We will also donate $100 in your honor to our local Veterans Association.
Learn more by calling 401-273-6565.
353 Blackstone Blvd | Providence, RI 02906 | Wingatehealthcare.com
David C. Isenberg Family
Early Childhood Center
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 7 9:00 - 11:00am
THE GAMM THEATRE November 9-December 10: Incognito. December 13-23: The Santaland Diaries. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, GammTheatre.org WILBURY THEATRE GROUP December 7-23: Church. 40 Sonoma Court, Providence. 400-7100, The WilburyGroup.org FESTIVAL BALLET December 15-17: Festival Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at PPAC. 220 Weybosset St, Providence. 401-421-ARTS, FestivalBallet.com
A beautiful place to learn, play and grow. Children ages 3 months - 5 years. All are Early arrival and extended day options available. Tuition includes: Meals & snacks, swim lessons, art, music, creative curriculum infused with Judaic values and so much more!
welcome!
401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org East Side Monthly • December 2017 67
On the Town Calendar
10,000 SQUARE FEET OF INDOOR PLAY SPACE!
Friars vs. Bears PC and Brown face off in a hometown showdown
w Plus 3,600 Square
Feet of Exterior Space
w Doggy Daycare and
Overnight Boarding
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and Staff 24/7
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December 6: The PC Friars will host Brown on their newly designed home court at the Dunk. Whoever it is you show up to cheer for – Coach Cooley and his Friars or the East Side’s own Bears – you’re sure to be in for four great quarters of basketball. (DunkinDonutsCenter.com)
LEARN
discussion | instruction | tour
with O rchestra
LADD OBSERVATORY Tuesdays: Telescope observing night, weather permitting. 210 Doyle Avenue. 863-2641, Brown.edu LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM December 7: Christmas Scotch Party. December 16: Holiday Open House. 199 Hope Street, Providence. 453-0688, LippittHouse.org
Saturday, December 2, 2017, 7:30pm Sunday, December 3, 2017, 2pm St. Martha’s Church 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, E. Providence Adults: $15, Seniors: $13, College with ID: $5 Under 12: Complimentary www.ChorusOfEP.org Beth Armstrong, Music Director Rena Anthony, Accompanist • Yohji Daquio, Soprano Accepting donations for St. Martha’s Food Pantry 68
East Side Monthly • December 2017
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND PLANETARIUM Saturdays and Sundays: Public Planetarium Shows (closed December 24-25, 31). December 2 and 16: MNH Winter Wonderland Fun. December 4: Discovery Tykes-Warm Winter Clothes. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. 785-9457, ProvidenceRI.gov/Museum PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARY Tuesdays: Free ESL class. Wednesdays: Poetry Group. December 2 and 9: Community Restorative Yoga. December 7: Adult Zumba.
December 21: East Side Cinema Night. Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence. 272-3780, ProvComLib.org
SOCIAL HAPPENINGS
expos | fundraisers | seasonal FOR FOODIES BOTTLES Thursdays: Spirit tasting. Fridays: Beer tasting. Saturdays: Wine tasting. 141 Pitman Street. 372-2030, BottlesFineWine.com FARM FRESH RHODE ISLAND Saturdays 9am-1pm: Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market at Hope Artiste Village. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. FarmFreshRI.org
GALLERIES RISD MUSEUM Through December 3: Altered States: Etching
Got one of these? in Late 19th-Century Paris. Through January 7: Line of Thought: From Michelangelo to Now from the British Museum. Through February 25: Stranger than Paradise. 20 North Main Street, Providence. 454-6530, RISDMuseum.org ARTPROV GALLERY Through January 13: Jessica Burko. 150 Chestnut Street, Providence. 641-5182, ArtProvidence.com GALLERY Z Through December 23: Affordable Art. December 21: Affordable Art reception. 259 Atwells Avenue, Providence. 4548844, GalleryZProv.com PROVIDENCE ART CLUB Through December 8: Various art classes. 11 Thomas Street, Providence. 331-1114, ProvidenceArtClub.org
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SPORTS BROWN UNIVERSITY December 1: Women’s Ice Hockey vs Rensselaer. December 2: Men’s Basketball vs. Central Connecticut State; Women’s Ice Hockey vs Union. December 6: Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Bentley; Women’s Basketball vs. Sacred Heart. December 9: Men’s Basketball vs. UMass Lowell. December 22: Women’s Basketball vs. Boston University; Men’s Basketball vs. Marist. Various venues, BrownBears.com PROVIDENCE COLLEGE December 1: Men’s Ice Hockey vs. University of New Hampshire. December 2: Women’s Basketball vs. Brown. December 6: Men’s Basketball vs. Brown. December 8-9: Men’s Ice Hockey vs. RIT. December 9: Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Boston University. December 17: Men’s Basketball vs. Stony Brook. December 21: Women’s Basketball vs. Boston College. December 22: Men’s Basketball vs. Sacred Heart. December 28: Women’s Basketball vs. Georgetown. Various venues, Friars.com
Gotta get out? Providence Media Have no spend? November 1,time 2017, East to Side Monthly, December Issue 1/3 ad: 5.125" x 4.75"
Let Dakota’s Pet Services Care For Your Friend!
