Providence Monthly February 2023

Jim DeRentis Sales Associate

Thinking of

this year?

courtesy

Photo courtesy of Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading

Photography by Grace Lentini

Photo courtesy of Heartleaf Books

Photo by @rafeakspvd

Introducing the

4000 Chapel View Blvd. Suite 135 Cranston, RI • 401-350-7600

CITY LIFE

By the Book

Federal Hill’s new co-op shop has readers flocking

One of Providence’s oldest neighborhoods welcomed something new last year. Co-op bookstore Heartleaf Books on Federal Hill is the brainchild of sisters Caroline and Mads Vericker, both librarians. It’s the first of its kind on Atwells Avenue, as far as anyone can remember. “We’ve asked around quite a bit,” says Mads, “and no one remembers a bookstore being in this part of town. It’s very exciting.”

The charming book nook offers a carefully curated selection of new and used titles, art, and gifts for everyone. From the latest bestsellers to classics and more, you can find a little bit of everything – and if you can’t find it, the shop can put in an order for you. As librarians and avid readers themselves, the Verickers have extensive knowledge about the books they sell and are happy to make recommendations based on your interests. “When I’m not working, I spend my time reading,” says Caroline. “We both do. That’s what’s so great about this place.”

Bookstore | Interview | Makers | Rhody Gem | Op-Ed | Neighborhood News

Photo courtesy of Heartleaf Books

Before planting roots with a brick-andmortar, Heartleaf Books began as a popup shop, selling a variety of titles at local artists and farmers markets, building momentum for September, 2022 when they opened. They sold 2,850 books by the end of 2022 – not bad for an 800-square-foot space. Plus, they sell greeting cards, bookmarks, stickers, tarot cards, and – a crowd favorite – tote bags.

But Heartleaf is more than a bookstore.

It’s a community-driven cooperative where guests are encouraged to explore, learn, gather, and connect. Management is handled by a seven-member board of directors, who were instrumental in launching the co-op and securing the retail store location. Anyone may become a member by purchasing a share, which grants access to special benefits and privileges, from discounts on purchases to use of the space for private events.

“We’re already at 170 members, and new faces are always welcome,” says Mads. Along with selling books, the Vericker sisters want Heartleaf to bring people together, which is why they created a meeting space in the store to host book clubs and readings, as well as bringing programming to other nearby locations like The Industrious Spirit Company. They’ve featured local authors including Riss Neilson and Luke Dani Blue.

Even in these early stages of growth and

Photos courtesy of Heartleaf Books

Owners and sisters Caroline (left) and Mads (right) Vericker

Shop cat and uno cial manager Penny

development, Heartleaf has been able to give back to the community, recently holding a book drive for Haus of Codec, a local safe shelter space for youth aged 18 to 24.

And of course, there’s Penny, the shadow-gray store cat who loves to mix and mingle with customers. “She’s the manager,” Caroline jokes. “She’s in charge of where things go. And people come by just to see her. She’s very popular.”

HeartleafBooks.com

Crafters to the Rafters

Craftland celebrates 20 years as a home for art and handmade crafts

By James Baumgartner, Luis Hernandez

For 20 years, Craftland has featured the work of artists and craftspeople in its small shop on Westminster street in Providence. It started as a temporary holiday art show and store, before the term pop-up shop was even popular. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Margaret Carleton, one of the store’s founders, and Deb Dormody, who has been involved with the store since its earliest days.

LUIS HERNANDEZ: I wanted to start by asking you: how would you describe to anybody who’s never been there, what is Craftland? What is it today?

MARGARET CARLETON: This is Margaret. It’s a lot. It’s a lot of color. It’s a lot of craft. It’s a lot of art on the walls, all merchandise together. And it’s the work of 120 artists. Most of them are local. We have a really wide range of things. We have a lot of ceramics, beautiful, beautiful ceramics, handmade jewelry. We do have T-shirts that are silk-screened by artists. We have a lot of letterpress paper goods or printed paper goods, letterpress cards, housewares. It’s a pretty special way to get a connection to the community that we come from, and the community and Rhode Island and Providence in general.

DEB DORMODY: This is Deb. As Margaret and the Craftland team describe it: it’s “crafters to the rafters.” It is floor to ceiling filled with crafts, lots of bright colors. And, you know, I think what makes it special is that most everything in there is handmade. That’s pretty unusual for any store these days. And you know, and I think previously, in its newer days, especially as a year round store, people when they’re getting a sense of it would say oh, like a brick and mortar Etsy. And we, you know, would kind of be a little bit indignant about that, because we started three years before Etsy existed. So, you know, we’re originals in that way.

HERNANDEZ: You are the OGs

DORMODY: That’s right.

JAMES BAUMGARTNER: Craftland was a pop-up store before that was even really a thing. What was the inspiration to create the first Craftland show?

CARLETON: I was talking with a good friend of mine, Johanna Fisher. And we were very inspired by all the artwork that just craft and DIY stuff that we were seeing in Providence. The printmaking scene was really exploding. There was Fort Thunder, the Dirt Palace, just collectives making art and individuals making really interesting art. So we were really inspired by it and wanted to create a place to share it with the wider community.

DORMODY: The punk, do it yourself scene was kind of a way to help spread the word of what was happening kind of in a national way for what was going on. Because there wasn’t a way to access that information through other channels in, you know, in other mediums. And so Craftland, was sort of at the beginning of this burgeoning movement of like a new wave of craft. There wasn’t even a phrase called popup at that time. You know, I think that kind of came on a couple years later. And so that also meant that when we were popping up, that we are creating everything from scratch, we created the – we made the furniture, Margaret really made a lot of ridiculous furniture every single year. But even just like the plug-and-play services that exist today of building a website, or running a credit card machine, we would learn lessons like oh, crap, it’s two days before the store is opening, and we need a landline so we can run the credit card. And so we have to call on our flip phones or run home to our landline to get the phone company to come out to install a landline so we can run their credit cards, you know. So, things like that. So those are the kinds of lessons that we’re learning every year when creating a pop up like that.

HERNANDEZ: So then when was it? When did you decide instead of being seasonal? Let’s go year round? What was that decision? Like? Or when did you do it?

CARLETON: That was 2009. It had been suggested to us. And we always thought that was a terrible idea. We didn’t really start with a business plan. None of us are really business people. Our business model was possibly the most ridiculous of any in existence. But we got o ered a space. And there was very little going on downtown.

DORMODY: This is post-market crash 2008. So in 2009, because we had a precedent for, you know, running this shop successfully every year, we worked with a local developer who said, we see you doing this, what if you made this year round?

CARLETON: Yes.

DORMODY: And we said that sounds ridiculous.

BAUMGARTNER: Is there sort of an overriding aesthetic or something in particular about what you’re trying to put together in terms of who the artists are or what they’re presenting or the di erent types of work?

CARLETON: There is an overall aesthetic and we do choose work that will fit in with what Craftland is and what Craftland does. There’s definitely a bias toward things we haven’t seen, things that seem new to us. And again, definitely things that are colorful.

HERNANDEZ: Almost everything that’s sold in

Craftland’s current shop on Westminster Street in Providence

the store, I believe is without sales tax. Right?

CARLETON: Yes. Because there was legislation introduced that art made by artists in Providence should be able to be sold tax free.

BAUMGARTNER: And that’s for all of Rhode Island, or is it just Providence?

CARLETON: It is all of Rhode Island now. There are a few things that are taxed. But mostly prints, ceramics, jewelry – all sold without sales tax.

BAUMGARTNER: Craftland is celebrating 20 years in business this year, how have things changed in that time?

DORMODY: I think the evolution of how people receive crafts and understand them and appreciate crafts has evolved over time where it’s certainly not going away. But I think that di erent economic changes, change how people receive it, right. So with the market crash, people had a real hunger for, or an appreciation for the handmade. I think with the pandemic, people, you know, got a little bit tired, even though there’s a great access with technology and what that brought you, I think, really looking for that connection, having a connection to what is handmade, making things by hand themselves. And then also having an opportunity to be able to, you know, potentially meet the person who

made the thing that you just bought right or see them on the street. Whether or not they do but knowing that that is a thing that exists is so di erent from something that’s mass-produced.

CARLETON: Definitely, when we started, we really had to explain to people why handmade was important. And what that meant about the local economy, and how it related to, you know, helping artists survive in this, in Providence, mostly, all all over the – New England. But we have to do that less now. It seems like there’s more appreciation for things that are handmade and sort of a warmer embrace of the art that’s still being made in Providence.

HERNANDEZ: Well, congratulations on 20 years.

CARLETON: Thank you.

DORMODY: Thank you.

HERNANDEZ: And to the best for the next 20 years.

The article originally posted on December 8, 2022. Craftland is a business supporter of The Public’s Radio. Coverage decisions are made independent of business support. James Baumgartner and Luis Hernandez may be reached at James@ThePublicsRadio.org, LHernandez@ThePublicsRadio.org

The Future is Solitaire

Local

What do Armenian co ee grounds and strategy card gameplay have in common? Not much before Dave Davignon and Armine Tahmassian of Mek Mek Games put their brains together to weave a delightfully intricate and interactive narrative of fortune telling and 14th century Persian poetry. The Cranston couple has been developing Hoki, a solitaire game that incorporates both strategy and luck, for the past four years – and now their growing following can make a pledge to help fund it.

