Hey Rhody July 2021

Flexible Hours. Faster Test Results.

For a List of Patient Service Center Locations: 401-793-4242 • 800-980-4244 LifespanLabs.org

Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry

Did you know you can hop on the fast ferry from Rhode Island and arrive in the heart of Martha’s Vineyard in only 95-minutes?

Our ferry avoids all the Cape Cod traffic and offers convenient dockside parking. Depart from Quonset Point, North Kingstown and save 3 to 4 hours of travel time each way. You will enjoy scenic views down Narragansett Bay and through Vineyard Sound past the Elizabeth Islands.

The ferry arrives in Oak Bluffs, with white sand beaches, numerous gift shops, restaurants and hotels just steps away. With five other towns close by, you can rent a bike, scooter, a car or purchase an advanced sightseeing tour of the entire island.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. Departs from Quonset Point, North Kingstown

401-295-4040 MarthasVineyardFastFerry

vineyardfastferry.com

Advance reservations are recommended.

Operates May through October

@RIFastFerry

Lighthouse

CRUISES & Newport Harbor Tours

Enjoy an afternoon aboard Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s Lighthouse & Newport Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Our tour will provide you with the best way to see Narragansett Bay aboard the largest most luxurious sightseeing catamaran in all of New England.

This 95 minute narrated tour will view 10 lighthouses, 10 islands and other popular sights including sailing under the Jamestown and Newport Bridges, past Castle Hill, Hammersmith Farm, Ocean Cliff, Clingstone “House on the Rock”, Fort Adams State Park, and many waterfront mansions. You will also sail through famous Newport Harbor viewing multi-million dollar yachts, and numerous vintage sailing vessels. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Operates May through October

RhodeIslandBayCruises

@RIFastFerry

rhodeislandbaycruises.com

Departs from Quonset Point, North Kingstown

401-295-4040

20

FEATURES

CO V E R S TO R Y

HQ Rhode Island Why so many large companies are based in the smallest state

32 HOME & STYLE

Hot off the Press We teamed up with Frog & Toad to raise funds for the RI Community Food Bank

46 FOOD & DRINK

Drinks with a View Restaurants take dining to new heights with rooftop bars

56 A R T & C U LT U R E

Carving a Niche Inspiration is all around for Cranston linocut artist Jeff Palmer

2

Ocean State Job Lot distribution center P h o to courtesy of Ocean State Job Lot

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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CONTENTS

14 28

Photo courtesy of Paws on Pelham

Photo by Cate Brown, courtesy of Brandelyn Romanek

40

Photo by Golden Age Photography, courtesy of Long Live Beerworks

News & Life

Home & Style

Food & Drink

Art & Culture

10 GoBabyGo RI

28 HOME: This Pt. Judith

transforms toy cars for kids with mobility challenges

abode showcases the surf outside

40 Beer gardens bring the taps outside

58 How nine artists plan to use grants to further their work

13 RHODY GEM: Pawtucket

34 SHOP: Decor items

60 RHODY READS: Illustrated

bindery specializes in books and boxes

to bring the beach feeling home

42 RHODY RECIPE: Fire up the grill for a wing night

14 RHODY PETS: Dog-friendly

36 BEAUTY: Sun

44 Warren gets a

62 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

hotels for a weekend sit-stay-cation

protection made in the Ocean State

16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Newport approves scaled-back bicycle safety resolution

taste of rural RI with Wright’s ice cream at Blount

novels for all ages

64 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

On the Cover: National companies with local ties. Cover design by Nick DelGiudice.

4

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July 2021

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Editor Abbie Lahmers

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Managing Editor Megan Schmit Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Sascha Martin Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Hilary Block

Richard W.P. Huang

Mike Braca

Sascha Martin

Abigail Brown

Erin McGinn

Antonia Ayres-Brown

Liz Murray

Cate Brown

Golden Age Photography

Ingrid Brown Nick DelGiudice Contributing Writers Antonia Ayres-Brown

Hugh Minor

Ingrid Brown

Liz Murray

Belinda Jones

Asher Schofield

Andrea E. McHugh

Chuck Staton

Interns Li Goldstein

Adam Zangari

Emma Nicholson Looking for an internship?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com Distribution Services Special Delivery

Subscribe Today!

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Presented by Providence Media, publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com HeyRhody.com Copyright ©2021 by Providence Media.

All rights reserved.

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CONTRIBUTORS

CATE BROWN As a third-generation Wickford-er, photographer Cate Brown’s work continues to be shaped by life on Narragansett Bay. Brown is responsible for the stunning images in The Light House on page 28, where she photographed a friend’s Point Judith home awash in sandy-toned style.

ANDREA E. MCHUGH Debra L’Heureux, Rhode Island’s top matchmaker for Get Ready To Date has been in the business of helping people find love for over 18 years!

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For our cover story HQ Rhode Island on page 20, writer Andrea E. McHugh inter viewed large company execs to find out what brought them to and keeps them in the smallest state. All summer long Andrea can be found wearing something stylish around her home city of Newport.

LIZ MURRAY With this month’s Rhody Recipe, Liz Murray takes another free-spirited approach towards home cooking with her Chipotle Ginger Orange Wings recipe. “I love to experiment with what’s in my cupboard and this jar of orange jam was staring back at me, begging to be put to use!” Get the details on page 42.

ASHER SCHOFIELD After always chuckling over Frog & Toad’s e-newsletters, we asked the Providence store’s co-founder to write about his experience turning our Iconic RI Foods image into a bestselling print to raise funds for the RI Food Bank. Read all about it in Hot off the Press on page 32.

JOIN MY MATCHMAKING DATABASE AT

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FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!

ONLINE Young Family Farm Ph o to by Er in Mc Gin n

JAZZMINE NAPOLITANO BROKER/OWNER Servicing RI & Mass Specializing in Relocation

401.225.7070 jaz9890@msn.com

Web Extra: Scenic spots perfect for summer exploring minus the crowds around the East Bay

NEWSLETTER:

780 Hope Street, Providence

Subscribe to our free Hey Rhody email newsletter for: • Weekly must-do’s • Online exclusives • And more!

@HeyRhody HeyRhody.com

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7

Sip and stroll through the Zoo during this special, adults-only event!

THURSDAY NIGHTS | 5:30 – 9 PM | 21+ JULY 15TH & AUGUST 12TH

Enjoy live musical entertainment, amazing animal encounters, specialty Zoo-themed cocktails and more!

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Drink Something Different…

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Bring beautiful décor to your home GIFTS - TABLETOP - LINENS Monday-Saturday 9am-10pm • Sunday 10am-6pm

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Tuesday–Saturday 11am-5pm • Closed Sunday & Monday 673 Kingstown Road Wakefield • 401.783.7388 • StoreFour.net

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NEWS & LIFE A d a p t i ve Toy C a r s | R h o d y G e m | R h o d y P e t s | B i ke S a fe ty

14 Blueberr y Cove Inn dog Gretchen in the BirdSong Room P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f B l u e b e r r y C ove I n n

NEWS & LIFE

On the Go

T h ro u g h G o B a by G o R I p ro g ra m , N ew E n g l a n d Te c h s t u d e n t s b u i l d a d a p t i ve toy c a r s fo r c h i l d re n t o re g a i n i n d e p e n d e n ce a n d m o b i l i t y

By Megan Schmit

J

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Engineering students Alannah Forman and Matt Kenyon walk, but are just not as steady on their feet or as quick as their peers, qualify, too.

“The idea is that every child learns about their environment through moving through it and making choices,” Linet explains. “A child who can’t move independently must rely on a caregiver to get them toys or bring them to where they can interact. The caregiver makes the decision for the child. Research has shown that the earlier a child is able to make decisions on what and who to play with, the stronger their cognitive, physical, and social development becomes.” The younger the child the better, Linet adds, so typically they cater to kids aged

one through six, though they have accepted applications from older children as long as they are small enough to fit in the car.

Once the child is chosen, they are visited by the occupational therapy assistant faculty and students to assess which size car, switches, and seating options are needed. Then, those students meet with the electrical and mechanical engineering department who will design and build the final product. Behind the scenes, the automotive department is doing custom paint jobs, business and public health students are writing grants, and Linet is locating local sponsors. “The New England Tech program is

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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Photos courtesy of GoBabyGo RI

ust over two years ago, Rick Linet came across an article detailing how a high school robotics program modified an electric vehicle for a child with mobility challenges. Touched and intrigued, Linet’s background in social work, business, and teaching kicked in; he recognized the significance of the project to the child and family who otherwise might not have been afforded the ability to move due to the prohibitive price of a motorized wheelchair.

This was too good a program for Rhode Island not to have, Linet decided.

Linet reached out to University of Delaware’s Dr. Cole Galloway, founder of the national and international program known as GoBabyGo, which modifies ride-on cars (think: mini plastic toy Jeeps and VWs) for young kids with disabilities so that they can move independently. When Dr. Galloway gave Linet the go-ahead to form a Rhode Island chapter, he began to assemble a team, which came fortuitously together when he linked up with Dean Plowman, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technolog y at New England Institute of Technolog y.

Plowman arranged a meeting with what would become GoBabyGo RI’s interdisciplinary team: Cyndi Fuchs, Assistant Professor and Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Julie Laird, Occupational Therapy Instructor.

The chapter’s mission, Linet explains, is “to provide innovative, accessible, and practical options to improve the lives of children with limited mobility in the Southern New England area,” at no cost to the families thanks to grant funding and local business sponsors. The process begins with identifying potential recipients: “In order to qualify for a car, a child must have some sort of delay in mobility. This could be a child with a given diagnosis such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or just a development delay,” says Linet, who notes that children who

Crystal Greene and son Benjamin, recent GoBabyGo RI recipient unique in that it pushes the interprofessional collaboration of students in a variety of majors,” Linet says of this multi-faceted project.

Finally, the day comes for presenting the finished car to the eager child and family. Each placement is humbling and gratifying , Linet says, but one especially stood out: “A particular young girl with a disability that prevented her from moving many of her joints but especially her legs; she literally had to pull herself with her arms to scooch on her bottom to get from place to place. With the help of a GoBabyGo RI Jeep, she was able to socialize and play with her peers.

The huge smile on her face was heartwarming

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and so rewarding to see.”