Dog Walking • In-Home Boarding • Hotel Sitting Wedding Escort • Pick Up & Drop Off Taxi Overnites Administration Of Medications Pet Sitting & More! Pet CPR/First Aid Certified • PSI Pet Sitters International Member • Bonded & Insured
401-862-6097 • www.mydps.me debbie@mydps.me East Side Monthly • December 2017 69
Business Spotlight
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
IASIMONE PLUMBING 4 Season Care For Your Property
Keeping Homes Warm and Dry in Winter
HEATING & DRAIN CLEANING, INC.
INSTALLATIONS REPAIRS • REPLACEMENTS We are always providing a Free Estimate
WINNER OF THE SUPER SERVICE AWARD FROM ANGIE’S LIST FOUR YEARS IN A ROW! We Can Do Anything With Water Except Walk On It
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Servicing all of RI & nearby Mass. for over 35 years
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
27 Allen Avenue, North Providence (401) 300-9761 • iasimonephdc.com
T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc.
Ornamental and Shade Tree Specialists • fine hand pruning • tree preservation • hazard tree removal • tree evaluation & diagnosis • tree planting consultation 331-8527 • tfmorra.com ALSO OFFERING THE IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS METHOD “After a week of treatment, all the pain was gone... I recommend Dr. Tom to everyone I know.” – J.T.
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49 Old Pocasset Road, Johnston BriarCliffeGardens.com
Chiropractic Physician
70
Happy Holidays
East Side Monthly • December 2017
T
he IASIMONE PLUMBING family has been working in and around Rhode Island for over 35 years; you can’t find a better team with more experience than Louis and the fully licensed and insured crew at Iasimone. They specialize in sinks and faucets, bathroom fixtures, water lines, dishwashers, water heaters and boilers, as well as water and sewage services. Call on them for any plumbing, heating, or drain servicing needs. Iasimone also offers appliance installation. Client satisfaction is Iasimone’s number one priority. They focus on giving every call the attention it deserves and have had some clients for decades. They’ve been the recipient of Angie’s List’s Super Service Award for multiple years, and you can always rely on their no-cost worry-free estimates. With the colder months upon us, it’s a good time for to schedule regular boiler maintenance, which is required to keep things running safely and efficiently. Iasimone is there to help clients keep their gas boilers in good running condition. Be sure to check that your thermostat is working properly to avoid wasting fuel and energy. Remember to keep an eye on your pilot light to make sure it’s burning a healthy blue and isn’t damaged. When in doubt, you can always give Louis and Iasimone Plumbing, Heating and Drain Cleaning a call to make sure that you’re in good shape for the winter.
Iasimone Plumbing, Heating and Drain Cleaning 27 Allen Ave, North Providence 300-9761; IasimonePHDC.com
Business Spotlight
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Is Your Car Ready for Winter Weather?
Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors
Get Ahead Of The Storm And Winterize Your Vehicle Today. We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models • ASE Certified • RI inspection and repair station #27b
FIND A WORRYFREE PRE-OWNED EUROPEAN CAR? Sure! Choose color, features, mileage & your budget up front. Your dream car is hand-selected, vetted & warrantied. Plus expert service, free pick-up & delivery. Call for a Free Consultation
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
729 East Avenue • 401-723-1111 (Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid)
TOP APPLIANCES AT LOW PRICES
A
chieve peace of mind by ensuring your vehicle is prepared for upcoming winter driving conditions. Sue at TOMASSO AUTO SWEDISH MOTORS explains that, first and foremost, check your tires. “Don’t wait until the last minute to see if your tires are good enough for that first snow fall,” she explains. Secondly, make sure your antifreeze levels are adequate and wiper blades are in good shape. Check your battery; even if it looks good today, you should know that batteries in the four-to-five year age range show their weakness on that first super cold day. While it’s tempting to let your wiper blades function as snow removal devices, you shouldn’t do it as it puts pressure on the motors and will make them go prematurely. If you did a lot of heavy driving this summer, have your suspension looked at which, along with tires and brakes, can be examined during any routine oil change. Another pro tip is to always make sure your tire pressure is optimal for both safe driving and to have the longest gas mileage. Always use premium gas and give your car a chance to warm up on cold days to allow fluids to get to their proper places before driving. Sue concludes, “And whether we’re in summer or winter, the path to your car’s longevity is to keep up with the maintenance.” Call Swedish Motors today to get your vehicle ready for winter.
Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors 729 East Avenue, Pawtucket 723-1111; SwedishMotors-TomassoAuto.com
STAINLESS REFRIGERATORS RANGES • HOODS WASHERS & DRYERS BUILT-IN REFRIGERATION
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New Showroom with Over 400 Scratch & Dent Appliances!
299 Walcott Street, Pawtucket 723.0500 • www.KitchenGuys.com
1271 North Main Street, Providence 437-8421 358 Broad Street, Providence 273-7050
The Dwares JCC is
Membership is open to EVERYone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexuality, ethnic background or family constellation. Fitness Center, Indoor Pool, Gymnasium, Early Childhood Center, After School Program, Family Programming, Cultural Arts and more!
Stop in or call to learn more!
In the heart of Providence’s East Side...
Dwares Rhode Island
401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org
Living
The Ar t of
YOUR Community Center. REGENCY PLAZA
Regency Plaza Apartments (401) 861-0400 • Elegantly renovated apartments • Exceptional views • 24-hr concierge
• Fitness center • Resident lounge • Pool and Jacuzzi • Movie theater
www.regencyplaza.com East Side Monthly • December 2017 71
SERVICE PIONEER BASEMENT
The healthy choice for wet basements, crawl spaces, moisture & air quality control. Foundation repair. Certified. Insured. Reg. #3934. Cell 401215-7985 or 1-800-649-6140.
DIRECTORY Lees’s House
CLeaning
Basic cleaning Over 20 yrs. in business
Reasonable rates
SUPERB HOUSEPAINTING
Refernce on request
High end workmanship. Small jobs a specialty. Call Ron 7513242. Reg. #18128.
HOME & BUSINESS SERVICES
MALIN PAINTING
Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based & latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, Many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. 226-8332. Reg. #19226.
HANDYMAN
Repair & small job specialist. clearproppvd@gmail.com. Reg. 40738
PROPERTY MANAGER
Available. On call 24/7. Rent collection. Rentals, evictions, maintenance. 421-0092.
DOROTHY’S CLEANING We clean your home as our own! References & free estimates. 401-524-7453 or 401-228-6273.
HOUSE CLEANING Experienced. Local references. Free estimates. Call Lilly, 401-419-2933.
BEYOND THE PALE
785-1230
House Cleaning If you need a house cleaner who is organized, with good prices and excellent references, call
401-475-3283 954-709-6713
Interior/Exterior
723-0560
Carpentry Renovations Gutter Cleaning Chimney Pointing Roof Leaks Repaired
Providence
LiCenSed • Bonded • inSured ri Contr 937 MP #1578 MPF 1355
Lead Certified
Reg. #1903
Insured
248-5248
DavidOnkenPainting.com
Prompt, Reliable Quality Work
Interior, Exterior, Residential/Commercial Wallpaper Hanging, Power Washing, Staining 25 Years Experience
EAST SIDE HANDYMAN
Repairs, upgrades & renovations. Small jobs welcome. Many East Side references. Insured. Call 524-6421. Reg. #3052
(401) 885-1580 • (401) 323-6100 cell R.I. Lic 7140 Liab/ Work Comp Insured
Advertise in the
We Specialize in painting & carpentry
For as low as
$15! Email
SueH@RhodyBeat.com 72
Standing & Stripping
Vintage Lighting Specialist Chandelier Repairs & Cleaning Serving the East Side for 24 Years
Power Washing
Fences Sheds Houses Walkways Etc. Restainging Oil Latex Semis Epoxys Coating
Free Estimates
East Side References Reg. 3469 Fully Insured 30 yr. in business
Call 944-0336 T & T Painting
Seasoned JOBS BY JIM Firewood $250/cord • $175/half Serving the East Side for over 20 years!