Named after the Armenian word for “soul,” Hoki isn’t your ordinary deck of cards. An optometrist by day, visual artist Tahmassian hand-drew a range of imagery in black ink influenced by her Armenian culture. She then digitally colored each

miniature canvas to form the foundation of the inventive solitaire experience.

“In Hoki, the pictures in each card have symbols that point to different fortunes,” explains Davignon. “If you clear the deck, you will receive a fortune and guidance.” The game is infused with traditions ranging from Armenian coffee cup reading to Klondike solitaire, in which “you can put something in your mind as you play, and if you win, that thing will come true. This is called ‘Opening your Fate.’”

Until you open the box and begin to play, Hoki is intentionally mysterious. “The story is designed to reveal strategies in an entertaining way and help folks realize them on their own,” says Davignon. “We’ve never

encountered a game that has room for something like this and we couldn’t help but build on it.” A musician and video editor and producer, Davignon o ers a glimpse of the mood with a video on their website of a shrouded woman tempting the viewer with the promise of becoming a seer.

Many mechanics of the game will be familiar to the avid tabletop enthusiast – yet not intimidating to novice players. Davignon explains, “It’s a non-builder style solitaire game like Accordion, which is based on matching and other choices rather than sequencing the cards by rank. One game of Hoki takes five minutes. You have to make the right choices to increase your chances of discarding every card in the deck.”

couple develops a one-of-a-kind card game inspired by Armenian traditions

Photo courtesy of Mek Mek Games

“As first-time home buyers and new to Rhode Island, we began this process needing a lot of hand-holding. We truly could not have done this without her! It took us nearly a year to find our first home, and during those times with our numerous questions and concerns, Rachael was so sweet and caring and never made us feel rushed. She gave us her honest opinions with every house viewing and never tried to ”sell” us the house; she truly cared for finding a home that worked for us. She is knowledgeable, professional, supportive, (and the list goes on) and overall a fantastic Realtor!”

Jonah & Eunbee

Here’s the fun part for gaming junkies: Hoki uses a legacy system. “Each time you win, your deck transforms a bit,” says Davignon, “until finally you transform your whole deck and unlock a book that gives you a fortune every time you win. You will have become a ‘Seer’ and can forever use the game to tell your fortune!”

If strategy isn’t your forte, there’s still a chance you can win simply by making lucky choices, but the duo tweaked traditional

solitaire gameplay somewhat to stack the statistics in favor of those who give it a little thought. But Hoki doesn’t aim to ostracize –the “teacher” character in the game makes for a nice foray into modern tabletop gaming and legacy systems for the uninitiated. “Folks who haven’t played many games don’t know what this experience is like. This was partially our mission, to show this to a wider audience,” says Davignon.

For Davignon and Tahmassian, Hoki has

been an opportunity to flex their skills and develop new ones in the creative sphere. “Reflecting back is almost like seeing the curvature of the earth,” relays Davignon. “You know it is huge but the scale is too big to comprehend when you’re close to it.” And if the fortunes are in their favor, production is on the horizon.

Visit Kickstarter.com to back Hoki: Fortune Telling Solitaire, or HokiSolitaire.com.

Photo courtesy of Mek Mek Games

David Davignon and Armine Tahmassian

Wolf E. Myrow, Inc.

Closeout Dealer for the Jewelry Trade

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!

What it is:

A warehouse of new and vintage jewelry-making supplies.

Where to find it:

Steps from an entrance of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway Bike Path on Aleppo Street, look for a loading dock and brick-faced steps leading up to the entrance. The sky-blue sign that reads Wolf E. Myrow Inc. confirms you found it.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

A treasure trove for makers, inside this unassuming building is an active link to Rhode Island’s days as “the jewelry capital of the world.” Founded in the 1940s by its namesake, the business has been owned and operated by the Anthony Antonelli family for decades. Inside, visitors will discover an almost incomprehensible collection of glass, pearl, semi-precious, Austrian and Czech, and plastic beads; brass and steel findings; and chains, tools, displays, and more all neatly stored in labeled boxes in a seemingly endless maze of well-lit shelves on multiple levels, across 80,000 square feet. However, if you’re looking to buy a handful of beads, that’s not happening here; some pre-bagged and priced items are for sale, but merchandise is sold in quantities with a $50 minimum.

Wolf E. Myrow, Inc.

46 Aleppo Street • 331-2911

CloseOutJewelryFindings.com

Photo by Elyse Major

That’s The Way The Cookie Crumbles

Wayland Square bids farewell to a beloved long-time bakery

After 94 years, the Wayland Bakery has passed away. Their last day, at the end of December, was somewhere between a wake and a shiva except people were leaving with food instead of bringing it…and there was no alcohol. A line of customers stretched out the door for most of the day with a loyal following buying everything in sight and sharing stories and a lifetime of memories.

Fortunately, you will still be able to get Wayland Bakery goods at their other bakery, Zaccagnini’s Pastry Shoppe on Smithfield Avenue in Pawtucket. In Rhode Islandese, this still constitutes a short “trip” out of town, but on the plus side, you’ll be able to buy an extra treat or two for the ride home.

Generations of Rhode Islanders of all ages have celebrated their birthdays with Wayland Bakery’s iconic cakes, even on non-birthday occasions. We had a chance to chat with some of the customers who were lined up to say goodbye and make their farewell purchases at this location.

“I know it’s really my birthday when they bring out my Wayland Bakery cake,” offered an older patron, “but at my age, with smoke detectors and fire alarms, I only get one candle per decade!”

And for the record, their white cake with white frosting and flowers was even more popular than their chocolate cake.

“I grew up in Cranston,” chimed another waiting customer. “Cookies from the Wayland Bakery were the only way my mom could bribe us to behave as we drove into the square to see Dr. Orson.”

And then there’s the famous cupcakes. “I grew up in a big family,” another woman offered, “and my mother used to bring home cupcakes with different colored frosting. After several years of wild fights over who got what color, she gave up and only bought cupcakes with white frosting. It wasn’t until we were all older that she let it slip that she was the one who preferred the white frosting!”

Times were di erent when Wayland Bakery opened in 1928 on Wayland Avenue, closer to the square and next to where women’s

clothing store Dorothy Williams used to be located. Providence was an exciting place to be in that year, nearing its peak population of 268,000, with the eagerly awaited Industrial Trust Co. Building (AKA The Superman Building) being completed downtown.

Even older than Wayland Bakery, D. Palmieri’s (1905) in Johnston and Scialo Bros Bakery (1916) on Federal Hill still remain. Also in 1928, Yankee Doodles were created in the Yankee Cake Company in Providence, which later merged with Drake Bakeries.

In 1999, Luis Rodriguez, who had learned the baking business at The Daily Bread, and his wife Elizabeth acquired the bakery and expanded both the retail and commercial parts of the business. They carried on the tradition of high quality and excellent customer service that enabled the bakery to become

Ponfilo “Ponpie” Basilico bought Wayland Bakery in 1957 and then in 1960 built his own building with its iconic lighted sign. Anthony “Buzz” Basilico joined his father in the business in 1979.

an institution, while adapting to a changing world. “You could order online too…as long as you had a telephone,” Rodriguez joked.

The Rodriguezes also added popular lunch items like chicken Caesar salad wraps, sandwiches, quiches, spinach pies, and a variety of calzones while developing a strong following, despite being in an oversaturated restaurant area.

Time and health caught up with Luis and Elizabeth, and to make things more manageable, they decided to consolidate

their two bakeries, ending Wayland Bakery’s 94-year run. With heavy hearts and empty stomachs, we traveled to Zaccagnini’s to check it out. It was less than four miles, about 10 minutes – or two cookies – away and well worth the trip!

As we grieve the loss of the bakery, we await what’s next for the site. We hear apartments – maybe Wayland Bakery Row or Cupcake Castle? If they’re astute, they’ll pump in the smell of freshly baked bread and pastry to market the units.

Photo (R) by Michael Cevoli

Inside Wayland Bakery during its prime

Neighborhood News

HOT TOPICS

An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

The in-person return of a beloved Fox Point coffee shop

Fox Point residents have returned in droves to the Wickenden Street coffee shop that, for many, offers more than freshly brewed coffee in the form of a community that feels like family. The Coffee Exchange, which operated from a simple to-go window following the first COVID lockdown in Spring 2020, reopened to in-person visits in a renovated space this past November.

The Coffee Exchange has been open since 1984, roasting and serving socially responsible, fair-trade organic coffees from around the world. It now boasts a reconfigured first floor with improved circulation, as well as a new seating area on the second floor that nearly doubles the shop’s capacity. Familiar features remain, such as the wooden grid that has hung from the ceiling for nearly 40 years and the dark wainscoting lining the shop’s perimeter.

“It’s different, but it’s the same,” comments owner Charlie Fishbein about the feel of the space. Most of all, neighbors have been delighted to spend time together in a familiar space, some literally crying with relief upon entering the building in November. “Everyone was isolated and suffering,” says Fishbein about COVID-related shutdowns. But now, they’re finding respite in a community mainstay. “This is family,” he continues, “whether it’s the people in front of the counter or behind it. This community is extraordinary.”

