For all your
shopping needs!
ROUTE 77 • TIVERTON, RHODE ISLAND WWW.TIVERTONFOURCORNERS.COM CARMEN & GINGER VINTAGE GOODS
Adding to our selection of new and vintage cat and dog related items with our annual collection of vintage Christmas decor, ornaments, cards, linens, lights and more! Follow us on FB and IG for all details. 3842 Main Road • (401) 274 1700 www.carmenandginger.com
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THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET
Sponsored by The Bay Magazine
Friday, December 3, 4-7pm Shops Open Late with Luminaries Abound Santa, Specials & Fun for Everyone
8th Annual re-Tree Outdoor Exhibition Friday, December 3 - Friday, December 17
An extensive selection of imported & domestic cheeses, local meats & produce; house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & spreads; Litl Rhody Pasta; custom charcuterie & cheese boards available. Give us a call to order! 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 www.TheCheeseWheelRI.com
A Community Exhibition Featuring an Outdoor Showcase of Festive Trees Created with Recycled Materials Makers Wanted! Info: www.fourcornersarts.org
Shop Late on Fridays in December Shops Open till 7pm
THE COTTAGE AT FOUR CORNERS
Featuring fine home furnishings and accessories as well as quality gifts. Amazing national brands featuring lush pillows, beautiful rugs, home decor, fine linens, lighting and more. Simon Pearce trees shown 3847 Main Road • (401) 625 5814 @thecottageri
INTARAWUT GALLERY
The Intarawut Gallery, with Marc J. Matz Antiques & Works of Art, features a robust collection of fine Asian, European & American antiques including Furniture, Paintings, Sculpture, Jewelry & Textile Arts. Tuesday-Saturday 11-5; Sunday Noon-5 3964 Main Road (617) 460 6200 @intarawutgallerytiverton
TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS
A gemstone lover’s delight featuring the collection of one-of-a-kind gemstone, pearl and gold jewelry handmade by Tiffany Peay. Discover Crystal Bed Light Therapy & explore your power with gemstones. 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 www.tiffanypeay.com
CÉDIAN PAINTING: STUDIO-GALLERY
Fine Art Painting and Decor by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh PILLOWS, PAINTINGS, TILES & TAPESTRIES wildlife cameos of birds, fish botanicals & beach scenes OPEN Wed-Sat 12-4 and by appointment 3879 Main Road • (509) 951 0696 www.cedianpainting.com
GALLERY AT FOUR
Through November 21st NATURAL SELECTIONS paintings and sculpture Opening November 27th HOLIDAY HORIZONS... ART FOR ALZHEIMER’S Supporting Alzheimer’s Association RI plus jewelry from Susan Freda Studios Pictured: RENDEZVOUS, by Anthony Russo 3848 Main Road • (401) 816 0999 www.GalleryAtFour.com
LOU LOU’S DÉCOR
STUDIO BY THE SEA
At Studio by the Sea, finding the perfect jewelry item starts with YOU! Colors are sourced, designs are drafted and each piece is created just for YOU! Let’s create something special YOU will adore. 3848 Main Road • (401) 639 4348 www.studiobytheseari.com
SALT
Relaxed, casual clothing including cozy sweaters, designer denim and stylish wraps. Great seasonal gifts, accessories, books and more. 3845 Main Road • (401) 816 0901 • @salttiverton
Recently re-opened in Tiverton Four Corners! At Lou Lou’s you will find a beautiful assortment of home furnishings, gifts, holiday decorations, accessories and sophisticated coastal décor. Full interior design services are also available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 www.loulousdecor.com
Fine Art, Antiques, Unique Decorative Furnishings & Handmade Goods for the Home, Gourmet Food & Amazing Open Space. Explore a Beautiful New England Village in Tiverton. #TakeARideTiverton4Corners •
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Come home for #e Holidays
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26
FEATURES
CO V E R S TO R Y
The Nice List: Your essential guide to all things merry and bright in Rhode Island
51 HOME & STYLE
Make an Entrance: PVD florist shares tips for making a foraged door swag
66 FOOD & DRINK
Festive Dining: Warren Chef Eli Dunn on hosting the best Friendsgiving ever
74 A R T & C U LT U R E
Lobster Trap Tree: The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce prepares to deck the docks
2
Ph oto by Kayl a M an devi l l e
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MOSES BROWN SCHOOL We make space for joy. We make space for silence. We make space for growth. We make space for you.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL AGES
mosesbrown.org/makespace
CONTENTS
66
Ph oto by O l i vi a G i rd
Ph oto cou rte sy of Wi l d wo o d N urse r y
18
Ph oto by Ni col e Ketch u m
54
News & Life
Home & Style
Food & Drink
Art & Culture
14 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Boston
42 HOME: The story of
60 Nosh on these
Marathon honors Narragansett runner Ellison Brown
Bristol’s Blithewold as a country home
traditional and inventive Hanukkah foods
76 RHODY READS: Six illustrated books to make part of your traditions
16 RHODY PETS: Do’s and don’ts for dog-safe holiday feasting & the Rhody Pet of the Month
48 INFLUENCER: Meet
62 RHODY RECIPE:
the founder of Providence Flea
Gobble up leftovers with turkey sliders
78 Acclaimed Cranston
18 RHODY GEM: Holiday greenery
54 The Festival of Lights gets a coastal spin with tablescape tips
64 Best bets for festive
from an East Greenwich nursery
20 A historic farm in Lincoln is RI’s latest movie set
small-batch fudge
couple meld forces in new jewelry line
81 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A colorful mosaic from local Instagrammers
22 Local charitable orgs spread warmth and cheer On the Cover: The perennially festive Clark’s Tree Farm in Tiverton, photography by Kayla Mandeville
4
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7
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR LOVE?
CONTRIBUTORS
Call Debra
401-289-0900 Complimentary consultation She personally interviews and screens her clients Both men and women are guaranteed to meet potential partners
KAREN GRECO We are happy to announce that Karen Greco, longtime contributor, has joined our team as editor. Greco honed her lifestyle journalism skills at Elle and lives in Narragansett. In this issue, she took the lead on The Nice List (take note Santa!), along with interviewing Chef Eli Dunn (page 66), and assembling a roundup of Kosher noshes on page 60.
Hand crafted matches, no computer program or software
NICOLE KETCHUM When we asked Nicole Ketchum to work her magic on a Hanukkah tablescape (see page 54), she was on board faster than a spinning dreidel. Ketchum is the owner of Hey Girl Decor™, a modern boutique party and decor company based in North Kingstown, where she makes acrylic and paper chandeliers and creates high-end parties for kids and adults.
SASCHA ROBERTS 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!
We’re using this page to also introduce Sascha Roberts, whose social media instincts led to the creation of the tailor-made role of digital media manager. In addition to running our many social accounts and websites, and co-hosting our new Hey Rhody podcast, Roberts manages and writes the Influencer column. Look for her Q&A with Providence Flea founder Maria Tocco on page 48.
JOIN MY MATCHMAKING DATABASE AT GETREADYTODATE.COM RYAN WELCH Ryan Welch is a cameraman at a local news station by day, and avid TV watcher and video game player by night. In 2018 Welch reigned as the states Mr. Gay Rhode Island, finally achieving a lifelong dream of getting to ‘pageant wave’ at crowds people from a parade float. He is also a fan of all things Hocus Pocus and shares photos from the Lincoln set on page 20.
8
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*Home Equity Line of Credit Rates The APR is the Annual Percentage Rate, and the Index is the Prime Rate. The introductory APR will be fixed at 2.74% for the first 12 months. Thereafter (see rate table above for rates with Auto-Pay from a HarborOne checking account), the Index is variable and based on the Prime Rate (Prime) as published in the Wall Street Journal (3.25% as of 8/19/2021). No additional rate reduction is included during the period of the promotional discount. Home Equity Line of Credit Rates shown above requires monthly automatic repayment from a HarborOne checking account. Termination of automatic repayment option will result in an undiscounted rate after the Introductory Period. Other HELOC programs offered by HarborOne do not include an automatic repayment feature. APR is subject to change and may increase after consummation. The corresponding APR will never be less than 3.00% or more than 18.00% per annum on our featured Home Equity Line of Credit Rate. Subject to credit approval. No points. Promotional rate applies to new credit lines only. Other HELOC programs for current HarborOne HELOC customers available. Visit your local branch or call 1-800-244-7592 for additional information. Advertised rates are available for lines of credit between $30,000 and $750,000 on 1 to 4 family, owner occupied homes located in (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI and CT) with a combined loan to value ratio (CLTV) of 80% or less as determined by the property type, an appraisal acceptable to the lender and acceptable FICO score of applicants. No closing costs except for properties held in a Real Estate Trust or a Life Estate. A non-refundable attorney Real Estate Trust review fee of $150 ($125 for Rhode Island) or $150 ($175 for Rhode Island) will be assessed on Life Estates. Hazard insurance is required. Flood insurance is required if applicable. Deductibility of interest is not guaranteed, consult your tax advisor. If you pay off the entire balance and close your line of credit account within 36 months of consummation, there will be a $575.00 Early Termination Fee. Annual fee of $50.00 (waived the first year). Other terms and restrictions may apply. Offer subject to change without notice. **APR is based on the current Prime Rate (3.25% as of 8/19/2021) plus or minus the margin indicated in the rate table above. Rates are variable and subject to change.
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Experience Holiday Lights Spectacular, an all-new walkthrough event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 1.5 million illuminated lights! Join us on select nights from November 26 through January 2, 2022, and ring in the season! Tickets must be purchased in advance For information on dates and times or to purchase tickets visit rwpzoo.org/holidaylights
NEWS & LIFE I n te r v i ew | R h o d y P e t s | R h o d y G e m | O n S e t | G i v i n g
18 This East Greenwich nurser y transforms for the season P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f W i l d wo o d N u r s e r y & G a r d e n C e n t e r
NEWS & LIFE
In Partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org
‘There was nobody like him’: Boston Marathon honors Narragansett runner Ellison Brown
T h e 1 2 5 t h B o s to n M a ra t h o n wa s re s c h e d u l e d f ro m i t s u s u a l t i m e o f ye a r i n A p r i l a n d h e l d o n I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e ’ s D ay, a d e c i s i o n t h a t h a s d raw n s o m e c r i t i c i s m . T h e B o s t o n A t h l e t i c A s s o c i a t i o n , w h i c h p u t s o n t h e ra ce , s ay s i t d o e s , h oweve r, p l a n t o h o n o r i n d i g e n o u s r u n n e r s , i n c l u d i n g E l l i s o n B row n – k n ow n a l s o by t h e n i c k n a m e s “ Ta r z a n ” a n d “ D e e r f o o t .” By Alex Nunes, South County Reporter for The Public’s Radio Ellison Brown was a Narragansett man who won the Boston Marathon twice and was among runners to dominate his sport in the 1930s. Brown’s grandson Michael Monroe spoke with The Public’s Radio South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes about his late grandfather’s life and running career.
Michael Monroe, grandson of Ellison Brown, is pictured here
MONROE: The man had a unique physique. If you ever just seen his body, he was made to run. NUNES: Did you ever get to see him run in a race, or was he older at that point ? MONROE: He was older at that point. To be honest with you, Gramp didn’t really share a lot about his running days. I think there was good and there was bad in it. And he would just advise us one thing : be your own person, and have a heart at whatever you do. So, [I] never really questioned him. I felt like if he was going to let us know, he’d tell us himself. NUNES: Why do you think he didn’t want to talk about it ?
