Providence Monthly October 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS & CITY LIFE

11 A New England summit on historic preservation comes to Providence

14 RHODY GEM: Find pain relief tucked inside Corliss Landing

16 OP-ED: Thoughts on new development and transportation solutions

18 Witchy folks congregate over coffee at a West End bakeshop

22 NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings

29 FEATURE: The lost art of upholstery finds new life among the sustainability-minded

FOOD & DRINK

51 Elevate pumpkin spice lattes with Caribbeaninspired syrups

52 A women-owned apiary paving the way for equity and collecting delish honey

54 IN THE KITCHEN: Empanada brand expands with brick-and-mortar

56 FOOD NEWS: Vietnamese eatery on the East Side, pizza gets futuristic in Newport & surf shack in Narragansett

58 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

GAME ON 37

Division hopefuls, new coaches, and affordable pricing make the city a destination for college sports fans

LIFE & STYLE

61 HOME: An insistent couple gets their dream kitchen remodel

68 SHOP: Accessorize the Barbie way with pink finds from PVD shops

70 FASHION: Bewitch in locally designed celestial-inspired jewelry

ART & CULTURE

73 Local filmmakers embrace the gore in new folk horror flick

74 Sunflowers return to city in Federal Hill mural

76 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

78 RHODY READS: Thriller writer’s six autumn picks

80 PIC OF PVD

On The Cover: Football action on Elmgrove Avenue. Photo courtesy of Brown University Athletics.

Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University Athletics

Photo courtesy of Caribe & Co.

Photo courtesy of The Avenue Concept

Photo by Jon Doucette, courtesy of Evenfall Jewelry

Photo by @k___elizabeth

Photo by Rhonda Grace

Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief

Elyse Major

Editor Ken Abrams

Digital Media Specialist

Jenna Kaplan

Advertising Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Interested in advertising?

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Contributing Photographers

Lucille Benoit

David Lee Black

Jon Doucette

Rhonda Grace

Alessandra Grima

Contributing Writers

Lucille Benoit

Hugh Minor

Cynthia Munrayos

Emily Olson

Interested in writing?

Brandon Harmon

Jamie Harrington

Amy Mendillo

Jason Pietroski

Deborah Goodrich Royce

Steve Triedman

Email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com

Interns

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Interested In an internship?

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CITY LIFE

Preservation for the Future

Providence hosts industry leaders summit on what it takes to create resilient communities

A stroll around any given neighborhood of Providence is sure to reveal glimpses of historic preservation work in action, whether you’re passing by a plaque house or a revitalized and repurposed building. One such site is The VETS; a stone’s throw away from the Rhode Island State House, the performance venue is on the National Register of Historic Places and has seen a slew of notable musicians and artists take the stage inside. On November 2 and 3, it will host a series of programming fitting for its roots in preservation: the Historic New England Summit.

Photo courtesy of Historic New England Summit

The largest independent preservation organization in the country, Historic New England embraces the multidisciplinary nature of the field. “We bring together thought-leaders in public history, urban planning, architecture and design, arts and culture, education, philanthropy, civic engagement, policy, and more to discuss a broad cross-section of urgent, vital issues impacting the livability of communities throughout New England and beyond,” says Carissa Demore, team leader for preservation services at the Boston-based nonprofit.

The two-day event will spark conversations navigating today’s challenges and opportunities in rethinking modes of preservation, encouraging meaningful engagement and forging new connections. In-person

attendees can meet up during networking receptions throughout the Summit.

“The Summit is designed to reflect issues that are timely for a broad range of communities, from large urban centers to small rural towns,” says Demore. “Providence is an incredible host city for this year’s conference, as its scale, history, preservation, and robust cultural network showcase the important role of historic preservation in creating better places to live and work.”

A handful of Rhode Island speakers will also be in attendance, “addressing topics from cultural connectivity and inclusive placemaking to a ordable housing and the future of cities,” Demore continues. Marta V. Martínez, founder and executive director of RI Latino Arts, and

Tomaquag Museum executive director Lorén M. Spears will be part of a Placemaking in Action panel. Mayor Brett Smiley; Carla DeStefano, executive director of SWAP, Inc.; Brown University president Christina H. Paxson; and Carrie Zaslow, executive director of Providence Revolving Fund will also speak.

“Attendees will leave with new ideas and inspiration, as well as a stronger network so the conversations that begin at the Summit can lead to collaboration and action in communities across the region,” says Demore. “Each session brings together unexpected voices and topics that are highly relevant to creating more inclusive, forward-looking, and sustainable communities.” To register, visit Summit. HistoricNewEngland.org.

Photos courtesy of Historic New England Summit

Marta Martínez Lorén Spears

Ru n’ Wranglers® gives your pup more than just a leash walk – we give them an adventure! It starts when your dog is picked up from your home and whisked away to a doggie oasis, the Ru n’ Wranglers® Ranch in Rehoboth.

The 14.5-acre ranch boasts seven acres of fenced-in grassy fields and trees with amazing trails that were cleared by some of our own Wranglers. We have created such a beautiful space for your dog to run, play, and make furry friends.

Socialization, exercise, and freedom are crucial to your pet’s health, happiness, and your sanity!

Since 2007, the Ru n’ Wranglers® team has provided over 270,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up and drop-o in our doggie outfitted SNIFF Mobiles and are hands on with all the fun at the ranch. The dogs have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!

We know our clients’ dogs are their children. Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them. They get to know each dog, their preferences, what causes them anxiety and what they love. They ensure every dog has the experience they crave…it may be extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails or just snoofing at their own pace!

We have dogs that have been with Ru n’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still

at the ranch weekly! We are going to have to outfit a geriatrics SNIFF Mobile for those dogs and me soon! I had a vision for the company when I started it 16 years ago, but I really did not conceptualize where we are today.

We were full for about a year and a half and I said I would not buy another van, but I did! We have also added a few routes, so we are able to accommodate more dogs!

We not only provide excursions, but overnights to our weekly clients. When you travel, you know your dog is living their best life with one of our Wranglers in their home, being a part of their family and running at the ranch all day! It’s like being at a doggie camp while you are gone…they might ask you to travel more often!

I am so proud of our team of Wranglers and the leader of our pack, Austin Wright. He just celebrated his 11-year anniversary! There is absolutely no way we would be where we are today without his dedication to Ru n’ Wranglers®.

There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a dog, and that is what we provide, joy...not bad for your daily gig!

We are so grateful for our loyal customer base, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® Family. We would have never accomplished what we have in 16 years without the support of our human and canine clients.

Ruffin’ Wranglers® covers the East Side, West Side and Downtown Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Southern Seekonk, Barrington, parts of Rehoboth and parts of Swansea close to the ranch.

Austin Wright, Operations Manager, with Thor at the Rufn’ Wranglers® Ranch

Blythe Penna, Owner, with her sleepy Vizsla, Clara I Do Declare, in a SNIFF Mobile

Sadie Rose fying at the RW Ranch!

By Elyse Major

Masha Aguirre Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Alchemical Healing

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:

The studio of Masha Aguirre, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac, o ers acupuncture sessions and alchemical healing, a mode of holistic wellness integrating the mind, body, and spirit.

Where to find it:

Located in the Corliss Landing building, between Water and Bridge streets; look for the entrance under the archway, on the first floor.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Behind the door of an unassuming building not far from Trader Joe’s lies the answer, for many, to nagging headaches, stomach aches, and other lingering pains: Masha Aguirre Acupuncture. In her nomination, Julie Salvatore, who receives acupuncture treatments, o ers “I highly recommend it! The space is beautiful, and the healing is grounding and calming. She shares the space with Botanic Providence, so it is a room full of herbs as well.”

Another devotee and nominator, Adina Goldman shares, “the combination of the healing vibes of acupuncture and being surrounded by herbs and plants is part of my weekly routine.” Aguirre, who opened the space in May, explains that she is a listener with deep attention to subtle details. “Together with the client, I’m able to cultivate a safe and healing space to create new possibilities, to turn su ering into insight,” says the locally based acupuncturist, alchemist, and mom. “The sessions help bridge the gap between the known and the unknown by creating a language for the soul.”

Masha Aguirre Acupuncture

105 Wickenden Street, Suite 3

Mashacupuncture.com • 617-240-5213

Instagram: @mashar

Photos by David Lee Black, courtesy of Masha Aguirre Acupuncture

Thoughts on Housing and Transportation

From new development to car use, the former Providence Preservation Society executive director weighs in

We’ve always liked and admired Brent Runyon, the former head of the Providence Preservation Society (PPS). So when he called to mildly suggest we may have misinterpreted one of his quotes, we were both surprised and chagrined. Since we like his perspective, we asked him to share his expanded thoughts.