A December 2022 press conference confirmed that through the Providence Redevelopment Agency, the City of Providence is now the owner of the former site of Urban League of RI (246 Prairie Avenue in Upper South Providence), and has secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and additional funds from the federal government for its future redevelopment into a community hub. The new mayoral administration as well as Urban League leadership will solicit feedback from the community on what the site should be to best fulfill the needs of neighbors and stakeholders. The city submitted a request for proposals (RFP) to the Board of Contract & Supply to help facilitate community engagement and reimagine the site. The RFP invites qualified firms and consultants with experience in a ordable housing, community development, neighborhood revitalization, and public engagement to apply.

The Urban League of RI – whose work focuses on economic empowerment for Black and African American residents in the Southside of Providence and throughout the state – will continue to have a presence on the site once it’s redeveloped, though details are yet to be realized pending decisions concerning its use. In the meantime, follow the South Providence Neighborhood Association on Facebook for updates or to get involved.

Warming station opens on the West End

In December, the Cranston Street Armory began operating as a 24/7 emergency warming station for those experiencing homelessness during the winter months, with Amos House at the helm. “As the weather gets colder, it is critical to stand up low-barrier spaces that give unhoused individuals a safe and warm place to access supportive services,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Housing Josh Saal in a statement released by the o ce of Governor Dan McKee. “We thank the many people who worked to operationalize the Cranston Street Armory in a short period of time, and we thank Amos House for their willing leadership in this e ort.”

Since opening the center, Amos House has provided a warm space, cot, and meals for more than 100 people each night, ranging in age from 19 to 80 years old. To continue aiding folks living outdoors this season, they are seeking donations of new clothing items, including underwear, sweatpants, sweatshirts, gloves, and hats for men and women in all sizes. Items can be sent to Amos House at 460 Pine Street, Providence, RI 02907. Follow to learn more about their e orts: Facebook: Amos House.

The newly renovated Co ee Exchange on Wickenden Street reopened to in-person visits late last year

Photo by Amy Mendillo

Providence Neighborhood Associations

Blackstone Parks Conservancy

Jane Peterson

P.O. Box 603141

Providence, RI 02906 401-270-3014 BlackstoneParks@gmail.com BlackstoneParksConservancy.org

College Hill

Neighborhood Association

Rick Champagne

P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906 CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org

Downtown Neighborhood Association DNAPVD@gmail.com DNAPVD.com

Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA

Elmwood Neighborhood Association

Karen Hlynsky ENA-PVD.org

Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

Fox Point Neighborhood Association

Meeting Date: February 13 Amy Mendillo

P.O. Box 2315 Providence, RI 02906

FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net

Jewelry District Association

Sharon Steele

Sharon@sharonsteele.com JewelryDistrict.org

Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI

Mile of History Association

Wendy Marcus

c/o Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street Providence, RI 02903 MileOfHistory@gmail.com MileOfHistory.org

Mount Hope Community Center 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com

Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

Olneyville Neighborhood Association 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 ona@ona-providence.org ONA-providence.org

Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org

Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association

David Talan 25 Santiago St. Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com

Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com

Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

South Providence Neighborhood Association

c/o Dwayne Keys

P.O. Box 5653 Providence, RI 02903 401-369-1334

SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com

Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association

Summit Neighborhood Association

Meeting date: February 19

P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940 401-400-0986 SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org

Washington Park Neighborhood Association

237 Washington Avenue Providence, RI 02905

BettyLinda@aol.com

Facebook: Washington Park Association

Wayland Square Neighborhood Association

Katherine Touafek

Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association

WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com

West Broadway

Neighborhood Association

1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344 WBNA@wbna.org WBNA.org

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

The Cranston Street Armory opened its doors as a warming station in December

Wintertime

Solutions

Louis Iasimone, life-long Rhode Islander, is a proud member of a family of leading plumbing and heating professionals. With over 40 years of experience, Louis and the crew at Iasimone Plumbing, Heating & Drain Cleaning Inc. provide customers the highest level of service. “It’s so rewarding to have clients call us year after year,” Louis says.

With the winter season now upon us, we’re sure most home heating systems are humming along. But, if for some reason you forgot or just didn’t get around to having your system checked out in the fall, it’s not too late: Iasimone Plumbing can come do a full evaluation of your system. A new website shows customers their full list of services, too. Tip: To save energy and put less stress on your heating system this season, set your thermostat to one temperature – even when no one is home. Too often people keep the thermostat low when away during the colder months, thinking they are saving money by not having the boiler run, but when your house cools down so does your heating system, meaning the boiler needs to heat back up to heat the home when you return. So, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it.

AUDIO/VIDEO HELP

Home theater, TV or stereo? Jon Bell, Simply Sight & Sound, 401-749-8283. Reasonable rates. 30+ yrs exp.

BEYOND THE PALE

Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498.

EAST SIDE HANDYMAN

Carpentry, painting and repairs. Small jobs welcome. References, insured. 401-524-6421. Reg. #3052.

MALIN PAINTING

Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based & latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, Many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. 226-8332. Reg. #19226.

USED MUSIC WANTED!

Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.

Dates FOR ALL TASTES

The foodies behind Providence Date Night

BY ANGIE AND JEFF DIMEO

on

Instagram o er six picks for a whirlwind night on the town

Whether you’re head over heels in a still-new relationship or you’ve been married forever, February is for celebrating love. Providence may feel like a frozen tundra right now, but we’re here to encourage you and your sweetie to skip the last-minute dollar store chocolates and heart-shaped balloons to instead express your adoration for each other in the form of tuna tartare and spicy noodles, white-clothed tables and shared appetizers, right here in your home city. Book a reservation at any of these eclectic picks for a culinary date night you’re not soon to forget – and why not roam the neighborhood for more romantic adventures while you’re at it?

SPENDING THE SEASON OF PASSION WITH THE FAMILY, SQUAD, OR SOLO?

Keep these options in the running for celebrating any kind of love this month and beyond!

Specialty food industry consultants Angie and Je DiMeo are a passionate couple obsessed with celebrating date night in the state they love so much. Whether they’re at the beach or cozied up in the corner of a new restaurant, they’re all about making the spotlight on the local food scene even brighter. Follow along with their foodie escapades on Instagram: @providencedatenight

Photo (R) by Angie & Je DiMeo. (L) courtesy of Angie & Je DiMeo

His & Hers drinks from Clementine Cocktail Bar

Upscale Eats

BELLINI, Downtown

For the honey who has a taste for the finer things, look no further than Bellini. A truly glamorous experience right here in our little city, this mainstay from the Cipriani family is guaranteed to level up your Valentine’s night. Along with booking a dinner reservation, why not a room while you’re at it? Bellini and The Beatrice share a roof – and a knack for sophisticated elegance and old world charm.

The moment you set foot inside, you and your partner will be immersed in the aromas of fine Italian cooking and feel taken care of by their passionate sta . Bellini is the epitome of glamor, going above and beyond with every detail, from the white linen tablecloths to the luxury embellishments at every corner.

Naturally, their food is unrivaled as well. You can’t lose with a first course of the simple-yet-exquisite creamy burrata and heirloom tomatoes with a basil drizzle. We’ve eaten a lot of iterations of this dish and were impressed by the balance achieved between the acidity of the tomatoes and the buttery center of the fresh cheese. On this special day dedicated to love, Bellini’s Valentine’s Day menu includes aphrodisiacs like oysters with a Champagne mignonette, tuna tartare with avocado mousse, and filet mignon with a gorgonzola demi glace. Don’t skip out on dessert – a luscious heart-shaped chocolate ganache. It doesn’t get sweeter than this.

If you’re like us and need a reason to dress up or splurge on a fancy new bag, Bellini offers the ideal excuse! Don your elegant attire and feel fabulous sipping a peachy-pink drink from a gold-rimmed coupe glass (a bellini, of course!). This is how to do date night in style.

BelliniRestaurant.com/Providence

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

Photos by Angie & Je DiMeo

Classy Sipping CLEMENTINE COCKTAIL BAR, Downtown

Whet your appetite with craft cocktails at the newest destination in Providence’s bar scene: Clementine. An enchanting lounge in the middle of downtown’s sparkling after-hours scenery, Clementine is conveniently located across from Trinity Rep (drinks before a show, anyone?) where birch restaurant used to be.

A multi-sensory experience that begins with exquisite colors and almost-too-pretty-to-eat garnishes, general manager and mixologist Cristian Cantaragiu curates concoctions worth savoring with every sip. Cantaragiu describes the menu as “an expression of who I am,” and we’re here for that.

Start the evening o with a Sea Gibson, a boozy and vegetal drink made with American dry gin and then maybe finish with something on the lighter side like the Clementine Fizz made with tequila, orange blossom flower, and clementine soda. Along with these staples, their Valentine’s Day menu will include limited-edition cocktails and mocktails like the booze-free Love Potion or His & Hers, an elegant duo featuring a bourbon-forward drink for “Him” and a well-balanced take on a cosmopolitan made with house-infused fresh oregano vodka for “Her” –though gender-swapping is certainly allowed!

Cantaragiu’s attention to detail carries over into the intimacy of this dimly lit space, which easily evokes date-night vibes, setting the mood for a full night on the town. Talk about a seductive interior: a stark-white exposed-brick wall (with works by local artist Zach Prosser on display) leads your gaze up to the enchantingly tall ceiling and the star of the room, a gold chandelier hanging in the center of it all. It doesn’t matter where you snuggle up at one of the 16 stools at the bar – every seat is the best seat in the house.

ClementineCocktailBar.com

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

21

SUNSET LIMITED: This alcohol-free mocktail is mixed with fresh clementine juice and Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso

LIGHTHOUSES: Artfully prepared with a delicate bubble of smoke on top

Photos by Angie & Je DiMeo

JAHUNGER, Fox Point Noodle Night

Calling all noodle lovers! Jahunger is Providence’s only restaurant highlighting Uyghur cuisine, which includes spicy hand-pulled noodles and deeply satisfying potstickers and buns. Nestled on Wickenden among Fox Point’s foodie scene, you’ll warm up right away in the charming, intimate eatery that recently remodeled their expansive second floor, decorated in bright and sultry colors.

Though Uyghur people are native to Northern China, leave any preconceived notions of Chinese dining at the door – you’re in for a surprise. Jahunger’s small-ish menu is broken down into a few sections: appetizers, noodle entrees, and wok specialties.

Fresh noodles of any kind hold a place in our hearts, but these are taken to a new level. Piping hot and distinctly fragrant with the smoky flavor of the wok, the signature Jahunger house-made noodles are tender, with a chewy, al dente texture, retaining a spiciness that builds with every bite. We chose tofu as our protein and each piece was perfectly seared and accompanied by wok-charred onions, chives, and chilis. I found the spice level to be just perfect, sichuan peppercorns and all!

On Valentine’s Day, Jahunger o ers a prix fixe menu of two appetizers, two entrees, a dessert, and prosecco, all for $88. We recommend starting with steaming lamb or leek and egg dumplings and crispy Scallion Pancakes before digging into a hot bowl of Jahunger noodles for your main. For the couple who’s addicted to the rush of spicy food or curious about trying a style of cuisine that might be unfamiliar, this spot is for you. But be mindful – they don’t take reservations. Jahunger.com

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

KAVAP: These marinated lamb kebabs are cooked with care using a family recipe

JAHUNGER NOODLES: If your mantra is “the spicier the better” and you love tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns, this dish is for you!

THOUSAND LAYERS HONEY CAKE: An out-of-this-world complement to a rich, flavorful menu

Photos by Angie & Je DiMeo

Southern Style Fun

MOONSHINE ALLEY, Downtown

Give your Valentine some southern lovin’ at Moonshine Alley this year. O ering us northerners a taste of Nashville, the restaurant and music venue o cially opened their doors in November and is quickly becoming one of downtown’s most exciting spots.

Right away, you’ll be lured in by the bright neon sign exclaiming “Giddy Up, Providence” as you enter the large open space reminiscent of a modern saloon. Acoustic and upbeat country sets are often playing from the massive stage, while the TV screens broadcast the latest sports games. Dancing and camaraderie are encouraged.

If you’re looking for something fun and casual, Moonshine checks those boxes in both vibes and menu, taking a page from the creamy, fried, and hearty cuisine the American South is known for. Once you have their signature Sangria – served on tap and made with Blackberry Moonshine – in hand, put in an order for a round of appetizers. We opted for Fried Pickles and Crispy Cheese Curds –you can’t go wrong dipping these in ranch dressing while taking in the buzzy atmosphere. For dinner, we fell in love with the Short Rib Grilled Cheese with sweet potato fries and for the main, bourbon-glazed Grilled Atlantic Salmon. But the table next to us raved about the signature Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches made with buttermilk chicken thigh, apple cider slaw, pickles, and a spicy honey drizzle. (Pro tip: order a cold beer with that.)

Tableside s’mores are a given and such a fun way to end the night by raising a toast to your love – while toasting marshmallows to squeeze between two graham crackers and chocolate. By then, you’ll no doubt be feeling the southern hospitality of this energetic joint. MoonshineAlley.com

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

MOONSHINE FLIGHT: Apple pie is their most popular, but the four tasters let you decide for yourself

CAST IRON SKILLET CORNBREAD: Drizzle with honey butter for a sweet snack with your sweetie

CHICKEN POT PIE: The flakey pastry on top doesn’t get any closer to wholesome home cooking

Photos courtesy of Moonshine Alley

PALO, College Hill Tasty Tapas

What better way to share your love than by splitting a smorgasbord of small plates? Spanish tapas are an inherently romantic genre of food perfect for breaking the ice with someone new or keeping things adventurous with a spouse. Housed inside a 200-yearold building amid the historic architecture of Steeple Street, Palo is the definition of cozy yet indulgent winter dining, with stone walls, a lively bar, and intimate nooks to dine in near private. The fun begins the moment you’re seated, perusing a list of delectable bites both curious and familiar.

Before curating your culinary exploits, choose a bottle of wine to split, perhaps a Tempranillo if you’re a fan of full-bodied reds. Then, chart a course of charcuterie: build your own board with your pick of several imported and local cured meats and cheeses like mahon, manchego, and 20-month-aged Jamón Serrano. You can’t lose with the classics, like Patatas Bravas – Spanish spicy potatoes – and Pan Con Tomate, a simple savory tomato toast.

Don’t cast your anchor on the night without first sampling the Costillas de Maíz, AKA corn ribs. Slivers of corn still attached to the cob are marinated, grilled, and served with elote accompaniments like paprika salt, roasted lime aioli, and queso fresco. This appetizer is perfectly sweet, spicy, and crispy, and perfect for the couple who isn’t afraid to get a little messy.

While many restaurants opt for elegant dishes for Valentine’s Day, Palo encourages hands-on communal experiences to share with your love. Large-format entrees like whole-roasted RI sea bass, bone-in lamb shank, and vegetarian plates let you and your date dare to feast. PaloProvidence.com

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

ALL SEAFOOD: Don’t miss grilled (not fried) calamari, garlic shrimp, swordfish kabobs, and halibut cheeks

SPANISH STYLE GIN TONICS: Choose from a number of gins from around the world or let your bartender surprise you

Photos by Andrea Garcia, courtesy of Palo

Veggie Love

P i ANTA, Federal Hill

Angie and Jeff’s Picks

PASSIONFRUIT THAI ICED

TEA: The sweet tea you know and love but with coconut cream and a tangy kick

STEAK AND EGG ROLLS: These crispy pockets of faux meat are a must try

BUFFALO CHICKEN: Whether in a salad or wrap, their spicy “chicken” steals the show

PiANTA does things a little di erently. This vegan, kosher, and allergen-friendly spot can appease almost any eater – while still keeping things fun and fresh. The creative chefs behind PiANTA reimagine what you may think about plant-based foods, turning classic entrees you know and love into vegan delicacies without sacrificing flavor.

This welcoming and trendy-yet-classy joint is a must for the health-conscious couple looking to indulge – and have their minds blown by the dishes that can be composed out of only vegetables. Their standard menu includes a number of creative small plates like Steak and Egg Cheese Rolls, Corn Fritters, and Crispy Brussels Sprouts. When it comes to mains, portion sizes are on the bigger side, like sta -favorite Penne alla Vodka, with a creamy pink vodka sauce coating the pasta and touches of crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and vegan parmesan bringing it together. Make sure you save room for dessert – sweet bites like brownies and crème brûlée are worth it. More of a brunch fan? PiANTA does that, too!

Not just for couples, their prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu is available for two or individuals, because self-love is worth celebrating, too! Specials change regularly so hit the follow button on Instagram, or check their website often.

PiANTAVeganRestaurant.com

Photos by Angie & Je DiMeo

DRINK

Experience | In The Kitchen | Food News

Sweet Nothings

Hand-made, heart-shaped macarons for your Valentine

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a tasty treat – and a box of gem-like confections from Mariela’s Sweets is as pretty as a bouquet of flowers, too. “I have been fascinated with macarons since I tried them for the first time during a trip to Paris in 2013,” shares Jessica Schumann, the owner and baker behind the boutique brand. She launched Mariela’s Sweets – named after her five-year-old daughter –out of Hope & Main in Warren in 2021 to hone the art of hand-crafting dainty and beautiful desserts.

Ever since, Schumann’s colorful macarons have appeared tucked in petite, see-through parcels at local markets and assembled in stunning nine-tier towers at weddings. “Every detail counts,” Schumann explains. “The packaging, the selection of flavors and colors – everything is created to enhance the experience of eating a delicious macaron.” All of the more than 30 flavors are gluten free, and she’s working on devising a handful of vegan flavors, too. Having outgrown the Warren incubator space, Schumann is in the process of moving the business into a commercial kitchen space at the Lorraine Mills in Pawtucket.

Naturally, Mariela’s Sweets is going all out for the season of love. “Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite holidays. We will offer special gift boxes that include heart-shaped macarons filled with different chocolate ganache varieties, and Belgian chocolate-covered strawberries,” says Schumann. “The Valentine’s macaron boxes will be the perfect gift to express your love.”

Find Mariela’s Sweets’ Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes at Providence Flea markets in Farm Fresh RI all month, as well as the Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace, or order online for pick up or delivery. MarielasSweets.com | By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Mariela’s Sweets

Bring Home the Bowl

An East Providence cafe serves up good vibes and multicultural entrees

With signs declaring “A little weird is good” and other a rmations filling the walls while new jack swing music plays overhead, it’s immediately clear that Incred-A-Bowl is an empowering and encouraging space. From the owners’ two young daughters enthusiastically helping out at every turn to the joyful patrons surrounding us, it was hard not to feel like we were entering the home of friends rather than an East Providence cafe.