Since 2019, including scheduled builds, GBGRI has provided cars to 20 children through individual families as well as those given to the Cornerstone School and Sensation Station pediatric therapy center, which were built by William Davies Career & Technical High School students through an engineering mentorship program. During the pandemic, with the lack of New England Tech students present, operations had to scale back significantly, but Linet is looking forward to getting back on track as campus reopens this summer.

“Currently there are not any viable alternatives

for young children with mobility issues other than our program,” Linet begins. “The ability to provide a means – a very child-friendly one, I may add – for children to mobilize, participate in their environment in a way they could not before, has a major impact.”

That impact is felt most deeply by the child and his or her family. Says Crystal Greene, mother of recipient Benjamin, “Ben loves his car and has so much freedom and mobility from it. It has really changed his life and ours in incredible ways.”

If you know of any child that could benefit or are interested in being a sponsor, please reach out via email at GoBabyGoRI@gmail.com.

11

Maine’s Original Vacationland Step back in time... to a perfect destination

for a relaxing vacation with 500 plus acres of fresh air, glorious views and affordable rates.

Here, you will meet some of the nicest people on earth! Enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Golf on our 18-hole golf course, swim, fish, play disc golf, mini golf, hike our trails, play tennis, rent a canoe or kayak, watch the spectacular sunset over the White Mountains and so much, much more! Kids stay free in the same room..

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3 Inns - 11 Cottages - 18-Hole Golf Course

2 Restaurants - Driving Range Oxford Casino is minutes away!

Call 207-998-4351 www.PolandSpringResort.com

20 Veterans Memorial Drive Warwick | 401-732-8080 globalexcellencetravel.com

The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

Presents

July 11-24, 2021 Special Offers for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Take a break from the kitchen during Providence Restaurant Weeks. Enjoy two weeks of specials and deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and more at participating restaurants throughout Rhode Island. Browse through the menu options and plan your next great meal.

ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com PRESENTED BY:

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SPONSORED BY:

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NEWS & LIFE

Hope Bindery & Box Co. Arc h ival A r ts Stu di o What it is: Exactly as the name suggests, this niche studio specializes in book binding and box-making , all by hand, offering bespoke and archival ser vices for a variety of personalized projects.

Where to find it: Find this binder y a stone’s throw away from the Hope Artiste Village in the understated art mecca that is Pawtucket.

Photos courtesy of Hope Bindery & Box Co.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m?

“If it’s a book or a box, we can help!” studio manager Kara Stein touts of the arts studio doubling as a book hospital for those emergency restoration projects. Think treasured family bibles and historic pieces dating back to the 1600s returned to their prime using authentic materials – or handbound theses perfect for a graduation gift and custom boxes for ever y use. Along with owner Jim DiMarcantonio, these two RISD grads offer one-on-one instruction and tours of the antique iron presses and molten metal type machines. “Because our field is so small,” explains Stein, “we often get customers from New York and even California ; however, the people we see most are the wonderful folks of Rhode Island. We always do our best to make customers feel welcome, going so far as to explain the intricate processes and machines we use here in the binder y.”

H o p e B i n d e r y & B ox Co .

250 Esten Ave, 3rd Floor, Pawtucket HopeBindery.com Instagram: @hopebindery

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 Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

NEWS & LIFE

Rhody Pets:

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS

Fancy a sit-stay-cation?

Whether your pup is a yachtie, country, city, or beach dog, there’s a RI accommodation to set tails wagging!

By Belinda Jones

BLUEBERRY COVE INN, NARRAGANSETT When an inn welcomes six giant, fluffy Bernese Mountain Dogs in one party you know they are truly pet-friendly. “I filled three vacuum bags when they left!” laughs innkeeper Seeley Gerraughty. Visiting Aussie mix Gretchen greets each new arrival and pups can play freely in the picket-fenced front yard and join you for a home-cooked breakfast on the front porch. All rooms are pet-friendly, including the Lighthouse with its two-person whirlpool tub. Situated less than a 10-minute walk to Town Beach, this come-as-youare casual inn charges a $30 a night pet fee without breed or size restrictions, a rarity in the area. BlueberryCoveInn.com

THE GRADUATE, PROVIDENCE How can you not love a hotel that recreated Dumb & Dumber’s Mutt Cutts van for its launch? Chihuahua Diego and pit bull Steely give two paws up via their dog trainer owners: “We travel extensively and this is the most pet-friendly hotel we’ve experienced.”

For swanky city digs, the pet fee is pleasingly low (just $25 a night) and includes a ceramic dog bowl with your pal’s name and a stylish Pet In Room pennant. Bonus: Biltmore Park, with its dog-friendly beer garden hosted by Trinity Brewhouse, is right across the street.

GraduateHotels.com/Providence

14

Sadie adores Paws on Pelham, the #1 Dog Friendly Hotel in Rhode Island

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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Where every day is

grooming

boarding

daycare

training

PAWS ON PELHAM, NEWPORT Not only is Paws on Pelham number one on our list, it’s also TripAdvisor’s top rated Newport bed and breakfast. Annie Tatirosian’s interior design is fresh and ingenious: The 13 rooms have a mix of cute wooden kennels and clever Murphy dog beds with delightful doggie details at ever y turn, including printed wallpaper, dogshaped cutouts in the Adirondack chairs, and paw towels at reception. Plus, there’s no pet fee. A couple from Massachusetts raves about their stay with “Boxador” rescue Sadie : “ We had breakfast on the Rufftop Deck, walked to all the Newport attractions and, even at full occupancy, didn’t hear one other dog ! We’ll definitely return.” PawsOnPelham.com

DOGTOPIA OF WARWICK

30 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick 401-903-4900 | Dogtopia.com/Warwick

HAPPY HHH

HHH

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Minutes from R.I.

THE STONE HOUSE INN, LITTLE COMPTON Built in 1854, this striking former private residence sits on 2.7 airy acres near the tip of Sakonnet Point and offers the feel of an exclusive hideaway – perfect for Instagram darlings like English Bulldog Stu (@stulalu), who reveled in the expansive lawn and toasty fire pit. Two pet-friendly studios, known as Warren and Alden, were once stables that now conjure cool city loft vibes in this peaceful, pastoral setting. Pet fee: $50 per stay. NewportExperience.com/stonehouse Photo courtesy of Paws on Pelham

Mystic Knotwork

A New England Tradition for 60 Years

S P O N S O R E D BY

BOOK YOUR PUP NOW FOR THE SUMMER AND FALL! 30 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick. Dogtopia.com/Warwick • 401.903.4900

3 Keyes Way, West Warwick 401-250-3595 • CampBowWow.com (Down the street from Cardi's Furniture)

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Handmade Sailor Knots Visit Us In Downtown Mystic 25 Cottrell St. • 2 Holmes St. • 860.889.3793 open 7 days or shop online • MysticKnotwork.com

15

NEWS & LIFE

In Par t ne rs hip w i t h T h e Pu b l i c ’ s Radi o • T heP ublics Radio.o rg

Newport approves scaled-back bicycle safety resolution, disappointing some local cyclists Newport’s City Cou n c i l a p p rove d a re s o l u t i o n We d n e s d ay i n s u p p o r t o f b i cyc l e s a fety. B u t a g ro up of local cyclist s say t he Cou n c i l h a sn ’t d on e eno ug h to a r t i c ul ate whe re a nd whe n p e o p l e c a n exp ect to s ee spe ci fic improveme nts.

By Antonia Ayres-Brown, Newport Bureau Reporter for The Public’s Radio

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A previous version of the resolution included this map of existing, first priority, and second priority roads for bike lanes and shared lanes in Newport

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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Map courtesy of Bike Newport

B

y the time Newport’s City Council convened Wednesday night, more than a dozen people had gathered at the organization Bike Newport to watch the virtual meeting together. Many of them rolled in on bikes. One even arrived riding a pedicab.

The cyclists had come to support the bicycle safety resolution, but they also hoped to urge the Council to include a plan to address specific high-priority routes in the city, which were identified in the statewide 2020 Bicycle Mobility Plan. They also wanted a timeline for painting bike markings on these roads — which had been scrubbed from an earlier version of the resolution.

Instead, the Council approved a resolution that expresses support for “the goals of the RI Bicycle Mobility Plan,” and references two specific roads — Ocean Avenue and Hillside Avenue — where the city already has efforts underway to improve bike safety. It also calls on Newport’s city manager to continue studying the Bicycle Mobility Plan and begin using it to guide the city.

Bari Freeman, the executive director of Bike Newport, called the document a “drastically reduced resolution.”

“It lost any reference to the citywide prioritization of streets where people are already riding bicycles, where people are already feeling insecure and asking for improvements,” said Freeman.

“So over the last couple of weeks, Bike Newport and the community have rallied around — This is great that there is a resolution. Let’s make sure that the resolution asks for a plan and a timeline to address the priority roads now.”

Some councilors said they want to wait for a transportation master plan that Newport recently hired a team of consultants to develop. That process is expected to take approximately 18 months.

“I want to go forward with the consultant

Photo by Antonia Ayres-Brown

Cyclists gathered on May 26 for a "rolling rally" organized by Bike Newport in support of the proposed bicycle safety resolution

work, so that we can all come back and discuss it and see what actually is looked upon as being a way to improve traffic in Newport — which includes all of the vehicles that we have,” said Councilor Kate Leonard.

But some locals say the city’s narrow, highly trafficked roads pose an urgent danger. “ We have residents who, their only option for getting around the city is a bike,” said Councilor Jamie Bova. “And we have people who are hit, and who are killed, and who are severely injured because our roads aren’t safe and amendable for cyclists.”

Bova proposed adding a deadline for the city manager to create an action plan for implementing bicycle safety measures, but the Council rejected the amendment. Councilor Lynn Ceglie, who introduced the resolution with Bova, said she agreed with the sentiment but worried it put the resolution “in peril.”

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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“We can always come back with a proposal for another road, and the Council can vote on that,” she said. “I just want this resolution to pass. That’s all I care about right now.”

During the discussion, there was a disagreement among some councilors about how much public comment to allow. Councilor Angela McCalla attempted at one point to yield her time to a member of the public, and said that nine people were still waiting to speak. But Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said the Council was ready to vote.

“We have other things that we have to go through tonight. They could keep us here all night, and that turns people off,” said Napolitano.