We have always felt strongly that one of the best characteristics of Providence are

the unique and di erent neighborhoods that make it such a livable historic city. We need a plan that creates more housing that preserves neighborhoods and benefits all residents.

Like everything, the devil is the details. Zoning needs a relook to prevent neighborhoods from being overrun with four-story boxes, and design review needs a more prominent place. More a ordable housing is a must. Is allowing college students to leave

cars on streets for months at a time a benefit to any neighborhood? Cars aren’t going away, and public transportation isn’t delivering. Maybe bring back the trolleys. Or use smaller buses and create a shuttle service like Brown and RISD which would be ideal. The need to redo the development and zoning guidelines of Providence is long overdue. With a new mayor and head of planning, the stage is set.

Photo by Brandon Harmon

Brent Runyon

“Providence is at an inflexion point. The city desperately needs more housing. More housing often – but not always – necessitates more cars if alternate transportation options are not available. My experience being car-free for three years has shown me that living car-free in Providence is possible, but not easy, and that more people are apt to do it if we build compact, walkable, connected neighborhoods with better public transit. But not everyone has the ability, time, or inclination to use alternate modes of transportation, so it is a reality that car use is going to be a reality for many years to come. A good step is for the state to fund the Transit Master Plan that would give the entire state a functional transit system.

“‘There isn’t going to be enough on-site parking,’ is something I heard often in my nearly 10 years at the PPS. The e ects of adding new residents to already-dense neighborhoods is an ongoing concern for existing residents. It is frustrating when you can’t get into your driveway, when your friends can’t find a place to park when they visit, or when maintenance servicers or health care aids can’t park nearby.

“Regarding new real estate developments, those who want a good urban environment should favor new buildings over surface parking. Those who want to see the city thrive should want land to generate more taxes for our city. So what is to be done with the cars of those new residents or workers, especially in our densest neighborhoods?

“In 1988, PPS, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Department commissioned the College Hill

Growth Management Plan. The objectives included identifying needs for growth management, ‘in response to continuing development pressures,’ to ‘… make recommendations to help preserve the physical heritage of College Hill,’ and to ‘identify traffic and parking issues and make recommendations for improvements.’

“Providence’s next century will likely look and feel a lot di erent than the last one. And that will require everyone to reconsider and reimagine what it means to be neighbors and residents of this magnificent city. To get there, we need a well thought-out plan, more focused than the comprehensive plan, to help manage these issues for long-time and new residents –and not just on College Hill, but throughout the city. Providence can preserve its heritage, ensure its citizens have a good quality of life, and make room for these other concerns, people, and buildings.”

Brent Runyon is an independent preservation and nonprofit consultant and a real estate agent at Residential Properties, LTD.

Op-eds express the authors’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Providence Media. Readers are welcome to send responses or letters to the editor to be considered for print publication in a future issue or posted online. Letters can be emailed to Abbie@providenceonline.

Photo courtesy of Go Providence

Brent Runyon offers the following thoughts, which serve as a good starting point:

Coffee With Extra Magick

A social gathering for witchy minded folks forges connections and inspires wonder

On the second Sunday of every month, a few tables at West End bakery Sin Desserts are pushed together to host a social club that’s been gathering since November 2018. Over coffee and sweets, Cafe Coven invites the magickally minded and curious alike to come together and talk, ask questions, and support one another in a safe space. The official meeting time is 12-1pm, though, says founder Alessandra Grima, “we’re always there way over time.”

In a state where witch dances and marketplaces have tantalized the masses in recent years, so too have witchy folks sought opportunities for authentic connection; Grima started the group to meet this growing interest. “It didn’t take long to notice we, as a state, lacked witchy socials. Some were even turning people away because there wasn’t enough room,” she shares. “I started Cafe Coven for like-minded folks to get together in a casual setting that allows

them to come and go as they please, while supporting a local business!”

No stranger to the local magick scene (the alt spelling for “magic” indicating the spiritual practice as opposed to the fantastical portrayal popular in fiction), Grima is a New England native and well-known tarotist and mystic, along with being a comedian and model. She can be found reading tarot cards at PVD Flea Witches Night Out markets or at Cici and the Moon, a

Photo by Alessandra Grima, courtesy of Cafe Coven

metaphysical shop in Johnston. Grima’s goal in creating Cafe Coven was to forge a community around the healing arts, and it became especially personal for her during 2021 and 2022 when, battling cancer and enduring major surgery, that community was able to give back to her.

“I remember sharing with the group that I didn’t have the energy to do spellwork for my health or for my procedure. Cafe Coven not only did my energy and

Cafe Coven meets for a monthly get-together at Sin Desserts

In memory of club member Joshua Gannon-Salomon (pictured far right), who passed away this year

spellwork for me, but gave me physical talismans to carry with me throughout chemotherapy,” Grima reflects. “The beautiful thing about the community we’ve built is the ability to be vulnerable, to know space

TAROT READINGS

Find Alessandra Grima at the PVD Flea Witches Night Out Market on October 20 and at Cici and the Moon October 22 and 29. To book a reading, follow @thegrimtarot.

will always be held for you.”

The structure of each meetup invites members to write down a topic or question they want to investigate, and then the group chooses one topic at a time to discuss. “This isn’t about ‘being an expert’ –it’s about having a safe space to wonder and explore,” says Grima. “Discussions can range from spellwork and deities to death and aliens – let’s talk about it!”

She had initially intended to bring Cafe Coven to a rotation of di erent co ee shop venues each meeting. “We’ve settled at Sin Desserts for many reasons: the sta is excellent,

there’s enough space, it’s a central location, and they’re witch-friendly,” says Grima, who also allows meetings to be open to the public. “You don’t have to be a practicing witch; you might just be curious. We have cultivated a very open, non-judgmental space that has an array of cultural representation and gender identities. All are welcome.”

To find out what the social club is all about, their next get-together is October 8. Shares Grima, “I think I speak for many witchy folks when I say, we are looking for our people.” Follow @cafecovenri on Instagram for updates and meeting dates.

Photo by Alessandra Grima, courtesy of Cafe Coven

Cafe Coven founder Alessandra Grima

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wingateliving.com

Neighborhood News

A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.

HOT TOPICS

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

Fox Point neighbors fight “second Thayer Street”

The Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) and local merchants spent the summer months organizing a coordinated campaign to oppose a six-story development proposed for 269 Wickenden Street, at the corner of Wickenden and Brook streets. While the building proposal received initial approval with conditions at a four-hour August meeting of the City Plan Commission, neighbors have since redoubled their efforts to fight it into the fall months and beyond.

“We can’t let Wickenden go the way of Thayer Street,” one neighbor commented at a recent meeting, naming several chain stores that have replaced small businesses on that street. Others agreed, saying that the proposed building on Wickenden Street could function as a tipping point. Neighbors argued that the proposal, at six stories and 64 residential units, would dwarf the current streetscape, cause problems with parking and deliveries, cripple local businesses, and destroy neighborhood character, while opening the door to similar developments in the area. Since the units would be rented at market rates, neighbors contended that any claims that this development would make the neighborhood more affordable are false and misleading.

FPNA leaders were clear about their stance. “We don’t oppose all development,” said interim president Lily Bogosian. “We support smart developments that conform to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which is why we are opposing this one.”

Fall Cook-Off and volunteering opportunities in Summit neighborhood

The Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) is gearing up for their annual Fall Cook-O , tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 26 at Three Sisters on Hope Street. All are invited to attend and submit their favorite fall-themed dish to the competition; this year’s featured ingredient is pumpkin. Attendees will vote on their favorites, and winners will receive fun prizes donated by local shops and merchants. SNA encourages the little ones (and adults, if they are so inclined) to come dressed in their Halloween finest. Stay tuned for more details on their Facebook page and website.

SNA vice president Emily Kloeblen is working with the city to get an additional 20 or more trees planted around the Summit neighborhood this month. Neighbors are welcome to participate in the planting process or request trees. SNA continues to support the new Your Neighborhood Food Pantry at 533 Branch Avenue by helping to coordinate volunteers, as well as soliciting donations of non-perishable food items. Neighbors also assist the Mount Hope Community Center with their work distributing groceries every Friday to residents in need. To volunteer for any of these initiatives, those interested can email SNAProv@gmail. com or to get involved at Your Neighborhood Food Pantry, YNFP22@gmail.com.

