June 2009 Block Island Summer Times by Chris Barrett

Shopping /Dining Guide • Events Calendar • Points of Interest • Ferry/Plane Schedules

Free

Island Map Inside

June 2009 EXTRA

Photo by Lesley Ulrich of Photo Dog Gallery

Welcoming Summer / A Local Perspective

The Butcher Family … page 8

2009 Senior Class … page 12

Ballards concert series … page 17

Rodman’s Hollow … page 20

Good wines for bad times … page 27

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

STARTERS ap Asian Duck Lettuce Wr onion and noodles

r red Duck confit , sliced plum, cucumbe y soy sauce served in Boston bib lettuce with hone

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

traditional Gulf white tiger shrimp, served with e sides of horseradish and cocktail sauc

be Skirt Steak Grilled American Ko balsamic marinated, served with a

Sliced skirt steak, chipotle pepper and se, grapefruit and spiced walnuts blended salad of arugula, goat chee

a n’s Vegetable Lasagnd, Spring House Gardelayer ed with zucchini, Swiss char

House made tomato lasagna, s light basil pomodoro sauce caramelized onion, roasted mushroom

owder New England Clam Ch with crispy bacon and chives

garnished Classic New England clam chowder,

e Seared Ahi Tuna Pok fresh ginger, scallion,

diced with Twelve spice seared sushi grade tuna wanton chips Vidalia onion and garlic, served with

erry Pepper Aioli Fried Calamari with Ch ari rings and tentacles, Local Point Judith calam ginger sliced English cucumber and pickled

h Chorizo Sausage Steamed Littleneck Clams wit iss Chard Sw and ns White Bea e wine, Fall River

a light broth of whit Native littleneck clams simmered in d Chorizo, White beans and Swiss Char

SALADS ad Mixed Field Green Sal traditional vegetables and

en tossed with Organic greens from our own gard red wine vinaigrette

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ENTREES Teriyaki Ginger Seared Tuna

Sweet soy and wasabi paint, orange braised fennel purple sticky rice

Pan Roasted Chilean Sea

Bass Savoy Cabbage, white beans and chan terelle mushroom Candied lemon infused beurre blan c Roasted Herb & Dijon Encrusted Colorado Lamb Rac k Extra Virgin olive oil whipped potatoes, roasted

zucchini, Perigueux sauce

Grilled Native Swordfish

Three olive relish, parsley nage, sardi nian

couscous with confit of tomato

Spicy White Tiger Shrimp, Native Lobster, Fettuccini Pasta Shitake mush rooms, oven roasted tomatoes & baby spinach

Pan Roasted Atlantic

Salmon Black truffle potato gnocchi, calvados cream sauce, sautéed greens Lemon infused olive oil Seared Sea Sca

llops Parmesan, herb and mushroom risot to, Thai garlic broth, pancetta crisp Steak & Eg

gs Center Cut 8oz Filet Mignon, Appl e wood Bacon, fried California quai l egg, Yukon potato cake, asparagus, Barolo wine sauce Prix Fixe Lobster Dinner with a glass of wine $28

Caesar Salad

roastown Caesar dressing with herb and Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in our e anchovies whit and se chee esan parm , tons ed garlic crou

Garden Beet Salad se, crispy fried shallots

ce, goat chee Oven Roasted beets, Boston bib lettu Blackberries, beet sugar vinaigrette

“Wedge” Salad

The Classic dressing, sliced tomato, ce topped with creamy bleu cheese lettu rg Crisp icebe apple wood smoke bacon Roquefort Salad Black Mission Fig and over a salad of baby greens tossed with

California black mission figs topped se, onion and crumbled Roquefort chee spiced walnuts, tomatoes, Bermuda e grett vinai ut granny smith apple waln

DINING ROOM Open Daily 6pm - 10pm

Victoria’s Parlor daily from 5pm ‘til closing

VERANDA CAFE

Get out of town & enjoy the Island’s best kept secret. Beginning June 22, serving lunch daily 11:30 - 3, Appetizers from 3-5pm, and cocktails 11:30am - closing.

MARTINI NIGHT Thursday Evenings 6PM til closing with M P , ARC

Solo acoustic guitarist - Begins June 18th

(401) 466-5844 – information and reservations

HILIP

June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 3

Welcoming Summer Block Island is always a magical place to live and visit. But it’s particularly special during those summer months when our tiny community fills up with tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe. They come for the beach, the nature trails, and the fishing. But they come back because of the warm welcome they receive from the artists, sportsmen, teachers, carpenters, hotel workers, and moms and dads who call Block Island home. In this, the year’s first issue of the Block Island Summer Times, we take a look at the island from the inside out. It’s an up-close-and-personal look at some of the permanent and seasonal residents of this world-renowned vacation destination. They’ll let you know what it’s like to live and work here. Most importantly, they’ll let you in on how to get the most out of your island get away. Here’s just a sample of the guides you’ll meet in these pages: • Geoffrey Rigby-Leather, an English-born house designer, talks about creating an island home that blends in with the natural landscape. • John Swienton, owner of Twin Maples bait shop, offers tips on the best places to cast your reel. • Ann Law, innkeeper and renovator, discusses the painstaking process of restoring three historic houses to their original glory. • Kate and Shea Butcher chat about the trials and benefits of raising a young family in a tight-knit island community. • Island barkeepers, town administrators, priests and taxi drivers let us know how natives mix it up during the summer months. In addition to these colorful and knowledgeable island experts, this issue offers a look at the innovative curriculum that’s made the Block Island School an educational leader; information on some of the bands that will have visitors rocking through those lazy summer nights; and a story ripped from the headlines — local sailors and their families reflect on the dangers posed by Somali pirates. People always ask Block Islanders what it’s like to live in such a remote and beautiful place. With stories like these, you’ll get a glimpse of what makes “island living” so unique.

Vol. XXXVII June, 2009 Extra

Ocean Avenue Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: (401) 466-2222 Fax: (401) 466-8804 e-mail: editor@blockislandtimes.com webnews: www.blockislandtimes.com The Block Island Summer Times is a product of the Block Island Times, which was founded as a free summertime newspaper in 1970. In 1988 The Times began weekly publication and became the Island’s “paper of record.” For current Block Island news, pick up a copy of the 50-cent weekly Block Island Times.

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Correction Policy

Publisher ....................................................................... Fraser Lang/Betty Rawls Lang Editors ...................................................................................... Fraser Lang/Brent Lang Production .......................................................................................... Christopher Izzo Contributors .....Fran Migliaccio, George Taber, Carol LaValle, Judy Tierney, Bruna Lara, Gloria Redlich, Ian Lang, Bob Downie, Scott Comings Photographers .. Christopher Barrett, Lesley Ulrich, Peter Voskamp, Fran Migliaccio Copy Editors ........................................... Christopher Barrett, Brent Lang, Jean Taber Advertising ...........................................................Shane Howrigan, Betty Rawls Lang Advertising Design ..................... George Donnelly, Sue Filippone, Christopher 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 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 Summer Times is published four times a year and is distributed free. Publisher is Manisses, Inc., PO Box 278, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807.

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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How Block Islanders spend the summer By Fran Migliaccio Most visitors to these shores see Block Island in its summer full-dress: swimmers at the beach, crowds on the sidewalks, busy restaurants, aromas wafting from take-outs downtown, sunshine, parties, art gallery openings, the Farmers Market, boats in the Great Salt Pond, packed ferries coming into Old Harbor, and many other activities and events to keep one on the go. Summer is certainly the island’s busy time. The daily lives of many island residents vary with the seasons, depending on what hats people wear at any given time and whether they travel when seasons change. We asked a random sampling of island residents how they spend their summers here, and how summer on Block Island differs from the rest of the year for them. Lynne Cunningham, office manager and administrative assistant at the Block Island School during the school year, is “a lot busier in the summer! I have three jobs, not one, and two are directly related to the season.” Lynne’s summer jobs keep her behind the counter of the Block Island

Boat Basin ship’s store, keeping an eye on rental houses for Sullivan Real Estate, and working part-time at her desk at the Block Island School. When school begins in the fall, she resumes her full office schedule. Like many residents, Joanne and “Hutch” Hutchins first came here as boaters, decided to buy a house, became summer cottagers while working on the mainland, then “retired” to the island and became year-round residents for 10 years. A few years back they bought a condominium on the intra-coastal waterway in Florida and now spend six months there, enjoying summer weather year-round. “At this point in our lives, we work six months and play six months,” said Joanne. “We spend our winter playing golf, boating, living in a maintenancefree condo and enjoying church functions and friends. When we come to Block Island, we put on our other hats. Hutch has his lawn service, I have my cottage suite rental. We see our family a lot, I get involved in community activities, and I still make my shell wreaths, which are now sold at Lazy Fish.”

Marc Scortino, a talented D.J., who provides music for weddings, dances and other events, relocates from his home in Mystic to Block Island from May through October and stays very busy as manager of Captain Nick’s. In addition to his work as a D.J., he plays keyboard with the local band, the Booze Beggars. “I wear shorts!” said taxi owner Vin McAloon, asked how summer is different for him. “Otherwise, I drive the cab all year. In summer, the pace changes, of course. It’s a lot faster, there are more cabs on the road, and more business.” For Town Manager Nancy Dodge, summers are not substantially different from her daily life during other seasons. “We have more family around in the summer, at different times, and there’s Mansion Beach on weekends. Otherwise, it’s the same as winter,” she said. “Everything is tripled and quadrupled for us in the summer,” said Father Joseph Protano, priest at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church. “It’s our busiest time of year. We go from 50 families in winter to 2,000 in the summer. We go from one Mass to four, and people come here in

Lynne Cunningham

Father Joseph Protano

Mark Scortino

R STREET CAFE E T A W Clam Chowder Lobster Salad Rolls Grilled Tuna Salad Seafood Platters Fish ’n Chips Daily Specials Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Summer continued on page 6

Amadeo Molfisi

Vin McAloon

Suzanne Walsh

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Summer Continued from Page 4 the summer to have weddings, baptisms, blessings of marriages and other special occasions. I have a lot of visitors to the rectory in the summer. And I’m still running the parish, with a daily Mass, bookkeeping and other things as usual. I enjoy summer — the ruckus of it all! It’s less predictable than winter. Summer has its own ethos, its own being.” A summer resident who spends her winters in Mystic, Conn., retiree Jane Scranton said, “I do the same things everyone else does in the summer! I have guests, hang out on the beach, enjoy the sun, entertain, do a little bit of gardening, go to art gallery openings and other events.” Suzann Walsh, who, with her husband Frank, owns the Albion Pub, is a year-round resident whose summer is quite different from the rest of the year. Her children are Keri Johnson, bar manager at the Albion, Phil Walsh, owner/

June 2009

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chef of Swashbucklers, and Kelly Walsh, owner of Juice ’n Java. “Last summer, we were busy getting the Albion under way,” Suzann said. “This summer the kids are running it and I have my real estate office upstairs at Profiles Business Center. I’m interested in being a buyer’s broker and doing some rentals. I’ll be babysitting: Max is 1 now, and Jack is 13. Half my time will be in real estate, half in babysitting, and part of that will be at the beach. We rent our house all summer, and Frank and I stay in a one-room rental in Ebbetts Hollow. It’s good to be busy, and it’s great to spend time with the grandchildren.” “It’s great to have things going on in the summer for everyone to enjoy, like the Fourth of July parade,” said Howie Rice, school bus driver three seasons of the year and this year’s grand marshal for the July 4 festivities. “In the summer I still have my bus, too, and I do tours for groups of people from all over the world. It’s really interesting to meet all these people and learn about the places they’re from!”

Said summer resident Herman Mast, who with his wife Linda spends the offseason in San Francisco, “In the summer here on Block Island, I have lots of house maintenance and yard work, some gardening for Linda, and beach walking. I enjoy the quality of the air here above all things. We’re taking it easy this summer after building the house in Hawaii for our daughter, Erin. We want to kick back this summer, stay close to home and relax.” Asked what he does in the summer when not tending his store, Chapel Sweets, on Chapel Street, Amadeo Molfesi replied, “The same things I’ve done for the last 50 years — enjoy the beauty of the island, walk the beach, enjoy the people and the traffic. I love it all! I’m in the store quite a bit, too, or over at Aldo’s. The young foreign workers who are here for the summer are a lot of fun. It’s a change in culture, like being back in Europe. They’re from all over the world, and I love to talk with them and find out about their countries.”

Nancy Dodge

Howie Rice

Joanne and “Hutch” Hutchins

Jane Scranton

Herman Mast

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Kate and Shea Butcher: ‘There’s no better place to bring up children!’ By Fran Migliaccio “We’re never home!” says Kate Butcher laughingly to a caller on her cell phone. She’s only half right. It’s true that Kate and her husband, builder Shea Butcher, have a hectic lifestyle and punishing work schedule that keeps them on the go. But for the young couple, all of Block Island, not just their comfortable house, is very much their home. For one thing, Block Island is responsible for bringing Kate and Shea together. The couple met on the island in 1989 and married here in 1992. Now with daughter Julia, 8, and son Caleb, 5, the Butchers are a year-round Block Island family. Julia starts third grade at the Block Island School in the fall, and Caleb will attend kindergarten. Like many working couples

on the mainland, Kate and Shea generally leave home about 8:00 a.m. and come back around 5:30 p.m. “One of the better parts of living on the island is that I can run home and interact with my children,” says Shea. “We don’t have rigid separation of work from home. We both have cell phones, and I work from my home a lot. We’re both self-employed.” “Sometimes Julia takes the school bus to the office after school, sees me, and then we go to her piano lessons,” says Kate, who is the owner of Block Island Realty. “You couldn’t do that on the mainland.” “People come here and ask, ‘What do you do all winter?’” says Shea. “It’s the same as the mainland: we work, our children go to school, they come home and

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they have homework. Weekends are much more social here than on the mainland; we see people in the community more often.” Both parents agree that the island is the best possible place to bring up children. Kate is the island coordinator for Au Pair USA. The organization is used by four families on the island for at-home child care, and has been used by as many as eight island families at a time. The au pairs who come to Block Island are from many places: Thailand, Germany, Brazil, Russia, Mexico or France. “It’s so much easier to have another helping hand,” says Kate. “It is worth it to give up a bedroom for the au pair. She becomes part of the family, and the children learn a lot about the country she comes from.” Shea agrees, “The kids have adored them all, and it enables us to concentrate on quality time with the children.” “We’ve always had phenomenal luck with child care,” says Kate. “Before the au pairs, we had great babysitters, and the Early Learning Center is wonderful. By the time they get out of there, they are so ready for the big school!” The island and its natural attractions are their own classroom of sorts for the Butcher’s children. “Here there are so many opportunities to access nature,” says Shea. “The kids go on nature walks with Scott Comings; they all call Scotch Beach ‘Scott’s Beach.’” But island living does have certain drawbacks. “One frustrating thing is that we’re not able to offer our children all of the activities they’d like to do,” Kate says.

“Julia, for instance, wants to take ballet and there are no classes here. We’ve gone to the mainland for private swimming lessons at URI and Saturday art classes at RISD for Julia. We keep a car on the other side — otherwise, taking the family on and off-island is expensive and difficult. We also have family on the other side, so we can stay over there if we need to. We’re very lucky.” The relatively small number of students on Block Island means there’s plenty of individual attention for the children that grow up here. “I’m thrilled that our children aren’t overbooked,” says Kate. “Julia takes lessons in piano and horseback riding and she’s in a knitting group, CCD, and choir at school. In the summer, she has swimming, tennis and sailing. And we don’t have to drive around from county to county. Caleb takes karate and tennis lessons, and loves the beach and the skateboard park. He’s an excellent downhill skier. It’s a great place for kids! They’re outside all the time, they’re healthy, there’s no fast food, and we get to spend a lot of time with them.” Though their jobs are demanding, Shea and Kate still manage to catch most of their children’s sports games, recitals and other important events. “It’s easy to break away from work for every little function at the school,” says Shea. “And we see them out and about every day,” says Kate. “The children here interact with adults more easily; they grow up as members of the community, and they’re Continued on next page

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 9

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Kate Butcher owns a real estate business and Shea Butcher runs a construction company. Mary D. Ball, the large summer fundraisContinued from previous page er for the Mary D. Fund, which provides assistance to island residents for food, always around adults. They develop a betshelter, utilities and medical care. ter sense of presence because of it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always easy to live here; the As working parents, Shea and Kate cost of living is high. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth any have a lot to juggle. Shea employs eight sacrifices we make,â&#x20AC;? says Kate. full-time residents in his construction â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were lucky,â&#x20AC;? says Shea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We business. His company does renovations were able to buy a house just in time, and cabinetry as well as building. before prices really skyrocketed.â&#x20AC;? Of her real estate business, Kate The Butchers closed on their propersays, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a quiet market, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a ty in 1998 and began work on their house. lot to do. Rentals keep us busy, and we Julia was born in 2001, and the family still have to stay near the phone.â&#x20AC;? moved into the house in January 2004, Like most full-time island residents, when Caleb was six months old. the two are active in civic and community â&#x20AC;&#x153;The house is still a work in progaffairs. Kate is on the Zoning Board, the ress,â&#x20AC;? says Shea, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there, and Board of Governors of the Block Island weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re comfortable.â&#x20AC;? Club, and is a past member of the Early For Shea and Kate, the benefits of Learning Center Board of Directors. She island living far outweigh any drawstill runs the Toy Boat Race fundraiser backs. for the center. Shea is a charter member â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day, we thank our lucky of the Block Island Lions Club and serves stars,â&#x20AC;? says Shea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine a better on its board of directors. He also serves place to live, or a better place for children on the School Committee. to grow up.â&#x20AC;? The two are also co-chairs of the

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Page 10

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

Local mariners reflect on piracy on the high seas By Judy Tierney When the merchant ship Alabama was attacked by pirates and its captain taken hostage last April, Sue Black tried to block out the news by throwing herself into her work as a real estate agent. For Black, it was the best way to avoid obsessing over the dangers her husband, merchant marine Captain William Black, faces as he carries cargo around the world for Maersk, the same company that owns the Alabama. Though the couple is frequently a world away, keeping tabs on Black’s husband’s well-being has never been easier. Modern cargo ships carry satellite phones, Black, known across the island as SueB, says. “I know now every day through e-mail that Bill’s OK,” SueB said. However, she admits she was heartened by the successful rescue of the Alabama’s captain, Richard Phillips. “I was so relieved that [the Navy] took care of it.” All ships entering the Suez Canal en route to Asia pass through the Gulf of Aden, which lies between the canal and the Arabian Sea, with Yemen to the north and Somalia to its south. Black’s ship has government contracts, so it has escorts through the Gulf of Aden when it carries military cargo. But not always, according to SueB. Historically, the Gulf of Aden, though rife with piracy, is not as dangerous as the narrow Straits of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra, the main shipping lane between the Indian and Pacific oceans. That’s little comfort to SueB. There have

been times when Captain Black has had to maneuver through the straits while carrying cargo from Asia, putting him at great risk. In the past, pirates in that area have tortured captured mariners. “This is a stress our family has been living with for years that many Americans are just recently becoming aware of,” said SueB, adding that one Greek ship was held by Somali pirates for more than 100 days. Fire hoses vs. machine guns Many retired merchant marine officers on Block Island recall problems with piracy during their working years aboard ships. George Dodge, who until five years ago was a chief engineer for the American President lines, passed through the Straights of Malacca during his runs around the globe. “They just wanted the cargo in those days,” he said. “We always had warnings and would prepare. They’d rig fire hoses and post extra watchmen.” Cargo ships were fast then, reaching speeds of up to 23 knots, so they could outrun pirates who had compact boats and small weapons. Things are different today. Pirate ships are faster and pirates carry rocket launchers. Although he played down the dangers of his days at sea, Dodge recalls that a captain friend of his once killed a pirate who had sneaked aboard his ship off South America. Captain Champ Starr, also retired from the merchant marine and now the owner of the Hygeia Inn, recalled gunboats running alongside his ship in the ocean off Libya. He thinks piracy is now “more flagrant than it used to be.” One of

Champ Starr, George Dodge, Elwin Dodge and Keith Lewis at the Southeast Lighthouse. Starr’s employers told his workers to use a pressurized fire hose to repel attackers trying to get aboard. But, Starr said, the intruders have AK-47 and Uzi machine guns, and he considers it foolish to think someone is going to stop them “with a garden hose.” Both he and retired merchant marine Chief Engineer Keith Lewis identified the small number of crewmembers that cargo ships now carry as a problem. Whereas ships used to have crews of forty people or more, they now carry around twenty-one. “The manpower is only enough to keep running,” said Lewis, whose last job was a 10-year stint with Farrell Lines, which was later bought by Maersk. According to Lewis, crewmembers work long hours, seven days a week for months on end, and at any one time, a third of them could be sleeping. “There are not enough guys to respond,” Lewis said, adding that often they are fatigued as well, so arming the crew is not a good solution. Lewis’ routes didn’t take him through the Suez Canal or Malaccan Straits, but he did cruise past Nigeria, Sierra Leone

and Liberia, where men would sneak aboard ships to rob cargo. “We hired bow and arrow men with poison arrows to guard the ship,” Lewis said. At anchor, they lit the sides of the craft so they could spot intruders. Although he found Nigeria to be the worst of the three countries, in Sierra Leone longshoremen would “steal cargo and throw it to their buddies below.” According to Lewis, there is always “baksheeh” or bribes to be paid and everyone, from tugboat men to refuelers, wants American cigarettes. He described dealings in that part of the world as chaotic. “One of the great things about America is that you know what the price is. There is no haggling.” Dodge also dealt with chaos in foreign ports. In Jakarta, for example, inspectors would come aboard and take the crew’s belongings, especially things they’d bought elsewhere. But his most vivid recollection of the chaos abroad is from his days delivering military cargo during the Vietnam War. Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page “A general came aboard with papers and [soldiers in] South Vietnamese uniforms,” Dodge said. “They unloaded everything into bum boats, the boats that run cargo to the beach.” Later, when another group of soldiers came to unload their cargo, the crew learned the first group were North Vietnamese soldiers who had stolen their shipment. Neither Lewis nor Starr believes that the shipping companies will solve the problem of piracy by paying for four or five extra guys to guard the ships. “It would add large costs to shipping,” said Starr. “They have no doctor, no radio operator [on board]. Why would they have five assault guys?” Lewis turned to history for a possible answer to the current problem. In the First and Second world wars, ships were grouped together in convoys and provided with military escorts. “But,” he added, “this costs money, too.” Meanwhile, piracy continues to flourish. According to Captain Black in a phone call to his wife while the Maersk Alabama’s captain was held, more ships were being taken. Black said shipping firms might begin to reroute around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Though the routes are longer, it’s cheaper than paying the escalating insurance fees caused by piracy. Piracy is not enough of a danger to prevent one retired sailor from dreaming about going back to sea. George Dodge still keeps contact with the maritime industry. His two sons work in the field, and he thought perhaps he might return part-time in the fall to work on a tug. “I’d do it all over again,” Dodge said, his sea-blue eyes growing distant and a wistful cloud passing over his face.

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 11

New technology helps nature lovers spot animals By Ian Lang Anybody who has ever hiked through the woods, spent a morning bird watching or forded a river in search of fresh catch knows that when it comes to spotting animals it’s either feast or famine. While there are many factors at play, one that veteran outdoorsmen swear by is the impact of lunar cycles on animal movement. “The location of the moon in relation to the Earth has an affect on everything,” said John Lehman. “The gravitational force of the moon controls tides and these same forces trigger fish and animal movement.” Lehman, president of DataSport Inc., is the long-time publisher of the original DataSport Fish and Game Forecaster. The Forecaster uses scientific data and fishing tournament information to predict the hourly movements of fish and wildlife for every day of the year. Lehman says that the technology is successful because it measures the moon and sun’s location relative to the Earth. That’s important because as a full moon approaches, animal activity increases. This data is distributed through

the Forecaster and to more than 150 media outlets across the country, enabling people who are interested in the movement of wildlife to plan their activities accordingly. “If I have to cut the grass and also want to go fishing I can use the Forecaster to determine what time I should go fishing so that I can increase my chances of catching a fish based on this data,” said Lehman who added that according to an article in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, fishing in times of high animal activity could increase your chances of catching a fish by a factor of 62 percent. Lehman stresses that the Forecaster is only a

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predictor of future activity and doesn’t measure other causes of animal activity such as the weather. Lehman, who has been coming to Block Island since the mid-1960s said that he is thrilled to be able to begin offering his forecasting tools to readers of the Block Island Times. Through a partnership with the paper, readers will soon be able to view the forecasts at the paper’s website (www.blockislandtimes. com) and in the weekly print edition of the paper. This data will help ensure that the next fishing, hunting and nature walking excursion won’t be an exercise in futility.

Page 12

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

Good old island school days McCombe, who tailors her classes to complement topics being covered in other disciplines. McCombe is teacher and muse to all of the school’s aspiring artists. She frequently designs her projects with an eye toward awakening a sense of global awareness among the kids. In 2005, just a few months after a tsunami caused extensive devastation in Sri Lanka and other countries along the Indian Ocean, McCombe had her 7th through 12th graders produce art to raise money to help the disaster’s victims. Working in a variety of media — paint, ceramics, jewelry and printmaking — McCombe encouraged her students to experiment. She noted that 7th grade students did a bird series, using a method that Andy Warhol developed by which they transferred designs from one format to another. There was room for more orthodox methods; 9th graders worked on paper mosaics. According to McCombe, the student work reflected their interests in nature and in their island home. Some of their paintings depict sunsets, wildlife and, in a few cases, the young artists’ imaginative representation of tsunami waves. In another project intended to teach students about international humanitarian issues, McCombe involved her students in a program in which they created portraits of children living in orphanages around the world. Working from photographs of the youngsters from a Nicaraguan orphanage, the island students produced the portraits, which they sent to the children along with personal notes. Students correspond with world-renowned author Each year in her syllabus for a modern world literature course, English teacher Nancy Greenaway includes Elie Weisel’s memoir “Night.” As part of their engagement with his work, Greenaway and her students usually write the author. In spring of 2006, Wiesel wrote back. Responding briefly to each student’s letter, Wiesel applauded them for understanding the obligation to remember. He wrote: “You understand that keeping memory alive is crucial to preventing future horrors. Preserving memory is everyone’s duty; your generation’s and mine.” Waxing nostalgic A few years ago, sixth-grade teacher Marlee Lacoste and health and special

education teacher Victoria Carson sat down to review the unusual set of circumstances that led them to teach at the school they attended as students. Lacoste’s family moved to the island in 1968. Describing her parents as having “always been adventurers of a kind,” Lacoste says, “They were looking for a simpler life for themselves and their children … ” During the 1960s, there were only five classrooms that housed the 1st through 12th grades. The combinations, Carson adds, were determined by the numbers of students in each grade at the beginning of the school year. At the time also, there was a new program of courses that introduced the students to life skills. “It was the beginning of Title II,” Carson explains, through which the school created vocational education, home economics and nursing assistance courses. Eventually, the vocational course became technical education, while the others were absorbed into health classes, which Carson teaches. Lacoste recalled that their classes took many enrichment trips off the island, among them one called the Presidential Classroom, which is similar to a program that today’s seniors attend called “Close-Up.” Underwritten by members of the community and by the Block Island School Friends, the contemporary program sponsors seniors for a five-day stay in Washington, D.C., where they are immersed in learning about the federal government. Tech-ed: a wide range of course-offerings John Warfel offers eclectic classes through his tech-ed program. Among these are ceramic, motorcycle repair, boat building, computer-aided design and technical math. In walking through his shop, he proudly points to a boat that is still a work-in-progress. He and one of his classes are working on a Sharpie, a long, flat-bottomed sailboat, the design for which is believed to have originated in New Haven, Conn. Warfel points out that the Sharpie is wellsuited for oystering and is characteristic of the Chesapeake Bay area. The original hull was begun some 15 years ago, Warfel says, when it was housed at the Coast Guard Station. More

recently, it was brought to the school where students have built a mast, and are sanding it down and fitting it out. To date, he says, seven classes and approximately 15 students have worked on the boat. Though delighted to chat about the Sharpie, Warfel, who is a sculptor himself, also speaks with great enthusiasm about his ceramics classes. He notes that he recently held a gathering at his home where students fired their work in his kiln. Sports program is inclusive An unusual feature of the athletic program at the island school is that no one is turned away who wants to play. Unlike programs at other schools where students compete to be accepted onto teams, the only criterion for playing on island is interest. Though the school is small, it manages to field varsity and junior varsity teams in soccer, basketball and baseball. Teachers enjoy second-generation pupils For both Hart and second-grade teacher Barbie Michel, one of the special things about teaching for more than 30 years at the island school is that they are now teaching children of past students. Hart, who was the founding director and head teacher of the preschool for 15 years, has been teaching kindergarten for 18 years. Michel is thrilled about being able to “individualize” instruction for their students and to get to know them really well. “We develop a unique closeness,” she says. She also appreciates the diverse opportunities available for students — the many field trips for all grade levels, and the internships upper-class students can take with Comings, which Michel believes will “definitely influence what youngsters do when they go on to college.” Hart and Michel both feel that the close relationship the school has with The Nature Conservancy fosters a deep appreciation for the environment that is critical to what Michel calls the “development of a conservation ethic” in the children growing up on the island. For Lacoste, it is the sense of community that is the unique feature about the island school for her. “It is the opportunity to know the kids and their families so well — that is the real benefit,” Lacoste says.

Photo by Lesley Ulrich of Photo Dog Gallery

By Gloria S. Redlich As the rest of us go about the ordinary business of daily life, an intrepid group of administrators, teachers, staff and students are weaving together the tapestry of a unique educational experience. It’s all in a day’s work at the Block Island School. One of the most salient characteristics of the island school, which is typically home to over 130 students, is its intimate connection with nature. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing all the way through 12th grade, students work with field biologist Scott Comings to learn firsthand about the island’s dazzling flora and fauna. Sometimes it is the fauna and not the students that makes the field trip. Several years ago, an octopus christened Paprika took up temporary residence in the kindergarten classroom. As teacher Deborah Hart pointed out at the time, the class often “travels to Andy’s Way to gather interesting specimens, and Paprika was a bonus.” Also found in local waters were several varieties of fish including trigger and rainbow fish, which came to share the classroom tank with Paprika. Fortunately, each year Hart sets up a salt-water aquarium “as a culminating activity for the thematic unit on the ocean,” so there was a home waiting for the visiting eight-armed cephalopod. During the young mollusk’s stay, Hart was in touch with staff at the Mystic Aquarium. Aquarium workers taught the class about the life-expectancy and reproductive features of octopuses. They also learned how to determine the gender of Paprika, who was most likely a Common Atlantic Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris). In addition to the field biology classes led by Comings for students in all grades, the school also fosters a close connection with the Ocean View Foundation, which was founded in 1999 and pursues a mission of promoting environmental education. A joint project between the school and the foundation is the promotion and development of Fourth Grade Gardens, which teaches students about growing and tending to their own garden. Comprehensive art program Another unique component of the island school is an extensive art curriculum, developed by art teacher Teri

The 2009 Senior Class of the Block Island School.

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

Summer offerings from Jessie Edwards Studio

Page 13

✯ THE STARS ✯ OF

OLD HARBOR

Don’t miss these four shops in the Star Dept. Store Building. The Star Dept. Store, Footprints and B-Eyes are on Water Street. The entrance to Island Outfitters is on Weldon’s Way.

Contact: Jessie Edwards, 2nd floor, post office building, Box 89, Block Island, R.I. 02807 401-466-5314 info@jessieedwardsgallery.com

EPT. ST D O R

dees, frogs, turtles, and hummingbirds; Suzanne Nolter’s small linoleum blocks of flora and fauna; and Rachel Lemoine’s deftly wrought earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. All this, and framing, too! To mark the “Taste of Block Island Weekend,” June 12, 13, and 14, Jessie Edwards is introducing a new print edition of her recent 9”x12” oil on linencovered panel “Along Corn Neck Road.” The giclée edition of 500 16”x20” prints depicts the yellow Victorian house on Corn Neck Road with a lavender wisteria-draped white fence in the right foreground as one rounds a bend in the road, heading north. A smaller 8”x10” unnumbered edition is also available. The gallery, on the second floor of the post office building, will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. Light refreshments will be served. An open house over the Memorial Day weekend celebrated the beginning of the gallery’s 14th season with new works by well-known artists and artists new to the gallery this season. After the “Taste of Block Island” weekend, there are five summer exhibitions at the Jessie Edwards Studio: June 19 - July 3 “The Still-Life Filled with Life” features works by gallery artists Laura Anderson, Gerard Blouin, Jessie Edwards, Brenda Engel, Peter Gish, Shirley Howe, Kate Knapp, William Skardon, Gillian Stevens, Briggs Whiteford, and Janet Yake. Marilyn Bogdanffy and Jean Valentine join the exhibit as guest artists. The opening reception is on June 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 9 - July 23 “Mostly France” presents new oils by Briggs Whiteford with an opening reception on July 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 24 - August 6 “Three Providence Artists” offers ceramics by Ben Anderson, paintings by Elizabeth Pannell and sculpture by James Watkins. The opening reception is on July 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. August 8 – 21 “Recent Paintings” shows new oils and watercolors by Kate Knapp. The show opens with a reception on August 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. August 21 - 31 Oils and watercolors by Marilyn Bogdanffy will include portraits of Island couples who have made a difference on Block Island. The opening reception is on August 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A THE GENERAL STORE CELEBRATING 56 YEARS

R E

By Carol LaValle The Jessie Edwards Studio is an aerie of contemporary American paintings, works on paper, woodturnings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and reproductions of original oils, monotypes, woodcuts and watercolors. More than 20 artists working in diverse media are represented; and while many of the pieces are specifically of Block Island subjects, there are also historic maritime subjects, views of Provence and the South Carolina Low Country, New York City scenes, portraits, interiors and still-lifes. The gallery is a light-filled, wellorganized space. Arrayed aesthetically on the walls, in the flip bins and baskets, and on burnished antique furniture are monotypes, oils, and pen and ink drawings by Edwards, and woodcuts and delicate watercolors by Sandra Swan. There are bold oils and watercolors by Kate Knapp, dynamic sketches and oils by the late William Skardon, and intricately textured collages of old Block Island buildings by Gillian Stevens. Lush landscapes and stilllifes by Briggs Whiteford contrast with sharp-edged etchings by Alan Petrullus. Photography includes Jim Duval’s fog-infused scenes and his studies of the Surf Hotel, and panoramic photographs by Michel-Breunig. Laura Anderson’s luminous landscapes contrast with Gerard Blouin’s textured land— and seascapes. There’s more: Gregory Kammerer’s experiments with oil and watercolor on different surfaces; the late William Sommerfeld’s oils and watercolors; and a range of Peter Gish’s works from watercolor studies of lobsters and ladies on the beach to large, vibrant scenes of the action on the bait dock in Point Judith and dramatic vistas of the Bluffs. Wooden bowls by Ken Dubay reveal the burls, rings and grains of the trees from which the bowls are turned. Some have rims that retain the bark from the tree; others are nested in different sizes and retain the tree’s original contours. In contrast, Shaari Horowitz’s bowls are hand-painted and intricately decorated with delicate vines and flowers, recalling folk art and medieval tapestry and manuscript designs. Both artists’ bowls are both decorative and functional. Form and function are also fused in the ceramic works on exhibit. Tim Scull’s vases, bowls, plates and platters represent his experimentation with raku, saggerfiring and crystalline-glazing techniques. Raku by Block Island ceramists John Warfel and Celeste Helterline include bowls, plates and vases of all sizes. Small bronze sculptures of exuberant dancers by Anne Mimi Sammis are also on exhibit. Reproductions of original monotypes, oils, and watercolors by Edwards are available in several different sizes, matted, framed or in tubes. Some of Sandra Swan’s original woodcuts, now out of print, are available in limited giclée or silkscreen editions, as are a few of William Skardon’s original oils. Works by artists new to the gallery this summer are photographs by Susan Paulson, oils by Heidi Palmer, ceramics by Chris Sava, giclée prints of original oils by Lorie Sava, and oils by Tim Ohliger. Edwards has found room for her small notepads and note cards with pen and ink drawings of Block Island buildings, the North and the Southeast lighthouses, various fish, and old chairs; pewter oil lamps; magic sumi boards; beeswax candles from the Littlefield Bee Farm; small brass castings of chicka-

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Dead Eye Dick’s two-page menu, early 1970s A whole week’s food on one page, and a summer of drink on the other By Robert M. Downie Dead Eye Dick’s menu from the early 1970s— with a cover featuring a red lobster below a raised, three-dimensional, metal medallion of a ship— reflects a simpler, straightforward era on Block Island. The basics of all you’d need to eat during a week’s vacation was fit on a single page. There were no qualms about amending the prices — all hand-written in ballpoint pen — as costs varied during the summer. It is understandable why “Fresh Sword Fish” would suddenly rise from the crossed-out “$4.75,” up to “$5.00,” as that season passed and fishermen’s success changed. Few tourists, though, would guess that the only item on the menu requiring a freezer — “Ice Cream” — no doubt went from “35” cents to a whopping “50” cents because of the high electricity rates on the island, not only often the most expensive in the entire country, but the most quickly raised as well. One other thing was for sure, when Dead Eye’s stated “Fresh Haddock” — as in the handwritten addendum at upper left — then that surely means it is just that. And, simply stated, no amount of fancily written, parsley spruced-up, lemon-disguised, hidden under spiced-up breading, “fish” at mainland restaurants would come anywhere near the real thing. There was the other side of the menu, not shown here, which fit all on one page, too.

At a price averaging a dollar each: 12 named pre-mixed “Cocktails,” 12 named pre-mixed “Long Drinks,” 12 types of “Whiskies,” 12 “Scotches,” 5 “Brandys,” 6 “Wines,” 16 types of “Cordial and Liqueurs,” and for 25 cents

“Beer on Draught.” And handwritten was the added information that “X-dry” was “15” cents “Extra.” Enough to contemplate for an evening, a week — and maybe a summer.

The cover and food choices from Dead Eye’s menu of the early 1970s. An additional page offered 85 different scotches, whiskies, brandys, etc. Dead Eye’s and its adjacent competitor Smuggler’s Cove were “the places to go” on the island back then.

Eating well for a 100 and more Block Island summers By Robert M. Downie In a brochure of 1914, the Narragansett Inn’s owners boasted of their hotel: “For a background it has a beautiful farm owned by the proprietor from which the table is supplied with vegetables, milk, chickens, eggs, etc.” That was the heyday of agriculture on Block Island. Just 25 years later, farming on the island had nearly disappeared — the victim, as in much of New England, of refrigerated rail cars that brought fresh foods quickly from western states and Florida. The sparse clumps of bayberries that stood as spots of dark foliage in the fields during the 1940s spread in the next 20 years, linking with each other, forming the forests of impenetrable brush that became by the 1970s the new, less food-friendly, landscape. The island, all 5,000 acres, was at its land-use peak in the late 1800s, saturated with agriculture, every bit of the former forest erased — just one large community farm turned into a rolling checkerboard of weaving stonewalls that determined the ownership and various uses of the fields. In 1885, the various sizes of the island’s 225 farms were: Farm size: # of farms: 1-2 acres: 19 farms 3-9 acres 78 farms 10-19 acres 52 farms 20-49 acres 55 farms 50-99 acres 14 farms 100-199 acres 6 farms 200-299 acres 1 farm In the 1880s and ‘90s, a Victorian

resort was superimposed on this landscape. It affected primarily Old Harbor where steamships could now tie up at the new breakwater and new hotels catered to tourists seeking carefree companions and cool summer breezes. Mainland-inspired architecture impacted the rest of the island very little, and the rolling farmland, sprinkled with the occasional farmhouse, predominated into the mid-1900s. Although the massive exporting of farm products declined precipitously after 1900, small farms continued during the 1920s and 30s to supply the island’s needs. The following letter was written in 1923 to a prospective guest by the owner of Willow Grove Farm, a boarding house (owned in recent decades by the Hart family) located near the end of Corn Neck Road. Care, attention and pride were still in evidence on Block Island: June 30, 1923 My dear Mr. Kirkland: “In reply to your letter of June 27, beg to advise that Fifteen ($15.00) dollars per week includes both room and board. I can give you a single room. “I serve good food cooked in the old-fashioned way and plenty of it and enough so that everyone if they do not want to gain will have to diet on their vacation. I do not use any canned goods or baker’s goods. All vegetables, milk, eggs, cream, butter and fowl are from the farm. I also serve plenty of sea food. “The farm is situated on the

state road which is the main drive on the Island and about three miles from boat landing . . . “Thanking you for your inquiry and hoping to hear favorably from you, I am, “Yours truly, “Mrs. James A. Maxfield” The farmland has since disap-

peared, but efforts to supply good food for island menus has not. The most conspicuous evidence is just a few hundred yards up Spring Street from the center of Old Harbor, where a fine garden grows each summer under the efforts of the Abrams/Draper family, supplying their nearby hotels, the Manisses and the 1661 Inn, with as fresh a harvest as hoteliers of the 1870s.

The Spring House menu of 1880, although appearing sparse, would surpass any dozen-page menu of today; if not for its selection, then certainly for the exceptional freshness of the meats, vegetables, and fish, nearly always from Block Island farms or fishing boats. Under the heading of FISH would be written whatever fish the boats landed with that afternoon, the species varying as the summer wore on. And how many gardens of today would produce the 13 VEGETABLES offered back then, none, of course, frozen or from a can. For the main course, the ENTREE, several of the chef’s concoctions for that day would be written in the blank space on the menu, changing each day for the lucky hotel guests who came for lengthy stays.

June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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June 2009

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National Hotel menu, August 20, 1911 From Block Island, Florida and California to the National Hotel’s French menu By Robert M. Downie The demise of farming in New England was inadvertently spelled out in the National Hotel’s menu for August 20, 1911, with the words: “FLORIDA ORANGES” and “CALIFORNIA PLUMS.” But this writing on the wall — or rather, under their noses — was probably little understood by summer diners. With the development of refrigerated railroad cars, and the electrification of towns throughout the country, produce could be shipped ever more easily from distant farms — mammoth in size compared to New England’s family farms. And the icebox in everyone’s kitchen kept the food fresh in one’s house. It was the electric refrigerator, though, that changed everything. As Americans in the East purchased more and more refrigerators, ironically the farms in their own towns became more and more overgrown. On Block Island, after 1930, it was the annoying bayberry bush that took over the once beautiful landscape of rolling pastures. In 1911, though, many of the vegetables on the tables of island hotels were still from local farms — in addition, of course, to varieties of fish from nearby waters. A tourist booklet written in 1909 by Beatrice Ball, daughter of Ocean View Hotel owner C. C. Ball, touted the island’s farming and gardening virtuosity: “Vegetables are somewhat later than on the mainland, but when they are ready for use are unrivaled anywhere. The common vegetables are raised in great abundance, and with the list may be mentioned, artichoke, strawberries, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc.

“The farms supply the hotels in summer with poultry, milk, eggs and fresh vegetables, and supply lamb and veal for the markets. In the fall, butter and cheese are added to the list, and around Thanksgiving time the demand for Block Island turkeys exceeds the supply.” French Block Island Fish? Readers of that National Hotel menu 98 years ago needed a bit of French to get by, or the ability to put on a stiff-upper-lip and disguise from companions and the waitress their ignorance of the finer things in life. The belle époque era was in full swing in the early 1900s. And, as was de rigueur with writers and speech-makers of such earlier centuries, the status quo The National Hotel menu of August 20, 1911, offered Block Island grown food but a French vocabulary. meant you sprinkled your words with Latin or French terms — diced vegetable soup was Consommé Even the lowly bluefish, as comappearing to have, even if you didn’t, a Macedoiné, the National Hotel’s printer mon around the island as rounded stones certain je ne sais quoi enlightenment. lacking the ability to place the “accent on the beaches, was Frenchified, being In the late 1970s a few restaurants acute” over the last “e” in each of the two cooked with small anchovy fish — “a began that habit here, and a simple goodwords. l’anchovie.” tasting mushroom cheeseburger became Instead of “Mock Turtle” soup, bad Apples became ‘Pommes Windsor’ an entire story on some menus, with enough to decipher for country folk, and Amoung the entrees there was adjectives and adverbs. meaning in my dictionary “soup made “Filet Mignon a la Richelieu.” Cardinal The Block Island owner of the from calf’s head, veal, or other meat, and Richelieu, originally the powerful chief National Hotel in 1911, Ray Lewis, sucspiced to taste like green turtle soup,” of government under King Louis XIII in cumbed to that mode somewhat. the National added cognac, which if you the 1600s, became steak. Food became cuisine. imbibed enough would, verily, make a But no one dared mess with spaStarting at the beginning of the menu, calf’s head look like a turtle. ghetti, which remained true to its roots, “Italienne” — no doubt a bit more expensive at the National, though, due to that single, unnecessary word. And on and on the menu went, dropping geographic names with the same frequency a New York boater now boasts of a summer excursion out to “The Block” — a term that grates with ghastly fingernail screeching disgust on the accepted 7, 18, 21, 24 & 27 Speed vocabulary of a Block Island resident. Dual Suspension The National Hotel menu thus visAn oasis for the passionate appetite. 21 Speed Tandems ited places all over the map: “Bermuda,” and Shadow Bikes Located in Old Harbor “Florida,” “California,” “Spanish,” (for children) in the Post Office Building “Connecticut,” and finally back to France Children’s Bikes — reminding their guests, in the very last Open Wednesday - Monday Helmets Available entry, why a stay at the National costs so Locks Provided Lunch 11-3 • Dinner 5-10 much. The coffee, whose origin had noth“Best Bikes on the Block” Closed Tuesday ing to do with Europe, was nevertheless Competitive Rates Dining inside and out offering beautiful “cafe noir demi-tasse,” purposely served HIGH STREET views overlooking the harbor, in a such a small cup, or demitasse, that to beaches and the Blue Atlantic. be quenched American style, you needed BYOB All Guest Rooms with Private Bath TV with DVD players to buy two or three. Call us at 466-5400

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June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 17

Two Ballard’s favorites are back By Bruna Lara Ballard’s Inn is bringing back some familiar names for the new season. Fan favorites Andy Scott and Shawn Allen will once again be busy rocking out at one of the island’s hottest entertainment spots. Live music promises to be a highlight of the season at the beachfront restaurant and inn. The good news for music lovers and night-crawlers is that the two musicians that Ballard’s has selected to headline its summer concerts have been big hits with audiences in the past. In fact, both Scott and Allen were so popular last summer that many regulars requested they return, according to Steve Filippi, president of Ballard’s Inn For his part, Scott is thrilled to be back on the Block. He’s been coming here since the 1980s and has a special fondness for the place. “We would start with a welcoming greeting and fresh banana colada from Pete and Vic Filippi at Trader Vic’s and peddle the island by bike,” said Scott. “No visit was complete without catching the bus to the old Ballard’s.” Over the years, Scott says that the island has become one of his favorite places in the world. “Reconnecting with fans and friends is something that I’m looking forward to on the island also,” Scott said. “There’s a certain camaraderie here that is exceptional. I especially enjoy the beauty of the island and ocean. It’s also a chance to listen to other great acts and sample the superb culinary offerings from the island’s many fantastic chefs” Allen hasn’t had as long a history with the island, but he’s come to appreciate its charms. With a little push from destiny, Allen met Paul Filippi, the late

owner of Ballard’s, on a ski trip in with other bands for special performances. Allen was more circumspect about Steamboat Springs, Colo. and was invited He’s not worried that people will get sick how his concerts will play out, but mainto come to the island for the first time in of his musical stylings after so many sumtains that the music he plays is more 2001. He didn’t even know where Block mers spent on the island. important now than ever. Island was. “I’ve performed with other people in “People aren’t living in the greatest “I did some research, thought it weddings where the bride or groom grew time right now with the economy,” Allen sounded like a great gig on a beautiful up listening to me,” Scott said. “What said. “My challenge is to offer folks a few island and played at Ballard’s for five an honor to be asked to perform at their hours of the day where they can forget consecutive summers” Allen said. wedding.” about their troubles and come and sing Now, he considers Block Island to Scott’s concerts are interactive expeand dance and party and just let loose.” be a source of inspiration. Allen say that riences. He always tries to accommodate For more information on Ballard’s he has written several songs that draw on the many song requests he receives from slate of musical guests, visit www.balhis experiences here. audience members and spends much of lardsinn.com. Scott’s influences are a hodgepodge the show encouraging people to join in by of classic rock greats like the Eagles, dancing, singing along, clapping hands or James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, and Van using the percussion shakers that he has Morrison. He also likes funk and Latin on stage. “If I hear that special voice, I will ask music, particularly if he’s dancing. that person to join me with the guest mic,” Allen, a guitar player, followed famScott said. “It’s all about having a good ily tradition by becoming a musician. time and I work hard to ensure that.” “My father and grandfather both played the guitar, and I used to love listening to them play and sing,” said Allen. “I knew at a very young age that I wanted to play too. I was 9 years old when my father gave me my first guitar and started teaching me how to play. Now, Allen, who also sings, has been playing for more than 20 years.” Passionate, openminded, with a quick wit, Scott may be in his 50s, but he still has a boyish enthusiasm. He usually plays solo, but says that if he is invited, Ballard’s Summer concert draws a large crowd. Inset: Andy Scott is back this year, by popular demand. he’s happy to partner

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Page 18

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Surﬁng Block Island?

On island or off, if you’re looking for news and information about Block Island, there is no better spot to surf to than the Block Island Times online. At www.blockislandtimes.com, you can catch all the local news and upcoming events, ﬁnd out the weather, see the menus of all your favorite restaurants, download special editions of the newspaper and even ﬁnd out if the ferries are currently running.

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June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 19

Original Block Island Designs by Jennifer Watch for New Bracelet and Ring Designs Arriving in June!

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Page 20

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Rodman’s Hollow and Black Rock Block Island as it was and will be By Scott Comings As you turn the corner on Cooneymus Road and are confronted by the sprawling vale of green that is Rodman’s Hollow, your heart might skip a beat. The vast expanse of virtually undisturbed land — with the hollow as its centerpiece — runs from Cooneymus all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the birthplace of Block Island’s continuing conservation effort, and is also the crown jewel of ongoing achievement that has involved local residents and a dedicated band of partner organizations. One of the most beautiful views on Block Island, it is a picture postcard for all that represents the preservation of natural resources. Step into the postcard But postcards are only two-dimensional. As awe-inspiring as the view is

looking over Rodman’s Hollow and the Black Rock area to the watery horizon, you cannot fully appreciate it until you head down the access path and become swallowed up by the lush vibrant sea of green foliage and trees you see from the road. Walk down the state-managed main trail off Cooneymus Road and you are soon enveloped by the greenery, closing out everything but the sky above. Take the option about a quarter mile down of a path that begins beyond a turnstile gate on your left, which marks the official entrance to the trails. You soon discover why this is such preferred habitat for nesting and migratory birds. The thick vegetation and covered wetlands allow birds to avoid predators, while providing them with fruit to

eat as well as daily feedings of insects dependent on the shrubs. In the grassy areas, savannah sparrows, ring-necked pheasants and American woodcock make their homes. Also be sure to look for northern harriers and barn owls that hunt these areas looking for rodent feasts. For the long distance flyers in the spring and fall, it is the first thing they see after a long night’s migration. During this time migratory raptors also fly overhead, some on the hunt, seeking their prey of songbirds, voles, snakes and mice. In the summer, because there are no ground predators on Block Island, the stateendangered harrier often successfully nests among the thickets of the hollow. If you take the right fork as the trail splits, you soon emerge out of the greenery atop a high ridge that affords an amazing view — 180 degrees of breathtaking landscape. It is a panorama that now will never change: 200 unspoiled acres from Black Rock on the right, down through Rodman’s Hollow, encompassing the recently acquired Jones property to the southeast as the countryside undulates down to the headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All the color and life pours out of this glacial outwash plain, topography created thousands of years ago when the land itself would have stretched out 70 more miles from today’s beachhead into a far-flung ocean. In the fall, acres of blooming goldenrod add a gilded coat to the surface of the expanse. The scene captures the essence of Block Island as it was centuries ago, which so many have worked to preserve. It is Block Island as it will be for

centuries to come, to be experienced and enjoyed by future generations. The exposed beauty also guards animal life, from the elegant to the, well, very skin-crawling ki li but still distinguished fauna. Whitetailed deer are omnipresent on the island, and roam through this southwest corner. Considered a nuisance by some, it is still hard not to be dazzled by their size, beauty and grace when you encounter one in a close setting. The other showcase animal in this mass of plant life is the federally endangered American burying beetle, whose life cycle may be a bit too grotesque for some. Block Island has the only natural population of the species east of the Mississippi River. They are approximately one and a quarter inches long, jet black with neatly defined orange markings, which on the forehead serve to identify their gender — males squareshaped, and females a triangle. This species of burying beetle is nocturnal, and at night search for large carrion. Once they find a dead animal, they bury it and the female then lays its eggs in it. From there, as the larvae grow, they feed on the carrion as the parents remain nearby tending to the young. When grown larger, they leave their underground home to head out on their own. They deserve full credit, however, because for insects the American burying beetles show an unusual degree of parental care. Parts of Rodman’s Hollow and

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www.blockislandtimes.com most of the Black Rock area are mowed m every other year to help maintain the eev pproper habitat for this rare beetle. After leaving the promontory you head h south down the trail, where you can take tta a left and pass through stands of black locust, llo black gum, beech, ginkgo and pin oak o planted in 1966 under the direction of Walter W Jones. There are wonderful views all aal along the way with the most spectacular lla of all awaiting you when the trail ends in a small grove of trees atop the majestic bluffs overlooking the ocean. There, the near constant winds off the rolling sea add a physical dimension to the visual impact of the site. Black Rock, the longtime

landmark for fishermen and boaters, is submerged off the beach below, and limits its appearances to extreme low tides. After wending your way back through the meandering trails to emerge again at Cooneymus Road, turn and take a final look out over the greenery. It is the terrestrial version of swimming underwater, and you can imagine surfacing from underneath the green surface of the hollow, able to admire the distance you traveled and that other world below the surface that the casual passer-by doesn’t experience. Reflections of that sort are hard to find. Or beat. But they will stay with you forever.

Did You Know? Cool Facts About Rodman’s Hollow Who is Rodman’s Hollow named after? According to island historian Bob Downie, the hollow was named after the Rodman family, which purchased the land that included the hollow in 1684. John Rodman II was a doctor and Quaker minister who lived on the island for a time with his wife and six children. His son, John Rodman III, was the last Rodman to live on Block Island. Is Rodman’s Hollow below sea level? No. At its lowest point it is about 20 feet above sea level. How was Rodman’s Hollow formed? Rodman’s Hollow, a meltwater channel, was formed by a glacier melting and its water ﬂowing out to the ocean, which, at the time, was about 70 miles away. This

ﬂowing water took most of the good soil with it and that is why much of the hollow is sandy.

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 21

Ethos and effort How Block Islanders have preserved ‘God’s Little Island’ Block Island is really one large conservation effort when looked at as a whole. From the land and nature preservation and protection ethos instilled decades ago by individuals such as Capt. Rob Lewis and his family, “Birdlady” Elizabeth Dickens, and David and Elise Lapham, it has been the effort and commitment of islanders past and present that have led to the conservation of more than 2,500 acres from the signature North Light to the sprawling Southwest corner. This is the first of a four-part series, “Taking A Closer Look,” a “binocular tour” of Block Island’s most noteworthy conservation initiatives. Many of these often breathtaking sights become so familiar that we sometimes forget how important they are in their own individual right. It is a chance to get out of our cars or off our bikes as we ride past these sites on errands or to and from work, and take a closer look at the wonders that island residents have preserved through time. The first installment looks at Rodman’s Hollow, Black Rock and their neighboring properties. It was here that Block Island’s conservation ethos was formed. Efforts began in the early 1970s when islanders, inspired by Captain Lewis, purchased the Hollow from potential off-island developers. The price? One hundred and thirty seven thousand dollars. That is what’s called a wise investment. Native Americans called Block Island “Manisses” — God’s Little Island. After you take a close look through this binocular tour, you’ll know why.

How much conserved land is there in the Black Rock/Rodman’s Hollow area? This area connects many other preserves including Fresh Pond, Lewis Farm and Dickens Farm. In total it is about 643 acres or 10.7 percent of Block Island. This is the largest contiguous patch of open space on the island. How many state and federally endangered species can be found in the Black Rock/Rodman’s Hollow area? One federally endangered — the American burying beetle. Four state-endangered — the northern harrier, barn owl, clay-banks tiger-beetle and bushy rockrose.

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June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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June 2009

Dr. James Hartigan, D.C. Chiropractor

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JESSIE

“Summer of 1913” Historic Photographs Opening Reception June 19 6 pm - 9 pm Tours and research available by appointment

EDWARDS STUDIO Paintings, Drawings, June 12-14 - Newly released reproduction by Fine Art “Along Reproductions, Jessie Edwards: Corn Neck Road” Ceramics, Sculpture, Friday & Saturday, 10am- 5pm, Photographs, Sunday 10am-3pm. refreshments and so Light much more. served.

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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Page 26

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June 2009

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ONE MORE CAST

By Bruce Johnson and Rick Saylor

Block Island Summer Times: Where should families go for the best fishing? Swienton: The best places to take the family are Mansion Beach, Scotch Beach and Coast Guard Beach. All of these places allow somebody to go fishing while others sit on the beach or swim. If people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a car, I recommend Scotch and the Ballardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breakwater because both are within walking distance and have restroom facilities nearby. Block Island Summer Times: What kind of fish can you catch in June? Swienton: You can catch stripers, bluefish, and fluke at any of the beaches and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need a boat to catch the fish. Block Island Summer Times: What is something that many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about fishing on Block Island?

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We carry Telescope Furniture from Granville, NY and Adirondack Furniture from Arnold Lumber in West Kingston, RI.

Serving Block Island since 1852 349 Main Street, Wakefield 783-5503

Swienton: Most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that you can go fly fishing on Block Island. The Coast Guard channel is particularly good for this because it has no rocks, a clean gravelly bottom, deep water within close reach of shore, and the prevailing wind is always from behind.

Block Island Summer Times: What are five things that make fishing on Block Island unique? Swienton: You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to fishing spots. There are at least 12 fishing spots within 50 to 100 feet of where you park your car. Fishermen can manage without waders. Knee boots are fine because the fish are usually really close to shore. Block Island is where a beginner fisherman really beginsâ&#x20AC;Ś When I send somebody out to fish I can be pretty confident that he will catch something.

On Block Island you can fish even in bad weather because you can always find a place where the wind will be behind you. There are a lot of places you can go with your family, and while you fish, the wife or kids can enjoy the beach so it can turn into a real family outing.

PR O FI L

Since the age of 8, John Swienton has been selling bait and doling out advice to generations of Block Island fishermen and their families from his perch behind the counter of Twin Maples. And though much has changed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both in the cozy shop and around the island â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one thing that remains constant is Swientonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for Block Island fishing. Swienton recently took a few minutes from preparing Twin Maples for what promises to be another busy summer to sit down with the Block Island Summer Times and answer questions on the best fishing spots, tricks of the trade, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biting.

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June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Good Wines for bad times: The Bird is the Word

By George M. Taber These are the times that try a winelover’s soul. The economy is in the tank, and wine prices have been outrageous, especially for European wines, thanks to the cheap dollar. There are a few encouraging signs around. The prices for top 2008 Bordeaux wines were recently announced, and they are nearly half as much as 2007 and at the level of 2004. French winemakers are even admitting that they pushed up their prices too much. Despite that unexpected surprise, most wine drinkers are still looking around to find quality wines at a good price. While doing that, they should first look at the southern hemisphere for at least part of their purchases. Wine has been made in the lands down under since the 17th century. On February 2, 1659, Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Dutch colony at the bottom of Africa, scribbled in his diary, “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” In more recent times wine has been made in several southern countries. The quality can be quite good, and the prices are generally better than you get from the Northern Hemisphere. Some Australian and New Zealand wines, once good deals, are starting to get pricey, but those from South Africa, Chile, and Argentina are the best values around these days. Nonetheless, you still have to be careful and look for the right brands. Since South Africa planted vines first down there, I’ll start with that country. For many years its wines were boycotted by the world because of the country’s racial policies, and as a result the quality of South African wines was not up to international standards. Now all of that is ancient history. The country has a strong, black-led democracy, and the quality of its wines is outstanding. South African wines got a nice push last November when President-elect Obama celebrated his election victory with its Graham Beck Brut sparkling wine. Some South African wines are as good as you can find anywhere in the world — at half the price. My favorites starting at the bottom of the line in price, but not in quality, are the Fairview wines. Owner Charles Back is a happy iconoclast who has great fun while naming his wines and poking fun at the French at the same time. Back has never met a pun he didn’t like, and his wines carry brands like Bored Doe (as in Bordeaux). He keeps a herd of goats at his winery for the tourists and for cheese and called one of his wines Goat do Roam (as in Côte du Rhône). Another wine has a picture on the label that looks a bit like Marlon Brando. The name: The Goat Father. All the wines are good value at about $10-$12. If you want to spend a little more, try Back’s line of Spice Route wines. Other good South African brands include Excelsior, Ken Forrester and Indaba. The country’s winemakers produce particularly good Chenin Blanc, a great summer wine first made in the Loire Valley of France. Argentine wines are an equally good value. The country is best known for its Malbec, a grape that originated in France

Look to the Southern Hemisphere

Page 27

Sponsored by the Red Bird Liquor Store

Charles Back of South Africa’s Fairview Wines has this thing about goats and goat names for wines.

Column author George Taber uncorks a bottle of wine.

but is now used for only a few wines there but flourishes in Argentina. It’s similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon and definitely worth a try. Gascon Malbec is a great buy at about $15 a bottle. Some other fine Malbecs at good prices come from Alamos, Trapiche and Finca Flichman. Catena turns out some very good Chardonnays in Argentina at various prices, but if you are looking for something new this summer in a white wine try Torrontés. I discovered this wine a couple years back and loved it. It has a fuller flavor and a structure not found in dull Pinot Grigio and other watery, white wines. Lurton is still making it, but I’ve had a problem finding it recently. Other good producers of Torrontés include Norton and Crisol. They should all be under $10 a bottle. Spanish missionaries first planted vines in Chile, and then in the 19th century Chilean copper barons brought some of the best wines and winemakers from France. As was the case of South Africa, Chilean wines were not politically acceptable for many years because of the military rule of General Augusto Pinochet. But that too is now in the past, and they have become very popular in the United States. Bottle for bottle, Chilean wines are probably the least expensive in the world, and the selection is huge. Chile has a wine similar to Argentine Malbec. It’s called Carmenère, and it too was originally a French grape similar to Cabernet Sauvignon that now does better abroad than at home. Again give it a try. Como Sur makes a good, and inexpensive, Carmenère. The wine giant of Chile is Concha y Toro, which makes a line of wines from the least expensive (the Frontera brand, which usually comes in magnum-sized bottles) to the most costly (Almaviva). Frontera is a good wine for parties and daily drinking, but for only a little more you can get much better wines from Concha y Toro. The Casillero del Diablo wines come in many varieties for about $12. Just above that in quality at a price of $20 a bottle are the Marqués de Casa Concha wines. There are many other good, but inexpensive, brands from Chile. Two of my favorites are Veramonte, especially its Sauvignon Blanc, and Errázuriz, which has a broad range of excellent wines.

in a wine store wander over to the South African, Argentine and Chilean sections and pick up a few of those wines. Your pocket book will feel better for it. George M. Taber, a Block Island resident, is the author of “Judgment of Paris— California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine” and “To Cork or Not to Cork— Tradition, Romance, Science, and the Battle for the Wine Bottle.”

You might also try Casa Lapostolle, which is owned by a French woman who has the famed wine consultant Michel Rolland working for her. One of Casa Lapostolle’s products was the wine of the year for Wine Spectator magazine earlier this year, and it also has a long line of wines at various prices. If you look hard enough you can find some inexpensive wines from France and even California, but the next time you are

The Bird is the word for Barbecues on Block Island. Come in and see our wide selection of wines for any occasion. Or, let us order exactly what you want.

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Page 28

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

Block Island Landmarks THE STATUE OF REBECCA

ABRAMS’ ANIMAL FARM has a diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals maintained by Justin Abrams and family, owner of the 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses. The small farm between Spring and High streets is home to camels, llamas, emus, sheep, donkeys, goats, swans and ducks. Visitors are free to view and pet the animals, which are accessible from Spring Street. Here you’ll also see the Hotel Manisses’ extensive garden. Open to the public from dawn to dusk.

THE NORTH LIGHT is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point. The first, finished in 1829, was washed away in a few years. A second light began operation in 1837, but was not visible to ships due to the shifting sands. The government built a third light near the end of the Point in 1857 and that also succumbed to the sea. At last, in 1867, the present sturdy building of Connecticut granite, hauled to the site by oxen, was completed. The North Light now leads a second life as an Interpretive Center with exhibits on loan from the B.I. Historical Society. The lighthouse building will be closed for the summer while it undergoes renovations. The lighthouse is located in the Sachem Pond Wildlife refuge and is less than a half mile walk from Settlers Rock. Please don’t swim at Sandy Point as there are dangerous currents. SETTLERS ROCK AND SACHEM POND are at the northern end of the island. The stone memorial was erected in 1911 in commemoration of the landing 250 years earlier of the first European settlers on Block Island. In April 1661, the families and animals of 16 men who had purchased the island for 400 pounds sterling arrived by barque from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Because the island had no natural harbor, they were forced to leave their ship and wade ashore. The cows swam ashore into the cove, known thereafter as Cow Cove. Bird watching, fishing and sunset gazing are favorite past times at this location. CLAY HEAD NATURE TRAIL is reached via a dirt road leading off Corn Neck Road across from a yellow Victorian house just two miles north of the town beach pavilion. A paradise for walkers, Clay Head Trail leads to the northeastern shore of the island and meanders along the scenic bluffs of Clay Head for more than a mile until it reaches Settlers Rock and Sandy Point. Branching off the trail are other trails, which have given the area the nickname “the Maze.” One trail leads directly to the beach north of Jerry’s Point where one can still see remnants of the glacial formation called “Pots & Kettles.” MANSION BEACH is located at the northern section of Crescent Beach on the east side of the island. It takes its name from the Searles Mansion that stood there from 1888 to 1963. The mansion, unused in 1963, was destroyed that year by fire. Only the stone foundation and entrance pillars still remain. On good beach days there is very limited parking space available. Beautiful views and bigger surf are found here compared to the southern end of Crescent Beach. No lifeguards available in this area. THE B. I. HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP, at Bridgegate Square in the white, mansard roof building with rocking chairs on the porch, was established in 1942. The museum building originally known as the Woonsocket House, was purchased in 1945, and houses an extensive collection of significant items on display. Exhibit rooms include fine furniture, textiles, quilts, boat models, tools, fishing gear, oral history tapes and other exciting memorabilia. This year the museum’s lead exhibit it “Summer 1913: Historic Photographs.” Also on display are images by Rhode Island Photographer Carmel Vittoulo. For group tours, genealogy research or to donate anything with Block Island related history, please contact Administrator Pam Gasner at 466-2481 or e-mail blockhistory@me.com. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the many projects and events this season. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting June 20. BEACON HILL, with its stone tower, is visible from almost any part of the island. From a height of 210 feet above sea level, it commands unsurpassed panoramic views. The Indians held tribal councils there, and watches were kept on Beacon Hill during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The tower was designed as a memorial to the island’s seamen. It is now a private home, so you’ll have to enjoy the site from a distance.

ISAAC’S CORNER, at the intersection of Center Road, Lakeside Drive and Cooneymus Road, is named for Isaac Church, the island’s last surviving native Indian, who died in 1886. Nearby (to the east of the four corners) is an Indian burial ground where the headstones (small fieldstones) are set closely together. Indian custom dictated burial of the dead in an upright position, with a pot of clams or oysters beside them to speed them on their way to the next life. The Town’s Heinz Recreation Playing field, where summer camp and sporting events are held is located just north of the corner, take the first right. Parking available on the grass. There are also Greenway trails accessible across the street that meander around Fresh Pond. SMILIN’ THROUGH, is a gambrel-roofed cottage situated on Cooneymus Road, where composer and poet Arthur Penn and his wife Nell resided in the 1920s. Penn’s musical works include a song about the B.I. home, “Smilin’ Through.” The original cottage was built in the 1700s by Trustrum and Dorcus Dodge and was remodeled in 1950. The house sits on the edge of a sloping hill, which leads down to the waters of Fresh Pond. RODMAN’S HOLLOW, named after the island’s first doctor, is a wild and beautiful cleft in the rolling southwestern terrain left from the glacier, the haunt of hawks, white-tailed deer and several rare species of wildflowers. In the 1960s developers bought it and proposed a dozen houses on the slopes. This so dismayed island residents that they formed the Block Island Conservancy, with the late Captain Rob Lewis as their leader, and raised enough money to buy it back so that it could be forever wild. Walking trails lead to Black Rock Beach. MOHEGAN BLUFFS, to the west of the Southeast Lighthouse, has a magnificent view of the southern coast and its high cliffs, with Montauk often visible 20 miles away. At Payne Overlook, you’ll find a wooden stairway that was built by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management. It is a difficult climb for the elderly and the unfit, and the footing at the bottom is extremely difficult. Be careful. This beach can be very crowded and swimming is sometimes dangerous. SOUTHEAST LIGHTHOUSE sits 200 feet above the sea on Mohegan Bluffs. When its powerful light was turned on in 1875, the beams reached 21 miles out to sea — farther than any other light in New England. When the National Historic Landmark was first constructed, a large field separated the house and tower from the cliff’s edge. By the late 1980s, the bluffs had eroded to within 60 feet of the building. Funding was attained through federal, state and local channels to move it to safe grounds. The move took place in August of l993 and a large stone now marks where the tower once stood. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Guided tower tours are available on weekends. Starting June 22, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., provided staffing is available. Museum exhibits and gifts available at the base of the tower including lighthouse T-shirts, which all contribute to the ongoing restoration of the tower and interior of the keeper’s quarters. Group tours available by appointment. Info: 466-5009 Volunteers welcome. Please park mopeds, bikes and cars outside of the fenced area.

OCEAN VIEW PAVILION is a place for rest and reflection with wonderful views. The Ocean View Foundation is a nonprofit that secured this Old Harbor plot for the enjoyment of the public. The site features a finely-crafted pavilion and remarkable views. The largest hotel on the island, the Ocean View, once stood on this site until fire destroyed it in the summer of 1966. The pavilion is dedicated to the concept of expanding the public’s awareness of environmental issues. Visitors must walk in from Water Street across from the ferry parking lot just to the left of the post office building. The site is open from dawn to dusk. OLD HARBOR is the year-round docking point for boats coming in from Point Judith, and accommodates seasonal Newport and New London ferries as well as the highspeed ferries. Old Harbor, once known as Government Harbor as funds to construct it were solicited from the U.S. government, was completed in 1872. Prior to the breakwater it was known as “Pole Harbor” as islanders pulled ashore and secured their classic double-ender fishing boats to the poles in the sand. There is limited anchoring space within the breakwaters for pleasure craft and a maximum anchorage of seven days. It is nestled within the bustling downtown, where the majority of the island’s hotels, restaurants and retail shops are located. THE STATUE OF REBECCA formally stands in stark white at the intersection of Water, High and Spring streets. Named after the biblical Rebekah-at-the-well, the statue originally featured water troughs for horses and dogs and once had running water for human consumption. Installed in 1896 by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the statue is dedicated to abstinence from spirits. The muchloved statue was recast and reinstalled to celebrate her 100th anniversary. The conservationists who did the work concluded that the woman is not Rebekah but rather Hebe, cupbearer to the gods. NEW HARBOR is the first stop for those coming in on the Montauk ferry and is the docking and anchoring spot for most private boaters. New Harbor was, in fact, the site of the island’s first protected harbor, but the expense of keeping a breachway open between the Great Salt Pond and Block Island Sound caused it to be abandoned in 1705. A new breach was cut and a breakwater was constructed to establish a permanent access point in 1897. Docks, marinas and anchoring sites await boaters in the southwest corner of New Harbor, as well as shops, restaurants and hotel accommodations. Pumpout services are provided by the town harbormaster, as discharge in the pristine waters of the Great Salt Pond is prohibited. THE GREENWAY is a web of trails that connect stretches of natural habitat and wonderful island scenery. The Enchanted Forest, Turnip Farm, the site of the Old Mill, Dodge Cemetery and Rodman’s Hollow are only some of the historical and natural features that can be explored on this walker’s escape from the hustle and bustle of town. No vehicles, including bikes, are allowed on the trails. The trail network was created in an effort to protect broad tracts of continuous habitat, essential to some species, and to provide a low-impact opportunity for those who admire the island’s open space. Please be sure to stay on the pathways, as some of the corridors run through the private lands of owners who were kind enough to offer easements for the trails. The Block Island Nature Conservancy, at 466-2129, offers a detailed map of the Greenway as well as a new Nature Guide.

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

www.blockislandtimes.com Map by Jessie Edwards of Jessie Edwards Gallery â&#x20AC;˘ www.jessieedwardsgallery.com

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Block Island Summer Times Directory WATER STREET ARCHIPELAGO, located below the National Hotel, brings imports from Southeast Asia to Block Island. Archipelago’s line of specially-designed clothing includes board shorts, sarongs

and bikinis. The manufacturing of these items is overseen in Bali by the Archipelago owner. 466-8920. B-EYES SUNGLASS SHOP. Block Island’s new sunglass shop. Whether your needs are for fashion or function, find all types of sunglasses and accesso-

ries here. Prices for every budget for men, women and children. 466-8676. B.I.T.’s, below the National Hotel, is an excellent resource for B.I. souvenirs, including T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and collectibles. The uniquely-designed clothes here can be found nowhere else

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on the island. B.I. stickers, cups, glasses and detailed maps are also available. 466-5977. BLOCK ISLAND SPORT SHOP offers a full line of running and walking shoes, clothes, watches, sunglasses, surf equipment and accessories in order to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle on Block Island. 466-5001. BONNIE and CLYDE is the place to look for what you want to wear for summer. This boutique in the heart of downtown has an exciting collection of dresses, tops, jeans, bathing suits, shoes and accessories. You’ll find something ‘super cute’ for every budget. Open daily. 466-8895. BUILDING BLOCKS is a shop dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure for kids of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown you’ll find games, educational and activity toys, stuffed animals, beach supplies and more. Across from ferry landing. Water Street. 466-TOYS (8697).

EXPERT FISHING INFORMATION TACKLE • BAIT Home of the

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Family Fishing with Captain Mitch on the “Sakarak”

MONICA’S TAXI ISLAND TOURS: Fact, Fiction & Folklore LOCAL CALL:401-742-0000 PO Box 310, Block Island, RI 02807

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June 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 31

Block Island Summer Times Directory Continued from previous page DISTANT SHORES stocks an amazing array of collectibles and gift items. Jewelry, glasswork and home items are among the offerings at this long-established Water Street shop. Many of the offerings at Distant Shores would be hard to find anywhere else. 466-2812. EMERALD ISLE TRADER brings the best of the Fair Isle across the sea Ăą Ireland - to our own Block Island shores. Jewelry, china, home furnishings, and gifts, all with a special flair. Down the brick alley between Building Blocks and Harborside. 466-5069. ESSENTIALS, located in the National

Hotel lobby, has the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection of cigars and cigarettes. Open late, Essentials also sells pharmaceuticals, sunscreen, Dramamine and personal care items, snacks and beverages, plus ponchos, umbrellas and a large assortment of convenience food for the microwave. Magazines too. 466-3168. FOOTPRINTS is an intriguing shop poised above Star Department Store and overlooking Water Street. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a large selection of bathing suits and an imaginative collection of affordable clothing, jewelry and T-shirts. Also featuring flax clothing for women. 466-2202. THE GLASS ONION is a whimsical little shop tucked among roses and flow-

ering shrubs. You can browse through 19th-century lithographs and engravings, classic yachting and gardening books, field guides and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, sailing charts and topo maps, clothing and jewelry. 466-5161. ISLAND BOUND bookstore is the beststocked outlet youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find on Block Island for reading material of all sorts: best sellers, classics, mysteries, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, local titles, history and more. The bookstore is located in the post office building and features a front patio overlooking Old Harbor. 466-8878. JENNIFERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JEWELRY is owned by a gemologist and carries Italian 14k and 18k gold, platinum, white gold and ster-

ling silver, coral and turquoise. She has ankle bracelets, toe rings, 14k-gold belly button rings and custom-made B.I. rings, bracelets, lighthouse pins and pendants. Her Italian Dynasex link bracelets now feature a special B.I. map link. Jennifer Milner has designed a new bead Ăą the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Block Island block,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; engraved with Block Island. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to the Block Island Medical Center. Also visit her sister location on Dodge Street. 466-2744. THE MAD HATTER, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only hat store, boasts an impressive selection of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hats. Designer hats include Eric Javits, Helen Kaminski, and Annabel Ingall. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Continued on next page

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING UNDER THE NATIONAL Exclusive Designs

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Featuring the Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best steakhouse t -JWF &OUFSUBJONFOU &WFSZ 8FFLFOE

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Made with the finest all-natural ingredients, our gelato boasts a wide range of fantastic flavors; from dark chocolates to bright, fresh fruit flavors & everything in between! The rich, silky smooth texture is achieved by blending less air into our hand-crafted gelato and will leave you craving more. Come try a free sample today, we guarantee youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back! Gourmet coffee & freshley baked breakfast goodies each morning. Located under the National: Sunday through Thursday 6am-9pm Open Daily at6am-10pm 11am Friday and Saturday

Offering a fine line of gifts, collectables and 14K gold Block Island and Nautical Jewelry

466-2812

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Block Island Summer Times Directory hats include Tilley, Watership Trading, and Dorfman Pacific. Outrageous novelty hats will prepare you for disco night. 466-5264. MAHONEY’S CLOTHIER on Water Street has in stock all of the Block Island apparel you might want, and most of it is one-of-a-kind. Silk Block Island ties are among the specialty items. www.atlanticcowboys.com. 466-8616. PHOTO DOG. Conveniently located under the National Hotel, this elegant boutique/ gallery has it all, film accessories, film processing, fine art, jewelry and gifts as well as exclusively carrying the artwork of Whitney Knapp. Seafaring inspirations are everywhere, like the photographs by Lesley A. