Stop In And Browse
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Meet our knowledgable staff.
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We do our best to feature unique and interesting wines at very fair prices.
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We tend to feature funky and esoteric wines that are off of the beaten path. If you are tired of the same old Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot routine, then this is the store for you.
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Planning a party or wedding? Stop by and speak to our wine staff and let us show you some interesting, affordable wines for your event.
667 Kingstown Road, Wakefield (401) 783-4555 • www.wakefieldliquors.com
• 10-week program based on your lifestyle and your needs • Learn how to: Eat healthy & prepare
Your CHOICE, Your WEIGH to WELL-BEING A New Program – A New You! For more information, call 401-793-8790. An online orientation is available at lifespan.org/center-weight-wellness
nutritious meals Manage stress Increase physical activity Control weight Create a strong immune system Gain energy Sleep better Feel great! • Four-week Quick Start option available for weight control • Virtual and in-person program options
Linden Place is Taking it Outside THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DAY
OUTDOOR HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES
Drop by the Linden Place gardens for an afternoon of outdoor fun! Scavenger hunts, crafts, fun refreshments, great family photo ops, visits by Disney characters, storytime and more!
FRI, DECEMBER 4: 6PM & SUN, DECEMBER 6: 2PM
SAT, DECEMBER 5: 1PM-3PM
1 ANNUAL ARTISAN MARKET ST
SAT, DECEMBER 12: 11AM-3PM
This first-ever event, co-hosted by Bristol Art Museum, features local artisans and their handcrafted products in the festively decorated Linden Place Gardens in the heart of downtown Bristol.
HOLIDAY COCKTAIL SERIES WITH TWO GALS COCKTAILS
WED, DECEMBER 2, 9 & 16: 6PM-7:30PM
Learn the tricks of creating trendy hot cocktails from the professionals! Set in the outdoor courtyard with live music, fire pits, heat lamps and BYOB (bring your own blanket), this series is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.lindenplace.org or call (401) 253-0390 500 Hope Street • Bristol, Rhode Island
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Annual Holiday Concert with celebrated tenor and pianist, Michael DiMucci. Michael brings his annual concert to the Linden Place tented gardens this year! This concert of Christmas standards will kick-off your holiday season! THURS, DECEMBER 10: 6PM
Singer Gordon Michaels, An Unforgettable Evening featuring the music of Nat King Cole. Boston cabaret artist Gordon Michaels’ powerful baritone voice, effortless delivery, and diverse stylistic range is perfectly suited to the classics recorded by Nat King Cole FRI, DECEMBER 11: 6PM
Greg Abate Quartet – The sounds of Be-bop, jazz standards, Greg Abate’s original compositions and some holiday classics will fill Linden Place's tented gardens. SAT, DECEMBER 12: 6PM
Project Flynn – From Herbie Hancock to Miles Davis, up to contemporary jazz performers such as Grover Washington Jr., Dave Grusin, Tom Scott, and Steely Dan, get outside for a memorable night of music and fun! SUN, DECEMBER 13: 2PM
Your Favorite Brass Quintet – A classical Christmas concert by the in-Residence quintet at Salve Regina University. This afternoon of holiday inspired music will have you feeling like you stepped into a winter wonderland.
EVENTS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GRANT FROM TAKE IT OUTSIDE RI
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Spend the Holidays in Your
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FEATURES
CO V E R S T O R Y
Supporting Small Business How chambers of commerce and merchant associations became the unsung heroes of retail and restaurants in 2020
14 NEWS & LIFE
Secret Santas One Bristol family has kept Santa coming to town for three generations
48 FOOD & DRINK
Magical Dining Private experiences around the state bring holiday magic to diners
Photo by Josh Edenbaum, courtesy of Peg Fradette
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Discover the Prout Advantage!
Academic rigor, athletic opportunity and exceptional arts education!
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For more information or to set up a tour, contact Admissions Director Sharon DeLuca at 401.789.9262, Ext 514.
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www.VITI.com 7
CONTENTS
54 18
36
News & Life
Home & Style
Food & Drink
Art & Culture
18 Gift boxes and
36 H O M E : The authentic
50 Bundle up for dinner
60 Providence pop-up brings
more from new Bristol-based artist co-op
vintage style of Belly bassist Gail Greenwood
with a view in Warwick
artists together just in time for the holidays
20 Essential workers take a moment to reflect on 2020
22 RHODY GEM: A Cumberland coffee bar is so much more
40 DECORATE: A glam spin
52 Chef Maggie shares
on farmhouse for your tree and table
savory soup recipe from her East Providence kitchen
42 Books by regional
54 Step up your steep
authors for everyone on your list – and where to buy them
with local loose leaf teas
44 SHOP: Unique gifts made in the Ocean State
62 Online Judaica shop showcases menorahs and more
63 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s 64 Smithfield cartoonist creates humorous strips for papers around the US
66 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A colorful mosaic from Rhody Instagrammers
On the Cover: Michaela Johnson, Brendan Kirby, and Will Gilbert of The Rhode Show at The Farmer’s Daughter, Wakefield. Photography by Nick DelGiudice
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A cure for the Wardrobe Blues… Clothing Jewelry Accessories
QUOTES ON A CLAM SHELL
343 b Main Street Wakefield • 783-9400
Order yours today at MobyDDesigns.Etsy.com
235 Main Street East Greenwich • 884-3130
401-742-2223 Visit FB: MobyDDesigns to view local store locations!
A Curated Collection of American-Made Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories, Ceramics,Hand Blown Glass and Clever Gifts
95 watch hill road • westerly, ri • 860.961.4678 • www.omojewels.com Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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9
THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR OYSTER LOVERS
Like A
The Magic of Christmas at December 2020
Oysters? to open ‘em?
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice
Editor in Chief Elyse Major
Assistant Editor Abbie Lahmers
Over 1 MILLION oysters opened without injury!
Managing Editor Megan Schmit
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
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207-592-4775 207-563-1146 • 207-592-4775 207-563-1146 www.awshucksoysteropener.com www.awshucksoysteropener.com
European and U.S. made Gifts & Décor We offer In-store Shopping, Curbside Pick-up & Web Orders www.coryfarmsri.com DECEMBER OPEN EVERYDAY MON. - SAT. 11-5 • SUNDAY 12-4
3124 East Main Road Portsmouth • 401-683-3124
Editorial Designer Abigail Brown
Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert
Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Sascha Martin Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com
Contributing Photographers Savannah Barkley
Mark Lohman
Josh Edenbaum
Christian Ramirez
David Lahousse
Contributing Writers Robert Isenberg
Hugh Minor
Ann M. Martini
Alex Morse
Andrea E. McHugh
Interns Gianni Dejesus Looking for an internship? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com
Distribution Services Special Delivery
Presented by Providence Media, publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island 1070 Main Street, Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com HeyRhody.com Copyright ©2020 by Providence Media. All rights reserved.
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ONLINE
CONTRIBUTORS
ABBIE LAHMERS Our assistant editor Abbie Lahmers just celebrated her one-year anniversar y with Providence Media and we couldn’t be happier to have her talents and knowledge of the best bars and restaurants. This month, find a host of articles written by Lahmers, although we especially recommend her inside scoop on local loose tea leaf blends found on page 54.
ANDREA E. MCHUGH Web Exclusive: Raise a glass to the craft beer scene in South County
NEWSLETTER:
Andrea E. McHugh has been writing for Providence Media for 17 years, and while she lists her specialties as fashion, style, food, wine, and homes, this month she tells the stor y of the Rielly family who have been bringing joy to Bristol for three generations. Find Secret Santas on page 14.
ALEX MORSE Alex Morse is a decorating and DIY g uru! In this month’s column Simply Stunning on page 40, she shares ideas for Christmas decor – beyond red and green. Morse owns The Creative Gene (@thecreativegeneri), a business focused on making things pretty with balloons, flowers, and food.
Photo by Chuck Staton
Subscribe to our free Hey Rhody email newsletter for: • Holiday must-do’s • Online exclusives • And more!
@HeyRhody HeyRhody.com
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HUGH MINOR An avid reader since childhood, Hugh Minor is always on the lookout for his next favorite book. When he’s not using his communication powers for good, he’s curled up on the couch reading to his dog, Zee, who enjoys a wide range of subjects. Find his abbreviated list of authors and the books you need to buy for presents right now in Rhody Reads on page 42.
