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FEATURES

NEWS & LIFE

Storytelling Fest Long-standing annual event uplifts Black voices from around the world

21 CO V E R S TO R Y

Now & Zen Ways to find peace and quiet in a noisy new year

30 HOME & STYLE

Fresh Starts Upcycled curbside finds outfit a Bristol Cape on a shoestring budget

44 FOOD & DRINK

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CONTENTS

P ho to cou rtesy of M ayf l ower Wal l paper

P h oto cour tesy o f The Blue Ro om

P h o to by T h o m as Walsh. courtesy of FUNDA Fest

News & Life

Home & Style

Food & Drink

Art & Culture

10 Rhode Island’s

33 INFLUENCER: Cranston-

40 EXPERIENCE: Music and

50 Warwick author

storied hockey legacy

raised on-air personality’s love of radio and Rhody

mystique at a Cranston bar

examines the realities of longer lifespans

12 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month

14 RHODY GEM: Holistic therapies in a cozy Cominicut cottage

34 STYLE: Start the year off peachy with RI goods in a headline-making hue

36 SHOP: A chat with the designer of Oprah’s fave workout wear

42 RECIPE: Jumpstart breakfast with chia seed pudding and local granola

46 IN THE KITCHEN: The owners behind EP’s gluten-free market

52 RHODY READS: Six picks from the bestseller behind a Watch Hill author series 54 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO:

47 RHODY EATS:

56 HEY RHODY PHOTOS

A prescription for RI’s PCP shortage

RESTAURANT GUIDE

A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

On the Cover: A hygge scene by Abigail Brown

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January 2024

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

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Allison Magnus Erin McGinn Liz Murray Adriana Owens Photography Michelle Swain Thomas Walsh

Ann Martini Andrea E. McHugh Hugh Minor Liz Murray Deborah Goodrich Royce Jenny Currier Shand

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S a me great team and content, all new look for our suite o f lon g -loved p u b lic ation s Providence Media Inc. has been a publishing staple in Rhode Island since 1975. Our team has changed over the years, but our commitment to bringing the best of the Ocean State to local readers has never faltered. Our company began with East Side Monthly and over the years added Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody to our line-up of magazines, eventually combining East Side Monthly with Providence Monthly to create a singular resource for the capital city. Our publications cover Greater Providence, South County, the East Bay, and statewide audiences. Along with a brand new look for our regional publications, 2024 is bringing a new name for our company: Hey Rhody Media Co. All the while we’ve also been building our digital presence, with a twice-weekly free e-newsletter, plus Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, HeyRhody.com, and a newly minted YouTube channel (more on that later), allowing us and our valued advertisers to meet Rhody readers where they are. We thought it was about time that our company name

reflected our years of growth and our statewide coverage. What better way to rebrand than utilizing the name of our popular statewide magazine, Hey Rhody? At Hey Rhody Media Co., we pride ourselves on the incredible employees that have joined us over the years. We have top-notch account executives, an incredible editorial team, the most creative production/art department, and an innovative digital media specialist, all of whom have made this company what it is. Best of all, we’re making this name change ourselves – there’s no corporate buy-out or out-of-state takeover – it’s a celebration of our growth and commitment. Happy New Year! General Manager/Creative Director

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CONTRIBUTORS

GET RELIEF FROM FOOT PAIN

ASHLEY ERLING You know Ashley Erling from her work on WPRI-TV as the stylish and unflappable on-air personality, always at the ready with questions and quips while looking fabulous. We enlisted Erling to write about a broadcast colleague who recently changed radio stations, and is as excited as ever to be living her ‘tween dreams on the air. Tune into the Influencer column on page 33.

ÒÎÃÐÖÃÔ ÈÃÕÅËËÖËÕ ¶ ÊËÉÊ ÃÔÅÊÇÕ ÈÎÃÖ ÈÇÇÖ ¶ ÈÑÑÖ ÃÔÅÊ ÊÇÇÎ ÒÃËÐ ÕÑÔÇ ÃÅÊÛ ÈÇÇÖ PAIN RELIEF & PREVENTION CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS

AMBER JACKSON If you’re a tea drinker, you need to know about Amber Jackson, founder of the Black Leaf Tea Cafe in Providence. Through her Young Black Professionals Mixer and Tea Talks, Jackson curates engaging conversations with like-minded entrepreneurs so we knew she’d be perfect to spill the tea on how her designer-friend’s wears made a very famous holiday gift list. Find “Reaching for the Stars” on page 36.

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ANDREA E. MCHUGH When we floated the idea of an article on how to create and sustain calm during chaotic times, longtime contributor Andrea McHugh was off and running. In this month’s cover story, “Now & Zen” (page 21), she talks to a trio of business owners – a med spa, pilates studio, and ceramics studio – about the benefits of treatments and treating yourself.

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DAVID BOWIE REBEL REBEL Saturday 1/20 | 7:30pm

STEELY DAN HEY NINETEEN Thursday 1/25 | 1:30pm

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HUGH MINOR Contributor Hugh Minor is forever on the lit beat, keeping up with new releases, visiting local independent bookstores, and digging deep into the stories behind the stories. In “Keep It 100” (page 50), Minor shares insights from the Warwick author behind a buzzworthy book about what longer life expectancies will mean to all of us in the very near future.

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NEWS & LIFE H o c key | R h o d y P e t s | R h o d y G e m | T h e P u b l i c ’ s R a d i o | Fe s t i va l

10 Providence Hockey Club playing at the RI Sports Center in North Smithfield Photo by Thom Cahir

NEWS & LIFE

History on Ice

Hockey has long been part of Rhode Island’s DNA By Thom Cahir

Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

Learn more about the state’s underrated hockey history with a visit to the RI Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Wall of Fame” kiosk at the Amica Mutual Pavillion in Providence, and read up online about local legends like David Emma, Chris Terreri, Sara DeCosta-Hayes, the Friar NCAA champs of 2015, and more online at RIHHOF.com.

Patrick and Connor Little at a UMassDartmouth Corsairs freshman hockey game

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo by Alyssa Little

hile hockey now ap peals to a nationwide audience, few know of the outsized part Rhode Island played in the early growth of the sport. Attraction increased because of the diverse pool interested in a fast-paced game, played outdoors at a time with few recreational opportunities. It also didn’t hurt that locally, those promoting it were just as diverse. A pioneer of the sport, Rhode Island-born Malcolm G. Chace, said to be “the father of hockey in the United States,” brought the Canadian pastime to New England as a Brown University student in the 1890s. This led to seven metro high schools organizing into the RI Interscholastic League soon after, and from there the sport’s local presence expanded. Traits needed to play the game a century ago are the same today: time, commitment, and determination – something parents, coaches, and competitors all agree upon. Vin Cimini, longtime coach at La Salle Academy and six-time state champ who manages the RI Hockey Hall of Fame, explains, “Once there were 30 high school teams playing hockey.” Today, with changing demographics and expenses, programs are merging to play as co-op teams. For many high school players, their op tions after graduation are either heading to prep school or fighting for spots in junior leag ues. Smithfield parent William Hawkins shares that his son Bill graduated this year, but with no recruiters calling , he chose the Eastern Hockey Leag ue option and now plays for the Seahawks Hockey Club in Dennis, MA. Hawkins explains that college coaches are looking for men and not 18-year-old kids, “g uys who can grind in the corners.” Almost 100 years ago, the Rhode Island Auditorium opened, and the Providence

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Reds, Senior Amateur, and Industrial Hockey League games played to nearly filled arenas, as municipalities built smaller but equally popular venues. Brown built Meehan Auditorium in the 1960s, The Providence Civic Center replaced the auditorium in 1972, and the following year Providence College opened Schneider Arena, expanding the fan base and the ability for players to get more ice time and increase their skills. For decades, Rhode Island has churned out professionals and Olympians. Curt Bennett of Cranston was the first, drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 1968. Since then, Brian Lawton of Cumberland was also drafted into the National Hockey Leag ue (NHL), as well as Cranston’s David Emma, who played in the Olympics. Former Brown women’s coach and hockey analyst Digit Murphy points out that, “Sometime in the ‘80s, the model changed.” There was a “scarcity of resources…not enough rinks or time.” Kids who had grown up using the local field to play various sports in every season were now focused on a single sport that requires a specific maintained facility. But hockey parents don’t seem to regret the commitment, recounting team trips to Canada and the Midwest, putting hundreds of thousands of miles on multiple cars over the years. Sarah Crowell’s son started playing high school this year and says, “If we’re not going to work, we’re heading to a rink.” Says another parent, Erin Woodside, “ The pride of seeing them succeed from learn-to -skate programs to becoming a collegiate-level player is worth ever y 5am practice, so -cold-you-can-see-your-breath ice rink, and tournament weekend. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.” And Patrick Little of WPRI-T V, also a hockey dad, sums it up with, “You can’t put a dollar value on the car rides and moments; it’s been the most rewarding time, and worth ever y penny.”

