As you plan for the future, let’s make sure every real estate decision in 2025 is a smart one. With expert guidance, strategic insights, and personalized service, I’ll help you make all the right moves on your real estate journey.
This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones warmth, joy, and peace.
May the New Year bring happiness, health, and exciting new opportunities!
News & Culture
13 Community-based music program moves into its new home
18 OP-ED: A plea to keep a beloved city spectacle afloat and burning
20 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: State to keep control of Providence schools for up to three more years
28 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings
32 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A17 HOME: A condo gets a stylish refresh, ready for entertaining
A24 TREND: Create bespoke jewelry at this Wickenden Street boutique
A28 INFLUENCER: Meet the ballet dancer behind the mask
A30 RHODY READS: Six new releases for your TBR list
A32 RHODY GEM: Seaside-inspired bath and body products
Cover Story
Food & Drink
79 Classic holiday treats from a pop-up bakery
82 EXPERIENCE: Farm-totable cafe in Pawtucket
88 Taste-testers invited to sample Rhody ice cream flavors
94 FOOD TRENDS: Presents for foodies on your list
96 PIC OF PVD
Photo courtesy of Blithewold
Photo courtesy of PPL
Ultimate Rhody Winter Fun Guide: Sled, skate, and celebrate all season long
Photo courtesy of Skylight Bakery
Photo by Elyse Major
ON THE COVER: A sledding day at Roger Williams Park. Photo by Ingrid Brown
by Elyse Major
Photo
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Arts | Op-Ed | The Public’s Radio | Neighborhood News | Calendar
Building Community
Longtime city music collective finally gets its own home
By Ken Abrams
As the name would suggest, Community MusicWorks (CMW) is a place where community and music come together. “I started the organization in 1997,” says CMW founder and artistic director Sebastian Ruth. “It grew out of my interest in music, knowing I wanted to be a chamber musician, to perform and teach.” The award-winning program that serves Providence youth moved into a gleaming new state-of-the-art facility this fall, designed with both performers and the surrounding community in mind.
From the start, Ruth envisioned a program that intertwined the arts and social justice. He wondered, “How could music education be part of the bigger picture of community development and social justice?” Now, 27 years later, he oversees a thriving music school that serves over 150 students annually, mainly from the West End and South Side of the city. “They’re led by experienced instructors and the ensemble-in-residence, a group of professionals living, working, teaching, and performing out of a storefront who provide free instruction in viola, violin and cello,” says Ruth.
For much of its existence, CMW was run out of community centers and schools, and later out of the Peace Street campus of The Met School. That location, with a central atrium surrounded by classrooms, inspired the design of the new building on the corner of Westminster and Dexter streets. Plans for the new facility have been in the works since 2010, the year Ruth was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship Genius Grant. “We bought the land in 2017 and worked on a capital campaign to build it,” says Ruth.
The building, designed by architectural firm 3SIX0 and built by Pezzuco Construction, is a testament to inclusivity. It is the second building in the state to utilize a structural cross laminated timber technique that reduces the need for carbon-emitting steel and concrete. “The facility is a remarkable building, with 24,000 square feet over three floors; it has teaching and rehearsal studios, practice rooms, a music library, and a performance space,” says Ruth. Designers were purposeful, intentionally developing informal spaces
RIAM’s Big Red Truck – An East Side Fixture
Sebastian Ruth alongside students
Photo courtesy of Community Music Works
Celebrate the Holidays in Providence!
PVD DOWNCITY HOLIDAY MARKET
Grants Block Park
260 Westminster Street, Providence Corner of Westminster and Union Street
• Friday, December 6th: 5pm - 9pm
• Saturday, December 7th: 2pm - 8pm
• Sunday, December 8th: 12pm - 5pm
• Friday, December 13th: 5pm - 9pm
• Saturday, December 14th: 12pm - 8pm
• Sunday, December 15th: 12pm - 5pm
The Providence Tourism Council and InDowncity are delighted to announce the launch of the PVD Downcity Holiday Market. Grant’s Block Park will be transformed into an enchanting outdoor marketplace with live entertainment and an opportunity for locals and visitors to gather, shop, drink, eat, and support local businesses this season.
For schedules and more info visit indowncity.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS
Tuesday, December 31st: 5pm - 9pm
195 District Park and Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge
The Providence Tourism Council, Mayor Brett P. Smiley, the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, Tourism invite you to join us for an early start to ring in the new year.
• 5:00 pm - Food trucks, The Guild and roaming entertainment
• 6:00 pm - WaterFire lighting and art activation
• 8:30 pm - Illuminate PVD Fireworks show
For additional updates, visit providencetourismcouncil.org/nye
Come Home
throughout the facility, including a common area for parents, a student lounge, and a cafe that is expected to be open to the public in 2025. “Community-building happens in, but also in between, our formal activities.”
There’s a lot of enthusiasm for classical music, a genre that has experienced a renaissance in recent decades, thanks partially to social media. “We don’t consider ourselves a narrowly and exclusively classical music program, although that is the primary area of expertise of our musicians,”
says Ruth. “We like to think of it as people starting a life in music, and the best thing we can do is give people musical fluency, so they’ll be able to travel with it to different genres and different expressions. Some kids get really hooked on it.”
“There’s a fascination about the violin, viola, and cello, even before it’s about the genre or style of music,” he adds. “That’s the first thing, the opportunity to learn the craft of one of these instruments that has its own appeal for young people.” Learn more at CommunityMusicWorks.org.
Photo courtesy
Op-Ed: We Started the Fire
A call for help to keep the flame burning on a Providence tradition
By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
Buddy Cianci, John Lombardi, David Cicilline
Angel Taveras, Jorge Elorza, Brett Smiley. Claiborne Pell, Jack Reed, John Chafee, Lincoln Chafee, Sheldon Whitehouse
PPAC, Trinity, AS220, Children’s Museum, The Athenaeum, RISD Museum, New Urban Arts
The Art Club, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and WaterFire
We started the fire
And, since it’s been burning, the City’s been surging We started the fire
But after 30 years a-fire, things have gotten dire!
– With profound apologies to Billy Joel!
WaterFire – the brainchild of Barnaby Evans, a Brown student artist from California and Hawaii –made its official debut as part of First Night in 1994. There was a very quiet rehearsal where people wandering nearby were treated to an eerie silence broken by muted sounds of tribal-like music emanating from speakers hidden under the bridges along the river, piercing the quiet night. It was a unique artistic experience that engaged every sense and has since left people speechless and awestruck. It is a giant artistic exhibit that uses the city as its canvas.
WaterFire has brought a unique sparkle to Providence along with international acclaim and more importantly, it’s a major economic generator. It has been credited with its pivotal role in Providence’s revitalization and is a symbol of the city’s renaissance. Since its inception, WaterFire has brought more than 15 million visitors who have spent over a billion dollars in the city.
There is a magic to WaterFire as it approaches its 500th lighting. Supported by a full-time staff of 25, a part-time staff of 45, and over 150 extremely dedicated and loyal volunteers, they keep the 100 braziers burning. The problem is that it’s a free, public event that’s expensive to produce.
In the early days support mostly came from a few corporations and a lot of generous Providence residents who were excited to be a part of this phenomenon that was bringing national and international recognition to the city. Today, WaterFire is funded by the city, the state, corporations, foundations, and generous donors, but things are very tight. Between reduced support from major supporters and then COVID, lightings have been reduced and the ending time has been moved back to 11pm. Attendance, however, still remains very strong and even appears to be growing!
Needless to say, we’ve all gotten a little concerned. Now, don’t start cutting down your pine trees – as they use reclaimed softwood to keep the braziers burning – but your financial support is needed. If WaterFire were to burn out, the loss to the city would be incalculable. Now is the time to thank them all for the incredible effort they all make to ensure this unique undertaking survives.
As we enter the holiday season of good cheer and giving, and the end of the tax year, we want to encourage everyone to show their appreciation for all of our great nonprofits and helping those in need. They all need your support, and this year we especially urge you to add WaterFire to your giving list. We started the fires … and we must keep them burning! Visit WaterFire.org to learn how you can donate.
Photo courtesy of WaterFire
State to Keep Control of Providence Schools for up to Three More Years
To the disappointment of Providence politicians, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green says independent analyses and statewide data show that insufficient progress has been made to return the schools to local control
partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org
On [Thursday night] the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved a plan from the state commissioner of education to keep the Providence Public School District under state control for up to three additional years.
Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said during the council meeting that the schools should be “proud,” of the progress they’ve made since the pandemic, but ultimately, she felt her job as an interventionist is not yet complete.
She pointed to a recently commissioned study from The Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and one from education consulting company SchoolWorks, to show that students have made progress in terms of attendance, math and reading since the pandemic, but that students are not where she wants them to be before she relinquishes control.
“We don’t want it to backslide at this critical point. We cannot afford to be complacent and return to the ways of the past,” said Infante-Green.
Public data show, in 2023, just 15.1 percent of students in Providence schools were proficient in reading and just 13 percent were proficient in math. That’s compared with the statewide average of 33.1 percent proficiency for reading and 29.6 percent proficiency for math. Providence’s numbers are up since the academic year following the pandemic, but lower than the academic year prior to the pandemic.
According to the studies from Harvard and SchoolWorks, when compared with similar districts in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Providence schools meet or exceed post-pandemic progress levels. However, the study from Harvard also
By Olivia Ebertz
Commissioner Infante-Green speaks with reporters following the news that the state takeover will be extended
November 29 through January 4, 2025
Walk through a winter wonderland where over 3.5 million twinkling lights light up the Zoo. Discover dazzling displays featuring festive decorations and enchanting illuminations. From reindeer that shimmer to snowmen who sparkle, it’s like stepping into a holiday fairy tale brought to life. Don’t miss out on this magical experience!
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit rwpzoo.org/holidaylights
Photo by Olivia Ebertz
said there was insufficient data to prove the improvement was due to the state takeover.
Infante-Green said she plans to return the school district to local control in no more than three years and explained it could be less time than that. The decision on when to give back control to the city will be based on progress on the state’s Turnaround Action Plan, or TAP, as well as reports from Harvard and SchoolWorks. However, Infante-Green said the schools will return to local control within three years even if “aspirational” benchmarks are not met.
The state is currently engaged in a legal battle with the City of Providence over its funding contribution towards the schools. The city has not contributed as much funding to its public schools as the state would like since its takeover, and the state is suing
the city for additional contributions.
“We want steady, consistent funding that meets the needs of the kids,” said Infante-Green, adding that it should come from “all entities.”
In a joint statement, Providence mayor Brett Smiley and City Council President Rachel Miller disagreed with the decision for the state to keep the schools under its control.
“We are disappointed by the recommendation that the state takeover continue for an additional three years,” the statement said.
“The City is well on track to begin the transition year in school year 2025-2026 with schools returned to municipal control for the 2026-2027 school year.”
This article was originally posted on August 29, 2024. Olivia Ebertz can be reached at oebertz@ripr.org
by
Photo
Abbie Lahmers
TURNS 50!
In this special February section commemorating mainstay businesses, in celebration of 50 years of Hey Rhody Media Co!
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“Our main goal is to provide excellent customer service and ensure that all of our customers are 100 percent satisfied,” says owner Rich McKenna. “We offer a variety of roof services to suit our customers’ needs.” Looking to upgrade your home by adding a little extra natural light? In addition to holding a variety of commercial and residential certifications, RoofMasters is certified in installing VELUX skylights. Or, if you want to go solar, their team of experts can walk you through each step of the process, and find ways for you to save.
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SERVICE DIRECTORY
BEYOND THE PALE Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498.
USED MUSIC WANTED! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.
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
Neighbors invited to weigh
in on
development on Prairie Avenue
The Providence Department of Planning and Development and the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA) are hosting several community meetings to discuss the redevelopment of 246 Prairie Avenue, the former site of the Urban League of Rhode Island, with the intent of discussing the Southside community’s needs and priorities for the property. The site was acquired by the PRA in late 2022 following the Urban League of Rhode Island’s announcement that the site would need to be redeveloped. The existing building is unsafe and slated to be demolished in the fall or winter of 2024-25. Neighbors are invited to join the conversation about what may come next with three community workshops held at the Davey Lopes Recreation Center, with Spanish interpretation available. The first two sessions were held October 24 and November 12, with a third one slated for Tuesday, December 10, from 6-8pm. For updates, subscribe to the Elmwood e-newsletter by emailing JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com.
Mile of History celebrates the holiday season
More than 80 members and friends attended the Annual Meeting of the Mile of History Association (MoHA) at the Benefit Street Armory on October 27. Professor Ron Onorato reported on his recent work on John Holden Greene, the noted early 19th-century architect who practiced in Providence, and Roz Rustigian organized a post-meeting supper. All are invited to celebrate the holiday season with MoHA by attending the Benefit Street Stroll on Saturday, December 7. The prior weekend, on November 30 and December 1, volunteers will gather to help decorate the Benefit Street lamp posts for the festive occasion.
Artists encouraged to apply for urban artmaking utility box project
A new initiative of The Avenue Concept (TAC), the Ripples Project invites artists to bring their creativity to the streets, transforming 14 everyday utility boxes into vibrant public art. Established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. “This collaboration is hopefully just the start of many future projects centered on creating joy, dialogue, and belonging through public art in Providence,” says Tracy Jonsson-Laboy, executive director of TAC. Partnering with the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and New Urban Arts, the project aims to inject creativity into the public sphere and reimagine how urban spaces can foster connection.
Artists have until December 8 to submit their applications, with selections rolling out in early 2025. The chosen few will transform those often-overlooked utility boxes into three-dimensional works of art. To fuel this creative journey, TAC will provide a stipend, materials, and hands-on technical support, giving artists the freedom to dive deep into their vision.
The project’s goal goes beyond aesthetics. As American-Canadian journalist and author Jane Jacobs wisely noted, “The trust of a city street is formed over time from many, many little public sidewalk contacts.” It’s a reminder that even the smallest urban interactions can nurture a sense of community. The Ripples Project embraces this philosophy, aiming to spark joy and connection through art. For more information or to submit an application, visit TheAvenueConcept.org. –Jenna Kaplan
The Avenue Concept calls for artists to paint utility boxes
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
Kristin McGinn, President 401-580-2628
Facebook: Downtown Providence Neighborhood Association IG: @DNAPVD
Email: DNAPVD@gmail.com
ELMWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Jen Vincent
JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com
Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD
FOX POINT
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Peter Phipps
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 C/O One Governor Street, Providence
MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
401-521-8830
MHNAInc@gmail.com
Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Providence City Councilor Justin Roias
401-282-9978
JustinRoiasWard4@gmail.com
OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Cindy Miranda, Board Chair
Cindy@ona-providence.org
Facebook: ONA Providence
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
P.O. Box 5653
Providence, RI 02903 • 401-369-1334
SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com
Facebook: South Providence
Neighborhood Association
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
P.O. Box 5653
Providence, RI 02903 • 401-369-1334
SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com
Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association
SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 41092
Providence, RI 02940
SNAProv@gmail.com
SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
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 courtesy of Mile of History
Deck the halls with MoHA
T e Must List
10 essential events this month For a statewide listing of events visit us online!
Through December 22: The Providence Art Club’s oldest and largest exhibit, The Little Picture Show and Sale , which is limited to artwork no larger than 16 inches, returns for its 120th year. Pro v idenceArtClub.org
Through January 4: The Holiday Lights Spectacular is a magical walk-through at Roger Williams Park Zoo with over 40 acres of dazzling displays featuring over two million lights to brighten up the holiday season! RWPZoo.org
Through January 11: Examine the roles of craftspeople in the letterpress printing process at Pied Type: Letterpress Printing in Pro v idence, 1762–Today , an exhibition at the Providence Public Library highlighting local commercial printing history. Pro vLib.Libcal.com
December 1-4, 26-29: A Rhode Island holiday tradition returns with Trinity Rep’s reimagined telling of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol , held at the Providence Performing Arts Center this year due to construction at Trinity. TrinityRep.com
December 5-7: Downtown comes to life with Three Nights of Light , a series of installations and activations by WaterFire, FirstWorks, and The Avenue Concept, along with tree lightings, live entertainment, holiday markets, and more. GoPro v idence.com
December 5-8, 13-15: Browse a curated selection of art, participate in a silent auction, and bring canned goods to donate in lieu of an admission fee at The Foundry Show , an event organized by the participating artisans. Pawtucket, FoundryShow.com
December 5-22: NOISE , a new musical by César Alvarez about a group of musicians who set out to make music that models a society they want to live in, makes its Rhode Island premiere, presented by the Wilbury Theatre Group. TheWilburyGroup.org
December 11-22: Hamilton , the Broadway blockbuster that follows the rise and fall of founding father Alexander Hamilton, returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for its third run since premiering at the theater in 2019. PPACRI.org
December 14-16: PVD Artisans takes over the WaterFire Arts Center for the 12th Annual Providence Artisans Holiday Show featuring over 90 of New England’s best handmade local paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, textiles, accessories, woodwork, and more. WaterFire.org
December 31: Welcome 2025 at the Illuminate PVD New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display at 195 District Park, a community celebration with art activations, music, roaming entertainment, food trucks, and adult beverages from The Guild. Pro v idenceNYE.org
Photo courtesy of Providence Art Club
Zuber & Cie, French, Irisé Wallpaper; Design for Moire Silk, ca. 1825. Mary B. Jackson Fund. RISD Museum
B ab, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
BUNDLE UP FOR FUN ACTIVITIES ALL SEASON LONG
By Elyse Major
Seasons in New England are fleeting, which is part of what makes them so special. A Rhode Island winter can be many things: at its official start on December 21, the vibe is jovial with folks wishing for flurries, and by January, trees are bare and it’s cold. Mid-February is when actual snowfall and accumulations enter the chat, and March (through April) is a mixed bag of warm sunny days and blizzard warnings. If you are a chionophile (lover of cold weather and snow), the period of reveling in chilly air, gazing up at clear starry nights, and anticipation of snow is as precarious as waiting for the perfect beach day in July. Here is your field guide to a winter of fun in Rhode Island, so whatever the meteorologist says, you’re ready to go!
NATURE PROGRAMMING: LAND
Embark on a brisk evening group walk to search for owls in their natural habitats at wildlife refuges across the state, join a naturalist for a mid-afternoon walk of beachcombing and bird watching at Moonstone, or go snowshoeing by the light of the full moon – all this and more awaits outdoor explorers thanks to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. ASRI.org
NATURE PROGRAMMING: WATER
Through April, Save The Bay offers onehour seal tours or two-hour seal and lighthouse tours. Both depart from Perrotti Park in Newport for adventures seeking seals resting on rocks. The longer tour includes a visit to Rose Island Lighthouse where passengers will disembark to explore the island and experience the history firsthand. SaveBay.org
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WINTER HIKES
During the months of December, January, and February, rangers lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Explore scenic territory during the colder months, like Mercy Woods Preserve (December 28). Many hikes will cover uneven terrain like exposed roots, rocks, and mud, so dress for the weather, don orange for safety, and wear sturdy footwear. NPS.go v /thingstodo/winter-hikes.htm
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Head to Weekapaug Inn in December for an indulgent and memorable outdoor theater experience. On Fridays, enjoy Date Night with cozy heated fur blankets, a boozy hot chocolate bar, and a specially curated Italian buffet while watching a holiday rom-com. On Saturdays, bring the whole gang for Family Night, featuring favorite holiday films, classic concession stand treats, and drive-in movie fare. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
SPARKLE!
Dress warmly for an evening of wandering Blithewold’s gardens and grounds all aglow as you collect scavenger hunt clues. Gather around cozy fires in the Enclosed Garden, grab a hot drink from RI Cruisin’ Cocktails, and follow illuminated paths throughout the grounds to discover stunning, newly expanded light displays, handmade bamboo lanterns, and fun photo ops with Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds. Add on a s’mores kit when you register for extra gooey fun. Select dates December 5-January 4, Bristol, Blithewold.org
P hotos
(top to bottom) by Carmen Rugel, courtesy of ASRI, courtesy of Save The Bay, courtesy of Roger and Phyllis Thibault
Cross-country skiing in Bristol Spot seals with Save The Bay
Ducks seen during a snowy Audubon hike
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING & TUBING
Little Rhody’s only ski area is less than 15 minutes away from URI, and has bragging rights for once being described by the New York Times as the “coolest scene in snowboarding.” Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park boasts 36 acres of skiable terrain, with its longest trail measuring 2,200 feet. There are two double chair lifts and two rope tows, a snow sports school, first-aid station, ski patrol, cafeteria, and lounge. There is also a Pro Shop, lease equipment program, and equipment rental program. Watch for their opening date in early December for skiing, a bit later for tubing, open through March. Exeter, Yawgoo.com
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
No hills, no lifts – no problem. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are ready to enjoy striding about snow-covered areas, of which Rhode Island has many. Noted choice spots for traversing include parks and areas like Pulaski Park in Glocester – where there are many miles of groomed trails – Lincoln Woods State Park, Colt State Park in Bristol, Rome Point in Narragansett, and others. Facebook: Rhode Island Cross-Country Skiing (RIXCSki)
Snow tubing at Yawgoo Valley
SNOWMOBILING
If Santa brings you a snowmobile, you’re in luck because it’s permitted on the roadways in Arcadia, Burlingame, Wickaboxet, and Woody Hill Management Areas, Burlingame State Park and Campground, Lincoln Woods State Park, on open fields at Colt State Park, and George Washington Management Area. All snowmobiles must be registered by DEM’s Office of Licensing and Registration, located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. RIParks.RI.go v
LUMINA 2025 FESTIVAL
The event designed to lure folks into the dark of night returns to Providence with a month of illuminated attractions. If you were mesmerized by the rotating kaleidoscopes of Prismatica last year, you are sure to be equally delighted by the five monoliths collectively
known as POP!, an interactive jack-in-thebox-style installation. There will also be music, local works of light-centered public art, ice and fire dancing by world-class figure skaters, and more. February 1-17, Pro v idence, DowntownParks.org
NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL
The 37th annual event returns with 10 days of live music, foodie contests, kid-centric activities, and more. As New England’s largest winter extravaganza, check out over 150 events, from cook-offs to drink creation contests, ice sculpting, and costumed princess appearances. Highlights include the Silent Disco at OceanCliff Hotel, the Mac and Cheese Smackdown at the Newport Marriott Hotel, and Elton John tribute band Bennie and The Jets. February 14-23, NewportWinterFestival.com
11 PLACES TO ICE FISH
Each year, around mid-January, the DEM stocks 11 freshwater ponds with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Sebago Salmon. Anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to protect themselves from hypothermia by dressing in layers and wearing a warm hat and gloves. Find info on fishing licenses, trout stamps, and stocking updates at DEM.RI.go v /fishing.
8 PLACES TO SKATE
• BankNewport City Center, Pro v idence
• Benny Magiera Ice Rink, West Warwick
• Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown
• Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink
• Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket
• June Rockwell Levy Rink, Burrill v ille
• Smithfield Municipal Rink
• Thayer Arena Ice Rink, Warwick
Part of the POP! installation at Lumina in February
Public skating at URI's Boss Arena, South Kingstown
Photo (L) by Ulysse Lemerise, courtesy of DPPN, (R) courtesy Boss Arena
CHOREOGRAPHY BY YURY YANOWSKY
40+ PLACES TO SLED
Whether you have a fancy toboggan, saucer, or plan to zoom the white stuff on a flattened cardboard box, we have scoured the state with the help of our readers to offer a list of the best sledding sites around. Remember, these are word-of-mouth places taken over for the day by enthusiasts so please use your best judgment, remember to always dress warmly in layers, and wear a hat, helmet, and gloves. Slide feet first, and when marching back up the hill, keep to the side. Oh, and hot cocoa afterwards from your favorite local cafe is always a good idea! Did we miss your favorite sledding spot? Email Marketing@heyrhody.com
Baringto
1. Nayatt School
2. Rhode Island Country Club
3. St. Andrew’s Lacrosse/Soccer field Briso
4. Columban Fathers
5. Colt State Park Cental Fals
6. Jenks Park
7. Pulaski State Park Cranso
8. Hugh B. Bain Middle School
erland
9. Diamond Hill Park
10. Mercy Mount Country Day School
s Greenwich
11. Goddard State Park
Eas Proidence
12. Larissa Park
Snow much fun at Roger Williams Park
18. Chase Farm 19. Lincoln Woods State Park 20. Northern Lincoln Elementary School
Middlet
21. Middletown High School
22. Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club Newpot
23. Fort Adams State Park 24. St. George’s School Not Kingsto
25. Wickford Elementary School Not Proidence
26. Captain Stephen Olney Memorial Park Pawtucket
27. Daggett Field Potsmot
28. Middle School Proidence
29. India Point Park
30. Moses Brown School
31. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservatory
32. Roger Williams Park, Temple Hill Riveride
33. Silver Spring Golf Course
34. Scituate
35. Esek Hopkins Park
36. Deerfield Park (hill across from play area) Sot Kingsto
37. Village Green
38. Wakefield Elementary
aren
39. Burr’s Hill Park
awick
40. Gorton Junior High School
41. Salter Grove Memorial Park
42. Wilcox Park Wes Greenwich
43. Big River Management Area Wosocket
44. Cass Park
45. Cold Spring Park
P hotos by Ingrid Brown
FOR THE INDOOR TYPES
These hot spots are perfect for gathering with friends, no mittens needed.
Go Bowling: Delish snack bar bites, a full bar, lane-side service, and Atomic Bowling under the blacklights on select nights are all part of the fun at this place hosting “good times since 1960!” Cranston, LangsBowlarama.com
View Art: Decor enthusiasts will enjoy marveling over salvaged wallpapers and related items from the 1700s and 1800s at The Art of French Wallpaper on display. Pro v idence, RISDMuseum.org
Shop Small Indoors: Fridays and Sundays in December, and then resuming on Sundays in February, browse handmade goods and more at Farm Fresh RI on Sims Avenue. Pro v idenceFlea.com
See a Movie: Skip the streaming and head to the big screen. Popcorn, snacks, and comfy seating awaits at places like South County Cinemas, South Kingstown, or CW Theaters in Lincoln.
Try New Things: Visit HeyRhody.com and click on the Must-Do’s tab for a list of curated activities each week, and sign up for our free twice-weekly e-newsletter.
21 Restaurants with Fireplaces
Nothing says cozy like sitting by a hearth, and these eateries are known for keeping a roaring blaze:
1. Aidan’s Pub, Bristol
2. The Café, Westerly
3. The Chanler, Newport
4. Chapel Grille, Cranston
5. The Charlestown Rathskeller, Charlestown
6. Coast Guard House, Narragansett
7. DeWolf Tavern, Bristol
8. Felicia’s Coffee, East Greenwich
9. General Stanton Inn, Charlestown
10. George’s of Galilee, Narragansett
11. India Restaurant, Pro v idence
12. Main Street Coffee, East Greenwich
13. Mare Rooftop, Pro v idence
14. Pastiche, Pro v idence
15. Poindexter Coffee, Pro v idence
16. The Red Dory, Tiverton
17. Terrazza, Smithfield
18. Tree House Tavern, Warwick
19. The Vanderbilt, Newport
20. Wharf Tavern, Bristol
21. White Horse Tavern, Newport
Eat, bowl, and be merry at Lang's Bowlarama, Cranston
Fireside dining with ocean views at The Chanler, Newport
P hoto (top) by and courtesy of Kayla Mandeville, (bottom) courtesy of The Chanler
Frosty Air Hikes
Explore enchanting trails, sparkling frozen waterfalls, and peaceful woodlands this winter
By Alexandra Ashe
As the temperatures drop, don’t miss out on the chance to embrace the beauty of winter in the Ocean State. Break out your warmest gear and get outside into nature and discover Rhode Island’s hidden natural wonders.
Breakheart Pond Trail, Exeter
This gorgeous 44-acre pond flanked with tall white pine trees that mirror off the water is the epitome of winter beauty that’s sure to remind you of the holidays.
Browning Mill Pond Trail, Exeter
Located right across the road from Arcadia Management Area, follow the half-mile wooden trail that winds through thick woods past ponds, streams, and roaring brook falls.
George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
With miles of wooden pathways, bridges over glistening streams, and cascading waterfalls, the serene atmosphere and stunning landscape make for a perfect winter hike.
John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve, North Kingstown
Pack a pair of binoculars, take a short mile-long hike down the path from the parking lot to Rome Point beach and play a little game of I-spy! During the winter season, you might just catch a glimpse of harbor seals chilling out on rocks offshore.
Mowry Conservation Area, Smithfield
Cross the wooden arch bridge over the rushing river and enter the quiet hemlock forest, and just like that, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the pages of a fairytale!
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
Get ready to see the coast in a new light by visiting this refuge during wintertime. The colder months bring colorful and diverse species of birds that will dazzle birdwatchers.
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon
Gray Preserve, Tiverton
Pack your snowshoes and escape to five miles of lush trails. You’ll hear nothing but the sounds of whispering boughs of holly oak, gentle trickles of streams and snow crunching beneath your feet.
Take a group hike with the National Park Service
Scenic Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield
P hoto (top) courtesy of NPS, (bottom) courtesy of Audubon
® WOMEN’S SUMMIT
Shred Cred
Checking in with the snowboarders who put RI’s only ski area on the map
By Bob Curley
In the annals of winter sports lore there have been some decidedly odd ducks scattered among the Nordic gods of the slopes: the nervous catapultings of British ski jumper/ human cannonball Eddie the Eagle, the iceless Jamaican bobsled team, and even the slow-motion halfpipe meanderings of putative Hungarian freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang come to mind. And then there’s Rhode Island’s own Yawgoons, the unlikely group of snowboarding superstars who honed their skills at Exeter’s Yawgoo Valley ski area — all 310 vertical feet of it – and ended up with a feature in the New York Times in 2016.
What sets the Yawgoons apart from some of these other powder hounds is ability. Despite the funny name, the Yawgoons are no joke. In fact, they’ve won international acclaim for their innovative tricks and techniques – captured and shared on video, of course – that incorporate every possible feature on Yawgoo’s modest set of ski runs.
Big mountain shredders, you can keep your halfpipes and funboxes: for the Yawgoons, the excitement comes from playing on the ski area’s buildings, idle snowcats, ice blocks, rocks, and even grass (there’s usually plenty of that at a resort that gets an average of less than three feet of natural snow each winter).
Rather than focusing on tricks or big air, the troupe is known for their slope-carving skills and quirky approach to constructing terrain park features, like a rail made from a boat anchor chain. “It’s a different aspect of snowboarding entirely,” says Brendan Gouin, who serves as the Yawgoons’ videographer when he’s not peering into mouths at work as a dentist in Charlestown. “We’re not jumping out of helicopters into the backcountry. We represent a style of snowboarding that’s more attainable for people: we’re riding at this dinky hill, but look at what you can do with this.”
The OG “Goons” – Gouin, Dylan Gamache, Marcus Rand, Mary Rand, and Brian Skorupski – all learned to snowboard at Yawgoo. The core members mostly remain after nearly a decade: Mary moved on to a successful career as a professional snowboarder, and Marcus relocated to Oregon, but the others continue to occasionally carve the slopes at Yawgoo. Over the years, the Yawgoons have shared their exploits on more than 20 videos as well as on sponsored
trips as far away as Austria and Switzerland.
“Things have slowed down somewhat,” says Gouin — the Goons are all in their 40s now, after all — but the group still snowboards and films when they can. “We have not released a video in a few years, but have footage saved that will hopefully find its way into a new project.”
Gouin and company have spent nearly two decades redefining what constitutes “fun” in the world of snowboarding. Rhode Island and Yawgoo Valley may be a strange place to find snowboarding pioneers, but the Yawgoons say there’s nowhere else they’d rather be on a winter night than riding the Yawgoo tow rope and coming up with new ways to cut, carve, hit, and grind at Yawgoo. “You make the most of what you’ve got,” says Gouin.
A condo gets a stylish refresh, ready for entertaining
By Elyse Major
Arecent poll reveals something most of us already know: after watching TV, most of the US population spends their time in the kitchen. Whether it’s for food and drink prep, or impromptu meeting spots for catching up, our kitchens are truly our hubs. When a couple, who enjoy entertaining, felt their kitchen needed a refresh, they enlisted Michelle Parenteau of Michelle Lee Designs. Based in Johnston, Parenteau is well-known in both residential and commercial design circles for creating contemporary spaces with a mix of color, pattern, and personality.
The couple moved to Wakefield nearly seven years ago, and make their home in an open-floor plan condo. “We wanted to downsize and live closer to the ocean,” they shared. Both lifelong Rhode Islanders, the pair let Parenteau know that they wanted to bring an ocean vibe inside. “My clients needed a kitchen that was functional and aesthetically pleasing,” says Parenteau, sharing that the space was indeed dark and dated. “I listened to their wants and needs and gave them a bigger island for entertaining.”
Photography
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Striped backless stools at the kitchen island add jaunty appeal
Along with ample storage that includes new teal-colored cabinetry that extends to the ceiling and floating shelves, Parenteau outfitted the room in style. Wood flooring that served the homeowners well was replaced with a wood plank tile in a stylish herringbone pattern. Fixtures, such as the bent-wood chandelier with six candelabra arms, connect the warmer tones throughout while complementing the cool blues, which appear in accents. There is also ample surface area on the island with cheerful backless stools for hanging out with the cook. A small round table by the window offers additional seating with a view.
The redesign extended to the powder room which was completely overhauled. Out went the existing pedestal, large tile, and beige color scheme, and in came a black vanity with brass legs, shimmery wallpaper, and an exquisite Murano glass-spun vessel sink with a brushed brass faucet. “My clients wanted an elegant space with statement pieces,” says Parenteau.