14
Photo courtesy of Michael Monroe
MONROE: At that time, it wasn’t a good time to be an Indian, to be honest with you. In that time frame, they was doing a lot of things to us. We didn’t really exist at that time. But I believe Gramp, like I said, was a unique person, and there was nobody like him, from what I could see, and there was nobody that could do the things that he could do. Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
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Ellison “Tarzan” Brown is pictured crossing the finish line and winning the 1939 Boston Marathon
Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
NUNES: I did a bit of reading on your grandfather before the inter view, and it seemed like he was a really interesting g uy, like a fun g uy. He would run barefoot sometimes. There’s a stor y that he jumped into a lake during the Boston Marathon, that he would eat hot dogs before the race and drink milkshakes. MONROE: Oh, yeah. That’s exactly Gramps. And I used to watch the stories of boxers eating the raw eggs. Gramp would eat a raw egg like nothing ever y morning. There’d be things he’d do you wouldn’t believe. NUNES: What are some fond memories that you have of just being with your grandfather ? MONROE: Growing up, I lived in Peacedale. And the area where I grew up there was running water and stuff like that. But in the area [where my grandfather lived] they didn’t have much, man. They didn’t have running water, bathroom. I remember going down, getting water off the brook, or going outside, or going to look for some mushrooms or something. But the fondest thing was about how my grandfather took me out and taught me what we can do off the land ; how you can sur vive Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
off the land ; during the seasons, what food you can get; how you can sur vive this way and appreciate it; and take what you need. And that’s how he lived. He didn’t have a lot. He had what he had in his heart and himself. NUNES: Was his connection to the Narragansett Tribe ver y important to him? MONROE: He always was a Narragansett – always was a Narragansett, still to this day. I think my grandfather put the Narragansett Tribe on the map. At the time, during his winning , it probably was a good moment, proud moment for him, because he knew who he was representing. Like I said, it wasn’t a good time at the time to be an Indian. So, I believe what he did brought a lot of recognition back to the Narragansett Indian Tribe. And at that time, when he was doing all this, it was some tough times. NUNES: Is running a tradition in the Narragansett Tribe ? MONROE: At the time, it was. I know my uncle also completed the Boston Marathon. But not as big as it should be. And I’m in the process of looking at bringing a running program
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to the Narragansett Indian Tribe in honor of my grandfather. I’m looking at tr ying to bring something that my grandfather enjoyed, and I believe it’d be a good avenue for kids to enjoy to keep them healthy, give them a place to be, especially in our situations – a place where they can come and feel comfortable and be free and run. You know, running ’s good. NUNES: With your grandfather being honored this year, I’m sure a lot more people will hear his stor y. What do you want them to take away from learning about your grandfather ? MONROE: If you work hard, anything can be accomplished. Who would think a Narragansett Indian could go into the Boston Marathon and win it twice? We have our own Narragansett Indian from the state of Rhode Island that won the Boston Marathon and represented this state in the Olympics, so anything’s possible. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Monroe spoke with South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes about his grandfather Ellison “Tarzan” Brown, two-time winner of the Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association honored Brown on the 85th anniversary of his first marathon victory.]
15
NEWS & LIFE
Rhody Pets: HOLIDAY FEASTING The do’s and don’ts of
treating your dog to Thanksgiving eats
By Belinda Jones, Animal Rescue Rhode Island
RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: AMIGO Shake paws with your new BFF By Karen Kalunian Handsome and fun-loving Amigo will bring lots of joy and laughter into your life. Amigo is a four-year-young American Bulldog mixed breed, medium-sized, with a white and black coat, and chocolate-brown eyes that shine just like his smile. Amigo is smart, playful, and can’t wait to share his friendship with you. He loves to run, play, take walks, and snuggle, so go adopt him today! Learn more at Animal Rescue Rhode Island in Peace Dale at AnimalRescueRI.org or call 783-7606.
A selection of dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats at Fetch RI Photo by Belinda Jones
Thanksgiving is synonymous with feasting and gratitude, and one of the best ways you can say thanks to your furry friend is to feed them right. Before you fill Fido’s dish with fixings and trimmings, read these do’s and don’ts from Johnna Devereaux, clinical pet nutritionist at holistic pet boutique and supply store Fetch RI in Wyoming.
If you are looking to adopt or know of an animal in need, please contact Karen from Animal Talk directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com
Photography by Penny Souza Pet Photos
won’t be able to absorb the beneficial nutrients. Green beans: Fresh, organic green beans are a great way to help satiate your pup when they are feeling extra hungr y, plus it fills them up and delivers ver y few calories per bite. Ser ve to Fido plain before adding butter or making the famed casserole.
YES, PLEASE
Turkey: Devereaux says dogs can enjoy a little bit of turkey but just muscle or breast meat, no bones, skin, or excess fat. They may love drippings and skin, but these can cause severe digestive issues.
Pumpkin: Not pumpkin pie filling , but organic, canned 100 percent pumpkin is perfectly fine. Use it to fill your pup’s favorite puzzle toy or mix it with a few treats and freeze.
Cranberries: Pass on the sauce but fresh cranberries are chock full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Make sure to puree before mixing into your dog’s food; otherwise their bodies
Long-term chew : Keep your dog occupied and entertained while you and your g uests eat with a yak cheese chew, bully stick, split deer, elk antler, or marrow bone.
16
NO THANKS
Potatoes: White potatoes are part of the nightshade family of plants, which cause inflammation in the body, aggravating sore, achy joints. Cooked bones: Cooked bones lose all of their moisture and nutrients during the process and become brittle and prone to splintering , which may cause internal perforation. Stuffing: Onions are toxic to dogs. Sweets/desserts: Dogs have no need for sugar in their diet and if your dessert contains chocolate, your dog is in for a double whammy. Sugar-free is also a big no-no as these snacks often contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
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NEWS & LIFE
Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center Ho m e & Gard en S hop What it is: A nurser y lush with greener y, from herbs, annuals, shrubs, and trees in their garden center to home and garden decor for all seasons and projects.
W h e re to f i n d i t : Just around the corner from Flood Ford of East Greenwich, it’s hard to miss the property abounding with plant life on Frenchtown Road.
W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m?
W i l d wo o d N u r s e r y & G a r d e n Ce n t e r 659 Frenchtown Road, East Greenwich 885-4112 WildwoodRI.com @wildwoodri
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!
Photo courtesy of Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center
Having sprouted in 1967 as a garden store that drew novices and enthusiasts alike during the warm months, now Wildwood is an all-seasons destination stocked with outdoor and indoor decor – even locally grown cut Christmas trees. “ The goal is to provide customers with all the tools they need to create their own beautiful outdoor landscape and to offer a selection of elements to provide charm for the indoor living space as well,” says president David Bosco. Statuar y, planters, potter y, and furniture are enough to keep visitors busy even while flower beds are frosted over, and plenty of vegetable plants and perennials will be waiting come spring. But in the meantime, a holiday light display through December compliments a selection of custom wreaths, garland, swags, centerpieces, stocking stuffers, ornaments, and decor.
NEWS & LIFE
Rhody’s Latest Role
A histo r i c fa r m i n Li n co l n st a n d s i n a s 1 6 00 s S a lem for Hocus Pocus 2 By Elyse Major
G
reat Road in Lincoln is a lovely place for leaf-peeping and for two days, celeb sightings. Back in May, Disney+ shared that Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy would reprise their roles as the Sanderson Sisters in the live-action comedy Hocus Pocus 2, the sequel to Disney’s beloved 1993 Halloween cult classic Hocus Pocus. According to a release, in HP2, a trio of young women accidentally bring the Sanderson Sisters back to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches. Standing in for Salem is idyllic Chase Farm Park, a former dair y farm purchased by the Town and preser ved as a green space for events and activities, known to nature-lovers for its butterfly garden maintained by volunteers. Currently the grounds host a modest village of building facades, constructed by a crew over 10 weeks to look like a New England village circa 1600s. By the time this magazine goes to press, the two days of filming will have
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commenced and, according to a town council meeting , a controlled burn will have occurred. The usually sleepy Route 123 has become a bit of a tourist attraction thanks to the movie set and Ryan Welch was one of the first fans to get a glimpse. A news photographer at WPRI, 92-ProFM, Hot106, and LiteRock105, Welch shares, “I get to play with cameras ever y day for my job, but I record the real world – imagine what it’s like to work with a team to create a stor y and location from scratch?” While Chase Farm Park is only 15 minutes from Providence, Welch had never been but when location rumors were confirmed, he and his boyfriend set a course to explore. “It’s a beautiful rolling landscape of green grass, trees, walking paths, crisp air… a nature paradise. We parked our car and set off on the walking paths. It wasn’t long before we saw the piles of lumber and wooden structures,” he says, noting construction was in the early stages – and admitting to multiple returns since. “Successfully creating a film such as Hocus
Pocus 2 isn’t accomplished lickety-split via a magic trick — instead, it requires the hard and innovative work of professionals at splendid studios such as Disney and public partners such as our state’s Film & Television Office,” states Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. “We’re excited that Rhode Island will again be in the spotlight because of this production, helping to attract tourism and yet more business activity to our beautiful state.” The highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 is set for a 2022 debut. “I don’t want to ruin any of the surprises of the movie for myself or anyone else; I just want to go to be inspired. To see the action of a job that I dream to have one day myself: utilizing a camera to bring a concept and story to life in a large production film. We’re the smallest state, but many people I know here have the biggest dreams, and seeing the set of this movie popping up in real life right here in Rhody shows that those dreams may not be as far as we think,” Welch reflects wistfully. “I’ll say it, this experience put a spell on me.”
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Photos by Ryan Welch
The Hocus Pocus 2 set in-progress
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NEWS & LIFE
Reason for the Season Organizat i o n s a c ro s s t h e st ate g i ve b a c k i n the form o f co ats, me a l s, a n d g o o d w i l l By Abbie Lahmers
The Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange takes place on the State House lawn November 26
“
N
o matter who you are, we want to help keep you warm,” says Becka Carroll, the digital outreach manager for Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange. This sums up the goals of their largest coat drive, which culminates with a distribution event the day after Thanksgiving on the State House lawn in Providence, but this message of no -stringsattached giving is echoed by several Rhode Island organizations ramping up their holiday campaigns this month. “Whoever needs a coat is welcome to show up and take what they need, no questions asked,” Carroll continues. “Some folks who come to the event are unhoused and need help staying warm through the winter; others are families who simply can’t afford to buy coats for their kids or themselves.” For volunteers with RI Coat Exchange, the days leading up to Thanksgiving are spent transporting donated goods from all over the state via U-Hauls, and then the “sorting and organizing frenzy” begins.
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Similarly, the “lasagna mamas” behind the North Kingstown chapter of Lasagna Love are taking time away from their own holiday cooking to spread warmth in their communities – but in the form of steaming aluminum trays filled with cheesy pasta. “ We make the lasagna, or a baked ziti if they prefer, and deliver it with love. There are meat lasagnas, veggie lasagnas, gluten-free, etc.,” says Kimberly St. Onge, who stumbled upon Lasagna Love during an insomnia-induced bout of midnight scrolling during early pandemic times and saw it as the perfect way to help those who were sick, stressed, or facing food insecurity. She teamed up with Amy Simmons and Katrina Delicato – and home cooks all over the state – to get the pasta train going. “I think sometimes people think they shouldn’t ask for help if they don’t need it financially, but need comes in all different forms,” says Simmons. “ We deliver to many families who are stressed from caring for sick or elderly family members, we have parents
who are working late hours, we have individuals who live alone, who just really appreciate that someone is willing to cook for them.” Another meal deliver y ser vice started during the pandemic, Plates with Purpose has ser ved more than 2,000 meals to senior citizens, families with children, food pantr y visitors, and those without permanent housing since December 2020. The two founders, Jennifer Fantozzi and Jennifer Capracotta, share, “ While the issue of food insecurity is complex and multi-layered, our model is fairly straightfor ward : we allocate donations to restaurants who, in turn, distribute meals to members of their communities that may be struggling to meet sufficient food needs.” Participating restaurants include The Neighbors Kitchen & Bar in North Providence, Thirsty Beaver Pub in Cranston, Igg y’s in War wick, Gel’s Kitchen in West War wick, and Blackie’s in Smithfield. Plates with Purpose, and involved restaurants, will be helping with the 10th annual
Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
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Lasagna Love spreads good cheer with home-cooked meals
Photo by Sascha Roberts
Hey Rhody teamed up with Frog & Toad on an “Iconic Rhode Island Foods” print that was released earlier this year benefitting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank – with limited copies still available! Read more about it on our website.