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NEWS & LIFE

Rhody Pets of the Month By Karen Kalunian Lizzy

Liberty

Photo by Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furr y friend into your home ? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees. If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

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Photo by Allison Magnus

Lizzy

L i b e r ty

What’s black, white, and happy all over ? The answer is Lizzy, a two -yearold hound mix with the biggest smile around. She adores people but would prefer a pet-free home with a fencedin yard so she can run around and play. Visit the shelter Wednesdays, 5-7pm, or Saturdays, 10am-2pm to meet her.

This young beauty is Liberty, AKA Libby, a golden-coated beauty with golden eyes to match! She is a two year-old mixed breed with a fun, playful temperament, who’s longing to be loved. She may even like to have another (male) doggie friend in the house to play with if you are looking for a second dog.

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Nebula This two-year-old tabby will captivate you with her ethereal striped coat and out-of-thisworld green eyes. Nebula’s best fit would be an adult home and human companions who can give her love, time, and patience – and, of course, lots of treats! She longs for attention but at her own pace, and will warm up to you when she’s comfortable. SCRUFFY PAWS ANIMAL RESCUE

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NEWS & LIFE

RI Vitality Center Ho l i sti c Practitioner What it is: A healing and wellness center offering different types of holistic therapies.

W h e re i t i s : En route to Conimicut Point, look for the small white cottage at the corner of Church Avenue and West Shore Road.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m? “One practitioner, one client, ever y single time,” is one of the mottos at Rhode Island Vitality Center, the wellness hub owned and operated by Fran Carroll, CRM, CLC. Since 1998, Carroll has been helping clients achieve physical and mental well-being through a holistic approach and by creating a serene and welcoming space, where clients can even take 10 complimentar y minutes before each session to relax, sip herbal tea, and enjoy a snack prior to therapy. Her range of ser vices includes life coaching , specializing in depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD, and ADHD ; reiki; reflexolog y on a heated massage table ; and ear candling , which can reduce vertigo, sinus pressure, tinnitus, and more. There are also signature “Fran Therapies” like a sinus drain using fresh herbs grown in her garden. Carroll’s mission is to support others on their healing journey, and she strives to make clients feel helped and heard with therapies tailored to their needs.

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Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

Photo courtesy of RI Vitality Center

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NEWS & LIFE

A Prescription for Rhode Island’s Primary Care Provider Shortage As many as 200,000 Rhode Islanders could be without access to primary care by 2030 unless state lawmakers and educators take steps to address the doctor shortage. In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Lynn Arditi

LYNN ARDITI: Does Rhode Island have too few doctors ? Or do we have too few of certain types of doctors ?

DR. JEFFREY BORKAN: We clearly have too few primary care doctors. And when we talk about family medicine primary care, pediatrics primary care internal medicine, and medicine pediatrics. The majority of graduates of residency programs go into subspecialty care. So they might be pediatric nephrologists, or adult endocrinologists but they’re not providing primary care. In addition, family [practice] medicine is present in the state and we have training programs, but we’re not training enough to even replace those who are retiring.

in Rhode Island versus our richer and larger cousins in Massachusetts and Connecticut. So we have to reform payments, we have to reform incentives. We also have to go and really work on recruitment. And that’s recruitment of medical students, residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, physician assistants to get them to go into primary care. And there’s several ways we can do that. One is: Why don’t we reduce tuition and student debt for those who are going to practice primary care and stay in Rhode Island?

ARDITI: But Rhode Island does, in fact, have what they call a Graduate Medical Education Fund. And they do have loan repayment up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance to all health care professionals who commit to working in, like, a community with a shortage of healthcare providers or other barriers to care. Is that just simply not enough?

ARDITI: Last year, less than 30 percent of the physicians who completed medical residency programs in Rhode Island chose primary care. And then only 14 percent remained in Rhode Island after they completed their residency. What can a small state like ours do to encourage primary care doctors to practice in Rhode Island as opposed to nearby Boston or New York City?

BORKAN: These are excellent programs, but they’re not enough. Right now, there is a small program in Rhode Island for loan repayment, loan forgiveness, for those who are going into primary care. But there’s more people who are applying to it then there’s money so the state needs to put more money into that program. And at this point, there is no program to try to reduce the disparities in pay. So medical students who decide to go and practice in Rhode Island, they may make four times as much in the subspecialty as they might in primary care. So we’re thinking, shouldn’t they pay different amounts of tuition if they’re going to go into primary care? Or they should pay less than someone who’s going into a subspecialty? And is there something we can do about those disparities, whether it’s between specialties in primary care or between Rhode Island and the states around us?

BORKAN: Right now, there’s great disparities between what you can earn if you go into primary care versus going into specialty. And there’s also great disparities if you decide to practice

ARDITI: I’m wondering if you proposed to Brown administrators to have primary care doctors pay less than tuition, because ultimately, when they get out, they’re going

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Dr. Jeffrey Borkan, assistant dean for primary care at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, standing outside medical offices in Pawtucket, where he supervised residents in family medicine

to earn less in their field. Do you think that would be acceptable? Do you think that that would even be something that they would consider ? They’re a private institution.

BORKAN: I’ve approached deans over the last 20 years about: can medical students going into primary care pay less? I think the attitude of the medical school has been that that is an important question, but that the funding should come from the health systems and from the state, rather than the school. But, you know, it may be that this requires everyone to kind of put some money into the pool to help us reduce the problem and increase primary care in the state.

ARDITI: Is there any legislation on the forefront [for the 2024 General Assembly session] that would actually address the funding for defraying some of these costs ? BORKAN: So the primar y care task force of

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo by Lynn Arditi

he nationwide shortage of primary care doctors is expected to get worse. A study by the Robert Graham Center projects that by 2030, Rhode Island will have a shortfall of about 100 primary care physicians, or 11 percent of its workforce. That would leave as many as 200,000 Rhode Islanders without access to primary care, said Dr. Jeffrey Borkan, assistant dean for primary care at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Borkan talked with Health reporter Lynn Arditi about what Rhode Island can do to replenish the ranks of the state’s primary care providers

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the [nonprofit] Care Transformation Collaborative - Rhode Island [is] really pushing two legislative initiatives. The first one is to have scholarships for five students going into primar y care, five students going into nurse practitioner programs, and five students going into physician assistant programs, where the tuition would be covered with the agreement that they return for at least eight years to the state of Rhode Island and practice primar y care…The other legislative initiative we’re pushing is to help to pay for the sites where people are getting training to offset some of the cost. Right now, almost all of the work is done either as a volunteer, or for ver y small payments that don’t make up or defray the actual costs of training people in your office. So we’d like to expand the number of training sites for primar y care providers in the state. We’d also like to create a curriculum that cuts across the physician, nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs and really raises all boats with advanced primar y care.

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ARDITI: Is there any model for this kind of program and other parts of the countr y that you’ve seen work? BORKAN: Many other states have large programs that put tens of millions, even hundreds of millions [of dollars] into helping to create a primary care workforce. Massachusetts, our neighbor [is] funding a program like what we’re considering somewhere to the tune of $145 million per year. Rhode Island doesn’t have a public medical school. We think, though, that the legislature in the state has a vested interest in the kinds of practitioners that will meet the needs of Rhode Island. And to get there we need state funding.