Cellars & Attics Cleaned Unwanted Removed Estate Cleaning
Call cell 401-742-7258 Reg. #4614
(Free Devlivery)
Power Raking Hammering Augering Free Estimates
Vinny’s Landscaping
& BOBCAT SERVICES
Call 497-1461
The Finest in New England Craftmanship
Levine Painting Co., Inc. Boreal Remodeling
Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 573-4498
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Carpentry Repairs
Repairing all types of Lamps
401-831-8693
Complete Plumbing & Heating Service
the Holidays! Deck Sheds Porches Fence Corrections
www.ChrisLampRepair.com
David Onken Painting
Spruce Up For
We Make Housecalls!!!
Fully Insured
ask for Lee. Please leave a messgae
R.W. Desrosiers Inc.
CHRIS’ LAMP REPAIR
Experts in Water Problems
From Roofs, Gutters & Basements Over 20 years of experience on historical homes Certified Lead Renovated LRM #0514 RI Reg #7320 • Fully insured GEt it donE! Call today! Call Al Medina (401) 438-8771 or (401) 323-8252
East Side Monthly • December 2017
General Home Repair, including Kitchens,Baths, Decks & Additions Reg. # 22013
Michael Packard • (401) 441-7303
Leasing J Sales
www.PilotRI.us
REAL ESTATE
info@PilotRI.us (401) 527-4690
East East Side Side Condo Condo
Beautiful, 2 &bed & 1Pretty bath!hardwood Pretty Beautiful, 2 bed 1 bath! floors throughout! Updated kitchen w/ hardwood floors throughout! maple cabinets & full updated bath! Large Updated kitchen w/maple cabinets living room & large bedrooms! Cute breakfast nook! Laundry privateliving storage & full updated bath!&Large room in basement. Professional mgmt. & large bedrooms! Cute 2 room car assigned parking. Great commuter location. Easy highway access. & Enjoy this breakfast nook! Laundry private lovely penthouse! $159,900 storage room in basement.
Kate Foster Real Professional mgmt. 2 car Estate assigned
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
parking. Great commuter location. 401-477-6314 Easy highway access. Enjoy this $159,900 lovely CARE penthouse! KIND ~ SENIORS
Kate Foster Real Estate Appointments, errands, shopping, cleaning & maint. 401-477-6314 Refs. Safety bars installed. Reg #3052. 559-0848. LEATHERWORKS, LLC
A leather and vinyl restoration company. We specialize in furniture, automobiles, boats and aircrafts. Call 837-0548 or visit LeatherWorksRI.com.
Make your Home
Merry & Bright TREES • WREATHS • DECORATIONS
AUDIO/VIDEO HELP
If you need help with your TV, home theater or stereo, call Jon Bell, 383-4102. Simply Sight & Sound. Reasonable rates. 30 years experience.
CHARLIE’S KNIFE SHARPENING: Henckles, Wusthof, Victorinox-Forchner and serrated knifes. Call 831-6187.
WANTED
USED MUSIC WANTED!
Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. 351-6292.
I BUY BOOKS
Old, used and almost new. Also photography, art, etc. jcminich1@gmail.com 286-9329.