HOLIDAY GIVING Along with donating to your local food banks, homeless shelters, and other charitable organizations, here are a few places with campaigns seeking food, toys, and other donations for the holidays.
Photos courtesy of Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange (L) and Lasagna Love (R)
CHILDREN’S FRIEND Clothing & Toy Drive | CFSRI.org
Thanksgiving meal event hosted by RI Dream Center and Praise Tabernacle, and on the horizon for December is a fundraiser for St. Mar y’s Home for Children to help bring cheer to the youth residents and families with restaurant gift cards and grocer y items. None of these organizations could spread goodwill without help from the community. RI Coat Exchange’s call for donations is well under way for this year’s event, with collection sites across the state to drop off coats, hats, scar ves, mittens, gloves, sweatshirts, and sweaters – especially children’s sizes and XXL+, which can be more difficult to come by. Those interested in volunteering or setting up collection sites in their towns can email ricoatdrive@gmail.com. And whether you can use some Lasagna Love in your life, know someone who can, or want to help by donating , delivering , or cooking , you can reach out to the lasagna mamas on Facebook: Lasagna Love - North Kingstown RI or online at LasagnaLove.org.
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DR . M ARTIN LUTHER K ING, JR . COMMUNIT Y CENTER Toy & Food Drives | Newport, MLKCCenter.org/holiday-help L ASAGNA LOVE Goodwill Meals | Facebook: Lasagna Love - North Kingstown RI LUCY ’S HE ARTH Gift & Food Drives | Newport, LucysHearth.org/2021-holiday-giving PL ATES WITH PURPOSE Food Drive | PlatesWithPurpose.org THE PROVIDENCE HOUSE Adopt a Family | TheProvidenceHouse.com/holiday-giving RI COAT EXCHANGE Coat Drive | RICoatExchange.org WEST BAY COMMUNIT Y ACTION Adopt a Family & Holiday Baskets | WestBayCap.org
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25
THE NICE LIST 100+ must-do’s for making
merry in Rhody all season long
BY KAREN GRECO, ABBIE LAHMERS, AND ELYSE MAJOR
O
fficially, the holiday season kicks off at Thanksgiving, but of course, retailers, restaurants, and performance venues like to have a little head start. And why not? This is the time of year when many businesses get their ledgers back in the black, and during these times, which can be compared to a bandage being pulled off way too slowly, aren’t we so thankful these businesses – with their unique flavor and charm – are still around? Across Little Rhody there are holiday markets, Main Street strolls, concerts, shows, light displays, and so much more, and we don’t want our valued readers to miss a lick. Back before jack-o-lanterns were even carved for Halloween, we were making our lists and checking them twice to provide our statewide directory of happenings divided by region and sorted by date. A few shout-outs: Friday, November 26 is the Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange at the State House where you can drop off clean winter gear to be distributed to those in need (learn more in “Reason for the Season” on page 22). We encourage shopping local year-round, but look for Small Business Saturday events on November 27; and note Giving Tuesday on November 30, a day set aside to encourage doing just that. So, keep a mask and your vaccine card handy, and make some memories. As always, tag your snaps using #HeyRhodyPhotos to put new places on our radar!
P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f D i s c o ve r N e w p o r t
Please note that events may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status (covering their nose and mouth) unless actively eating or drinking. For more information, visit COVID.RI.gov
I t ’ s A Wo n d e r f u l L i f e a t t h e G a m m T h e a t r e
CENTR AL RI
Photo courtesy of Gamm Theatre
ALL SEASON NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 24 It’s A Wonderful Life – A Live R adio Play: The Gamm’s staged 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s holiday movie classic returns! An angel sent from Heaven reaffirms the life of beleag uered banker George Bailey in this magical holiday treat. Warwick, GammTheatre.org NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 31 Deck the Halls: Families are invited to help decorate the Children’s Christmas Tree in Pawtuxet Park with your own handmade ornaments throughout the season. Warwick, FriendsOf PawtuxetVillage.org DECEMBER 2-19 Miracle on 34th Street – A Live Musical R adio Play: The radio version of the beloved movie about a department store Santa and the little girl who believes is performed live on stage, featuring holiday carols and live Foley effects. West Warwick, TheArcticPlayhouse.org
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 20-21 Rhode Island Christmas Festival: Come for the local small businesses, artisans, and makers ; stay for Santa , the Family Parade and the Little Miss and Little Mr. Christmas Pag eant. West Warwick, Facebook : WW Civic Center NOVEMBER 26-28 Ocean State Artisans Holiday Craft Show: This post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping tradition moves to Summit Square on Bald Hill Road. With over 100 local makers, this a one-stop holiday shopping destination. Warwick, OceanStateArtisans.com NOVEMBER 27-28 Fez-tival of Trees: The Rhode Island Shriners’ annual celebration features strolling musicians, visits with Santa, holiday marketplace, and of course, a gigantic display of trees and wreaths. Cranston, RhodesOnThePawtuxet.com
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DECKED OUT HALLS 10 mansions sure to dazzle
BANK NEWPORT CITY CENTER & PROVIDENCE RINK
2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence ALDRICH MANSION
THE ELMS
367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport NewportMansions.org
HEARTHSIDE HOUSE
836 Warwick Neck Avenue, Warwick AldrichMansion.com
677 Great Road, Lincoln | HearthsideHouse.org
BLITHEWOLD MANSIONS, GARDENS & ARBORETUM
500 Hope Street, | Bristol LindenPlace.org
LINDEN PLACE
101 Ferry Road, Bristol Blithewold.org
LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM
THE BREAKERS
MARBLE HOUSE
44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport NewportMansions.org CLOUDS HILL VICTORIAN HOUSE MUSEUM
4157 Post Road, Warwick CloudsHill.org
199 Hope Street, Providence | PreserveRI.org
596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport NewportMansions.org
SPRAGUE MANSION
1351 Cranston Street, Cranston CranstonHistoricalSociety.org
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THE NICE LIST
DECEMBER DECEMBER 1 Lighting of the Village Menorah: Gather at the gazebo in Pawtuxet Park for the lighting of the Village Menorah, and stick around for hot latkes, gelt, dreidel games, and Hanukkah songs. Warwick, FriendsOf PawtuxetVillage.org DECEMBER 3 Annual Holiday Celebration: Eat, drink, and be merr y during Coventr y’s kick-off to the holiday season featuring pics with Santa, festival of trees, trackless train rides, and more. Coventry, CoventryRecreation.com DECEMBER 4 Maddie Poppe’s Acoustic Christmas: The American Idol winner brightens the holiday season with an acoustic holiday performance featuring songs from her Christmas From Home EP. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: Things get sweet at The Artists’ Exchange with this creative candy contest, which includes outdoor holiday photo -ops and pre-decorated wreaths for sale. Take home gingerbread and wreath kits are available. Cranston, Artists-Exchange.org Pawtuxet Village Christmas Tree Lighting : See the tree come to life with lights and surrounding luminarias and join in an evening of caroling. Warwick, FriendsOf PawtuxetVillage.org DECEMBER 4-18 Step Into the Holidays: It’s the 12 rooms of Christmas at Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, each decked out in seasonal splendor. Warwick, CloudsHill.org
DECEMBER 7 Ocean State Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops!: Celebrate the season with this concert, featuring CCRI and Roger Williams University choruses, filled with familiar carols and holiday warmth. Warwick, OceanStatePops.org DECEMBER 18 Holiday Comedy Show: John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory stops at the Knights of Columbus Hall with some of New England’s funniest comics. Warwick, ComedyFactoryRI.com DECEMBER 28 Ida Zecco A Song for the Season: In a performance that glitters with holiday cheer, Ida Zecco, with musical director Jim Rice, sings selections from her album A Song for Christmas at the Arctic Playhouse. West Warwick, TheArcticPlayhouse.com
Artists’ Exchange Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Photo courtesy of Artsts’ Exchange
OH, CHRISTMAS TREE
20 illuminated displays to get you in the festive mood BANK NEWPORT RINK
2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence BARRINGTON TOWN HALL
283 County Road, Barrington BLITHEWOLD
101 Ferry Road, Bristol BOWEN’S WHARF
PAWTUCKET WINTER WONDERLAND
449 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket
PORTSMOUTH FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth
PROVIDENCE CITY HALL
25 Dorrance Street, Providence
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE
13 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport
1 Cunningham Square, Providence
BURNSIDE BUILDING
STATE HOUSE
400 Hope Street, Bristol CRANSTON CITY HALL
869 Park Avenue, Cranston
DAPASQUALE SQUARE
82 Smith Street, Providence
TIVERTON TOWN HALL
343 Highland Road, Tiverton TOWN GREEN
Federal Hill, Providence
607 Putnam Pike, Smithfield
GEORGE M. COHAN SQUARE
UPDIKE PARK
Governor Street, Providence NOTTE PARK
2000 Smith Street, North Providence
OCEAN HOUSE
1 Bluff Avenue, Westerly
89 Brown Street, North Kingstown
WARREN TOWN HALL
514 Main Street, Warren
WICKFORD VILLAGE
1 Main Street, Wickford
For event updates please check with venue; for any restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov
EAST BAY & NEWPORT ALL SEASON SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER Warren Walkabout: Celebrate Warren’s downtown artist district with a Sunday stroll. Browse the open artist studios, sample local food and brews, grab holiday gifts at local shops, and enjoy live music. Warren, HistoricWarrenRI.org NOVEMBER-DECEMBER Blithewold Holiday Workshops: On select dates throughout the season, register for DIY workshops creating unique gifts, wreaths, and holiday centerpieces at the mansion. Bristol, Blithewold.org
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 3 Newport Nutcracker: Island Moving Company performs the classic ballet in the ballroom, salon, and staircase of Rosecliff mansion. Newport, IslandMovingCo.org NOVEMBER 26-JANUARY 2 A Rough Point Holiday: On select dates through the season, meander through the Christmas- and winter-themed rooms of Rough Point Museum. Newport, NewportRestoration.org
NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 30 Holiday Lantern Tours: On select dates through the season, tour Newport by lantern light as you learn about American holiday traditions through the ages. NewportHistory.org
NOVEMBER 26-JANUARY 7 Night Lights: Stroll lit paths throughout the Blithewold grounds featuring stunning displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, and the natural beauty of the arboretum. RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be ser ving hot bevvies, some with a kick! Bristol, Blithewold.org
NOVEMBER 21-JANUARY 1 Holidays at the Newport Mansions: Backdropped by the sound of festive music, The Breakers will be awash in thousands of sparkling lights, while the interior of both The Breakers and The Elms are festooned with poinsettias. DiscoverNewport.org
DECEMBER 3-17 Annual Re-Tree Exhibition: A showcase of trees created with recycled materials will be dispersed across the grounds of Tiverton Four Corners, with a chance to vote for your favorite. Tiverton, TivertonFourCorners.com
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 7 400th Anniversary of the First Thanksgiving: Mount Hope Farm commemorates the occasion with a full day of family fun, featuring stories from members of the Pokanoket Tribe, basket weaving, wagon rides, and much more. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org NOVEMBER 12 Christmas Snow Ball: Cocktails, music, gourmet fare, and holiday auction at Mount Hope Farm. This year’s evening attire theme is in the style of 1954 classic White Christmas. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com NOVEMBER 19 Holiday Preview: Bristol Merchants Association invites the public to shop, dine and stroll downtown to see what local businesses have to offer this holiday season. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com Winter Artisan Market: An indoor and outdoor shopping experience set in the ballroom, courtyard, and grounds of Linden Place Mansion, browse the works of dozens of local artisans and meet the talented makers. Bristol, LindenPlace.org
Night Lights at Blithewold Photo courtesy of Blithewold
THE NICE LIST
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade Photo by Onne van der Wal
NOVEMBER 21 Holiday Market: Support local start-ups at Hope & Main’s annual indoor market. A variety of foodstuffs and delicacies from small food businesses at Rhode Island’s incubator program are available to purchase. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org NOVEMBER 26 Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: Watch from Perrotti Park, Bowen’s Wharf, or Bannister’s Wharf the display of nautical spirit pass by in the form of a dazzling boat parade. DiscoverNewport.org Photo by Ed Hughes, courtesy of the Audubon Society of RI