International string quartet comes to Providence

Internationally touring chamber music group

The Jerusalem Quartet makes a stop in Providence on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:30pm for a carefully curated program of pieces selected from centuries of string music. Featuring three works that vary dramatically in style and origin, the concert at the McVinney Auditorium opens with Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet Opus 76, No. 6, composed in 1797; followed by a piece by Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim written in 1937; and lastly a piece written by Dimitri Shostakovich in 1944.

First violinist Alexander Pavlovsky explains, “The string quartet repertoire is amazing and endless. One life is too short to explore it all. From the beginning, we have tried to cover as much as we can, from the very first opuses of ‘Papa’ Haydn to the modern music of the 20th and 21st centuries, including opuses written especially for us. Our feeling is that the public also finds this variety successful and entertaining.”

After the concert, audience members will be treated to refreshments, with a chance to meet the members of the Jerusalem Quartet. Tickets may be purchased at the Rhode Island Chamber Music Concerts (RICMC.org) website, at the concert door, or by calling 401-863-2416.

The Jerusalem Quartet comes to Providence

Photo courtesy of The Jerusalem Quartet

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: October 10

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

Charles Hewitt, Secretary

1 Governor Street, Providence MileOfHistory@gmail.com MileOfHistory.org

Mount Hope Community Center

401-521-8830

MHNAInc@gmail.com

Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

Olneyville Neighborhood Association

Yuselly Mendoza, Program Coordinator

122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909

Yuselly@ona-providence.org

Facebook: Olneyville Library

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: October 16

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

The Fox Point Neighborhood Association and local merchants are organizing a campaign to fight a six-story building that would replace two buildings on Wickenden Street

Photo by Amy Mendillo, courtesy of FPNA

W E L C O M E H O M E !

DISCOVER

Huntington Exchange Providence is changing the Federal Hill skyline! This animal-friendly apartment community sits in the heart of Providence. Huntington Exchange Providence offer beautifully renovated 2-3 bedroom apartment homes. Every unit showcases gleaming quartz countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and designer flooring throughout. Huntington Exchange Providence is conveniently located off Route 6 and I-95, and only a few minutes from Providence Place and WaterFire.

Our apartmentshave it ALL!

Air conditioning

Fitness center Theatre room

Game room Community room

Patio & grill area

On-site parking

Get Ahead of Tree Care Issues with T.F. Morra

If you’ve been procrastinating on having your trees checked out, now is the time to contact T.F. MORRA for a comprehensive assessment! Trees in RI have faced many struggles over the past few years with the emergence of Beech Leaf Disease and Emerald Ash Borer to our area. These new-to-New England issues wreak havoc in very di erent ways, but both are ultimately fatal if left unchecked. Treatments are available to help combat the damage, but time is of the essence. There is still much we do not know about Beech Leaf Disease, but we are working closely with product developers to help bring the most cutting edge science to the table.

Pest and disease problems aside, climate change has been a cause for concern for many trees around the state. Between unseasonably high winter temps, late season deep freezes, and prolonged spring moisture coupled with periods of extreme heat and drought, many species of trees have had a rough few years. While there is little that we can do to combat these conditions, we can provide trees with the extra support needed to work through the stress. Fertilization and other beneficial treatments can make a big di erence for trees that have been damaged by winter injury or stressed by drought.

If you have any concerns about your trees, please contact Stephanie via email at stephanie@tfmorra.com to arrange your consultation today! T.F. Morra offer s low-impact, ecologically sound treatment options for all your tree care needs.

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USED MUSIC WANTED!

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

The Craft of Rebuilding

The Army taught Robert Frances to sew. The WWII 82nd Airborne paratrooper needed to repair his chute so his specially trained unit could deploy at a moment’s notice. He became head of a drapery and sewing department and later started his own business. Bob Frances Interiors in North Providence, now in its 75th year, serves as a one-stop destination for all things fabric.

His son and current owner, Alan Frances, never developed a resume or went to a job interview, his life instead spent surrounded by reams of fabric. Frances loves finding antiques and restoring their former beauty. For those who can make the investment, he advises that higher quality furniture is worth it in the long run. “You’re going to buy the same $1,000 piece five times,” in the next 20 years, Frances gauges.

Today’s “fast furniture,” though inexpensive, is made of materials that are unlikely to last more than five years, Francis estimates, but a quality constructed piece of furniture is worth the investment of reupholstering. A vast selection of fabrics allows almost any piece of furniture to keep pace with design trends.

Fast furniture makes up about 5 percent of the nation’s total trash annually, about 12

Upholstering antiques instead of buying fast furniture is an investment that also pays dividends for the planet

Alan Frances holds up old stu ng from a stripped down couch waiting for a new cover

Photo courtesy of Bob Frances Interiors

million tons, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, up from 9 million tons in 2015 and up 450 percent since 1960. Constructed to be discarded within a short time, the variety of materials used – a mix of wood, metal, foam and fabric – makes it almost impossible to recycle or repair.

The word “upholstery” originally comes from “upholder” which translates to furniture rebuilder. Craftspeople like upholsters, carrying on the textile heritage of the area, provide alternative options to contributing to the landfill, with shops specializing in the service all over the state.

Former art teacher Kris Stamps joined

her sister Betsy Convery in her East Greenwich shop, Sew Many Things, in 1992. Family members taught them how to create from fabric, and Convery opened the shop in 1977 as a catch-all for her many talents with needle and thread. Stamps added her upholstery talents and artistic bent and took over when Convery retired.

Stamps shares that it’s sentimental pieces families can’t part with, loyal repeat customers, and word of mouth referrals that have kept the shop consistently busy for years. There’s also a strong interest in remaking furniture in the younger generation. Whether diving into area antique shops or

second-hand stores, “They enjoy the hunt,” says Stamps.

For Gerald Emin, owner of his namesake upholstery shop in North Scituate, his main tool is a can-do attitude, inherited from his father and grandfather. He relishes the challenge of solving puzzles and has his forebears’ penchant for perfection. “I have stick-to-itiveness,” he surmises.

From inspecting mattresses to repairing furniture, Emin went on to work with a master furniture refinisher, who encouraged him to start his own business – and there’s no challenge Emin won’t accept when it comes to upholstering. “It served

Photo by Lucille Benoit

Betsy Convery and Kris Stamps of Sew Many Things show samples of the many fabric choices available at the shop

me well that I couldn’t say no,” he says. His relationships with designers have provided a consistent stream of work over 30 years, and he’s taken on projects as big as panels in the sports betting area of Encore, Boston’s new casino. Showing the scars on his hands from slips using the trade’s cutting tools, Emin admits, “It can be a grind.”

Marc Carriere, whose short days are often 10-hour shifts, could use more hands on deck at Carriere’s Upholstery & Refinishing Co. in Woonsocket. He learned the trade from his cousin Leo Carriere and then took over the firm. Often

tackling large commercial jobs, one of Carriere’s most memorable projects was reupholstering the walls of the John Hay Library at Brown University under heavy security to protect the library’s collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives.

His latest project, six months in the works, was reupholstering the almost 1,100 seats in the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket. Carriere thankfully had family to help remove and reinstall the seats to their precise location in the theater, which were last redone in 2002 when inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions reupholstered and

refinished the wooden arms as part of an ongoing program teaching the trade.

Belgium native and former intensive care nurse Line Daems opened Kreatelier, her fabric concept store, when she moved to Rhode Island. “It’s all about fabric,” Daems says. People are very conscious of sustainability, which has served her East Side store well. Her nine upholsters take project orders that are designed in house.

Originally downtown, in its 16 years, the Providence shop has only grown, recently expanding into an adjoining portion of their building on Hope Street. Kreatelier aims to

Photos by Lucille Benoit

Gerry Emin sits among the pieces of one of his shop’s latest projects

Marc Carriere reinstalls seats he reupholstered at the Stadium Theatre

UPCYCLE WITH UPHOLSTERY Ready to leave that loveseat? Let a pro give it a mod makeover. Here’s how to find the businesses mentioned in this article.

Bob Frances Interiors North Providence, BobFrances.com

Carriere’s Upholstery & Refinishing Co. Woonsocket, 769-1952

Gerald D Emin Upholstery North Scituate, 647-2909

Kreatelier Providence, Kreatelier.com

Sew Many Things East Greenwich, SewManyThings.net

make interior decorating more available and less intimidating. Free consultations and a welcoming showroom invite anyone to come in simply for inspiration, and will take on projects as big as a full living room set or as small as a custom pillow made with a swatch from grandma’s stash.

Another heavy emphasis for Daems is on using and reusing everything. Her fabric remnants become gift bags, wallpaper ends become envelopes, and she gives remnants away to Rhode Island School of Design students.

Though business is brisk in most upholstery

shops, what has dwindled are people interested in learning and preserving the craft. Stamps, who doesn’t have an upholster in training to take over Sew Many Things when she retires, predicts, “This is going to be a lost art.”

But the craftspeople who remain preserve the vestiges of deep-rooted textile history by teaching the public about sustainability and durability, even turning down jobs they don’t believe would have a lasting, high-quality end product. “I try to educate people as to why it’s better to buy an heirloom piece,” Emin says. “It’s an investment.”

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking to incorporate more workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals in high-demand markets with livable wages, connecting them with apprenticeships when possible. “We need employers willing to do that. These trades are aging out,” says DOC project manager Jayne DelSesto. “We know that this trade fulfills a need in the market, so we will do what we can to continue to teach others this valuable skill.”

Photo courtesy of Kreatelier

The sta of Kreatelier

HOT TICKETS

DIVISION HOPEFULS, NEW COACHES, AND AFFORDABLE PRICES MAKE PVD THE PLACE TO BE FOR COLLEGE GAMES

BY KEN ABRAMS

With only one professional sports team based in Rhode Island (the P-Bruins), collegiate clubs tend to dominate the local landscape. There’s a vibrant scene in the capital city, home to two Division I schools: Brown University and Providence College (PC). Student athletes at Rhode Island College and Johnson & Wales University, both Division III schools, also compete in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sanctioned events. With the fall season already underway, and winter sports arriving soon, we present a round-up of what’s happening at the colleges, along with a handy guide on how best to experience college sports in Providence.

Photo courtesy of Providence College

S O T H TS

One of the highlights of the fall season for many is attending a football game at Brown Stadium. One of the longest running college squads in the nation, the Bears have fielded a team for over 140 years, since 1878. A founding member of the Ivy League, which is a sports confederation after all, Brown played in the first ever Rose Bowl game in Los Angeles in 1916. On New Year’s Day that year, after a week-long train trek to the West Coast, Brown played Washington State, who won 14-0. The Bears were led by legendary running back Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, who later became the first African American professional football coach. Since then, the team has won four Ivy League titles and sent several players to the NFL, including fullback James Develin, who played eight seasons for the New England Patriots and made the Pro Bowl in 2017. The Bears have a full slate of home and away games this season, including the annual Governor’s Cup against the University of Rhode Island on October 7. Fourth-year coach and former Brown quarterback James Perry is looking forward to continued progress after a 3-7 season in 2022.

The Brown football team

From the archives: coach Phil Estes and players cheer over the Ivy League Trophy in 2005

Photos courtesy of Brown University

There are upgrades to the fan experience this season, including pregame concerts, enhanced concessions, Narragansett Beer, and Bruno’s Backyard, a new area inside the stadium for fans of all ages that includes lawn games, inflatables, photos with Bruno the mascot, and more. Tickets for all games remain a ordable, beginning at $10. Families with children in sixth grade and under can join Bruno’s Cub Club and receive 50 percent o regular season home games, free merch, special in-game opportunities, and more.

2023 Home Game Schedule: BROWN BEARS*

Brown Stadium, 400 Elmgrove Avenue

September 30: 12pm vs. Central Connecticut State

October 7: 12pm vs. Rhode Island

October 14: 1pm vs. Princeton

November 4: 12pm vs. Yale

November 18: 12pm vs. Dartmouth

BrownBears.com

*Dates may change, always confirm with the organization for updates.

The 1916 team

LET’S GO

For sports fans, nothing beats the thrill of watching college teams compete. Here are four good reasons to buy tickets to games this season.

BROWN UNIVERSITY

Team: Brown Bears

Best Bet: Football

Why: Even non-fans can’t help but enjoy themselves watching Ivy League teams toss the pigskin on a sunny fall afternoon.

Brown Stadium, 400 Elmgrove Avenue BrownBears.com

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

Team: Providence Friars

Best Bet: Men’s Soccer

Why: Behind coach Craig Stewart, the talented team has high hopes of making the NCAA tournament this year.

Anderson Stadium, 1 Cunningham Square Friars.com

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

Team: RIC Anchorwomen

Best Bet: Women’s Soccer

Why: With a can-do attitude, the Anchorwomen look to rebound after a frustrating 2022 season.

Alumni Field, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue GoAnchormen.com

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

Team: JWU Wildcats

Best Bet: Men’s and Women’s Soccer

Why: Both men’s and women’s soccer programs are coming o their best seasons in years

Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex, 100 Harborside Boulevard

JWUAthletics.com

DID YOU KNOW FOOTBALL IS BECOMING POPULAR IN JAPAN? Bears coach James Perry was recently appointed as head coach of an Ivy League team who will play a Japanese All-Star Team in the second annual “Dream Japan Bowl” scheduled for January 21, 2024. The game will be held at the National Stadium in Tokyo, site of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Wide receiver Wes Rockett Photos courtesy of Brown University

EG E

Expectations are high for the 2023-24 season at Providence College as new coaches take over the men’s and women’s programs. On the men’s side, coach Kim English joined the team last spring, taking over for hometown hero Ed Cooley. The Baltimore native and former star player at Missouri coached George Mason University the past two seasons, leading the team to a 20-13 record in 2022-23. English also spent a season in the NBA as a point guard for the Detroit Pistons in 2012-13.

“I want to be clear to everyone in Friartown – we are going to do great things at Providence College for a long time,” said English in March after joining the team. “I know that this is a special place with amazing fans, a great tradition, and support throughout the community. We look forward to establishing new relationships with the players, the alums, and the fans.”

2023 Home Game Schedule: MEN’S FRIARS BASKETBALL*

Amica Mutual Pavillion

November 6: vs. Columbia

November 11: vs. Milwaukee

November 14: vs. Wisconsin

November 24: vs. Lehigh

November 28: vs. Wagner

December 2: vs. Rhode Island

December 10: vs. Brown

December 16: vs. Sacred Heart

Friars.com

*Dates may change, always confirm with the organization for updates.

PC Friars men’s basketball guard Devin Carter

Photo courtesy of Providence College

CURIOUS?

From STEAM labs to art studios and athletic fields, Wheeler is where N-12 students discover, create, and excel.

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9am-Noon www.wheelerschool.org

“The most joyful learning environment we could imagine for our child.”

—Croft Dad

IYRS SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY & TRADES NEWPORT, RI

Accredited, hands-on career training in the marine trades & modern manufacturing since 1993 www.iyrs.edu

Croft Middle School: Now Open! Enrolling Grades K-6 for the 2024-25 School Year

“The teachers are magical. I feel like they are part of our family.”

—Croft Mom

www.thecroftschool.org

The men’s season o cially kicks o with Late Night Madness on September 30, an event that signals the beginning of o cial practices with games getting underway in November. After a pair of early-season games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the men’s team will head to the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship tournament November 17-19.

New women’s basketball coach Erin Batth has 17 years of experience at the Division I level. Last year, Batth was assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Michigan where she helped lead the team to an 23-10 record and an 11th consecutive NCAA appearance. A former college standout, Batth was the first player from Clemson to be drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where she played for the Cleveland Rockers, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Sacramento Monarchs.

“I am humbled and excited to lead Providence College women’s basketball,” said Batth when she was hired in March. “I’m thrilled to be a Friar and confident that we will build a program that the community is proud of and excited to support. The sky is the limit on what can be accomplished at Providence.”

PC Friars women’s basketball guard Grace Efosa

New PC Friars coaches

Photos courtesy of Providence College

L TE G T S

Get amped for the 2023-24 season at The Amp

Part pep rally, part rock concert, Late Night Madness returns to the AMP during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, September 30. The event kicks o the men’s and women’s basketball programs, with a chance to hear from head coaches Kim English and Erin Batth. In addition to student performers and player introductions, this year’s event will feature a performance by GRAMMY-nominated band, OneRepublic. The event is open to students and members of the Providence College community.

2023 Home Game Schedule: WOMEN’S FRIARS BASKETBALL*

Alumni Hall, PC Campus

November 1: vs. New Haven

November 7: vs. Hampton

November 10: vs. Vermont

November 19: vs. Boston College

November 22: vs. Monmouth

December 2: vs. Iona

December 6: vs. Rhode Island

December 16: vs. Sacred Heart Friars.com

*Dates may change, always confirm with the organization for updates.

Open House

O E ’S S L G

One of the most successful programs in local college sports history is happening at Rhode Island College (RIC). Behind the leadership of coach Jenna Cosgrove, the women’s basketball team reached the NCAA Division III Final Four last season, a major accomplishment for any team. The Anchorwomen aim to win it all this year.

“We’re coming o our best year yet, and with that comes pressure and high expectations,” says Cosgrove. “With what we did last year, being unranked and getting to the Final Four, finally getting national recognition, we have a di erent level of confidence in our returning players. The expectation is always to win the conference championship, but after what we did last year, we have kids coming back who will have eyes on a national championship.”

As a Division III school that is not permitted to o er athletic scholarships, coaches face unique challenges recruiting talented players. Unlike Division I teams like PC and University of Rhode Island who can recruit internationally, coaches from schools like RIC seek out local and regional stars. The upside – players who might not get as much playing time at a Division I school can thrive in a Division III conference like the Little East, where RIC is a member.

Success on the court improves recruitment and retention of top local athletes. The RIC team includes a pair of standouts who graduated from Rhode Island high schools. “It definitely helps,” says Cosgrove. “Izzy Booth from Newport is our returning leading scorer, and Madison Medbury from Scituate is our leading point guard and the glue of the team. My goal is to attract the best Rhode Island kids that aren’t getting scholarships, and the best players regionally.”

Cosgrove believes fan support was crucial last season. “I think it was a big part of why we were successful in the NCAA tournament,” adds the seasoned coach, preparing for her sixth season. “We were lucky to have the sectionals at Babson for the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8. That meant many fans could make the short drive to Wellesley to support the team. We had more fans there than any other school… there were so many people behind us. We’re playing top nationally ranked teams now; I’m hoping we can really fill the gym.”

Home Game Schedule: RIC ANCHORWOMEN BASKETBALL

The Murray Center, RIC Campus Season schedule was not available at press time. Visit GoAnchormen.com

RIC Anchorwomen coach Jenna Cosgrove

Photos courtesy of Rhode Island College

RIC’s Izabelle Booth

2023 Home Game Schedule: JWU WOMEN’S WILDCATS*

Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex at JWU’s Harborside Campus

October 7: vs. Emmanuel (MA)

October 11: vs. Dean

October 14: vs. New England

October 24: vs. Albertus Magnus

October 26: Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament

JWUAthletics.com

*Dates may change, always confirm with the organization for updates.

2023 Home Game Schedule: JWU MEN’S WILDCATS*

Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex at JWU’s Harborside Campus

October 7: vs. Colby-Sawyer

October 17: vs. Albertus Magnus

October 24: vs. Elm

October 26: Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament

JWUAthletics.com

L EBe on the lookout for parents, guardians, and friends donning their student’s collegiate merch.

BROWN UNIVERSITY: October 13-15

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY: October 6-8

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE: September 29 - October 1

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE: September 29 - October 1

SO LE S T

At Johnson & Wales University (JWU), the men’s and women’s soccer teams are coming off highly successful seasons in 2022. Under coach David Kulik, the men’s team ranked among the top 10 in the region last season, compiling a 15-2-3 record before falling in the playoffs. On the women’s side, the conference leading Wildcats went 19-3-1 under coach Chris Flint, winning the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship for the third consecutive year. Both teams aim to make the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

JWU Wildcat goalkeeper Carly McCrumb

Photo courtesy of Johnson & Wales University

“The

program has already propelled me to a rewarding career, even before graduation. Enrolling in grad school was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

& FOOD

Telling Stories with Syrups

Caribbean flavors and ingredients inspire a chef’s line of culinary and drink enhancers

Whether it’s a pumpkin spice or mocha caramel latte, there’s no denying – we Rhode Islanders love our flavored coffees. It’s also a niche that professional chef and Johnson & Wales University grad Savannah Campbell found space to experiment with her own spin on drink and culinary syrups infusing a spectrum of Caribbean flavors.

“As a Jamaican American, gardening and cooking were big parts of my upbringing,” says Campbell, who launched Caribe & Co. just over a year ago through Warren-based food business incubator Hope & Main. With a degree in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship and experience working in restaurants and hotels across the country, Campbell saw the benefits in having versatile ingredients on hand – and wanted to find a way to make Caribbean flavors more accessible. “I knew having a multi-use product would be valuable, and so, our ‘culinary’ syrups were born,” she says, which are made with all-natural ingredients steeped in pure cane sugar syrup and ideal for a range of drinks and sweet treats.

Some syrups are inspired by foods Campbell ate growing up, like the Coconut Drop, based on a Jamaican snack with the same name, which offers a rich and nutty alternative to maple syrup when drizzled over pancakes. A crowd pleaser for cold brew is Creme Caramel Syrup, and the spicy Habanero Syrup adds a kick to cucumber mojitos.

But Caribe & Co.’s best seller is Sorrel & Ginger. “Sorrel, one of the many names for ‘hibiscus,’ is an important flavor that was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans and has permeated the region and become a staple,” shares Campbell. The syrup is steeped with hibiscus and ginger to create a tart, sweet profile best served in cocktails or mocktails, tea, and over ice cream. “Caribe & Co. is an homage to the flavors I grew up with and have come to love. It’s a story, and a celebration, of what makes the Caribbean vibrant, where the staple flavors came from, and how they connect us all.”

Find Caribe & Co. syrups at Stock Culinary Goods and the Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace in Providence, as well as other retailers around the state and online at CaribeAndCo.com |

By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Caribe & Co.

Queen Bees

The women owners behind an all-natural apiary cultivate delicious honey and equity in agriculture

For beekeeper Rebecca Mancini, creating thriving pollinator populations goes hand in hand with carving out representation for women of color in a male-dominated field. Mancini is the founder of the apiary B. Royal Honey, a pandemic hobby that turned into a company she launched with her business partner Kou Tukala Nyan. “As we began to research farming grants, we realized that nationally, a very low percentage of farmers are women,” she says. There are even fewer farmers who are people of color.

With two properties, B. Royal Honey maintains six beehives on its Coventry grounds, each of which is capable of producing between 40 and 80 pounds of honey per year. The bees share land with a pollinator and erosion-prevention garden that houses more than 200 native plants. On its Providence property, the company has three hives and 15 native plants. “I made a commitment to raise bees as naturally as possible,” says Mancini. “I want my honey to be as organic as possible, so I give them a variety of plants so they don’t have the need to travel and potentially get into pesticides.”

The company’s native plants were purchased in partnership with the Natural

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an organization that provides reimbursable grants to farmers who have at least one beehive, federally protected livestock, and the potential to impact local food systems. These grants support soil health and small farms, and Mancini is working with the NRCS to build a greenhouse, a well, and a drip irrigation system on her Coventry property.

Mancini draws parallels between the homogenous makeup of farmers and beekeepers in America and the way farm workers generally approach beekeeping. “We tried to turn it into a monolith, but it never really was,” she says. “Integrating di erent backgrounds and cultures into beekeeping helps with the diversification that’s so important to preventing honeybee colony collapse.”

Nyan agrees and adds that representation is important. “People of color in America may not have access to beekeeping or know the benefits of using beekeeping to connect with nature. I think we should work together to teach people about the environment and ways we talk about it.”

Environmental education is a very important aspect of B. Royal Honey’s mission. Mancini and Nyan were recently invited to share their knowledge about beekeeping at a local

library, have hosted free lunch-and-learn sessions in partnership with Project Overflo, and they have huge dreams for the future. “I’d love to have an educational center for beekeeping,” says Mancini, describing her vision of an incubator for aspiring beekeepers where they could receive education and support in developing a healthy colony.

But for now, Mancini and Nyan are content to talk with curious customers at the farmers market where they sell their honey. “The education we o er is not just about the bees,” says Nyan. “It’s also about the honey.” The two women regularly teach their customers about the health benefits of local honey and guide them to flavors that would best suit them. “Honey made from spring flowers is much lighter in taste than the bolder fall honey,” Mancini explains.

The di erent flowers and herbs the bees have access to also contribute to the flavor of the honey. “Last fall, I had 40 blueberry plants and the honey tasted like berries,” Mancini says. “It was phenomenal.”

B. Royal Honey is available for delivery, for pickup at Mancini’s Providence property, or at farmers markets. For purchasing information, visit Facebook: B Royal Honey or @broyalhoney on Instagram.

Photos courtesy of B. Royal Honey

Kou Tukala Nyan and Rebecca Mancini of B. Royal Honey

The duo tends beehives in Coventry and Providence

Pocket Change

Whether you’ve seen them at WaterFire, The Providence Flea, or popping up alongside The Guild’s PVD Beer Garden by the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, Espanglish (formerly known as Spanglish) has become synonymous with empanadas and summertime. Now, with their recently opened brickand-mortar in Cranston called Espanglish Empanadas, the warm, flavor-filled pockets of goodness are easier to come by all seasons.

Influenced by traditional Latin and American comfort foods, Nathalie and Raymond Rodriguez have devised 18 di erent empanada styles and fillings, expanding their homemade recipe – and their reach – by attending events and fests across the state.

But before Espanglish was trundling around the city serving empanadas, Nathalie’s itch for entrepreneurship was in part spurred by her mother owning a business when she was younger and the abundance of taco and halal trucks she saw while living in New York in 2010. It was always a dream to have her own truck, but it took losing her corporate job in 2019 to turn that spark into a flame. “When I got laid o and received my severance check, it was almost like a sign. Do something big,” says Nathalie. She used the check and savings to open La Villa Bistro in Pawtucket with her husband and mother-in-law.

La Villa Bistro was a Dominican-inspired restaurant with dishes ranging from traditional steak and onions served with rice and beans to daily rotating entree specials. The five empanadas on the appetizer menu quickly became more popular than the rest of their o erings, which had the couple testing new flavors and eventually adding five more empanada varieties. They even experimented with allowing guests to customize their own, which would be rolled and fried on the spot.

Despite the enthusiasm, 10 months into opening, the pandemic hit and the Rodriguezes made the choice to close their restaurant. Even during the pause, their inbox was flooded with customers requesting food orders, and opening a food truck – in which they wouldn’t have to contend with seating restrictions – was an easy choice. Thus, Espanglish was born.

“As I was building the empanada menu and descriptions, I would write down the ingredients

I was putting in them. I would go back and forth from adding one word in Spanish and another word in English,” says Nathalie. “We had a real ‘a-ha’ moment – ‘Spanglish’ should be the name because that is who we are.”

One of the Rodriguezes’ favorite empanadas is El Ma’Duro, consisting of sweet mashed plantains, ground beef, and cheese, inspired by a Dominican and Puerto Rican dish called pastelon, which is prepared di erently in each country but is typically similar to a lasagna with layers of plantains, ground beef, and cheese. Fun fact: Nathalie’s love of plantains almost earned the food truck the name of “Plata-nation.”

Along with the care put into choosing the ingredients that go into each filled pastry, the couple also has fun coming up with quirky, clever names for each, like Juana Pizza Me, Crabby Patty, and Pie, Felicia!

Encouraged by the food truck’s success over the years, the Rodriguezes intend to

return to their roots by once again introducing some traditional dishes to the take-out restaurant, such as platters of plantain nachos, dressed yuca fries, and more Dominican eats. The food truck will keep making its rounds in Providence and beyond, too.

Looking back on the twists and turns of her culinary journey, Nathalie o ers a bit of advice to budding entrepreneurs about taking the leap: “Go for it before someone else does,” she says. “If it wasn’t for my husband, who is a risk taker, I would’ve just stayed in the planning phase and would’ve overthought my business plan.” Now the pair gets to share their love for empanadas with everyone who visits the truck or sets foot inside their restaurant.

Espanglish Empanadas

39 Phenix Ave, Suite 6, Cranston EspanglishEmpanadas.com

@espanglishempanadas @espanglishtruck

Photo courtesy of Espanglish Empanadas

How a cooking couple turned their passion for empanadas into a popular food truck and new brick-and-mortar in Cranston

Nathalie and Raymond Rodriguez

A popular food truck is now serving customers from a brick-and-mortar location on Hope Street in Providence. Lotus Pepper dishes up Vietnamese cuisine including Fresh Summer Rolls, Fish Sauce Chicken Wings, rice and noodle bowls, and Banh Mi Vietnamese Sub sandwiches. Thang Huynh opened the restaurant with his mother Young, who grew up in Vietnam along the Mekong River.

“We started the food truck business in 2013,” says Huynh. “There weren’t that many Vietnamese food trucks or restaurants in Providence at the time. After 10 years, we gained a lot of followers on the East Side. That led us to move into a restaurant. We have a variety of items on the menu; banh mi is our best seller. So far, we have received a lot of positive feedback from customers. Our number one goal is to provide good food and great customer service.”

Providence, LotusPepper.Square.Site

There is a new member of the waitsta at Antonio’s Pizza bringing a futuristic flare to the way slices and pies are served. Bruno the robot, along with fellow droids Tony and Antonia who work at other locations, serves mainly as back up during busy lunch and dinner hours, when the restaurant sees peak tra c. “The robot’s job is to assist the servers,” says general manager Derek Araujo. “Let’s say a guest orders six slices for their family in the self-serve area. Instead of having them come up six times for their slices, we can just put them on the robot, and send them out to the table.”

Bruno uses a finely tuned radar system and live camera, with a bus bucket attached, so he can clear tables as well. He plays music as he moves around the room, announcing his presence to sta and customers. Bruno is quite popular with patrons, especially younger diners. “So far, it’s been a lot of word of mouth,” adds Araujo. “People posting on social media. Kids absolutely adore the robot; they think it’s the coolest thing ever.” Newport, AntoniosPizza.com

The Kitchen recently opened inside the newly renovated Surf Shack Bed and Breakfast in Narragansett. The surf-themed restaurant, open Thursday through Monday from 5pm-9pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday, boasts an oceanside location, within walking distance to the beach that’s pure South County, although the cuisine isn’t your typical snack shack fare.

“We feature a French Polynesian menu,” says Sela Lutterbeck. “Our chef MoMo Camara, originally from Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, grew up in France and has a French cooking background.” The menu features specialty items with Asian-inspired notes, including Lobster Skillet Cornbread, Mochiko Cauliflower, Crispy Island Steamed Buns, and Huli-Huli Duck. Classic entrees like burgers, lobster rolls, and salads are also available. The restaurant is already popular among locals and tourists. “Lots of locals, Narragansett residents, were waiting for it to open. The owners are local and part of the community,” adds Lutterbeck. Narragansett, SurfShackNarragansett.com

Photos courtesy of Lotus Pepper

Newport restaurant puts the AI in pizza

French Polynesian cuisine with a surf theme in South County

A food truck’s permanent digs in Providence

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

MainStreet Coffee

137 Main Street, East Greenwich

401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Co ee.com

Casual co ee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

All Favorites Cafe

1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com |

A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant

40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700

thecoastguardhouse.com |

Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Mambo Sushi

380 Atwells Ave, Providence

401-642-8439 |

mambosushiprovidence.com

Peruvian Flair to Asian Cuisine

CAV Restaurant

14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com |

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island

401-558-0190 |

davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials

Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar

1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088

marcelinosboutiquebar.com |

Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

8 locations across RI!

Chelos.com |

A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

El Paisa Restaurant Patio and Bar

598 Dexter Street, Central Falls 401-726-8864 | ElPaisa.com |

Since 1978, El Paisa Restaurant and Bar has served home-cooked, classic Colombian recipes and cocktails with great joy.

New Harvest Coffee & Spirits

10 Sims Ave, Providence | 401 438-1999

NewHarvestCo ee.com |

Our flagship cafe accentuates the journey from co ee seed to cup and the journey of grain to glass.

Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar

97 Holden St., Providence | 401 340-5112

@RiseNShineCo eeBar | Espresso bar with organic co ee, signature drinks and fresh pastries located in historic 1858 Christopher Dodge Carriage House.

Slice of Heaven

32 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown 401-423-9866 | sliceofheavenri.com

| Serving breakfast, lunch and daily handcrafted pastries. Family and dog friendly with a great outdoor patio.

Tallulah’s Taqueria

Three Locations: West End • Fox Point • Jamestown tallulahstaqueria.com | Order by App, Online, or In-Store. Chicano Street Food...Rooted in Hospitality.

Twin Willows

865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com |

Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

& LIFE

STYLE

Building Character

A couple trusts their instincts in creating a perfect home cook’s kitchen

Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and for Bristol homeowners and home cooks Chris Silva and Jason Conley, they wanted a kitchen built for cooking from scratch. This vision for their 1929 Dutch Colonial involved a bold structural change: an exposed ceiling. “This choice, which we insisted on from the beginning despite the construction complications it presented, served both aesthetic and functional purposes,” begins Silva. “In a small house, every square inch mattered, even in regard to height.”

Photos by ImageTen - Jamie Harrington, courtesy of RIKB Design Build

The couple looked to RIKB Design Build of Warwick to make this joy-of-cooking kitchen work. Says design consultant Erika Pearson, “They knew they wanted rustic wood finishes, decorative open storage, and a better layout, but needed help bringing everything together and navigating the construction. They recognized that a typical cookie-cutter kitchen wouldn’t make them happy, and they were looking for a firm that could do something more creative and tailored to their style.”

“Initially, we started by tackling the layout,” says Pearson, who explains that any time walls are knocked down in a kitchen, it can become challenging to find enough space for the cabinetry and appliances; adding to that challenge was two di erent ceiling heights which required careful planning to make sure appliances would clear the space. “We had to spend a bit more time sourcing some of the products, particularly the open shelving, the display niche, and the decorative hood. We went o the beaten path to find these items and even found a craftsman on Etsy who could provide reclaimed wood in the exact sizes we needed, so our project manager could assemble the niche on site to our specifications.”

Photos by ImageTen

Jamie Harrington, courtesy of RIKB Design Build

Cool colors contrast with warm woods

Built-ins make use of space for storage

RAE DAVIS Owner and East Side

Other modifications to the kitchen included exposed shelving, glass-front cabinetry, and a spice rack wall, which keeps frequently used essentials within reach while adding a dash of visual interest. “The hanging cookware, fruit and vegetable baskets, cookbooks, and shelving all serve a similar function. We didn’t want to hide the

function of the kitchen; we wanted to showcase it!” says Silva with a palpable glee. “Raising the drywall ceiling, we had inherited an exposed beam ceiling that increased the room’s height by a foot, almost two feet at the pinnacle of the south nook! This new kitchen was the final piece to a decade-long puzzle. It makes us smile every day.”

Photos by ImageTenJamie Harrington, courtesy of RIKB Design Build

Refinished beams are used for hanging herbs and cookware

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

“The homemade BRISTOL sign reflects both our home town and our family,” says Silva

GET RHODY STYLE

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

BEYOND WORDS

“The Rhode Island setting has inspired the coastal cottage style, the color palette, and even some art accents like the BRISTOL sign in the spice rack wall. Jay made that sign years ago, piecing together locally bought letter blocks and nautical flag elements. The flags in the finished sign (S and C) stand for Silva-Conley.”

BRISTOL FAVES

When the Silva-Conley clan, which includes their young twins, go out to eat, they enjoy Bristol Oyster Bar, Bywater, Waterdog, and Beehive Pantry, and for shopping for new old treasures, it’s Epilogues.

SILVA LININGS

“Let the beauty and history of the area inspire you while still catering to your taste and aesthetic. Find what you respond positively to and what makes you happy; don’t get bullied by the trend du jour,” says Silva.

BUILD LOCAL

RIKB Design Build has a 3,000-square-foot design center filled with full-size vignettes, and the latest trends in appliances, countertops, cabinetry hardware, tile, plumbing, lighting, and more. They also hold complimentary remodeling seminars. Learn more at RIKB. com or call 401-463-1550.

Photos by ImageTenJamie Harrington, courtesy of RIKB Design Build

Think Pink

#Barbiecore essentials in the season’s hottest hue

Who knew that a movie about a fashion doll experiencing an existential crisis would become a global phenomenon? Written by real-life couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie is deeper than its sparkly pink

media blitz might imply, but the film itself is empowering and fun – kind of like hiding broccoli in a technicolor cupcake. Infuse yourself and your dream pad with goods from around the city in the mood-boosting hue.

THE BARBI JO SHOW

weeknights from 7pm to midnight on 92 PRO-FM

LOVE VINTAGE BARBIES? Follow @dawsondigsdolls on Instagram. Originally from TN, Mike Dawson is an editorial art director and doll collector currently living in Providence.

Dress photo by Jason Pietroski; courtesy of Garbolino

PINK METAL MUZEN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER & FM RADIO: Homestyle

ACRYLIC DAISY EARRINGS: Craftland

NEON PINK GLAM PARTY EARRINGS: JoJoLovesYou.com*

HOUSE-BLEND COFFEE: Oak Bakeshop

MINI DRESS: Garbolino

HEY BARBIE SUNNIES: NAVA

STICKER BOOK: Books on the Square

12-INCH BALL KNOT PILLOW: Asterfields

*Available at various stockists

Every year, boys and girls ages 5-14, do just that in the Brown Youth Hockey program. It’s fun, challenging, and an experience that they’ll never forget. No checking, no travel, family friendly ice times.

For more information go to: BrownYouthHockey.com

Practical Magic

Moonstones, mysticism, and more meld in local artisan’s jewelry made for everyday wear

Magic-embodying jewelry may seem like a unique accessory, but for Jillian Irving, it is the center of her being. Based in Warwick, Irving founded Evenfall Jewelry in 2021 with the intention of inspiring confidence in others via trinkets she produces from elements like moonstone, labradorite, and mother of pearl. She was inspired to establish her brand based on her interest in metaphysical, astrology, and astronomy. “I wanted it to be my style, but separate

from me,” Irving says. To name her brand, she searched for a word that emulated her vision, and along came Evenfall, an Old English word best translated as “the moment right when the sun goes down across the horizon, and the moon rises,” she explains.

Irving’s creative process begins with using Pinterest boards to organize the direction of her collections. Next, she either sketches or works with Adobe Illustrator to create an online model. “Once I develop designs I like,

I’ll spec them out and either make 3D models or contract out [the work],” she explains. When Irving finally has a 3D model, a mold is created out of it that can be cast into the metal. “I love being able to see all the steps of the process,” she says.

Originally from Burlington, Connecticut, Irving attended the University of Rhode Island for fashion design and segued into jewelry senior year. Her first exposure to the bustling industry was working with StyleWeek Northeast,

Photo by Jon Doucette courtesy of Evenfall Jewelry

Pieces from the Guard

Your Heart collection

combining fashion with her own jewelry designs. She stayed in Rhode Island after graduation to pursue her passion, and over the next decade worked with various mentors and brands to expand her skills, notably as the senior designer for private label manufacturer Jewelry Concepts for five years, where she mastered technical aspects and model making, while also establishing her own style.

Irving’s vision for Evenfall focuses on everyday pieces that draw out magic and

protection through various materials. “How you feel comes from what you’re wearing,” she says. The newly released Guard Your Heart collection features a dark moody aesthetic that embodies autumn with swords and daggers as the main emblems. Irving releases three collections per year, each reflecting di erent sentiments. “I like to call my collections the eras of my life,” she says. Find Evenfall Jewelry at Botanic Providence, and online at Evenfall.com

Black Enamel

Snake Pendant

& ART

CULTURE

Blood, Sweat, and Tears – Plus a Little More Blood

Local gay filmmakers break new ground with queer gorefest

Bleak and bloody are the takeaways from Saint Drogo, the second feature film from Providence-based filmmakers Monster Makeup Productions. Their first creation, Death Drop Gorgeous, received international acclaim from critics and fans of gay horror cinema for being unabashedly queer while honoring and celebrating the much-beloved traditions of classic slasher films. The movie won awards at festivals across the country including Audience Favorite at Salem Horror Festival in nearby Massachusetts.

In Saint Drogo, there are recognizable stylistic and thematic changes that set it apart from their first e ort, a conscious decision by the filmmakers. As co-director, writer, and actor Michael Ahern explains, “We were ready to try something new. We love folk horror, so that was our main inspiration, films like The Wicker Man and Rosemary’s Baby,” he says of the sub-genre that tends to employ rural settings and superstitions. Where Death Drop Gorgeous paired horror with humor, Saint Drogo takes a more haunting, eerie approach, in part due to incredible special e ects. No spoilers here, but several scenes are not meant for the faint of heart. The crew at Monster Makeup Productions admits that they are all about pushing the genre’s limits.

Brandon Perras-Sanchez, the film’s co-director along with Ahern and Ryan Miller, addresses the gore factor: “We would have included more gore if we could. In some of the horror films of the ‘80s – that aren’t the greatest films – the special effects are really fun and they give them their rewatchability. We always like to run some fun practical effects and make it gross and crazy.” Ahern adds, “The only thing we cut back on was the sex stuff. It used to be worse.”

Saint Drogo is screening to great reviews at film festivals around the country, and the team at Monster Makeup Productions is already planning their next feature, The Queen of the Rats , which revolves around the warehouse music scene in Providence during the early 2000s, the Rhode Island mafia, and of course, a Lovecraftian monster. Learn more at MonsterMakeupLLC.com | By

Hugh Minor

Photo courtesy of Monster Makeup Productions

Monster Makeup Productions’ Michael Ahern, Christopher Dalpe, Kevin Bowden, Brandon Perras-Sanchez, Wayne Gonsalves, and Ryan Miller

The Sun Also Rises

New mural by acclaimed artist brings an installation of flowers back to the city

Bright yellow and gold blooms bedeck a backdrop of brilliant blues and warm browns, and the name of our beloved city is spelled out in a vintage typeface taken from a 1918 map. The painted swathe of sunflowers entitled Holy Radiance, by nationally recognized artist Ben Keller, will surely stop you in your tracks, and is a balm for those still lamenting the loss of 10,000 Suns, the award-winning public art installation/sunflower field along South Water Street that ceased after six summers when the parcel was sold to a developer.

The mural, which resides on Cedar Street at the Huntington Exchange apartment building, was funded by The Avenue Concept, a Providence-based nonprofit devoted to making public art happen. The group strives to create an environment in which onlookers not only view art but truly engage with each installation they support. Holy Radiance, created by Connecticut native Keller, is no exception to this rule. A nuanced ode to New England, the depiction of blowsy sunflowers adds a new feature to the Federal Hill skyline.

“This mural was inspired by a box truck I painted last fall on a farm, and also by a field of sunflowers that previously existed in downtown Providence known as the 10,000 Suns project, created by Adam E. Anderson,” says Keller referencing the founder of DESIGN UNDER SKY, a local landscape architecture studio. “I loved the relation between the two concepts so I was more than happy to recreate that attraction in my own way in the Little Italy neighborhood.”

Keller has been an artist for almost his entire life. While he shares that his mother often had to coerce him to get to art class, his resistance melted away as soon as he put brush to canvas. In his teen years he became heavily inspired by gra ti artist Barry McGee and dreamed of working on giant spaces. After various career paths, he embraced his skills, went big, and became a full-time artist. Along with murals, Keller’s striking portfolio includes portraits, figures, objects, and botanicals, on paper, canvas, wood panels, and box trucks.

“The impact of painting on such a large surface is undeniable,” says Keller. “I’m already looking forward to working in Providence again soon!” Learn more at BenKellerArt.com

ART APP

Download The Avenue Concept Art Tour app and explore dozens of murals and sculptures throughout Rhode Island. Tours are designed to view the greatest number of artworks in one day. The app provides an interactive experience of photos, videos, and prompts. Follow suggested routes or create your own. TheAvenueConcept.org

Supporting Families. Funding Research

Providing fnancial assistance to the parents of children battling brain cancer

Since 2013

Our mission is to provide financial assistance to the parents o f children battling Brain Cancer and to honor the children, who fight everyday, with that special wish. Our hopes are to make a day in the life of a family suffering from cancer a little bit brighter. We will continue raising funds to be used in the fight against Childhood Brain Cancer and awar eness, bringing it to the forefront in the fight against all types of cancers. Cory’s Crusaders, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Non- Profit Organization, Public Charity and all donations are tax deductible. Tax ID# 46-1849031

For more information or to donate, please visit our website CorysCrusaders.org

The Providence Tour Company Presents Its Newest Food Tour

Photos courtesy of The Avenue Concept

The Must List

10 essential events this month

Through October 31:

The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This year’s theme, Pumpkins Around the World, features carvings representing the pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more. RWPZoo.org

Through November 12:

A pair of plays to celebrate the season, The Good John Proctor and Becky Nurse of Salem are running in rotation at Trinity Rep. Check the schedule for specific dates and times. TrinityRep.com

October 4:

The Nonfiction@Brown Lecture Series, which highlights working writers through free and open-to-the-public events, presents Yale University poet Maggie Millner reading from her latest work. English.Brown.edu

October 7:

RISD Craft invites visitors to browse and purchase handmade art and design work from over 130 student and alumni artists, who demonstrate mastery of craftsmanship and attention to detail in a wide variety of media. RISDCraft.com

October 6-9:

The Columbus Day Festival on Federal Hill features live music, chef demonstrations, carnival rides, the annual parade, and a taste of the Hill’s many restaurants over the three-day holiday weekend. FederalHillProv.com

October 13-15:

Experience darkness and humanity through music and movement when Ballet Rhode Island presents a world premiere performance set to Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” accompanied by Aurea Ensemble. BalletRI.org

Photo courtesy of Go Providence

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

October 14-15:

Shop vintage and gently worn clothing, books, records, art, home goods, furniture, and more at the Little City Thrifty at the WaterFire Arts Center with over 90 vendors, food, and beverages. LittleCityThrifty.com

October 17-22:

Based on the classic Robin Williams film, the amusing and heartfelt musical comedy Mrs. Doubtfire , the story of an out-ofwork actor who will do anything for his kids, comes to the stage. PPACRI.org

October 20:

Like trick-or-treating but for adults, the PVD Flea x Witches’ Night Out is an evening market at Farm Fresh RI that promises a bewitching twist on the Flea with themed artisan and vintage vendors and more. ProvidenceFlea.com

October 29:

Dodge spooky zombies at the Halloween Monster Dash 5K, which takes costumed runners on a frightful sprint through the RIPTA bus tunnel. Runners 12 and under are invited to dash the half-mile race along Water Street. MonsterDashRace.com

season 4

SUNDAYS AT 7PM

STARTING OCTOBER 1

ripbs.org

Rhody Reads | By Deborah Goodrich Royce

Rhody Reads

Thriller writer Deborah Goodrich Royce shares what’s on her book list this month

As the October days grow shorter, beckoning cooler weather that will soon yield to the colors and comforts of autumn, it’s never been more tempting to cozy up with a good book. As a local author of twisty thrillers (Finding Mrs. Ford – set in Watch Hill! – Ruby Falls, and Reef Road) and host of the Ocean House Author Series, I am delighted to share with you my selection of new fall books, three of them featuring Rhode Island themes and/or authors. So settle in your favorite chair with a roaring fire and a dog or cat on your lap. The following list will keep you happily reading until the snow comes!

Who doesn’t love a good fake? Zadie Smith’s September release The Fraud is based on a trial that divided Victorian England, it explores the true story of a lower-class butcher from Australia who claimed to be the rightful heir of a large estate and title. Seen through the eyes of a formerly enslaved man from Jamaica and a Scottish housekeeper, The Fraud examines truth, lies, and the liminal spaces between them.

Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters, is hot o the press and boat loads of fun. Three generations of magic plus two rogue exes plus one tarot deck equal the perfect recipe for chaos. Billed as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic, all I can say is please make more hot chocolate and count me in!

Halloween brings a treat in the form of Providence’s own Vanessa Lillie’s newest thriller, Blood Sisters. The novel follows Syd Walker, a Cherokee archaeologist for the Bureau of Indian A airs in Providence, when she is called back to rural Oklahoma to investigate the disappearance of two women, one of them her sister. There are secrets in the land and Syd must go home to uncover them.

I love the world of 1940s movies – the snappy dialogue, the glamorous clothes – and can’t wait for Sarah James’ Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen on November 7. At a glamorous WWII club for serviceman staffed exclusively by those in show business, a hated film critic is found dead. A newly arrived murder mystery playwright finds herself at the center of a hunt that may lead to a movie star killer, and may also land a target on her back.

Rhode Island author Christa Carmen’s The Daughters of Block Island will land in your book stores on December 1. In a subversive twist on the classic gothic novel, the mysterious past of an island mansion lures two sisters into a spiderweb of scandal, secrets, and murder. The sisters, strangers since birth yet bound by family secrets, soon find themselves caught up in a century-old mystery on isolated off-season Block Island.

On December 5, Luanne Rice brings us Last Night , a murder mystery set in the Ocean House Hotel. A famous artist is killed in a blinding blizzard. Her young daughter is a witness. A passing detective and his girlfriend are soon drawn into a tangled web. Making full use of every nook and cranny of the storied Victorian hotel, Rice takes the reader on a cat-and-mouse pursuit of a killer, a missing child, and a trove of buried secrets. Pro-tip: don’t miss the publishing party at Ocean House on December 6.

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

With her sunny demeanor, who would guess that Royce is a writer in the thriller genre, examining puzzles of identity in her highly acclaimed books. She began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple movies, before transitioning to a story editor at Miramax Films. Together with her husband Chuck, the Royces have restored beloved properties in RI and the Catskills, including the Ocean House, the state’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel. Listen to a conversation with Royce on episode 47 of the Hey Rhody Podcast.

Please consider buying books at your local independent bookstore

DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

Pic of PVD

The morning sun casts a glow over the city

ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop

Photo courtesy o f D diva

David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.