Providence Monthly December 2021 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Providence Monthly December 2021 CORRECTION: In the November issue of Providence Monthly, Sam Zurier was erroneously described as a “pragmatic conservative” (OP-ED: Tight Race for District 3 Democratic Primary by Barry Fain and Steve Triedman); Zurier is in fact a pragmatic progressive and this correction has been made to the web version of this article.

MAKING MERRY

Photo courtesy of Bloom Collective

ART & CULTURE

13 Nonprofits make season merry for vulnerable youth and local restaurants 16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Panel shares how to spend RI’s American Rescue Plan Act money 18 Grant expands access to leadership program 20 OP-ED: ‘Twas a Providence parody

LIFE & STYLE

24 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings

35 HOME: The East Side home of a carpenter is filled with custom furnishings

28 RHODY GEM: A one-stop shop for all things CBD

46 INFLUENCER: Meet the visionary behind Providence Flea

Photo courtesy of Plates with Purpose

69 Acclaimed RISD grad returns for solo exhibit 70 New improv venue at Hope Artiste helps fill the small club comedy void 72 Former Scrooge directs this year’s Christmas classic at Trinity 74 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

48 SHOP: A range of culinary goods to stock up on this season 50 RHODY READS: Holiday-themed books with local connections

On The Cover: A festive view of the Providence Rink. Photo courtesy of GoProvidence. 6

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FOOD & DRINK 79 Local artisinal lollipop maker unveils festive flavors 80 EXPERIENCE: Immigrant-owned restaurant calls on Fox Point’s Portuguese roots

Photography by Tony Pacitti, courtesy of Kismet Improv

Photography by Nolan Wells

NEWS & CITY LIFE

Photo by Jenny Currier

Holiday magic returns to the city with festive strolls, tree lightings, and local shopping aplenty

82 IN THE KITCHEN: The double life of an attorney and West End restaurateur 86 FOOD NEWS: Tea cocktails, a fearless Feast of the Seven Fishes & a bagel shop reopens 88 PIC OF PVD

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Serving Up Cheer Nonprofits partner to provide holiday gifts for vulnerable youth and their families, while supporting local restaurants A meal delivery service tackling food insecurity – Plates with Purpose – teams up with nonprofit agency St. Mary’s Home for Children: already the match sounds ripe with opportunity. But Plates with Purpose co-founder Jennifer Fantozzi explains that the Holiday Giving Program is significant on another level, too. “This particular campaign holds special meaning for us in two ways. First, we have wanted to work with this organization since we launched our program last December,” Fantozzi begins, citing SMHFC’s mission of serving the diverse needs of almost 500 children and their families and treatment programs at the North Providence center for children traumatized by abuse. “Secondly, December marks the first-year anniversary of our program and we knew we wanted to do something really special to celebrate the milestone.” Photo courtesy of Plates with Purpose ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Gi v i ng | By Abbie Lahmers

Photos courtesy of Plates with Purpose

NEWS & CITY LIFE

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Plates with Purpose has served more than 2,000 meals to senior citizens, families with children, food pantry visitors, and those without permanent housing since December 2020. Along with co-founder Jennifer Capracotta, their goal is to empower local restaurants while feeding neighbors. Says Fantozzi, “while the issue of food insecurity is complex and multi-layered, our model is fairly straightforward: we allocate donations to restaurants who, in turn, distribute meals to members of their communities that may be struggling to meet sufficient food needs.” While most are relishing the joy of the season, Fantozzi and Capracotta saw SMHFC’s annual Holiday Giving Program as a chance to spread cheer to those who may not have as much to celebrate. As SMHFC’s website states: “For a child who has suffered sexual abuse, a child who has emotional issues and cannot focus on school, or a child that needs a temporary place to live – the holidays can be a time of sadness and loneliness as they face the difficulties life has given them.” SMHFC seeks cash donations along with gifts of sensory items, arts and crafts, hobby-building supplies, and other toys and necessities to fulfill holiday wishlists. Meanwhile, Plates with Purpose is raising funds to provide restaurant gift cards for families. “While extra funds for groceries are always needed, we also learned it’s a real treat for residents and family members to be able to dine out, especially after the past 18 months. And we can’t think of a better way to help SMHFC raise the spirits of the children and families it serves!” says Fantozzi. Plates with Purpose hopes to round out their first year with their largest goal yet of $5,000. The funds will all go toward gift cards from their partnering restaurants in North Providence, Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick, and Smithfield. Fantozzi and Capracotta are optimistic they’ll reach this goal. “What better time to rally around Rhode Island’s most vulnerable youth than the holidays?” To donate or for restaurants interested in participating in Plates with Purpose, visit PlatesWithPurpose.org. For gift donations to the SMHFC Holiday Giving Program, visit SMHFC.org/InKind-Holiday-2021/

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

H o usi ng | By Ian Donnis

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org

Housing is top priority in new recommendations on using RI’s $1B in ARPA money A panel unveiled recommendations [in October] for how to spend Rhode Island’s $1.065 billion in American Rescue Plan Act money, including using almost half of the money to address the state’s long-term housing crisis, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents. The recommendations were formed by the Rhode Island Foundation, the liberal Economic Progress Institute and the business-backed Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council during a months-long public process. The foundation took the lead in engaging the two other groups to arrange conversations, offer policy analysis,

and provide input on how to spend the money. The executive summary for the recommendations calls the $1 billion windfall “an historic opportunity to address and counter the disparate public health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which reflect long-standing inequities based on systemic racism, gender and disability. And, to ensure that investment of these funds supports a genuine recovery that is broad and inclusive, efforts to allocate ARPA funds need to be transparent and accountable to all Rhode Islanders.” On housing, the recommendations cite

goals of creating at least 5,150 units of affordable housing, remediating lead paint for 2,850 units, and renovating or repairing code violations at at least 4,000 homes. To do this, the trio of organizations call for spending $405 million from Rhode Island’s ARPA money. The other major areas covered in the findings – entitled “Make it Happen: Investing for Rhode Island’s Future” – include calling for the use $255 of the American Rescue Plan Act money for behavioral health; $205 million for workforce development; $100 million for small business assistance; $50 million to aid neighborhoods in

Photo by Ian Donnis

Michael DiBiase of RIPEC discusses some of the recommendations

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

addressing local concerns; and $50 million “in immediate relief to residents suffering from behavioral health disorders, domestic violence, lack of affordable child care, and economic, food and housing insecurity, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.” While the ARPA funds do not need to be spent until the end of 2026, and the spending planned until the end of 2024, RI Foundation CEO Neil Steinberg told reporters at a press conference at the foundation that he expects the process to gather momentum next year. “I would expect without being told that during the next budget cycle, which starts after January, that this money starts to be allocated,” Steinberg said. “Hopefully, we put in planning money, so it can be planned. It can’t all be used in the first year. It should be planned out what capacity needs to be built and done over that three years. But we’re hoping it would get started in the next session.” Steinberg said building capacity to achieve the goals included in the recommendations is a serious issue. In one such case, he said the groups are calling for a new state level housing czar to be a Cabinet-level office, rather than part of the Commerce Department, as approved by the legislature. Top lawmakers, who say the state Constitution gives them control over state spending, have remained somewhat guarded about specifics on the use of Rhode Island’s ARPA money and when the money will be allocated. In a joint statement, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said, “We thank Neil Steinberg and the Rhode Island Foundation for their leadership efforts and their collaboration with so many talented professionals to develop insightful suggestions on how to best invest these federal funds. The House and Senate Finance Committees will carefully review all of the proposals in a very public and transparent manner as we ensure our state makes the proper investments for a brighter future.” Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

N o n-P r o fi t | By Hugh Minor

Stepping Up to Lead the Way

From earning a high GPA to juggling deadlines, the academic demands on college students can be overwhelming. But on top of grades, this is the opportune time for students to learn critical skills like nurturing relationships, developing leadership, and serving their communities. That’s where College Leadership Rhode Island (CLRI) comes in, a program of the Providence-based organization Leadership Rhode Island that has been inspiring young people since it was founded in 2004. As Rhea Bhatia, a 2019 graduate of the program explains, “College taught me what to do on the job, but not how to network or make connections.” With approximately

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

450 graduates, the tuition-free program has adapted to the needs of its students and the community they are being prepared to serve. Dilasha Dixit, a participant in the current CLRI class, echoes these impacts: “When I joined, I was craving an environment where people are constantly bettering themselves. I can certainly say that my goal has been achieved and meeting different-minded people gave me new perspectives and broadened my mindset.” Part of the program’s evolution is a focus on well-being, preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives. The idea is that working adults cannot thrive in their careers if they are struggling in other areas of their lives, whether it be socially,

financially, or physically. That message rang true as the program continued throughout the COVID pandemic, responding to the unique needs of participants during that challenging time with a hybrid approach incorporating in-person and remote learning. “Even during the pandemic, students were able to build relationships with one another and connect with leaders throughout the state,” explains Samantha Bergbauer, CLRI program and alumni coordinator. “It prepares participants to step up once they complete the program.” To expand access to students from diverse communities who may not be aware of the program, Leadership Rhode Island

Photos courtesy of Leadership RI/Richard Staples

With the help of a Papitto Opportunity Connection grant, Leadership Rhode Island expands access to their college program

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Wishing You Health And Happiness This Holiday Season

was recently awarded a Papitto Opportunity Connection grant. The goal of the award is to offer a path for more young people of color to step into leadership positions. The $1.75 million grant to the organization – the largest in LRI’s history – includes funding to provide sponsorship support for college students participating in the year-long program. The Papitto Opportunity Connection is a private foundation dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of the state’s Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) population. “At the very core of this work is building a culture of inclusion, where everyone can put their innate talents into practice every

day to reach their highest potential,” says Michelle Carr, LRI deputy director. Graduates from CLRI have gone on to earn significant roles in government, the nonprofit community, and the private sector, including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island National Guard. Participants in CLRI enroll from colleges in Providence and throughout the state including Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island. Applications and nominations for CLRI open in December. Visit LeadershipRI.org to learn more.

Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733

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@schiffmansells ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

O P -ED: A H o l i da y Poem for the Times | By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman

’Twas a year before the election... ’Twas a year before the election, and all through the town, Many citizens were hiding, afraid of being shot down. The city’s finances are shaky and the neighborhoods are rough, Everybody’s praying for an election that can’t come soon enough.

As they circled my chimney, I thought I was cursed, They couldn’t even agree on who should go first. “I’m the lady,” said Nirva “so let me go down And I work at Brown… and they own the town.”

The candidates were looking for ideas that would resonate, While visions of winning made them feel great! And voters in masks, and I in my cap, Worried about spending the millions that had fell in our lap.

“I declared first,” said Gonzalo, “And I’m not going to vanish And, of course you all know I’m fluent in Spanish.” “I headed the Council,” Michael said, “so I should have dibs. Besides I’ll be most welcomed with my cookies and ribs.”

When right in downtown there arose such a clatter, I tried to find any news of what was the matter. Not a word on TV, nothing on Facebook or Twitter And as for the papers, they were already litter.

Bret knows government and worked with Gina and in City Hall. As he slowly moved closer, I was impressed by his gall. But before he could get there a fifth sleigh whizzed by, And a familiar old face looked down to say “hi.”

It was a full moon, but thank God no snow, The way they plow, I’d have nowhere to go. I looked through the haze, expecting a blaze, But all I could see were candidates in four different sleighs.

He was smoking a cigar and had a scotch in his hand, He had a big smile, you’d never know he had been banned. He called for an aide and miraculously one was there, Oh my God I thought, next someone will bring him his hair.

Each had a driver, all anxious and slick, I knew come next year, I’d get to see every trick. The city’s a mess, so they all should gain traction, They’ll be yipping and yapping and calling for action!

“When I left things were fine, now everywhere looks gritty! The next Mayor will have their hands full restoring my city! The finances are bad, the streets are a wreck and traffic is slowed, My sleigh got stopped by panhandlers on almost every road.

"Now Nirva! Now Michael! Now, Gonzalo and Brett!” Who’s ahead and who will join is still anyone’s bet! From the base of Hartford Park! To the top of Prospect Park! The race is on and they’ll all be looking for that spark!

“The schools are in trouble, and where’s the affordable housing? The only thing that seems to be working is the late-night carousing. There aren’t enough cops, and the public safety office is a joke, Maybe it’s time to do what’s right, and not kowtow to the woke!”

With our schools in shambles and those annoying bike lanes, The second-floor office desperately awaits new brains. Illegal ATVs and gangs have replaced the mob, Hopefully the new Mayor will let the cops do their job!

He headed to his sleigh, shouting, “I’m late, use the siren.” But first thanked the candidates, for at least they were tryin.’ And I heard him exclaim in a voice full of mirth, “Happy Holidays to all in the greatest city on earth.”

Photo courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB

With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore

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NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d N ews | Curated by Abbie Lahmers

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

Bundle up for winter events in Blackstone Park Conservation District As part of Blackstone Parks Conservancy’s monthly Art & Science in the Park series, Winter Birds will take place December 11 at 10am. The nature event led by artist and environmental educator Melissa Guillet of 15 Minute Field Trips invites families to learn about birds that live in the park’s woods and waterways, and also make a bird feeder and bird collage to take home. Online registration is required; for updates, visit Facebook: 15 Minute Field Trips. If you’ve walked in Blackstone Park in the last year, you may have noticed whimsical and eye-catching works created by nature/environmental artist Pam Steager with the conservancy’s approval. Now Steager is planning a family-friendly community event in collaboration with the conservancy, local libraries, and schools, and with support from RI State Council of the Arts. On Sunday, December 19 from 2-4:30pm, Calling Back the Light will include a labyrinth in Blackstone Field, mandala-making, and lantern procession to launch the mandala onto the Seekonk River. Bring your own source of light (no open flames) for the lantern procession and any materials from your yard that you’d like to add to the mandala. BlackstoneParksConservancy.org

Snow brigade and volunteering with Summit Neighborhood Association The Summit Neighborhood Association is resuming the Snow Brigade for the coming winter. Volunteers help elderly and disabled neighbors who have difficulty clearing their walks and driveways, and who cannot easily pay for this service. Shovelers work in teams, trading off two-week shifts so that nobody has to commit for the entire winter. Neighbors in need of assistance and volunteers interested in joining the effort can email SNASnow@gmail.com. Volunteers continue assisting the Mount Hope Community Center with its work distributing groceries from the food pantry every Wednesday and Friday to residents in need, and more volunteers are always needed to help with deliveries and unloading food pallets from the RI Food Bank on Fridays. Contact SNAProv@gmail. com to join the volunteer email list. 24

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Photo courtesy of Blackstone Parks Conservancy

Specializing in Historic Property on the West Side, Broadway Armory District and Historic Elmwood for the past 20 years.

Explore Blackstone Park with winter programming

Neighbors weigh in on Fox Point waterfront development In mid-October, leaders from three Boston-based development firms shared building proposals with Fox Point neighbors for the area of land located between South Main and South Water streets at the eastern edge of the Michael S. Van Leesten pedestrian bridge (current home of the 10,000 Suns exhibit). Each of the developers is hoping to win approval from the I-195 Commission through its multi-step, competitive bidding process. Since October, Fox Point residents have offered feedback on these designs. On one hand, neighbors expressed concern that all three designs are too large and cumbersome – each with six-story mixed-use residences spanning two large city blocks – while others were concerned that the developers did not include enough mixed-housing units, did not allot adequate parking, or did not plan for ecological events such as storm water surges and flooding. On the other hand, two of the three designs have also garnered enthusiasm. “I admire the way the ‘city walk’ concept flows through the property…and allows pedestrians to connect to other parts of Providence,” commented one neighbor of the proposal by the Parent + Diamond firm. Others praised the brick exterior of the Urbanica design, as well as that firm’s appealing facade on South Main Street, dynamic ground-level gathering spaces, and apartments for artists. Given the dramatic influx of housing developments into the area in the coming months and years, Fox Point Neighborhood Association hopes the winning developer will consider neighbor feedback when modifying its plans.

Call for feedback on temporary urban trail on Hope Street The Providence Streets Coalition and Thriving Places Collaborative are working with local partners, residents, and businesses to test a temporary “urban trail” on Hope Street in Providence next spring from Lauriston Avenue to Olney Street, as per the City of Providence’s Great Streets Plan. The trail would consolidate parking to one side of Hope Street and create a trail for walking, jogging, rolling, and biking on the other side. The temporary trail would be in place for just a few days, and give residents and business owners a chance to experience this potential change in 3D, interact with it, and give their informed feedback. The data collected before, during, and after the demonstration will help local community groups and the City of Providence as they plan future street interventions for safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive mobility. PVD Streets Coalition is soliciting input on what community members would like to see happen as part of this temporary trail experiment. Take the survey at PVDStreets.org/hope

Call Jane Driver 401.641.3723 Happy to assist you with all of your real estate needs

jdriver@residentialproperties.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d N ews

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: December 13 Amy Mendillo P.O. Box 2315, Providence, RI 02906 FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net

Fox Point neighbors are considering three development proposals for Parcel 2 of the I-195 District, current home to the 10,000 Suns exhibit

Mount Hope Community Center 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. Olneyville Neighborhood Association Eduardo Sandoval 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 ONAProvidence@gmail.com Facebook: Olneyville Library Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Info@provcna.org, ProvCNA.org Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street info@ppsri.org PPSRI.org

Jewelry District Association Sharon Steele Sharon@sharonsteele.com JewelryDistrict.org Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI

Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association David Talan 25 Santiago Street. Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com

Mile of History Association Wendy Marcus c/o Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02903 MileOfHistory@gmail.com MileOfHistory.org

Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

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: December 20 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 Amy Mendillo

Providence Neighborhood Associations

39orchard.com

169Power.com

39 ORCHARD AVENUE East Side of Providence | $1,695,000

Greene | Sweeney 401.553.6315

514 BL ACKSTONE BOULEVARD East Side of Providence | $1,495,000

Gerri Schiffman 401.474.3733

50 BARNES STREET East Side of Providence | $995,000

Rebecca Mayer 401.447.8040

Erkkinen-Cohen Group 401.553.6364

103 BEAUFORT STREET, UNIT 1 Providence | $319,900

Jacob Rochefort 401.688.3000

163 MEDWAY STREET, UNIT 1 East Side of Providence | $629,000

Barrington 401.245.9600

Cumberland 401.333.9333

East Greenwich 401.885.8400

Little Compton 401.635.8590

Jim DeRentis 401.529.2188

169 POWER STREET East Side of Providence | $1,575,000

Narragansett 401.783.2474

Newport 401.619.5622

Providence 401.274.6740

West Side PVD 401.457.3400

Westport MA 508.636.4760

NEWS & CITY LIFE

Rho dy Ge m | By Abbie Lahmers

The CBD Farm Stand Apothecary shop 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: Along with CBD tinctures, salves, edibles, and beauty products, find self-care goods like athleisure wear, crystals and minerals, soy candles, herbal supplements, and more.

What makes it a Rhody Gem? Every kind of CBD product you can imagine, this shop has it. Though not a literal farm stand, the Providence storefront has grown its roots popping up at farmers markets all over Rhode Island and New England. Set up much like a gift store, you’ll find a welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere whether you know exactly what kind of CBD you’re looking for or are new to the world of cannabidiol. “We always try to make the customer feel at home,” explains co-owner Sebastian Reynolds. “Our CBD products come in all different strengths to tailor to individual needs.” Looking for a unique curio or cozy accessory? Browse resin jewelry, ashtrays, and coasters from Hummingbird Fight Club, crystals mined right here in RI from Lucid Collection, hand-poured soy candles from Rosewicks, art by a different local artist each month, and other gifts. Everything in the store is locally sourced, and much of it handmade, too!

The CBD Farm Stand To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com

685 North Main Street • @cbdfarmstandpvd Facebook: The CBD Farm Stand

Photo courtesy of The CBD Farm Stand

Where to find it: Just past the Whole Foods plaza on North Main Street, watch for the CBD flag waving in front of the building neighboring Rhode Runner.

Holiday Holiday Shopping Shopping IN THE

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SPONSORED CONTENT SECTION

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CITY SHOPPING GUIDE

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Nurses

Speech Language Pathologists

BCBAs & More

YOUR LOC AL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR.

ENGEL&VOLKERS ADVISOR 247 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-479-9541 • agil.nadirov@evrealestate.com agilnadirov.evrealestate.com

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM HOUSE.

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JOIN US FOR THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE’S

Annual Holiday tree lighting Ceremonies FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

LIFE & STYLE Home | Influencer | Shop | Rhody Reads

A coat hanger and storage bench transform the entryway into a mudroom

Second Nature Patterns of use inform custom furniture inside a carpenter’s East Side home Buying a house can be a daunting step, especially when doing it remotely during a pandemic. But that’s exactly how it all went down for Nolan Wells and wife Hilary Lewis, who were living in Chicago when they decided to follow through with plans to relocate to be closer to Lewis’ family. “We stuck with the plan as the pandemic began and worsened. We bought the house remotely, which was kind of scary to make such a big/important purchase based on some camera phone photos and FaceTime calls, but we’re thrilled with the house and the neighborhood,” says Wells. Photography by Nolan Wells ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

LIFE & STYLE

H o me | By Elyse Major

A custom radiator cover turns the fixture into a stylish surface

The house is a four-bedroom Colonial nestled in Mount Hope, the East Side neighborhood known for its charming warren of streets. “We like old houses,” begins Wells. “Their character, history, squeaks, and even some of the challenges that they come with. A walkable/ bikeable neighborhood that had a lot of other families and kids was at the top of our wishlist, too,” he says, referring to the couple’s two young children.

Handmade, Minimalist, Elegant & Refined Jewelry for the Beautiful Soul

“

Photography by Nolan Wells

Visit my booth at the Foundry Show: Dec 3-5 & Dec 10-12

The beauty and quality of the merchandise was superb. The friendly smile and courtesy makes me want to buy again. - Abby G.

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@FLOWEREDSKY

FLOWEREDSKY.COM | 837-8447 ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

LIFE & STYLE

H o me | By Elyse Major

Inside the century-old home, don’t expect to find antiques, but a mix of furnishings with clean lines and Wells’ own handiwork of streamline pieces that combine form, function, and a reverence for different wood types. Earlier this year, he founded Wellsbuilt, a one-man business focusing on bespoke furniture for both residential and commercial clients. Wells, who previously worked as a photographer and a graphic/ web designer, shares that he’s been wood-

Built-in record cabinet featuring a recessed turntable, integrated no-touch lighting, and matching display shelf

Photography by Nolan Wells

working his “whole adult life” and attended the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. “My stepdad was a carpenter, so my twin brother and I got used to working with tools and machines at an early age.” Fun fact: brother Ryan is also a woodworker in Seattle, and “yes, we’re named after the baseball pitcher,” says Wells. Wells finds inspiration in many different styles and eras of furniture design: “Shaker, Arts and Craft, Mid-century Modern, etc. –

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

LIFE & STYLE

Photography by Nolan Wells

H o me | By Elyse Major

Ideally I combine some of those aesthetic embellishments that balance with the functional role that the piece of furniture is going to serve. Mostly I like to keep it simple and just let clean and purposeful lines work in tandem with the natural beauty of the wood to anchor the design,” he says. Still new to the Ocean State, Wells shares that a large map of Rhode Island serves as wall decor by the back door, “to help us learn the lay of the land,” he says with a smile. Although for now he admits, “We spend the most time in our dining room. It gets great light and has room for a couch so my wife and I can get comfortable while we endure the nightly ritual of trying to get our kids to eat their dinner.”

Estate Liquidation or Downsizing Can Be Stressful… And There Are No Second Chances.

RAE DAVIS

Owner and East Side Resident Auctioneers, mom & pop shops, pawn brokers, internet consignors, and private buyers all offer very limited solutions with high risk factors. At the R.I. Antiques Mall, we have 35 years of experience helping folks to navigate all aspects of the liquidation process while optimizing the sales potential of every item.

Don’t Know Us Yet? Ask Your Neighbors! BUY – CONSIGN – APPRAISE AUCTION – RESTORE LIQUIDATE www.RIAntiquesMall.com 401-475-3400 345 Fountain St. Pawtucket, Rhode Island The Rhode Island Antiques Mall is a 100% Woman-Owned Business.

A climbing wall steps in for a ladder and makes space for storage ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

LIFE & STYLE

H o me | By Elyse Major

GET RHODY STYLE Nolan Wells shares thoughts and resources on his new life in the Ocean State. LOCAL LOVE “We love Rhody Craft on Hope Street, great for little gifts and the owner is really nice. Best way to get an Ocean State vibe? Shop local – support local businesses, artists, and makers.”

WELLS WORK In addition to large custom pieces, shop online for pieces by Wells including a mirror shelf, armrest cup holder, and plant hook. Wellsbuilt.co

Custom plant hook/hanger

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

Photography by Nolan Wells

TOOLS OF THE TRADE “I’ve been happy with the wood I’ve used from the Rhode Island Sawmill in Coventry. They have a great selection of RI-native lumber that is high quality and kiln-dried and almost all of their stock is live edge which is popular these days. There’s also a woodworking supply store in Pawtucket – JD Lacourse & Son, Inc. – which is where I got my SawStop table saw, the cornerstone of my shop. I often zip over to grab router bits, sanding discs, etc. so it’s great to have them nearby.”

n e d n e k c i W a ’s It

d n a l r e d n o W

Responsibly sourced Vintage and name brand fashion, designer at a discount and other unique treasures! 117 Brook St. • 654-6935 • urbanthreadpvd.com

S tr ol l th is qu a in t Ea st S id e st r ee t an n ea r b y B r oo k S tr d ee t to fi n d so m e n ew sh op s a n d ol d c la ss ics fo r g if ts fo r ev er y on e on y ou r lis t!

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A lifestyle shop highlighting local and artisan makers, with a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, home decor, gifts, and vintage items.

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Red Bridge Antiques The Matchbox is a collaborative store between local artists Milkcan Industries and Parched. Come to The Matchbox for original designs and Rhode Island themed t-shirts, mugs, gifts and more. 163 Brook St. • @thematchboxri thematchboxri.com

Lore is a curated, handmade lifestyle shop. We pride ourselves in carrying & bringing to You fair-trade, and mostly women owned brands. This holiday season, enjoy our selection of cozy accessories & holiday ornaments & decor!

Red Bridge Antiques has been buying and selling the best antique and vintage items since the 80’s. Truly unique gift are found here! 416 Wickenden St. • redbridgeantiques.com

144 Brook St. • @studio_lore @lorecollection • lorecollection.com

Wickenden Area Merchants Association | shopwickenden.com |

LIFE & STYLE

I nfl ue nce r | By Sascha Roberts

Meet Maria Tocco How a visit to Brooklyn led to founding one of Rhody’s most vibrant community markets

Just four years later, you started the Flea in June of 2013 with 30 vendors. Today you have multiple fleas with different locations, food trucks, musicians, themes, and so many different vendors. Describe that journey. There have been hard lessons in improvising and adapting. Not having a permanent home for the Flea has been an ongoing challenge, but it has always worked out with the help of good partners in government and the community. I was also fortunate to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses program, which was incredibly helpful in growth planning.

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

What has been your favorite part of managing the Flea and why? Meeting so many interesting and creative people over these nine years, bringing together so many passionate dreamers and doers – helping them plant their seeds in a patch of grass downtown – and watching them grow into a bustling, award-winning community market. Why is it so important to carefully select small and micro businesses for the Flea? We have an application process to make sure vendors are a good fit. I don’t stray from the mission because featuring local, independent, small and micro businesses is what distinguishes us from other markets. We don’t accept service or retail businesses, multi-level marketing, direct sales reps, or franchises. There is nothing mass-produced or new at our market unless it’s handmade or edible! And the vintage dealers offer quality items like vinyl records, retro housewares, vintage maps, comic books, sports memorabilia, art, etc.

Tell us about your pre-Flea career. I made my career in communications and engagement for 30 years here and abroad. I started the Flea in 2013 while working for the state’s first female lieutenant governor at the time. She was term-limited, and I was recruited by another state department; I left that job two years later as one of the deputy chiefs at HealthSource RI. Although it was rewarding work and I loved my team there, I knew that my heart was in growing my business, and I took the leap. With the holiday season coming up, where are some of your favorite places to shop small? Honestly, I shop at our Holiday Markets because there are so many things I want to give as gifts. And it’s all to support local makers and indie businesses. Where else could I pick up a hand-knit hat, a bar of goat milk soap, a potted plant, an original painting, a cinnamon babka, a vintage Pyrex bowl, and a recording of Ray Charles live at Newport Jazz? With a changing weekly lineup, I can cover everyone on my list, including me!

Photo courtesy of Maria Tocco

How did Providence Flea come to be? I’ve always been drawn to open-air markets and seek them out when traveling. My first trip to the famous Brooklyn Flea was in 2009. I was instantly in love with the idea of artists and makers mashed up with vintage and consignment. The creativity, the community, the energy of it was infectious. The maker movement was just taking off, and I knew I wanted to shop at a market like that in Providence. But there wasn’t one at the time.

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R I

LIFE & STYLE

Sho p | By Elyse Major

Stocking Stuffers If you ever wonder, ”what’s so special about shopping at a small business,” you only have to wander into Stock Culinary Goods. Owner Jan Dane proclaims to be “obsessed with all things food,” and there is a palpable joy of cooking in her neighborhood kitchen store. Inside, the vibe is warm and helpful, never hovering, and over the years she has filled the shelves with everything ware – from cook to serve to bake. Stock’s stock is a veritable

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

who’s who of New England makers, and customers will find everything to host, gift, play, and even get advice on things like pepper grinders. “Holidays at Stock practically have their own weather system,” Dane says with a laugh. “From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, it’s a constant churn of mixing, mingling, celebrating, catching up, and spreading good cheer with legions of customers, old and new.”

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L VE

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LIFE & STYLE

Rho dy Re a ds | By Hugh Minor

Rhody Reads Six books to get you warmed up for the holiday season

t’s official: the holiday season is here and buying local can also extend to authors. These six charming selections are sure to put you in the spirit. Each illustrated book captures feelings of joy and love, especially cherished at this time of year. Holiday books make thoughtful gifts for others and yourself, so be sure to visit your local independent bookseller. If they don’t have a title in stock, chances are good they’ll be very happy to order it for you. Winter Blessings by Izzy Abrahamson (also known as Rhode Island storyteller Mark Binder) is a delightful collection of 11 stories and a novella celebrating the spirit of Chanukah (or Hanukkah). This finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature brings a modern take to the traditional stories of this ancient holiday, and each tale is perfect for the entire family. The beloved winter tale The Polar Express was created by RISD graduate Chris Van Allsburg. Beautifully illustrated and skillfully written, the fable reminds us that the magic of Christmas lives on. The Caldecott Medal winner was turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Tom Hanks but the original picture book remains as rich and powerful as ever for all who truly believe.

Imagine experiencing the final season of the year for the first time. You can do just that through the eyes – and nose – of a dog as he learns what to expect in Klaus’ First Winter by Denise Flagg. In this fun tale for kids of all ages, learn about the changing seasons and how they impact wildlife in New England from the perspective of our four-legged friend. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the book benefit local animal shelters.

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Did you ever wonder who handles all of the mail that gets sent to the North Pole? That job belongs to the main character in Post Mark: Santa’s Misfit Postman. Written by Mark Perry and illustrated by Lia Marcoux (whose work has appeared in this magazine), we follow misunderstood Mark as he journeys to find his true calling with a lesson about following your dreams even when others don’t believe in you. Check out its follow up, Post Mark: The North Pole Postman Visits Rhode Island. Barrington’s own Christopher Denise illustrates A Redwall Winter’s Tale, part of Brian Jacques’ Redwall children’s fantasy series. A riddle must be solved as the Dibbuns of Redwall Abbey unravel the mystery of the Snow Badger, Lord of Wintertide, who comes on the first night of winter, bringing snow across the land. Denise’s rich illustrations fill the book and your heart with warmth as you enjoy this tale for a long winter’s night. Ho ho ho! Jo Parry presents a local twist on the classic holiday tale with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in Rhode Island. Children and adults alike will be delighted to see Santa and his eight tiny reindeer flying past the landmarks we all know so well. You’ll return to these pages time and again as you discover new details you hadn’t noticed before. See if you recognize your favorite sites from the Ocean State before wishing a “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

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

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES Great reasons to never buy books at that A to Z place again: Barrington Books: BarringtonBooks.com Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook Books on the Pond: Charlestown, BooksOnThePond.com Books on the Square: Providence, BookSq.com Cellar Stories Bookstore: Providence, CellarStories.com Charter Books: Newport, CharterBookStore.com Inkfish Books: Warren, InkFishBooks.com Island Books: Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org Island Bound Bookstore: Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com Lovecraft Arts & Sciences: Providence, WeirdProvidence.org Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com Rarities Books & Bindery: Wakefield, RaritiesOnline.com Riffraff Bookstore + Bar: Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooksRI.com Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

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WINTER CITY

Strolls

BUSY SIDEWALKS AND TWINKLING LIGHTS SIGNAL THE RETURN OF HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN THE CITY BY ABBIE LAHMERS

Photo by Ashley Symons

ver the past two holiday seasons, we’ve found creative ways to celebrate in spite of smaller gatherings and travel restrictions, whether ordering gifts (and bulk packages of TP for good measure) from our couches or belting carols over Zoom and out our windows. It’s made for some interesting new traditions – but this year there’s a palpable optimism that has many of us craving the fellowship December is all about. As we hit the city’s favorite shopping spots, it’s hard not to notice the return of festive cheer.

The holiday spirit certainly permeates downtown, especially on December Saturdays. “This year, we knew it would be important to do everything we could to amplify what our businesses are already doing that is great,” says Joanna Levitt, director of marketing for the merchants’ association InDowncity, discussing this season’s expanded Celebrate Downcity holiday festival. Because they weren’t able to host any programming last year due to COVID, the return of this event – which used to be a single day of festivities to kick off the season – will be extra special. “Over the summer we worked with a

group called Soulita, who turned out to be very great partners and very like-minded in the fact that they’re a brand themselves. Like us, they’re very interested in gathering the community around small business and makers, particularly local makers,” says Levitt. Using InDowncity’s event planning experience and connections with brickand-mortar retailers and Soulita’s network of makers, Saturdays at Grant’s Block and Westminster Street (the section between Eddy and Union streets) will be transformed with holiday greenery, food trucks, live music, and more than 20 vendors selling

everything from candles and cosmetics to vintage clothing and art. “Our vision for all marketplaces we host is to create a level playing field for all businesses participating,” explains Lexus Fernandez, who co-owns Soulita, an Olneyville-based skincare brand, with Evan Delpeche. “We do this by supplying resources for all vendors, from tents to Square cards. We give the community a unique, local business list to support. From marketplaces to community clean-ups, we plan on giving back to this community before giving out to the world.”