Day After Thanksgiving with Audubon: Put the leftovers aside and give thanks for nature’s gifts with a day of rediscovering the outdoors with activities for the whole family. Bristol, ASRI.org NOVEMBER 27 Re-Tree Maker’s Workshop: The Four Corners Arts Center and Imagination Collaboration co -host this crafty workshop to offer support and tools (and hot cocoa !) for assembling festive tree sculptures made from recycled materials that will be displayed around town. Tiverton, TivertonFourCorners.com NOVEMBER 30 Beyond the Boughs: Learn about the history of holiday plants with author Matt Mattus, who shares stories of forgotten plants and how our most common holiday decor became popular. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER DECEMBER 1 Official Opening of Christmas: Washing ton Square gets into the spirit with a tree lighting , canon salute, and performances by the public school music program. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org Newport County Orchestra in Concert: Classical and Christmas music sponsored by the Salve Regina University Music Department. Newport, Salve.edu
DECEMBER 1-9 Door Decorating Contest: Bristol residents and businesses are invited to enter the Deck The Doors contest, for a chance to win “Best Residential,” “Best Commercial,” or “People’s Choice.” Winners announced December 19. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
DECEMBER 3-4 Newport Classical Holiday with Ensemble Altera: Celebrate the holiday season with a program of feminine voices, harb, and organ from the chamber choir Ensemble Altera, rounding the concert off with popular Christmas songs. NewportClassical.org
DECEMBER 3 Holiday Bright Night: An evening of shopping and festive fun at Tiverton Four Corners is marked by vibrantly lit galleries and shops, plus the chance to see Santa paying the village a visit. Tiverton, TivertonFourCorners.com
DECEMBER 4 Grand Illumination and Parade: Let it glow at this unforgettable East Bay tradition lighting up Bristol’s iconic Christmas tree, this year with a parade featuring Mt. Hope High School Band and the Bristol County Fifes and Drums, too. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
For event updates please check with venue; for any restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov
Bowen’s Wharf 51st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting : The waterfront is transformed with a reimagined celebration kicking off the holidays by the sea with in-person programming and a live-streamed countdown to the tree lighting. Newport, BowensWharf.com 21st Annual Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale: Find holiday greener y like wreaths and table top decorations created by local designers, artists, gardeners, and florists. Newport, LucysHearth.org Traditional Christmas Tea: A special seasonal high tea at St. Columba’s Chapel. Middletown, StColumbasChapel.org DECEMBER 5 Christmas in Song : The Newport Navy Choristers perform holiday songs to raise funds benefiting local nonprofit charitable and civic organizations. Fall River, NewportNavyChoristers.org Wreath Making Workshop: Create your own holiday wreath at Blanc & Bleu using all locally grown and foraged foliage and blooms. Ticket includes materials, instruction, and refreshments. Bristol, BlancAndBleuHome.com
DECEMBER 9 Christmas at Mt. Zion: Both old and new, sacred and secular, holiday music by the Voices of Unity/RPM Voices of Rhode Island. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org DECEMBER 10 Newport Doorway Contest: With entries for festive decorated doors open December 1-8, judges will select the winners. Newport, ChristmasInNewport.org DECEMBER 10 & 14 Student Christmas Services: St. George’s School will hold the student-led Lessons & Carols telling the stor y of the birth of Christ and the 110th Annual Medieval Christmas Festival. Middletown, StGeorges.edu DECEMBER 11-12 Festival Weekend : For the 35th year, the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee is hosting a European-style Christmas market in front of the Burnside Building. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com DECEMBER 12 Messiah at the Mansion: Newport Classical presents the Christmas portion of Handel’s celebratory work Messiah, featuring the singers of The Choir School of Newport County,
Brown University Chorus, and Providence Baroque Orchestra. NewportClassical.org Holiday on the Common: Gather at the First United Methodist Church of Warren for a holiday folk concert by Atwater Donnelly and Bank of Ireland benefitting Hope & Main’s Nourish Our Neighbors program. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org DECEMBER 18 Christmas Story Time: Tune into the Bristol Christmas Festival’s annual story time, a live broadcast featuring members of the fire and police departments and surprise guests reading holiday classics. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com Holiday Dinner Dance: A Gilded Age gala at The Breakers featuring cocktail hour on the loggia, three-course dinner in the Great Hall, and dancing in the Music Room. Newport, NewportMansions.org DECEMBER 19 Annual Snowflake R affle: Presented by Bristol Merchants Association, earn tickets throughout the season by shopping local participating merchants, leading up to a visit from Santa Claus and Jack Frost Shop, who will draw winning tickets at the bottom of State Street. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
T i v e r t o n ’ s e c o - f r i e n d l y R e -Tr e e E x h i b i t i o n Photo by Christine A. Francis
NORTHERN RI ALL SEASON
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 19-DECEMBER 19 Blackstone Valley Polar Express: Take a 90-minute train ride inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book and movie, complete with cookies, games, and hot chocolate ser ved in a collectible souvenir mug. Woonsocket, BlackstoneValleyPolarExpress.com
NOVEMBER 20 Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair: Skip the mall and stroll aisles filled with direct sale vendors and local crafters, plus a penny social raffle. Cumberland, Facebook: St. Aidan-St. Patrick Catholic Community
DECEMBER 2-23 Candlelight Shopping : The joy of shopping returns during a series of special evenings in the quaint village of Chepachet. Glocester, CandlelightShopping.com
NOVEMBER 25 Rhode Island Family Turkey Trot 5K: Before tucking into the big feast, lace up your sneakers for a 5K jaunt along the historic Pawtucket course. An after party will take place at Murphy’s Law. FamilyTurkeyTrot.com
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THE NICE LIST
NOVEMBER 26 Ornament Presents an Evening of Music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra : New England’s own rock orchestra Ornament pays tribute to the original holiday-themed arena rockers. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com NOVEMBER 27 BRT Homecoming Concert & Silent Auction: Homegrown talent like AtwaterDonnelly, Kim Trusty, Stefan Couture, and more take the stage at the Blackstone River Theatre’s annual Thanksgiving fundraiser. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org NOVEMBER 27-28 The Nutcracker: The Heritage Ballet presents the holiday classic ballet about a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker for Christmas. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com NOVEMBER 28 Ocean State Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Start the countdown to Christmas with this concert held at the Saint Ann Arts & Cultural Center. A 60-piece orchestra will perform familiar carols along with some surprise additions. Woonsocket, EventBrite: OceanStatePopsOrchestra Christkindlmarket: The German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island hosts an authentic German market perfect for Christmas shopping. Pawtucket, GACSRI.org
by a seven-piece band, performs Carpenters hits. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
and entertainment at Hearthside House. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org
DECEMBER 3-4 21st Annual Candlelight Stroll: Food trucks, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more at this annual stroll through the charming Scituate Village. Scituate, Facebook: 21st Annual N. Scituate Village Candlelight Stroll
Winter Wonderland: Bundle up and head to Slater Park for this mostly outdoor family event featuring hundreds of decorated Christmas trees and sheds, hay rides, the carousel, and an 18-foot-tall talking snowman. Pawtucket, WinterWonderlandPawtucket.com
DECEMBER 4 All Lit Up Christmas Parade: The center of Greenville becomes a mini Stars Hollow for this event that includes floats, walkers, and Grinch sightings! Smithfield, Facebook: Smithfield’s All Lit Up Christmas Parade BRT Holiday Craft Fair and Festival: Shop unique holiday items from 24 vendors along with live music, raffle prizes, a bake sale and more at the Blackstone River Theatre. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org DECEMBER 4-12 Old-Fashioned Christmas by Candlelight: Self-g uided tours, Santa, and festive music T h e R I Tu r k e y Tr o t i s a P a w t u c k e t Thanksgiving tradition
DECEMBER DECEMBER 1 Trim A Tree!: Assemble your own tabletop boxwood Christmas tree to liven up your holiday home. Woonsocket, StAnnArtsAndCulturalCenter.org DECEMBER 2-5; DECEMBER 10-12 The Foundry Show: Shop a juried selection of art from local artists, and participate in a silent auction at this established holiday tradition at the The Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts. Pawtucket, FoundryShow.com DECEMBER 3 Carpenters Tribute Christmas Show – Top of The World : Singer Debbie Taylor, backed For event updates please check with venue; for any restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov
DECEMBER 5 A Holiday Fanfare: Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra celebrates the holiday season with Renaissance music, favorite carols, and John Rutter’s Gloria with brass. Woonsocket, StAnnArtsAndCulturalCenter.org Lúnasa – Christmas from Ireland : Special g uest Dave Curley and some of Ireland’s top music talents take the Blackstone River Theatre stage for a special holiday show. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org DECEMBER 8-9 Divas of Drag : Join the holiday hilarity with Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz’s cheeky drag comedy. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
Shop the Craftland Holiday Extravaganza Photo courtesy of Craftland
DECEMBER 10-12 Christmas in the Village: Visit RI’s ver y own Christmasland for a Festival of Trees lighting , breakfast with Santa, a wreath decorating contest, arts and crafts vendors, food, music, and more. Scituate, Facebook: Scituate Business Association - RI DECEMBER 10-19 A Christmas Carol: The Royal Shakespeare Company is a fresh adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Victorian-era redemption stor y of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com DECEMBER 11 Christmas Party: Celebrate the season by dancing the night away and enjoying a holiday buffet. Woonsocket, StAnnArtsAndCulturalCenter.org DECEMBER 20 Jim Brickman – The Gift of Christmas: The multiple Grammy-nominated song writer and piano sensation returns for his annual holiday tour. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com DECEMBER 22 Kitty Litter is Home for Christmas: Kitty will jingle your bells when she comes to the Stadium Theatre with her sleigh full of Christmas cheer. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com DECEMBER 23 Polar Express Free Movie Night: Enjoy Christmas Eve Eve with a showing of this holiday film by RI’s own Chris Van Allsburg – free of charge – at a historic theater. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com DECEMBER 28 & 30 Home for the Holidays: Tour the c. 1810 Federal style Hearthside House while it’s decked out for the holiday season. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org DECEMBER 31 Sal Valentinetti with the Black Tie Brass: Ring in the New Year with crooner Sal Valentinetti, an America’s Got Talent finalist, performing Rat Pack-era standards. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
PROVIDENCE ALL SEASON
NOVEMBER
THROUGH DECEMBER 23 Little Pictures Show & Sale: Calling all art lovers! One of the oldest and largest exhibits of its kind in the US – all artwork under 16 inches and $300 – courtesy of the Providence Art Club. Providence Art Club, ProvidenceArtClub.org
NOVEMBER 6 Steel Yard Art Market: Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the final outdoor market of the season, featuring work by local artists and artisans at the bustling Valley neighborhood makerspace. TheSteelYard.org
NOVEMBER 4 - JANUARY 2 A Christmas Carol: Trinity Rep’s statewide holiday tradition returns live on stage. Trinity Repertory Theater, TrinityRep.com
NOVEMBER 14 Providence Artisans Holiday Premiere: Get an early start on your holiday shopping with over 70 local fine art and craft vendors, featuring paintings, ceramics, jewelr y, clothing , accessories, and more. WaterFire Arts Center, WaterFire.org