“I understand that,” McCalla replied.

“And although we are privy to all of the information, it’s fair enough to let people just say what needs—” “I will let a couple people speak,” Napolitano interjected. “If it’s the same thing, time after time,

then that’s it.”

The City Council ultimately passed the resolution unanimously, without a timeline or a map of priority routes beyond the two referenced roads.

The Council added an amendment that stipulates the city manager must submit any additional bike lanes, road markings, or signage proposals to the Council for approval.

Freeman, of Bike Newport, said it wasn’t the outcome she had hoped for, but she still looks for ward to working with the city — to improve not only road safety, but also connectivity in Newport.

“We have many people who ride their bicycles to get from one place to another in this town — some have a choice and some don’t,” Freeman said. “It’s not about enthusiasts and activists and advocates. It’s about people riding bicycles to get where they need to go, and ensuring that our roads accommodate that in a safe way.”

17

SOUTH COUNTY

Come enjoy a beer at the Shaidzon Beer Garden!

141 Fairgrounds Road West Kingston, Rhode Island www.shaidzonbeerco.com @shaidzonbeerco

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Enjoy your favorite seafood dish on our spacious deck overlooking Galilee Harbor while sipping an amazing cocktail. Shop at our local seafood market for the best & freshest seafood available.

OFFERING PRIVATE FUNCTIONS IN THE OFF SEASON – CALL FOR DETAILS 256 Great Island Road, Narragansett • 783-3152 • champlins.com Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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A Curated Collection of American-Made Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories, Ceramics, Hand Blown Glass and Clever Gifts

SUMMER TRUNK SHOWS

Suzy Landa | July 9 -11 Paul Morelli | July 23 -25 Suzy Landa | August 13 -15 95 watch hill road • westerly, ri • 860.961.4678 • www.omojewels.com

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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19

HQ Rhode Island We might be the smallest state, but we’re home to some pretty big business

By Andrea E. McHugh

Rhode Island is the base of operations for many businesses that have a big footprint beyond state borders, including healthcare giant CVS and beloved toy and game manufacturer Hasbro. The roots of many of these large companies run deep, while others opted to set up shop here after discovering the Ocean State and its well-known work/life balance (few are the places where you can stop work at 5pm and minutes later be dipping your toes in the sea or hiking deep into a National Historic Park). Though doing business in Rhode Island, or anywhere for that matter, is not without its challenges, for many companies, its advantages far outweigh its detriments.

Another company that continues to flourish in Rhode Island more than a century after its founding here is Amica, the oldest mutual insurer of automobiles in the country. “If you think back to 1907, the country was basically small towns, rural living ,” explains Vince Burks, Department Vice President and Communications Director at Amica. “The main mode of transportation was horse-drawn carriage and there were only about 25,000 automobiles on the road, and there were mixed feelings about these ‘cars.’ It was primarily for the wealthy. Woodrow Wilson even said that the automobile was ‘the picture of the arrogance of wealth.’” But Burks says Amica’s founder,

local businessman A.T. Vigneron, was watching all the changes happening in the country, including Henry Ford declaring he was making an automobile affordable for everyone, and got to work along with two clerks in a one-room office at 10 Weybosset Street in Providence (you can still see “Amica Building” emblazoned on the structure, even though the corporate offices moved to Lincoln in 1994).

Today, Amica’s campus encompasses five buildings where it employs almost 1,600 Rhode Islanders who take advantage of the amenities there : on-site free parking , a cafeteria, fitness center, and walking trails.

The insurer’s offerings and corporate culture

must be resonating as the employee retention rate is astounding. “You don’t get any bragging rights until you’ve been here 25 years,” Burks says with a hearty laugh. “I’ve been with the company for 36 years and the thing that’s so crazy is that I am not an anomaly at all.”

Employees who reach their quarter-centur y milestone are immortalized with a brick in the courtyard and at an annual celebration dinner toasting achievements, accomplishments, and retirements; recipients fly in from all over the countr y to be fêted.

Amica has policyholders in nearly all 50 states and branches in 25 locations coast to coast. They don’t have the advertising and

Photo courtesy of Amica

Amica Mutual Insurance Company

Amica’s headquarters is located on a large corporate campus in Lincoln

We have actually been approached by many, many states inviting us to move and promising to give us incentives for doing so. We’ve looked at it and we feel that this is our home.

-Vince Burks, Department VP & Communications Director at Amica

Photo courtesy of Amica

According to Burks, Amica provides $2.7 billion in life insurance to Rhode Islanders alone

marketing budget compared to the nation’s best-known insurers, but growth continues to be the company’s objective as they look to gain more market share in both the Southwest and Northwest. Yet, the Northeast continues to be the lifeblood of the company. Rhode Island is home to nearly 100,000 auto, home, and umbrella policies. “And we have $2.7 billion in life insurance out there supporting people in Rhode Island.”

With such enviable attributes and success margins, a company like Amica has myriad reasons to be courted by other metropolitan business hubs, and it happens frequently. “ We have actually been approached by many, many states inviting us to move and promising to give us incentives for doing so,” concedes Burks, citing tantalizing offers

like major tax breaks. But the thought of leaving Rhode Island is unconscionable: “ We’ve looked at it and we feel that this is our home.”

When it comes to bettering the Rhode Island community, Amica supports various nonprofits throughout the state via sponsorships, grants, employees who sit on boards at organizations helping others, and even a company-provided day off for volunteering.

“We understand the importance of not just being an insurance company and being a good corporate citizen, but being present in the community and helping where we can because there are so many underserved people out there,” says Burks, “and we understand there’s a responsibility to acknowledge that and to do what you can do if you are one of the key players in the state.”

“ ”

Citizens hosts the annual charitable Pell Bridge Run, which returns this year on October 17

The investment we made in Johnston was a critical moment for us and really solidified our commitment to Rhode Island, the well-being of our colleagues, and the community around us.

-Keith Kelly, President of Citizens Bank Rhode Island

Citizens Financial Group

Photos courtesy of Citizens

“We have a great quality of life here: The access to great colleges and universities, the coastline down in Newport and Narragansett; it’s really the things that you’re able to do,” says Keith Kelly, Citizens Bank Rhode Island President. “We have great, top-notch employers here in a number of fields, but also, the proximity to Boston – an hour away, you’re in Boston; three hours on the train, you’re in New York City.” And of course, there’s the enviable Rhode Island culinary scene, Kelly insists. “I would argue we have the best Italian restaurants south of Boston here in Providence.”

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest financial services firms in the US. At the time it was originally founded in Providence as High Street Bank in 1828, the city was flourishing. It was toward the end of the Industrial Revolution, and 38 years prior, English immigrant Samuel Slater introduced the technolog y of machine-spun cotton to the US at his water-powered mill in nearby Pawtucket, modernizing textile mills near and far. High Street Bank was one of more than 60 commercial banks in the state, and the jewelry making factories – as many as 200 thriving before the turn of the century, earning the city’s distinction as the “Jewelry Capital of the World” – greatly contributed to Providence’s prosperity.

In 1988, the company was acquired by RBS Group, and the bank’s additional acquisitions expanded Citizens’ footprint throughout New

England and into the Mid-Atlantic and the Midwest. Today, the company holds $187.18 billion in assets with about 1,000 branches in these regions. “We’re in 44 states at this point in time. In 11 of those states, we have a branch footprint, and in the others, we have small production offices or other larger facilities depending on the business unit that’s there,” explains Kelly.

If there was any doubt Citizens wasn’t committed to Little Rhody for the long haul, the company invested $285 million into a state-of-the-art corporate campus in Johnston in 2018 with 424,000 square feet of office and meeting space, plus ample recreation offerings: tennis, basketball and bocce courts, ball fields, soccer fields, and walking trails – all of which is accessible to both employees and the community at large. The facility is home to more than 3,000 of the 4,700 Citizen employees who call Rhode Island home.

“The investment we made in Johnston was a critical moment for us and really solidified our commitment to Rhode Island, the well-being of our colleagues, and the community around us,” says Kelly. “Part of Citizens’ credo is we really want to give back to the communities where our colleagues live, work, and play, and that was the heart of building the Johnston campus.”

But it’s not just about business. Citizens has a long history of giving back: “ We’ve got three key pillars that we really focus our engagement around, and that’s fighting hunger, financial

empowerment, and strengthening our communities,” says Kelly. Citizens sponsors the United Way’s 2-1-1 program, a free, confidential ser vice that helps people find essential local resources, whether financial-, domestic-, health-, or disaster-related, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company also works with organizations helping low-income communities build affordable housing and promote positive livability in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Newport, and Woonsocket.

Another program Citizens supports is “Champion in Action” with NBC 10 WJAR. “It’s a great way for us to engage across a number of different not-for-profit platforms, whether it’s health and human services, whether it’s fighting hunger, or a variety of other causes,” says Kelly. Just some of the organizations that have financially benefited include The Autism Project; House of Hope Community Development Corporation, which seeks to end homelessness; Young Voices, which empowers local youth to become civic leaders and advocates for their communities; What Cheer Flower Farm for their environmental stewardship; and The Steel Yard for its commitment to community arts. Adds Kelly, “It gives us a chance to broaden our focus and vision, helping as many Rhode Islanders as we can.”

Serving the community is huge for Citizens, demonstrated by programs like Fighting Hunger that combats food insecurity

At a Glance HERE’S A QUICK LOOK AT OTHER MAJOR BUSINESSES WHO CALL RHODY HOME: APC by Schneider Electric The subsidiary of multinational energ y and automation company Schneider Electric, APC manufactures and provides key products and services for home and office data centers, from surge protectors to software – all out of West Kingston.

CVS Health If you’re not already familiar with the healthcare conglomerate, CVS Health encompasses a retail pharmacy chain, pharmacy benefits manager (CVS Caremark), and health insurance provider (Aetna), among other brands, and operates out of a sprawling corporate campus in Woonsocket.

Gilbane Building Company Started by two brothers in 1870, Gilbane remains a family-owned and Rhode Island-based (specifically, Providence) company, specializing in construction and facility management that uses sustainable building practices and the latest technolog y.

Hasbro A life-sized model of Mr. Potato Head waving to passersby marks this toy and entertainment company’s Pawtucket homebase, where the ideas for your favorite toys, board games, and even TV shows are brainstormed.

