House & Garden Published by the Block Island Times
Fall 2008
Photograph by Celeste Sloman
The Hartnett house on Southwest point is a spectacular setting for their art.
A traditional island farmhouse with a unique artistic flourish
A Special Supplement of
DESIGN TIPS … pg 6
By Brent Lang As artists, Sean and Leslie Hartnett understand firsthand the impossibility of ever truly finishing a painting or a piece of sculpture. There’s always an extra dash of paint to apply, an errant outcropping of marble to chip away, or an excessively rigid line to blur and soften. A true work of art defies completion, constantly evolving in the eye of its creator to a point when it becomes akin to a living, breathing organism. So it is with the Harnett’s Block Island home. Their unpretentious cottage on Schooner’s Point has been in the family for decades and over time has come to embody its owners’ artistic sensibility. Scattered along the property are projects in various stages of completion. From ambitious undertakings like the house
that Sean and his son are constructing just down the road, to more modest endeavors such as a makeshift hot tub that combines a wood stove and a feed trough. Yet the effect is never chaotic. Rather it is a true island home — one that in its constant state of self-improvement remains well-maintained, but never ascetic. For the Hartnetts, who keep homes on Block Island and in Santa Pietro, Italy, the waterfront getaway is a place to reconnect with their children and grandchildren, work in the garden, and put the finishing touches on the sculptures and decorative masks that pay the bills. Situated on 10 acres of rippling pastures, the house fits snuggly into a dip in the land. It is a home steeped in history; one that traces its origins back to 1840 when it was HARNETT continued on page 4
Page 2 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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Celebrating the Past -- Planning for the Future Do you ever drive by a house on Block Island and wish you could see inside? The nice thing about working on the House and Garden issue is that we do get to enjoy this opportunity. In this issue we take you to visit two homes quite different in location and ambiance. The Hartnett house is located on Southwest Point with sweeping views of the ocean. The only way to get the view of this house that appears on the cover is to be invited on to the property or view it from the water. It’s unique and dramatic. This is a home that reflects the talents of two extraordinary artists. And it still retains the character and charm off the original wing built more than 150 years ago. The Saylor house is right at a bend on Corn Neck Road behind a handsome privet hedge. You’ll enjoy seeing what architect Doug Gilpin achieved with an extensive renovation of the interior while he kept the exterior virtually intact. This represents a wonderful remake of an island home to meet modern needs while respecting its wonderful heritage. And there’s moreChris Barrett explores energy alternatives in this time of rising concerns over energy costs. Bob Downie reviews Block Island architecture through the years. Fran Migliaccio introduces us to Mark Gagnon of South County Sound and Video who is a frequent presence on the island. She also introduces us to the members of the Block Island Gardeners, an organization that contributes in many ways to the beauty of this place. Fred Nelson tells you how to get your garden ready for winter and Scott Comings covers the topic of managing your property for wildlife. Three professional designers offer suggestions on redecorating your home and give you food for thought to ponder over the winter. You’ll find much to read about and put to use in this issue of The House and Garden. You’ll also find a handy list of advertisers listed in the back. These businesses provide service and skills in a variety of areas. Refer to the list often in the months ahead when you’re looking for expert assistance. Enjoy the last few weeks of this glorious fall weather and watch for the next issue of House and Garden appearing next spring. Sincerely,
Fraser A. Lang
Correction Policy
Our Staff Co-Publishers.........................................................Fraser Lang/Betty Rawls Lang Editor.................................................................................. .......................Ian Lang
Ocean Avenue, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: (401) 466-2222 Fax: (401) 466-8804 e-mail: mail@blockislandtimes.com webnews: www.blockislandtimes.com
The Block Island Times was founded in 1970 by Dan Rattiner, publisher, and Margaret Cabell Self, editor. It published only summer editions until 1982, when, under the ownership of Shirley and Peter Wood, the Times became Block Island’s first year-round newspaper. In 1988 the Times began weekly publication and became the Island’s “paper of record.” Sold off-island in 1997, the paper returned home in November 1999, and was reinvigorated under the ownership of Peggy and Bruce Montgomery. In 2006, ownership of the paper transferred to Fraser and Betty Lang. The Block Island Times, a member of the New England Press Association, is printed on 100% recycled paper by TCI Press of Seekonk, Mass. It is distributed by Special Delivery, Inc.
Production Manager............................................ ....................... Christopher Izzo Copy Editors........................................Chris Barrett, Shane Howrigan, Ian Lang, Contributors.......................................................Chris Barrett, Scott Comings, Bob Downie, Brent Lang, Fran Migliaccio, Fred Nelson Photographers .....................................Chris Barrett, Scott Comings, Fraser Lang, Fran Migliaccio, Celeste Sloman. Cartoonist ..............................................................................................................Don Bousquet Illustrator.......................................................................................... .........Neil Lang Advertising................................................... Shane Howrigan, Betty Rawls Lang Advertising Design ....... John Barry, George Donnelly, Sue Fillipone, Chris Izzo
Advertising: This newspaper does not assume any responsibility for an error in an advertisement. Editorial: This newspaper will correct errors in reporting. Opinions expressed in columns or letters to the editor in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper. The opinions expressed by the cartoonist are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Block Island Times is published weekly at the newsstand price of 50¢. Publisher is Manisses, Inc., PO Box 278, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807. Yearly subscription, $65, $40 for half-year. Periodical postage is paid at Block Island, RI 02807, and additional offices. USPS #003-204. Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Block Island Times, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807. The Block Island Times House & Garden insert is published twice yearly in April and October.
Page 4 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
constructed by Luther Dickens, a direct descendent of one of Block Island’s first families. While the Dickens’ home has been preserved, it has undergone more than a few renovations in the ensuing 150 years. In this froth of change, great pains have been taken to make the modern additions conform to the style and scale of the original structure. The home grew in fits and starts. Many of the additions have been necessitated by the demands on space imposed by an ever-growing family. Others, such as adding running water and electricity in the late 1950s, were practical concessions to modernity. Each of the many changes to the house were painstakingly documented by Hartnett’s father, who, after purchasing the place in 1946, kept a journal that chronicled its history stretching back to Dickens’ day. Today the tiny cottage that his father purchased has expanded to include three bedrooms and three baths, though in fairness one bedroom is a converted bathroom that was modified so a family member in the twilight of her years would have ready access to the facilities. Sean Hartnett played a significant role in many of these modifications and additions, frequently serving as designer, electrician, plumber and builder. He insists that this unique set of skills is a product of necessity. Years ago, when Sean Hartnett made the decision to become a sculptor, he reconciled himself to the fact that the financial instability that frequently characterizes an artist’s life necessitated that he be able to do everything himself. Whereas his father, a successful business executive, could afford to hire people to do work for him, Sean Hartnett realized that if he wanted something done, he’d probably have to do it. And the fact that so many of the repairs and additions
have been done with his hands has left a personal imprint on the home. While Sean handled much of the construction, Leslie played an integral role in refinishing furniture and picking the perfect paint colors for the wood floors and walls. The home’s interior bears the mark of both. A spacious kitchen with a deep set sink looks out over the meadows, serving as the perfect place for large family gatherings and meals. Throughout the two-story home, walls are painted vibrant shades of green, yellow and teal: colors that complement the prints and sculptures that decorate each room. The true piece de resistance, however, is the spacious family room, outfitted with coaches, coffee tables and sitting chairs that date back to Sean Hartnett’s mother. This link with the home’s prior owners is attributable to a desire on Leslie Hartnett’s part to maintain a respectful appreciation for the work that her in-laws did to make the island cottage a home. “For the longest time, I didn’t want to change anything,” Leslie Hartnett said. “It just didn’t seem right.” While the Hartnett home is relatively small in size, the breathtaking panorama of the ocean that can be seen from the living room and the master bedroom is anything but. To highlight this epic vista, the Hartnett’s installed large frame windows that look out on the shoreline. It is a view that ranks among the very best on the island. Along the house’s entrance and directly overlooking the bluffs are decks that maximize access to the dramatic setting. Sean Hartnett is aware of the irony that the house’s original owner probably had only a grudging appreciation for the ocean view. “To those folks, the water was just a field you couldn’t plow,” Sean Hartnett said with a chuckle.
Photographs by Celeste Sloman
HARNETT continued from page 1
Leslie and Sean Hartnett stand with one of his sculptures. Below are views of the house and grounds.
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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Design tips from the experts By Brent Lang The beach towels are back in mothballs, the deck chairs are collecting dust in the garage, and the volleyball net was rolled up a month ago. But it’s never too early to start thinking about getting your island home ready for next summer. To help you through that crucial brainstorming phase, we’ve solicited advice for turning your Block Island home into a showplace from a trio of interior design veterans.
‘Go green’
Cindy Kramer, Home Enhancement Cindy Kramer loves nature. Her belief in sustainable living can be seen in everything from her avid gardening to a kitchen pantry she keeps stocked with organic goodies. Kramer has spent the last year integrating her passion for the environment with her work as a designer. Now, she is urging island residents interested in home enhancement to consider going “green.” Not the color. But the term that is synonymous with environmentally friendly lifestyles and products. Kramer advises people to think “green” on both a large and small scale. From reupholstering chairs with recycled fabric to beautifying floors with environmentally sound finishes, there are a number of sustainable products to help revitalize your cottage. While prices vary, many eco-friendly products cost roughly
the same as paints, flooring, and fabrics that are not “green,” according to Kramer. Kramer has found that many of the paints that she uses from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams are more lustrous than chemical-based offerings. The synthetic free fabrics that she’s been employing to give a second lease on life to household furniture seem durable and come in a wide variety of styles and patterns. Even green certified flooring options such as bamboo and cork are stronger and softer than more conventional options. “You don’t have to sacrifice your personal decorating style to be green,” Kramer said. Kramer is preparing to tackle her first entirely “green” kitchen, complete with low environmental impact appliances, energy efficient lighting, and zero VOC paints that lack the solvents that contribute to ozone depletion. However, she says that when it comes to making your house environmentally friendly, it’s OK to start slow. Buying a synthetic-free mattress or bedding made out of organic cotton is a good, costefficient beginning.