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 31 Craftland Holiday Extravaganza: Combine the natural whimsy of Craftland with a holiday theme, and you’re sure to find everything on your shopping list and more. Facebook: Craftland NOVEMBER 26-JANUARY 2 Holiday Lights Spectacular: A new festive walk-through experience at the zoo, see dazzling lights in larger-than-life luminous displays. Roger Williams Park Zoo, RWPZoo.org NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 12 Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical about America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton brings its hip -hop beats to PPAC. The perfect gift for the Broadway obsessed. Providence Performing Arts Center, PPACRI.org
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A Drag Queen Christmas: Trinity The Tuck and Monet X Change host a magical night of fun with holiday classics and naughty shenanigans. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com NOVEMBER 18 Providence Gallery Night: Hop on the free Art Bus and tour the Creative Capital’s galleries, museums, and historic sites. GalleryNight.org NOVEMBER 20-21 Good Trade Makers Market: Local and regional makers and manufacturers of home decor, apothecar y products, clothing , and more are featured in this inaug ural market at WaterFire Arts Center. GoodTradeMakersMarket.com
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H o l i d a y L i g h t s S p e c t a c u l a r a t R o g e r W i l l i a m s P a r k Zo o
THE NICE LIST
P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f R W P Zo o
NOVEMBER 26 Black Friday Night Flea: The Providence Flea hosts a special Black Friday market featuring wares from their carefully selected small and micro -businesses and makers. Farm Fresh RI, ProvidenceFlea.com NOVEMBER 27 WaterFire’s Indoor Holiday ArtMart: Spend Small Business Saturday supporting local artists and makers at this indoor market for a chance to connect with Providence creatives and discover new wares. WaterFire Arts Center, WaterFire.org
DECEMBER DECEMBER 3 The Edwards Twins – Holidays with the Stars: Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time recreate a holiday variety show live on The VETS’ stage. Partial proceeds to benefit The Tomorrow Fund. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com DECEMBER 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 Christmas & Cocktails Holiday Markets: The Providence Flea is indoors at Farm Fresh RI for their annual holiday markets featuring hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted, and small-batch items. Farm Fresh RI, ProvidenceFlea.com DECEMBER 4 Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical: The beloved holiday T V classic soars off the screen and lands on the stage. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com WaterFire Celebrates the Holidays: A basin lighting will illuminate Waterplace Park for the final WaterFire of the season. WaterFire.org DECEMBER 5 Home for the Holidays: Rhody’s own Grammy-nominee Billy Gilman comes home for a concert filled with his favorite holiday tunes alongside the ones that made him famous. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com
DECEMBER 9 Black Violin – Give Thanks Tour: We’re thankful for Grammy nominees Black Violin, whose show features playful storytelling, whimsical string melodies, and hard-hitting beats that highlight the unifying pillars of the holiday season. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com DECEMBER 11 Holiday Stroll: Get your holiday shopping in by strolling the festive Wayland Square. WaylandSquareRI.com DECEMBER 12 Handel’s Messiah: RI Philharmonic partners with Providence Singers to present this beloved holiday classic concert. The VETS, TheVetsRI.com DECEMBER 14 The Lindsey Stirling Christmas Program: One of the 21st century’s most innovative performers, the America’s Got Talent star celebrates the holidays with a high-voltage choreographed violin performance. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com DECEMBER 17-18 Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Holiday
For event updates please check with venue; for any restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov
stor ybook characters come alive in a holiday spectacular that infuses a whimsical, Broadway-style musical with contemporar y circus artistr y. Providence Performing Arts Center, PPACRI.org DECEMBER 17-24 The Nutcracker: Festival Ballet Providence brings the holiday staple to The VETS in a new production featuring inventive choreography from Yur y Yanowsky and a brand new Nutcracker character by Big Nazo Lab. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, TheVetsRI.com DECEMBER 18-19 Providence Artisans Holiday Show: Over 70 local artists will have their wares on display for last-minute shopping , from handmade paintings and ceramics to jewelr y, woodwork, and more, plus food trucks. WaterFire Arts Center, Facebook: Providence Artisans Market DECEMBER 19 Just In Time Art Sale!: Hey procrastinators, this one’s for you. Locally made gifts for last-minute shoppers. Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, ProvidenceRI.gov
SOUTHERN RI ALL SEASON NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 19 A Christmas Carol: The Granite Theatre puts on its own rendition of the family Christmas classic. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.com
NOVEMBER 26 Santa’s Arrival: Bring the kids to Dixon Square to see Santa, Winter Lady, and a host of other holiday characters, arriving via firetruck with coloring books and holiday treats. Westerly, Facebook: Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
NOVEMBER 27 Annual Tree Lighting & Christmas Village: The community is invited to welcome in the holiday season at Ocean House with a tree lighting , visit from Santa, snacks, and beverages. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 19 50th Annual Holiday Pottery and Art Sale: Potter y, sculptures, ornaments, jewelr y, paintings, drawings, photography, and more galore at this holiday shopping and arts event. Kingston, SouthCountyArt.org
NOVEMBER 26-28 Holiday Shopping Stroll Weekend : A more low-key Black Friday shopping experience on the island. Snap a pic of the Instagrammable Lobster Trap Tree! Block Island, BlockIslandInfo.com
Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Ceremony: Head to the Stoning ton Town Docks for the first-ever illuminating of this “tree” of stacked lobster trees festooned with painted buoys. Begins at 4:30pm. Stonington, OceanChamber.org
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 22 Small Works/Holiday Art Show: Find affordable fine art created by Wickford Art Association members. Wickford, Wickford Art.org
South County Art Association’s Holiday Pottery and Art Sale Photo courtesy of SCAA
DECEMBER 3-22 Annual Holiday Gift Show: It’s the Artists’ Cooperative Galler y of Westerly’s annual holiday show features one-of-a-kind crafts and fine arts from their members perfect for gifting. Westerly, WesterlyArts.com
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 6 & 13 Make and Paint Ornaments Events: Get an early start to the festive season DIY ornament sessions at Rebekah Cook Art. Clay, glaze, and two kiln firings are included. Wakefield, RebekahCookArt.com NOVEMBER 7 The Armory Show: In its third year, this show at the historic Westerly Armor y is free to the public and features 30 local vendors and authors selling hand-made crafts, antiques, and books. WesterlyArmory.com NOVEMBER 21 & 28 South Kingstown Holiday Field of Artisans: Grab some unique holiday gifts from an eclectic group of artists, makers, photographers, and vendors at Whalers Brewing Company Taproom. South Kingstown, FieldOfArtisans.com
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THE NICE LIST
NOVEMBER 28 & DECEMBER 1 Make Your Own Evergreen Wreath: Learn from a master gardener at Casey Farm how to assemble your own wreath from scratch, and enjoy cider and good cheer while you’re at it. Saunderstown, My.HistoricNewEngland.org
DECEMBER DECEMBER 2-5 Wickford Festival of Lights: This South County tradition wows visitors with Santa’s grand arrival via kayak, caroling , and concerts – and elf parade! Wickford, NorthKingstown.com
Wickford Festival of Lights Photo courtesy of Wickford Village Association
DECEMBER 4 URI Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Big Band Holiday Concert 2021: Two versions of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite are performed side-by-side — the 1892 original and the playful, jazzy 1960 reinvention by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Kingston, URI.edu/music
DECEMBER 8 24th Annual Downtown Holiday Stroll and Luminaria: Westerly turns into a wonderland with sidewalks lined with lights, hayrides with Santa, strolling carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, and more. Westerly, Facebook: Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Artisan Bazaar: Artisan vendors and crafts by church member artists offer a variety of handmade items, plus a ReGift Store, bake sale, and holiday greens for sale. Proceeds benefit the South County Domestic Violence Resource Center. Kingston, GoodShepherdRI.org
DECEMBER 10 John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band Christmas Show: Rhode Island’s own John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band take the stage for a special holiday show at the Courthouse Center for the Arts. West Kingston, JohnCafferty.com
DECEMBER 4-5 6th Annual Holiday Sale: Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio presents original art glass pieces for purchase from over 50 student artists, featuring holiday, nature, whimsical and enchanting themes. Complimentary hot chocolate bar plus a wine tasting from Gooseneck Vineyards. Peace Dale, Bosgraaf Studio.com 24th Annual Open Studios at Shady Lea Mill: Meet and greet the artists at Shady Lea Mill, an art-making space for potters, sculptors, painters, and more. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com Narragansett Festival of Lights: Featuring the Holiday Street Faire, the Towers is an epicenter for holiday cheer with caroling , tree lighting , and fireworks, plus the Jingle Bell Run on the beach. NarragansettCOC.com
DECEMBER 10-11 Holiday Arts Market: The Jamestown Arts Center transforms into a winter arts and crafts market full of curated local vendors in all mediums. JamestownArtCenter.org DECEMBER 11 Cross Mills’ Holiday R amble: Ring in the holiday season with carolers, Santa, food, and shopping from local businesses, artists, and vendors; plus special events at the Charlestown Historical Society, the Cross’ Mills Public Librar y and other local orgs. Charlestown, CharlstownHistorical.org Ghost Tours in the Park: Granite Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol Stor y” led by Ebenezer Scrooge on a ghostly tour of Wilcox Park. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.com
For event updates please check with venue; for any restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov
DECEMBER 12 Westerly Light Parade: A nighttime parade of floats, music, and festive holiday displays will feature thousands of LED lights. Enjoy dinner and cocktails with a view of the magical experience. OceanChamber.org DECEMBER 13-14 The Geminid Meteor Shower: Join Frosty Drew in watching the most merr y and bright meteor shower of the year, outshining even the moon with a greenish hue. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org DECEMBER 18-19 Christmas Pops!: An evening of music and merriment for the whole family featuring the Chorus of Westerly. Westerly, ChorusOf Westerly.org DECEMBER 23 Christmas Cocktail Cabaret: It doesn’t get more festive than this. Cocktails, carols, and Christmas spirit at The Towers. Narragansett, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com Christmas in Song : A night of traditional song , bell ringers, holiday readings, and more. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com DECEMBER 31 Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire: Light up the night at Ninigret Park with a massive bonfire and munch on complimentar y donuts and coffee. Charlestown, CharlestownRI.org
Pictured: Mamuka Kikalishvili as The Nutcracker. Kirsten Evans as Sugar Plum Fairy. Photos by Ian Travis Barnard. Nutcracker mask by Big Nazo Labs.
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Salt Marsh Realty Group Buy - Sell - Lease - Develop
Exclusive Bay Point Area Swansea, MA List Price: $1,900,000 — CONTACT — Chris Howard | 508-801-7485 chrisjhoward@hotmail.com Waterfront Contemporary situated on a private road offers Mid Century flair w/panoramic southerly & westerly views of Mt. Hope Bay & the Coles River. This one of a kind, two acre site is situated high on a bluff and has over 300’ of water frontage. The architecturally designed home offers a unique floor plan including a fireplaced Living Room w/vaulted ceilings open to the Dining Room w/wet bar. There is a large eat in kitchen, a fireplaced great room and a library/office. The Master bedroom w/an en suite bath, 4 additional bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths complete the interior living space. The outside patio has a built in fireplace/barbecue which will be the focal point of summer entertainment having access from the kitchen, living & dining rooms. The three car garage has ample space for your vehicles and watercraft. A Marina & an optional beach/tennis club are a short walk away. This property is waiting for a new owner to restore it to its former glory.