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This article was originally posted on December 5, 2023. Health reporter Lynn Arditi can be reached at larditi@thepublicsradio.org

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NEWS & LIFE

From t ra d i n g t a l es to s h a r i n g a tabl e, t h e a n n u a l B l a c k storyte l l i n g fe st i va l hosts p e r fo r m e rs f ro m aro und t he wo r l d By Ruthie Wood

Storyteller Kala Jojo from last year’s festival

elling stories is a fundamental human experience. Since ancient times, storytelling has played a role in teaching people history and values. Because of this legacy, the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS) chose the name “funda,” a Zulu word meaning “to teach and to learn,” for their annual storytelling programming, FUNDA Fest. It doesn’t hurt that the term also includes the word “fun” in it. “We define Black storytelling as the oral arts of African descended people from around the world,” says Valerie Tutson, executive director of RIBS. “It has always been important to us to show the diversity of Black people and our voices and stories and experiences.” For many, “storytelling” may be associated with fairy tales and children’s stories, or narratives broadcasted on radio shows and podcasts. Tutson stresses that for this festival, storytelling encompasses so much more: “[Our programming ] runs the gambit, so you’ll hear personal stories; you’ll also hear stories that come from history, [and] stories that are deep, cultural traditions.” Tutson references Jamaican Anansi stories, “which came from the African captives from West Africa, so there are all these cultural connections that come with folklore, as well as the fairy tales and traditional stories. You’ll also get poetry and spoken word.” Storytelling takes a teller and a listener – both are equally important, and both take part in the art of conversation. “When you’re really focused on the oral tradition of storytelling, it’s about what is happening for the whole community in that moment,” Tutson explains. “The experience is more about what is happening for us together as opposed to just me telling my story. This is about the ‘us,’ and not just about the ‘me.’” Stemming around the notion that diverse modes create space for a plethora of conversations, FUNDA Fest is hosting three special events amidst its traditional offerings this year. Community Flavors brings people together around a table to share food and anecdotes, with prompts offered by RIBS tellers. There will be a special night dedicated to exploring the relationship between storytelling and hip hop, in recognition of the genre’s 50th anniversary. Another new event this year is a night of Hard to Tell Stories, a space dedicated to the voices of Black men. The last day of FUNDA Fest serves to kick off Black History Month at Southside Cultural Center of RI. Performances will feature

Photos by Thomas Walsh, courtesy of FUNDA Fest

Black Stories Matter

IYRS SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY & TRADES NEWPORT, RI

+++ Accredited, hands-on career training in the marine trades & modern manufacturing since 1993 Len Cabral performing at last year’s FUNDA Fest

www.iyrs.edu

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Sylvia Ann Soares portraying Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, an Afro-Indigenous woman who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1918. Soares’ performance will be followed by two documentary films: one on Black baseball in Rhode Island, the other following Black tennis players. The festival will conclude with artist April Armstrong presenting her show about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman aviator. Other highlights include internationally acclaimed storyteller Len Cabral, guest performer Sidy Maiga, and Amina Blackwood Meeks. The stories, histories, and cultural traditions shared at FUNDA Fest are meant for everybody. “We believe it is vital and healing to be able to bring the community together across generations,” Tutson asserts, and 26 years in the making, she’s seen it happen. “We’ve had kids grow up coming to FUNDA Fest. Now, we have some of them bringing their own children.” FUNDA Fest consists of three weekends of public performances and community outreach from January 19 to February 3 at various locations. For a full schedule of events and programming, visit FUNDAFest.org. JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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PLANNING FOR THE LONG-TERM CARE OF YOUR AGING LOVED ONE Finding the right care for your aging loved one can be complicated. And their needs may change over time. Let an Aging Life Care Specialist guide you through the process. It all begins with listening. Contact Saint Elizabeth Community to arrange an assessment with one of our certi®ed and skilled Aging Life Care Specialists. A;>IDD@IDA;> info@stelizabethcommunity.org StElizabethCommunity.org Saint Elizabeth Community is a nonprofit, nonsectarian 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and CareLink Partner. Saint Elizabeth Community is a member of the national Aging Life Care Association, the experts in aging well.

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zen Now and CUT THROUGH THE CHAOS AND FIND YOUR INNER CALM THIS NEW YEAR

Photo by John Hasselbarth, courtesy of Rare Form Pilates

BY ANDREA E. MCHUGH

wyneth Paltrow makes it look so easy – serenity, centering , energ y work, healing , lotions, potions, clean eats, and scandalously scented candles that, well, let’s just say, metaphorically light the way – all suggest the promise of omnipresent inner peace and perpetual balance of mind, body, and spirit. But in a world where the hustle is real, overscheduled is an understatement, the news is a potpourri of heartbreak, global unrest, and rising geopolitical tensions, and your Apple

watch will literally send you a notification reminding you to breathe (read this with the intro to Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” in your head for peak accuracy), it seems harder than ever to find a sense of calm. The good news is, it’s there, perhaps buried underneath the Google calendar or lost in the gridlock of the Route 6/10 Connector, but calmness is attainable, and there are a number of Rhode Island professionals who can help us recalibrate, realign, and reawaken our inner Gwyneth.

“Movement is a beautiful way to find your calm because it gets your mind onto your body and out of your head all the time,” says Laura Nave, a classically trained and certified Pilates instructor with more than a decade of experience in the professional health and fitness fields. Ten years ago, Nave opened Rare Form Pilates, a group fitness studio in Providence’s Jewelr y District. Here, clients of all ages, fitness levels, and experience use Pilates apparatus to do flow-based, core-centered exercises focused on building streng th. “ The workout is built on the principle of centering and control, and breathwork and flow,” explains Nave. “ The intention of the work is to keep your body functioning , well, and free of pain, and that ideolog y never gets old. My eldest client here right now is 90.” Inner calm, explains Nave, is part and parcel to the practice of Pilates. “If you come in and you have to focus on different movement patterns and you give yourself the space to focus on your body for an hour, trust me, you walk out of the room much calmer than you walk in.” Pilates is meeting your body exactly where it is, adds Nave, which means anyone can get started at any time. “Spoiler alert: there is no perfect way to come to the body. You just have to do it,” she says, adding that many people get caught up in the pressures of perfection when it comes to wellness and fitness. Sometimes just a 30-minute walk can reframe your perspective, she says. “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” she advises. “Do what you can, when you can. We live in such a hilariously rigidly structured life that people think if they’re not doing something at 8am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, ever y single week, 52 weeks a year, that they’re failing. You’re not. It’s just a false premise.” That’s why the Pilates method is typically called a “practice,” much like yoga, as one practices and, ideally, improves.

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- LAURA NAVE RARE FORM PILATES

A row of tower equipment at Rare Form Pilates BELOW: Laura Nave assists

Photos by John Hasselbarth, courtesy of Rare Form Pilates

stretch

MOVEMENT IS A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO FIND YOUR CALM BECAUSE IT GETS YOUR MIND ONTO YOUR BODY AND OUT OF YOUR HEAD ALL THE TIME.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Things to Try

IN 2024

LEARN A SKILL Artists’ Exchange, Cranston Blackstone River Glass Center, Cumberland East Bay Music Studio, Warren Gather Glass, Providence Stitch Supply, Barrington

GET STARTED

Photo (top) by Michelle Swain - Anchor ‘n’ Mind, courtesy of Bend Studio; (middle) courtesy of SoCo Cycle; (bottom) my Erin McGinn, courtesy of Castle Hill Inn

Hometown Yoga, North Kingstown Island Heron Yoga, Jamestown

Hot in Charlestown Bend Studio, the popular womenowned business located at the Kingston Emporium, brings its wide range of yoga, sound baths, reiki, massage pop-ups, and more to the former Wilcox Tavern, a historic house on Post Road built in the early 1700s. Owner Caroline Keene calls the second location “a dream come true.” The updated space will serve to expand Bend’s footprint in South County, and will house two yoga studios – one hot and one not – plus other wellness offerings. At press time, renovations were underway with new flooring being installed. Follow along at BendStudioRI.com; @bendstudiori

Linx Golf, North Kingstown

Caroline Keene

RI Fencing Academy, East Providence SoCo Cycle, Narragansett & North Kingstown

TRY A NEW DO The Beauty Studio, Portsmouth Dynamic Men’s Grooming , East Greenwich Hair Crew, South Kingstown Hair Garden, Cranston Maura’s Hair Salon, Narragansett Skip’s Barber Shop, Providence

ENJOY A TREATMENT Bodhi Spa, Newport & Providence Breathe Massage, Westerly Island Rose Spa, North Kingstown Pure Eco Spa, Westerly Skyla R ain Day Spa, Peace Dale Spa at Castle Hill Inn, Newport Spa Inspire, Narragansett Sun Star Healing & Myofascial Release, South Kingstown

Working things out at SoCo Cycle

Spa at Castle Hill featuring Farmaesthetics products

create

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- ELLEN BLOMGREN MUDSTONE STUDIOS