IGT Located in that big glass building across from Providence Place Mall is a global leader in gaming , known best for slot machines and gambling technolog y that encourage responsible, positive, and informed play. The Creative Capital joins an impressive portfolio of HQs in the UK, Rome, and Las Vegas.

Ivory Ella If you’ve ever fawned over a cute and colorful elephant logo printed on a hoodie or tee,

Though “Ocean State” might be in its name, the Rhode Island-based retailer is located in places as far as Pennsylvania

Nortek This Providence-based company manufactures sustainable, efficient HVAC systems for homes, offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and more, in addition to creating cooling equipment for data centers.

Swarovski North America “Swarovski” is synonymous with luxur y cr ystal jewelr y (and watches and decorations, too) hand-crafted and headquartered in Austria since 1895. So what’s the RI connection? Well, their North America HQ is located in Cranston.

Textron A multibillion-dollar global leader in engineering and tech known for powerful aircraft, defense, and industrial brands, Textron runs offices around the world, but you’ll find their headquarters in the heart of Providence’s Financial District.

United Natural Foods, Inc. This wholesale distributor of health and specialty foods is one of the largest publicly traded in North America, and is the main supplier for Whole Foods Market. Its roots trace back to a small organic food store in Rhode Island, where UNFI remains based in Providence.

BRE AKING NEWS: In early June, Rhode Island-based jewelr y company Alex & Ani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company started in 2004 as a small start-up in Cranston but quickly skyrocketed to national fame with its unique, spiritual, and customizable bangles. However, in 2019 the company was struggling to keep up with rent as sales fell, followed by a lawsuit against Bank of America, and finally founder Carolyn Rafaelian was forced to give up control of Alex & Ani in 2020, when it was bought by a private British investor. The company continues to operate out of its East Greenwich headquarters as it works with creditors to pay back the millions of dollars-worth of debt.

Photos courtesy of Ocean State Job Lot

FM Global Commercial property insurance company FM Global works mainly with large corporations around the world from their Johnston HQ, offering loss prevention ser vices in the Highly Protected Risk property insurance market sector.

chances are you’ve fallen for Ivory Ella. The Westerly-based online apparel and accessory retailer prioritizes purpose over profit: 10 percent of each purchase supports mission-based charity Save the Elephants.

Ocean State Job Lot The founders of one multimillion-dollar company loved their adopted home so much, they named their business after it. Ocean State Job Lot was the dream of University of Rhode Island grads who had seen the success of closeout retailers in their native New York. “ They were familiar with Rhode Island. They knew the cost of living and cost of doing business would be much more affordable in Rhode Island, so they decided to open the first store [here],” says the company’s CMO, Paul Conforti.

The flagship store opened in North Kingstown in 1977 and did $78 in sales that day. Forty-four years and 146 stores later, company sales exceed $750 million. “ We’re in Pennsylvania and New Jersey now, all of the New England states and in New York, as far as Binghamton, on Long Island, and all throughout the Hudson Valley, so we have been slowly, steadily growing ,” says Conforti.

He says Ocean State Job Lot has “ been content to grow organically and keep things

An aerial view of the Ocean State Job Lot headquarters, located in North Kingstown

moving on a steady pace.” That strategic pace means increasing from an average of four to six new stores annually to 10 to 12.

The company, which has established itself as the largest closeout retailer in the Northeast and one of the largest in the countr y, employs about 5,600 people companywide, more than 1,300 of whom are Rhode Islanders, and has been recognized as one of America’s Best Employers by Forbes many times over.

“So it’s a real Rhode Island success stor y,” adds Conforti. “ We built a new corporate headquarters in 2005 and our warehouse – it was 750,000 square feet, and about three or four years ago, we added another 500,000 square feet to that facility. It’s the largest footprint building in the state and we’re looking at opportunities to add more space,” confirms Conforti.

Born and raised in Cranston, Conforti says that a lot of employees are returning to Ocean State Job Lot’s corporate headquarters in North Kingstown nowadays, and the past

nearly year-and-a-half has shown Rhode Island’s easy access to New York and Boston, attracting talent looking for a lower cost of living. He asks rhetorically, “How can you not love this state ?”

Charitable giving is simply part of the corporate culture at Ocean State Job Lot. The company states that as “value seekers,” that is, a company hinged on selling top quality goods at discounted prices, they are uniquely positioned “to make a dollar go further than most.” In 2004 they established the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation to fight hunger via mass food donations, help veterans and military families, promote children’s literacy, support pet adoption, and advance healthcare programs.

During the pandemic alone, the foundation aided all of the communities in which it has stores with $25 million in financial and product donations ranging from hunger relief and equipment to critical PPE for hospitals, community clinics, other healthcare facilities, schools, and more.

“ ” [The founders] were familiar with Rhode Island.

They knew the cost of living and cost of doing business would be much more affordable in Rhode Island, so they decided to open the first store here.

-Paul Conforti, Chief Marketing Officer at Ocean State Job Lot

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HOME & STYLE H o m e | L i fe | S h o p | B e a u ty

28 Durable furnishings keep spaces ready for year-round beach life P h o t o s b y C a t e B r ow n , c o u r t e s y o f B r a n d e l y n R o m a n e k

HOME & STYLE

The Light House A se re ne pa l ette ke e p s t h e fo c u s o n t h e n ea r by sh ore in th is Na r ra g a n sett h ome

“

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T

he first date Jeff ever asked me on was to go surfing with him at 5am and watch the sunrise,” says Brandelyn Romanek of her courtship. Jeff spent his childhood going on day trips from New York with his dad and grandfather to surf Narragansett at the Point Judith Lighthouse. As an adult he continued the tradition, heading to Rhode Island even on weekday mornings from the couple’s Connecticut home whenever there was a report of a swell. Says Brandelyn, “He’d get up at 3am to be at the Point Judith lighthouse by 5am, surf, and then immediately change in the parking lot and drive straight to work.”

The Romaneks had been tethered to NYC for their jobs, but when COVID hit it became clear ver y quickly that working remotely changed things.

Brandelyn relays that with their ver y young children not yet in the school system, the pair fig ured it was an ideal time to finally move to Rhode Island. “ The same way golfers dream of living on a golf course, this was Jeff ’s dream to live on a wave!” In April 2020 they bought a house in Narragansett and took their “quaranteam” to the Ocean State. That first summer was spent settling in, decorating , exploring their new town, and “of course, surfing !”

The house is a single-level modern cape walking

Above: A board from Warm Winds shop says surf’s up

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Photos by Cate Brown, courtesy of Brandelyn Romanek

By Elyse Major

Legged seating lends visual space

HOME & STYLE

distance from the Point Judith Lighthouse.

Brandelyn has outfitted the home in a surfmeets-boho chic style. “ White ever ything with driftwood accents seemed like the perfect way to honor the house’s proximity to the sea,” she begins. “ The simplicity of this style allows you to focus on what’s most important: the bright blue ocean right outside your window,” says Brandelyn, who notes that there are ocean views from ever y window.

“Ever ything about our decor has tried to honor our ideas around ‘living locally’,” says Brandelyn, pointing out wall art which

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includes a surfboard on the master bedroom wall from Warm Winds Surf Shop, black-andwhite photos of nearby surf spots taken by local surfer Cate Brown, even paddles in the g uest bedrooms from West Marine. “ We have glass jars of white sea rocks on the shelves that our kids collected from the beach and reeds in ceramic vases cut from the seagrasses behind the house,” she says. “ We have a big telescope in the family room to admire the Point Judith Lighthouse or the Newport Bridge, depending on which way you point it.

Being so close to the Point Judith Lighthouse

is special for Jeff since he has shared so many memories with his grandfather there.”

A little more than a year after relocating , the Romaneks continue to be enamored with their life by the sea. “ We love how lowkey and family-oriented Narragansett is,” says Brandelyn, who originally hails from South Carolina. “It makes me smile to think about how all those years ago Jeff asked me to go surfing with him before we were even dating , and now here we are happily married with two children living in a surf town on a surf break.”

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Photos by Cate Brown, courtesy of Brandelyn Romanek

Framed photos by surfer Cate Brown

Get Rhody Style Re ce n t t ra n s p l a n t B ra n d e l y n Ro m a n e k s h a re s t h e m a ny t h i n g s t h a t m a ke h e r h a p py i n t h e O ce a n S t a te .

Tasty Waves “We love picking up steaks for BBQ grilling from Sunset Farms or getting lobsters fresh off the fishing boats for dinner. We walk from our house to grab takeout from the Aunt Carrie’s window and eat our food picnic-style with the kids in the Adirondack chairs out on the lawn. I love to sit in the sun with my cup of coffee from Caf Bar in the morning and hear the waves and smell the salty air. Nothing beats watching the sunrise over the ocean.”

Salt Life “Days when there are big waves are the BEST because there is energy in the air, and you can see a line of cars with surfboards poking out the back all driving towards the Point Judith Lighthouse. When you get to the lighthouse, the parking lot is full and the water is filled with a long-standing community of surfing friends who are all cheering for each other, and many times their families and friends are sitting in beach chairs up on the shore watching, clapping, and smiling.”

Local Love “The children’s games and decor in their rooms are all from the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. Our surf photography was all framed with raw wood by Finishing Touches in Wakefield. Our blinds are seagrass and rattan from Blinds and Designs. We’re always burning candles from Newport’s Shore Soap Company, and our favorite is the Atlantic scent.” Romanek also highly recommends Handy Randy Services of Rhode Island, a contractor ready to tackle renos of all sizes (HandyRandyRI.com).

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HOME & STYLE

Hot off the Press

Frog & Toad and Hey Rhody combine talents to raise funds for the RI Community Food Bank

By Asher Schofield

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Photos by Sascha Martin

A

h, Rhode Island. The sun on your face and the smell of crisp salty air mixed with clam cakes, calamari, doughboys, and anything else you can drop in a fryolator… that’s the sure sign that you’re in full summer mode.

And here in the Ocean State, we take as much pride in our world-class cuisine as we do in our long, sandy beaches. Oysters, Awful Awfuls, Del’s, cawfee milk, lobster rolls, and pizza strips are just as integral to Rhode Island culture as the accent, the potholes, and the political corruption. One could even say they all go handin-hand. That’s why Abigail Brown, talented Hey Rhody staff artist and senior editorial designer, memorialized our state’s pantheon of signature foodstuffs in the new insta-classic Iconic Rhode Island Foods artwork!