Community is a big part of the mission at

Incred-A-Bowl. Owners Sterling Clinton-Spellman and Russell Spellman originally rolled onto the food truck scene as The Salad Man & Juice Bar in 2013 before changing their name to Incred-A-Bowl, and then, this past October, planted their roots in the new brick and mortar. Now with a solid homebase, the Spellmans can do more of what they’ve always done: bring people together with multicultural food.

Once we were welcomed into the joyful throng, my friend and I scanned a QR code

on the front counter to view the menu. Their easy-to-use website also allows for online orders if you’re in a hurry, but I would recommend staying for a while to enjoy the communal atmosphere.

CUISINE : Multicultural health bowls and fruit drinks PRICES: $8-$15

ATMOSPHERE : Positive, upbeat family-run cafe

Spicy Kim Noodles

“Kira Greene is hands down the most talented and effective real estate agent I have ever had the pleasure of working with! She expertly guided me on a strategy to list my East Side house, with advice that was spot on, selling my house in days, well over the asking price. Kira was collaborative, patient, supportive and I always knew she had my interests #1.” – Seller, 156 Blackstone Bvld. Whether buying or selling, let’s meet to discuss how I can make even the most extraordinary real estate goals possible for you.

We ordered our drinks and bowls at the counter, starting with the Sanas Sorrel. This floral and fruity drink was tart and sweet with hibiscus tea, ginger, apple, and peach. My friend was a fan of the Pink Paradise Smoothie, a vibrant strawberry blend with coconut water. She described it as “light and refreshing with hints of banana.”

The invigorating bevvies were a nice complement to our main courses. I indulged in the Spicy Kim Noodle Bowl without seeds. This healthy bowl was a mix of crispy onions, chicken, and sauteed vegetables with thick and chewy udon noodles. Seasoned with Asian-inspired sauces and topped with kimchi, it o ered a nice spicy kick.

My friend raved about the Mac n Cheese

Bowl with tender shredded jerk chicken –the sauce paired wonderfully with the three cheeses, creating a warming union of spicy and creamy. With entrees showcasing flavors from across the world, the next stop on our culinary map was the Korean BBQ Bowl. The rich salty-sweet umami flavors shined in this dish. The marinated beef and soft rice soaked up the teriyaki sauce, making each bite spectacular. To top it off, veggie slaw and an oozing fried egg added a myriad of pleasing tastes and textures.

We left Incred-A-Bowl satisfied and in high spirits, riding the energy of the staff and patrons around us. The cafe more than lives up to its name – it was definitely an incredible experience.

Must-Try Items

Pink Paradise Smoothie ($8)

Strawberry, banana, and coconut water

Korean BBQ ($15)

Choice of sliced chicken, beef, or tofu marinated in Korean spices, served over rice, veggie slaw, and fried egg

Spicy Kim Noodle Bowl ($15)

Sauteed udon noodles, kimchi, and chopped veggies with choice of chicken or tofu, topped with sesame seeds

Incred-A-Bowl

1075 S Broadway, East Providence

IncredABowlFood.com • @bowledflavor

Korean BBQ Bowl

Stew and Stories

Cooking has always been a part of Miranda-Zoya Jones’ world. Growing up in Pawtucket with a father who studied at Johnson & Wales, Jones says, “my experience was everything from standard kid food to elaborate spreads of rice and fish.” She was immersed in learning basic cooking techniques at a young age, seeing the magic behind the ingredients coming together firsthand. “I did a lot of baking growing up, too, because dessert is mandatory,” she adds with a laugh.

In this next chapter in her culinary story, Jones is uncovering her roots. While she’s more than comfortable whipping up a quick and delicious salmon and pasta dish, African diaspora cooking traditions have been less accessible. “I’m not so familiar with the fundamental spices, sauces, and flavors that Black people have used in the past that I would be able to make a quick meal with those things readily available to me,” Jones explains. “Why do I have more familiarity with the tenets of French or Italian cooking when I want to be able to make something that’s a little closer to me?”

Through her explorations, Jones is inviting listeners along for the ride. This winter, she’s launching Gather. Stew. Feast., a podcast series featuring cooking instruction and recipe guides with photos. “I call them feasts, so essentially longer courses where I’m just focusing on seasonal ingredients and recipes,” Jones explains. “I wanted the opportunity to share the skills that I gained growing up cooking with young people like me, with people who want to gain more confidence in the kitchen. In the [podcasts], I’m cooking meals that celebrate and practice Black culinary traditions to become more familiar with those.”

Along with step-by-step teachings, Gather. Stew. Feast. will provide origins and context of African diaspora cooking, which Jones explains is more than food from the continent itself. “The kind of cuisine that I’m looking into emerges from the places where Black people made homes and were forced to migrate to due to the slave trade, so that includes the south of the United States and also the Caribbean, Latin America, and the African continent. Even in America, it goes beyond the traditional definitions of soul food that

Photo courtesy of Miranda-Zoya Jones

A Pawtucket foodie takes listeners on a culinary journey of African diaspora recipes and traditions

we’re used to,” says Jones. “I’ll also be showing how nourishing our cuisine can be and dispelling misconceptions about it possibly being unhealthy and fried and salty.”

Emphasizing the importance of choosing high-quality produce fresh from the ground rather than imported to super markets, Jones is among the local farming industry’s most enthusiastic advocates. This season, Rhode Island harvests feature winter squash, root vegetables, and cabbage – and so do her recipes.

“I’m looking forward to getting comfortable with putting on a huge pot of greens,” Jones says, as well as hearty, balanced stews great for making in bulk and freezing. “When you’re going to places like farmers markets, you have the opportunity to build relationships, to build community around your food instead of it just being a transaction.” Watch for podcast release updates at Unique-Speaker-1864.ck.page/42520dda35

SQUARE ONE

If you want to make a habit of cooking, but you’re less than savvy in the kitchen, Jones shares some advice: “A lot of it is just exploration. Go to your local library and find a cookbook; start with the thing that’s most familiar to you and branch out from there. Support your local farmer, and ask them questions. They’re very knowledgeable and that’s a great place to start.”

WINTER WARMER

“My absolute favorite dish that I’ve been coming back to for the last few years is millet and sweet potato porridge.” Jones recommends soaking the millet overnight and spicing it up with cinnamon. “I love eating it for breakfast because you don’t get that mid-morning hunger.”

LESS IS MORE

Reduce sodium in your diet by adding herbs. “People usually think of salt as something that adds flavor. Salt is really just a flavor enhancer,” says Jones. “If you learn what herbs and spices to include in your dishes, all you have to use is a little bit of salt” to build on what’s already there.

SHOP LOCAL

Jones is a long-time frequenter of Farm Fresh RI markets. For groceries in a pinch, her go-to is Urban Greens Co-op; for loose-leaf tea, Black Leaf Tea & Culture; and Glow Cafe and Juice Bar does catering for Jamaican patties and fruit smoothies – all in Providence.

Photo courtesy of Miranda-Zoya Jones

Creamy Coconut-Cashew Soup with okra, corn, and tomatoes

With hearty entrees like chicken sandwiches on the menu, recently opened Ritual Cafe invites patrons to start the morning off right with good food, great coffee, and friendly, speedy service. Owner Brett Read came up with the idea one morning after he caught himself stopping at two different spots for one meal. “Some places had good food and bad coffee and some had great coffee but inedible food,” says Read. Confronted with this dilemma, he decided to open his own cafe.

Ritual pours New Harvest co ee and crafts breakfast sandwiches, like their signature one with bacon, egg, cheese, and a chicken cutlet on poppy kaiser. Other highlights on the menu include Blueberry and Brie Grilled Cheese, Grilled PB&J, and the reuben’s cousin, Paul: “Think a traditional reuben but served on an everything bagel with an egg.” Ritual uses local ingredients and carries products from KNEAD Doughnuts, Providence Bagel, BUNS Bakery, Del’s Lemonade, Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea, and Yacht Club Soda. Warwick, RitualCafeRI.com – Ken Abrams

Come spring, Westminster Street will welcome a new addition to downtown’s elevated dining scene: Gift Horse. Following a New Year’s Eve a la carte dinner previewing some of the tantalizing seafood eats the restaurant has in store, Oberlin chef and owner Benjamin Sukle gears up for his new raw bar concept. Gift Horse will focus on shellfish and fresh catches from local waters – a product of the relationships Sukle has built over the years with farmers and fishermen. Armed with accolades ranging from James Beard Award nominations to making Bon Appetit’s Hot Ten Best New Restaurants List, Sukle’s latest endeavor is sure to impress – but not without having a little fun, o ering playful and eccentric takes on seafood.

Far from taking the back burner, Oberlin will see an exciting move this summer – from 186 Union Street to 266 Westminster Street – where expanded o erings will include lunch and brunch service, new wood-burning oven, larger footprint, and more. Longtime Oberlin general manager Bethany Caliaro will join as a partner, too, ushering in an exciting season for both restaurants. GiftHorsePVD.com – Abbie Lahmers

Like many in the food industry, Ashley LaPlante, co-owner of Rind Cheese Shop, made a life pivot during the pandemic. Along with partner Timothy Fichera, she decided to follow her dream of opening a cheese shop. “When the pandemic hit, we had time to reflect on what we have an unwavering passion for that could be a sustainable way of life,” explains LaPlante. “We both love finding and sharing delicious things, and cheese was, without question, at the top of that list.”