“Battlecat” reveals that pottery can be more than bowls at the wheel

Photo (top) courtesy of Mudstone Studio, (bottom) by Mike Cevoli

Ellen Blomgren also finds inner calm in her practice, but it’s a practice of a different kind. The professional ceramic sculptor and artist educator founded Mudstone Studios at Cutler Mill in Warren 16 years ago so that she not only had a place to create, but could also teach others how to make breathtaking artistic expressions. Last year, she opened a second studio in Pawtucket at Lorraine Mills. “Any medium takes years to hone. Sculpting just came more naturally to me and I have been evolving over all these years, stretching further with every new project,” says Blomgren. Born out of a desire to support artists across the South Coast and now, around the Capital City and Blackstone Valley, Mudstone Studios serves as a communal workspace for artists and novices working in ceramics. She’s committed to creating an affordable and nurturing environment for all levels, for both adults and mature teens. The craft is one that lets her detach from life’s demands. “Sculpting takes me to a meditative space where I lose all track of time and the busy stuff that makes up the rest of my life,” she says. “ The work lets me express how I see the world, and how I hope others can see it. It’s almost a vacation from the real world.” Blomgren’s inspiration is the natural world, and she often sculpts animals and wildlife in engaging poses, which also gives her a sense of calm. “I love the outdoors and how sunshine feels, even on the coldest days,” she says. Whether in her yard or out in the woods, walking the East Bay Bike Path, wandering down to the beach with her dogs, or exploring the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, Blomgren finds a serenity in the outdoors that translates seamlessly into her work. “I’m so lucky to live so close to all of this natural space.” In a society that thrives on digital connectivity and so cial sharing , Blomgren prefers to let her actions do all the talking instead. “I’ve never been ver y good with words, but sculpting allows me to tell an entire stor y with no words at all,” she explains. “I have this ability to see the piece that I want to create in my mind as I sculpt and it just builds itself into the space before me.” But that doesn’t have to be the methodolog y for ever yone – especially beginners. Blomgren makes clay sculp ture approachable, and encourages all to discover the joy, satisfaction, and calm that comes with creating. “ With the right teachers, anyone can do this. It doesn’t matter how much experience you start with; you’ll still end up with something that will make you smile – and the pro cess is so much fun, that just practicing gives you joy and the desire to do more.”

SCULPTING TAKES ME TO A MEDITATIVE SPACE WHERE I LOSE ALL TRACK OF TIME AND THE BUSY STUFF THAT MAKES UP THE REST OF MY LIFE.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

5 Ways to Reduce Phone Time Less can be more when it comes to communication and information

Photo (top) courtesy of AboutLife / Adobe Stock, (bottom) courtesy of amenic181 / Adobe Stock

By Elyse Major

Spending time mindlessly scrolling feeds and watching videos can seem relaxing until it isn’t. Suddenly hours have disappeared, or perhaps a post makes you feel left out, upset, or disturbed. As poet William Wordsworth wrote in 1802 in response to society veering toward materialism during the First Industrial Revolution, “The World Is Too Much with Us.” What would ol’ Willy say about iPhones? Here are some tactics to detach IRL. 1. Disable notifications, either by turning them off or using a “do not disturb” focus setting. 2. Do an activity that requires both hands, like knitting, beading, or painting. 3. Put down the e-reader and leaf through books and print magazines like this one.

Take a News Fast It is important to be informed, but for the sake of mental health, consider taking a pause now and then. “Doomscrolling ” is an actual thing where checking news can become compulsive and upsetting.

4. Communicate with friends and family by writing letters and sending postcards. 5. Aim to store the phone away in a drawer for one day a week. Let others know on this day, you can’t be reached via app.

For others, finding a true sense of calm involves very little activity at all. Spa visits are often considered the pinnacle of indulgent luxury and frou-frou pampering, and while not entirely untrue, treatments can legitimately help soothe both mind and body. Inspire Medical Spa and Wellness Center in Narragansett offers BroadBand Light (BBL™) technology, which uses intense pulsed light therapy to treat different skin conditions. “BBL is a photothermal energy that will reduce the amount of fine vessels and unwanted melanin that produces pigmented lesions and redness,” explains Pamela Lutes, Inspire’s owner. “What’s really cool about that is that the device that we have here, they used in a 12-year Stanford University study, and it proved actual RNA and DNA change. So when you change the gene expression of the skin to that of younger skin, your skin doesn’t just look younger, it is younger. It is protective, it goes down deep, and it eradicates damage before it can turn into anything.” More than just beauty-driven, Lutes says the spa has doubled in size over the past year to accommodate growing demand and expand wellness services. IV therapy, for example, is an increasingly popular wellness trend that Inspire offers in which a high dose of minerals and vitamins are administered directly into a client’s bloodstream. “You can choose your cocktail of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. We’re looking to strengthen immunity, and people feel more energetic. You can recover from a workout – or a night out – rehydrating, replenishing your body… People always tell me they just feel so much better after that,” says Lutes. She adds that the spa is seeing more appointments by men than ever before. “They’re just as stressed; it’s just different kinds of stressors,” Lutes explains. Facials, massage, and multiple treatments are designed to reduce stress, optimize relaxation and quiet mind and body. “One of the big things that I was learning when I went back to nurse practitioner school is how much stress influences every system in our bodies,” notes Lutes. And many spa treatments can be extended with self-care at home, whether that’s aromatherapy, sheet masks that moisturize, detoxify, hydrate or apply retinol or vitamin C, or, if you’re brave enough, cold plunges in the tub, which are said to potentially decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and boost endorphins. Finding your calm in a harried world isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth the pursuit.

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- PAMELA LUTES INSPIRE MEDICAL SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER IN NARRAGANSETT

Pamela Lutes and the Inspire team JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo (top) courtesy of Cyril / Adobe Stock, (bottom) courtesy of Inspire Medical Spa

refresh

ONE OF THE BIG THINGS THAT I WAS LEARNING WHEN I WENT BACK TO NURSE PRACTITIONER SCHOOL IS HOW MUCH STRESS INFLUENCES EVERY SYSTEM IN OUR BODIES.

MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES Small changes in what we consume can lead to feeling better, having more energy, and even managing stress.

Photo (top) courtesy of Yaruniv-Studio / Adobe Stock

Belmont Market: The Wellness section of the Wakefield market’s website includes features like “ What’s in Season,” a glossar y of terms, tips, and recipes, and an “Eating By Color” tool. Browse by health issue, special diets, and featured collections. BelmontMarket.com/wellness

Rose B. Simpson, Shard, 2021 Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund Jeffrey Gibson, The Anthropophagic Eﬀect, Garment no. 1, 2019 Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund

RISDMUSEUM.ORG

Discover a school as unique as your child

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace: In addition to having multiple locations, Dave’s posts weekly specials in store and online. Save money by planning menus around what’s on sale, which includes ever ything from lean proteins to produce and more. DavesMarketplace.com FoodLove Market: No time to cook? Chef-prepared meals include healthy and highquality options, plus fresh ingredients and provisions. 1037 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, FoodLoveMarket.com

thewolfschool.org | Financial Aid Available | East Providence | RI Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

WAKE UP YOUR SKIN

Naturally

Holistic Health Rhode Island introduces MICRONEEDLING, an all-natural anti-aging treatment that stimulates Collagen production to improve: • Fine Lines and Wrinkles • Skin tone • Age Spots

• Hyperpigmentation • Large Pores • Loose or Sagging Skin

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FULL FACE OR FULL NECK AND CHEST MICRONEEDLING TREATMENTS Mention this ad when scheduling a series of six full face or full neck and chest treatments to receive THREE complimentary Red Light Therapy treatments, ONE area of Nano-Needling and an all-natural skin care product sample pack (a $400 value).

990 Main Street, Suite 4 East Greenwich • 401-398-2933 HolisticHealthRI.com

Quiet Comfort, Gentle Goodbyes

JANE LINDEN, DVM 401-328-6620 PetsAtPeaceVetCare.com

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HOME & STYLE H o m e | I n f l u e n c e r | S ty l e | S h o p

30 Keep some toys out as accents with knock-out style P h o t o b y A d r i a n a O we n s P h o t o g r a p h y, c o u r t e s y o f F o r a g e H o u s e D e s i g n

HOME & STYLE

Vertical shiplap visually expands low walls; similar woods connect spaces

Fresh Approach

An inte r i o r d e si g n e r u s e s n e u t ra l s a n d fo ra g ed fin d s to c reate a c a lmin g fa mily h ome By Elyse Major

ristol homeowner Jen Sedam confesses that she is known to pick up curbside furniture and fix it up; she also enjoys being outdoors and arranging flowers once back inside, so it’s no wonder that when she pivoted from having a private practice in psychotherapy and counseling to being an interior designer, she would name her business Forage House Design Co. “I decided to take the leap to a new career that I have always wanted to follow,” says Sedam, who completed training through the New York Institute of Art and Design, and has been working on residential projects ever since, starting with her own house.