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HACK & LIVERY General Store & Emporium H
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IT WOULDN’T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT A TRIP TO HACK & LIVERY COVID COMPLIANT
Present Coupon PRIOR To Check Out
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Exp. 12/24/20 Excluding Sale Items & Gift Certificates. Limit One Per Household
1006 MAIN STREET, HOPE VALLEY • OPEN WED-SUN 10-4 • HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE • 539-7033
Handcrafted Jewelry by Emily Hirsch & Artisan Gallery 26 Franklin Street, Newport 401-619-5639 • EmilyHirsch@hotmail.com facebook.com/athaliaofnewport
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From the Comfort of Your Home
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NEWS & LIFE S a n t a C l a u s | A r t C o m m u n i ty | E s s e n t i a l Wo r ke r s | R h o d y G e m
14 The Rielly family has been playing Santa for three generations Photo by Nick DelGiudice
NEWS & LIFE
Secret Santa
T h re e g e n e ra t i o n s o f B r i s t o l i a n s s p re a d C h r i s t m a s c h e e r f a r a n d w i d e By Andrea E. McHugh | Photography by Nick DelGiudice, Historical photos courtesy of Mike Rielly
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lad in a red snowsuit festooned by his mother’s black dress belt and donning a pair of worn-down cowboy boots, Michael Rielly steadied himself as his grandfather, Jim “Papa” Rielly, carefully sprayed the third-grader’s hair white and glued a matching beard to his young face. The year was 1971 and Michael was chosen to be Santa Claus in the Christmas play at Bristol’s now-closed Byfield School. Before making his acting debut, Papa Rielly gave the eight-year-old some tips: make a grand entrance, grab his pillow-stuffed belly like a bowl full of jelly, and drop a few well-placed
“ho, ho, ho’s.” After that moment on stage, Michael knew being Santa would be a part of his life forever. What he didn’t know was that he was continuing a family tradition dating back to 1927 – even through today. Papa Rielly never set out to be the big man in red. The countr y was in the midst of a recession, inching towards the Great Depression, and though many people were struggling , the 19-year-old Jim Rielly was overcome when he came across a family in Bristol living in an abandoned chicken coop. “ They had nothing and Papa thought, ‘ Well, these people are worse off than me,’ and he
went around town and he gathered up whatever he could, probably mostly food – oranges I’m told – in 1927, an orange was a great thing ! So he cobbled together a makeshift bag and he brought Christmas to this family,” explains Michael. “Sixty-two years later...he is the longest running , that we know of, consecutive Santa Claus in histor y.” The streak is recorded in the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in Santa Claus, Indiana. Yes, that’s a real thing in a real place. Though Papa would have 15 grandchildren, Michael became his right-hand little man, joining him yearly at Santa gigs and the
Jim Rielly as Santa with girls at the Bristol YMCA (1935)
Michael (standing) with son Sean (seated) holding photo of Jim “Papa� Rielly
Bristol Fourth of July Parade, where Jim ser ved as the town’s first ceremonial town crier. “He was ver y famous throughout all of New England, known for being a generous person, but mostly he was known as Rhode Island’s Santa Claus,” says Michael. Born in 1908, Jim Rielly was a lifelong Bristolian whose charitable acts as Santa Claus landed him plenty of national media attention. Countless newspapers, including The New York Times, plus local and national programs like PM Magazine, heralded his dedication to bringing the holiday spirit to orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, charitable organizations, military bases – even the Rhode Island State House. While every visit was important and warmed his heart, he was especially dedicated to visiting seniors and children with mental and physical challenges. “I believe that’s what made him so endearing to others,” says Michael. “He certainly had that twinkle in his eye.” And he never once accepted a dime for his time. What Jim lacked in regards to the typical Santa physique he made up for in passion and character. “Jim Rielly was a short little Irish guy and he had a unique kinda Irish-y New England accent,” describes Michael, “and just everybody
loved him...there’s an oil painting of him hanging in Bristol City Hall to this day.” Continuing his legacy would become a family affair. When Michael was 13, his mom worked at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and she asked her son a favor: dress up as Santa for the patients. “I was like, ‘Mom, they’re gonna know. I’m just a kid. They’re not gonna think I’m Santa,’” remembers Michael. “She said, ‘It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best suit or if you look like Santa. What matters is that you are bringing joy to these folks that don’t see their families. Some don’t have any family, any relatives, or anything like that.’ And she was right. They didn’t see me as a 13-yearold kid. They just saw Santa walking through their door.” And that was it. He was hooked. Papa Rielly passed in 1991, just before Michael and his wife Patty welcomed their first child, a son they named Sean (who came home from the hospital on Christmas Day – in a red stocking , naturally). By the time they welcomed daughter Meghan, non-stop Santa appearances during the holiday season (and sporadically throughout the year) were as commonplace as choosing a Christmas tree – it just came with the territor y. As the children entered grade school, keeping Michael’s
Jim Rielly spent over 60 years bringing joy, making special visits
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Santa shenanigans top secret took considerable planning and various…untruths. “It was really hard – I used to have to hide ever ything in the closet and a lot of the gigs I would go to, Sean and his sister were at those parties. I’d pretend to have to stay behind or that I was going on a trip for work.” Among these was the annual Christmas party for the Juvenile Diabetes Association – a cause that hit close to home as Sean is diabetic. Not only did young Sean have no idea that the jolly Santa who lit up their party each year was his father, but he had no idea that one day, he’d be the Santa charged with spreading Christmas spirit to the next generation of these kids. “It’s been an amazing experience for me to see Sean going around to the tables just like I did for him and his sister back then...and using some of my same lines! But he’s got his own style ; he’s his own Santa,” beams Michael. Though most of Michael and Sean’s Santa appearances are for parties, home visits for clients (“I’d never be a mall Santa,” Michael laughs) and playing Santa at local church Christmas ser vices and in their own community is especially heartwarming (and for years, few of even their closest friends knew it was
A portrait of Jim Rielly which appeared in The New York Times
the Riellys behind the beard). This holiday season, some things will look different in Bristol, yet other traditions will remain unchanged. As chairman of the town’s Annual Christmas Festival, Michael and his committee colleagues have been working for months to create a safe holiday experience that adheres to COVID-19 precautions and safety guidelines. It’s taken substantial time and creativity to develop ways to make that magic. “ We can’t do the traditional Breakfast with Santa, which we’ve done since 1987, but we’ve built a Santa’s Workshop in one of the empty storefronts in Bristol and it is amazing. It’s so cool,” Michael promises. After its unveiling , the workshop will be open on scheduled days throughout the season and of course during the Holiday Preview Weekend, Grand Illumination, and the annual Snowflake Raffle. “Santa is going to be in the workshop checking his list and interacting with kids on the other side of the glass, so it’ll be totally COVID safe,” he says. Both Michael and Sean empathize with the fatig ue, the worr y, the hardships, and the way peoples’ lives have changed since the arrival of the pandemic – all of which have been compounded by stress, fear, and other emotions surrounding the divisiveness of the nation at this time in our histor y. They acknowledge that now, more than ever, the young (and often, the young-at-heart) need reassurance and the promise of Christmas. “The most important message for me that I will try to get across to any child that I see or interact with in any way, is that it’s all going to be okay. To tell them, ‘We’ll get past this and Christmas will still come. Nothing is going to stop Christmas from coming.’” From deep in his chest, and likely his soul, Michael projects a booming but soothing merry tone, declaring, “Santa’s almost 1,700 years old! I’ve seen all kinds of things happen to the world and we always get over it. Everything will be okay.” As Clement C. Moore wrote in his famed poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, “A wink of his eye and a twist of his head / Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.”