Photos courtesy of InDowncity

Celebrate Downcity 2021 stretches the festivities into four Saturdays

MICRO MAKERS Along with brick-and-mortars Craftland, Queen of Hearts and Modern Love, Symposium Books and Records, The Vault Collective, Civil, Homestyle, and Eno Fine Wines participating in Celebrate Downcity, watch for these vendors (confirmed at press date) popping up at Grant’s Block Saturdays in December. BEAUTY Carolina Cosmetics Earthly Essentials Soulita APPAREL Faded Thrift Situated The Brand, LLC PLANTS The Greek Gardener ARTS & GIFTS The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop The Heal Room Hope Street Candle Co. The Kind Shop Owner Knots of Art LLC RAH Ceramics Tea to a Flame

WINTER MARKETS

Photos courtesy of Bloom Collective

THROUGH DECEMBER 19 Providence Flea Holiday Markets: The Providence Flea is indoors at Farm Fresh RI every Friday evening and Sunday for their annual holiday markets featuring hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted, and small-batch items. ProvidenceFlea.com Through December 23 Little Pictures Show & Sale: A tradition since 1904, this Providence Art Club sale is one of the largest and longest running shows of its kind, featuring over 600 works of art under 16 inches and $300, perfect for the art lover on your list. ProvidenceArtClub.org West End Wonderland: Browse a winter wonderland chock full of handmade and vintage products for a one-of-a-kind one-stop gift shop, curated by Bloom Collective and celebrating local makers and artisans. WeAreBloomCollective.com Through December 31 Craftland Holiday Extravaganza: Take the sense of whimsy Craftland instills in every curio on display, add a healthy dose of holiday cheer, and you get this shopping extravaganza. Facebook: Craftland December 2-5, 10-12 The Foundry Show: The Foundry Artist Association’s annual artist-run show returns in person to the Pawtucket Armory with high-quality goods in all genres. Admission is a non-perishable food donation. Pawtucket, FoundryShow.com December 4, 11, & 18 Celebrate Downcity 2021: InDowncity and Soulita present a series of downtown shopping events bringing together local businesses, musicians, artists, and food vendors. InDowncity.com December 4-5 Fine Furnishings Winter Market: Visit the WaterFire Arts Center to peruse 100 vendors sure to inspire gift ideas for everyone on your list (even yourself!). WaterFire.org December 11 Holiday Stroll: Get your holiday shopping in by strolling the festive Wayland Square during this annual event, which in the past drew carolers, pop-ups, luminaries, and more. WaylandSquareRI.com December 18 LGBTQQIA+ Artisan Marketplace: Haus of Codec hosts a variety of local artisans and vendors at the Cranston Street Armory. Facebook: Haus of Codec December 18-19 Providence Artisans Holiday Show: Over 70 local artists will have their wares on display at the WaterFire Arts Center, from handmade paintings and ceramics to jewelry, woodwork, and more, plus food trucks. Facebook: Providence Artisans Market December 19 Just In Time Art Sale!: Hey procrastinators, this one’s for you. Locally made gifts for last-minute shoppers. Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, ProvidenceRI.gov

Bloom Collective’s West End Wonderland

West End Wonderland is a pop-up that showcases local makers for holiday shopping

Celebrate Downcity is far from the only holiday market drawing folks away from cyber shopping and into the chilly air to support businesses and makers in their neighborhoods. This year, the Buy Local RI initiative is focusing their outreach around small, under-the-radar markets – the stuff of holiday memories. “One of the things for me, when I was a kid, was going to holiday markets and bazaars and church festivals, street parties and things like that,” says Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. “That’s going to be the theme of Buy Local.” While they’ll also be promoting the big-ticket Christmas lightings and events that may be more well-known, “we want to make sure we represent all of the cities and all of the communities,” Adamo emphasizes, by translating outreach efforts into Spanish, for instance, and “another big push for us is going to be helping downtown.” Meanwhile, on the Westminster strip across I-95, Bloom Collective is bringing the cheer by curating a winter pop-up experience. West End Wonderland is a shopping extravaganza that brings together gifts by local creatives in a single space. Along with placing a variety of goods (think stained glass, specialty apothecary, handmade textiles, and jewelry) at visitors’ fingertips, “we also hope that this will be helpful for folks running micro-businesses to reach new customers,” owners Savannah Barkley and Heather Wolfenden explain. “Since Bloom Collective handles staffing/merchandising, etc., this allows [the micro-businesses] to more widely share their product and be in more than one place at once.”

The grand tree at City Hall will be set aglow December 3

Photos courtesy of Timothy Rondeau

Even as this winter may feel like a reemergence for many, brick-and-mortar retailers and micro-businesses continue navigating an ever-changing landscape. “The fatigue is real,” Levitt notes. In her work as both the director of commercial leasing for Cornish Associates focusing on the first-floor, commercial activity of their properties and marketing for InDowncity, she’s seen retailers and restaurateurs who kept their doors open through COVID now “having to put extra time and thought into the unknown and take some leaps of faith” approaching the holidays. “They’re having to be really nimble, and obviously that requires a lot more time and planning than it did prior,” Levitt continues. “A lot of small businesses, particularly retail, are buying a quarter or two quarters ahead and then with some of these shipping and supply chain delays, they’ve had to think even further ahead.” But unlike last year, one thing is for certain: there will be customers.

Stick around for a skating program following the BankNewport City Center tree lighting

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Photo courtesy of Lippett House

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DECEMBER 4

Bumper Cars and Ice Skating: Glide around the BankNewport City Center Rink beneath the sparkling Christmas tree lights. TheProvidenceRink.com

WaterFire Celebrates the Holidays: A basin lighting will illuminate Waterplace Park for the final WaterFire of the year, ringing in the holiday season in the city. WaterFire.org

THROUGH JANUARY 2 Holiday Lights Spectacular: A new festive walk-through experience at Roger Williams Park Zoo, thousands of dazzling lights in larger-than-life luminous displays are sure you get you in the spirit. RWPZoo.org DECEMBER 3 City of Providence Annual Tree Lighting: See the grand tree in front of City Hall illuminated, with help from members of the Trinity Repertory Company, followed by the lighting of the BankNewport City Center tree and a show featuring performances by nationally ranked skaters. ProvidenceRI.gov

Lippitt Outdoor Holiday Photo Opp: Don your merriest apparel and visit the Lippitt House Museum for a chance to have your family or friend group of up to six professionally photographed for your seasonal greetings. PreserveRI.org DECEMBER 9 Calligraphy & Ornament Lettering: An evening at Reiners in the Graduate Providence gets a festive twist with calligraphy and fancy ornament lettering over cocktails. Facebook: Graduate Providence DECEMBER 11 7th Annual Community Tamalada: At La Galería del Pueblo, Rhode Island Latino Arts hosts a gathering of tamale making and family reading of the beloved Mexican children’s Christmas story, Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. Register online. RILatinoArts.org

Capture a holiday moment at Lippitt House Museum’s photo opp

Levitt anticipates a bustling street of shoppers on Celebrate Downcity Saturdays – whether laden with shopping bags or enjoying a beer and snacks beneath the iconic sparkling lights. With a December 4 stroll falling on the same day as the final WaterFire of the season and the City Hall and Providence Rink tree lightings drawing folks from near and far, the mood is sure to be festive, and Levitt jokingly promises, “It’s not gonna snow on Saturdays in December” – though even if there are flurries, the event will still go on. For retailers, she explains, “This holiday hopefully will be one of the first times they’ll feel the return of all of that hard work.”

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ART & CULTURE Theater | Profile | Calendar

An Extraordinary Reality A solo show at RISD showcases the work of the Pakistan-born artist and notable RISD alum The Shahzia Sikander: Extraordinary Realities exhibition currently on view at the RISD Museum explores the first 15 years of Sikander’s career, tracking her development from a young painter in Pakistan to an established artist in New York. During these years, Sikander delved into the marginal spaces between countries, languages, and mediums to explore what might be mined to build an artistic identity, albeit an ever-shifting and evolving one. Sikander began her studies at the National College of Arts in Lahore during the reign of conservative President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. There she received a formal education in traditional miniature painting: small works on paper in jewel-like mineral-based hues, made by male court painters in the region since the 13th century. To a viewer educated in the Western art tradition, these paintings can initially be difficult to decipher. Space and perspective are handled in unexpected ways, and multiple narrative events may occur simultaneously within a single panel. As in European miniature painting, a central narrative image is often surrounded by a decorative border featuring flowers and other botanical subjects, script, or geometric motifs; many pages are enlivened with gold leaf. These paintings were initially bound in albums for wealthy collectors, but under European colonial rule many albums were cut up and sold by the page, leaving few of these masterpieces in Central and South Asia. The deliberate destruction of these traditional art practices is keenly felt by Sikander and others working against the legacy of colonialism. Sikander’s National College of Arts thesis work The Scroll (1989-90) revitalized the long abandoned medium, leading to the birth of the neominiature movement in Pakistan and abroad. Following graduation, she moved to Rhode Island and earned her MFA at RISD in Painting and Printmaking in 1995. Her multimedia work uses classical Indo-Persian motifs to grapple with the complex legacy of British colonialism and present-day American imperialism in Pakistan and the surrounding regions, as well as her own experience with racism and Islamophobia in the United States. In Sikander’s painting, traditional subjects such as gopis (beautiful cowherd servants of the Hindu god Krishna), griffins, peacocks, and angels are upended and abstracted, sometimes dissolving entirely. Central images regularly trespass into and beyond decorative borders. Architectural elements project vertiginously towards the viewer, while bodies are deconstructed and reassembled in unsettling configurations. Female figures in Sikander’s paintings have power and agency, interior worlds, complex identities. By deconstructing and reimagining the conventions of miniature painting, Sikander has begun the monumental work of decolonizing the medium, and South and Central Asian cultural heritage at large. A prominent through line of Sikander’s work is a rejection of the fixed definitions, dichotomies, and categories that define canonical art history. Citing the “mercurial nature of identity,” she explores the ways in which personal, cultural, and national identity are both self determined and externally defined – and how they might be built anew by those they concern the most. Extraordinary Realities is on view at the RISD Museum until January 30, 2022. | By Julia Barber Photo courtesy of the artist and Sean Kelly, New York ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

ART & CULTURE

T he a t e r | By Robert Isenberg

Enter Laughing The opening of Kismet Improv helps fill the pandemic-induced comedy void that they would start their own venue, Kismet Improv. Nestled into the Hope Artiste Village complex in Pawtucket, Kismet is a black box theater with a simple stage and 40 seats. Kismet held its grand opening at the end of September, and for many, the new space is a glimmer of hope in a humorless time. Before the pandemic, Rhode Island boasted a feisty improv scene, including the venue Wage House and the Providence Improv Guild (P.I.G.). Meanwhile, the Providence Improv Festival was held for 16 straight years and hosted teams from across the country. But when performance spaces shut down around the world, all this comedy went quiet. Even Wage House, which had offered a popular training program for novices, was forced to shutter.

The Bruneauxs wanted to fill that void, and their journey was blessed with, well, kismet. First, Cotter Bruneaux recently finished an MBA from Providence College in Business Administration, and she wanted to make Kismet financially viable. “We want to be a fun theater,” she says, “but we’ve got to make it a successful business.” Next, the Bruneauxs stumbled upon Hope Artiste Village, the former industrial complex that houses an arcade of small businesses. “We had no idea how business-friendly Pawtucket really is,” Cotter Bruneaux marvels. Not only did they land a quality space, but they benefited from a liquor license that covers the whole building. Normally, such licenses come for a hefty price and may require long wait times, but Kismet was able to sell libations at its very first show.

Photography by Tony Pacitti, courtesy of Kismet Improv

Taylor Cotter Bruneaux knows the transformative power of laughter. Ten years ago, she was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and she wasn’t doing great. “I was lonely and depressed, which I think a lot of comedians are,” she recalls. So Cotter Bruneaux tried something new: she took a class in improvisational comedy. Through unscripted joke-telling, Cotter Bruneaux built herself back up. She honed her improv skills, she became heavily involved in the Boston comedy scene, and she served as executive producer for more than 100 improv shows. Her husband, Luke Bruneaux, is also a prolific improv comic and comedy producer, when he’s not working as a director of data science for a major medical company. So when the couple returned to their native Rhode Island in 2017, it only made sense

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

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They also teamed up with local comic Ayla Ahlquist, who serves as Kismet’s director of operations, and a roster of seasoned improvisers, who lead comedy classes. Today, Kismet hosts regular in-person shows while still observing COVID guidelines. Interested rookies can sign up for a course in Improv Fundamentals, and more seasoned comics can take intermediate classes. The Bruneauxs believe strongly in the personal benefits of improv; Kismet offers a sliding scale for low-income students, and they are striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “If someone wants to take an improv class, they shouldn’t need cash in the bank to do it,” says Cotter Bruneaux. “We’ve had a lot of people come out and take the workshops. People are really excited.” Cotter Bruneaux notes the steep admission fee, usually around $20 for an evening show. While many improv companies sell much cheaper tickets, Cotter Bruneaux hopes to earn this price through quality performance. “Everyone is rebuilding,” says Cotter Bruneaux. “But whatever comes next, we want to be influential in it.” Visit KismetImprov.com for upcoming shows, including An Improvised Christmas Carol on December 11 and 18. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket.

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ART & CULTURE

P r o fi l e | By Karen Greco

Crafting A Christmas Carol for Post-Pandemic Times Joe Wilson, Jr. takes the helm of Trinity Rep’s annual production

Trinity Repertory Company member Joe Wilson, Jr. has appeared seven times in the theater’s annual production of A Christmas Carol – three times playing Scrooge. This year, he takes the helm, marking his first time directing for the theater. Wilson’s career took a circuitous route. “I was always a performer,” he says with a laugh, noting that he came to it out of advocacy. During his junior year as a Political Science major at the University of Notre Dame, he and a tight-knit group of BIPOC students, frustrated by the lack of support for students of color, formed a coalition called Students United in Respect. They drafted a list of demands and organized a sit-in at Notre Dame’s famed dome, with over 500 students taking part. “Ten years later, many of the things we fought for were implemented,” he reflects. But after three years of campus organizing, politics wore him out. So in his senior year, he took an acting class. “It allowed me to live in the truth of who I am.” He applied to both law

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

school and graduate acting programs, receiving more acceptances for acting than lawyering. His decision was easy. “I inherently love being in the community of theater.” It is this community – and his desire to put people together in community – that drove his pivot to directing. COVID derailed plans for Wilson to direct the 2020 production of A Christmas Carol. Instead, he played Scrooge in Trinity’s virtual version. Tackling the production a year later, he leaned into shared pandemic experiences and the country’s racial reckoning. Wilson’s “uniquely American Christmas Carol’’ honors writer Charles Dickens’ time period but creates a multicultural world that reflects the one we live in now. “I knew it had to be a diverse piece,” he says. “I wanted to be as intentional as possible. What did it mean to have [actor] Ricardo Pitts-Wiley play Marley? To have a Black man be in partnership with Scrooge? For him to arrive on stage in chains? What did Marley give up to do this?” “Dickens wrote an inherently political tale,”

he continues, noting that the original novel was a cautionary story about capitalism run amok. “All the things we are talking about right now.” “It’s times like these that we are seeking answers. The play speaks to the way we seek the divine. Not God,” he clarifies, “but that thing that allows us to see humanity. To some people, it’s dogma. To some, it’s nature. To some, it’s ghosts. But these are all ways to tap into the best of who we are.” Wilson’s advocacy, sparked as a student, continues both on and off the stage. He’s active in various mentorship programs in Providence and in initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion. He calls out inequities inherent in theater as an institution with tough love. “Regional theater was formed as an alternative to the commercial theater happening in New York and LA. But we remade ourselves in their image,” he says. “The work that needs to be done is very hard. What I’ve learned is grace and joy in doing the work to make our institutions safe and equitable.”