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Since 2017, Sedam, her husband Joel, their three children, and English springer spaniel Sylvie have made their home in a snug three-bedroom Cape nestled in the historic town. Says Sedam, “It’s not a huge house, but it is located on a quieter downtown street close to the bike path, school, and baseball fields.” She notes that the home’s original wood floors were a big selling point, as was the first-floor footprint and backyard. Over the years, various up dates have been made, including a complete basement renovation where Sedam ser ved as designer. “The trick [for the basement] was taking a smaller home that needed cosmetic updates and making it

SEDAM SAYS Blend heirloom pieces and kids’ artwork with modern, mid-century, and traditionalelements for impact

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos by Adriana Owens Photography, courtesy of Forage House Design

Neutral walls allow art and objects to stand out

functional while also warm and inviting for my young family. We kept the walls light overall so that we could showcase and bring color in through artwork. We also used a lot of wood items for warmth and a sense of neutral to balance the darker rug and stairwell.” This sensibility of layering neutrals with textures and airy artful compositions are signature elements of Sedam’s style, which she describes as layered, collected, and eclectic. “I blend heirloom pieces and kids’ artwork with modern and mid-century modern alongside traditional elements; I tend toward a historic and organic feel with colors on the neutral side and add in splashes of color in artwork or small accessories.”

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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A mix of patterns keeps petal pink walls from getting twee

Among the homegoods that make her happiest are family-made heirlooms from her great grandfather: a farmhouse table used every day, a “really unique floor lamp,” and a tall blanket chest in the dining room that holds a record player. “These items are just really special,” she says with a smile. “I feel happy when I see my kids sitting and doing puzzles or reading books in the living spaces. The whole point of creating these spaces is to see them enjoyed and used.”

Get Rhody Style I d e a s a n d re s o u rce s fo r m a k i n g t h e m o s t o f l i v i n g i n t h e O ce a n S t a te .

East Bay Way Around Bristol, Sedam buys birthday gifts and cards at Paper, Packaging & Panache, makes quick stops at nearby kids’ consignment shops like Just Ducky, and enjoys breakfast at Sunset Cafe. Continuing onto Tiverton, Groundswell Table + Provisions, and The Art Cafe in Little Compton are gotos. Regular antiquing haunts across the state line are Four Echoes in Seekonk and Antiques at the Cove in New Bedford.

Storied Vibes Sedam’s advice for achieving authentic waterfront style is to “stay away from the typical coastal look and think in terms of natural woods, deeper colors, and blues and greens you see around you in the ocean and foliage of the area; rather than cobalt blue and stripes and seashells, think of being in an old house by the water with wide plank flooring and a farm table with fresh cut wildflowers. Add in some wicker here and there and a vintage rug for a layered, more true Ocean State vibe.”

Natural Elements Gray Lake by Benjamin Moore provides nice contrast to the darker shade – a custom mix with a Hale Navy foundation – of the stairway

Sedam gravitates toward natural wood furnishings, nautical maps and prints, earthy fabrics, and glasses and bottles in a sea glass palette. Learn more about her style at ForageHouseDesign.com

Photos by Adriana Owens Photography, courtesy of Forage House Design

HOME & STYLE

Meet Bekah Berger Lifelong radio enthusiast brings her love of Rhody and Hollywood to the airwaves weekday mornings By Ashley Erling

How did you get into radio? I’ve always loved pop culture and had a special interest in music fueled by rushing home from school to watch TRL (Total Request Live) on MTV. The concept of a “VJ” fascinated me, and I did the morning announcements in high school (shout-out to Bolts Broadcasting Corp at Cranston High School East!). When I was a student at the University of Rhode Island, I studied journalism and communications and participated in two radio internships, one of which being with the WPRO newsroom, which is how I got my foot in the door. It took one rush of turning the “on air” light on and I was hooked! I’ve had several mentors who have helped me along the way as well. You’ ve recently started a new role at 92 PRO-FM on Giovanni in the Morning. How does it feel to become part of such an iconic and well-known program? Like most Rhode Islanders, I grew up listening to 92 PRO-FM. I even called in once to the morning show in 2004 to talk about the finale of Friends! I’ve known both Gio and Jay Buff my entire radio career, but we are just now getting to work together closely. Getting to know them in a different way and collaborating daily has been really fun. It’s never lost on me that this is an iconic brand and show. If you told 12-year-old Bekah, who was probably taping songs on cassette like “Bye Bye Bye” and “Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” on PRO-FM, that she would be working here, she definitely wouldn’t have believed you. I also want to acknowledge how much I respect those who have come before me. As a lifelong Rhode Islander, what does it feel like to have gained success in your industry in your home state? I’m well aware that it’s rare for someone in my industry to not have to move away to stay employed. I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and to be able to do it all with family and friends listening and supporting me is truly a blessing. I love this state, I love where I come from, and that I get to raise my family here.

Photo courtesy of Bekah Berger

What are some of your favorite things to do locally? I love seeing shows at PPAC. I’m always in awe of how majestic that theater is. Like any other good Rhode Islander, I love visiting and dining on Federal Hill and catching a WaterFire for a date night with my husband, Tony. My kids (two daughters Arielle, 4 and Iris, 2) enjoy going to Roger Williams Park Zoo. My friends and I recently had such a good time on the Comedy Bus. Speaking of, I always recommend taking in a show at The Comedy Connection or heading to any Rhode Island beach, which is my happy place. You often report on Hollywood gossip. Any predictions for the year ahead? “Experience” movies – as in people going all in and dressing up for the Barbie movie and concert films like Taylor Swift and Beyonce – were a big trend in the second half of 2023, so I expect to see more of that. I’ll bet *NSYNC ends up doing a limited tour or Vegas residency, and following the success of projects like The Gilded Age, Hocus Pocus 2, and Good Burger 2, I see more productions deciding to film in our beautiful state! Listen to Berger, weekdays 6-10am on 92 PRO-FM, 92PROFM.com

HOME & STYLE

Peach on Earth

Rhody goods in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2024 invoke the warm fuzzies

By Elyse Major

ne month ago, noted color authority Pantone announced that Peach Fuzz, AKA PANTONE 13-1023, would be their Color of the Year for 2024. While some of us may select a guiding word for the 12 months ahead to help set and guide intentions, for 25 years the New Jersey-based company known by designers and manufacturers for standardizing colors

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by code, has strived to do the same on a larger scale with their annual headline-making color and name drop. While this year’s pink/orange choice may seem a bit retro – whether conjuring images of 1950s cashmere twinsets, late-1980s Art Deco-revival decor, or simply the flocked fruit in a southern cobbler – the idea behind the selection is very current: promoting a cozy empathy. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director

of Pantone Color Institute™, states, “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” Whether on yourself or in your home, Rhody makers and shops have you covered for a peachy new year.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

5 3

LITTLE PRINT Middletown, EFrancesPaper.com

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Cranston, KALAStyle.com

JASMINE HALTER MIDI DRESS Newport, HarperAndTucker.com

SUN-KISSED PEACH LIP BALM

GLOVES LONG PLAIN PEACH Providence, Kreatelier.com

Newport, WaldAndSea.com

HAT LONG DOUBLE LAYER PEACH Providence, Kreatelier.com

MINI DIFFUSER:

PAPER ROSE PEEL AND STICK WALLPAPER MD41606 Tiverton, MayflowerWallpaper.com

RHODE ISLAND RI SCRIPT CORDUROY HAT IN MELON Providence, TheMatchBoxRI.com

FIND YOUR SPARK PEACH STUD EARRINGS Cranston, ZAXIE.com

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HOME & STYLE

Reaching for the Stars Provi d e n ce d e s i gn e r ’ s at h l e i s u re wear i s a n O p ra h favo r i te

ach year the dynamic actorproducer-author Oprah Winfrey’s thoughtfully sourced gift list, AKA “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” appears on OprahDaily.com and in the Winter issue of O Quarterly magazine, driving millions of dollars in sales and putting smaller brands in the national spotlight. One of the current 48 gifts under 50 dollars is the Yanta set by Roam Load, the Providence-based premium feel-good athleisure brand founded in 2020 by Toyin Omisore. “I kind of froze in amazement staring at the email,” Omisore recalls of being notified of the designation. “ Then I called my sister so we could scream together. The Yanta set did go through a review process but nothing was final, so receiving the congratulations email was an amazing surprise.” Omisore shares that growing up, she didn’t feel seen, which had an impact on how she approached entrepreneurship. “Invisibility forced me to dream big and beyond the place I lived. I didn’t move with the expectation of support; I just focused on creating a dope brand for a worldwide community that I hadn’t met yet,” she says. The self-proclaimed Wanderer in Chief describes Roam Loud as a lifestyle brand “where brown skin is at the front and not an afterthought. Our team is unapologetically dedicated to creating a lifestyle that highlights brown skin and celebrates a variety of body types.” Winfrey agrees, stating on OprahDaily. com, “The founder of this fitness-wear company has designed pieces with higher waists and tops that feel a little more substantial – plus a pocket for your phone or keys.” Learn more at RoamLoud.com

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YANTA TANK BRAS AND LEGGINGS Shown in Cacao, Orange, and Plum

Wanderer in Chief Omisore

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Photo (L) courtesy of Toyin Omisore

By Amber Jackson

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FOOD & DRINK E x p e r i e n c e | R e c i p e | N ew D i n i n g | I n t h e K i tc h e n

42 Jumpstart breakfast with a colorful chia pudding recipe Photo by Liz Murray

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True Blue

Drin ks a nd myst i q u e at Paw t u xet V i l l a g e ’s h otsp ot b a r for mu sic lovers By Ann Martini

Dash Peña plays for a full house at The Blue Room

Photos courtesy of The Blue Room

t’s a blustery Wednesday night in the Pawtuxet Village neighborhood of Cranston, and two women at the bar at The Blue Room are chatting as they listen to jazz tunes performed by the Tish Adams Duo. “I never thought we’d find a bar that we both loved – at our different ages!” says Ingrid, an 81-year-old retired nurse, to her daughter, Melissa, 55, and also a nurse. They share a laugh and clink their wine glasses. It’s exactly the kind of conversation that moves owner Jen Minuto to tears. “The world can be tough – isolation and technology and politics,” she says. “We need a place where we can come together for an intimate, lighter experience, where we can melt into something that matters.” Jen and her wife, Kasey Minuto, dreamed of opening The Blue Room for many years, and it finally came

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Co-owner Jen Minuto and Zach

LAT E NIG HT B I T E S The Blue Room ser ves cocktails, beer, wine, spirit-free bevvies, and light charcuterie snacks. Follow up a Blue Room Margarita or Sicilian Espresso Martini with dinner around the block to make it a multi-location night with these Pawtuxet Village restaurants in walking distance : Basta Italian, 2195 Broad Street Fellini Pizzeria, 2190 Broad Street O’Rourke’s Bar & Grill, 23 Peck Lane Revolution, 2190 Broad Street Rim Nahm Thai Cuisine, 2212 Broad Street

to fruition last spring. Both musicians themselves, they sometimes take the stage in this intimate space that seats about 50 at small tables, spacious booths, and a beautiful mirrored bar with white leather barstools. But the space was built as much for musicians as for the audiences who pack it six nights a week to see them. “I want musicians to feel like this is their room,” Jen says. “I want them to feel a sense of ownership and the comfort to present their love to an audience.” It’s a feeling that Jen, an attorney by day, and Kasey, who works for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, wanted to replicate from their own experiences in the small jazz and music clubs that they’ve visited over the years. “There’s magic that happens in the interplay between a musician and a listener,” Jen explains. “It’s an emotional connection that’s unique to the process.” So they took a “build it and they will come” approach with The Blue Room. The space, tucked between Basta Italian restaurant and Village Dry Cleaners, is unique to the village. On any given JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

night, the room is packed for the one or two performers scheduled to play, or Sunday night’s open mic. The music is eclectic – lots of jazz and blues, but there are no rules. When I visited, after Tish Adams performed, she sat at the bar to listen to the entirety of the next show, the John Allmark Jazz Quintet. Here, musicians show up for one another – and chat with audience members or share a drink between sets. Mark Cutler, a long-time local musician who has led a variety of roots-rock bands over four decades, has played at The Blue Room several times. “The vibe in the place is open and friendly, and you feel like you’re in a beautiful little oasis when you walk through the doors. I love how inclusive it is,” says Cutler, and it’s a sentiment shared even by those who haven’t played in public in ages. Jim Kelleher, a local attorney, decided to give open mic night a whirl last October. “The crowd was very supportive, and it felt great to get up and perform in a club setting, something I hadn’t done in at least 40 years,” he says. “I’m planning to do it again, if they’ll have me.”

While the village tends to attract locals from the surrounding War wick and Cranston communities, The Blue Room is pulling from farther away, too, gaining a reputation as a unique venue worth driving for. “It’s filling a niche in Pawtuxet Village that really complements our community,” says Stephanie Read, operations manager at Fellini’s. “ The more interest and traffic in the village, the better for all of us.” And locals love it, too. Steve McGuinness, who lives nearby in War wick, is a reg ular. “ This space has come a long way since I was a kid growing up here,” he says. “It’s got such a great, sultr y vibe.” As they watch this labor of love grow, the Minutos are talking about expanding into an adjacent space and perhaps adding a small kitchen. But for now, they are just grateful, says Jen. “It’s really been a dream come true.”

The Blue Room 2197 Broad Street, Cranston • 401-280-0288 TheBlueRoom.com Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

FOOD & DRINK

Breakfast of Champions J u m p st a r t yo u r m o r n i n g ro u t i n e w i t h chia seed pudding an d l o c a l g ra n o l a By L i z Mu r ray

ith the start of the new year, many of us are excited to get back on track with nourishing routines and clean eating habits – but that doesn’t mean dishes shouldn’t be delicious, too! If you’re just getting into the groove of healthy meal prepping and time is of the essence, start with breakfast. This super quick and nutritious chia seed pudding infuses bright colors and flavors into the frigid winter days of Januar y, as well as being a source of omega-3 and protein to jumpstart your day.

Photo by Liz Murray

Chia Seed Pudding ING RE DIE NTS • ¾ cup frozen raspberries, blueberries, and/or mango • ½ cup milk of choice • ¼ cup chia seeds (per fruit) • ½ tsp vanilla extract • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt • Granola and fresh berries on top

STE PS 1. Place the frozen fruit in a blender with the milk and vanilla extract. Blend on high for at least 60 seconds until the fruit is pureed. 2. Pour it into a bowl and mix it together with the chia seeds. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours (overnight works great), and up to three days. If you are preparing this pudding with another fruit, repeat the process with a rinsed-out blender. 3. Divide the chia pudding between two mason jars, layering each ser ving with the pudding , yog urt and optional granola and/or berries. The pudding is good in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy on the go! For more healthy recipes and Mediterranean diet go-tos, visit RecipeHippie.com.

G RA NOLA GO O DNESS Top this sweet breakfast snack with wholesome granola made right here in Rhode Island:

BE AU T I F U L DAY, Providence BeautifulDayRI.org SAC R E D COW G RANOLA, Warren

Sacred-Cow-Granola.myshopify.com

S H ADY LAN E G RA NO LA Barrington, ShadyLaneFoods.com

FOOD & DRINK

Buzzworthy Bites Ten n ew e ate r i e s making waves in th e O ce an S tate di ni ng scene By Patty J

’ve been known to try a new restaurant in Little Rhody now and again, so the editors didn’t have to ask me twice when it came to regaling readers with a list of some of my favorite discoveries over the past year. From sandwich joints to cafes, these standouts are already crawling with regulars.