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NEWS & LIFE
Home is Where the Art Is Two innovators, a new website, and the c h a llen g e of sh owc a sin g l ocal arti sts onl i ne By Robert Isenberg
Photos courtesy of Ohanga
Find curated gift boxes like this themed set for coffee lovers
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n the video, Maya Tavares Cordeiro gives a tour of her studio. We see spools of yarn. We see Cordeiro working at her loom. We hear her explain how the pedals work. At last, we see the final product: colorful textiles, hand-made by this Bristol-based weaver. In a store, Cordeiro couldn’t explain her process so intimately. But on Ohanga.com, we can read about her life, take a virtual tour of her studio, and browse colorful photographs of her placemats and napkins. “Art is almost like a micro -business,” says Subham Sett, co -founder of Ohanga. “Artists also have to be their own procurers, their own marketers. They’re limited, from a bandwidth perspective. Most artists are struggling by themselves.” Ohanga may change all that. Founded in Rhode Island, the website is designed to showcase artists of nearly any media. While sites like Etsy already exist, the new startup connects communities to local artists. Consider: When you run a search on a site like Etsy, you may hit thousands of items from all over the world. Ohanga behaves more like an art gallery, curating the work of nearby
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talents, and using multimedia to flesh out their lives and processes. “The core of this is to get the human connection,” says Sett. “We want to drive art commerce through storytelling.” Sett started the company with a former colleague, Yuping Wang , earlier this year. Ohanga – which means “nest” in the Maori language – is a departure for both: Sett spent two decades working as an engineer and brand strategist; Wang worked for years as a software development engineer, most recently for the robotics wing at Amazon. Sett’s wife is a visual artist, and Wang is an art collector; their goal is to build smart, effective infrastructure for creative professionals, who often struggle to market the fruits of their labor. After 17 years in the corporate world, Wang was excited to try something new, and it was the pandemic that helped her transition. “While I was already working from home,” says Wang, “I started to step back a little, to think about what I can do.” Yet are these worlds so far? Sett posits that artists share traits with software developers, who tap their creative gifts, often work in solitude,
and require a team to make their work profitable. “They just like writing code,” says Sett. “They don’t have to worry about marketing [their work] or what business comes out of it. We took that approach: What if we can give artists a seamless way to focus on their work, and everything else gets taken care of for them?” The Ohanga site launched in May, focusing entirely on Rhode Island creatives. Visitors can purchase themed “gift boxes,” which contain works by several artists and crafters. Once Wang and Sett are satisfied with their pilot program, they hope to expand to other communities. Instead of the “anonymizing” searches of other sites, Ohanga will spotlight artists located in a customer’s own city. If all goes well, they hope to team up with local institutions to help enroll new artists and their patrons. But all in good time. “We’re taking it slow,” says Sett. “We’re not trying to be a social media platform. We are here to solve a problem, and we need to show them something first.” “It’s a learning process,” adds Wang. “I joked with my husband – at least I know where to buy my Christmas presents this year!” Ohanga.com
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NEWS & LIFE
Essential Work
Front l i n e wo r ke rs i n h e a l t h c a re a n d b re aking news sh are t he i r ex pe r i e n ce s – b o t h h a rd a n d hope f u l – d u r i n g t h e p a n d e m i c By Megan Schmit
Nurse practitioner Matthew James (Top) and Channel 10 reporter Danielle Kennedy (Bottom) Photo (T) courtesy of Matthew James, (B) by Christian Ramirez
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efore this year, chances are you might not have known what PPE stands for or the difference between quarantine and isolation. Things like “asymptomatic”, “social distancing”, and “flattening the cur ve” probably weren’t even in your vernacular. And if someone asked you who or what was considered “essential” in a global pandemic, you might’ve scratched your head. Now, as a tumultuous 2020 comes to a close, those who played – and continue to play – critical roles in healthcare and frontline news reflect on what it’s been like to keep the lights on in our darkest moments. “ The minds, hearts, and souls of so many of my colleag ues have been affected by this
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COVID-19 virus,” begins Matthew James, a nurse practitioner, “and no college course, textbook, or amount of experience could have prepared us for what we encountered working on the frontlines of this pandemic.” James has been working at testing sites all over the state, including local urgent cares and CVS Minute Clinics, and was one of the first staff assigned to the rapid testing site that opened at Twin River Casino in Lincoln. He takes vital signs and listens to lung sounds through car windows of symptomatic patients, a precaution to limit exposure time, but says it feels unnatural, a far cr y from the nurturing manner of communication he is used to. Post-shift, he drives home feeling
unsettled as he thinks of potentially exposing his fiancé and extended family to the virus. “Instinctively, I know that I am protected,” James explains, listing the detailed procedures he follows for using and removing PPE and washing his hands constantly. “But it doesn’t take away the anxiety, the fear, and the stress I feel at times – have I done enough?” “The COVID fight is not yet over, but we are now more prepared for what may come,” adds James, who is proud of his part but knows public health extends beyond healthcare workers: “Until we have an approved vaccine, we all need to play an important role by wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping social distances.” When we think about essential work, some
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professions come to mind quickly, like James’: nurses, doctors, EMTs, firefighters, police officers. But the truth is, according to the US Department of Homeland Security, the definition encompasses ever ything from energ y and transportation to agriculture and childcare – any sector that is critical to daily operations, not all of which might be immediately obvious, like one ver y important but taken-for-granted ser vice : news. Breaking news coverage has been an integral part of 2020, not just when it comes to the virus, but in detailing this year’s civil unrest and contentious election. However, as we flip to a local news channel for daily midday press briefings and live updates, what about
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those on the other side of the screen? “News is about sharing compelling and impactful stories, which traditionally are gathered in a personal, intimate face-to -face setting ,” says Danielle Kennedy, reporter for local news station NB C 10 WJAR . “However, technolog y has been instrumental in connecting with people without jeopardizing someone’s health and safety.” Before, Kennedy explains, she would travel with her photographer to scenes, making phone calls, sending emails, and updating social media along the way. Now, the pair travels separately, and Kennedy’s car has become her mobile office. She edits and writes remotely from a laptop. She relies on Zoom inter views,
or socially distanced ones using an extension pole. She speaks passionately about the importance of local journalism during this time, but also the difficulties: “Covering news on a daily basis doesn’t make me immune to it,” says Kennedy, who has also struggled with the loss of loved ones and desire to “return to normal”. But working in the field, there are also moments of hope. “I appreciate the strangers who stop me on the street to say ‘keep up the good work’ or ‘we love Channel 10’. Even a thumbs up from a neighbor as I get in my car to start my workday can brighten up my week,” says Kennedy. “There’s a lot of good in this world. And sometimes, it’s the power of positivity from a stranger that makes all the difference.”
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NEWS & LIFE
Photo courtesy of Blackstone Herbs + Coffee Bar
BlackStone Herbs + Coffee Bar Wellness Cafe What it is: A new cafe, CBD shop, and art galler y space that specializes in plant-based eats along with carefully crafted coffee and espresso drinks, loose leaf teas, and mocktails.
Where to find it: Find a spot along Broad Street and watch for the green brick storefront on the corner of Broad and Dexter Streets in Cumberland.
W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m? A hub of holistic wellness and chill vibes, the lush greenery-infused coffee bar is a pleasant respite from the cold, where lattes (togo or to savor inside) are prepared with the same level of care as a cocktail. More than a cafe, any of the BlackStone crew would be happy to walk you through their all-natural CBD tinctures and salves, tell you about the local artist whose work is hanging on the wall, and of course, offer you an apple cider muffin or vegan cannoli. Gallery nights, with COVID-19 precautions, are held every third Saturday to spotlight monthly rotating work. Sample sage-infused lemonade, from-scratch hot cocoa, and London Fog or Cardamom Lattes, just to name a few, and feel good about the ingredients you’re putting into your body – and the local approach BlackStone takes in sourcing from places like New Har vest in Pawtucket, Miss Vegan, and Cumberland’s own Juliana’s Bakery.
B l a c k S to n e H e r b s + Co f fe e B a r 3 Dexter St, Cumberland 401-205-2063 BlackstoneHerbsAndCoffeeBar.com @blackstoneherbsandcoffeebar
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!
Now Shipping Seafood Anywhere in the United States
RHODYOYSTERS.COM
Pond Side Pick Up, Reservations and Gift Certificates Available
629 Succotash Road , Wakefield • 401-783-4202
Same great service, new look! Check us out at RIKB.com Virtual Events and Appointments Available 401-463-1550 RI REG. #3984 MA HIC REG. #164199 CT REG. #HIC.0673137
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TABLE DECOR • CHILDREN’S CLOTHING & TOYS • RI-THEMED ITEMS
Unique Gifts Created By Local Artisans Items You Won’t Find Elsewhere!
Fayerweather House Gift Shop Tues. – Sat. 10 to 5 Sundays 12 to 4 Christmas Eve ’til 2 1859 Mooresfield Road (Rte. 138 at 108), Kingston Facebook.com/ FayerweatherCraftGuild 401 789 9072
ORNAMENTS • WOODEN GIFTS • KNITWEAR • PET GIFTS • CANDLES
SOUTH COUNTY
GIFTS • QUILTING • JEWELRY
SOAPS • JELLY • PECANS • CARDS
Come visit us! THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER
Celebrate the Holidays Festive Greens, Garland, Twigs & Berries Seasonal Decor, Beautiful Handmade Wreaths Our Own Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
Rhode Island’s Only
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401.539.8080 91 Kingstown Rd. (Rte. 138) Richmond, RI 02898 www.FetchRI.com Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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SOUTH COUNTY
Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet
Advocating for Main Street Rhode Island’s chambers of commerce, merchant associations, and tourism boards have emerged as small business heroes during COVID-19 BY ELYSE M AJOR
E
ven if you never watched a minute of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, you’re probably familiar with the quote from its creator Fred Rogers: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” If you’re seeking silver linings, glimmers of good, and adult helpers – and you’re a small business owner – chances are good that you’ve found them at your local chamber of commerce, tourism board, and merchant and neighborhood associations. Rhode Island has 15 chambers of commerce and numerous merchant associations and tourism offices, all known for promoting local business with networking opportunities like Business After Hours events to enhance economic growth. While always important to their members, the lockdown in March saw many of these organizations go from working quietly under the radar to becoming crucial hubs in their cities and towns. Many of these agencies continue to provide regular e-blasts of user-friendly updates on ever-changing phases, guidelines, and Executive Orders; post information to their websites about which businesses are open and in what capacity; host virtual seminars on obtaining grants; and even work to secure and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE). But that’s not all. “The role of Chamber Director was revived as a result of the pandemic,” says Peg Fradette, Executive Director of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. “For those of us who dove in, we became students of the pandemic, learning the regulations of the State and Federal programs. We found our rightful place in the community. This experience put to bed the notion of regional chambers or those who think smaller chambers can be collapsed and/or taken over. In this case, that would have been a disaster.”