Due to overwhelming demand, Hey Rhody partnered with Frog & Toad to release Abby’s artwork as a limited-edition art print because... well, it’s not a Rhode Island kitchen without some delicious local food stuck on the wall.

When Hey Rhody and Frog & Toad started building this collaborative effort, we felt that it would be an excellent way to address the chronic food shortages that far too many Rhode Islanders face when looking in their own cupboards. In fact, more than 25 percent of our state’s population struggles with food insecurity. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable. The good news is that 40 percent of all sales from the Iconic Rhode Island Foods print are donated to the RI Community Food Bank, which stocks over 160 member agencies around the state, including soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters.

We know that ending hunger won’t happen overnight, but in Rhode Island we care about our neighbors; we look after each other. Maybe by spreading awareness and widening the net of financial support, we can help. We think that together we can make a big difference in our little state.

Each 11 x 17” museum quality giclee poster is printed on 250 gsm rag cotton paper.

FrogAndToadStore.com

r, an d or ed ito ria l de sig ne Ab ig ai l Br ow n, se ni -o wn er of Fr og & To ad , As he r Sc ho fie ld , co ou dl y di sp la yi ng th e wh ile pr en jo y ico ni c tre at s e Rh od e Isl an d Co m m un ity th g in fit ne pr in t be St at e Ho us e st ep s.

Fo od Ba nk on th e

LAND & SEA TOURS

We’re so grateful that Hey Rhody and Frog & Toad chose the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to benefit from the sale of this iconic poster. As we continue to provide food assistance to record numbers of Rhode Islanders, we appreciate this generous and thoughtful support.

Hugh C. Minor IV, Rhode Island Community Food Bank Director of Communications Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

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SEE HISTORIC NEWPORT

Reserve Tickets by Calling (401) 423-9900 x3208 Visit CoastalQueenCruises.com for Information

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HOME & STYLE

Ocean State of Mind

By Elyse Major

T

here’s nothing quite like that first summer beach day. The combination of sparkling water, salty breezes, and sounds of waves crashing against the shoreline is intoxicating. Perhaps you’ve returned home sleepy, sunkissed, and content, with a seashell or two, maybe a prized piece of seaglass, and despite best efforts, even tracked in a little sand. We’ve assembled furnishings from shops around Rhode Island to help recreate that wonderful casual vacation vibe all season long.

ATLANTIC CANDLE

“WE ARE BEACH PEOPLE” PILLOW

ADIRONDACK SHELLBACK DINING CHAIR

Enjoy the scent of sweet lavender, amber fruit, white jasmine, and floral musk in this clean-burning soy wax candle housed in a reusable glass tumbler. Available at the flagship store in Newport and stockists statewide.

Shore Soap Co., Newport | ShoreSoapCo.com

Assert your love for the coast while keeping comf y with this hand-painted, pre-washed pillow with down insert, perfect for post-ocean naps.

Saltwater Living, Newport Saltwater-Living.com

What started as a hobby in 1996 turned into a collection of 50+ products made of Envirowood right here in Coventry by Seaside Casual and available locally at McKay’s.

McKay’s Furniture, North Kingstown McKaysFurniture.com

BARNACLE PENDANT DOUBLE DROP

MEDIUM OCEAN BOWL

PATTERNED MUGS

Hwang Bishop, you had us at barnacle. This chalk-white pendant with a base of hewn raw brass is made in their Warren studio and is an investment piece sure to add coastal chic appeal.

Hwang Bishop, Warren HwangBishopDesigns.com

Serve up seaside style in this splashy vessel crafted by Providence potter Liz Welch. Look for more pieces and news of her upcoming community studio by following along on Instagram @lizwelchdesign.

Liz Welch, Providence | LizWelchDesign.com

Start your morning with a hand-built (no potter’s wheel, no plaster molds), hand-painted stoneware mug made by Anna Highsmith in her Providence studio. Lead-free and dishwasher safe.

Dot Dot Workshop, Providence DotDotWorkshop.com

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HOME & STYLE

Beauty Rhody-made sun care

By Ingrid Brown

Ingrid’s daughters are sun-safe at the beach

W

Photos by Ingrid Brown

e tend to think of using sunscreen only when heading to one of our fabulous Ocean State beaches, but we really should be using sun protection every day.

Sun exposure, not just during summertime and even on cloudy days, can cause sunburn, skin spots and wrinkles, eye damage, and skin cancer, which according to the US Food & Drug Administration is the most common of all cancers. Make applying sunscreen with a SPF value of 15 or higher part of your daily skincare regime a goal, and always use as directed. Here in our little state we have makers developing sun lotions and products so you can protect your skin and still buy local.

BLOCK ISLAND ORGANICS Will von Bernuth and Kelly Hsiao are the husband-and-wife team behind Block Island Organics. Personal experiences with skin cancer led the pair on a mission to give ever yone access to non-toxic, safe, and effective suncare and sunscreen products so that people can be outside and enjoy life

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in the sun without having to hide from it.

Their Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance free making it perfect for those who don’t like getting slathered. Products are available online but if you’re on Block Island, you can also find them at spots like Koru Eco Spa on 232 Water Street. BlockIslandOrganics.com THE PEYTON CO. Natalie Thompson started The Peyton Company soon after her son was born. As an infant, Peyton developed skin and allergen sensitivities and that’s when Thompson felt compelled to guide her family in a healthier direction. The desire to create beauty, body, and wellness products made with organic, sustainable and local ingredients that are accessible and affordable was her main goal. Touted as a “beach bag must-have” TPC’s Sun Kissed Post Sun Care Soothing Gel cools and brings relief to skin with aloe and botanical extracts after one of those days when you missed some spots! Find the flagship store at 246 Water Street in Warren and new Good Vibes Newport at 8 Fair Street. ThePeytonCo.com

RAW ELEMENTS Brian Guadagno has been a Narragansett Town Beach lifeguard for over 25 years. Through that experience he realized that many sunscreens have chemicals and harsh ingredients not only harmful for humans but also for ocean life. Guadagno went to work and developed a chemical-free sunscreen that is also certified natural, reef safe, and environmentally friendly. With his brand Raw Elements the focus is on sustainability, responsibility, and education. Face Stick SPF 30 looks like stick deodorant and is easy to rub on and apply – even under water – providing water resistant, balanced UV protection beyond 80 minutes. RawElementsUSA.com Beauty Secret: After spending time in the sun and wind, I highly recommend a hydrafacial to cleanse skin, remove dead layers, and leave your skin and self feeling renewed! I recently visited Dr. Simpson at SeaMist Med Spa for a treatment who also advises staying extra hydrated by making sure you’re drinking “lots and lots of water!” Locations in South County & Newport. SeaMistMedSpa.com

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Home-by-the-Sea

AND

are collaborating to make a BIG difference in our small state!

Come see our high-end gifts and antiques

All proceeds benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Open Mon., Wed.-Sat. 11am-5pm Sunday 12pm-4pm | Closed Tuesday Shop on our new website www.coryfarmsri.com 3124 East Main Road Portsmouth • 401-683-3124

Illustration by Abigail Brown

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FOOD & DRINK B e e r G a rd e n s | R e c i p e | I c e C re a m Tra i l e r | R o o f to p D i n i n g

44 A beloved Northern RI treat comes to the East Bay Photo courtesy of Wright’s Dairy Farm

FOOD & DRINK

Brews With Views Fro m c i ty to co a st , t h e s e b e e r g a rd e n s a re t a k i n g t h e t a p s o u t s i d e

By Abb i e La h m ers

Taproot’s beer garden overlooks the grape vines of Newport Vineyard

APPONAUG BREWING CO. Two outdoor spaces have been transformed into beer gardens for first-come, first-ser ved seating overlooking the Pawtuxet River. Expect eight beers on tap at any given time, and a variety in styles that are sure to please any patron. Even those less into the brew scene can enjoy a full menu of flatbreads, small bites, sliders, and more. Warwick, ApponaugBrewing.com

GREY SAIL BREWING A quaint beer garden space outside of Grey Sail Brewing (which resides in the former

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Westerly Macaroni Factor y) is surrounded by greener y and even includes a fountain amongst picnic tables and covered seating.

Watch for live music and food truck pop ups some weekends, and of course, a menu of crushable ales and juicy IPAs. Westerly, GreySailBrewing.com

special g uest taps coming soon. This new beer garden extension of LLB is a celebration of summer open Friday through Sunday, with onsite deliver y from Kleos or takeout from any of the surrounding dining destinations.

Providence, @longlivebeergarden

THE GUILD

This West End brewer y has two garage doors open on nice days, with indoor tables trickling into an outdoor expanse of long wooden benches, potted plants, and even fire pits for the rare chilly nights. The vibe is communal and the beer menu checks off all the boxes.

Watch for foodie collabs with neighbor Bucktown, too. Providence, MonikerBrewery.com

Though based in Pawtucket where their taproom and patio is located, The Guild’s Providence beer garden sits on a rare plot of grass with a view of the city skyline just steps from the Pedestrian Bridge. Stake your claim at one of their tables with orange shade umbrellas and enjoy a pour with snacks from rotating food trucks. This spot is seasonal, so visit while the days are long !

Providence, Facebook: The Guild PVD

LONG LIVE BEERGARDEN In the center of Downcity on Grant’s Block find plenty of seating and six draft lines dedicated to new Long Live Beer works releases, plus summer wines from Anchor & Hope and

MONIKER BREWERY

NEWPORT CRAFT BREWING & DISTILLING CO. The outdoor pavilion is open May through October with 10 beers on tap (and beer flights of four if you can’t choose one) along with a full cocktail list. Take in the view of the Newport Bridge while sipping a Rhode Trip IPA or bring some friends and play lawn games. NewportCraft.com

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Photo courtesy of Taproot Brewing Company

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hether it’s an open, grassy space with views of our rugged Rhody landscape or a smaller patch of greenery and string-lights car ved out in the middle of the city, beer garden traipsing is the new bar hopping thanks to plenty of breweries expanding their outdoor digs in inventive ways. Here’s a handful of must-try spots with outdoor taps and lush spaces built for summertime sipping.