H angry Ki tche n Wife and husband owners Stacy (a Top Chef alum and cookbook author) and Robert Deetz are all about marr ying delicious food and drinks with fun. In their unstuff y eater y, open since November of last year, reg ulars are raving about their jambalaya, Squash Dump lings, Fricco Fries, and kale salad. Pawtucket, Hangry-Kitchen.com

Josephi ne ’ s Cof fe e B a r This cozy cafe has expanded its hours of operation since opening last summer and is now ser ving cocktails, wine, and scrumptious desserts select evenings. If mornings are more your jam, go for their fresh baked muffins and scones and the hand-rolled bagels. Greenville, JosephinesCoffeeBar.com

Lily ’s S o ups & Scoops This adorable soup and ice cream shop that opened on Broad Street last year is an extension of Lily’s Ladle, a deliver y ser vice for bone broth-based and veggie soups. Go for the warm soup on a chilly day and stay for something cold : War wick Ice Cream or an affogato – a scoop with an espresso pour-over. Cranston, LilysSoupsAndScoops.com

Merlino ’ s Pi z ze ri a Whether you opt for takeout or want to dine in, this eatery has been winning over pizza fans

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Inside Hangry Kitchen Hangry Kitchen’s RI Jambalaya

Elevated handhelds from There, There

Photos (L) courtesy of Hangry Kitchen, (R) courtesy of There,There

in and around Dyer Avenue since they opened in the fall. Their pies are all made using the best quality ingredients (some imported directly from Italy), and their meatballs and housemade mozz appetizers are crowd-pleasers. Cranston, MerlinoPizzeria.com

The Roa ste d C l ove D e l i This women-owned deli offers an extensive menu of sandwiches on fresh-baked breads, crisp salads, and amazing soups. Since opening their doors last June, diners have been posting glowing reviews. Most popular sandwiches right now ? Their Surfers End Wrap, Queen Brie, and the Reuben are all hits. Middletown, TheRoastedCloveRI.com

Scotti’s S a l ume ri a On Post Road where Huck’s Filling Station used to be, this charming Italian bistro boasts a classic menu of antipasto, pasta, insalata, paninis, and more. Sip mar velous drinks,

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

enjoy fire pit seating , and check out the whimsically decorated bathroom with vintage framed photos on the walls. East Greenwich, ScottisSalumeria.com

Seed C afé an d E s p res s o B ar On the lower level of mini-mall Still On Main, this unique cafe is part plant shop and part coffeehouse. Ser ving up delicious sips, outstanding breakfast sandwiches, and snacks among the lush, stylish atmosphere, there’s no better way to add a little greener y to your winter routine. Pawtucket, SeedCafeRI.com

SEOUL Situated in Davol Square, this Korean restaurant opened the doors to their industrial style space this past fall and quickly became known for their spicy garlic wings, paired with thoughtfully crafted (and lovely) cocktails. Diners also g ush about their Dynamite Shrimp, Garlic Noodles, and fried

rice offerings, including one with kimchi. Providence, SeoulProvidence.com

S u n s et Cove This waterfront cafe overlooking Mount Hope Bay is from the same owners as Blue Anchor Grill, and it’s an excellent place to indulge in a slice of Salted Caramel Cake and a Coyote Coffee (iced cappuccino, cold brew, and horchata) for breakfast. For lunch, tr y their Flatbread Pizza and a Spiced Cranberr y Margarita. Portsmouth, SunsetCoveRI.com

T h ere, T h ere Run by the folks behind the food truck, Dips, Dips, this burger joint is located where Bucktown used to be. They’re cooking up some of the tastiest casual eats around – and were even named one of 2023’s best restaurants by Eater – with creative takes on burgers (try the Oklahoma) and dawgs, along with fries and housemade chips. Providence, ThereTherePVD.com

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FOOD & DRINK

No Flour? No Problem!

Th is R i ve rsi d e m a r ket p rov i d e s a o n e - stop sh op for a ll th in g s g lu ten free By Jenny Currier Shand

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Celeste Bremer and Brenden King

deal, offering choices of three entrees, three sides, and three snacks, with new menus every week. Some examples include Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, Beef Shepherd’s Pie, and Japanese Vegetable Curry. Working out of Hope & Main’s dedicated gluten-free kitchen, they also sell freshbaked goods, from Apple Cider Ricotta Cookies to muffins. A visit on any given day is a feast for the senses, with anything from frosted cinnamon buns on display to a self-serve crockpot of New England Clam Chowder, and the scent of empanadas wafting from behind the register, courtesy of fellow Hope & Main food-preneur, the Empanada Assassin. Items like Choya Yowanai Ume and Yuzu sparkling sodas and rose syrup from Okuizumo Rose Garden speak to Bremer and King’s half-Japanese heritage; their upbringing also plays into the prepared foods they offer. “We make a lot of Asian-inspired cuisine, knowing that if it doesn’t sell, at least our kids will eat it,” Bremer jokes. “We try to keep a balance of both traditional and adventurous items that will introduce people to new flavors.” Whether eating gluten free, cooking for someone who is, or just curious, May’s stocks hidden gems for a range of patrons.

May’s Gluten Free Market 7 Forbes Street, Riverside • 401-410-7475 MaysGlutenFreeMarket.com

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos (bottom) by Luminist Photography, (top) courtesy of May’s Gluten Free Market

ver the summer, sister-and-brother duo Celeste Bremer and Brenden King opened May’s Gluten Free Market with a mission to provide a worry-free shopping and dining experience for those with gluten sensitivities and celiac disease. Nestled in a small plaza in Riverside, adjacent to a mural of Rhode Island’s native botanicals that adds a welcoming charm, this market is for anyone struggling to stock a gluten-free home kitchen. “I knew I wasn’t the only person feeling frustrated,” Bremer says. “While chain grocery stores may carry gluten-free brands, their selections are limited.” It became a harrowing experience, visiting multiple grocery stores in order to find all the ingredients her family needed, and there was no guarantee they’d be in stock every week. Bremer’s household is 99 percent gluten free. Although her son, now 16 years old, has been gluten free since he was seven as a helpful method of mood regulating , Bremer’s daughter was diagnosed at a young age with celiac disease, making a gluten-free diet mandatory. The market is, in fact, named for her (her middle name is Mei, pronounced “May”). Part of their hope with this market is to demonstrate that gluten-free options can be just as diverse and delicious as their counterparts. “It’s nice when people come in and are like, ‘Oh, I’ve tried this once and haven’t been able to find it again,’ or they find items they’ve been interested in but can’t buy locally.” Big retailers aren’t carrying goods from smaller businesses, and of the brands they do carry, they might only stock one particular flavor instead of the full selection. Unique items are of particular interest to Bremer and King. They follow the latest trends and carry a robust inventory that can’t be found elsewhere. For example, small producer Alla Lala cake mix can only be wholesale shipped from Wyoming – thanks to May’s Gluten Free Market, Rhode Islanders can bake with the best. They also support local businesses, from the familiar Narragansett Creamery to newer Black-owned business Kassumay, specializing in hibiscus jams and sparkling drinks. The siblings recently began a weekly meal

com

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

All Favorites Cafe 1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com | A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille 8 locations across RI! Chelos.com | A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

MainStreet Coffee 137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 | MainStreet-Coffee.com Casual coffee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

Casa Azul 890 Allens Street, PVD | 401-414-7799 CasaAzulri.com | Our Casa is Your Casa. Authentic Mexican Flavors, Delicious Recipes and Vegan options. Home of the Wicked Best Margarita.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700 thecoastguardhouse.com | Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar 1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088 marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

CAV Restaurant 14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com | Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island 401-558-0190 | davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

Twin Willows 865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com | Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

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INTRODUCING

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54 Prismatica light installations come to Providence this winter Photo courtesy of Raw Design

ART & CULTURE

Keep It 100

Warwick author explores the looming era of longer lifespans in new book By Hugh Minor

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“Half of all five-year-olds alive today will live to at least 100.” -WILLIAM KOLE

Photo and book cover courtesy of William Kole

eporter, editor, and foreign correspondent William J. Kole has long been fascinated with the prospect of people living past 100 years of age. His own grandmother lived to be 104. “Her life touched three centuries,” Kole says with amazement of her 1899 to 2003 span. “In her younger years, she played the piano for silent movies. She was a fascinating individual.” What once was rare – living past 99 – has become more common due to ongoing advances in medicine and technolog y. “In the next 25 years, the number of people living into the triple digits will increase eightfold. Half of all five-yearolds alive today will live to at least 100.” In his new book, The Big 100: The New World of Super-Aging, the Warwick resident raises the question of whether or not we are ready for the impact that this swell in aging adults will have on society. “Increasing our life expectancy is wonderful, but there are a number of realities that we have to consider,” Kole posits. “How do we manage our long-term care? And what about our personal finances ? How do we deal with a century worth of bills ?” According to Kole, research shows both positives and negatives. There are things that we need to consider to make certain that tomorrow is worth living for all of us, from addressing quality of life concerns to coping with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. “Even for people with genetic tendencies toward these diseases, it’s not inevitable that they will ultimately experience them,” says Kole. “There are steps we can all take to keep [chronic illnesses] at bay, mainly leading a healthy and active life both physically and mentally. The potential is there for each of us living to 100 and beyond to continue to be creative and contribute to deeper, richer lives. These bonus years can be beautiful.” In the biggest little state, the outlook is promising. “Rhode Island is in pretty good shape in terms of people hitting the century mark. We’re currently number four in the country with 360 centenarians,” reports Kole. Nearby states are high

William Kole

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

on the scale as well, with Connecticut ranking number two and Massachusetts at number nine. “There is actual research that shows living near the ocean can extend life expectancy. It may be the soothing sounds of the water and access to open spaces where we can breathe fresh air.” Released in October, The Big 100 continues to garner much buzz and acclaim. Dr. Jane Goodall, noted anthropologist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace, calls it “stimulating and inspiring ,” and Kole has been a guest on many broadcasts, including WBUR’s On Point. The author ends with this nugget of wisdom: “ We’re all aging , whether we’re 18 or 81. But the question is what can we do to make sure that this time is meaningful, that it matters ?” Learn more at BillKoleBooks. com; find The Big 100 at your favorite indie bookseller by request or on the shelf.

JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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ART & CULTURE

Rhody Reads Six highly anticipated picks to cozy

up with, plus author chats to put on your calendar

By Deborah Goodrich Royce

ecember is many things – and I hope yours was good – but the calm of January offers a different kind of reward. With quieter time stretching in front of us, let’s turn our attention to a wonderful slate of books being released in the coming months. As a local author (Finding Mrs. Ford, Ruby Falls, and Reef Road) and Ocean House Author Series host, I am excited to share my selections. Please join me at Ocean House in Watch Hill or the United Theatre in Westerly when I interview some of these authors. For fans of a good twist, you’re in luck with The Fury, the new Alex Michaelides (The Silent Patient) thriller due out on January 16. When Lana Farrar, a reclusive former movie star, invites her friends to a private Greek island, nothing goes as planned. The guests are trapped. Someone ends up dead. The tabloids have a field day. And now, someone named Elliot Chase is about to tell us what really happened. Or is he? Januar y 16 will also bring us Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way, the new novel from Jeffrey Blount. A stor y of self-discover y, empowerment, and redemption, the novel follows James, who, after a ver y public humiliation, flees to rural Ham, Mississippi. A place of abject poverty, it is a town forgotten by the world. When the neighborhood is rocked by a troubling discover y, James confronts his own past and helps the community find a future. Februar y starts with a bang with the arrival of One Wrong Word, the heart-racing new psycho logical thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan on Feb ruar y 6. When savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward finds herself embroiled in her own scandal, she has two weeks to save her career. As she takes on a case that could repair her reputation, she soon begins to fear that she is protecting a killer. Gossip, lies, rumors – words like that can hurt you.

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One of my favorite writers has a new novel out on March 5. The Hunter by Tana French takes readers back to the Irish countryside and her cast of established characters: Cal Hooper, a retired Chicago cop; Lena, a local woman with whom he’s building a relationship; and Trey Reddy, a wild teenager Cal has taken under his wing. When Trey’s father reappears with an English millionaire in tow, everything the three of them have been building is threatened. On March 19, we welcome Allison Pataki’s newest historical fiction, Finding Margaret Fuller. Set in Concord, MA in the 1800s – in the heady intellectual world of Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Nathaniel Hawthorne – the novel introduces Margaret, young , brazen, and unapologetically brilliant. From Concord to Boston to Rome, Margaret charts a singular course of ideas, romance – even a little revolution – and transcends the rigid gender roles of her era.

F IND IN G M RS F ORD

Who doesn’t get excited about a debut novel? Already a shining star of the literary world, Zibby Owens wears many hats: blogger, memoirist, bookstore owner, and publisher. Now she adds novelist to her repertoire with the March 1 publication of Blank. When a wife, mother, and frustrated writer faces an impossible deadline for turning her life around, she learns more about herself than she ever could have dreamed up. It’s an exhilarating and hilarious look at self-discovery.

A Novel DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

Deborah Goodrich Royce’s thrillers examine puzzles of identity. Reef Road – coming out in paperback on January 9 – was a national bestseller and one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2023. Goodrich Royce hosts an author series at the Ocean House (which she and her husband, Chuck, lovingly restored), and curates her Friday Reads videos on Instagram. She began her career as an actress in film and television, most notably as Erica Kane’s evil (or just misunderstood?) sister Silver on All My Children. Listen to a conversation with Royce on episode 47 of the Hey Rhody Podcast.

OCEAN HOUSE AUTHOR SERIES

The Ocean House Author Series (OHAS) brings world-class authors to readers in the stunning seaside location at Watch Hill. Goodrich Royce will interview several of the authors in this issue’s picks in 2024. All OHAS tickets are inclusive of food, drink, and a signed copy of the book, and events can be heard on Rhode Island’s own classical station, WCRI 95.9FM. OceanHouseEvents.com February 9: Alex Michaelides at The United Theatre, Westerly March 20: Jeffrey Blount at the Ocean House July 15: Zibby Owens at the Ocean House

Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases

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July 22: Allison Pataki at the Ocean House August 14: Hank Phillippi Ryan at the Ocean House

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ART & CULTURE

The Must List 10 essential events this month

Through February 19: Large-scale light installation Prismatica comes to 195 District Park, presented by Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, with 25 illuminated, interactive prisms turning downtown into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Providence, R awDesign.ca

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s u it is v m ody.co h R y He

Year’s Day at the annual Polar Plunge at Easton’s Beach, a benefit for A Wish Come True, an organization that grants wishes to Rhode Island children with lifethreatening illnesses. Newport, AWish.org

January 7-20: Two weeks of fine dining await when Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with deals and specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at dozens of area eateries, with some offering prix fixe menus. GoProvidence.com

January 11 – March 28: Wakefield Idol begins the annual search for the best singer in South County with local artists competing Thursdays for the $1,500 grand prize to be awarded at the final competition in March. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

January 6: Rhode Island native and

January 7,14: Check out the future of live

internationally renowned jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer Greg Abate returns to Chan’s with the Super Sextet for his annual hometown show. Woonsocket, ChansEggRollsAndJazz.com

music with youth performers from the School of Rock Attleboro taking the stage at The Met, presenting the music school’s Winter 2024 Seasonal Shows. Pawtucket, TheMetRI.com

January 13: Bundle up and join the Rhode Island Audubon Society on the South County Winter Waterfowl Tour obser ving native birds in their natural habitat along the Ocean State’s southern coast, departing from Smithfield. ASRI.org

January 1: Brave the elements on New

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Photos courtesy of Raw Design

Watch for glowing installations popping up in Providence

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January 15: Attend a morning of inspiration and celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast honoring Rhodes on the Pawtuxet scholars and fundraising , sponsored by the Ministers Alliance of RI. Providence, MinistersAllianceRI.org January 19-20: Go back six decades and rock out to songs from the pre-Sg t. Pepper era of the Fab Four with 1964: The Tribute, regarded as the best Beatles tribute on earth. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com

January 27: Taste frothy ales and rich winter stouts at the Rhode Island Brew Fest at the WaterFire Arts Center, where over 55 regional breweries are pouring samples of some of the best craft beers around. Providence, Eventbrite: Rhode Island Brew Fest | 2024 JANUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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RHODY SNAPSHOTS I m a g e s v i a I n s t a g ra m h i g h l i g h t t h e b e a u ty o f t h e O c e a n S t a te

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Use #HeyRhodyPhotos and you could be featured next!

HITTING SHELVES February 2024

Weddings THE ANNUAL

ISSUE

A Special Edition that highlights how Rhode Islanders can support their local wedding industry while planning their big day with topics like: • Which Venue is Right for You • Tips on Seasonal Flowers • Expert Planning Advice • From Pinboard to Reality

• Picking a Photographer/Videographer • Honeymoon Local AND SO MUCH MORE!

COULD YOUR

#OceanStateLoveStory BE OUR WINNING STORY?

Follow @HeyRhody on Instagram so you don’t miss out on this year’s Wedding Guide Contest! Contest & entry details will be announced on Instagram

For more information or a custom advertising quote, contact Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com or visit Heyrhody.com /Meet-The-Staff to find your local Sales Rep

AD DEADLINE: January 11, 2024

Photo by Nick DelGiudice Photo by Mac Olink

Photo by Brittany Graf Photography

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