Westerly’s Canal Street is one of many main streets in Rhode Island filled with small businesses, including Savoy Bookshop & Cafe
Fradette explains that the entire COVID-19 situation has forced her chamber to morph existing programs and create brand-new ones to help their membership and others in the community stay connected. The Chamber launched the “Love Where You Live” campaign to bring greater emphasis to the businesses in Narragansett and encourage people to shop and travel locally. Another initiative was starting their own version of the Front Porch Project, where professional photographer Josh Edenbaum donated time to document local merchants standing outside of their businesses, connecting names to faces and boosting awareness around town. “All of Narragansett’s normal activities had been cancelled and I thought that the Governor’s Take it Outside initiative could be put to good use by bringing what is normally held inside – outside. Using experience with these types of outside events in Europe, Nantucket, and NYC, I proposed safe ways to help small businesses and revive cancelled activities, especially for the children of our town who have had it so hard this year,” says Fradette. “ The grant was awarded and we got to work.” Today, among other things, she is putting the finishing touches on the Narragansett Holiday Street Faire, which will work in tandem with the Town’s Annual Tree Lighting and Festival of Lights, held December 5-6 in the Pier on both Veteran’s Park and Gazebo Park, adjacent to the Towers. “Our goal is to spread people out – and spread joy – in a Dickens-like holiday setting.”
Image from the Narragansett Chamber’s Front Porch Project Photo by Josh Edenbaum
“ Our goal is to spread
people out – and spread joy – in a Dickens-like holiday setting.
”
PEG FRADETTE
Executive Director of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce
4 Simple Actions to Help Small Biz Survive Whether it’s buying gift cards, switching your coffee habits, or leaving a positive review, there are all sorts of ways you can support local!
Shopping small helps all Photo by Elyse Major
RETHINK
Across the state at Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, James Toomey, Director of Marketing , explains that while his role is essentially the same, what has changed is how his agency has connected with attractions and dining establishments. Says Toomey, “ We’ve needed to be proactive, unhesitating , and creative to respond to the challenges 2020 has presented all of us.” He cites the adaptation of a long-running food tour program as a prime example, which transitioned from an in-person dining experience with the chef of a local restaurant to “Culinaria Live”, a live-stream that brings viewers into the kitchen to learn how to make a particular dish. “ This reimagined program enabled us to still spotlight the restaurants that are so important to our region and gave viewers cooking tips and an opportunity to ask questions and interact with the chefs… something that is not possible with a traditional pre-recorded cooking show on television or via YouTube.”
Toomey notes that while many holiday-related shows will still go on at Woonsocket’s Stadium Theatre, Blackstone Valley Tourism’s own produced and popular Polar Express Train Ride had to be stopped in its tracks. “Instead, we created a new holiday event called Search For Santa, an outdoor, socially distanced boat ride on the Blackstone Valley Explorer, where passengers will find some favorite Christmas characters along the Blackstone River heading to the North Pole,” Toomey describes enthusiastically. “By doing this it’s allowed us to keep the tradition alive while delivering an engaging alternative that’s safe for families.” How are initiatives like #BYOBlanket, which encourages diners to bundle up and dine outdoors, and Take It Outside, a statewide initiative totaling millions in awards to help businesses do just that, really going in the part of the state known for “No school, Foster-Glocester!”? Says Toomey, “It does appear that
Next time you need a greeting card, a pair of mittens, or even a donut and a cup of coffee, consider patronizing a locally owned business. Unlike a big one-stop-shop or drive-thru, but sure to be an enjoyable, less crowded, and satisfying experience.
TAKEOUT This is a great way to keep your fave restaurants going and give yourself a night off from cooking. Order ahead and pre-pay for curbside service where available, which can mean staying in your vehicle the entire time. Pro-tip: Avoid extra fees by ordering from the restaurant directly, then consider tipping extra to your car hop.
CA-CHING From cafes to shops to restaurants, these days most every type of business offers some kind of gift card or certificate. Buy now and enjoy later while you help merchants keep their cash flow from getting clogged.
SHARE Leaving a positive review, posting about a place on social media, even giving a simple Like or on a post, are all quick and easy things you can do to help promote a business in an organic way.
these ideas have been helping local restaurants and businesses to stay open and continue to engage with their customers.” He notes that some have gone further than others, such as Kountr y Kitchen in Smithfield, which expanded their entire business model from primarily a breakfast restaurant, ser ving omelets and pancakes, to a new endeavor as Kountr y Clam Shack, allowing for outdoor dining later into the evening. Woonsocket’s Kay’s Restaurant is now known for both their famous sandwiches and series of igloos. “Customers are responding quite positively to these changes and seem to understand how hard many businesses are working to keep people safe, comfortable… and well fed,” says Toomey.
“ We’ve needed to be
proactive, unhesitating, and creative to respond to the challenges 2020 has presented all of us.
”
JAMES TOOMEY
Director of Marketing at Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Heated igloos keep outdoor dining alive at Kay’s in Woonsocket Photo by David Lahousse
Closing down sections of Federal Hill allows for al fresco dining Photo courtesy of Rick Simone
“ I no longer just provide resources or refer people in a direction to solve an issue. Now we develop the resources, solve issues together, and offer each other various ways to stay optimistic as to what the future holds. RICK SIMONE
Executive Director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association
”
No matter where you live in Rhode Island, when you think of Federal Hill, you think of great food, and Rick Simone, Executive Director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, wants to keep it that way. The Providence neighborhood is recognized as one of the top foodie destinations in the country with many award-winning eateries. While known as “Little Italy” and rightly so, culinary options include Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Caribbean, and Cuban food. In June, Simone and his team launched Al Fresco on the Hill, where 14 blocks were closed to traffic to accommodate on-street dining within two sections of Atwells Avenue. Reservations were required and guests had to follow state guidelines for masks and social distancing. “We covered a footprint that had never been done before. We began by working with the City of Providence to create an affordable structure and partnership so that restaurants could afford to be a part of it,” says Simone. “To date, 30 restaurants have participated on
Friday and Saturday evenings, creating individualized safe and enjoyable environments with guest dining right on the Avenue.” A supporter of Take It Outside, he says it was the only reason the restaurants could extend the season. “From heaters to equipment, sanitizer, and yes, blankets, we were able to make October and November happen.” So, what’s next ? Each Saturday in December Federal Hill will host various holiday activities including tree lightings, caroling , stor ytelling , ice car ving , and food excursions. Each event will be COVID-friendly and live-streamed for those participating from home. “While I have always considered myself the eternal optimist, this pandemic has certainly tested the limits on how to stay that way. My role has been changed and redefined by COVID-19,” says Simone. “I no longer just provide resources or refer people in a direction to solve an issue. Now we develop the resources, solve issues together, and offer each other various ways to stay optimistic as to what the future holds.”
A Very Rhody Christmas
The three talented co-hosts of The Rhode Show and real-life pals share what keeps them smiling, hopes for 2021, and who is most like Scrooge! The Farmer’s Daughter
BY ELYSE M AJOR | PHOTOGR APHY BY NICK DELGIUDICE
W
ho better for our December cover than Will Gilbert, Michaela Johnson, and Brendan Kirby ? Collectively known as The Rhode Show hosts, this authentic and likeable trio delivers useful lifestyle content with genuine smiles weekdays on WPRI, Channel 12. We caught up with the gang at The Farmer’s Daughter in Wakefield and decided to turn the tables on them, asking questions about everything from what keeps them smiling to wishes for 2021. The three of you bring much needed cheer to your viewers ever y morning. What helps keep you inspired and positive ? Will Gilbert ( WG): The thing that keeps me inspired is my family, my wife, and two daughters, and close friends. I also love what I do and the people who I am lucky to work with ever y day. The three of us really love each other and you can't fake that. Also, many of those watching feel like they know us and in Rhode Island – with about two degrees of separation – they probably do. I never take a second of it for granted. Michaela Johnson (MJ): The people! Hearing and seeing what Rhode Islanders are doing (especially during the pandemic) to keep their communities going and lifting spirits, makes sharing their stories so worthwhile. Plus, working with Will and Brendan is so enjoyable and easy. The three of us have a great rapport that comes naturally and is hard to find. Brendan Kirby (BK): I just love the thrill of the live hour each day and I truly enjoy the fact that we create something new and original ever y morning. I take it seriously knowing that our audience chooses to spend some of their valuable time with us, I want viewers to say " Wow, that really was a great show, I was entertained and informed. I'd watch again." What are some of your favorite RI holiday traditions, and if they aren’t happening this year, what will you do instead? WG: Normally we have a house full of family and friends, but this year will be different. MJ: My favorite traditions are simple. Just being with family, decorating the tree, and enjoying each other's company is what I look for ward to most. It'll look a lot different this year, which is disappointing , but it's for the best. As long as ever yone is happy and healthy, I don't mind another virtual celebration. BK : For me, nothing beats the thrill of verbally sparring with a stranger over the last parking space in an overcrowded lot! I always loved the tree lighting on the steps of City Hall in Providence ; to me that typifies the essence of the season – the city feels so
alive and full of possibilities. Even though it looks like that isn't happening , I do hope memories and the sights and sounds of the season can help to bring people some relief and happiness. If you had to compare yourself to a Christmas character, who would it be and why ? WG: Years ago I would have said Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation, only because he tried to make ever ything just perfect for his family. Now after the year we've all had, I don't think perfect is a thing. I would just be happy to be together. MJ: Kevin McCallister! The pranks, the smirk, the eyebrow raise, hands-down my favorite! Plus he loves his big chaotic family – and so do I. BK : Definitely Ebenezer Scrooge. I'm definitely not the miserly and horrid character he is, but I can fully admit that my cynicism and biting sarcasm can run rampant. Let’s just say I sometimes start hitting the eggnog in October when I begin to think of the deadlines, the shopping , coming up with the ideal gift, commitments, etc.... What do you wish for in 2021? WG: Not to sound like a beauty pageant contestant, but I wish for peace and health. After the past few years, and more so 2020, we all need a stiff drink and a beach vacation. MJ: Family has always been important to me and since becoming a mom it means more than ever. I just want ever yone to be happy and healthy, and I want to hug my family ! BK : Obviously I hope that life as we know it can get back to normal. However, until that glorious moment arrives, I truly wish everyone patience, understanding , empathy, good health, and LOTS of laughter; as far as I'm concerned, it helps like nothing else. Do the three of you exchange gifts ? WG: It was never a thing we did ever y year but there have been a few years when we would get each other gifts. Nothing big but just small tokens. MJ: I love making tons of Christmas cookies, so I usually bring in an assortment for the g uys to enjoy. BK : We have in the past and we've had the gift exchange on the air. It's always great. I know Will and Michaela love now having T-shirts with my picture on them – they make great dish rags.