Rind Cheese Shop specializes in a curated selection of local, domestic, and international artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet foods. “We buy from places that make exceptional products and raise happy, healthy animals. We make charcuterie and cheese platters of all sizes and o er tons of house-made and purchased accouterments.” LaPlante is excited about expanding the business. “In the new year, we’ll be getting cheese and charcuterie classes set up, making more of our own products, catering, and online ordering.” Barrington, RindCheeseShop.Com – Ken Abrams

Photos courtesy of Ritual Cafe

An eclectic raw bar set to open downtown late spring Barrington welcomes a gourmet cheese shop

New Warwick cafe is a daily ritual

STYLE

Home | Shop | Fashion

Patterns of Behavior

An interior designer embraces a love of flowers in her East Side home

When Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors LLC and her husband Jorge became empty nesters, they decided to downsize from their Canton, Massachusetts home to swap acreage for less maintenance. While Boston seemed “busy and expensive,” Providence and a historic house on College Hill felt like just the right size. The pair fell for an 1850s clapboard home with features like two brick fireplaces, nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings, wide plank floors, and an eat-in kitchen. “Manageability and walkability played a key role in our choice,” says Cortizo.

Photography by Grace Lentini

A pair of lanterns from their former home flank a fireplace salvaged from a Beacon Hill demo. The mural creates a stunning backdrop to furnishings like a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa.

Original wide wood planks were unearthed beneath two layers of ceramic and linoleum flooring. Cabinets are painted the faintest blue with bronze-rubbed hardware over copper. A copper farm sink and custom hood are new but nod to the home’s 1850s aesthetic.

This change of scenery also sparked some liberation in Cortizo’s personal design scheme. “Two things I thought I’d never have: a mural and so many flowers in a room,” she begins. “For some reason, at this point of my life and our history, feminism is speaking loud and clear in my home.” The mural she’s referring to is an expansive Dutch Masters rendering of flowers, purchased from JF Fabrics

in Canada; there is also a ticket from the Women’s March proudly displayed on her desk. “I believe a home should have a sense of history but should also function and reflect the world you live in. Your home should tell your story.”

Cortizo describes her style as traditional chic, offering that she likes a mix of relaxed and elegant, old and new, with no clutter. “Editing has always been a part of how

I curate my home. I believe you should only live with what you love and need. Everything should speak to you visually and if it doesn’t, then it should be edited.”

She also notes that every home she has ever lived in has been very different, and setting informs her choices. “Each has been a reflection of the architecture of the home, of course, but also where I am in my life and how I see things.”

Photography by Grace Lentini

Home | By Elyse Major LIFE

Offering Southern-Infuenced breakfast and lunch,from French Toast to Shrimp Po Boys, in the Edgewood neighborhood of Cranston

1678 Broad Street, Cranston 941-3550 • AllFavoritesCafe.com

Constants in Cortizo’s designs are the use of color, fabrics, and lighting. “Lighting is the mother of enhancers. No matter what house I’m in or the style I’m emphasizing, every light is on a dimmer. From living spaces to bookcase interiors and bathrooms – dimmers!” says Cortizo, who also notes that she indulges in filling her home with flowers, music, and the daily burning of candles. “I don’t wait for special occasions because you can never be sure if there will be another one. Every day is special so why not celebrate daily?”

GET RHODY STYLE

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

LOCAL ACCENTS

“I love the vibe. Providence has that mix that keeps life and good design engaging and interesting,” says Cortizo, who cites NAVA and Simple Pleasures as favorite shops.

FLOOR SHOW

One of Cortizo’s decor go-tos for herself and her clients is Loominous. Located at 126 North Main Street, the gallery displays custom-made rugs from places like Egypt, India, Nepal, and Turkey.

PRO ADVICE

Cortizo began her design business in 2000 and has been designing residential projects big and small ever since. She is a Fixr Top Expert 2023 in the Interior Design Industry. Learn more at CortizoInteriors.com.

Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Home | By Elyse Major

Photography by Grace Lentini

A pair of mid-century chairs were a consignment store find recovered in lilac textured velvet

The Magentaverse

Each year design nerds await the an nouncement of Pantone’s Color of the Year. Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Michigan, Pantone developed a univer sally used color standard – think time but for hues. If you’re a graphic designer creating a brand’s logo, you will likely assign it a Pantone Matching System (PMS) shade to be followed through by printers in all deliverables or products. For example, Coca-Cola Red is PMS 484, John Deere Green is PMS 364 C. In a stroke of marketing genius, each year Pantone names a color of

Eiseman, “Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.” We’ve sourced some goods from around the state to help you invoke the forces of nature, or simply enjoy adding some pinky-red-violet to your life.

Ovaltime Readers

Frog & Toad, Providence

Magenta Grinelia Fine Art Print

Saltwater Studio, Newport 3. Teardrop Earrings

Flowered Sky, FloweredSky.com 4. Jade Clip Set in Magenta NAVA, Providence 5. Hand-dyed Silk Scarf Red Chair Studio, Etsy.com 6. Botox Purse

OMO Jewels & Gifts, Westerly 7. Soaps and Cotton Loofah Craftland, Providence

Bling in the New Year

The sisters behind Providence-based JoJo Loves You jewelry

Rhode Island was once the jewelry capital of the world, so when sisters Missy Pagios and Kristen Thurber purchased JoJo Loves You, the bling-tastic jewelry design studio, they knew they were going to move it from its Boston base to their home state. Founded in 2003 by Josie Hewitt with a solitary stud earring, the ultra-feminine jewelry

collection expanded under the spunky sisters’ tutelage to include sparkly bracelets and necklaces in addition to an assortment of other earring styles.

Hewitt’s inspiration for her flashy baubles came when she picked up a package of vintage crystals at an antique store. With those crystals, she created a pair of low-profile

stud earrings, a ectionately called Blings, and launched an e ervescent empire.

The Rhode Island sisters began their JoJo journey in Newport when they first spotted the brilliant studs at a local shop. The owner knew Hewitt and put Thurber, a jewelry designer, in touch. Thurber joined Hewitt’s design team and worked with her until

Photo by Emily Elizabeth Photography, courtesy of JoJo Loves You

Kristen Thurber (left) and Missy Pagios (right)

2015, when Hewitt shared she was ready to get out of the biz. Thurber offered to buy the company and Pagios, who was ready for a change from her 12-year career in sales, joined her in the venture.

Each piece of JoJo’s jewelry is hand-crafted right in their Providence design studio. The high-quality Austrian crystals are

perfect for a Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart, going out on the town, or simply a pick-me-up for everyday glam. With the rallying cry of “sparkle and be awesome,” the unapologetically over-the-top gemstones come in a rainbow of over 100 brilliant colors and over 15 styles to mix and match. Keep an eye out for their recent line, Polar Nights.

Blonde Ambition Polar Nights

CULTURE

Author Profile | Music Scene | Calendar

Poetry for Black History Month

The annual reading celebrating Langston Hughes returns in person this year

The annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading returns to Providence on February 5, kicking off Black History Month in Rhode Island. The reading is a celebration of poems from Hughes, the leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance and an international icon with local ties. A diverse group from the community will read and perform selected poems from Hughes’ extensive collection. They will be accompanied by saxophonist Mike Rollins.

In its 28th year, the event was launched by the Langston Hughes Center for the Arts, the brainchild of Anne Edmonds Clanton and inspired by George Houston Bass, former creative director of Brown University’s Rites and Reason Theatre. “Before George came to Providence, he was the private secretary of Langston Hughes and became the executor of Hughes’ estate,” explains April Brown, co-director of the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading Committee. “For many years the center was one of the few places in the city where Black arts were expressed. It was the only community space.”

“This year, we’re featuring a theme of Langston Hughes as a cook. We know he was a busboy and we know he worked in the mess when he was in the Merchant Marines. We’re trying to talk about the very nature of who Langston Hughes was. The event is intergenerational and intercultural,” says co-director Kai Cameron.

The program is a partnership with RI Black Storytellers, Mixed Magic Theatre, and Haus of Glitter. “It is open to the public,” says Cameron. “It brings in all members of our community. The idea is to bring the words of Langston Hughes to the people, allowing them to make personal connections with Langston as well as have the opportunity to make connections in the community.” The reading takes place February 5 at 1pm at the Donald J. Farish Auditorium at the Providence Public Library. LHughesCPR.org | By Ken Abrams

Photo courtesy of Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading

Indigo Bethea and son Sovereign Gonzalez at the 23rd Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading at the RISD Museum

Soup for You

It’s here and it’s spectacular. Released in October, Seinfeld: The O cial Cookbook is the perfect gift for all Sein-stans and a perfect companion for meals on the couch should you binge the sitcom around the clock on Netflix. The book is by our former editor Julie Tremaine and Brendan Kirby, one of the hosts of WPRI’s The Rhode Show and a superfan of the comedy, which ran over nine seasons on NBC. The hardcover includes 60 recipes drawing from foods referenced in episodes – from Mrs. Choate’s Marble Rye to Elaine’s Mulligatawny Soup. We chatted with the pair about their collaboration, cooking, and, well, nothing.

Hey Rhody: Seinfeld has been off the air for more than 24 years. What’s the deal with this cookbook?