165 Pitman Street Providence 401-831-7771 eastsidemarket.com East Side Monthly • December 2017 73
EAST SIDER By Amanda M. Grosvenor
Incubating Change Professor Tricia Rose sees Providence’s future in its socially engaged young people
74
East Side Monthly • December 2017
lives downtown). She is currently working on a fourth book about structuralism. Rose serves on the boards of heavy-hitting national organizations like the Nathan Cummings Foundation, Color of Change and Black Girls Rock, and has some local favorite nonprofits as well, including the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, Year Up Providence, the RI chapter of the Petey Greene Program, AS220 and Youth in Action. She feels that the wealth of local universities and the affordability of Providence living creates “an environment where young people start incubating ways to make contributions... and put their energy towards making social change.” There’s one other well-known organization that stands out to Rose. “When I was first hired here, my husband and I drove cross country from California,” she recounts. “We had been
invited to light the basins at the WaterFire happening the day of our arrival.” They had never heard of WaterFire, but someone connected to founder Barnaby Evans had suggested them. “When we first got into the boat, I was like, ‘Whatever’,” Rose recalls. “Within ten minutes, I was in tears. It was so powerful. There was an incredible diversity of people peacefully enjoying things together – it was like an ideal world.”
If you had one wish to enhance life on the East Side, what would it be? “The East Side is a little too homogeneous for me; I think the combination of racial and class diversity would make it feel a little less homogeneous and precious. And definitely some more cutting-edge vegan supermarkets and restaurants!”
Photo by Jim MacKenzie
In a city renowned for its top-tier universities and brilliant academic minds, Professor Tricia Rose stands out from the crowd. She’s currently Brown University’s Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies, the director for its Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America (Brown.edu/Academics/Race-Ethnicity), and Associate Dean of the Faculty for Special Initiatives. Her groundbreaking first book, Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America, was a seminal treatise that set the “terms of the conversation” on the subject when it was published in 1994, and is still taught in schools today. Rose earned her PhD in American Studies at Brown in 1993, and was the first person in the U.S. to write a doctoral dissertation about hip-hop. Twelve years ago, she returned to the East Side to work at the university (she
* N E W P ORT
NARRAGANSETT
PROVIDENCE
EAST SIDE
J A M E S TO W N
WATC H H I L L
B LO C K I S L A N D
BRISTOL
COLLEGE HILL | WEB ID: 1174198 $995,000 | 401.274.1644
WATERFRONT W/ DOCK | WEB ID: 1170599 $2,399,000 | 401.789.6666
SOLD EAST SIDE - ANGELL ST. CONDOS WAYLAND SQUARE | 5-BED TOWNHOUSE SOLD: $465,000 | 401.274.1644
BRISTOL - STONE HARBOUR
WATERFRONT CONDO | WEB ID: 1175877 $799,000 | 401.848.2101
BARRINGTON - LIONS HEAD
PROVIDENCE - WATERPLACE CONDO
4-BEDROOMS | WEB ID: 1174627 $695,000 | 401.274.1644
DOWNTOWN | WEB ID: 1163146 $375,000 | 401.274.1644
SOLD
SOLD
BRISTOL - POPPASQUASH PT.
EAST SIDE - GROTTO
BRISTOL - BRISTOL HARBOR
WATERFRONT | WEB ID: 1172163 $5,750,000 | 401.848.2101
ORIGINAL DETAILS | WALK TO WATER SOLD: $1,150,000 | 401.274.1644
WATERFRONT ACCESS | 4-BEDROOMS SOLD: $895,000 | 401.274.1644
BRISTOL - BRISTOL HIGHLANDS 4-BEDROOMS | WEB ID: 1173179 $829,000 | 401.848.2101
PROVIDENCE
PROVIDENCE - MONOHASSET MILL WEST SIDE | LOFT STYLE CONDO SOLD: $308,000 | 401.274.1644
369 SOUTH MAIN ST
SOLD
SOLD
EAST SIDE - WAYLAND SQUARE 2-BED CONDO | WEB ID: 1164800 $699,900 | 401.274.1644
BARRINGTON - HAMPDEN MEADOWS 4-BEDROOMS | FENCED-IN YARD SOLD: $532,000 | 401.274.1644
401.274.1644
* #1 LUXURY RANKING BASED ON HIGHEST TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME OF THE TOP 10 HOME SALES IN THE STATE OF RI FOR 2016. ALL REPRESENTATIONS IN THIS PRESENTATION ARE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE STATEWIDE MLS. THE MLS DOES NOT GUARANTEE AND IS NOT IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ACCURACY. DATA MAINTAINED BY THE MLS MAY NOT REFLECT ALL REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN THE MARKET.