Holiday Gift Show
Overwhelmingly, my teachers have been obviously enthusiastic about sharing their expertise, incredibly thoughtful in their interactions with students, and excellent role models for others in our community.”
In the Gallery through December 23rd and virtually at westerlyarts.com
Give the Gift of Art please donate art supplies for the Jonnycake Center
Open House: Jan. 9, 2021
Visit mosesbrown.org/admission for more information.
MOSES BROWN SCHOOL Providence, RI 02906
Open Thurs.-Sun. & 12/21-12/23 1-5pm
Nursery-Grade 12, Co-Ed Mosesbrown.org
14 Railroad Avenue, Westerly 401-596-2221 • westerlyarts.com
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HOME & STYLE H o m e | D e c o ra t i n g | R h o d y R e a d s | S h o p
36 Authentic elements in cherr y red make this retro kitchen a stunner P h o t o g ra p h y b y M a r k L o h m a n , s t y l i n g b y F i f i O ’ N e i l l
HOME & STYLE
Vintage Vibes
Perio d styl e i s a ny t h i n g b u t d ate d i n t h e M id d letown h ome of two mu sic ia n /a r tists
By Elyse Major | Photography by Mark Lohman, styling by Fifi O’Neill
W
ho knew that a set of dishes could transform a kitchen? That was the case for Gail Greenwood and Chil Mott when lifelong friends, brothers Daryl and Bryan Duarte, presented the couple with 140 pieces of vintage diner-grade Fire King stock for their Middletown home. For those not in the know, the green milk-glass tableware is coveted by collectors; the Duartes built the set over time, meticulously picking from flea markets and church sales. To showcase the prized minty wares, Mott built glass-front cabinets from reclaimed glass, and in keeping with period details, used matchbox
36
door latches and hinges; lighting was also installed to illuminate the collection. Appreciating antiques was already in the DNA of the couple, who revere the quality and work of bygone eras. With only two previous homeowners before them, their 1938 Cape Cod-style house still boasts many original fixtures. “ We were very thankful that no trendy updating had been done to any of the rooms. No granite counters, center islands, or composite materials for cabinets.” What may have started as practical – accepting cast-offs from family and friends, even a piece of taxidermy – developed into a penchant for heirloom quality
Cabinet doors and fro nts in red bring fresh graphic appeal
Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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HOME & STYLE
and period design with an execution so precise it caught the eye of location scouts for Wes Anderson’s film Moonrise Kingdom. When it comes to furniture and appliances, the pair often seeks old before buying new. The kitchen’s 1940s Universal stove hails from Earthen Vessel, a store in Providence specializing in pre-owned appliances. “ Who needs a bigger stove anyway?” says Greenwood, who notes that their 1941 GE refrigerator was rescued from a neighbor on trash night. “People think old fridges waste electricity, but actually they use next to nothing because they don’t have features like auto-defrost and ice makers that run constantly.” Tying all of the elements together is the 1930s wallpaper, purchased at Secondhand Rose in New York City. Says Greenwood, “I saved it for ten years before committing it to the walls.” Due to the paper’s fragility, she hired local expert Doug Leonardo to do the hanging. Solid blocks of color and surrounding natural wood on structural details and floors gives the eye places to rest, keeping the pattern from becoming busy. In 2018, the retro-fabulous cherry-red kitchen appeared in The New York Times. Not in the Home & Garden section but Music, as Greenwood is bassist for the alternative rock band Belly.
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Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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Get Rhody Style G re e nwo o d a n d M o t t a re b o o s te r s o f s h o p p i n g s m a l l a n d b e i n g re s o u rce f u l . H e re ’ s w h e re t h e co u p l e s o u rce eve r y t h i n g f ro m h o m e d e co r to g u i t a r s .
Curb Appeal When asked to name her favorite local spot for home goods, Greenwood quickly offers, “Dumpsters. Seriously.”
I n Tu n e When you’re in more than one band (Belly, Benny Sizzler, and Band of Their Own, at last count), you need a good music shop and Middletown’s Mama’s Boy Music fits the bill. The shop has instruments, does repairs, offers lessons, and more. For amp repairs, it’s Cove Electronics in Newport.
S h o p M i d d l e tow n When she’s not eating candy, Greenwood shops at The Green Grocer. Other nearby go-to’s include The Fabric Connection and Island Books.
Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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HOME & STYLE
Natural elements, metallics, and checks set the stage for the holidays beyond red and green
Simply Stunning
Have yourself a rustic glam Christmas with natural elements and layers of glitz By Alex Morse, The Creative Gene
H
ave you already decked the halls or are you holding out for (more) snow ? Many of us are finding joy in early decorating , playing Christmas music, and getting into the spirit – because well, 2020! Nowadays, you don’t need a designated “style” to make a design come together; being eclectic and having a gathered look will always pay off in the bigger picture. This year, try a rustic glam style for your holiday. A blend of farmhouse textiles (think: Buffalo check plaid) combined with feathers – yes feathers – and some shimmer will give you a pro-look in no time. Start by gathering wood, textures, faux florals, things that sparkle, and a little creativity. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to a “themed tree” – it’s really up to you, and what you love!
TEXTURE Imagine thick wide ribbon, ostrich feathers, wooden star ornaments, and sparkle ball twigs. Floral picks with faux berries and cotton sprigs, antlers, and winter greens add up to a fully textured tree with a complete mix of styles that are sure to impress. From the softness of the feathers and cotton picks, to glitter-covered stars and gold-dipped wood ornaments, you can achieve a “full look” with the more textures you add (just make sure to stick to a specific color palette). You’ll have something to admire wherever your eyes land.
L AY E R Some like a real tree, and Rhode Island has many amazing tree farms, but a pre-lit, four-piece tree that you can snap into place in under a minute is also pretty great! After fluffing branches, add in your ribbon. Buffalo check plaid has been a trend for the past few holiday seasons, along with velvets and frayed styles. You want to pinch off sections and “bury” them into the tree to stay put. Next, place your picks: feathers, white berries, faux peonies, sparkle stars, and more. Pro-tip: Buy picks in odd numbers like three or five. Lastly, add in ornaments: Largest first, to fill the gaps, with smaller sizes in between. Go wild at the top with any extra stems and picks you have to really make a statement! Toss a faux fur throw or fuzzy blanket on your base as a tree skirt as the finishing touch.
R E P E AT Save a few picks, ornaments, and feathers to carry the look onto your table. Mimicking the tree motif in a garland along your dining table will allow your decorated rooms to flow. Don’t forget the place settings: Wrap utensils in pieces of the matching ribbon and place a beautiful custom ornament (like one from Paper and Wood Co. by Jamie Burke) for your family to take home!
Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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Custom wood/acrylic ornaments by local crafter Jamie Burke of Paper and Wood Co. @paperandwoodco
D ECO R AT E LO C A L
Whether it’s ribbons, floral picks for wreaths, or general inspo, think small biz first. Here are some ideas around the state: The Farmer’s Daughter, Wakefield: picks, wide ribbon, ornaments The Gift Box, Warwick: ornaments and more Groundswell Garden & Home, Tiverton: decor, paper goods Lorraine Fabrics, Pawtucket: ribbon Paper, Packaging & Panache, Bristol: paper goods Ribbons By Design, Lincoln: ribbon Twice Told Tales, Cranston: paper goods Wilbur’s General Store, Little Compton
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HOME & STYLE
Rhod There’s a book by a local By Hugh Minor
A
uthors bring so much more to their community than just their books. Maybe it’s the excitement of thinking that this creative genius could be a neighbor, a colleag ue, or sitting right next to us at a coffee shop (back when we could do such things). Or maybe we just enjoy reading a stor y that takes place in a familiar setting (“ They just drove down Blackstone Boulevard!”). Here’s a list of local writers – from Rhode Island and nearby – worth giving a read.
M A U R E E N B OY L E The true-crime thriller Shallow Graves by awardwinning journalist Maureen Boyle connects Providence to New Bedford much like I-195 brings the two cities together. In 1988, bodies started piling up along the route and Boyle delves into solving the mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
C H R I ST I N E C H I T N I S If you’ve never been to India, you can experience the incredible color and light of this land through the photography of Christine Chitnis in her book, Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of R ajasthan. For those missing travel, this hardcover is a nice bandage.
APPLES TO APPLES Okay, so Amy Traverso isn’t from the Ocean State but her revised and updated The Apple Lover’s Cookbook features the Rhode Island Greening apple, which dates back to the mid-17th century in Newport, and includes all kinds of recipes bubbling over with New England charm.
y Reads
author for everyone on your holiday list V I C TO R I A DA L P E Parasite Life by Victoria Dalpe made the list for its retelling and modernizing of the vampire myth. The story is haunting and intriguing, and resonates with you long after you’re finished. Plus, who doesn’t love a villain named Hugh?
A N I KA A L DA M U Y D E N I S E For the children on your book list, A Girl Named Rosita tells the story of award-winning (as in EGOT) Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno. Barrington resident Anika Aldamuy Denise tells the story of Moreno’s trail-blazing career with great joy, accompanied by Leo Espinosa’s wonderful illustrations.
BRIAN EVENSON Although he’s since moved to the other coast, Brian Evenson spent 12 years in Rhode Island teaching Literary Arts at Brown. His collection of stories, Songs for the Unraveling of the World, is creepy and disturbing in a way that will have you squealing with glee. Best read in the daylight.
KA R E N G R E CO If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with strong female leads, check out the three book series An LA Rock Star Romance. Written under the name Elle Greco, as Karen Greco she also writes urban fantasy and has the Hell’s Belle book series. With this writer and frequent contributor to our magazines, you’ll never run out of page-turners.
J.M. HOLMES The interconnected stories in J.M. Holmes’ How Are You Going to Save Yourself takes
place in Pawtucket and nearby Providence. The book delivers a raw, unflinching look at growing up Black and male. Underrated but definitely worth the read.
R O B E RT I S E N B E R G You know Robert Isenberg from the pages of Hey Rhody and sister publications – now read longer form work in his latest novel, The Woman in the Sky. Follow the adventures of Elizabeth Crowne as she uses her wits to solve some ver y strange mysteries at the beginning of the 20th centur y.
VA N E S S A L I L L I E With two novels under her belt, Vanessa Lillie is the real deal. Both Little Voices and her latest, For the Best prove that she has a handle on writing suspense-filled thrillers that keep you g uessing until the ver y end and pondering long after you’re through.
PA U L T R E M B L AY Although Paul Tremblay now resides “just outside of Boston,” he lived in Providence while attending Providence College, and one of his most disturbing short stories takes place at the Arcade in downtown Providence. Check out the short “It Won’t Go Away” from his collection Growing Things and you’ll be glad that most book events have gone virtual these days.
M AX W I N T E R Exes by Max Winter feels like a New England winter: the stor y is bleak and desolate as Clay Blackall attempts to make sense of his and his brother’s past. The journey is not an easy one, but his travels through familiar experiences and locations will keep you connected.
R E A D LO C A L . B U Y LO C A L . When you’re looking to purchase books by local authors – or any authors, really – support your local independently owned bookstores. The burgeoning book scene in Rhode Island provides you with a wealth of options. Barrington Books: Barrington, BarringtonBooks.com Barrington Books Retold: Cranston, BarringtonBooksRetold.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 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 Riffraff Bookstore + Bar: Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooks.com Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com
HOME & STYLE
Handmade Holiday By Elyse Major
W
hat’s so special about a handmade gift ? Well, for starters you probably didn’t pick it up as part of a shopping errand that included loading a cart with a box of cereal, a tube of toothpaste, and a new box of Christmas lights. Rhode Island is filled with extraordinar y talent so if you’re looking for something unique, you can’t do better than buying from a local artist. For this round-up of gift giving ideas, we’ve selected samples from workshops that double as retail spaces where you can see things being made right on the spot, co -ops that house and sell goods from a range of crafters, and shops owned by makers themselves. While all of these items are available online, consider checking protocols and paying a visit to any of these locations, sure to make shopping feel more like an episode of How It’s Made than Sunday Night Football.
CRAFTLAND
KENT STETSON
NOON DESIGN SHOP
PETER POTS POTTERY
Providence, Shop.CraftlandShop.com
Pawtucket, Shop.KentStetson.com
Warwick, NoonDesignShop.com
West Kingston, PeterPots.com
FAYERWEATHER HOUSE
MY MÉZ
OLIVEIRA TEXTILES
PH FACTOR
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Towers casserole dish, Peter Pots Pottery Diorama ornament by Hot Glue Heroes, Craftland Mittens, Fayerweather House Pell Bridge clutch, Kent Stetson Leather bauble necklace, Noon Design Shop Tray, My Méz Earrings, pH Factor Pillow, Oliveira Textiles
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3 year olds through 8th grade
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FOOD & DRINK E x p e r i e n c e | R ev i ew | R e c i p e | Te a M a ke r s
52 Butternut squash soup is the definition of cozy eats P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f M a g g i e M u l ve n a P e a r s o n
FOOD & DRINK
Enchanted Eating W h eth e r it’ s a sec ret c ha mpa gne ga rd e n o r p o rtal to Middle Earth, h ere are so m e ma gi c a l di ni ng opt i o ns aro u n d R I yo u wo n’t so o n fo rget By Patty J
I
f you’re looking for some food-related excitement without going far this holiday season, there are all sorts of enchanting options right here in Rhode Island. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with your SO or a foodie adventure with a friend in your COVID pod, one of these experiences is sure to click with you.
D ate Ni g ht D e l i ve re d from B ites by B re Prior to the pandemic, Bre Goldsmith’s Bites by Bre had people raving not only about their delectable, home-delivered meals, but also their Dinner In The Round events in Providence. Meal deliveries are still thriving , but Goldsmith has paused the In The Round gatherings for now, replacing them with Date Night Delivered. For around $38, you get a three-course meal for two and fresh flowers, available for delivery or pick-up. BitesByBre.com
The Qu o n s et H u t at Moore H o u s e Co tt a g e , Tiverton If you’re thinking more along the lines of a staycation, you’ll want to consider the phenomenal Quonset Hut at Moore House, a renovated historic 1940s former ammunition shell. The end result is a stunning and truly unique space with water views and an oversized eat-in kitchen and a dining room with seats for you and 11 of your closest fam and friends. MooreHouseFamily.com
Jingle O n T he R a i l s D inner Train, New por t Every Saturday and Sunday through December 20, you and your favorite person have the opportunity to step back in time and delight in an old-timey dining car experience. The train ride runs two-and-a-half hours, plus there’s a full bar in case you’d like to enjoy a cocktail while checking out the winter wonderland rolling by outside the window. The train is running at reduced capacity for social distancing , so be sure to reser ve your tickets ASAP. TrainsRI.com
Hobbit H o u s e at T h e Preserve Club & Res i de nce s , R i chmond Inspired by Tolkien, and part of a collabo ration with Maker’s Mark whiskey, the hillside Middle Earthen abode features a round front door, stone walls and floor, fireplace, skylight, custom table crafted from whiskey Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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barrels, and an outdoor firepit. The Hobbit House may be reser ved for private dinners or lunches (even if you aren’t a member or resident of The Preser ve), which include a multi-course meal with bourbon pairings. PreserveSportingClub.com
Fondu e V i l l a g e at The O cean Ho u s e, Wester l y The Ocean House plucked ski gondolas from the slopes and added sumptuous and
Fresh flowers are the finishing touch to Bites by Bre’s Date Night Delivered comf y seating for up to four, a heated floor, and some whimsical touches (like a chandelier), turning each into one of the most unexpected yet luxe dining experiences around. In addition to appetizers, a fondue course, and desserts, for an additional fee, g uests can opt to clink glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne. OceanHouseRI.com
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FOOD & DRINK
On Par to BYOBlanket
B undl e up a nd e n j oy fa r m - to - t a b l e fa re with scen ic views By Ann M. Martini
Must-Try Items PAN-ROASTED CR AB CAKES with grilled corn salsa and lemon aioli LOBSTER FL ATBRE AD PIZZ A with chunks of lobster, tomato, basil, and cheeses – enough for two STEAK FRITES with grilled “bistro” sirloin, fries, beefsteak tomato, steak sauce, and gorgonzola aioli
Cuisine: Gourmet American Prices: $7-22 Atmosphere: Casual Country Club
Photos courtesy of Par & Tackle at Harbor Lights
T
here aren’t many of us who can claim to find new pleasures during this seemingly endless pandemic. We’ve all suffered losses and inconveniences, felt stress and pressure. So perhaps that’s why I am finding joy in the simplest of activities, like late-autumn outdoor dining. I visited Par & Tackle, part of the Harbor Lights golf and marina club in Warwick, for dinner in 52 degree temps recently. At any time of year, this openair restaurant and bar, which sits on the first hole of the golf course, sports fantastic views of Warwick Cove and Greenwich Cove beyond it. We dressed for the weather – cozy sweaters, jeans, boots, and gloves – and armed ourselves with an extra layer of cashmere blankets. The
An outdoor fireplace helps keep chills at bay
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Rhode Island Hospitality Association had just announced their “BYOB” campaign – Bring Your Own Blanket – so we thought we’d give the idea a test drive. Par & Tackle is well equipped for such a concept. It’s open-air but covered by a permanent post-and-beam structure, has a rustic stone fireplace, and can easily accommodate large standing heaters. We settled into a table just in time for the sunset, which we enjoyed over a glass of wine, and perused a small but varied farm-to-table menu. Chowder and clam cakes seemed a little too summery, so we chose panroasted crab cakes and a margherita flatbread
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pizza. The crab cakes, especially, were just as they should have been – lots of jumbo lump crab – and deliciously accented with a lemon and corn salsa. The pizza was sizable and tasty, with a not-too-thick chewy crust. The wind off the water picked up, but the blankets and heaters did their magic, making those breezes more refreshing than bracing. Next, our entrees of fish and chips and steak frites (oh, that gorgonzola aioli!) were just right. Another glass of merlot was in order. Frankly, there was something rather chic about this, reminiscent of an apres ski mountainside cocktail.