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HOME & STYLE H o m e | I n f l u e n c e r | D I Y | D e c o ra te
42 Blithewold illuminated from outside and in Photo by Allan Millora Photography
HOME & STYLE
A Country Place Th e ro m a nt i c t a l e o f Bl i t h ewo l d , Br i sto l ’ s 45 -room ma n sion by th e B ay
B
efore Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum was the historic house museum, popular venue, and of course, host to stunning Christmas displays and programs, it was a home. Like many Rhode Island mansions, it was a “country place” – a secondary residence to get away from the city, popular among families with new fortunes to enjoy the health benefits of fresh air in a rural setting. Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle purchased Blithewold in 1894. Both were from wealthy Pennsylvania coal families, and similar to today, Augustus attended Brown and fell for the Ocean State – so much so that the famous Van Wickle
42
gates at Brown were his gift to the university. Located at 101 Ferr y Road, the house is in the English Countr y Manor style revitalized during the Arts and Crafts movement in England in the latter half of the 19th centur y. The home is situated on the property by design to maximize views of Narragansett Bay and Poppasquash Point from its many windows. One reason Aug ustus and Bessie chose the estate, which they named in Old English for “happy woodland,” was its existing gardens and extraordinar y trees. Bessie was an enthusiastic gardener who had inherited her mother’s interest in horticulture. The then 70-acre estate gave her the
THIS PAGE: A secondfloor bedroom. OPPOSITE: The billiard room.
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Photos by Allan Millora Photography
By Elys e Major
Stunning displays change each year
HOME & STYLE
THIS PAGE: Hallway leading to the living room. OPPOSITE: Glimpse of “the big tree” from the dining room.
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Photos by Allan Millora Photography
opportunity to create new garden spaces throughout the property with the help of landscape designer and Bristolian John DeWolf. Bessie had an eye for beauty and good design. She worked closely with the architects in the design of the mansion. A collector of art and antiques, Bessie also sought help from antiques dealer Samuel Dean from Boston, who was responsible for sourcing many of the items found at Blithewold today. Aug ustus and Bessie had a daughter Marjorie who spent summers at Blithewold. Later, they would have a second daughter, Aug ustine, born five months after Aug ustus died in a shooting accident. The family enjoyed outdoor activities, and Marjorie and Aug ustine both loved gardening. Also a talented watercolorist, Marjorie would spend the next 80 years of her life dedicated to interpreting the landscape at Blithewold through art. The sum of all its parts, Blithewold was created deliberately.
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Get Rhody Style Whether touring the mansion or wandering the grounds – day or night – each visit to Blithewold is a unique experience.
A l l A g l ow Beautifully lit paths throughout the grounds will reveal stunning custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, and all the beauty that Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum have to offer at this season’s Night Lights – An Illuminating Experience. On Wednesday and Saturday nights, non-alcoholic cider, hot chocolate, hot coffee, and some hot drinks with a kick will be served, provided by RI Cruisin’ Cocktails. The mansion is closed during this program but reservations are required.
Merry & Bright At Blithewold, even hallways are decorated by volunteers. “There’s not a single person on staff that isn’t part of getting it ready,” says Callanan. Festoon every space in your home and enlist friends and family to help! Please note that photos shown are from previous years; each year is different.
Tre a s u re H u n t “Take a walk outside collect cones, seeds, branches... all can be transformed into the loveliest decorations,” says Callanan.
C re a te Tra d i t i o n s Make a reservation for Afternoon Tea, served Wednesday-Friday at 1pm and 3pm. Learn more at Blithewold.org
Here’s a bit of text from Bessie’s recounting of its histor y : “… the plan was to create a park with distinctive features using the house as a centre.” She continues, “ever ywhere nature’s bounteous gifts have ser ved, under man’s skillful g uidance, to create an estate in which new beauties are constantly revealed and the perfect accord between architecture and grounds is ever apparent.” Tree Callanan, director of communications and visitor experience at Blithewold, offers, “When you hear the word mansion, especially
Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
in Rhode Island, you immediately think of a building at a much larger scale. Blithewold is smaller and less ornate than you expect. The scale of the house lends itself to a very welcoming and comfortable feeling. Our visitors are constantly saying how cozy the house feels and how they could imagine themselves living here.” She adds, “This year’s holiday theme is ‘Life by the Bay’ and looks back at the Van Wickle family’s activities on and by beautiful Narragansett Bay as the inspiration for all the site’s indoor decorations.”
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HOME & STYLE
Meet Maria Tocco How a visit to Brooklyn led to founding one of Rhody’s most vibrant community markets By S ascha Roberts
How did Providence Flea come to be? I’ve always been drawn to open-air markets and seek them out when traveling. My first trip to the famous Brooklyn Flea was in 2009. I was instantly in love with the idea of artists and makers mashed up with vintage and consignment. The creativity, the community, the energy of it was infectious. The maker movement was just taking off, and I knew I wanted to shop at a market like that in Providence. But there wasn’t one at the time. Just four years later, you started the Flea in June of 2013 with 30 vendors. Today you have multiple fleas with different locations, food trucks, musicians, themes, and so many different vendors. Describe that journey. There have been hard lessons in improvising and adapting. Not having a permanent home for the Flea has been an ongoing challenge, but it has always worked out with the help of good partners in government and the community. I was also fortunate to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses program, which was incredibly helpful in growth planning. What has been your favorite part of managing the Flea and why? Meeting so many interesting and creative people over these nine years, bringing together so many passionate dreamers and doers – helping them plant their seeds in a patch of grass downtown – and watching them grow into a bustling , award-winning community market. Why is it so important to carefully select small and micro businesses for the Flea? We have an application process to make sure vendors are a good fit. I don’t stray from the mission because featuring local, independent, small and micro businesses is what distinguishes us from other markets. We don’t accept ser vice or retail businesses, multi-level marketing , direct sales reps, or franchises. There is nothing mass-produced or new at our market unless it’s handmade or edible! And the vintage dealers offer quality items like vinyl records, retro housewares, vintage maps, comic books, sports memorabilia, art, etc.
MARIA’S MUST-DO BLACK FRIDAY NIGHT FLEA Nov 26 • 5-9pm Farm Fresh Market Hall 10 Sims Avenue, Providence ProvidenceFlea.com
With the holiday season coming up, where are some of your favorite places to shop small? Honestly, I shop at our Holiday Markets because there are so many things I want to give as gifts. And it’s all to support local makers and indie businesses. Where else could I pick up a hand-knit hat, a bar of goat milk soap, a potted plant, an original painting, a cinnamon babka, a vintage Pyrex bowl, and a recording of Ray Charles live at Newport Jazz? With a changing weekly lineup, I can cover everyone on my list, including me!
Photo courtesy of Maria Tocco
Tell us about your pre-Flea career. I made my career in communications and engagement for 30 years here and abroad. I started the Flea in 2013 while working for the state’s first female lieutenant governor at the time. She was term-limited, and I was recruited by another state department; I left that job two years later as one of the deputy chiefs at HealthSource RI. Although it was rewarding work and I loved my team there, I knew that my heart was in growing my business, and I took the leap.
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HOME & STYLE
Holiday Swagger Angela Rotondo of Bloom Back Flowers shares how to make an entrance this season By Elyse Major
Photos by Elyse Major
N
o one can deny the classic charm of a wreath, but its looser cousin, the swag , is gaining popularity. A door swag is loosely structured, full of cottagecore charm, and for the DIY-er, not difficult to make. “It’s my personal favorite promoter of positivity for the season, greeting you as you arrive at your front door,” professes Angela Rotondo, owner and founder of Providence-based Bloom Back Flowers. In addition to being a full-ser vice florist, Rotondo offers hands-on workshops. Her main advice for getting your swag on? “Use your imagination and even forage in your yard. Then start designing !”
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PREP • Clear an indoor surface for messy work or take this project outside. GATHER • 18-gauge wire (2-4’) • Wired ribbon (3’) • Scissors or clippers • Gardening or work gloves • Greens: Drought-resistant greens like evergreen, juniper, eucalyptus, fir tips • Sprigs of berries, real or faux • Dried materials like wheat grasses, cotton pods, pine cones, magnolia leaves
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HOME & STYLE
CREATE 1. Lay all materials out in front of you. 2.
Bundle greens together and secure by wrapping wire at the base.
3.
Work in dried materials to accent, securing with wire if needed.
4.
Wrap the top with wire, binding all materials together securely so they do not fall once hung. Do a gentle “shake test” to make sure ever ything is secure.
5.
Create a loop with the end of the wire for hanging.
6.
Once complete, add your bow. Tie a simple bow or search YouTube for fancier techniques.
7.
Enjoy welcoming yourself home to this winter creation handmade by you!
Advice from Angela • Contrasting colors complement each other best when making a statement piece ; when selecting ribbon, go for a hue sure to pop against the backdrop or door. •
Use greener y that will hold up when out of water to make your swag last longer.
•
Don’t be afraid to spray paint something to get the color you desire.
•
Hide your mechanics, meaning conceal any wires not used for hanging.
Visit BloomBackFlowers.com for upcoming workshops, by appointment only. 182 Butler Ave, Providence
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HOME & STYLE
A Coastal Chanukah Ways to add Ocean State style to your holiday table By Nicole Ketchum
T
his year, fingers crossed, it looks like holiday dinners beyond our own households just might be a thing again, but no matter how large or small your gathering , it’s always fun to create a themed tablescape. Begin with a modern approach by constructing your own menorah – the candelabra that is the centerpiece of the observance – which requires eight candle holders and one more for the “shamash’’, the candle used to light the others. For the menorah shown, tapered candles were inserted into floral foam, but for a more ecofriendly option, fill a narrow tray with sand. The traditional colors of Hanukkah are blue and metallics, but grays and bright pops of buttercup yellow add flair and whimsy. The blue, gray, and yellow colorway continues with silver chargers, bowls, and gold plates. A table runner with a Hanukkah candle motif in a modern pattern creates movement and direction for the setting. Clear dreidels filled with chocolate coins are a playful touch. When preparing a tablescape, look no further than where you live for accents and color inspiration. A chilly walk on the beach is sure to provide ideas for colors and you may even find a few accents along the shoreline.
MENORAHS & MORE Places around the state to find uniquely Jewish gifts and Judaica:
ART & SOUL GIFTS Cranston
MIRIAM HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP Providence
TEMPLE BETH-EL Providence
TEMPLE EMANU-EL Providence
TEMPLE HABONIM Barrington
TEMPLE SINAI Cranston
TEMPLE TORAT YISRAEL East Greenwich
TOURO SYNAGOGUE GIFT SHOP Newport
YES! GALLERY Wickford
8 THINGS ABOUT 8 CRAZY NIGHTS By Elyse Major
Photography by Nicole Ketchum, courtesy of Hey Girl Decor
1. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, there are 24 ways to spell Chanukah...or Hanukkah. 2. During Hanukkah, Jewish people light candles on a menorah to celebrate the miracle of a one-day oil supply lasting eight after the Maccabean Revolt in the second century BC. 3. The nine-branched Hanukkah candelabra is called “hanukkiah” in Hebrew, but widely known as a menorah and holds a candle for each day the oil burned. 4. The shamash is the “helper candle” that is used to light the others. 5. Candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but are lit from left to right, one night at a time.
6. Jewish holidays begin at nightfall. 7. Chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil are called “gelt” and given to remember the great victor y symbolized by the Maccabee coin. 8. Dreidel is a spinning top game where each Hebrew letter determines your move. (Pro-tip: aim for “gimel” – the letter that looks like someone reading a book – winner takes all!)