‘Reuse, revitalize, re-imagine’ Elizabeth Herbst, Elizabeth of Essex
Elizabeth Herbst has more than three decades of experience in the design business. From refurbishing luxury yachts to designing costumes for La Boheme, the Essex Conn.-based designer has done it TIPS continued on next page
Photos courtesy of Beach House Design Studio.
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES TIPS continued from previous page all. Mindful of Wall Street’s woes, Herbst is telling many of her clients to put the shopping spree on ice and to think instead about dusting off those family heirlooms. What Herbst does is to take a dogeared sofa or ottoman and reupholster it with vibrant new fabrics that better match the aesthetic of a family room or a den. She argues that reusing older items gives a home a sense of history and a more personal touch than stocking up on the latest items. Typically, reupholstering a chair runs to $275 and refurbishing a sofa costs $375. “In my custom work, I try to make it as personal as possible for the people I work for,” Herbst said. “You don’t want to give a place a velvet rope feel, you want to make people feel comfortable.” This approach can lead Herbst in unorthodox directions. She has been known to scavenge yard sales for that perfect item. She also has no qualms about taking a piece that’s been irretrievably damaged and giving it a second life. In one instance, she helped a client who had accidentally spilled paint on an oriental rug by performing some emergency surgery that rescued the best bits and reused the fabric to make pillows. Sometimes, Herbst says that the best approach is to just rearrange the furniture. Consultations are free, but Herbst charges $175 an hour to make a home visit, where she reconfigures sofas, paintings and rugs in ways that better match the layout of a home.
make for a fun family activity. There are also larger shells such as nautilus shells, sand dollars, or sea biscuits that can be purchased for less than $10 and make a wonderful addition to a mantle or side table. One particularly colorful, albeit at $10 to $21 slightly more expensive choice is an Abalone Shell, which has stunning iridescent interiors. Given the beach setting, Dwyer recommends extending a nautical touch to a summer home’s accessories. She believes that any shelf, bookcase or table should be adorned with nautical knot bookends or family pictures housed in frames that sport anchors or star fish. Yet Dwyer makes clear that there are no firm rules for decorating. “If you go with what you like it’s usually a safe rule of thumb,” Dwyer said. “Try not to be a slave to fashion dictates, but instead go with things that appeal to you. If you’re stumped elicit a professional to help you.”
‘Sweat the little details’ Cindy Dwyer, Beach House Newport
Lazy summer days. That’s what Cindy Dwyer uses for inspiration when she designs interiors for beach houses. “Beach houses to me are filled with memories of warm days, lazy afternoons in a carefree, kick-back type of environment,” Dwyer said. “It’s where you let your hair down and kick up your feet. You should be comfortable.” Dwyer believes that it’s the trinkets and knick-knacks that provide the personal touch that put vacationers at ease. Vintage books purchased at any used book shop or yard sale do a great deal to make a house feel homey, particularly if they have shimmer to their spine or embossing. Dwyer suggests that a good approach is to arrange stacks of these books on a table or in other parts of a living room in addition to simply storing them in bookcases. Another nugget of advice is to accent the books with a single cone shell. Dwyer is a huge fan of decorating with shells. She believes that bowls of shells are essential centerpieces. Gathering them up on the beach can even
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Page 8 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
Keeping it simple: Island home preserved and reconfigured “Right now people are looking at their dollars and savings account,” Gilpin said. “I think people are going to be much more efficient from a square footage standpoint.” Smaller homes also tend to bring fewer objections from neighbors and can offer just as many amenities as their larger counterparts. At the 1,500-square-foot Saylor home on Corn Neck Road, Gilpin fit in four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room and kitchen. Armed with a list of requests from the Saylors, he let no space go unused. He put a half-bath under the staircase, moved a bedroom upstairs to replace essentially a wasted landing area, moved a few walls and tore down others. “Visually it looks a lot larger when actually it’s still just the same sized house,” Saylor said. Gilpin also drew on his experience renting the house, which allowed him to be aware its finer details. He used this knowledge to reconfigure the galley kitchen into a U-shape for functionality and removed a spiral metal staircase. Watching his 6 foot, 3 inch sons clamor up the stairs with necks bent and suitcases banging told him the staircase needed to go. “I knew from a personal experience those stairs were crazy whereas someone else might have said they’re charming and it only takes up 5 feet by 5 feet,” Gilpin said. Gilpin replaced the staircase with one fitting the original character of the home. The move also allowed him to tear down an unsightly exterior staircase that the previous owners, who added the spiral staircase, were required to install to meet building code. Gilpin also moved the kitchen after
he realized that for a waterfront home, the views were lacking since chefs had to stare at the wall. Gilpin’s reconfiguration was not the first for the home. The foundation and old sheathing boards in the basement leads him to believe another structure once sat on about the same site. Sometime in the 19th century the owner tore down the old structure and recycled some of the materials to build today’s house. Later someone roughly doubled the size of the
building’s footprint and raised the roof. While those earlier changes brought a drastic change to the building’s exterior appearance, the most recent renovation is virtually unseen by the casual observer standing outside. “With older houses especially there’s a character that goes along with them that we like, and sometimes when you build a new house you can’t duplicate that,” Saylor said. “There’s something nice about keeping it simple.”
After
Photographs by Chris Barrett
By Chris Barrett When Rick and Patricia Saylor purchased their Block Island home 16 years ago they knew its antiquated kitchen, compartmentalized layout and bathrooms needed modernization. Last year when the Saylors buckled down to renovate the home they chose not to add an addition or tear the building down, increasingly popular trends. Instead, the couple turned to architect Doug Gilpin and asked him to work within the confines of the existing walls built in the 1880s. “My wife and I both grew up in old houses and we’re believers in trying to keep the character of whatever the age of the house was when it was built, but still make it comfortable,” Rick Saylor said. “We didn’t want to get tangled up in all the zoning ins- and-outs and get lawyers involved, we wanted something a lot simpler.” The Saylor house — like many on the island — sits on a small lot. And in recent years, the town has moved to tighten zoning ordinances to discourage the construction of excessive homes. Now, some property owners are talking to architects about staying within the home’s current footprint rather than take a costly and time-consuming trip to the Zoning Board. Besides savings on attorney’s fees, staying within existing walls means work can start in almost any weather. The Saylors rent their home in the summer and completed the work last winter, finishing by April, in plenty of time for the rental season. The plan also saved money by eliminating the need for new foundations, roof structures or pricey exterior walls. That’s helpful in today’s economy of tight credit markets.
Before Before
After
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
Page 9
Photographs by Scott Comings
A Guide to Organic Gardening on Block Island
Above: Scott Comings holds a raptor. These birds rely on the island’s meadow habitat. Right: Long Pond on Block Island with buffer around it. Buffers are important in maintaining the pristine nature of many of the Island’s ponds. By Scott Comings The Nature Conservancy With the weather getting cool it is time for many people to finish working in their garden and put the garden to bed for its long winter’s rest. It is also the time to finish working on lawns and trails and suspend the age old fight with weeds and poison ivy. As most people know Block Island
has a sole-source aquifer under the island which is where all our drinking water comes from. This means whatever we use in the garden, lawns, and trails could end up in our drinking water. For this reason I would like to ask people to consider using organic products in their yards. They work well, are readily available, and are similarly priced. Organic products when used responsibly will not
negatively affect the non-target plants and animals that comprise the unique Block Island ecosystem. A gardener making the switch from chemical to organic products may be afraid that using these materials will be more complicated and less convenient than using premixed chemical products. This is not so! Commercially formulated organic products can be just as convenient and
effective as their synthetic counterparts. What is an Organic Product: Organically acceptable weeds, pest and disease control products differ from their synthetic counterparts in that they are derived from natural substances, are generally less toxic to humans and break down relatively quickly in the environment to harmless substances. ORGANICALLY continued on page 10
Page 10 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 ORGANICALLY continued from page 9 Organic fertilizers are made from natural plant and animal materials. These feed both soil microorganisms and earthworms in addition to plants.
Organic options
Weed Control For a pre-emergent herbicide use corn gluten meal products. These prevent root formation in germinating seedlings when incorporated into the soil. For a “weed killer” there are many vinegar and soap based herbicide formulas available. Brand names include Burn Out and All Down. Even though these are organic they can still be irritating to the skin so remember to handle with care. These products are available through mail-order catalogs and on the Internet. There are also websites on the Internet that contain recipes to mix your own formulas from common household products. Remember to always mulch and use weed barriers since this will reduce the amount of weeds in your garden and require less product. Fertilizer Convenient “all purpose” organic fertilizer blends for perennial beds are becoming widely available, such as those made by Espoma or North County Organic Blends. Organic liquid and granulated fertilizers are available for the specific needs of lawns, houseplants, bulbs, acid loving plants and more. When using any type of fertilizer it is important to get a soil test periodically to know exactly what your soil and plants need. The University of MassachusettsAmherst has a soil testing lab that will analyze your sample and give organic amendment recommendations. These amendments include bonemeal, manure,
Meadow and shrub habitats at Clay Head Preserve on Block Island are great for wildlife. compost and many others. Other Needs There are also organic fungicides and insect sprays along with slug and deer repellents. When using any insecticide in an environmentally responsible way it is important to first know/identify your pest and target it specifically instead of spraying broad-spectrum products that may harm
many beneficial and benign insects. Remember just because a product is organic doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful to humans and beneficial and benign organisms if incorrectly used. It is very important to follow instructions and application rates.
Five other ways to help wildlife
In addition to organic gardening there are a few important things that you can do
on your property that will not only save you money but help Block Island wildlife and the planet. 1. Less light is more for wildlife. Many nocturnal animals are affected by external nighttime lighting. By minimizing your outside lights your property becomes much more hospitable to more than 600 species of moths, 200 species of beetles, and three species of owls. These species are attracted to light and will not carry out
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES their usual evening activities when too much is present. Two additional bonuses of turning your outsides lights off are a better view of a starry night sky and a decreased electric bill. Also never use a “Bug Zapper” for it kills many of Block Island’s harmless and beneficial insects. 2. Native, it’s only natural. When landscaping, use native plants as often as possible. These plants are more suited to the Block Island environment, better for wildlife and are less likely to be disturbed by deer. If everyone planted native plants, we could reduce the threat of new invasive plant species appearing on Block Island. If your property has invasive species (bittersweet, multiflora rose, black swallowwort) consider removing them or controlling their spread. Contact The Nature Conservancy for the best method. 3. Water is wonderful for wildlife. The ponds and wetlands on Block Island are some of the most pristine in New England. Many island properties have wetlands and they are great places to appreciate plants and observe wildlife. Be sure to leave a vegetative buffer of at least 50 feet around your wetland, and also make sure your septic system has been recently inspected to ensure a healthy system. Also never introduce fish to the wetland. We have found in our scientific research of ponds on Block Island that ponds with only native fish and ponds without fish are the most unique in terms of the animals found there. 4. Meadows are marvelous for wildlife. This type of habitat is declining on Block Island and in New England. Many of Block Island’s endangered species are dependent on meadow habitat. A healthy meadow habitat is achieved by mowing once a year in March. This allows the habitat to be used optimally by wildlife in each season. If you have a big lawn and are getting tired of mowing it, think about letting some of it revert to meadow. If
your meadow has a lot of invasive species you may want to consider changing the time and frequency of mowing. (The Nature Conservancy can provide mowing schedule advice). This type of habitat is very important in the southwestern part of Block Island. If converting shrubland into meadow consider leaving nice stands of native shrubs (shadbush and black cherry) since they are showy when in bloom and provide food and shelter. 5. Shrubland is super for wildlife. Recently it seems that this habitat type has been getting a bad rap. It is important to
remember that this is a vital habitat type for many of the species on Block Island, including migratory birds, breeding birds, wintering birds, and butterflies to name a few. In a recent internal habitat planning exercise at The Nature Conservancy, we found that Block Island coastal shrubland is one of the best examples of this habitat type in New England. Shrubland is the easiest to maintain, just leave it alone. If a few shrubs are getting in your view, just top them and leave the rest for wildlife. Shrubland is especially important on the north end of the island where migratory
Page 11
songbirds orient before they continue their trip south. If you have mature shrubland (especially on the north end) please think long and hard before cutting it down. It takes decades to grow. If you have any questions, or want help managing your property for wildlife, please call us at The Nature Conservancy (401) 466-2129. There are many options on Block Island to enhance your property for wildlife. By following suggestions above, you will not only help the numerous creatures of the island, but also ensure they will continue to survive here.
IMPORTANT ORGANIC REFERENCES The Organic Gardeners Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Ellis and Bradley. Rodale Press. Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Rodale Press. The Organic Apple Grower. Phillips. Soil Testing – University of Massachusetts Soil Testing Laboratory 413-545-2311 or umass.edu/umext/floriculture/grower_services/soil_testing.html Places to Purchase Organic Products NAME
NUMBER
WEBSITE
ORGANIC PRODUCTS
Goose and Garden 466-2866 N/A
manure; disease and pest control; kelp and fish liquid fertilizer
Agway (Exeter) 295-2770 N/A
soil amendments;fertilizers; potting soil mixes and more
Earthcare Farm (Charlestown)
364-9930
N/A
compost
Good Earth Organic Garden Center (Hope)
826-3130
N/A
blended fertilizers and plants
Gardens Alive 513-354-1484 gardensalive.com
lawn and blended fertilizers; weed, pest, and disease control; seed starting
Fedco 207-873-7333 fedcoseeds.com
fertilizers; insect, pest, and disease control; seed staring
Johnnys
877-564-6697
johnnyseed.com
pest, weed, and disease control
Planet Natural
800-289-6656
planetnatural.com
products for garden, lawn, and home
Territorial Seed Co. 800-626-0866 territorialseed.com
pest, insect, and disease control; granular and liquid fertilizers. Including odorless liquid fertilizers great for indoor plants
Page 12 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
How can a house be 1 and 3/4 stories high? By Robert M. Downie Can you find the island’s more than 120 old houses that are 1 and 3/4 stories high? Since there are about 1,600 houses on Block Island, the task might be akin to looking for an exotic bird in a dense flock of seagulls. But how, in the first place, can a house be 1 and 3/4 stories high? It’s just a term invented by architectural historians who ran out of terminology. That's because the typical Cape Cod style house, famous throughout
Block Island’s typical old home
New England from the 1700s into the mid-1850s, is 1 and 1/2 stories high. The slant of the roof begins at the top of the first floor, making the second floor only a half story — as anyone who has walked around on the second floor of an old “Cape” and bumped his head on the low slanted ceiling would know. And everyone knows what a twostory house is, with two full floors, and all the rooms having straight up-and-down walls and full head-room with no bending over to avoid a slanted ceiling when you
This house once belonged to Capt. Welcome Dodge Sr. and is now owned by Dan Millea. This 165-year-old home was built when shorter 1 and 1/2 story Cape Cod style homes were the typical home on the island. Versions of this 1 and 3/4 story house built later by other islanders became increasingly complex. The house still stands, on Amy Dodge Lane, but rows of potatoes no longer grow near the front door.
walk up to a wall on the second floor. In between is another basic height size. That occurs when the carpenter builds the second floor wall straight upwards from the floor for two or three feet, and then adds the slanted roof on top of that. When standing in a second floor room, this side wall comes to about one’s knees. So the short wall is called a kneewall and the type of construction, having run out of arithmetic terms, is a 1 and 3/4 story style The 1 and 3/4 story construction is typical of houses built on Block Island in
the late 1800s. More than 40 Cape Cod style houses and 120 of the 1 and 3/4 story houses are scattered across Block Island — nearly all built in the 1800s for farmers and fishermen. Many of the older homes are amongst the most delightfully charming buildings you’ll ever see. Some might be just “plain” — but, they fit into the island landscape in a way no house three or four times the size of these traditional houses ever could. Those carpenters from the past built tastefully, and without architects.
The John P. Champlin home now owned by Jerome Anderson. Present-day photo --- Built 20 years later, about 1860, for farmer John P. Champlin (1837-1896), across from Rodman’s Hollow. This house differs from the Capt. Welcome Dodge home by being longer, with four windows and a middle door across the front, and with a larger ell---and by having short windows on the second floor in the kneewall.
BI OLD HOME continued on page 13
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES BI OLD HOME continued from page 12
Page 13
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ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS --- Capt. Martin L. Rose--- now owned by Fischburg family Photo 1985 --- Built in 1892 for Capt. Martin L. Rose (1858-1925), the house is located at the end of the lane across from the former West Side Baptist Church. This 1 3/4 story house incorporates more elaborate windows in the second floor kneewall, and a front porch.
P.O. BOX454 170 P.O. BOX Block Island RI 02807 Block Island, (401) 466-2689 (401) 466-2689 306 Pine Orchard Road, Rte 148 112 Oakwood Trail, Chester, CT 06412 Killingworth, CT 06419 Phone: (860) 526-8899 • Fax: (860) 8225 Phone: (860) 663-2019 Email: architect.a@sbcglobal.net Fax: (860) 663-2446 www.TunneyAssociates.com
South County Flooring We sell and install all types of flooring. --- Rufus A. Willis--- long owned by Baekland Roll Present-day photo --- This older version of a 1 3/4 story house, long owned by Rufus A. Willis, stands on Center Road east of the cemetery. Unusually small windows are part of the second floor kneewall, but they are windows nevertheless, with a small dormer --- making an exceptionally charming space inside. BI OLD HOME continued on page 14
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Page 14 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 BI OLD HOME continued from page 13
--- Cottage Farm--- owned by Hobe family Present-day photo --- The much-admired Cottage Farm was built in 1889 for Hiram Ansel Ball (18511926), and is located on Corn Neck Road just north of Mansion Beach Road. To the casual viewer, the ornate dormers and gingerbread details might mask the underlying 1 3/4 story construction.
--- Horace W. Dickens--- now owned by Anderson-Biaggia Present-day photo --- Horace W. Dickens built his plain cottage in 1904 at the end of Dorie’s Cove Road. Over the years porches were boxed in and made into ells, a large new porch added, and wonderful pillars of beach stones were used for chimneys, porch columns, and the bay window foundation --- but still just a 1 3/4 story house.
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--- John Rose--- owned by Paul Taylor Photo ca. 1890 --- Contractor John Rose built his own house about 1885 near the beginning of Dorie’s Cove Road, combining a plain 1 3/4 story style with extraordinary embellishments: truncated roof ends, an open porch with double columns, horizontal bands of decorative wood shingles embracing the second story (painted for contrast), and gingerbread.
--- John Rose--- owned by Paul Taylor Present-day photo --- The John Rose House is well maintained, but time, hurricanes, and changing fashions have stripped much of the detail away.
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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Gardening Times By Frederick H. Nelson
As winter approaches
By Fred Nelson Changing fall foliage color is a sure sign that fall is upon us and that winter weather cannot be too far away. Some of the first plants to exhibit fall color are two of our invasive plants. One is Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) that turns a brilliant red. This is the vine that you will find climbing and covering trees, shrubs and utility poles. It will also be showing bluish black berries. Virginia Creeper climbs by virtue of tendrils. These are root-like appendages that cling to any surface as evidenced by the many ivyclad college buildings. While this is grown as an ornamental plant we can see how some of our cultivated plants can get out of control. In addition to its distinctive fall color it may also be identified by its five leaflets (different from poison ivy that has three leaflets). The other early fall colored plant is also a vine, our ever present bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). The first sign of this is the yellow foliage followed by the yellow and red berries. This is a twining type of vine as you can note as it twines around branches and anything else that get in its way. An interesting note is that bittersweet climbs from left to right. Different twining vines climb in different directions. There are many instances of some of our trees that have been so severely overgrown with bittersweet that the tree is killed. Another sign of our imminent fallwinter season is the maturation of flower buds on broadleaf evergreen shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Pieris. If you don’t see any buds on rhododendrons now you will not see any blossoms next spring. Even if you do see the flower buds the only way that you will see the spring flowers is if you put a significant fence around them in short order.
Deer
As I may have mentioned in the past, deer penetrated what I had thought was a protective fence around our hybrid rhododendrons but “a” deer slid by a small opening next to the porch and completely denuded it of every flower bud and leaf. The plant survived this interlude and will be in full flower next spring. This year we have seen more deer around our home at all hours of the day than ever before. The real show was a pair of deer with magnificent antlers. They actually looked like twins. Otherwise we have been frequented almost daily by a doe and half grown fawn. I do what I can to indicate to them that they are not welcome but they continue to return. Any hunter who would like to station himself around here during the hunting season is more than welcome. While repellents are effective for varying periods of time nothing beats physical barriers to keep desirable plants protected.
Vegetable gardens
By this time of the season most vegetable gardens are gradually closing down. We have picked our last squash. The cucumbers are long gone, beans are yielding less and less, and what few
onions that survived this year have been pulled and soon all that will be left are carrots and beets. These two vegetables are great because they keep in the garden until you can dig them up. Many times in the past I have had to break through frosted soil to get at our carrots. Finally before a real freeze comes around I shall dig all of them and we can keep them in the refrigerator for weeks on end. Homegrown carrots, like tomatoes can’t be found in any market. Once the garden is clean I plan to apply the coffee grounds that I have been drying for the past couple of weeks. I estimate that I shall have close to 200 pounds of
Virginia Creeper dried grounds that I shall apply as evenly as possible over the entire garden. This, in weight, is more than all of the compost that we process in a composting bin. In addition to the coffee grounds, I am hoping that I will be collecting enough seaweed to cover the garden. If I can continue this diligence through the next few years perhaps I can make a significant change in the organic content
in my garden soil.
Soil testing
Adding compost or organic matter to any garden is not a one-time exercise. The process should be continued annually. And to make sure that I am on the right track I also plan to “do as I say” and submit a soil sample to: Soil Test Lab, West Experiment GARDENING continued on page 16
Page 16 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 GARDENING continued from page 15
Block Island Gardeners: Taking trowels in willing hands to beautify the island
Rhododendron
Photograph by Fran Migliaccio
Station, North Pleasant St., University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003. The Standard Soil Test includes testing for pH and nutrients. The fee is $9. Checks should be made payable to the University of Massachusetts. When taking a soil sample take a trowel and take a slice of soil from 4 inches to 6 inches deep. Randomly take these slices from 10 or more spots around the garden. Mix them all together, dry the sample out and submit about one cup of the soil. Be sure to indicate the sample represents vegetables, flowers, turfgrass, etc. Use a separate composite sample for each different area and label each bag on the outside with identification of the sample along with your name and address.
Ornamental grasses
The introduction of ornamental grasses seems to becoming more popular each year. There are numerous varieties from which to choose. Color of foliage, florescence and height add interest in garden areas. If you choose to plant any of these grasses make sure that they are hardy. I was looking at a very attractive grass that was growing in some huge ceramic containers but upon not finding any in small containers I was informed that the grass that was so attractive was an annual. This may indicate that you will be finding grasses that are perennial as well as annual. Be certain what you are buying. About the only care that I have provided to the few plantings that I have is to cut them to the ground each fall. I have noticed some landscapes where this is not practiced and these grasses are not quite so attractive in the spring with the dead grass and flowering heads still in evidence as the new seasons growth emerges. Finally, spring flowering bulbs may be continually planted until there is frost in the ground. Any time from now until early December should be fine. The Block Island Gardeners, in cooperation with the Block Island Conservancy will plant 800 daffodil bulbs at Isaac’s Corner (corner of Cooneymus and Center) and the Town Hall October 10. When they bloom those who have helped with the planting will feel proud when the flowers help brighten the island and introduce yet another gardening season.
A group of BI Gardeners at Isaac’s Corner, with bulbs to plant. (l-r): Fred Nelson, Anita Miller, Doug Hoyt, Betsy Theve, Paul Marte, Gillian Moss, Ken Moss, Cindy Baute, Tony Miller, Mary Sue Record, Steve Robison. By Fran Migliaccio The Block Island Gardeners, incorporated in 1995 but in existence well before that, welcome gardeners and nongardeners to their ranks. President Cindy Baute, serving her second term, said the group is a great way to meet people, learn about the island, and do something she loves. “I saw an ad in the paper asking for volunteers to plant bulbs and I’ve been a member ever since,” she said. The Gardeners’ mission is charitable and educational: to stimulate interest in, and knowledge of, gardening and appreciation of natural resources and to foster civic beautification. The organization offers public events, trips, discussion panels, food and the beauty of private and public island gardens to delight eye and soul. The group’s yearly calendar is a cornucopia of events beginning with Arbor Day, the last Friday in April. Paul Marte and Fred Nelson began the group’s Arbor Day practice of giving each island child, grades kindergarten through sixth, a tree with instructions for planting and care. This year, each child
received two trees. Most events take place in summer, and summer residents compose most of the group’s 122 members. A July occasion is tea with a gardener, hosted this year by Stephanie Baute at the historic Peleg Champlin House. Other summer events are the group’s annual meeting and annual lunch. Both feature guest speakers, and the luncheon is held at the Hotel Manisses. A special project taken on by the Gardeners this summer was the selection and purchase of all the trees planted by member Linda Mast at the new Town Hall. As summer rounds the corner into September, the Gardeners enjoy fruits of their labors at the “Edibles Luncheon,” a potluck to which everyone brings a dish made of something from their garden — or, as suggested by Martha Wilson, from someone else’s. On September 10, the group took a field trip to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, R.I. The mansion, built in 1896 by Brown University graduate and mining magnate August Van Wickle on 70 acres of land purchased as a suitable place to berth his
72-foot Herreshoff steam yacht, hosts activities for visitors of all ages, four seasons a year. In October, the group holds a “Fall Wrap-up” discussion by an individual or panel of gardeners, with advice freely sought and given. This year’s discussion was held on October 1 by Derek Van Lent at the Community Center. A week later, it was out to the field for the Gardeners’ annual bulb planting, a joint effort with Block Island Conservancy. This year, the group planted 600 bulbs on the half of Isaac’s Corner and 200 bulbs at Town Hall. In years past, the Gardeners have planted bulbs at the Martin Property on the West Side, the Southeast Lighthouse, and the portion of the Attwood property on Corn Neck Road held in conservation. Every year at holiday time, the Gardeners order greens and make decorative swags. The swags are put together at the Harbor Church, in Fellowship Hall. “Everyone has a lot of fun,” says Cindy Baute, and pizza is ordered for lunch. For two years now, the Gardeners have used the swags to decorate BEAUTIFY continued on page 17
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES BEAUTIFY continued from page 16 Interstate Navigation buildings here and at Point Judith, as well as the island airport, reasoning that these are gateways to the island and should look welcoming. In addition to group projects, many members make individual contributions to civic beautification. Doug Hoyt uses plants and flowers to decorate the statue of Rebecca on Water Street and cultivates the St. Andrew parish gardens on Chapel Street and Spring Street. Fred Nelson, a member of the American Legion, selects, orders and helps plant trees as needed at Legion Park. Zuni Zelitch shares his expertise on island gardening with one and all. Today’s Block Island Gardeners continue the proud tradition of dedicated past members. Two of note are Violette
Connolly and the late Dr. Ed Galla. Violette and Joe Connolly bought their property in 1969. When they moved here, the island garden club was a small and knowledgeable group — a founding member was Joy Shaw — that wanted to grow. Violette’s background included a position at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. When she expressed interest in the gardening group, she was told there was one opening: for president. President she became, brought others in, and organized meetings and events. With support and help from Joe, Violette and her group took trips to Newport and other scenic spots, including the Chelsea Flower Show in London. With undeniable charm and iron will, Violette grew her group as determinedly and lovingly as one grows a garden, welcoming interest and participation. Her notebooks and records have been donated
by the Gardeners to the Historical Society. Another civic-minded group member was Ed Galla. While Ed’s wife, Cynthia, was a dedicated officer for the group, Ed loved projects; he designed and built the fence for Nicholas Ball Park in front of the Harbor Church. The space thus defined is now sustained through the efforts of Linda Mast, and is a much-used and welcome green space on Water Street. Like so much else that the Block Island Gardeners do, it is the one integral part of a sum of projects that quietly, by design, make Block Island yet more beautiful. Officers of the Block Island Gardeners, besides Baute, are Vice President Doug Hoyt, Secretary Gillian Moss, Treasurer Steve Robison, Member-at-Large Anita Miller, Membership Chair Anna Lofaro, Program Chair Mary Sue Record, Hospitality Chairs Karla Farrar and Kathleen Lang and Community Program Chairs Fred Nelson and Doug Hoyt.
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Page 18 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
Innovative Products for Block Island
Here Petie Hunter of Island Hardware stands next to a display of Damp Rid.
Got Mildew? No Problem!
If your island home is plagued with mildew, you should know about Damp Rid. It’s available at Island Hardware and other mainland outlets such as Damon’s Hardware and Jerry’s Paint and Hardware. The product really works.
Damp Rid reduces allergens and eliminates odors. It also prevents mold and stains and moisture damage. Crystals absorb the moisture and the receptacle fills with water. Periodically you empty the water and replace the crystals.
Have you ever seen a disappearing screen door? Phantom screens are a great product for Block Island where wind and weather can cause havoc with traditional screen doors. The screens are already on a number of island homes. The phantom screen mounts to the frame of any in-swing or out-swing door in your home. You can barely see it. To open, you simply grasp the handle and the screen retracts into a small receptacle on one side. A magnet holds the screen in place when it is closed. This way it’s there when you need, but can easily disappear when you don’t. The doors come in all sizes from the standard 84”x 48” size (which sells
for $395 installed plus ferry charges) to French doors and even sliders. There’s no need to remove anything when winter arrives. The frame is made of aircraft grade aluminum with a powder coat finish in a variety of colors. The screen itself is made of fiberglass and is 65% PVC coated. It never deteriorates but if torn or ripped, can be replaced as little as $85.00. All parts and mechanisms (except for the screen) have a lifetime warrantee. California Door & Window, an advertiser in this issue is the local authorized dealer. Their web site is www. californiadoorandwindow.com
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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For decades the garden at the Narragansett Inn was used to produce vegetables for dinner. Here in the 1950s long-time employee, George Stevenson, tends the garden. The area became overgrown but this year the area was cleared by hand with machetes by Inn employees Elias Concepcion, his son Tino and son-in-law Edward Britto. Bill Valleee pulled out the stumps with a tractor.
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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Fall 2008 Section II
A Publication of the
Alternative Energy
Solar panels at the Howe house on the west side heat the water and provide electric power. Their clothesline is yet another energy saving device. By Chris Barrett When Pat and Shirley Howe installed solar panels at their home off Dunn’s Cartway in 1983, people chuckled. What was that funny couple thinking when they refused to connect to the power grid? Thinking ahead as it turns out. With the highest electric rates in the county, Block Island residents
Sunflower … pg 26
now see the Howes and their essentially free electricity as a model. “They don’t think we’re crazy anymore,” Howe said with a laugh. With electric rates hovering around 65 cents a kilowatt-hour and no reprieve in sight, homeowners are shutting off lights, installing florescent bulbs, turning off unwatched
televisions and grumbling as their bills jump by double-digit percentages. Conservation, however, can only trim bills so far, and inquiries to companies hawking renewable energy products are increasing fast. “It’s become really busy in this area,” Chris Warfel of island-based Entech Engineering said. “I’m definitely
The Beauty of Block Island … pg 28
getting three calls a week easily. It used to be one a month, at most.” Bristol-based SolarWrights decided to reenter the Block Island market this year after leaving about 10 years ago. Founder and President Robert Chew said residents essentially made the ENERGY continued on page 23
Page 22 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES ENERGY continued from page 21 decision for him when they asked him to speak at a presentation on renewable energy and showed him that demand for it was strong. Today, companies like SolarWrights pitch an array of solar options to island homeowners looking to supplement or replace electricity generated by diesel engines at the Block Island Power Co. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity and can be mounted on roofs or the ground. The systems must be in a clear line of sight to the sun and, if mounted on the roof, the roof needs to be in good shape and structurally sound enough to hold the weight of the panels. The systems — that come as a series of panels — can be put together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. The bigger the puzzle the more electricity produced. Chew recommends Block Island homeowners purchase a 2.5-kilowatt system, enough to provide a little over half of an average Block Island home’s electric use. Such a system would be 19.5 feet by 10 feet, or about 200 square feet. At the Howe home on Block Island the eight 50-watt ground-mounted panels are each about 4 feet by 1 foot. At the couple’s home in Connecticut the two installed a larger system in the backyard that’s hidden from the main road. Pat says he enjoys taking people on a mini-tour of the system and they leave asking many questions. One of the most frequent is price. A 2.5-kilowatt system from Chew’s company will run about $25,000 to purchase and install. State and federal tax credits can knock the number down to around $19,250, still a pricey investment. Warfel estimates that most solar systems on Block Island pay for themselves in about seven years, but that can change based on energy consumption and oil prices that vary with the market and drive the power company’s electric rates. Some homeowners — particularly summer residents — might opt for a scaled down solar array that provides all or part of the home’s hot water. The systems can be used to heat water for household usages such as dishwashers and showers, or for big hot water needs like swimming pools. The systems are typically broken into two categories: active and passive.
Active systems use an electricpowered pump to circulate a fluid under solar thermal collectors. The heated fluid enters a heat exchanger next to a container filled with cold water and transfers its heat. The system, while efficient, requires electricity and more maintenance than a passive system. A passive system can be as simple as a large insulated water container glazed on the side facing the sun. As the box heats, so does the water. A slightly more complex version, known as Thermosiphon systems, involves installing a tank vertically above the solar collectors. As the water in the tank heats, it rises to the top while cooler water falls to the bottom for heating. Water in passive systems can freeze, a significant drawback for Block Island homes that must brave the cold New England winters. Active systems, on the other hand, can be designed to use drain back valves or fluids that don’t freeze. Any solar system that places panels on the ground also counts toward the property’s building lot coverage. Homeowners on small lots should know that the installation of a large array could jeopardize future proposals to expand the house or add outbuildings. If that all sounds too complex, homeowners can throw caution to the wind and install a wind turbine. Block Island allows turbines on residential properties under a complicated ordinance that links required setbacks to the turbine’s electric output and size. Building Official Marc Tillson said most property owners could put a 1-kilowatt wind turbine on their property without a trip to the Zoning Board. However, homeowners looking to install particularly large turbines or put them closer to property lines than regulations allow will need to go before the board. That could lead to the objections of neighbors but today’s turbines tend to be quieter than their predecessors because of technology that curves the blades to keep them moving at a steady speed. They’re also more efficient, easier to connect to the electric system and some models don’t require batteries. But if you’re hoping to sell that power generated through a turbine or solar panel back to the power company, you might be disappointed when you see your bill. The Block Island Power Co. does not offer net-metering like the rest of the state.
Whereas mainland power companies will pay you or give you a credit on your bill for the electricity you put back into the grid, BIPCo says it lacks that ability. Instead, BIPCo will give customers a credit for “avoidable” costs it did not have
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to incur, mainly fuel, for that customer. But the credit only carries one month forward, meaning if you generate a lot of wind power in January while you’re away you can’t use it to pay off your August electric bill.
Alternative ByEnergy Tax credits Chris Barrett
While installing solar or wind systems can be pricey, federal and state tax credits for homeowners can help offset the initial costs. The state waives the 7 percent sales tax on virtually all residential solar and wind projects and offers a personal tax credit for certain systems. The state provides a personal tax credit of 25 percent of the cost of a solar project, with a maximum project cost of $15,000. Projects costing more than that would receive the maximum credit of $3,750. The state requires a minimum module size of 24 square feet for photovoltaics. For solar hot water systems, the state wants to see a minimum collector area of 60 square feet; for active solar heating it demands a minimum collector area of 125 square feet. The credit can only be applied toward the purchase of the actual system. Installation and, sadly for Block Island residents, shipping costs, do not count. For wind the state is a little less generous, offering a 25 percent credit for systems with a maximum cost of $7,000. Like solar, projects exceeding that cost would receive the maximum credit, in this case $1,750. To receive the credit the system must have a minimum capacity of 250 watts at 28 mph and at least a 44-inch rotor diameter. As an added bonus, the town is forbidden by state law to assess wind or solar systems at any more value than a traditional energy system. The financial bailout bill passed by Congress and signed by the president in October expanded federal renewable energy tax credits. Homeowners can write off 30 percent of the purchase price of a solar system on their personal income tax returns. Congress also extended the credits until 2016 and removed a previous regulation that capped the amount of the credit at $2,000. For residential wind turbines, the federal government provides a 30 percent investment tax credit up to $4,000. That credit will expire at the end of 2009, unless renewed by Congress. For updated information on all state and federal renewable energy tax credits, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www. dsireusa.org.
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Page 24 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department To report a fire or to call for medical help: 911
Here is a list of fire safety issues we would like to share with you. It is not a complete course in fire safety, as that would be much longer. Rather this is an important list of some most-important items that deserve the attention of adults and children alike. Please post this in a place where it will be seen each day.
XXX.” This is the first question the dispatcher will ask if a renter wants to report a fire or call for medical help.
b) If the indicator shows “recharge” c) If you can not hear the chemicals flowing inside when you turn the extinguisher upside down. Extinguishers are so inexpensive it does not pay to recharge old ones. You can purchase them at stores like Home Depot which is located in Warwick on Route 2 and in North Kingstown and at other hardware type stores. Here are averages prices, All equipment is from Kidde.
1. Fire Extinguishers - It is best to have a working extinguisher on each floor. At minimum have one in your kitchen and one near your furnace or boiler. It is wise to have one in each of your major outbuildings, one convenient to your barbecue area, and one in your garage. 2. Barbecue Grills - Whether gas or briquette, grill should be at least 10 feet from any structure, should not be on a wooden deck, nor should there be any structure over the grill. At least one house was a total loss on the Island due to a grill.
7. Smoke Detectors - There should be a minimum of one smoke/carbon monoxide detector on each floor. They should be located on the ceilings adjacent to the bedrooms in the hallways. Detectors in the basement should be located at the top of the stairwell. If you have any questions concerning the placement of smoke detectors in your house please contact the department. Here are some suggestions from Home Depot’s selection of20 types. All are made by Kidde and include batteries.
COST
Kitchen/garage
$ 11.99
Multipurpose Home
$ 13.99
Home/Office
$24.99
Home (Foam)
$30.95
Micro Profile
Commercial
$56.95
Professional Smoke & Fire $ 9.96
4. Use of extinguishers - Most extinguishers have instructions and sketches as to proper use. Each family member should be thoroughly familiar with their use.
3. Fire extinguishers must be in good working order. A common manufacturer is Kidde. On the gauge there is a green area where the indicator should be. To the left it says “recharge.” If the chemicals inside stand for years at a time, they may settle to the point they will not work. To see if yours is in working order, turn the extinguisher upside down and put your ear directly on the extinguisher. If you hear the chemicals moving inside, it is in working order. There are three reasons to throw out your extinguisher:
5. Test - Make sure all family members know where extinguishers are located and bow to use them. 6. Renters - If you rent your house by the year or month, make sure this information sheet is posted in plain view, and that the fire extinguisher locations are known. If a realtor is your agent, insist they show this sheet to your renters. Post a sticker on your phone(s) that says “fire number is
a) If you use it.
$ 5.97
Emergency Light Hall
$13.95
Bedroom
$14.97
Two Pack Hard Wired
$22.00
Nighthawk (Smoke, Fire, Carbon Monoxide)
$24.97
Professional Voice Alarm $39.97 (Smoke, Fire, Carbon Monoxide) Testing Alarms - Test on the first day of each month. Post this on your calendar. The test takes a few minutes. Have a supply of batteries on hand in the event of battery failure. If you rent your house in the summer only, remove batteries after the season and replace in the spring. This will avoid
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batteries dying during the winter and appearing to be live in spring. 9. Fire Number - Make sure your fire number is plainly visible from the street at night. You should display it near the street where fire vehicles will arrive. If your road forks again off the main street, post another sign. 10. Brush Piles and Grass - Take brush to the transfer station. Do not let brush accumulate for years. After the uncut grass has grown for the season, cut it to the ground with scythe or sickle or have an Island grass cutter do this professionally. 11. Fire Drills - The entire family should learn and be able to repeat the following procedure. If a fire exists and if you have time: • Call 911. If time, alert all people in the building and’ call 911. If no time, leave the building and call from a • neighbor’s house or a cell phone. • Insure all people in house are accounted for. • Know where the furnace/boiler switch is and turn it off. • Close windows and doors • Stand in the road to direct fire vehicles. 12. Fire truck entry to your property - Make sure the brush on either side of your drive is cut back enough to permit a long, wide tire truck to enter your yard. At a minimum, we need 12 feet side to side and 13 feet clearance above.
Island Environmental • Soil Evaluations • Wetland Identification • ISDS Design
401-378-5885 island_consulting@hotmail.com RI Lisc# 4058,1207
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Answering your questions about Exterior Trim By Callum Crawford Q. What is the best choice for exterior trim? Wood or plastic? A. Red Cedar is the traditional choice for exterior trim. When primed on all sides and painted it has a proven track record for durability. On the downside. Cedar is fragile and will need to be repainted every 5 years or so in order to maintain a uniform appearance. The most popular choice for plastic trim (cellular pvc ) in our area is AZEK. We first used this product in 1999 and at that time the manufacturers claimed that it did not need to be painted. We found that it was very difficult to fill all the holes and cracks as the products provided for these purposes discolored quickly
and all the cut edges turned green and then black. Most manufacturers of PVC trim now recommend painting their products, and have improved the cellular core so that cut edges are more uniform. We have found that houses with painted PVC trim do not have the same issues with mildew growth as painted wood, and also the paint appears to last a lot longer. The main problem we still find is that joints tend to break due to the expansion and contraction that occurs with changes in temperature. Careful installation can reduce these problems and the products available, such as pre formed comer boards, are improving all the time.
Overhead Door Specialists since 1975 Garage Doors and Garage Door Openers Opener Installation and Service • Remote Controls
RI Lic. #110 • www.fagandoor.com • 401-782-1624
Q. Can PVC trim be installed in the same way as wood? A. A different approach is necessary for successful installation of PVC trim. The most important aspect is to understand that this is not wood and while it is cut and fastened in the same way, it has very different characteristics. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. PVC trim is unaffected by humidity because it is impervious to moisture and expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Long runs of trim and headboard on porch ceilings can buckle if they do not have room to expand. This problem is especially common when the installation takes place in cold winter
months. Manufacturers recommend that their products are installed when temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees. The other major difference between PVC and wood is flexibility. This can be an advantage when trimming curves ( PVC can be heated and bent to almost any radius or formed to trim round widows etc.), however it makes the boards floppy and difficult to handle. To work with these products successfully it is critical that staging and work stations are set up to support the full length of the material
Page 26 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
Painting the Island...
Daniel and Justin Cullen stand in front of this 10 foot sunflower at the home of their grandparents, Steve and Connie Finn of Southeast road. The plant developed from a stray sunflower seed in bird food.
for over 30 years! Sherwin Williams serving Block Island from our Narragansett Store. Daily Delivery Of Paint, Ladders, and Painting Supplies via The Block Island Ferry. Available only through Sherwin-Williams…
Duration Exterior Latex Coating – A long lasting coating for wood siding and trim. Proven performance along the coast and islands of New England. Woodscapes Exterior Acrylic Stain – Penetrates and seals exterior wood siding. Rich uniform appearance with excellent weathering and mildew resistance.
Call Joanne Talbot or Westin Place at
(401) 789-2233 14 Woodruff Ave, Narragansett
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Michele Reeves Michele Reeves
Bee Shaileen Tracy Bee Bee Interiors Interiors Interiors Michele Reeves
914.629.6103
914.629.6103 914.629.6103
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House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
Page 27
Mark Gagnon will wire your rooms and fill them with music
By Fran Migliaccio Chances are you’ve seen Mark Gagnon on Block Island more than you realize. He’s the tall man who, with island resident technician Fernando Gonzalez, is stringing cables, crawling under buildings, putting up satellite dishes, and doing whatever else it takes to install his inventory of media equipment for homeowners and businesses on the island. Gagnon is the founder and owner of South County Sound & Video, and has been in business since 1999. Asked how he decided to go into that particular line of work, he replied with a shrug and a laugh, “I’ve been in this business my whole life. I started repairing TV’s and stereos when I was 14, then I went to college and got my degree in electronics engineering.” After completing his engineering program at the New England Institute of Technology, Gagnon worked for 12 years at Providence College, doing all of the school’s video systems, alarms, card access, “You name it,” Gagnon said. He also spent two years doing telecommunications work at the University of Rhode Island, installing and maintaining telephones and cables. “I live and breathe electronics,” he said. Gagnon has done a lot of business on Block Island and comes to the island on a regular basis every week. “With Fernando as a technician full time, I can now offer same day or next day service,” he said. Gagnon keeps a truck and maintains a stockroom on Block Island and hopes to expand his service. “I may have two resident technicians here on the island next summer,” he said. After working out of his home for nine years, Gagnon is preparing to open a store in Wakefield, at Quo Vadis shopping plaza, across from the post office. There he will offer a full range of equipment for DIRECTV, home theater, high-definition TV’s and distributed audio-video
systems. Asked about the latter, he explained, “It enables an owner to put video and sound in every room of a building, and select whatever music he wants as he enters each room.” Gagnon is in the process of creating a website at www.scsv.net. Once completed the site will provide details of South County Sound & Video sales, service and installation. Product lines include JBL, Denon, Pioneer, Polk Audio, Electrovoice, Shure and Toshiba. On Block Island, most of Gagnon’s business is split between sound and video systems, and DIRECTV. He frequently comes to the island to work with contractors, pre-wiring new construction. On the mainland and on Block Island, his clientele includes many large businesses, schools such as Providence College, which he still services, as well as residential work. He has also installed TV and cable systems at the 1661 Inn, Hotel Manisses and other island hotels and marinas.
Mark Gagnon of South County Sound and Video with a system newly installed for The 1661 Inn.
Page 28 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
The Beauty of Block Island Photographs by Celeste Sloman Flowers peek through a stonewall. The light reflects off the calm water of one of Block Island’s many ponds. A field of black-eyed susans catches the eye. In these pictures you will see just some of the many wondrous examples of Block Island’s natural beauty that has been enchanting visitors and residents alike since this Island was first settled. So peruse these pictures and remember the next time you out on Block Island – whether you are a year-round resident or just visit occasionally – make sure you take some time to stop and smell the flowers. Like what you see? You can purchase professional quality reprints of the photographs in this paper and even put them on mugs, T-shirts or mouse pads. Visit www.blockislandtimes.com to learn more.
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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Page 30 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
House & Garden Business Directory ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OPTIONS Central New England Solar Store For all of your energy needs. Solar panels, wind generators, batteries, heating, lighting, energy saving appliances. 508-832-4344 or www. cnesolarstore.com. Entech Engineering Create the environment you want while preserving Block Island’s unique character and your budget. 401-466-8978 GreenSeal Provides home energy audits, assessments and solutions. GreenSeal does home and commercial insulations to provide you with maximum efficiency, safety and comfort. 401-667-0933 SolarWrights A socially and environmentally responsible
business serving the Northeast with attractive, efficient renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind systems. 401-396-9901.
APPLIANCES/APPLIANCE REPAIR Hull Suburban Propane Your on-island source for Amana, G.E., JennAir and Whirlpool appliances. Plus bottled gas, barbeque grills, and Vermont Casting Gas Fireplaces. Call Pete. 401-487-9629. Sears Offering a full range of appliances with lots of energy-efficient options. Delivery to the boat. Friendly and efficient service. Located in the Salt Pond Plaza. Call Jim and Anne Buchanan at 401-782-0009 or call 800-469-4663 for service and parts.
TraceyDillon architecture
sustainable design + site planning 401-466-5054 • Ebbetts Hollow, Block Island, RI web.mac.com/traceydillon
APPRAISERS Appraisals of Distinction, LLC For estate planning and settlement, insurance scheduling, claims, donations and equitable distributions. Call 860-434-7277.
ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS
6103, or on-island at 401-466-7765 or Shaileen Tracy 203-856-6507 for a free consultation. Dan Costa Island resident with big city experience and expertise. Dan’s Boston-based firm can help to guide you from your initial idea to the creation of an island home you’ll never want to leave. 617451-5898.
Beach House Design Studio Interior design services and fine furnishings for coastal living. Featuring Tommy Bahama, Liz Claiborne by Lexington, Company C Rugs, David Fuller Lamps and more. 401-619-4758.
Tracey Dillon Architects Year-round on-island professional offers residential design, land use, planning and historic preservation expertise. 401-466-5054.
Bee Interiors, Ltd. A full-service interior design firm that specializes in interior solutions from the beginning of your project to the end. Services include floor plans, furniture, fabrics, colors, window treatments, and accessories. Contact Michele Reeves 914-629-
DGP Architects Architectural design, planning and historic preservation are all elements of DGP’s practice. Douglas Gilpin, Jr. FAIA, of Corn Neck Road is one of the partners. 434-977-4480 or wdgilpin@ degparchitects.com.
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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House & Garden Business Directory Herman Hassinger FAIA Hassinger, of Corn Neck Road, is a yearround Block Island resident and architect, with more than 30 years of design and construction experience on the island. If you have a project in mind, call 401-466-5796. Home Enhancement Revive, rejuvenate and refresh. Environmentally sensitive designs for your home. Professional staging services for residential and commercial spaces. We will help you prepare your property for today’s real estate market. 860-287-2927. Neil B. Lang Architect brings more than 50 years of living on Block Island to his craft of designing or renovating your home. Call 401-466-2678 or 410-995-0746. Manitou Architects Manitou Architects combines the skill and design
Cottage Owners: Let me prepare the cottage for the summer rental season!
Robert “Fix-it” Williams Handyman Services Ridgefield, CT 203-431-9482 Email: fixit024@comcast.net RI Lic. #7766 and Insured Honest & Reliable service * Cottage renter for over 20 years * Reasonable rates
of Paul Kelly and Ed Dusek. Based in Boston, Manitou has designed many beautiful island homes. Call 617-451-9160. Geoffrey Rigby-Leather Traditional large and small island homes, family compounds, additions and renovations. Yearround resident since 1988. References available. 401-466-2391 or tpondstudio@verizon.net. Swan + Sava Boost your rental income or sell your home by having this design duo recreate your space into a unique and elegant island experience. Create a calm and graceful interior environment with furniture and art you already own! 860-908-2568 or 978-417-9327. Tunney Associates Architects and designers with sensitivity to the opportunities and challenges presented by building on Block Island. Emphasizing individual
attention to clients’ specific needs. Plans for jobs of all sizes. 401-466-2689. ZMA Design/Build Island resident Bryan Wilson offers a complete range of design and construction services for custom residences and commercial buildings. His offices are in the ZMA designed and built Figurehead Building on Water Street. 401-4668971.
BANKS & FINANCE Washington Trust Co. Block Island’s only hometown bank, and South County’s primary lender, offers quick action on mortgages tailored to individual needs through Cindy Valenti at 401-348-1362. For home equity loans and your other personal or business banking needs, call Barbara MacMullan at 401466-7710.
BIRDING SUPPLIES Birdwatchers Natureview Not just for the birds! Quality binoculars, spotting scopes, star gazing telescopes, weathervanes, tide clocks. Also specializing in water gardens. Poles for gardens and decks. 484 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-789-8020 or 800-270-8020.
CLEANING/CLEAN-UP A. Bishop Chimney Services Located in Wakefield, but only a boat ride away! Professional chimney cleaning. 401-782-2849. Antonio’s Carpet Cleaning If you need your carpet, special furniture, car or boat cleaned, call Antonio. He offers year-round residential and commercial cleaning services. Carpet sales and installations. 401-466-5305.
Page 32 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
House & Garden Business Directory Mr. Luster Klean Professional cleaning of carpets, including Orientals, and upholstery. Years of experience serving Block Island homeowners and businesses. Free estimates. 401-466-5774.
CONTRACTORS A. Transue Corporation Services include road building, driveway repair, foundation digging, trenching, septic installation and upgrade. Product deliveries include sand, crushed stone, road mix and fill. 401-466-5907. Avery Kirby Islander Avery Kirby will build you the perfect outdoor shower stall to fit your needs. 401-4662928. Bath Fitter North America’s leading acrylic bath, shower, bathtub refinishing and wall system company. Our products are custom molded to fit right over existing fixtures for quick and clean bath remodeling and bathtub refinishing that is complete in less than a day. 401-253-8500 or 800-253-8501. California Door and Window Phantom’s screens provide the crowning touch in your home’s design – so subtle you won’t even know it’s there. Custom fit. To feel secure in the toughest of storms inquire about Rollac rolling shutters. 401-942-0003. Carey Builders, Inc. For all of your home improvement needs, including new construction, remodeling and additions. Call William Carey. 401-466-2119. Connecticut Valley Homes Provides an efficient way for you to build the home of your dreams. Their outstanding model homes, superior floor plans and experienced staff will ensure a pleasant endeavor. 800-468-6284. Continental Building Company, Inc. Your full service general contractor committed to
providing quality workmanship and maintaining customer satisfaction. Their experienced builders specialize in new home construction as well as additions and remodeling while providing quality craftsmanship and strict attention to detail. 401789-6318 or www.continentalbuildingri.com. Desirey’s Finish Carpentry More than 20 years experience. All aspects of new interior and remodeling, built-ins, complete bathrooms and kitchens, tile stairs and crown moldings. Call Mike at 401-338-1259. Fagan Door Corp. Overhead door specialists since 1975, they are the ones Block Island builders and homeowners call to order that new garage door. If you’ve been talking about a new door, now’s the time. 401782-1624. Filippone Construction With more than 20 years in the construction industry on Block Island, Filippone Construction specializes in new home construction and additions that are island appropriate. Professional and reliable. 401-466-8901 or josfilippone@ verizon.net. Fine Finish Plastering All forms of plastering, and fully insured. Specializing in ceilings, patching and custom homes. References available. 401-751-2274. Giroux General Contractor Historic restoration, structural remodeling, exterior siding, roofing, finish carpentry, paint removal and painting. Small repairs welcome. RI LIC 21988. 401-451-4004. Heffernan Brothers Building Movers Need something moved? A house? Garage? Shed? Call Red Heffernan, a third-generation house mover, with years of experience on Block Island. He can move anything! 401-737-8242. Lawrence Builders Specializes in custom homes and renovations, additions, decks and patios, windows, siding and roofing. Free estimates. 401-792-3669.
Misty Mountain Construction Co. Owner Tom Buol specializes in custom homes, commercial projects, restorations, and additions. ‘Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.’ 401-4665012.
CONTRACTORS/TILE
Nicholas Battey Construction From foundation to finish. Whether it is a restoration or new construction, you can rely on quality custom work. Free quotes available. 401749-0053.
McConville Tile and Renovation Friendly, on-island contractor well known for flawless tile work, detail-oriented carpentry and solid construction with repair know-how. Kate has helped create fabulous new homes and updated classic island cottages, and she’s reliable and on time. 917-670-7665.
On-Site Collaborative Offers site sensitive design, installation and maintenance of advanced treatment septic systems. Plus soil evaluations. 401-316-1496. Paul Cunningham Paul Cunningham is your stone wall expert. He is ready to build new or rebuild existing field stone walls. Also providing selective brush cutting. 401-466-7976.
Hill and Harbour Tile Showroom Full service tile center giving you the upscale look you desire. 401-398-1035.
Tile Craft, Inc. Located in Wakefield, Tile Craft is more than just a tile store. In addition to design consultation, it offers lines of almost every surface needed in a home: vinyl, wood, carpet, Corian, marble, granite and, yes ... tile. 401-783-7770.
ELECTRICIANS/PLUMBERS
Robert Brown Septic Services Offers prompt septic pump-out service and septic system upgrades to meet new legal requirements, as well as effluent filter maintenance. 401-4663109.
Adams Electric Chris Adams is a fully insured, licensed electrician who does commercial and residential work. With excellent island references, your calls will be returned promptly. 401-692-0770.
Robert “Fix-it” Williams Is it broke? Robert can fix it! Honest, reliable service for your Block Island home. Reasonable rates. Call for a quote. 203-431-9482 or fixit024@ comcast.net.
John Babcock Plumbing and Heating John Babcock brings 30 years of experience to Block Island. With reliable service for plumbing installations and repairs on commercial or residential projects. 401-623-1974 or 401-6231504.
Scott Heinz Construction & Design Scott and company specialize in custom island homes, design and renovations, as well as original construction. 401-466-8868. William Rose, Inc. Ready to complete all of your outdoor renovations including, landscape design, brick pavers, cobblestone, patios, walkways, retaining walls, garden walls, stone facing, driveways, general excavation, foundations and septic systems. Winner of 2006 Grand Prize in Unilock’s annual Award of Excellence. 401-788-3525 or 401-7416328.
KS Electric Ken Saccoccia is an electrical contractor specializing in residential and commercial work, including fire alarms. Licensed in RI, MA and ME. 401-392-0190. Lakeside Electric A licensed and insured company with more than 20 years experience in commercial and residential projects in Rhode Island. Lakeside Electric is ready to serve you. Just call or e-mail to schedule an appointment today at 401-3494850 or don.antaya@cox.net.
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
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House & Garden Business Directory ENGINEERS RP Engineering Call Richard Pastore for all of your civil, structural, forensic, environmental and coastal engineering needs. Class III & IV I.S.D.S. 401-885-7255.
largest selection of new spring and summer furniture fashions for every room in your Block Island home. They are famous for their great customer service and guaranteed lowest prices. They offer free delivery to the Block Island boat. 401-826-5600.
Island Environmental Environmental scientist Claire McElderry offers soil evaluations / water table determinations, wetland identification and flagging and ISDS design. 401-378-5885.
Chariho Furniture Chariho Furniture At Chariho Furniture their craftsmanship will make you feel like you stepped back in time. Offering country and traditional home furnishings for your bedroom, living room, dining room, and the rest of your house. 401539-9043 or www.charihofurniture.com.
On Site Collaborative Offers site sensitive design, installation and maintenance of advanced treatment and conventional septic systems. Plus soil evaluations. 401-316-1496.
Sheldon’s Furniture A wonderful selection of furniture featuring futons, bedding and patio furniture. Located in Wakefield. Serving Block Island since 1852. 401-783-5503.
FLOORING/CARPETING
KITCHEN & BATH
Mr. Luster Klean Expert sales and installation of new flooring, including hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl or carpeting and professional cleaning of carpets, including area carpets, Orientals and upholstery. They have a reference list of many satisfied island customers. They “bring the store to your door.” Free estimates. 401-466-5774.
Kitchens Direct, Inc. Cook up a snazzy new kitchen - or just get the equipment you need - with Kitchens Direct, Inc., the Wakefield store with friendly phone service, and staff that will help you make your culinary dreams a reality. 401-783-3100.
EVALUATIONS/INSPECTIONS
South County Flooring Visit their showroom at South County Commons and see a large variety of carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork, marble, vinyl laminates and granite. Sales and installations. 401-788-9400 or socofloors@verizon.net.
FURNITURE: BEDDING ACCESSORIES Chariho Furniture Rhode Island’s finest selection of quality country and traditional home furnishings and accessories. (401) 539-9043.
South County Cabinets See the difference that personally designed cabinets can make. Bath and kitchen designs, countertops and remodeling are their specialties. Brookhaven and Woodmode designs are featured. 401-596-7070.
GARDEN: PLANTS, SUPPLIES Tower Hill Farm Meeting all your spring planting needs. Check out the great selection of nursery stock. Free delivery to the ferry and phone orders are welcome. 401-294-6633.
GLASS
FURNITURE: CASUAL Cardi’s Furniture Located in West Warwick, Cardi’s offers the
Westerly Glass Providing residential and commercial services.
Specializing in tub and shower enclosures, plate glass, patio doors, table tops and more. (401) 596-4733.
HARDWARE
Islandscapes Plantings, pruning, hedges, deer fencing, lawn mowing, brush cutting, wall clearing, widening roads and driveways, raised garden beds and patios. 401-932-7979 or 401-466-2961.
Damon’s Hardware If you need it, they’ve probably got it! And their friendly staff will help you find it. Hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, plumbing, electrical, paint and painting supplies, and more. 401-789-1773.
Ned Phillips Jr. & Co. Landscape Design Tree care specialists and landscape designers specializing in sustainable landscape design and native trees and shrubs. Ned Phillips Jr., principal, is a certified arborist and certified nurseryman. 401-466-5161.
Jerry’s Paint & Hardware Everything you need to fix-up, paint-up, touchup, patch-up, brighten-up, tighten-up, open-up and dig-up at your home on Block Island. They offer free delivery to the boat! 401-783-4666.
Payne Farm Landscaping Offering a full range of services to help enhance your Block Island property. Weekly and biweekly mowing schedules, stone retaining walls, freestanding walls, patios, brush and stonewall clearing, plantings, and lawn installation. Free estimates. 401-466-2056 or 401-432-5502.
INSURANCE All State Insurance Homeowners insurance. Get the protection you need for your home. Call to discuss your options today. Call Bill Hannon. 401-789-3053.
LANDSCAPING, LAWN & GARDEN CARE Block Island Gardeners A tax-exempt organization, it conducts educational and charitable activities on Block Island. They seek to stimulate interest in gardening, conserve natural resources and foster and enhance civic beautification. 401-466-3171. DVL Landscape Architecture, Ltd. Derek Van Lent is a licensed landscape architect. He creates soft and hard landscape designs that meld his clients’ desires with the natural beauty of Block Island. DVL is also available for offisland projects. 401-466-2081. East Coast Landscaping Call Frank Farrell Jr. for any landscape maintenance and construction projects. Septic systems, driveways, custom patios, rock walls, masonry and more. 401-788-9360.
LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT Narragansett Flags Fiberglass and aluminum flagpoles and the highest quality flags. With a landscape designer on staff, we work with you to make your flagpole fit into your overall landscape. 877-234-3524 or www.riflags.com. Howard Johnson / John Deere Located on Kingstown Road in Peace Dale, they offer a full line of John Deere yard and garden equipment, plus maintenance and sharpening expertise. Free delivery to the boat. 401-7899375. Pat’s Power Equipment Recognized as the most respected dealer of outdoor power equipment, Pat’s Power has served Block Island for over 20 years. Both Homeowners and Landscapers rely on Pat’s for quality brands and dependable service. They represent the finest brands such as, Simplicity, Toro, Husqvarna, DR Power, Ferris, Exmark, Scag, Red Max and Echo. Check out Kioti Compact tractors and Haulmark enclosed trailers. Will ship to the island via UPS, or deliver to the boat. 401-364-6114 or www.patspower.com.
Misty Mountain Construction Company General Contractors
Specializing in • Custom Homes • Commercial Projects • Restorations • Additions • Remodeling
Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. Tom Buol
P. O. Box 533, Block Island RI 02807 Call us year round
401-466-5012
E-mail: mistymountain@riconnect.com • Web: www.mistymountainconst.com
Free Computerized Estimates • References Available Guaranteed Contracts/Warranties
QUALITY BUILDERS SINCE 1978
Member: National Association of Home Builders, Block Island Chamber of Commerce, Rhode Island RI REGISTRATION #B-515 Builders Association, and the Better Business Bureau
Trusted Advisors Since 1800
Good time to buy,
great place Commercial and Residential
to borrow.
Mortgages
& Refinancing
Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, we’ll help you find the mortgage that’s right for you. Call Cynthia Valenti Smith at 401-348-1362 or 800-475-2265 x1362.
Page 34 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008
House & Garden Business Directory
Humphrey’s Marvin Window and Door Showcase Looking for the right windows and doors for your home? Their representatives are now available to visit you on Block Island. Or visit their showroom in Middletown. 401-841-8800. Liberty Cedar Exterior wood products for roofing, siding, decks, and trim. Roofing for historic projects a specialty. Custom millwork and moldings. Special orders welcome. Call Kal Farley, the Block Island representative. 401-932-9091. South County Post & Beam Located in West Kingston, they offer design services and will build houses, additions, barns and other outbuildings. They also sell wide-pine flooring. 401-783-4415.
MOWING & BRUSHCUTTING Greenscape Mowing Services Now is the time to schedule lawn maintenance by Peter Monje. Additional services include trimming and clearing. 401-466-2756. Islandscapes Plantings, pruning, hedges, deer fencing, lawn mowing, brush cutting, wall clearing, widening roads and driveways, raised garden beds and patios. 401-932-7979 or 401-466-2961.
PAINTING Campbell Painting Specializing in residential, commercial and Historic renovations. Licensed. Call Gerry Campbell at 401-952-6636. Jerry’s Paint & Hardware They offer more than 30,000 items, including paints and painting supplies, and will deliver as many of them as you need, right to the Block Island boat. 401-783-4666.
Sherwin Williams Located in Narragansett, they offer daily deliveries to the boat of their exclusive lines of paint and stains, plus ladders and other painting supplies. 401-789-2233. The Color House Bring your colors together with the help of Color House and Benjamin Moore paints. Convenient locations in Wakefield, (401) 294-6100 and North Kingstown 401-515-2044.
PEST CONTROL
Griggs & Browne “Trust the name you know.” Ken Farrelly has serviced island properties for many years, providing rodent control, termite extermination, radon testing and home inspections. 401-783-3800 or call Ken directly on his cell at 401-837-4930. Terminix Whether you have ants, rodents, or other pests they will move fast to make sure they get out and stay out with the latest control technologies. 401732-3912.
PLUMBING SUPPLIES
ROOFING
TRANSPORTATION
Classic Metal Roofs Provides roofs that last as long as you own your home. Stop mold, fungus growth and leaks. 866660-6668.
Interstate Navigation Virtually everything you need for your home and garden will come across from “America” on an Interstate boat. They are our “bridge” to the mainland. As the ad says, “Your dreams will take wing — everything else comes on the boat.” 401783-4613.
J Roof Industries All roofing applications, pitched and flat. All work warranted. 401-439-9585.
SECURITY SYSTEMS Block Island Alarms For your commercial business they will work with you to provide a security system that consists of leading-edge technology installed by experts with outstanding customer service. For your residential needs they can recommend a security system that will give you peace of mind. Call to inquire about the alarm that fits your needs (burglary, fire, temperature and flood). 401-466-5577. Fire Suppression Systems They install, inspect and repair fire alarms, fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers. For information on how they can help you protect your Block Island home or business. 800-799-6491.
WINDOW TREATMENTS Shade & Shutter Systems Experts in sun control and weather protection systems, Shade & Shutter Systems will give you maximum protection at an affordable cost. Easy to store and install panels make this decision easy. Free estimates. 800-522-1599 or www. shadeandshutter.com.
OTHER SERVICES AND SALES South County Sound and Video Offering DirecTV Dish Network, TiVo, and HDTV home theater systems. Sales, installation, and service for all your home entertainment needs. Year-round service on Block Island. 401-3649008.
Damon’s Hardware If you need it, they’ve probably got it! And their friendly, courteous staff will help you find it. Hardware, plumbing, heating and electrical supplies. 401-789-1773.
POWER EQUIPMENT All Outdoors Power Equipment Co. When only the best will do they have the products that are right for you. With more than 30 years experience and names like Honda, Husqvarna, Stihl, Gravley, Shindaiwa, Little Wonder, Billy Goat and more in store, they can provide you with the service and products you need to get the job done. Located at 4060 Tower Hill Road in Wakefield 401-789-7997 or www.surfingrat.com.
Illustration by Neil Lang
LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES
House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES
SOUTH COUNTY CABINETS Kitchen & Bath Design
• Installations • Countertops • Renovations
137 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI 02891
401•596-7070 Fax•315-2440
www.southcountycabinets.com
DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Islandscape Inc.
Your Local Landscape Contractor Since 1998
Certified Arborist (401) 466-2961 (401) 932-7979
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Page 36 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Fall 2008