Since that night I’ve dined outside numerous other times. Thanks to RIHA and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, many restaurants have been outfitted with heaters and blankets, extending the season for our friends in hospitality who so desperately need it. Part of me hopes that this will be a trend that doesn’t die off when the pandemic is under control. I could get used to it.
Pa r & Ta c k l e at H a r b o r L i g ht s 150 Gray Street, Warwick 401-737-6353 • HarborLights.com
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FOOD & DRINK
Cozy Eats C h e f M a g g i e s h a re s h e r re c i p e fo r m a k i n g b u tte r n u t squash soup B y El ys e M a jor
“I
would say our members are cr aving more comfor t foods since COVID -19 hit,” notes Maggie Mulvena Pearson , aka Chef Maggie, referring to subscribers of her high- end state wide meal deliver y ser vice, Feast & Fettle. “My butternut squash soup recipe star ted out with tr aditional roots but then evolved to accommodate the f lavor prof iles of our members , so I use coconut milk in this recipe instead of more traditional heav y cream , which allows the soup to be dair y-free.” However, she adds , “you can easil y s wap the coconut milk for light or heav y cream in this recipe and it would be delicious.” W hile completing her degree in Culinar y Nutrition at Johnson & Wales Universit y, Pearson worked as a personal chef ; as talk of her tast y, high- qualit y offerings spread, she kne w she had something unique to offer and soon launched her business through Hope & Main , the food incubator space in Warren. Today, a culinar y team preps gourmet from-scr atch meals at their East Providence commercial kitchen. Orders are hand-packed and chilled prior to deliver y, with natural ingredients sourced locall y when possible. Butternut or winter squash is currentl y in season in Rhode Island and available at various f arm stands around the state along with your local market . Pearson likes to roast the squash prior to adding it to the soup, which helps to bring out its natural s weetness. W hen it comes to ser ving up her savor y soup, Pearson recommends pairing it with a Pumpkin S eed Loaf or Toasted Walnut R aisin Loaf from S even Stars Baker y. “If bread is not your thing , I would pair this soup with an apple and goat cheese salad with a light vinaigrette,” she says. “I think just the thought of holiday traditions brings a smile to most people’s f aces , including myself . I love prett y much ever ything about the holiday season , especiall y the food.”
Ro a ste d B u tte r n u t S q u a s h S o u p w i t h Toa ste d P u m p k i n S e ed s To t a l Y i e l d : 6 e a c h ING RE DIE NTS • Butternut squash, halved (3 lbs) • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp sunflower oil • 1 cup diced onions (¼ inch) • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced • 1 Tbsp maple syrup • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 9 cups vegetable broth • 3 oz coconut milk • 6 oz roasted, salted pumpkin seeds
ST E P S 1. Preheat the oven to 360º 2. Line a sheet pan with parchment. 3. Lay butternut squash cut side down on parchment, brush with oil, and sprinkle with salt. 4. Roast until very tender, about 40-50 minutes total. 5. Scrape the flesh out of the skin and set aside in a bowl. 6. In a large stock pot, heat sunflower oil and saute onions until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, then season with salt. Next, add maple syrup, spices, and vegetable stock; then add the roasted butternut squash. 7. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add coconut milk and stir into soup. 8. Blend soup with a high-speed immersion blender or high-speed counter blender into a very smooth and creamy consistency. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if needed. 9. Garnish with pumpkin seeds.
Visit Guide.FarmFreshRI.org for sellers of fresh winter squash near you.
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FOOD & DRINK
Steeping Only the Good Stuff
Local g rowe rs and ma kers bl e n d l oo s e l eaf tea centered around sustainab ility and health By Abbie Lahmers
I
f you’re a tea drinker, that first morning steep is a ritual. And while a Twinings bag might be a great timesaver, preparing a cup of loose leaf is all about savoring. “ Taking a sip of herbal tea first thing in the morning or last thing before bed is a deeply grounding practice that I love to share with people,” says Sydonia Axis of Seaside Botanicals based in Foster. Along with several other local makers and farmers, Axis applies her knowledge of homegrown and wild-foraged herbs to the loose leaf tea blends she creates, taking advantage of the plants’ holistic properties. Homemade herbal teas, or tisanes, have been popping up at farmers markets and even in some local cafes for a while, all with names boasting their properties, like Seaside Botanicals’ “Calm Tea” or Kris Teas’ “Advanced Immunity” blend. Kristin Brawn Armstrong , owner of East Greenwichbased Kris Teas, explains that her journey to mixing herbs was motivated by her family’s unwitting exposure to toxic mold, which she approached by researching and blending tisanes that helped alleviate their symptoms. Radia Herbs also emerged from a healthful vision, deriving products that target different systems in the body. Each cup of local loose leaf you steep begins in the field, down to the most unexpected plunders har vested and carefully dried for use. “All the farmers I worked for used the dandelion we pulled for tea or saved the purslane for a salad when we’re weeding ,” explains Rachel Playe, owner of the Radia Herbs farm in Cranston, who got into herbalism through farming.
Left: Kris Teas Right: Seaside Botanical
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FOOD & DRINK
You’ll find sustainability at the core of many of these businesses, too. Axis notes, “I started farming six years ago with a desire to learn about sustainability and self-reliance. I gained professional experience working at local organic farms, learning about interdependence and the reciprocal relationship between plants and the people who care for them.” And from the field to the market, many Providence tea -ma kers org anize communit y outreach a long the way. Mar y Blue of the women-run Farmac y Herbs hosts e ducation prog rams, including her Introduction to Herba lism class that influence d Playe to open R adia . Amber Jackson’s Black L eaf Tea and Culture Shop uplif ts young Black professiona ls and eng a g es the communit y with “ Tea Ta lks”, and Sanctuar y Farm was founde d around partnering with loca l immig rant and ref ug e e farmers to source their plants. “I love herbs,” says Playe. “ They smell amazing , they lift us out of our heads, and they’re ver y versatile…they help our bodies and minds heal, and they carr y complex and interesting histories with them.” While the histor y steeped in your morning cup might not be immediately evident on the nose, those soothing notes of floral, spice, and earthiness certainly will be.
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Left: Radia Herbs Right: Farmacy Herbs
Sip on Th is Tr y a variety of blends with all different benefits from each pur veyor, but here’s a handful recommended for weathering a Rhode Island winter, plus a few places where you can find them.
“Coco Bae” | Black Leaf Tea and Culture Shop Black tea, roasted cacao nibs, and shredded coconut. TheBlackLeaf Tea.com
“Winter Warm-Up” | Farmacy Herbs Astragalus, cardamom pods, cinnamon, and other flavors. Chez Pascal, Nicks On Broadway, Wildflour Bakery. FarmacyHerbs.com
“Advanced Immunity” | Kris Teas Elderberr y, echinacea, astragalus, and other flavors. R aw Bob’s, Sundance Massage & Wellness. KrisTeas.org
“Feed Your Nerves” | Radia Herbs Lemon balm, nettles, rose, and other flavors. Inkfish Books, Mount Hope Farmers Market, Stock Culinary Goods. R adiaHerbs.com
“Cloud 9” | Sanctuary Herbs Spearmint, tulsi (holy basil), lavender. Avenue N Pantry, Evolve Apothecary, Farm Fresh Winter Market. SanctuaryHerbs.com
“Dream Tea” | Seaside Botanicals Mug wort, chamomile, and lemon balm. All That Matters, Bloom Collective, Tiverton Farmers Market. SeasideBotanicalsFarm.com
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ART & CULTURE A r t i s a n P o p - U p | M o re T h a n M e n o ra h s | C l eve r C a r to o n s | C a l e n d a r
60 Providence pop -up brings passionate makers together P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f B l o o m C o l l e c t i ve
ART & CULTURE
Bloom Where You Are Planted A pa i r o f P rovidence artist- entrepreneurs cre ate exten d e d p op -u p for lo cal makers By Elyse Major Photos by S avannah B arkley
B LO O M CO L L E C T I V E 271 South Main Street, Providence Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-7pm (by appointment on Mondays) Open daily through December 24
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or many budding entrepreneurs not quite ready for a retail space of their own, cooperatives and pop -up shops are integral vehicles for not only selling their goods but getting their name out there. When lockdown hit in early spring , small business owners and friends Savannah Barkley and Heather Wolfenden instantly saw their schedules of upcoming market events cancelled. “Many opportunities and spaces for businesses like ours disappeared,” says Barkley, who also couldn’t help but notice more and more empty Providence storefronts. Barkley and Wolfenden saw a need and put their brains together to form Bloom Collective. “It’s a new way to collaborate with makers and creatives across the board to host one-of-a-kind pop -up experiences that will become a temporar y home base
for passionate minds,” Barkley explains. To launch, the pair set up at a vacant South Main Street storefront for the months of November and December, and currently host over 60 rotating and fixed local vendors. “ We feel that now more than ever we need to make space to safely engage the community, and give life to other wise empty retail locations across the city,” says Barkley, who under the label Sir Milky Quartz, is building a lifestyle brand where goods both hand-picked and handmade share a similar aesthetic. Wolfenden owns Fresh and Fossil, a collection of vintage apparel and quirky items with the tagline Garb for Good. “Being in such uncertain times, there were a lot of things to be considerate of to ensure the safety of those who shop and vend with us,” says Barkley. “By being open for six weeks, we are aiming to allow enough
time for ever yone who wants to stop by to shop local for the holidays without the crowds, kind of like an extended pop -up.” While temporar y shops can feel sparse and cavernous, Barkley and Wolfenden quickly outfitted the location to be elegant and inviting. White walls are blank canvases for displays of colorful merchandise, and netted string lights above – and a Christmas tree – lend an air of holiday magic. “Our goal is to make use of underutilized spaces in the city and bring new life to and creative energ y wherever the collective finds its next home,” adds Barkley. And about the name, she answers with a dreamy smile, “Bloom Collective was inspired by the nature of blossoms popping up in various locations for a brief moment – they are incredibly beautiful and unique – just like the creative community in Providence.”
Heather Wolfenden (L) and Savannah Barkley (R) Instagram: @wearebloomcollective • WeAreBloomCollective.com Hey Rhody DECEMBER 2020 |
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ART & CULTURE
Branching Out Forgo tte n J u d a i c a fe at u re s cerem o n i a l o b j e ct s w i t h natura l flo ur is he s By Robert Isenberg Photos courtesy of Forgotten Judaica
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t’s hard to fathom how old bronze is: Smiths have been mixing copper with other alloys for 5,000 years, and they’ve used wax molds to shape the metal for nearly as long. Ancient Israelites were already masters of the form before the Maccabees smelted their first menorah. Tradition is a lynchpin of Jewish culture, and Forgotten Judaica was founded to keep these ancient arts alive. The online store offers highquality items, such as Stars of David and Seder plates, cast in nickel, sterling silver, and, yes, bronze. Providence native Lisa Van Allsburg and her family have spent decades traveling through Eastern Europe and the Middle East, searching for authentic relics from the Hebraic diaspora. Van Allsburg started the website
Abraham’s Tree Bronze Menorah
with her brother, David Morrison, along with other traditional crafters. “It’s ver y important that these traditions, these Jewish rituals, are not forgotten,” says Van Allsburg in an introductor y video, “that they continue to be practiced and are important in the home.” Some of these items will look familiar, whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not: The Abraham’s Tree Menorah actually looks like a Mediterranean trunk with spreading branches. The Carpets of Jerusalem are handspun and depict sacred landmarks, such as Mount Sinai and King David’s Tower. You don’t have to be a Talmud scholar to know what Shabbat candlesticks are for, and these bronze sculptures look like leafy branches connecting two holders.
But the Forgotten Judaica catalog also lists some lesser-known artifacts, and traditionalists will be overjoyed to find Mezuzah cases, shaped like animals, which contain tiny scrolls and can be nailed to any surface. The Tzedakah box, topped with a realistic-looking bronze hand, is designed to collect alms for important causes. Our favorite : The sterling silver Yad – or “pointer” – that any Bar/Bat Mitzvah veteran will instantly recognize. Devotees use these elaborate little rods to follow written scripture, ensuring that the reader doesn’t actually touch the Torah’s pages. Like all the Forgotten Judaica items, the Yadim are created to last – not just for years, but for generations. ForgottenJudaica.com
Left to right: Walnut Candlestick Holders, Branch Mezuzah Cover, Bear Honey Spoon
ART & CULTURE
The Must List
ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h HeyR
5 essential events this month
Through December: Downcity strolls for Open Air Saturdays continue through the holiday season, with even more craft vendors, live entertainment, and a pop -up beer garden at Grant’s Block. Providence, InDowncity.com
T h r o u g h D e c e m b e r : While the
D e c e m b e r 5 - 6 : Bosgraaf Stained
Polar Express will stay at the station until next year, the Search for Santa river ride is a new, socially distant holiday experience aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer. Central Falls, BlackstoneValleyPolarExpress.com
Glass Studio’s Holiday Sale will feature festive, colorful glass works by student artists, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Jonnycake Center. Peace Dale, Bosgraaf Studio.com
Through December:
D e c e m b e r 6 , 1 3 & 2 0 : Peruse wares made by some of New England’s finest artisans at the Providence Artisans Holiday Show, which takes place in the open space of Hope Artiste Village. Pawtucket, Facebook: Providence Artisans Market
Christmas in Newport’s 50th season will look different from celebrations past, but the Door way Decorating Contest is still going strong , and keep up -to -date by visiting online for events all month. ChristmasInNewport.org
Shop and stroll during Downcity’s Open Air Saturdays
ART & CULTURE
Tim Jones sketches out his signature characters from Sour Grapes
Comic Genius 64
Cartoonist Tim Jones takes ordinary moments and transforms them into highly relatable comic strip Sour Grapes By Megan Schmit
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or Tim Jones, Sundays were special growing up. They were the days when he’d eag erly await the newspaper to hit the driveway, flip to the funnies, pore over printed episodes of Garfield and Peanuts, and scribble his own cartoons beside them. Many years, an art degree, and inked drawing s later, the grown Jones is living his childhood dream as the successful creator behind his own published comic : Sour Grapes. “ What inspires me is just my ever yday life,” Jones explains of his sarcastic strip, which started in 2013 and now appears in 28 newspapers – even ones in California and Texas. “I mig ht g o throug h something or hear something that week, and I just put it into their world and see how they’ll handle it.” When he refers to “they”, he means the orig inal cast of characters that make up Sour Grapes: Aesop, the miserable flying dog ; Maddy, the not-so -brig ht astrophysicist; Constance, the moody teen ; and Ominous, Aesop’s pet cloud, to name a few. “A comic strip needs to be relatable and stay that way,” he says, “so Sour Grapes speaks to the problems and bad days that we all have – and makes lig ht of it.” The process of pen to print, Jones admits, is anything but quick . “I ’m the slowest artist known to man,” he jokes, ” but I do have deadlines!” He beg ins by mapping out the episode in his head, selecting the rig ht character for the topic and what it will look like. Next, he sketches out the strip with pencil, then ink, and finally scans it into his laptop for dig itization using Photoshop to clean up mistakes, add text and color, and export in hig h-resolution for the newspaper. But the work doesn’t stop at the art: “I do ever ything from soup to nuts,” says Jones, who operates as a one-man band, listing marketing , promotion, book compilation, invoicing , and merch design as additional responsibilities for the solo artist. Thankfully, even with the impact of COVID -19 on so many businesses, Jones has remained in-print for the duration of the pandemic. “I ’ve done some COVID-related episodes,” he says, but keeps in mind the balance between seriousness and humor, like the importance of mask-wearing as demonstrated by Ominous the pet cloud, who has a lot of, er, droplets. Over the last 20 years of his career as a cartoonist, Jones has found success both locally and beyond with Sour Grapes, but his true dream lies with a national syndication. He describes a drawer full of rejection letters over the years, but is unfazed : “Jim Davis was rejected seven times before Garfield took off, and it was the same with Schultz,” he says. “ You can’t win if you don’t play.” See more of Tim Jones’ work at SourGrapesComic.com.
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