PATIO FLIGHTS For more outdoor sipping , plenty of breweries feature outdoor decks, patios, and parking lots to take advantage of the nice weather.

Did we miss one of your favorites?

Email Abbie@providenceonline. com to add it to the list online.

Beer on Earth | Providence BeerOnEarth.com Bravo Brewing Co. | Pascoag BravoBrewingCompany.com

Long Live Beergarden has six taps set up on Grant's Block

PROVIDENCE G PUB For an upscale beer garden experience with elevated pub eats like Jackfruit Banh Mi, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Munich Pretzels, G Pub’s lit-up outdoor space is nestled on Orange Street outside the restaurant. Craft beers are flowing every Friday-Sunday, plus live entertainment on Saturdays. ProvidenceGPub.com

RAGGED ISLAND Sitting on 37 acres of idyllic open space, folks can snag a table or bring their own blankets and chairs for a picnic at Ragged Island’s Farm Beer Garden. Beach Night IPA is a great choice to enjoy with the quintessential farmcoast sights, or Old Boys Lager and rotating varieties of their Ripples Sour Ale are on tap, along with snacks and food trucks scheduled all summer. Portsmouth, RaggedIslandBrewing.com

Photo courtesy of Long Live Beergarden

RATSKELLER GERMAN BAR For a more authentic biergarten experience, the German American Cultural Society of RI has the Ratskeller, a bar and beer garden open to both members and the public ever y Friday night with a menu of German sausages, po tato salad, and sauerkraut ser ved with mugs of marzen lagers, hefeweizens, Kellerbiers, and plenty of pilsners. Third Fridays are for Trachtenabend : a night of German dress and a special meal. Pawtucket, GACSRI.org

SHAIDZON BEER CO. Expect fresh batches of the Buffalo Czech Pilsner and Sea and Sand Pale Ale all summer long at Shaidzon Beer Co., perfect for sipping outside at a barrel table, where fire pits are lit in the evening and trains trundle by on nearby

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tracks (a friendly conductor or two has been known to honk their horn). Food vendors visit weekends, or Tilly’s Cheesesteaks is right down the road for BYO eats at this walk-up spot. West Kingston, ShaidzonBeer.com

TAPROOT BREWING COMPANY An extension of Newport Vineyards, Taproot features shaded tables on the grass overlooking rows of grape vines, where you can enjoy a flight of beer that incorporates local ingredients, like the strawberr y-for ward Pulp Friction or Watermelon Patch ale with fruit from their culinar y garden, or you can sample wine from the vineyard. Seating is by reser vation only. Middletown, TaprootBeer.com

TILTED BARN An expansive lawn has serious picnic vibes, and while there are tables on the patio, Tilted Barn encourages folks to spread out a blanket and relax. This farm brewer y’s outdoor bar has eight taps with plenty of hop -for ward IPAs and farmhouse ales. Food trucks are posted up all weekend, or peeps are welcome to pack a picnic basket to bring. Exeter, TiltedBarnBrewery.com

TRINITY BEER GARDEN Another seasonal city oasis, Trinity Beer Garden posts up in Biltmore Park ser ving their flagship Tommy’s Red and Rhode Island IPA, along with easy-drinking wheat beers and sours. Food trucks pop up Fridays, and catch DJ music followed by comedy shows from Glue Factor y Comedy Saturday nights beneath an array of edison bulbs. Providence, TrinityBrewhouse.com

Buttonwoods Brewery | Cranston ButtonwoodsBrewery.com Crooked Current Brewery Pawtucket CrookedCurrentBrewery.com Foolproof Brewing Company Pawtucket, FoolProof Brewing.com LineSider Brewing Company East Greenwich, LineSiderBrewing.com Lops Brewing | Woonsocket LopsBrewing.com Narragansett Beer | Providence Instagram @gansettbeerpvd Proclamation Ale Company Warwick, ProclamationAleCo.com Ravenous Brewing | Cumberland, R avenousBrewing.com Rejects Beer Co. | Middletown, Facebook: Rejects Beer Co. Revival Brewery | Providence, RevivalBrewing.com Twelve Guns Brewing | Bristol, TwelveGunsBrewing.com Union Station | Providence, UnionStationPVD.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Rhody Recipe: Zesty Grilled Wings O ra n g e j a m m a d e i n Wa r w i c k j a z ze s u p t h i s g r i l l e d c h i p o t l e c h i c ke n d i s h

By Liz M u r ray

G

rilling season is upon us, and there’s no better time to toss some crispy chicken wings on the flame for your next summer BBQ get-together or an indulgent any-time dinner. Rather than going for the hot sauce marinade, these chipotle ginger orange grilled chicken wings bump up the creativity while still being super easy to make, and you’ve been warned: they’re also absolutely addictive.

Despite incorporating its fair share of spices, this sauce doesn’t pack too much of a punch on the heat index, and can easily pass as mild but complex, with the smoky chipotle essence of adobo sauce getting cozy with flavors like ginger and sweet, tangy orange jam.

To make this sauce, I highly recommend Warwick-based biz We Be Jammin’ for their orange marmalade. With mother-and-son owners Debbie and Jason Wood at the helm dispensing recipe tips and high fives, the cheery storefront is stocked full of butters, jams, honeys, salsas, and more. Looking to serve up some variety? A selection of BBQ sauces and marinades from We Be Jammin’ are sure to please all kinds of wing fans. WeBeJammin.net

C h i p o t l e G i n g e r O ra n g e G r i lle d C h i c ke n W i n g s ING REDIEN TS • 30 skin-on bone-in raw chicken wings (about 6 pounds) • 10 oz orange jam • 1 Tbsp ginger paste • 3-4 Tbsp chipotle adobo sauce • 1/4 tsp salt • Pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder • Cooking spray of choice • Optional : minced red onion, parsley, cilantro, or orange zest for garnish

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INSTRU C TI O N S 1. Preheat the grill to 375°F. 2. Dab the chicken wings with a paper towel to dry them of excess moisture prior to placing in a large bowl. Toss the wings with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Allow the wings to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before grilling.

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3. Spray the wings with cooking spray and place them directly on the grill rack. Close the lid and allow to cook for 5 minutes before flipping to the other side. Cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Increase the heat to 450ºF. Cook the wings for 7 minutes on each side before removing from the grill. Note that the wings are done when they register an internal temperature of 165°F, and cooking times will vary depending on the size of the wings.

Photo by Liz Murray

5. While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange jam, ginger puree, salt, and chipotle adobo sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil and simmer for 8 minutes before removing from heat.

6. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken wings and toss to coat. Garnish with minced red onion, orange zest, and parsley or cilantro, and enjoy!

For more tips and recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com or follow @recipehippie on Instagram.

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FOOD & DRINK

Streamline Scoops Froze n t re at s meet chowder and clam cakes as Wright’s Dairy Farm parks its ice cream tra iler at Blount’s

By Ch u c k St aton

Photos courtesy of Wright’s Dairy Farm

W

arren’s Water Street Landing is home to Blount Clam Shack, a perfect New England summer locale, complete with seashells underfoot and bayside clam cakes in the sun. There’s only one thing that could improve on this East Bay Garden of Eden: ice cream.

Blount’s is nudging a few lobster traps to the side to make room for The Wright Scoop, a Streamline trailer renovated into an ice cream shop on wheels, bringing creative flavors from the northern part of the state to complement their seafood. With the looping lines of Blount Clam Shack from May through September, Wright Scoop is in a prime location to deliver innovative frozen treats to the hungr y, hungr y hipsters of Warren.

The Wright family has a name that’s synonymous with quality. The Wright Scoop is the newest expansion to their delicious Rhode Island takeover, which already includes Wright’s Dair y Farm and Baker y in North Smithfield. Cate Kennedy, founder and head of sales at the Wright Scoop, ser ves up some details about the new sweets spot: “ We started with four pop -ups in 2017.

In 2018 that grew to a pop -up ever y week.

In 2019 we bought and opened our first Streamline trailer and the Wright Scoop was officially born!” “ We knew we wanted to open up another location and many people had suggested somewhere in the East Bay,” Kennedy continues. “I ended up meeting Todd Blount through a panel I participated in through the Venture Cafe. Turns out Todd is a huge ice cream fan and had been looking for an ice cream brand to partner with. The rest is kind of histor y !”

The Wright Scoop provides all of your chilly favorites and more. “ We’ll have four specialty ice cream flavors that rotate monthly. One specialty flavor is Compost Cream – this is a flavor that is unique to us. It’s a vanilla base with trimmings of pecan diamonds, magic bars, and coconut magic bars with a ganache swirl,” says Kennedy, naming signature desserts fans of the baker y will be familiar

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Owner Cate Kennedy brings frozen treats to the East Bay

with. “ We used to compost the trimmings, but now we turn them into ice cream.” Other specials include roasted banana with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chunks, tiramisu, and blueberr y coffee cake.

The combined summer superpowers of Blount’s seafood and Wright’s Dair y Farm ice cream aren’t lost on Kennedy. “ We’re super

excited! It feels amazing to be partnering with another fifth-generation Rhode Island family business. Hopefully, I won’t get sick of lobster rolls by the end of the summer!”

At Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront 335 Water St, Warren TheRightScoopRI.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Rooftop Retreats

Restaurants and bars transform rooftops into a special space for summertime sipping

By Megan Schmit

O

ver the years, and especially post-pandemic, the outdoor dining experience has leveled up. The once-standard concrete patios lined with iron tables and chairs and fabric umbrellas have been lent a bit of magic with iridescent igloos and light-filled solariums, converted ski gondolas and open-air lounges. And in the heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like taking in the city or coastal views from above with a cocktail in hand. Here are 20 rooftop decks around the Ocean State to grab a drink (or two!) and toast to our favorite season.