Hanukkah begins the evening of November 28 - December 6 For events, visit JewishAllianceRI.org
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FOOD & DRINK Lo c a l L a t ke s | Re c i p e | Swe e t Tre a t s | Fr i e n d s g i v i n g
62 Refresh Thanksgiving leftovers with mini sandwiches Photo by Liz Murray
FOOD & DRINK
It’s Latke Time New P rov id e n ce del i ser ves up t ra di t i on and flavor By Kare n Greco
H
anukkah “is only 2,000 years old,” jokes Jeff Ingber, owner of Bubbies Market & Deli. As those who celebrate know, Hanukkah marks when, in the second century BC, the Jewish rebels the Maccabees overthrew Greek usurper Antiochus IV, retaking control of Judea. When they cleansed and rededicated the defiled Second Temple, they only had enough oil for the menorah to burn for one day. It miraculously stayed lit for eight, giving Hanukkah the moniker “Festival of Lights.” To honor the occasion, menorah candles are lit over eight nights, “and we eat lots of food fried in oil,” says Ingber. “Nothing could be better.” One of those foods is the latke, a potato pancake pan fried or deep fried in oil. “The Jews from Eastern Europe, who fled during the Holocaust, brought the potato latke tradition with them to the US,” Ingber explains. He identifies two schools of latkes: thick or thin. “Marriages are saved or broken based on these things.” While Ingber prefers a “thin and crispy” latke (his wife, he laments, prefers the thick, but they remain happily married), Bubbie’s is plating the thick version for their holiday special, an open-faced latke sandwich: corned beef or pastrami piled high on top of a latke. “We are planning to branch out with sweet potato latkes and zucchini and carrot latkes,”
Ingber says, but observes that bucking tradition is an ongoing battle. “Do we stick with conventional or go cutting edge?” A fan of both tradition and creative eating, Ingber’s doing both. There is another, but no less delicious, tradition: sufganiyah, or jelly donuts. Sufganiyah translates into “sponge,” because the donuts soak up the oil like one. Food historians trace back the addition of jelly to Poland in the 1500s, when the cost of sugar went down. Eventually, the jelly-filled sufganiyah immigrated to Israel, where the locals embraced it wholeheartedly. “They are everywhere in Israel, including the bus stops,” Ingber says. “It’s wild.” Bubbie’s will have a traditional jelly donut as well as one filled with pastry-cream for the holiday. Inger, who also co-owns the New England fish delivery business Kosher Catch (“not a dating service”), anticipates hosting a few fish and chip pop-ups at Bubbies. “When in New England,” he jokes before pointing out that fish and chips have their roots in Judaism. But for Ingber, Hanukkah is all about the latkes. “Hanukkah is a fantastic holiday. There’s the commercial part with gifts and the dreidel. But it’s one of those holidays where someone’s Bubbe (grandmother) slaved over a cast iron pan to serve up hot, crispy latkes to her family. It’s the quintessential food that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.”
Rebelle’s Latke Double Down Sandwich
Fill your Hanukkah table with traditional nosh from local eateries ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE Kosher caterer Deb Blazer cooks up housemade marshmallow dreidels, bite-sized sufganiyah, Linder cookies, and stained glass cookies, plus an assortment of latkes including potato, sweet, caramelized onion, and zucchini. Providence, AccountingForTaste.net BLUSH BAKESHOP The vegan treat shop once again offers an assortment of sufganiyah for the holiday. Providence, BlushBakeshop.com BUBBIE’S MARKET & DELI EAST SIDE MARKETPLACE Hot latkes, both traditional and non-traditional, stand in for bread in open-faced corned beef or pastrami sandwiches. Their sufganiyah offerings come either jelly or cream filled. Keep an eye out for Kosher Catch’s fish and chip pop-ups. Providence, BubbiesMarket.com BUNS BAKERY Buns turns a humble jelly donut into a decadent dessert. Plain, chocolate, strawberry jelly, and more are piled high with gourmet toppings. Providence, BunsBakeryRI.SquareSpace.com JIGGERS DINER This East Greenwich staple offers a Latke Benedict on their regular menu for those who crave the potato pancake year-round. East Greenwich, JiggersDiner.com
Photo (R) courtesy of Rebelle Artisan Bagels
REBELLE ARTISAN BAGELS Rebelle, which recently soft-reopened for weekends, hopes to top last year’s record of 1,260 pan-fried potato pancakes for their annual Great Latke Fry. The date is TBD at press time, but follow for updates. And grab their Latke Double Down sandwich special, which is lox stuffed between two latkes. Providence, RebelleArtisanBagels.com WILDFLOUR VEGAN BAKERY & CAFE Pop into this vegan and Kosher cafe for rugelach, an olive oil double chocolate and sea salt cookie, as well as other holiday treats. Pawtucket, WildflourBakeryCafe.com
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FOOD & DRINK
Turkey for Days G i ve yo u r T h a n k s g i v i n g l ef tove rs a re f re s h i n g tw i st w i t h f u n a n d fl avo r f u l s l i d e rs By Liz M u r ray
G O O D G O BB L I N G The key to a delicious Thanksgiving main course is the same for a good turkey slider: a locally sourced bird. My recommendation is Baffoni’s Poultry Farm in Johnston, where turkeys are fed an entirely vegetarian diet, free of hormones, additives, and meat byproducts. Here’s a handful of other free-range turkey farms across the state: Deep Roots Farm, North Scituate Gnarly Vines Farm, Tiverton Helger’s Turkey Ranch, Tiverton Pat’s Pastured, East Greenwich Simmons Farm, Middletown Wild Harmony Farm, Exeter
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t’s the day after the big feast. Leftovers linger in the fridge, and though tempting to reheat them as is, the towers of Tupperware are ripe with opportunities to experiment. This recipe transforms the Thanksgiving centerpiece and sides into a tasty and cohesive sandwich that will keep the holiday staples exciting (and may even become a new favorite tradition). When I make these sliders, I use leftover turkey, truffle mashed potatoes, parsnip puree, and gravy. I leave out the stuffing because the dinner roll sandwich buns provide enough bread, and cranberry sauce isn’t typically a part of our Thanksgiving spread, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try adding it to the mix. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Tu r key S l i d e rs ING REDI EN TS • 9-12 small dinner rolls • 1/4 cup dijon mustard • Leftover shredded turkey to cover the buns, usually 1½ – 2 cups (can also use cold cuts) • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes • 1 cup other leftover of choice (I use parsnip puree) • 4 ounces leftover cheese (brie or cheddar are great choices) • 3/4 cup leftover gravy
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STE PS 1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. 2. Cut and separate the top and bottom halves of the dinner rolls. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom of the rolls and mustard on the top halves. Place the bottoms in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. 3. On the bottom half of the bun, layer a small handful of turkey, then a couple tablespoons of mashed potatoes and any additional side you wish to use, and a slice of cheese. Then replace the top half of the roll.
Photo by Liz Murray
4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. 5. If you are using leftover gravy, spoon it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 60 seconds. Once the sliders are out of the oven, remove the tops and drizzle a few spoon-fulls of gravy over each. Place the tops back on and enjoy! For more tips and recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com or follow @recipehippie on Instagram.
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FOOD & DRINK
Festive Fudge
Make t he ho l i d ays a l i tt l e swe ete r w i t h f u d g e by th e slice or b loc k from loc a l c a n d y p u r veyors
W
BLOCKS OF FUDGE Located on Chapel Street in New Shoreham, Blocks Of Fudge is the ultimate destination for made by hand and on the premises fudge as well as penny candy. The owner and proprietor gets high praise for the outstanding array of flavors and, no surprise, her truly impressive knowledge of sweets. Block Island
AURA’S CHOCOLATE BAR A family-run business that got its start at the Hope & Main incubator program in Warren and recently relocated to Cranston, owner and chief chocolatier Aura (who handcrafts all candy on site) has something special in store for this holiday season. She’s taking several of her best-selling chocolate flavors (specifically Dark Sea Salt and Lemon Lavender Honey) as inspo for a tasty and fun fudge rollout. Cranston, AurasChocolateBar.com
THE CHOCOLATE DELICACY Established in 1992, the team at TCD specializes in cooking up small-batch and handmade candy in their aptly named Candy Kitchen – including fudge “just like grandma used to make.” As far as flavors go, you can count on classic staples such as chocolate and peanut butter, as well as seasonal ones like pumpkin for fall and peppermint for winter holidays. Warwick, ChocolateDelicacy.com
▶
hether it’s for serving guests, stuffing stockings, or to sneak a sweet reward, the holidays aren’t complete without a festive brick of fudge or two. Any one of these Rhody sweet shops are stocked with classic flavors, and more than a few are getting festive with red and green or peppermint offerings.
Fudgey Bark Bites
▶
MOOSE TRACKER’S ICE CREAM & CONFECTIONS This rustic ice cream shop attracts countless fans, both tourists and locals alike. In addition to their house-made ice cream and cones, Belgium waffles, and snacks, find an array of traditional and creative flavors of fudge, from Rocky Road and Peanut Butter Cup to Tiramisu and Patriotic Swirl. Last year saw sheets of Fudgey Bark Bites embedded with red-and-green candies, too. North Scituate, MooseTrackers.com
Dark Sea Salt
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Photos courtesy Aura’s Chocolate Bar (L); Moose Tracker’s Ice Cream & Confections (R)
By Patty J
THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER
Celebrate the Holidays Festive Greens, Garland, Twigs & Berries Seasonal Decor, Beautiful Handmade Wreaths Our Own Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
THE NEWPORT FUDGERY This Thames Street fixture gets rave reviews for fudge hand-whipped in copper kettles by the on-site “fudge master” to reach the smooth and creamy consistency their loyal fans go wild for. Get it by the slice, and they’re known for offering samples if you want to tr y something a little different, like Praline Pecan or Triple Chocolate. NewportFudgery.com SWEENOR’S CHOCOLATES It all started at the founder’s kitchen table 62 years ago, and now the iconic Sweenor’s still crafts candy treats, including a menu of classic fudge featuring chocolate, chocolate walnut, and penuche. If you haven’t heard of penuche, it’s made with brown sugar instead of white and without chocolate, so it’s lighter in color and tastes more like maple or butterscotch. Cranston & Wakefield, SweenorsChocolates.com
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Weekends 9am-Dusk , Weekdays 2pm-Dusk
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716 Mooresfield Road (Rt. 138), South Kingstown, RI 02879 401-792-1340 | thefarmersdaughterri.com
AVAILABLE TO LISTEN NOVEMBER 2021!
SWEET LORRAINE’S CANDY SHOPPE This adorable candy shop in Barring ton is family-owned and a serious townie fave. Their fudge is made in nearby Massachusetts by a highly regarded candy company with over 90 years experience. Whether you want an order of yumminess for you and yours or as a last-minute hostess gift, Lorraine’s checks off all the boxes. Barrington, SweetLorrainesCandy.com WRIGHT’S FARM & STORE Wright’s is a Rhody tradition perhaps better known for their famous chicken and French fries, but when it comes to candy, their gift shop has you covered with a first-rate selection that includes freshly made fudge. For the sweet tooth on your list, you can’t go wrong with a Fudge of the Month Club subscription, and the holidays also bring specials like Peppermint Stick or White Chocolate Cranberr y Nut. Harrisville, WrightsFarmStore.com
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Friendsgiving Feasting
Ch ef E l i D unn re i ma g i n e s t ra d i t i o n a l fa re for a n ec lectic p re-h olid ay celeb ration By Karen Greco
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A holiday gathering of friends catered by Chef Eli Dunn
Photos by Olivia Gird
W
hen you talk to Chef Eli Dunn about Thanksgiving , it’s clear that the two -time Chopped champion loves the holiday. “My grandmother was the matriarch of the family. She had a beach house in Connecticut at Groton Long Point and that’s where we would all go for the holiday. Thirty or 40 of us would gather at her table ever y year.” Nostalgia for this large family gathering shines as he confides, “She had one of those singing lobsters you buy at CVS that sings Elvis Presley or whatever. And we’re always saying , ‘don’t press the button.’ And ever y year, someone presses the button.” With Dunn’s recent pivot from restaurant owner to micro -catering and private chef ser vices, he’s had countless requests to take charge of other people’s holiday. But with his own family to focus on, he won’t work the Thanksgiving feast. Instead, he’s offering a micro -catered seasonal Friendsgiving option for those who want to celebrate the har vest bounty before they rush off to their family obligations on Turkey Day. “Friendsgiving is perfect for my type of cooking ,” he notes. “Community-based, casual, and inclusive. It’s a ver y personal experience.” His family was big on potluck holidays, which Dunn believes is the way to go for large gatherings. “ The secret to a successful holiday is to have ever ybody cook. People take it all on themselves and say ‘oh no, I got this.’ We’ve forgotten about the community aspect of the har vest celebration. Ever yone took part.” With a smorgasbord of styles, abilities, and tastes on display, the event becomes “really fun.” “I come from a ver y Yankee family, so we always had a traditional Thanksgiving feast,” says Dunn – things like turkey, stuffing , mashed potatoes, cranberr y sauce. “ We even did flaming pudding.”