Photo courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company

The cast and director Joe Wilson, Jr. gather for first rehearsal of Trinity Rep’s 45th production of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Marisa Lenardson

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ART & CULTURE

Ca l e nda r | By Karen Greco

The Must List 10 essential events this month

FirstWorks presents violinist Johnny Gandelsman performing selections from This is America

December 7 The pop-punk band The Wonder Years, a Vans Warped Tour mainstage alum, takes the stage at Fete Music Hall for their northeast December tour. FeteMusic.com

December 9-11, 13-17: The Providence Public Library displays extracted items from their process-based exhibition Rewilding: Alive in the Churn, curated by artist Kotone Deguchi and co-produced by PVD Young Makers. ProvLib.org

December 10: Johnny Knoxville sidekick Steve-O makes a stop in Providence for his Bucket List Tour. The show at The Strand mixes standup with film screenings of his wild stunts. TheStrandRI.com

December 10:

Through December 12:

December 4:

December 10 & 12:

Don’t miss your shot at tickets to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning genre-smashing hip-hop hit musical Hamilton during its return engagement at the Providence Performing Arts Center. PPACRI.org

The Providence premiere of the made-in-Rhode Island epic fantasy The Spine of Night starring the voice talents of Xena’s Lucy Lawless and comic Patton Oswalt is presented by the Columbus Theatre’s Film Club. ColumbusTheatre.com

The Providence Bruins host their First Responders Appreciation Weekend. They’ll wear first responder-themed jerseys while taking on the Belleville Senators and the Toronto Marlies. ProvidenceBruins.com

December 2:

December 5:

December 30:

Brown University professor Stephon Alexander discusses his book Fear of a Black Universe: An Outsider’s Guide to the Future of Physics for the New Book Talk series at the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Brown.edu

Acclaimed violinist Johnny Gandelsman performs selections from This Is America at the First Unitarian Church. Providence’s Community MusicWorks joins him for Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto.” FirstWorks.org

Kids young and old cheer whenever the legendary Harlem Globetrotters take the stage. Their b-ball theatrics, athleticism, and comedy comes to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. DunkinDonutsCenter.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Photo by Shervin Lainez

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

The sounds of folk and Americana will fill the house when Miss Tess & The Talkbacks take the stage at Askew with their genre-defying music that transcends eras and resists cliches. AskewProv.com

WOOD, FIRE, TIME, & QUALITY INGREDIENTS TO CREATE OUR AUTHENTIC, TRADITIONAL

SOUTHERN STYLE BBQ WITH ATTITUDE

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CITY KITTY Veterinary Care for Cats

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Order A Sushi Platter For Your Holiday Party

HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Avenue, Providence / 223-0332

Taking care of cats since 1999

HARUKI CRANSTON 1210 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston / 463-8338

HARUKI EXPRESS 112 Waterman Street, Providence / 421-0754

WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM 76

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

400 Hope Street, Providence • 401-831-MEOW (6369) • city-kitty.com Find us on Social Media @citykittypvd

Community Events posted @uricampusrec

10-week Program Jan 29-April 30 • Ages 6 months to adults • All levels welcome • Private Swim Lessons available

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FoolProofBrewing.com 241 Grotto Ave | Pawtucket, RI

2021 HOLIDAY SHOW & SALE

PAWTUCKET ARMORY ARTS CENTER 172 EXCHANGE STREET • PAWTUCKET, RI

OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY • DECEMBER 2 • 5PM-9PM SHOW DATES

December 3- 5 • December 10- 12 FRIDAYS 12PM-8PM • SATURDAYS 10AM-6PM • SUNDAYS 10AM-6PM

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For the latest in Covid precautions…

www.foundryshow.com FACEBOOK: foundryshow INSTAGRAM: foundryartists

Join us for our 39th annual show & sale featuring unique gifts, fine art, functional crafts & original designs from over 65 artisans. ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

FOOD & DRINK Experience | In The Kitchen | Food News

Visions of Sugarplums Rhody’s favorite artisanal lollipop maker debuts a pair of festive flavors Want the stockings stuffed with a little extra cheer this year? Goodies from Pawtucket-based artisan candy maker Popette of Pendulum will bring an extra dose of merriment. Just in time for Christmas, Popette is rolling out two festive confections – vanilla swirl and candy-cane reindeer lollipops. Popette’s founder Brenda Swift – Rhode Island’s own Wilhelmina Wonka – created her candy company from the belief that “pure is possible.” Swift sources local and organic ingredients to make Popette’s sweet treats, which are vegan as well as gluten and tree-nut free. Before Swift donned her confectioner’s hat, she was a fashion designer in New York City. The RISD alum designed clothes for luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, and Bloomingdales. While taking a break from the fashion industry, she began noodling with candy-making, and, ever the artist, added a hand-painted design to her confections. Her creative background is evident in her crafted candies. Each pop is embellished with a whimsical brush-stroke design. Swift spent a year fiddling with the recipe – which uses brown rice syrup instead of corn, organic cane sugar, and no chemical additives – before she began toting them to farmers’ markets around the state. Now Popette of Pendulum is found at specialty shops throughout the US and at Bloomingdales. Learn more at PopetteOfPendulum.com | By Karen Greco Photography by Nick DelGiudice ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

FOOD & DRINK

Expe r i e nc e | By Jenny Currier

A Spirited Affair

There is something magical about Aguardente. The smallest details have been attended to: synagogue pews repurposed into booths, pierced brass lanterns emitting flower-shaped designs, embossed water glasses that make both indoor and al fresco dining feel elegant. In addition to the main dining room, an intimate loft area hidden by a row of tall snake plants allows romantics to get cozy. The bar scene is lively, with co-owner Victor Pereira pouring flights of the restaurant’s namesake (aguardente translates to “fire water”) and making rounds to all of the guests. I first learned about Aguardente in mid-July when, giving a tour of the East Side to my out-of-state boyfriend, I realized that Round the Corner bar was no longer on the corner of Governor and Wickenden. Renovations were underway for a new restaurant that would bring Portuguese food back to the historically Portuguese neighborhood of Fox Point.

CUISINE: Portuguese, Latin-fusion PRICES: Small plates $4-14; Larger plates $14-20 ATMOSPHERE: Vibrant yet romantic 80

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Neither my boyfriend nor I knew that a few months later we’d be having our engagement dinner there. On a crisp night, we arrived to a full restaurant. Although the outdoor patio was alluring with its string lights, we preferred the coveted indoor loft area. Resident artist Magda León has painted five black-and-white murals that tell immigrants’ stories. We began our evening with a toast. I chose the Navigator, a spin on the Aviator, a ginbased cocktail that uses Ginjinha, a Portuguese cherry brandy. Garnished with a slice of lemon, it was dangerously drinkable. The Hibisco-rita was an obvious second choice, a unique twist on the classic margarita made with hibiscus tea, which is added last, creating swirls of crimson as it descends. It’s not only beautiful but also has the right amount of sweetness without the artificiality of margarita mix. The menu showcases recipes from Portugal (both the islands and the continent) and Guatemala, with additional influences from Spain and Mexico. Family-style service is my ideal way to dine, and these dishes are perfect for sharing. Although the Rellenitos – fried sweet

plantains filled with black beans, served with a savory cilantro crema dipping sauce – are worth keeping for yourself! For a truly authentic experience, the menu includes curated tins of tuna, sardines, and mussels, but since I’m unable to turn down a warm cheese plate, we ordered the Queijo Fresco: fresh farmer’s cheese with onions, garlic, olive oil, and paprika served with grilled Portuguese cornbread. I assumed the bread would be made southern-style, but it had the appearance of sourdough and the sweetness of cornbread – truly unique. The Almondegas, traditional Spanish meatballs made with chouriço and sauteed in garlic and onions, were small but mighty, and they disappeared quickly. Chef Natalia Paiva-Neves says that creating a vegetable paella was one of her biggest challenges, so I had to try it. Drawing inspiration from ratatouille, this dish offers a medley of vegetables and rice, smoked paprika, and a mixture of other spices – and there was enough for leftovers. But my fiancé’s pick was my favorite dish of the night. Imagine a loaded baked potato, but instead of a potato, there’s a perfectly ripened

Photos by Cassidy Bissitt, courtesy of Aguardente

Aguardente harkens to the Portuguese history of Fox Point

GRAB A BENTO BOX LUNCH! GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE! LUNCH & DINNER 377 Richmond Street, Providence 383-2307 • somopvd.com

Must-Try Items Queijo Fresco ($10) Fresh farmer’s cheese with onions, garlic, olive oil, and paprika with grilled Portuguese cornbread

FREE CONCIERGE SERVICES www.careconciergene.com

Aguacate Relleno ($13) Avocado with pan-fried chorizo and melted Oaxaca cheese topped with arugula and cilantro crema

Vegetable/Seafood Paella ($16-$18) A Portuguese take on the classic

avocado. And instead of bacon bits, there’s pan-fried chorizo. The cheddar and scallions are replaced by melted Oaxaca cheese and arugula, and it’s topped with – not sour cream – but a fresh cilantro crema. That’s the Aguacate Relleno, and it is superb. Whether you come across Aguardente by accident, as a hidden gem in the heart of Fox Point, or you intentionally seek it out for a special occasion, it will transport you to a time and place that is both exotic and feels like a warm welcome home.

The Care Concierge is a Senior Referral & Placement agency focused on helping seniors find the best Assisted Living or Dementia Support fit. We serve all of RI and select parts of MA & CT. We are open 24/7, so if you need help finding a solution fast, the Care Concierge is at your service.

Agu ardente

We help seniors and their families navigate the ever-changing world of senior care with knowledge, experience, and a personal touch.