The Bee Bloody from The Beehive Cafe

EAST BAY THE BEEHIVE CAFÉ When you think of this popular neighborhood cafe and sister pantry, you likely conjure up images of freshbrewed coffee, homemade pastries, and breakfast galore. But the Beehive is also home to a modest upstairs deck, with space for a handful of diners to cradle a latte and steal a glimpse of Independence Park and the harbor beyond. Try out one of their signature cocktails, also available in jars to-go, nicknamed “Buzz on the Fly”. Bristol, The-Beehive-Cafe.square.site

Photos courtesy of (L) The Beehive, (R) The Wharf Tavern

THAMES WATERSIDE BAR & GRILL If this restaurant were sitting any closer to Bristol Harbor, it would be in the water. Besides sunsets, Thames Waterside Bar & Grill is known for its food, drinks, and live entertainment on the roof deck each weekend. Gather around the centerpiece bar, cozy up on a couch, sway to the music, or simply lean against the railing to take in the serene sight of boats bobbing in the harbor below. Bristol, ThamesWaterside.com THE WHARF TAVERN This renovated dockside destination boasts three event spaces, a dining room, outdoor seating , and a rooftop bar with live entertainment on weekends. Echoing the trendy nautical touches from inside, the expansive wood deck is anchored by a center bar surrounded by sofas and fire pits. The rooftop is drinks-only, so all patrons must be over 21. Warren, TheWharf TavernRI.com

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Catch live entertainment on weekends at The Wharf, where their rooftop bar is 21+ only

FOOD & DRINK

Unbeatable views of the Newport Pell Bridge Photo courtesy of The Roof Deck at Vanderbilt

NEWPORT BENJAMIN’S RAW BAR If you’re looking for a local, low-key vibe, climb the stairs up to the third floor to discover the Crow’s Nest, an outdoor bar and dining room at Benjamin’s Raw Bar. The real star of this sea shanty is the raw bar, which includes the Mother Shucker Platter, an indulgent array of 12 oysters, 12 topnecks, 12 shrimp, and two chilled lobsters.

Newport, BenjaminsR awBar.com MIDTOWN OYSTER BAR The name reveals its primary claim to fame, but alongside a raw bar and seafood-forward selection, this lively spot on Thames is known for experiential dining that includes two rooftops. One is uncovered and overlooks the bustling historic street, while the other feels like an open-air room strung with bistro lights. The bar menu impresses with a long list of wines, beers, and most interestingly, oyster shooters. Newport, MidtownOyster.com THE ROOF DECK AT VANDERBILT The Vanderbilt, now part of the Auberge Resort Collection, is known for its storied past linked to Newport’s rich and famous. Besides being a luxurious stay for tourists and locals alike, the rooftop bar is a summer destination where patrons can gather around a nautically themed bar or lounge in Adirondack chairs situated to catch the sunset behind the Newport Pell Bridge. Newport, AubergeResorts. com/Vanderbilt/

Cheers to rooftop dining Photo courtesy of Stoneacre Garden

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THE ROOFTOP AT BRENTON HOTEL The Brenton is a new boutique hotel that overlooks the harbor, a gorgeous sight from the rooftop six stories up. The environmentally sensitive green space offers more than just views: Find games like cornhole and ping pong , sofas and fire pits, a veritable jungle of succulents and plants, and modest menu of small plates in addition to beer, select cocktails, and wines by the glass.

Newport, BrentonHotel.com SHOWFISH AT GURNEY’S Located on Goat Island, Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina is a lavish escape complete with top-notch dining, full-service spa, and, you bet, outdoor decks for lounging with libations. The vibe is chill yet contemporary, thanks to streamlined furniture, bistro lights, and glass-enclosed fire pits. Discover the seasonal pop-up Showfish serving elevated seafood or savor light bites from a special menu at The Firepit. Newport, GurneysResorts.com/Newport SKIFF BAR While not exactly perched on a rooftop, Skiff Bar offers an elevated second-floor deck with unobstructed views of the harbor. The restaurant is the perfect stop for a light lunch while soaking up some rays, and features a streamlined menu of seafood classics, soups, salads, and handhelds. Even though it’s located at the Newport Marriott, you don’t need to be a guest to stop in for a bite. Newport, Marriott.com STONEACRE GARDEN As implied by the name, Stoneacre Garden embraces everything lush and green, including its rooftop, which offers a picture-perfect view of the sunset over Newport Harbor where you can indulge in a farm-to-table brunch, lunch, or dinner. A brand-new bar pours everything from sparkling wines to signature cocktails, even a dedicated mocktail list. Newport, StoneacreGarden.com TOP OF NEWPORT AT HOTEL VIKING Located in the heart of Newport, this historic hotel has been a local landmark since it opened in 1926 and recently debuted a massive makeover, including a revamped rooftop bar and kitchen.

Lounge chairs and sofas arranged around fire pits and tables create pockets for conversation over cocktails. Find a menu of bubbles, beer, and boozy specials, plus lite bites like tartare, deviled eggs, and ceviche. HotelViking.com

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FOOD & DRINK

The Rooftop at the Providence G affords views of city landmarks like the Superman Building Photo by Mike Braca

PROVIDENCE AREA MARE ROOFTOP This rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of Providence’s East Side year-round, whether it’s from inside its fully enclosed dining area or on the outdoor patio known for igloos in the winter.

Mare is known for upscale eats (think indulgent seafood and steak entrees) and matching drink list featuring upmarket wines and premium spirits.

Providence, MareRooftop.com ROOFTOP AT THE PROVIDENCE G What city doesn’t have a trendy rooftop bar ? The Providence G takes urban dining to new heights with a completely weatherized space open yearround for al fresco dining , live entertainment, and an unobstructed PVD skyline that makes for the perfect photo op. RooftopAtTheG.com TUMBLESALTS CAFÉ An adorable eclectic cafe nestled in the most unexpected of places, Tumblesalts is known for a little bit of ever ything , from Italian-American classics to weekend brunch and myriad dining spaces both indoors and out. The rooftop deck is small but cozy, with comf y couches arranged strategically for conversation. North Providence, TumblesaltsCafe.com

A glass enclosure makes this rooftop a year-round spot Photo courtesy of Rooftop at the Providence G

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Fire pits add a special cozy touch Photo by Abigail Brown

FOOD & DRINK

Chair 5 Photo courtesy of Chair 5

Coast Guard House Photo by Hilary Block

SOUTH COUNTY CHAIR 5 Located at The Break Hotel, Chair 5 is a favorite among locals as well as g uests, especially beloved for its beachfront rooftop.

Creative cuisine and surf-chic vibes reign supreme, including fresh-prepared seafood, contemporar y coastal decor, and of course views of Narragansett Town Beach, best enjoyed with an artisan cocktail, craft beer, or glass of boutique wine in hand. Narragansett, TheBreakHotel.com/chair5-restaurant COAST GUARD HOUSE Chances are CGH is on your radar, whether it’s for its proximity to the landmark Towers or reputation for shorefront dining , but the rooftop deck is a special summer highlight. Open seasonally, the upper open-air level boasts the restaurant’s signature seafood and sea views. Narragansett, TheCoastGuardHouse.com MATUNUCK OYSTER BAR Matunuck Oyster Bar has made a name for itself across the state for oysters farmed on-site, plucked straight from the water for your plate and ser ved alongside other locally sourced ingredients. While the dockside destination is already scenic from sea-level, you can’t beat a rooftop view of the sun setting over Potter Pond. RhodyOysters.com

PHIL’S RESTAURANT This family-friendly restaurant ser ves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on its rooftop deck overlooking downtown Wakefield. The center bar is surrounded by tables with umbrellas to shield patrons from the summer sun, as they pull apart woodfired pizzas or sip spiked cold brews. Wakefield, PhilsGrille.square.site THE PUB AT MATUNUCK Just a stone’s throw from the beach, The Pub is a classic Irish joint known for good times and even greater views, especially from their multiple levels of decks that includes a rooftop. On weekends, longer hours mean you can enjoy breakfast and lunch from the top, though we always favor an evening visit to catch the sunset. ThePubMTK.com SIMPATICO Walking down Narragansett Avenue, you’re bound to stop in your tracks for a better look at Simpatico, an enchanting woodland escape plopped in the middle of a beach town. The multiple rooms and outdoor spaces boast carefully hung greenery, twinkle lights, and even a pergola, for a variety of dining experiences. However, we’re focused on the upper deck, nicknamed the Jamestown Knot Club + Bar, which offers openair eating at inset booths and a view of downtown. Jamestown, SimpaticoJamestown.com

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ART & CULTURE L i n o c u t A r t i s t | G ra n t R e c i p i e n t s | R h o d y R e a d s | C a l e n d a r

56 Linocut reimagining of the Manchester Street Power Station Photo courtesy of Jeff Palmer

ART & CULTURE

Carving a Niche In s p i rati o n is a ll a rou n d for lino c u t a r t i st Jeff Palmer

BY LI GOLDSTEIN

Tools of the linocut trade

Photos courtesy of Jeff Palmer

A

rtist Jeff Palmer has many muses. Bob Ross, Pee-wee Herman, John Cleese, Kurt Cobain, and plenty more grace the walls of his Cranston studio.

His most recent muse isn’t a person, but a place: Rhode Island. Palmer and his wife have only lived in Rhode Island since 2018, but he’s endlessly inspired by it: “I’m awestruck by the amount of energ y and enthusiasm and passion for not just art, but culture, food, history.”

Palmer wears quite a few hats: filmmaker, painter, graphic designer. Since November, he’s worked to capture the spirit of the Ocean State in colorful linocut prints, his current medium of choice. He revels in the visually iconic, that which immediately resonates with a viewer (Bob Ross’s perm, Pee-wee Herman’s red bowtie). The same goes for his Rhode

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Island prints, where Palmer employs instantly recognizable state symbols as subjects. An anchor ser ves as the centerpiece of one print — paired with the words “Anchored at Home in Rhode Island” — drawing inspiration from the state flag. “It was sort of my way of really digging in and becoming a little more connected with the state and saying , ‘we’re here, and we’ll probably be here for quite a while’,’’ he says.

Making a linocut, from conception to completion, can take anywhere from one hour to six. He meticulously car ves the negative space of a desired image into a flexible piece of linoleum, slathers it with just the right amount of ink, sandwiches it between a piece of paper and a wooden press, and clamps down firmly to transfer the design. The product is a mirror image of the linocut stamp itself,

requiring the artist to work entirely in an inverse mindset: backwards and with respect to the space that won’t take up ink in the final printing process.

Unlike one-of-a-kind art, linocut prints are infinitely reproducible, allowing Palmer to create for wider consumption. He’s found a small audience on Instagram, but looking to the future he hopes to partner with someone with business expertise to reach an even larger one. For now, he’s focusing on his Rhode Island clientele at the Providence Flea Market and Pawtuxet Farmers Market. He even sent a print of his first Rhode Island linocut to former Governor Gina Raimondo, who responded with gratitude on official state letterhead: “I will cherish this gift and all that it represents, namely our beautiful state and the incredible people who live here.”

Learn more at AnchoredatHomeinRI.com.

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ART & CULTURE

Creative Capital F

or the sixth year, in partnership with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art’s Assets for Artists (A4A) program has named a group of Rhode Island artists to their capacity-

Lucas Baisch Photo courtesy of Lucas Baisch

Marisa Finos Photo courtesy of Marisa Finos

Nine local grant awardees share how capacity-building funds will help further their work

By Emma Nicholson

building grant program. Through the grant, nine local recipients will build their practices while receiving development services such as financial advising, career-planning workshops, and individual coaching. “We are beyond excited about the talent, breadth, and enthusiasm of this

year’s cohort,” says Molly Rideout of A4A. “We are also indebted to the hard work and advocacy of Mollie Flanagan, RISCA’s Individual Artists Program Director.” From playwriting, to performance, to printing, these artists’ stories are sure to leave you inspired.

Jobanny Cabrera

Damon Campagna

Photo courtesy of Jobanny Cabrera

Photo by Richard W.P. Huang, courtesy of Damon Campagna

Matt Garza

Jon Hope

Photo courtesy of Matt Garza

Photo courtesy of Jon Hope

Keri King

MJ Robinson

Photo by Erin X. Smithers, courtesy of Keri King

“Springtime” by MJ Robinson

LUCAS BAISCH, Providence “The new play illustrates the history of Silicon Valley, reaching as far back to Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush to map out the land’s transformation into the tech industry,” explains Baisch, a playwright and artist whose new effort envisions an alternate history of the area.

JOBANNY CABRER A, Providence Cabrera specializes in silk-screen printing , music production, crochet, and social justice, and their work will weave these interests to gether. “My experience with A4A has been amazing ,” begins Cabrera. “ They’ve given me so much to think about and access to resources I wouldn’t have had other wise as an artist of color coming from Providence.”

her body – in addition to clay – to explore themes of consciousness, space, and mortality. With the grant, Finos will embark on developing a sustainable practice with a goal of financial stability.

M ATT GAR Z A, Providence Garza is a performance artist, choreographer, healer, and educator, and part of Haus of Glitter, an empowering artistic community in Providence. “ We hope that this grant opportunity will help us prepare to share our newest work – a multimedia dance opera, original album, and curriculum, The Historical Fantasy of Esek Hopkins, and convince the City of Providence to transform this national historic site into a space that is healing , care, and liberation-centered for all,” says Garza.

DAMON CAMPAGNA, Wakefield “ The extra coaching from A4A has really helped me focus on developing a formal business plan and strateg y,” says Campagna, a painter and printmaker who purchased a custom printing press through the grant and is working toward becoming a completely self-sufficient artist.

JON HOPE, Providence A musician, writer, and educator, Hope is a first-generation immigrant from Africa who strongly values community advocacy and interdisciplinar y work. With the A4A grant, Hope plans to increase and streng then the management team for his brand.

M ARISA FINOS, Providence A multimedia artist and sculptor, Finos uses

K ERI K ING, Providence “At a time when I feel I’ve needed community,

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Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez Photo courtesy of Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez

care, structure, and new pathways for ward the most, the A4A grant is providing a lifeline to nourish my creative practice in conversation with a radically inspiring cohort of artists,” says King , a cross-disciplinar y artist. King plans to implement her grant to launch new projects in public art and illustration.

MJ ROBINSON, Providence As an author, illustrator, and educator, Robinson has a focus in children’s media and activism. “Creating my own schedule and shaping my business has been freeing ,” says Robinson.

“I can honor my energ y, form relationships, and grow my skills in ways that aren’t always possible when I’m working within the structure of another institution.”

ANABEL VÁZQUEZ RODRÍGUEZ, Providence Vázquez Rodríg uez is a photographer, painter, and performance artist, using historical, mythological, and sociological perspectives in her practice, reflective of her own body and identity as a Puerto Rican woman living in New England. The A4A grant enables fulltime focus on her art.

Learn more at AssetsforArtists.org

59

ART & CULTURE

Rhody Reads A rich selection of illustrated graphic novels and books for all ages by local talent

By Hug h Minor

W

ith so many talented artists in Rhode Island, it’s no wonder that there are visual delights to accompany ever y literar y taste.

For this month’s Rhody Reads, we’ve selected six books by local authors that are as entertaining to peruse as they are to read. Seek these compelling stories with stunning pictures and choose one (or more) the next time you shop at your neighborhood bookstore.

Follow the life of noted nephrologist Joseph A. Chazan, MD in the biographical graphic novel, Chazan!

Unfiltered. Written by award-winning playwright Lenny Schwartz and illustrated by BIG NAZO Lab creator Erminio Pinque, the story focuses on Dr. Chazan’s two real-life interests – art and medicine – as he establishes the first dialysis clinic in Rhode Island and plays an instrumental role in creating the arts institution AS220. A true local hero, Chazan lives with passion and commitment as he follows his dreams to make the world a better place for those around him.

Considered controversial by some when it was originally published in 1990, Daddy’s Roommate was groundbreaking in its portrayal of two men living as a couple. Author Michael Willhoite, who resides in LGBTQIA+-friendly Cranston, wrote one of the first books for children that addressed homosexuality openy and honestly, telling the story of a young boy who learns that his divorced father is in a relationship with another man. The lesser-known sequel, Daddy’s Wedding, appeared in 1996 featuring the same family and the young boy ser ving as best man at his father’s commitment ceremony in a truly happily-ever-after tale.

Warwick author A. Oliver Noel weaves a fantastic tale of action and adventure in the richly illustrated Hidebound, a coming of age sci-fi novel. Noel follows Artem, a young person who becomes caught up in a web of danger, never knowing who to trust as they are thrust into the middle of a rebellion. This

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escapist-adventure immerses young adult readers in a new world that will hook them in and leave them wanting more. And the good news is that a second book is in the works so there will be more chances to follow Artem’s journey.

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Writing stories is only one of the many ways multi-talented artist Bill Harley entertains young people. Known for his fun and inventive songs, Harley weaves a tale for children of all ages with Lost and Found, the adventures of a young man who must bravely face what he fears the most.

Adam Gustavson’s illustrations take you along the journey with Justin into his school’s lost and found box where he finds out things about himself that he never expected. Is anything ever truly lost for good? Find a copy and see for yourself.

Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook

Not every day goes as planned, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be a day to cherish and remember. That’s the idea behind Saturday, a beautiful picture book from Providence resident and RISD graduate Oge Mora. A young girl and her mother put together a day of fun, but their adventures do not turn out exactly as planned. Perhaps, in the end, though, their adventure might have turned out even better. Mora’s art is a combination of collage and illustration that bring the story to life with a contrasting sense of action and calm.

Check it out with your young reader.

Star Wars: 99 Stormtroopers Join the Empire is the Star Wars fan version of the song “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” Rhode Island artist Greg Stones explores the well-known notion that the Empire’s stormtroopers, though dark and ruthless, may not be the most talented warriors and could even be a little accident prone.

He exploits the idea by showing the untimely, yet humorous, demise of 99 newly recruited soldiers. And, yes, you’ll even bump into some special guests from a galaxy far, far away who, thankfully, are much more fortunate.

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

16 great reasons to never buy books at that A to Z place again: Barrington Books: Barrington, BarringtonBooks.com

Books on the Pond: Charlestown, BooksOnThePond.com Books on the Square: Providence, BookSq.com Cellar Stories Bookstore: Providence, CellarStories.com Charter Books: Newport, CharterBookStore.com Inkfish Books: Warren, InkFishBooks.com Island Books: Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org Island Bound Bookstore: Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com Riffraff Bookstore + Bar: Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooksRI.com Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com

Send your Rhody book recommendations to Hugh at RhodyReads@gmail.com

61

ART & CULTURE

Save the 5th to celebrate the 4th in Bristol

The Must List

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h HeyR

10 essential events this month

Thursdays: Basins along the Saugatucket River

July 11-24: Celebrate our foodie claim to fame

are set ablaze for RiverFire, lighting up downtown Wakefield and hosting an evening of street performers, vendors, and entertainment.

Wakefield, WakefieldVillageAssociation.com

with 14 days of dining specials for Providence Restaurant Week: breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available for in-person experiences or takeout. GoProvidence.com/RW/

Saturdays: The pandemic-born summer tradition of Open Air Saturdays continues, transforming Downcity into a pedestrian hub for shopping, strolling, and sampling all Westminster has to offer. Facebook: InDowncity PVD

July 16: The Collaborative screens popu-

a line-up of accomplished musicians to the historic inn, performing a variety of classical numbers for the Summer Chamber Music Festival. Pascoag , GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

July 18-31: Presented by Wilbury Theatre Group, the FringePVD festival is making a comeback with a mixture of online and outside events to celebrate and promote Providence-based performing artists. FringePVD.org

July 5: Follow the red, white, and blue-striped roads for the Fourth of July Parade in Rhode Island’s most patriotic town. This year expect a vehicle procession and don’t forget to mask up.

Bristol, FourthOf JulyBristolRI.com

July 22-24: What would a South County summer be without the Blessing of the Fleet Festival? This three-day event features seafood, a virtual 10-mile road race, and of course blessings bestowed on the fleet.

NarragansettLionsClub.org

July 10-11: Thanks to the Wickford Art Association, 200+ artists and crafters from across New England will gather at Wilson Park for the Wickford Arts Festival to show their wares, just as they’ve done for 59 years. WickfordArt.org

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Photos courtesy of Discover Newport

July 3-4, 10-11: Grace Note Farm welcomes

lar films all summer at the Drive-In at 30 Cutler, but you’ll want to mark your calendars for the Local Film Festival featuring four films with Rhody roots. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

July 30: Common Fence Music presents Summer Outdoor Concerts celectrating American folk music at Norman Bird Sanctuar y, this month featuring Grammy award-winning musician Dom Flemons. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

Hey Rhody JULY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

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