With the renovations complete and the holiday season upon us, the couple couldn’t be happier with the changes. “My wife and I like things with good quality and comfort. Our home feels lighter and brighter! Michelle really helped us transform our dream home.”
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Cambria countertops with veining in a bluish-teal were installed, and glass and floral tile behind the hood and coffee bar lend unexpected panache
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Shop Wickford
The homeowners enjoy visiting Wickford. Check out the Festival of Lights Celebration (December 5-8), which starts with a tree lighting on Thursday, followed by daily arrivals of Santa by boat, horse-drawn hayrides with Santa, and an Elf Parade on Saturday. Wickford, Facebook: I Love Wickford Village
Festive Wakefield
Don’t miss a night of carols and music while helping to raise funds for Contemporary Theater Company’s 2025 season at the Christmas Cocktail Cabaret on December 19. Pro-tip: get a VIP Cup of Good Cheer Ticket for a front-row seat reservation along with two drink tickets for the event. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
Rhody Resources
Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent. Here are some of the vendors used for this project: The Blind King, Kitchen & Bath Gallery, Jason Thomas Construction LLC, Lighting & Design by J&K Electric, Rhode Island Design Center, Rhode Island Tile, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. Says Parenteau, “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com.
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Brushed brass adds striking contrast in the powder room
Like a Charm
This season’s must-have is bespoke jewelry created on the spot
By Elyse Major
Collecting small ringed trinkets and pendants, collectively known as charms, and affixing them to chains has been popular for years, but new to the scene is the emergence of DIY charm bars. Typically set up like a buffet, there are trays, vessels filled with eye-catching choices, and a variety of chains. Charm bars have recently been popping up at artisan and flea markets, and some boutiques, like Nava in Providence, are making space for them.
“We started with a few pop-ups back in March and had such a positive reaction that we decided to set it up permanently in the shop,” says owner Ali Burns-Nachwalter of the charm bar, situated inside the cozy storefront by a large picture window. Nava has been a city fixture since 2008, having spent 10 years on Thayer Street before relocating to Wickenden Street. Inside is a thoughtful mix of new and vintage clothing, gifts, books, home decor, and jewelry.
Assorted charms include new, antique, and vintage pieces
Photo by Ali Burns-Nachwalter, courtesy of Nava
Even with Burns-Nachwalter handling the fastening of the charms to the chain, the experience is very personal. The process begins by choosing beads and a chain, and playing with placement designs on the tray. While it’s easy for some to get overwhelmed, Burns-Nachwalter offers, “Try not to overthink it. There are so many fun charms and options for design. Grab what you love and we’ll help you curate it.”
Burns-Nachwalter shares that a great aspect of building custom charm jewelry on the spot with customers is that everything is so easy to change. “We can put a piece together, see how it looks and feels on, and then we can swap a charm or two out if it’s not feeling quite right. It’s also super fun that you can add to your piece any time. Start with three charms on a bracelet and come back a few weeks later and we can add more.”
Appointments for 30-minute time slots are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled easily online. Nava also hosts private charm events where groups can have the shop and charm bar to themsel v es with bubbly drinks pro v ided. Gift cards are available, and the shop is happy to help someone design a custom piece virtually. ShopNava.com
by
caption
Photos
Elyse Major
Ali Burns-Nachwalter fastening charms to a chain
Meet AJ Maio
Behind
the mask with Barrington’s own ballet dancer
By Alexandra Ashe
What sparked your interest in ballet dancing?
I fell in love with ballet when I went to see Ballet RI’s production of The Nutcracker for the first time when I was about five years old. I knew from the moment I saw the dancers leaping gracefully in beautiful costumes across the stage to Tchaikovsky’s music that I had to be a part of it in some way, so I enrolled in Ballet RI to start my formal training.
What does a daily training regimen look like for you?
Every morning I wake up and have a nice cup of Earl Grey tea. Definitely a necessity! Then it’s off to the studios to roll out my muscles and stretch before our daily technique class. After class it’s rehearsals until the end of the day. Then, I find a quick bite to eat before heading back to the studio to teach character dance classes at Ballet RI.
What’s something non-dancers might not know about your craft?
Ballet takes a lot of extra cross-training, and being exposed to different styles of dance and athletics can actually enhance the artistry and physicality that we use. So much hard work and countless hours of preparation, repetition, and training go into every aspect of each production that we do. The attention to detail and constant push for perfection is what makes ballet so special to me, and the opportunity to meet and dance with so many talented dancers from all around the world. I love that we’re all able to come together and share our love for dance with so many people every year.
Out of all the performances you’ve done, which one is your favorite?
One of my favorite roles I’ve performed is the nutcracker in our production of The Nutcracker It really feels like I’m actually going on a magical journey every performance. From the intricate sword-fighting choreography in the battle scene, to the frolicking-through-the-snow scene with the snowflakes, and finally performing tricks during the trepak dance in the land of sweets, I feel like I’m able to really develop the character.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you have free time?
I love to walk downtown along the Riverwalk, or any of Rhode Island’s beautiful beaches. I also love getting delicious Indian food at Not Just Snacks on Hope Street in Providence after a long day of rehearsals! Learn more about Maio and this month’s performance of The Nutcracker (December 19-29) at BalletRI.org
Photo by Ian Travis Barnard, courtesy of RMO
PR/Ballet RI
The unmasked dancer, AJ Maio
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Rhody Reads
A TBR list of six books to keep busy all winter long
By Deborah Goodrich Royce
Ihope this article finds you snuggled by a fire with a good book in hand, a loving pet nearby, and a steaming cup to warm you. As another winter blankets Rhode Island, there’s nothing as comforting as a book. Here I bring you some new releases that will keep you happily ensconced all season. Look for some of these authors at this year’s Ocean House Author Series, with a schedule soon be announced at OceanHouseEvents.com.
Westerly’s own Christa Carmen is taking the world by storm with her gripping psychological thrillers, and Beneath the Poet’s House (out December 10) is no exception! Saoirse White – a grieving writer unmoored by her husband’s death – moves into the historic Providence home of 19th century spiritualist Sarah Helen Whitman. With the arrival of a trio of transcendentalists, a potential new love, and a resurgence of old fears, Saoirse uncovers much more than her own long-buried secrets.
January 7 sees the much-anticipated release of The Stolen Queen by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. What connects the glamorous Met Gala in 1978 and a tragically ill-fated anthropological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings in 1936? When curator Charlotte Cross discovers one of the museum’s Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts has gone missing the night of the gala, there are signs that the curse of Hathorkare, a rare female pharaoh, might just be reawakening.
One of my favorite writers, Markus Zusak (who didn’t love The Book Thief ?), releases Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth): A Memoir on January 21. When his family adopts three troublesome rescue dogs – Reuben, more wolf than hound; Archer, blond, beautiful and destructive; and rancorously smiling Frosty – pandemonium ensues. From street fights to injury, the chaos and connection that comes from these unexpected sources reminds us that animals cut straight to our hearts and our funny bones.
I am both a fan and a friend of Victoria Christopher Murray. Her historical fiction novel, Harlem Rhapsody , comes out February 4, exploring the Harlem Renaissance through the eyes of Jessie Redmon Fauset. Fauset, editor of legendary W.E.B. DuBois’s literary magazine, The Crisis , and a writer herself, was a complicated woman; her years-long affair with married DuBois may have kept her out of focus for historians of that seminal era. Murray brings her to a full and worthy life on these pages.
March 11 sees the publication of Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland. When Jessa Gidney, a modern-day immigration lawyer digs deep into the case of a detained immigrant fighting to stay with her child, she inadvertently exhumes the 100-year-old case of Carrie Buck, a poor Black woman at the center of the American discussion on eugenics at that time. Alternating between the past and the present, this novel deftly tackles the timeless issues of reproductive rights and society’s expectations of women.
On April 1, with the tantalizing hint of spring comes New York Times bestselling author Julia Bartz’ ( The Writing Retreat ) newest release, The Last Session . When social worker Thea meets a catatonic woman in a New York psych ward, she realizes she knows her from somewhere. When the woman regains lucidity, she suddenly disappears. Following her trail to a mysterious wellness center in the deserts of New Mexico, Thea inches closer to the patient and secrets from her own past.
ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE
Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Reef Road , a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the ABA. With fellow authors, Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe, she created the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills. Her Ocean House Author Series, in partnership with Martin House Books and WCRI, brings world-class authors like Sarah Ferguson, Chris Bohjalian, and Katie Couric to Watch Hill.
Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time . She holds a bachelor’s degree and two honorary doctorates, from both Lake Erie College and the University of Rhode Island. With her husband, Chuck, she has restored the Ocean House Hotel, United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards.
A WINTER WISH
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases
Winter gives the gift of time. My wish is that we all take that time to restore ourselves in whatever ways we need. As I take this season to write, stay tuned for news of the upcoming Ocean House Author Series in Watch Hill. Our new bookstore partner is Martin House Books in downtown Westerly. Pop in this winter and meet its incredible team of booksellers. Grab some hot soup or coffee while you’re there and cozy up with a good book.
Shore Soap Co.
Bath and Body
What it is:
The retail location of seaside-inspired scented bath and body products.
Where to find it:
Look for the storefront on the cobblestoned section of Thames Street, not far from America’s Cup, and steps away from Santander Bank.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
If you’re a fan of nutrient-packed bath and body products that harken the sea, use simple packaging, and stress awareness of proper recycling and reduction of single-use plastics, Shore Soap Co. is for you. Their charming brick-and-mortar is stocked with popular items like Warm Sand liquid soap, Golden Hour bar soap, and Wave Spray – for beachy tresses any day of the year. The company started in the Newport kitchen of Jake and Steph Kopper, who began by experimenting with cold-process soap-making with a goal of creating luxurious yet affordable goods using natural premium ingredients. Today most of their products are handcrafted at their facility in West Kingston, and are available at over 90 independent retail shops across the county, but you can find everything – including candles, homegoods, and merch – on Thames Street.
Shore Soap Co.
302 Thames Street, Newport 401-846-0305
ShoreSoapCo.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photos by Brandi White, courtesy of Shore Soap Co.
One of life’s greatest achievements is the ability to leave a lasting legacy. We can help. rifoundation.org/legacy or call (401) 274-4564
FEATURE
Dishing Up History
From exposed beams to ornate facades, the hallmarks of some of the city’s favorite restaurants tell stories of the past
By Andrea E. McHugh
n 2002, J. Hogue of Providence saw Fort Thunder at Eagle Square – a warehouse in a pre-Civil War textile factory in Olneyville that had become a hub for artists and musicians – transform before his eyes. As developers acquired the surrounding complex and other large industrial mills, some buildings were preserved, while others were demolished and lost forever. The changing face of the city in the new millennium catalyzed his drive to photograph and document these buildings and others like them on his website, ArtInRuins.com, where he’s cataloged more than 400 properties.
Today, many of these historic buildings in Providence have been preserved and repurposed into residential, commercial, or mixed-use spaces, with many housing beloved local restaurants, blending the city’s architectural heritage with vibrant modern uses. Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, says these spaces are part of what makes the city unique. “In a restaurant like New Rivers or Pot au Feu, the story is just as compelling as the meal.”
STEEPLE STREET
Before it was home to noteworthy restaurants, Steeple Street was a lynchpin of Providence’s industrial past. The Congdon & Carpenter Building and the George & Smith Owen Building were built between 1827 and 1847, and 3 Steeple Street is considered the city’s oldest surviving industrial building on record. Today, tapas bar Palo serves Andalusian dishes there, and many locals remember when it was Fat Belly’s.
Just steps away, 7-9 Steeple Street was a jewelry manufacturing factory warehouse in the mid-19th century. From 1980 to 1989, 7 Steeple was the original home of Al Forno, and today, it’s home to James Beard-recognized New Rivers, a staple since 1990. When renovated before opening, Providence architect Ed Wojcik kept and restored the original wood windows where possible, refinished the existing hardwood floors, reproduced metal shutters based on historic photographs, and designed the front to match proportions from the historic storefront. There used to be a billboard at 9 Steeple Street that was used for Buddy Cianci’s re-election campaign in 1990 that was defaced by famed artist Shepard Fairey – whose “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” stickers can be found around the globe – then a RISD student.
PILGRIM MILLS
In the heart of College Hill, the Pilgrim Mills building at 101 North Main Street was one of the earlier mill conversion projects in Providence, undergoing a complete interior gut renovation in the late 1990s. “It was derelict for a long time, or so it seemed to be, anyway, from the photos I’ve been able to gather, and there was extensive work to save it,” says Hogue. “That was part of the first wave of thinking about redoing buildings in the downtown area, as catalyzed by the work that had yet to really get started for WaterFire, for the whole park situation.”
Today, the front half of the building is the only part that remains of the original, but Ron Coffey –the managing director at Encore Hospitality, which runs Mill’s Tavern on the main level – takes the role of stewarding Pilgrim Mills seriously. “Our team is very mindful of its history, and proud to be an occupant in a long line of tenants in this 120-year-old building,” he says. “Over the years, the idea to modernize has been considered, from making the dining room more contemporary in style to shifting from our signature wood-burning grill to a more efficient gas grill. Thankfully, those changes never happened, and we are fortunate that our guests and our staff embrace the classic hardwood floors and exposed brick and pipes that we love in the restaurant.”
(bottom) PPL
Steeple Street past and present
Specializing In Custom Cakes &
Sip, Smoke, and Socialize at One of RI’s Top Cigar Bars
The Gentleman Cigar & Cocktail lounge in Cranston is tailored for aficionados and amateurs alike
In 2017, long-time restaurateurs Paul Voigt and Johnny Krikorian were already running the successful PJ’s Pub in Cranston when they started to look for a venue to open a cigar lounge. “We wanted a place where we could relax and enjoy a smoke without sitting outside or heading into Providence, and close enough that PJ’s regulars and staf could easily visit for cocktails after dinner,” says
Krikorian. When an ideal location opened up just a mile down the road, they took the opportunity.
Don’t let the name deceive you. The Gentleman is an upscale social smoking experience for men and women to unwind, featuring a gorgeous bar stocked with an enviable selection of Scotch and bourbon, a humidor crafted by connoisseurs, stateof-the-art ventilation system, dark and cozy lounge with soft
leather couches, private member room, outdoor patio with firepit and TV, and 50 humidified cedar lockers. The Gent stands out as a premium cigar and drink destination.
As with all PJ’s Hospitality Group locations, five-star service and quality drinks are top priorities. The cocktail list, created by bar manager Mimi Medeiros, always includes classic Old Fashioneds and Manhattans alongside seasonal additions, like the Maple Pumpkin Bourbon. The cigar selection, ranging from Oliva to Drew Estate to Padron, is extensive, and experienced staf are more than happy to ofer suggestions.
The Gentleman is open to the public, but being a member has its perks, including quarterly private dinners and summer barbeques, annual holiday parties, monthly locker gifts, a private smoking room, tobacco discount, and more. “We have almost 100% retention on our
member renewals, so it’s pretty exclusive,” says Voigt. “New lockers don’t open up very often, and when they do, the waiting list is long enough that we’re able to be very discerning about who can join.”
Beyond being a favorite spot for watching the game and date-night drinks, The Gent also hosts events, including Sushi Night, Oktoberfest, the GentsGiving Food Drive, Longest Ash contests, and the Kentucky Derby watch party. Try the latest bourbon or tequila during Wednesdays At The Gent –ofering a complimentary spirits tasting and hors d'oeuvres paired with a cigar special.
Inquire about bachelor parties, private events, networking and fundraising gatherings, and more, along with catering. Find events online.
100 East Street, Cranston TheGentlemanCigar.com
PECK STREET
When fifth-generation contractor Phil Martelly peeled back the layers at The Red Door at 49 Peck Street (formerly Thee Red Fez for two decades) during the bar’s renovation, he knew right away the building was from another era. “I’ve been in the construction industry most of my life, and that place easily dates to the 1800s because of the timbers that were used, and I gutted the place down to the studs. The body of the floors in between, the roof framing, and the actual guts of the building are original.” Martelly, who
owns the property with Chris Martelly and Matt Dawson, calls the building a “a strange little property,”
A commemorative plaque at The Red Door tells the story of how the building sustained damage after the Great Hurricane of 1938, when Narragansett Bay submerged Providence under a storm tide of nearly 20 feet. For a period of time, the building also served as a commercial printing company. “I just knew the bones were good,” says Martelly, who left as much of the original components intact as he could.
Photo courtesy of Palo
The interior of Palo harkens back to Steeple Street’s history
The name “Sarto”is a nod to the building’s past life
TESTE BLOCK
The Teste Block at the corner of Weybosset and Dorrance streets, designed by architect Charles P. Hartshorn, was built in 1860 and is considered a rare find at four stories high and eyebrow-raising 15 feet wide. It was the second most narrow building in the city, eclipsed only by the 12.5-wide George C. Arnold building at 100 Washington Street (home to Friskie Fries), until hospitality management and development company, G Hospitality, expanded the building in the back.
“The street grid was changing, and so these funny little narrow bits of land would open up and someone would still put a building on it, or they were just different investors trying to make money from commercial rentals 100 years ago,” says Hogue. Among the oldest commercial buildings downtown, the Teste building was once home to an apothecary, a money-to-loan
business and for the better part of a century, and the Philip Wolfe Haberdasher – which inspired the name of G Hospitality’s ground-floor restaurant, Sarto, Italian for “tailor.”
Also in the G Hospitality suite is The Rooftop at the Providence G in the abutting Providence Gas Company building, and the nearby G Pub, built in 1923 as The Narragansett Hotel parking garage. “We absolutely love downtown Providence and think that it’s just a gem of a city both for its tangible and intangible values and infrastructure,” says Colin Geoffroy, president at G Hospitality. “Marrying the history with modern needs is really important to us. Providence has such amazing architecture and the adaptive reuse of it I think is really important, and is going to be increasingly important. Maintaining that and helping expand upon it is one of the important parts of helping downtown continue to develop and evolve.”
The Alice Building, which occupies 236-250 Westminster Street, is a seven-story building constructed in 1898 and is considered the first vertical retail center in the US (and America’s first indoor shopping mall, the Arcade, is just down the street). It was renovated in the 1990s by Cornish Associates, igniting the Downcity Arts and Entertainment District.
“[The Alice Building] was one of the big anchors that Cornish did downtown to kind of prove that there was a viable market for residential property there,” explains Hogue. Popular Parisian-inspired cafe Ellie’s relocated to the Alice Building in early September, next door to Cielito Mexican Kitchen, the new sister
restaurant of James Beard Award semifinalist Tuxpan Taqueria in Central Falls.
It’s hard to miss the Exchange Bank Building at the corner of Westminster and Exchange streets, which the Providence Preservation Society calls “the earliest known remnant of the mid-19th-century nascence of today’s Downtown” in its Guide to Providence Architecture. The four-story building constructed by the National Exchange Bank in 1845 is a mash-up of architectural styles: part Greek Revival, part Q ueen Anne style with protruding oriel windows. The bottom floor has been home to Bellini by the Cipriani family since The Beatrice Hotel opened in 2021, which also has a private rooftop lounge cocktail club.
Photos courtesy of (left) ArtInRuins.com, (right) PPL
Teste Block
WILCOX BUILDING
Pot au Feu at 44 Custom House Street is part of the Wilcox Building, built in 1875 for jeweler Dutee Wilcox. “It is by far one of the prettiest and most ornate facades ever built in the city,” says the restaurant’s owner and local historian, Bob Burke. “On the Weybosset Street side, it’s all carved stone, and when you look at the upper floors, you’ll see that it’s festooned with birds and flora and all kinds of things carved into it, which is amazing.” On the Custom House Street side, where the restaurant is located, ornate cast iron pillars were sand-casted in lieu of stone carved to save money. “History proved that the facade for the Pot au Feu was actually far more ornate and unique. There’s only a couple of cast iron facades in the city,” explains Burke. He goes on to describe the reinforced flooring, built to ensure safes of gold and silver wouldn’t crash through.
Established in 1972, Pot au Feu’s past can be found throughout the French bistro, with exposed brick walls throughout and the original stones carved to make the foundation nearly 150 years ago on full display, and if you look closely, chisel marks on the walls.
2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Happy Holidays!
SUPPORT LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BY FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT AT THESE RETAILERS IN THE OCEAN STATE!
Homemade pastries and pies evoke memories around the hearth
By Cynthia Munrayos
Avid baking enthusiasts Kate Marks and her oldest son Michael Joseph launched Skylight Bakery in 2020 with the help of Rhode Island culinary incubator Hope & Main. Raised by parents who owned their own food business, Marks says “I grew up watching my mother bake, which is why I enjoy baking. My father believed in serving, in every sense of the word, and enjoyed it, which I think rubbed off on me.”
And Marks has passed on this passion for sweet service to her own family. She and her husband have lived on the East Side for the past 28 years, where they raised five sons – all of whom contribute to Skylight Bakery in some way. A reincarnation of sorts, the name comes from her former business, Skylight Cafe, which operated on Wickenden Street in the 1990s, serving deli sandwiches and homemade soups. “I knew my talents and the experiences I had developed could support my son’s vision, and I really enjoy meeting and working with the customers,” she says.
Behind the bakery is Marks’ dedication to sticking to the classic American desserts we all know and love. “When we started our bakery,” she begins, “we wanted to fill an old-fashioned niche with our familiar, classic flavors that would please the palates of young and old alike and evoke childhood memories – or create new memories with friends and family!”
Prioritizing top-quality ingredients like real butter and fresh fruits, the menu includes a variety of pastries, such as fruit hand-pies, cookies, brownies, scones, and cinnamon rolls – all handmade, from scratch-baking crusts for pies to making their own caramel for the Salted Caramel Brownies.
Although they mostly cater to sweet tooths, Skylight Bakery also offers savory snacks like cheddar scones and a selection of quiches with bacon and cheddar, spinach and feta, or mushroom, onion, and Gruyere. Marks says, “I think that people really appreciate that all of our goods are baked fresh on the morning we sell them.”
Baking out of Hope & Main in Warren, the pop-up business appears at vendors markets, including the Hope Street Farmers Market, and they’re busy fulfilling custom order requests for holiday events, like the Bristol Christmas Festival on December 7-8. Watch for pre-packaged festive treats such as butter
balls, gingerbread and gingersnap cookies, and Russian tea cakes – items that aren’t usually available at their regular market stalls.
“The greatest compliments I’ve received are when women tell me my crust tastes just like the one their mothers made,” says Marks. “I think it’s wonderful to live somewhere where small businesses can thrive, and to have customers who you can be so grateful for. It is gratifying that they are walking away thinking [our food] is delicious.”
Visit SkylightPVD.square.site to place custom orders for local pickup or delivery, and follow @skylightpvd on Instagram for upcoming events and market appearances.
Photo courtesy of Skylight Bakery
Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls
Sowing Seeds of Success
Farm-to-table restaurant doubles as an empowering community culinary arts program
By Kou Tukala Nyan
The award-winning Harvest Kitchen, run by Farm Fresh RI, doubles as a tasty cafe and a youth training facility that originally launched as a mobile program in 2009, obtaining their Local Foods Cafe location in Pawtucket in 2017. When farms are faced with surplus and gleaned produce that would otherwise go to waste, the nimble staff use it to whip up tasty solutions that not only benefit growers but also community youth.
My first lunch at Harvest Kitchen was both illuminating and delicious. Inside the spacious cafe, I was greeted by smiling faces and a chalkboard scrawled with inspirational quotes. A fridge held an array of locally made beverages to choose from, and a mini
Must-Try Items
POWER BOWL ( WITH FALAFEL ) ( $11.50 ) : Greens and kale, quinoa, roasted chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta cheese, with a housemade tahini dressing
OCEAN STATE MELT
( $8.50 ) : Local white fish, house pickles, cheddar cheese, and greens on wheat toast
Atmosphere: Bright, welcoming cafe
Cuisine: Breakfast and lunch sandwiches and snacks
Inside Harvest Kitchen’s inviting cafe P hotos courtesy of Harvest Kitchen
We Service & Repair ALL Foreign and Domestic Models
729 EAST AVENUE, PROVIDENCE
library housed cookbooks. While exploring, I spoke to AmeriCorps volunteer Frank Jollifer about the kitchen’s mission.
“It gives youth a reset,” Jollifer said of the programming, explaining that youth involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and juvenile centers in Rhode Island are provided this much-needed sustainable outlet as they transition into adulthood. Program director Sean Kontos shared that students attend summer, morning, or after-school cohorts to learn hands-on skills of pickling and jarring leftover fruits and vegetables, meal prep, and catering. The kitchen gives youth a homebase for finding their footing in the culinary
world while serving affordable, fresh meals to the surrounding community.
Harvest Kitchen partners with Tides Family Services, Community Action Program and Health Services, and over nine farms –which benefit from the relationship by selling value-added items packed using donated produce and recipes under the farms’ own labels. Of the more than 300 students who have gone through culinary training since 2009, some continue to work with Market Mobile, the food distribution branch of Farm Fresh RI, and many others move on to work for various restaurants, often expressing their thanks for the leg up Harvest Kitchen provides.
Lexus
Honda
Isuzu
The Gately Salad
Photo courtesy of Harvest Kitchen
Small State, Big Plate
Healthy wraps and salad
I was excited for the opportunity to taste the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor, settling in for a cozy cup of herbal tea produced by Sanctuary Herbs of Providence, a brand that partners with immigrant and refugee farmers. The relaxing blend of holy basil and lavender complemented an appetizer known as the Power Bowl: a healthy mix of greens, kale, roasted chickpeas, quinoa, cucumbers, and Narragansett Creamery feta cheese with falafel and tahini dressing. Next, I had the Ocean State Melt. The bread was toasted to just the right level of crispness with gooey cheese inside with pickles and morning-caught cod salad. I dipped my sandwich in a light and creamy curry soup special, a hearty blend of mixed vegetables and chickpeas. For dessert, a soft oatmeal cranberry cookie loaded with dried cranberries was the perfect sweet note to end on.
After my meal, Kontos shared with me some of the ways he hopes to see Harvest Kitchen continue to grow, from expanding hands-on experiences for youth to hosting events in the space catered by students. Additionally, a school meal program, which currently makes lunch for a pilot school, was built to provide fresh meals in the communities where the youth they serve live.
A farm-to-table cafe with a mission, Harvest Kitchen checks all the boxes for a delicious lunch or grab-and-go snack, and diners can feel good about where they spend their money, as proceeds go back into the training program.
Help a beloved creamery choose winning flavors for this year’s Rhody-themed ice cream
By Ruthie Wood
Many of our favorite local ice cream shops close before the first frost, but the slush, snow, and Nor’easters don’t intimidate Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery. On the contrary, their North Smithfield creamery amps up production each January to make new and exclusive ice cream flavors for members of their Test Batch Club.
“Wright’s Test Batch Club is an exclusive interactive membership that gives ice cream fans the opportunity to contribute to our ever-evolving ice cream offerings,” explains Kelly Lemoine, director of sales and marketing at Wright’s. People who sign up to be club members receive exclusive access to small-batch flavors to taste-test and provide feedback via online surveys.
Some flavors will never make it from the Test Batch Club to the shelves, while others have gone on to be wildly popular, like Tractor Tracks – vanilla ice cream with caramel swirl, crushed peanut butter cups, and Oreo pieces – which was a flavor from the 2022 club that made it to the year-round menu. Coffee Oatmeal Cookie, Tiramisu, Oreo Cheesecake, Nutella, and Cannoli are flavors from previous years’ Test Batch Clubs that get rotated in seasonally.
Photos courtesy of Wright’s Creamery
Exclusive scoops from the Test Batch Club
Customizable food and beverage menus available for holiday get togethers with friends, family or business associates that work for any budget. Having a small holiday party that only requires a regular reservation? We have party décor to add some sparkle to your table.
Last year’s pie theme included everything from chocolate pecan to key lime
JOIN THE CLUB
Taking place across 12 weeks beginning in January 2025, A Wicked Rhode Island Test Batch Club invites members to pick up a pint of ice cream a week from one of three locations in Providence, Warren, or North Smithfield. Club members who complete the flavor surveys will not only cast their votes for which ice creams make it to stores, but also receive bonuses like coupon codes as incentive and thanks. A full-year membership can be purchased until December 31, and half memberships are available through February 5 to sample the final six weeks of flavors. Protip: memberships make great gifts! TheWrightScoopRI.com
Last year, the Test Batch Club devised a core flavor theme to channel their experimenting: Sweet as Pie. The top-ranking Tollhouse Pie incorporates chocolate-chip cookie ice cream with chocolate swirls. It was introduced to regular customers over the summer, and it will be packaged as a pint through the holiday season, according to founder and food operations manager Cathryn Kennedy. In second place was Grasshopper Pie: green mint ice cream with marshmallow fluff swirl and Oreo cookie pieces.
Ice cream is not always scream-worthy, regardless of the old adage. Some flavors the dairy farm takes a chance on are flops with the taste-testers, such as Honey Bourbon Pie (which this taster happened to love), Chocolate Pecan Pie, and Holiday Leftovers – widely panned. Other feedback from members included a limited diversity of flavors within the theme – all comments the production team takes to heart in order to grow and flex their creativity through trial and error.
Cathy
Members get to sample test batches every week
H O P E & M A I N®
MAKERS MARKETS
WEDNESDAYS 4-7PM
Nov 20 • Dec 18
Feb 12 • Mar 12
April 16 • May 7
As a 2024 Test Batch Club member, I can vouch for the notion that not every flavor has to be out of this world for it to be a treat. Beginning last January, I eagerly anticipated each week’s new pint, and when I encountered a favorite, hoped that other members would agree with my taste buds and also submit favorable surveys, so that I might be able to experience these flavors again from Wright’s Dairy’s coolers.
The official theme of 2025 is A Wicked Rhode Island Test Batch Club, which Kennedy anticipates will “provide inspiration, but also give us a ton of flexibility to come up with different types of flavors. It’s definitely challenged us creatively, which we enjoy.” Flavors will resemble or pull inspiration from notable places and businesses around the state, from the Big Blue Bug – which Kennedy assures will not have real bugs in it – to Blount Clam Chowder, which will emulate the appearance of this Ocean State delicacy rather than taste like it!
“As a born-and-raised Rhode Islander, I know there’s a lot of love for this tiny state,” says Kennedy. “What better way to celebrate RI than to feature ice cream flavors that embody it?”
Photo courtesy of Wright’s Creamerymery
Food Trends: Gifts for Gourmands
From specialty beverages to artisan cheese, provisions for the foodies on your list
By Abbie Lahmers
While a warm cuppa during a cold day can feel luxurious, Black Leaf founder Amber Jackson’s aim is to make the simple joy of sipping tea a part of everyday life. Taking the pretension out of loose-leaf tea, Jackson’s line of products satisfy a range of needs, from Glow, a rejuvenating elixir with anti-inflammation properties, to approachable, flavorful blends. “I want to
encourage people to utilize tea as a culinary experience rather than just a remedy, in a way that feels fun and accessible,” she explains.
“Sips that feel like a hug are always popular during this time of year,” says Jackson, who recommends Chai-der – a caffeine-free blend that combines chai and apple cider flavors with rooibos leaves – and Tennessee Whiskey,
a black tea with apricot and vanilla. “With a taste similar to whiskey, this blend features a subtle smokiness that feels like a cozy night by the fireplace.” For the tea lover on your list, Black Leaf offers the Tea & Honey Box, with a blend of choice, Bailey Beattie Apiaries local honey, an infuser ball, and a mini honey stick. 52A Valley Street, TheBlackLeafTea.com
Loose-leaf tea for the body and soul
P hoto courtesy of The Black Leaf Tea
In just over a year in business, East Side Cheese & Provisions has become a one-stop shop for tasting the fruits of creameries near and far, from the Comté Symphonie made in the mountains of France to an aged Gouda lovingly crafted on a family farm in the Netherlands. Despite boasting an assortment of “elevated crowd-pleasers,” the neighborhood fromagerie is a fun, approachable space “where you can slow down for a minute, have a fun conversation about specialty food, or just swing by to say hi,” says co-founder Angie DiMeo. “We’ve created the community space we’ve always dreamed of.”
For holiday entertaining, DiMeo recommends the Vacherin Mont d’Or, a silky and luscious choice to create a Swiss fondue experience. For gifting, it doesn’t get better than a Cheese Club membership, which takes the recipient on a deep dive into the world of artisan, specialty cheese with four to six themed selections delivered each month, complete with fun facts and pairings. Throw in an Italian Pistachio Cream Panettone and an illustrated cheese puzzle and make any foodie friend’s dreams come true. 17 S Angell Street, EastSideCheese.com
Trade cream and sugar for botanical infusions crafted by a Rhody household name. Dave’s Coffee recently released a trio of flavored syrups that any latte lover or home mixologist would be tickled to find in their stocking this month. Rosemary Juniper Berry offers aromatic herbal and pine notes, Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea is a smokey and bold drink addition, and Hibiscus Lavender teases warmer days with bright, floral flavors. Made with all-natural botanical ingredients and handcrafted in small batches at their Narragansett roastery, “These syrups are a testament to our dedication to exploring new
flavors and creating products that inspire creativity in both professional and home kitchens,” says founder Dave Lanning.
Also available is the Vanilla Cardamom syrup, perfect for a holiday martini – as concocted by Newport mixologist Teon Cromwell, Jr. Add 1 ½ ounces of gin, ¾ ounce of Cocchi, 1 ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of Dave’s Vanilla Cardamom Syrup, 2 dashes of cardamom bitters, and a muddled sprig of rosemary to a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, serve, and be merry! Pro v idence and Charlestown, DavesCoffee.com
Mix up holiday bliss with coffee syrups
A Gouda thing going on the East Side
PIC OF PVD
City streets aglow for winter revelry!
ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
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.