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FOOD & DRINK
But Friendsgiving is where you can go more eclectic. “ Thanksgiving is a once-in-ayear celebration. If you are hosting Friendsgiving , you don’t want to be redundant.” Other wise you risk losing that special feeling a traditional Thanksgiving feast evokes. “ Think seasonally appropriate but without stealing Thanksgiving ’s thunder,” he says. Rather than cooking a giant turkey, Dunn suggests making an herb and mustard roast turkey breast. Instead of traditional cranberr y sauce, go for a cranberr y, onion, and rosemar y chutney. Adding playful twists to some of the more conventional foods can give them a fresh perspective. Dunn notes an apple crisp he made for an outdoor event that could easily stand in for apple pie. Using a mix of tart and sweet local apples, he covered the classic fruit, cinnamon, lemon, and sugar filling with a crumbly streusel of oats and brown sugar. Once baked, he added homemade whipped cream and salted caramel. Taking that first bite in the crisp fall air “was heaven,” he recalls. Chef EliDunn.com
Chef Eli Dunn’s Fr i e n d s g i v i n g Me nu • Massaged Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Gala Apples, Pickled Shallots, Toasted Pepitas, Goat Cheese & Maple Vinaigrette • Rosemar y Maple & Dijon Roasted Brussel Sprouts • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes • NOLA-Style Sweet Potato Casserole • Smoked Baffoni’s Farm Turkey Legs • Native Cranberr y Peach Chutney Photos by Olivia Gird
• Cajun Countr y Gravy • Native Apple Crisp with Whipped Cream & Salted Caramel
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ART & CULTURE H o l i d ay B u oy s | R h o d y R e a d s | M a ke r S p o t l i g h t
78 All is bright: Handmade sterling silver earrings Photo courtesy of Leslie Block-Prip
ART & CULTURE
Oh Buoy! T he Lo b ster Tra p Tre e conn e ct s t he shared fish i n g ro o ts and t a l e nt s of Westerly an d S to ni ng ton By Megan Monte
LO B S T E R T R A P T R E E L I G H T I N G C E R E M O N Y November 27, 4:30pm Stoning ton Town Docks
Doris Copponi, Tom Fabian, and Lisa Konicki find inspiration in Gloucester. “Their tree is covered entirely in buoys painted by children; ours has buoys from professional artists and 40 painted by Stonington children. The OCCC sent a $1,000 donation check to Cape Ann Arts which produced this tree as a ‘thank you’ for the inspiration,” says Konicki.
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Photos courtesy of OCCC.
ight spectacles, giant snowflakes, and decorated trees are a usual sight, but this year, Stonington’s winter display will be anything but typical. Premiering this year at the town dock, you’ll find the Lobster Trap Tree: a creative presentation that celebrates the area’s fishing industry, talented artists, local businesses, and community members, while simultaneously ringing in the holidays. The Lobster Trap Tree is exactly what it sounds like: a tree-shaped constructed of green wire lobster traps decorated with painted buoys. The display is the brainchild of Lisa Konicki, president of the Westerly-based Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce (OCCC), which delivers and runs programs, services, and events in and beyond Westerly. She was inspired by a lobster trap tree she saw on a visit to Gloucester, MA. Konicki says, “When I saw it, the first thought in the back of my head was,
why doesn’t Stonington have this? We’re known for our lobster, seafood, and fishing.” Back at her desk, Konicki got busy with the goal of supplying buoys to be sponsored and decorated. The OCCC quickly surpassed their goal of having 325 buoys claimed. “Momentum has been building since the spring when we announced it,” Konicki says, and it’s clear why. Not only does the Lobster Trap Tree represent the area’s fishing industry, but it “ties together so many aspects of the community : children, professional artists, amateur artists, business, non-profits, and historical landmarks in town.” In addition, the exhibit allows local individuals to represent their own stories in a collective work. While other lobster trap trees exist, Stonington’s is unique in that it features buoys painted specifically for the atypical tennenbaum. Those who sponsored a buoy had the option of channeling their inner Picasso or having one of
“All Hands on Deck” by Kristin Shaffer, Westerly Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
the OCCC’s selected professional artists paint it. These local artists, coming from Rhode Island or Connecticut, held workshops with children to paint 40 buoys while decorating those they were given. Artist Kristin Shaffer was thrilled to be part of the project. A hairdresser and talented painter, Shaffer was able to express the sponsors’ wishes with her art. “One of my favorite buoys was a sweet memorial to a beautiful family in the Borough,” she recalls, exemplifying how the architectural display is more than just art, but rather an antholog y of personal stories. Stonington’s Lobster Trap Tree lights up on November 27, and folks are encouraged to visit, take photos, and shop around in the area. Its website (LobsterTrapTree.com) offers additional information, and donations can be made via checks payable to OCCC and sent to 1 Chamber Way, Westerly, RI 02891 which help support the project and, as Konicki notes, “what we hope will become an annual tradition.”
“Sea Odyssey” by Alan Jones and Ysela Caceres, Westerly HeyRhody.com
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ART & CULTURE
Rhody Reads Six books to get you warmed
up for the holiday season
By Hug h Minor
N
ovember marks the beginning of the holiday season, and this month’s Rhody Reads features six charming selections sure to put you in the spirit. Each illustrated book captures feelings of joy and love, especially cherished at this time of year. Holiday books make thoughtful gifts for others and yourself, so be sure to visit your local independent bookseller. If they don’t have a title in stock, chances are good they’ll be very happy to order it for you. Winter Blessings by Izzy Abrahamson (also known as Rhode Island storyteller Mark Binder) is a delightful collection of 11 stories and a novella celebrating the spirit of Chanukah (or Hanukkah). This finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature brings a modern take to the traditional stories of this ancient holiday, and each tale is perfect for the entire family. The beloved winter tale The Polar Express was created by RISD graduate Chris Van Allsburg. Beautifully illustrated and skillfully written, the fable reminds us that the magic of Christmas lives on. The Caldecott Medal winner was turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Tom Hanks but the original picture book remains as rich and powerful as ever for all who truly believe. Imagine experiencing the final season of the year for the first time. You can do just that through the eyes – and nose – of a dog as he learns what to expect in Klaus’ First Winter by Denise Flagg. In this fun tale for kids of all ages, learn about the changing seasons and how they impact wildlife in New England from the perspective of our four-legged friend. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the book benefit local animal shelters.
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Did you ever wonder who handles all of the mail that gets sent to the North Pole? That job belongs to the main character in Post Mark: Santa’s Misfit Postman. Written by Mark Perry and illustrated by Lia Marcoux (whose work has appeared in our magazines), we follow misunderstood Mark as he journeys to find his true calling with a lesson about following your dreams even when others don’t believe in you. Check out its follow up, Post Mark: The North Pole Postman Visits Rhode Island. Barrington’s own Christopher Denise illustrates A Redwall Winter’s Tale, part of Brian Jacques’ Redwall children’s fantasy series. A riddle must be solved as the Dibbuns of Redwall Abbey unravel the mystery of the Snow Badger, Lord of Wintertide, who comes on the first night of winter, bringing snow across the land. Denise’s rich illustrations fill the book and your heart with warmth as you enjoy this tale for a long winter’s night. Ho ho ho! Jo Parry presents a local twist on the classic holiday tale with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in Rhode Island. Children and adults alike will be delighted to see Santa and his eight tiny reindeer flying past the landmarks we all know so well. You’ll return to these pages time and again as you discover new details you hadn’t noticed before. See if you recognize your favorite sites from the Ocean State before wishing a “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
Send your Rhody book recommendations to Hugh at RhodyReads@gmail.com
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SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES Great reasons to never buy books at that A to Z place again: Barrington Books: BarringtonBooks.com Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook 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 Lovecraft Arts & Sciences: Providence, WeirdProvidence.org Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com Rarities Books & Bindery: Wakefield, RaritiesOnline.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
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ART & CULTURE
Family Jewels 78
F a m e d d e s i g n e r L e s l i e B l o c k- P r i p a n d world-class metalsmith Peter Prip marry their talents in new jewelry line By Li Goldstein
Hey Rhody HOLIDAY NOVEMBER 2021 |
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The industrious and acclaimed couple make every piece and component by hand
Photos courtesy of Leslie Block-Prip
N
estled in the backyard of the Cranston home of Leslie BlockPrip and Peter Prip, throug h a stone pathway and past lush shrubber y, sits an unassuming g arag e. From it, notes of music and the rhythmic tapping of metal ag ainst metal meld in symphonic harmony. Inside, their grown daug hter crafts a bracelet, showing it to her father to examine for craftsmanship and later fitting it to her mother ’s wrist to test for size. Lilly is a fifth-g eneration metalsmith proudly following in the footsteps of Peter, his father, and his grandfather, and in the footsteps of her mother Leslie, a famed jewelr y designer. Peter Prip has forg ed an illustrious career at the Rhode Island School of Design in its metal and industrial design departments. Between him and his father, RISD leg end John Prip, they’ve instructed g enerations of metalsmiths, all while creating orig inal art of their own. Most recently, he and Block-Prip have joined forces to create a handcrafted jewelr y line rig ht from their g arag e, drawing equal inspiration from Rhode Island and countries across the g lobe. Block-Prip’s career has taken her around the world to market her creations for editorial features and wholesale in luxur y department stores like Berg dorf Goodman. With a wistful pride, she recalls her first editorial feature : tennis player Martina Navratilova donning her earring s on the cover of Vogue in 1985. From manning trade shows in Paris and Milan to designing for various retailers, Block-Prip made a name for herself within the jewelr y universe. As the industr y chang ed over the last decade, and interest in trade shows dwindled from their peak in the 1980s, Prip “saw the writing on the wall,” Block-Prip says. They also saw the opportunity to make something of their own : a handcrafted, direct-to -consumer line. Each piece in their collection is unique, often framing a vintag e button, key, or pearl collected in travel. Other pieces like beach stones picked judiciously by Block-Prip, pay homag e to Rhode Island. Block-Prip strives for versatility and timelessness in her design, and her collection is
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ART & CULTURE
A peek inside the Edgewood studio
at once classic and eclectic. Minimalism is not among those priorities, evidenced by the stacks of g old and silver bang les adorning her wrists and the ring s that decorate her fing ers. She removes one g old “feather weig ht” earring — hammered paper thin in the shape of a delicate leaf — to demonstrate its near weig htlessness, a testament to its wearability. “It’s daunting and it’s humbling . It certainly makes you realize what it takes to g et people to notice what you have to offer,” Block-Prip adds. “And I feel really g ood about what we do have.” Learn more at LeslieBlockPrip.com
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