Julie Tremaine: I had already written three books with my publisher Simon & Schuster,

including one based on The O ce TV show, when they approached me with the idea for a cookbook based on Seinfeld

Brendan Kirby: A cookbook for a show about nothing.

HR: Sounds like a great idea. So how did the two of you connect on this project?

JT: We’ve known each other for years from the Providence scene through Brendan’s work on The Rhode Show and my time at Providence Media. And everyone is aware of his encyclopedic knowledge of Seinfeld.

BK: She needed help from someone with a pathetic knowledge of a 24-year-old sitcom.

JT: That, and I wanted his help incorporating comedy, and it’s a very specific kind of comedy.

BK: Seinfeld is still one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. It still remains a part of the culture.

HR: But you don’t necessarily think of food when you think of Seinfeld

JT: Not at first. But there are so many food references in the show. So many food scenarios. My challenge was to figure out how to turn them into recipes.

BK: And my job was to make it funny. Seriously, though, if you look back, there are so many conversations happening around food, whether it was in the diner or Jerry’s kitchen, from soup to nuts.

HR: Who is the book for? Who is your audience?

BK: The book is fun for hardcore fans and

Photo courtesy of Brendan Kirby

Author

New cookbook is laden with laughs and recipes thanks to its talented authors

people who may not be as familiar with the show. The series has a real-world presence. It’s culturally significant and relatable. I watch it now – as an adult, I guess – and I understand it di erently from when it first aired.

HR: I remember watching it on Thursday night and talking about it at work the next day. You assumed everyone in the office had seen it. Now, people are binge watching it, especially since COVID.

JT: Right. I think people watched all of Friends , then maybe all of The Office and were looking for something else

to binge. They found Seinfeld either for the first time or all over again.

BK: The book is kind of like that for me, too. It seems like we wrote it so long ago and now it’s published and I’m seeing things I forgot about and I still think they’re really funny.

HR: Now that the book is out there, how do you feel about it? What has the response been like?

BK: Nervous. I love the show. I want passionate fans to love it.

JT: He was afraid that he would

have to cook, really.

BK: I have an abject fear of cooking.

HR: Cooking is scary. I get that.

JT: The response has been great. We’ve been interviewed all over the country. People get the mass appeal of it.

BK: People really like it. What’s not to like? It’s a ride for your tastebuds.

Ask for Seinfeld: The O cial Cookbook at your favorite local bookseller.

Photo (R) © 2022 Castle Rock Entertainment. SEINFELD and all related characters and elements

© & TM Castle Rock Entertainment.

WB SHIELD: © & TM WBEI. (s22)

Good Living

Shimmering reverb guitars, crunchy ‘80s-inspired synthesizer, and heavy-handed downbeat drums land The Benji’s in the company of catchy power-pop acts such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Deadly Desert, and Hot Hot Heat, all while maintaining a balanced, brooding style all their own. On their upcoming EP Kitty Pills, listeners will find a tight collection that taps into that timeless poppunk-grunge straight-out-of-the-garage sound but with the band putting their own spin on things. The shimmering tremolo accents, reverb, and vintage no-frills synth create an atmosphere that carries as a throughline between the tracks on this EP.

Made up of Philip Geronimo, Maryssa

Morse, and a rotation of drummers including Adam Cargin (on the EP) and Al Diaz (live), The Benji’s have been a Providence fixture since relocating from Los Angeles in 2016. Kitty Pills picks up where their first self-titled EP leaves off, bringing the aesthetic, sound, tone, and vibe of the band forward with songs that add to their narrative arc and emotional intention built around strong, crisp lyrics over equally articulated guitar – but, this time, with a more pumped-up sound.

“Phil has always had a secret love a air with synths and synth bass in particular, especially after composing music for films,” says singer Maryssa Morse of her longtime

collaborator. “Out of necessity, I started playing synth bass for the band and our sound has been morphing ever since!”

Work on Kitty Pills began in January 2020 with producer Jeff Robbins of 123 Astronaut and Orbit; in 2022, The Benji’s were awarded a Rhode Island State Council on the Arts grant to finish the EP. The band also used funds to support other artists involved in the project, including Byron Olson who created the cover art.

The Benji’s is a band best experienced live with the tracks serving as necessary homework to be fully enjoyed in a high-energy, lyric-screaming live show. Between songs like “Good Living,” “Shimmering,”

Photo courtesy of The Benji’s

Providence pop-punk-grunge band The Benji’s

The latest by The Benji’s is a lively mix of power pop, garage, and ‘80s synth

Benji’s inject energy into these recordings that feel live.

“Old albums did it right with order and vibe, having you remember exactly what song was next when you loved an album,” Morse states emphatically. “Streaming has changed this a bit, but what Phil and I wanted for this EP was to take our audience on a ride of ups and downs as far as bursts of energy.”

For details on live shows and the release of Kitty Pills on all streaming services, follow The Benji’s on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp.

Hosted by Nick DelGiudice & Sascha Roberts

and “Skate” – described by Morse as “basically a sloppy love letter to Parker Posey” – The

Art by Byron Olson

The Must List

10 essential events this month

February 5:

If you were anywhere in Rhode Island in the 1970s or ‘80s, you’ll remember Rizzz, a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductee. Don’t miss the band’s reunion show at The Met. Pawtucket, TheMetRI.com

February 9:

Enjoy a winter brew while designing a tree at the Bonsai Bar Workshop at Long Live Beerworks, one of the region’s top micro-breweries. Take home your own tree and a six pack. LongLiveBeerworks.com

February 9:

Get ready to laugh out loud. Menopause the Musical, a humorous “Celebration of Women and The Change” set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s returns to Providence for one night only. TheVetsRI.com

February 10-12:

It’s never too early to start making summer travel plans; fans of the great outdoors will want to motor over to the Rhode Island RV & Camping Show for the latest makes and models. TheRhodeIslandRVShow.com

Through February 5:

Award-winning Broadway classic Annie returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for a week-long run. Fans old and young will enjoy the classic story of the little orphan who overcomes all. PPACRI.org

Through February 28:

The Center for Reconciliation of Rhode Island invites all to experience Providence Walks: Early Black History Self-Guided Walking Tour with a map available to print out or view on your phone. CFRRI.org

February 3-5:

Listen for the sound of engines revving – family fun awaits as Monster Jam returns to the AMP. As Big as it Gets features 12,000-pound rigs tearing up the dirt at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. AmicaMutualPavilion.com

February 4-5:

Vegetarian or plant-curious? Reserve your ticket for RI VegFest, a weekend of eating and shopping over 85 plant-based vegan restaurants, makers, artists, and more at the WaterFire Arts Center. RIVegFest.com

February 17-26:

The annual Providence Children’s Film Festival returns to in-person screenings during school vacation week with a wide selection of films in and around the city.

ProvidenceChildrensFilmFestival.org

February 24-March 4:

/A.Dick.Ted/ is a new solo punk rock epic poem described as “a mostly true entirely honest tale of recovery” by Providence playwright Teddy Lytle, featuring Bay McCulloch. TheWilburyGroup.org

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Broadway musical Annie takes over PPAC

Pic of PVD

The sun sets over the city

PhotocourtesyofJosh

ABOUT JOSH @silentjosh37

An experimental landscape photographer and long-time Providence resident who loves to show o all Rhode Island has to o er.

WE’VE FOUND OUR HOME IN PROVIDENCE

Compass, the nation’s #1 real estate brokerage*, is a real estate company with a purpose. Our mission is to help everyone fnd their place in the world. In Providence, we are thrilled to have market leading agents now call Compass home. Collectively, these agents have successfully closed over $290M in sales in 2022.**

Our impact in Rhode Island continues to grow. In 2022, Compass agents represented over $960M in RI real estate transactions across our 12 offces statewide.**

Want to learn more? Get in touch with one of our local real estate experts to discover how they put the power of Compass to work for you.

369 S. Main Street, Providence | 401.274.1644 | compass.com

*T. Velt, “RealTrends 500: The Rise of Compass,” RealTrends, Online, HW Media, 3/25/2022, https:// www.realtrends.com/realtrends-500-the-rise-of-compass/. **Sales volume metrics based on information from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS for the period of 1/01/22– 12/15/22. New agent sales data includes agent transactions prior to their affliation with Compass. he M does not guarantee and is not in any way responsi le for its accuracy. ata maintained y the M may not re ect all real estate activity in the market. Compass is a licensed real estate roker and a ides y ual ousing Opportunity laws. ll material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.