Our goal is to bring joy and peace of mind to families caring for seniors. Get in touch:

401-205-8916

paul@careconciergeNE.com

12 Governor Street Aguardente.com • @aguardente.ri ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

FOOD & DRINK

I n T he Ki t c he n | By Heather Bryant

Double Duty The secret life of Robert J. Caron, accomplished attorney and restaurateur Attorney Robert J. Caron is hand-mixing a Caesar salad on a rolling cart to the soundtrack of Bill Withers or Nina Simone. He provides table-side service nearly every day at Vino Veritas on Broadway, his bistro that strives to bring the flavors of New Orleans to the West End. Caron’s adoration of the Big Easy is evident in the cozy decor, though the rich aubergine woven throughout has double meaning: The color is a favorite of his mother. “Growing up, we were the only house in Pawtucket with a purple foundation.” At the age of 17, Caron became the chef of El Torito, a West Coast restaurant chain. He bounced between restaurants until deciding to go to law school, waiting tables at the Blue Grotto and Capriccio in Federal Hill until his graduation from Roger Williams University. For 25 years, Caron has built a reputation synonymous with criminal defense and civil rights litigation. From his office on 478 Broadway, he watched restaurants cycle through the neighboring 486 Broadway. Old dreams struck in April 2016 when the space was available for rent yet again. Inside, he found rough pine and exposed beams; a full renovation was needed. Here, another passion came in handy: a love of woodworking passed down from Caron’s father. So, curly maple was imported from Washington State, and cherry and Brazilian bloodwood from Sweet Lumber Company, and Caron completed all the furniture and renovations to open Vino Veritas in October of that year. Today, Vino Veritas offers a five-course meal and wine pairing event every few months. Brunch-goers can get a taste of New Orleans with traditional beignets and dark chocolate hot cakes on the weekends, plus affordable three-course lunch menus Wednesday through Friday. Caron is thrilled to be a part of the West End, and hopes one day to expand the restaurant into the rest of the building. For now, you can find him in Providence Superior Court weekday mornings, and pulling out chairs, retrieving coats, and making desserts en flambé Wednesday through Saturday evenings on the corner of Broadway and Harkness, a routine that Caron calls “the answer I’d been seeking for a richer life.” VinoVeritasRI.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

ELISE PENN PANSEY The Pet Friendly Realtor

DEDICATION ...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am...

Dedicated… to serving YOU! Call me today!

401.455.1625 www.elisepennpansey.com 401.521.9490 x22 Butterman & Kryston, Inc. • 749 East Avenue, Pawtucket • @ Blackstone Blvd

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ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

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My passion is helping you find your dream home in Rhode Island

“

SCAN HERE FOR MY LISTINGS

PUBLIC Ice SKATING DAILY 10:00AM - 10:00PM, WEATHER PERMITTING icE BUMPER CARS: Mon-fri 4PM-8PM Sat & Sun 10AM-2PM, RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED FOR GROUP, FULL ICE, OR BIRTHDAY RESERVATIONS VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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Experience Holiday Lights Spectacular, an all-new walkthrough event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 1.5 million illuminated lights! Join us on select nights from November 26 through January 2, 2022, and ring in the season! Tickets must be purchased in advance For information on dates and times or to purchase tickets visit rwpzoo.org/holidaylights 84

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Fifty-seven years, three generations, and who knows how many meatballs. ▲

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Open for

•

prepaid takeout and delivery. Order online at

thesandwichhut.com 1253 North Main Street, Providence RI • 401-272-2590 • www.thesandwichhut.com • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

SINCE 1948

•

Fine Custom Upholstery & Slip Covers Custom Window Treatments Headboards • Bedspreads & Shams Upholstered Antique Restoration Blinds & Shades • Area Rugs & Wall To Wall 2179 Mineral Spring Avenue, No. Providence 401-231-1660 • www.bobfrances.com

Quality Chocolates • Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties • Candy Trays & Gift Baskets Wedding & Party Favors • Corporate Gifts Holiday Novelties • Sugar Free Chocolates

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Garden City (942-2720) & Wakefield (783-4433) • www.sweenorschocolates.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Fo o d N e w s

Ceremony steeps teas and mixes cocktails in bigger space Just around the block from their original home on Thayer Street, Ceremony has settled into their spacious new tea shop on the corner of Euclid Avenue and Brook Street. A sanctuary with a clean white interior and soft lighting in the midst of a bustling neighborhood, the move was made official late fall with a ribbon cutting ceremony, though it took regulars no time at all to find their way back to the colorful and flavorful drinks. Decadent Ube Lattes, Brown Sugar Boba Lattes, and Matcha Strawberry are made even more fanciful with an icy teddy bear floating atop. This new iteration of the shop carries on the tradition of private tea ceremonies, available by reservation, and also dips its toes into the nightlife scene, with a curated sake and cocktail menu. Mixed drinks are tea-infused or sake-forward, offering twists on classic cocktails like the Sake Lemon Drop and Bloody Mary Chan. Sakes are selected by owner Michelle Cheng, which she and passionate servers are happy to share tasting notes and regions of origin for each. CeremonyPVD.com – Abbie Lahmers

ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

A new catch for the Feast of the Seven Fishes

Get your bagel fix with Rebelle 2 .0

Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition where seafood shines. Fishmonger Stu Meltzer, owner of Fearless Fish Market on the West Side, says items like clams, squid, whitefish, and oysters are popular for the holiday. But for those who want to buck tradition, he shares a suggestion: periwinkles, in a simple saute of butter and white wine. “Use a toothpick, or get out your fancy silver snail pick, pull out the meat and enjoy it with a crisp white wine.” For a unique (and local) holiday present, give Fearless’s fish share as a gift. With weekly and bi-monthly options, the share includes a choice of two or four servings of locally sourced fish along with a recipe and background on the catch, available for pickup at their West Fountain Street location, Stock Culinary Goods on Hope Street, or Campus Fine Wines on Brook Street. FearlessFishMarket.com – Karen Greco

After a hiatus, Rebelle Artisan Bagels has reopened their storefront for pre-order pickups during limited weekend hours for bagels, cream cheese tubs, deli items and pastries. Owner Milena Pagan and her team went into hyperdrive during the pandemic, not only offering Rebelle’s menu to-go but delivering weekly grocery boxes. At the same time, Pagan opened Little Sister, her cafe on Hope Street. “So much had changed in the restaurant industry,” Pagan says. “We decided as a team we needed a little distance.” She and her small staff needed a break, so she scaled down operations and closed the storefront, moving bagel sales to Farm Fresh’s Sims Market. Longtime employee Michele Ouellette will take the helm at Rebelle 2.0 while Pagan focuses on Little Sister. “Our regulars are the reason” for the reopening, she says, mentioning that they received a flood of supportive notes after Rebelle closed. “We want to do them proud.” RebelleArtisanBagels.com – Karen Greco

Photos by Sascha Roberts

FOOD & DRINK

Providence

102 Waterman Street Providence, RI 02906

401.421.5160 www.AllegraProvidence.com Print@AllegraProvidence.com

Local news for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

Tail wags guaranteed! ruffinwranglers.com ProvidenceOnline.com • December 2021

Ph oto cour tesy of Richard

Pic of PVD

Weybosset Street covered in a blanket of white during a snowstorm

ABOUT RICHARD @richit1983 Rhode Islander, weather fanatic, adventure enthusiast, proud Italian American.

There’s

SN W

Place Like Home for the Holidays! Wishing you a merry and bright holiday season. Lila Delman Compass 369 South Main Street, Providence | 401.274.1644

The Trusted Choice

Forty years ago when we started Residential Properties Ltd., everyone thought we were crazy. Then something happened.

Sally Lapides, Founder & CEO

People noticed that we had a different approach. We created new levels of service and we worked harder and smarter than everyone else ... and we still do! Other agents saw how quickly we were transforming the business and wanted to join us and grow. We embraced technology early and our award-winning website has been ranked as one of the top real estate sites in the country. We now have 9 offices, a relocation division and a full service in-house marketing department with professional videographers and photographers. Our 265 agents are among the most knowledgeable in the business who will strive to provide a positive, satisfying and professional experience whether you’re buying or selling. One thing that hasn’t changed is the Residential Properties experience ... our commitment to service and innovation and our thanks for making us your trusted choice. BARRINGTON CUMBERLAND EAST GREENWICH LITTLE COMPTON 401.245.9600 401.333.9333 401.885.8400 401.635.8590

NARRAGANSETT NEWPORT PROVIDENCE PVD • WEST SIDE WESTPORT 401.783.2474 401.619.5622 401.274.6740 401.457.3400 508.636.4760

ResidentialProperties.com

Providence Monthly December 2021

Articles inside

FOOD NEWS: Tea

IN THE KITCHEN: The

EXPERIENCE

CALENDAR: This

INFLUENCER: Meet

RHODY GEM: A

Former Scrooge directs this year’s Christmas classic at Trinity

OP-ED: ‘Twas a

New improv venue at Hope Artiste helps fill the small club comedy void

THE PUBLIC’S RADIO

RHODY READS

Acclaimed RISD grad returns for solo exhibit