DOWNTOWN

279 Benefit Street, Unit #3

281 Benefit Street, Unit #B

367 Benefit Street, Unit #5

132 Carpenter Street

116 Chestnut St, Unit #D-1

121 De Pasquale Avenue

140 142 Depasquale Avenue

100 Exchange St, Unit #607

100 Exchange St, Unit #1801

200 Exchange St, Unit #1414

200 Exchange St, Unit #1018

200 Exchange St, Unit #PH11

18 IMPERIAL Place, Unit #4F

18 Imperial Place, Unit #4B

18 Imperial Place, Unit #5D

18 Imperial Place, Unit #3D

274 Main Street S, Unit #42

3 Pallas Street

409 Pine Street, Unit #101

1000 Providence Place, #140

1000 Providence Place, #265

1000 Providence Place, #376

1000 Providence Place, #330

3 Ship Street, Unit #202 274 South Main St, #33 555 South Water St, #231 47 Transit Street, Unit #3 62 Vernon Street 79 Washington St, Unit #310 21 23 West Street

1 West Exchange St, #1807

1 West Exchange St, #2402 755 Westminster St, #303 65 Weybosset St, #216 500 Wickenden Street 510 Wickenden St, #3

EAST SIDE

54 12th Street

20 7th Street, Unit #3 136 9th Street

50 Abbott Street 30 Abbottsford Court 96 Alumni Avenue

410 Angell Street, Unit #6

542 Angell Street, Unit #4 545 Angell Street

690 Angell Street 690 Angell Street 154 Arlington Avenue 57 Arlington Avenue, Unit #1 9 Arlington Avenue 113 Arnold Street 18 Arnold Street 18 BARNES Street, Unit #1 24 Barnes Street 38 Barnes Street 6 Barnes Street 7 Barnes Street 70 Barnes Street, Unit #70 283 E Benefit Street

12 Blackstone Blvd, Unit #12 124 Blackstone Blvd, Unit #5 152 Blackstone Boulevard 156 Blackstone Boulevard 165 Blackstone Boulevard 30 Blackstone Blvd, #103 355 Blackstone Blvd, #330 460 Blackstone Boulevard 514 Blackstone Boulevard 530 Blackstone Boulevard 39 Brookway Road 145 Butler Avenue, Unit #2N 294 Butler Avenue 186 Camp Street, Unit #2 244 Camp Street, Unit #2 1 Charlesfield Court 79 Clarendon Avenue 237 Cole Avenue 287 Cole Avenue 293 Cole Avenue 325 Cole Avenue 332 Cole Avenue 340 Cole Avenue 376 Cole Avenue 507 Cole Avenue 101 Congdon Street 85 87 Congdon Street 9 Constitution Hill 98 100 Dexterdale Road 121 Doyle Avenue, Unit #1 137 Doyle Avenue, Unit #1 157 Doyle Avenue, Unit #B 224 Doyle Avenue 249 Doyle Avenue 328 Doyle Avenue 347 Doyle Avenue 10 East Street, Unit #5 3 East Street, Unit #1 21 Eleventh Street 215 Elmgrove Avenue 231 Elmgrove Avenue 245 Elmgrove Avenue 285 Elmgrove Avenue 95 Elmgrove Avenue 115 Emeline Street 159 161 Emeline Street 167 Emeline Street, Unit #3 45 Emeline Street 59 Emeline Street 150 Everett Avenue 162 Evergreen Street 73 Evergreen Street, Unit #2 81 Faunce Drive 26 Fisher Street 102 Fosdyke Street 129 Fosdyke Street 47 Fosdyke Street 91 Fosdyke Street 270 Freeman Parkway 330 Freeman Parkway 82 Freeman Parkway 12 Fremont Street, Unit #2

21 George Street 47 Grotto Avenue 102 Halsey Street, Unit #2 17 Halsey Street 22 Halsey Street, Unit #3 22 Halsey Street, Unit #2 22 Halsey Street, Unit #6 55 Hazard Avenue 5 Hidden Street 511 Hope Street 939 Hope Street 132 Humboldt Avenue 66 Humboldt Avenue 42 Intervale Road 184 Irving Avenue, Unit #3 280 Irving Avenue 49 Irving Avenue 55 Irving Avenue 81 Irving Avenue 189 Ives Street 215 217 Ivy Street 25 Keene Street 72 Keene Street 23 Knowles Street 71 Lauriston Street 93 Lauriston Street 24 26 Lewis Street 102 Lloyd Avenue 404 Lloyd Avenue, Unit #404 99 Lloyd Avenue 95 Lorimer Avenue 71 Manning Street 72 Manning Street, Unit #4 229 Medway St, Unit #302 229 Medway St, Unit #103 61 Memorial Road 203 Morris Avenue, Uni t#1 31 Mount Hope Avenue 51 Mount Hope Avenue 7 Mount Hope Ave, Unit #210 7 Mount Hope Ave, Unit #310 7 Mount Hope Ave, Unit #102 43 Nisbet Street 101 North Main St, Unit #600 13 Ogden Street 278 Olney Street 53 Olney Street 28 Orchard Place 39 Orchard Avenue 86 Overhill Road 74 Paterson Street 54 Pitman Street, Unit#3 76 Pitman Street, Unit#1 38 Pleasant Street 140 Power Street 169 Power Street 203 Power Street 66 Power Street 107 Pratt Street 19 21 Pratt Street 2 Pratt Street, Unit #A3 2 Pratt Street, Unit #A2

15 President Avenue 19 President Avenue 268 President Avenue 101 Prospect Street 103 Prospect Street 125 Prospect Street, Unit #12 130 Prospect Street 135 Prospect St, Unit #2 140 Prospect Street, Unit #4 140 Prospect Street, Unit #5 19 Ray Street 24 Ray Street 26 Rhode Island Avenue 199 Rochambeau Avenue 222 224 Rochambeau Ave 26 Rochambeau Avenue 375 Rochambeau Avenue 41 Rochambeau Avenue 465 Rochambeau Avenue 16 Sargent Avenue 30 Savoy Street 45 Savoy Street 90 Savoy Street 139 Sessions Street 61 Sheldon Street 133 Sixth Street, Unit #3 237 Sixth Street 185 Slater Avenue 226 Slater Avenue 265 Slater Avenue 275 Slater Avenue 315 Slater Avenue 347 Slater Avenue 51 South Angell Street 81 South Angell St, Unit #3 20 Stimson Avenue 241 Taber Avenue 27 Taft Avenue 24 Thayer Street 43 Thayer Street 20 Top Street 243 Transit Street 166 University Avenue 111 Upton Avenue 157 Waterman St, Unit#2-2 277 Waterman Street 1 Wayland Ave, Unit #307S 400 Wayland Avenue 433 Wayland Ave, Unit #3 14 Westford Road 14 Whiting Street 331 Williams Street, Unit #3 59 Williams Street 87 Williams Street 92 Williams Street 32 Winfield Road 46 48 Woodbine Street 120 Woodbury Street 46 Woodbury Street

EDGEWOOD 123 Betsey Williams Drive

93 Arnold Avenue 58 Bluff Avenue 30 Bow Street 1911 Broad Street 22 Cherry Road 17 Fairview Avenue 58 Ferncrest Avenue 65 Glen Avenue 88 Massasoit Avenue 1124 Narragansett Boulevard 1354 Narragansett Boulevard 1417 Narragansett Boulevard 77 Park Avenue 11 Pilgrim Drive 24 Rosewood Avenue 101 Sefton Drive 99 Sefton Drive 108 Shaw Avenue 119 Wentworth Ave 165 Wentworth Ave, Unit #3E 178 Wheeler Avenue ELMHURST 525 Academy Avenue 3 Arbor Drive 62 Arbor Drive 9 Arbor Drive 135 Ardmore Avenue 94 Basswood Avenue 89 Bradley Street 73 Cathedral Avenue 97 Cathedral Avenue 19 Elmhurst Avenue 25 Fairbanks Street 26 Fairbanks Street 15 Hooker Street 115 Jastram Street 215 Jastram Street 18 Lennon Street 38 Lennon Street 119 Longwood Avenue 91 Mink Road 465 Pleasant Valley Parkway 547 Pleasant Valley Parkway 33 Roslyn Avenue 352 Sharon Street 52 Tyndall Avenue 123 Wyndham Ave, #48A 18 20 Wyndham Avenue 50 Wyndham Avenue 54 Wyndham Avenue ELMWOOD 165 Congress Avenue 123 Elmwood Avenue 86 Princeton Avenue 78 Stanwood Street 71 Updike Street 63 Whitmarsh Street 67 Whitmarsh Street

MOUNT PLEASANT 103 Beaufort Street, Unit #1

67 Maplehurst Avenue 47 Roanoke Street 82 Robin Street OAK HILL 17 19 Auburn Street 34 Blodgett Avenue 27 Cambria Court 81 Capwell Avenue 88 CAPWELL Avenue 110 Clifford Street 45 Dryden Avenue 581 East Avenue 57 Geneva Street, Unit#57 172 174 Glenwood Avenue 28 Glenwood Avenue 19 Harvard Street 243 Lowden Street, Unit#1 275 Lowden Street 17 Marbury Avenue 62 Marbury Avenue 40 Nottingham Way 130 128 Sheffield Avenue 43 Trenton Street 80 Waltham Street 135 Wilcox Avenue 73 75 Wilcox Avenue

WEST SIDE/ARMORY 12 Bianco Court 10 Brighton Street 132 Carpenter Street 134 Courtland Street 141 Grove Street 41 Hammond Street 21 Harkness Street, Unit #1 43 Harkness Street 88 Harrison Street, Unit #3 42 Hudson Street 33 Marshall Street 75 Marshall Street 20 Messer Street, Unit #2 3 Pallas Street 409 Pine Street, Unit #101 50 Ring Street 54 Ring Street, Unit #1 54 Ring Street, Unit #3 159 Sutton Street 121 Sycamore Street 143 145 Tell Street, Unit #C 62 Vernon Street 1268 Westminster St, #300 1403 Westminster St, #A 755 Westminster St, #303 26 Willow Street 75 Willow Street, Unit #A 75 Willow Street, Unit #E 126 128 Wood Street 39 Wood Street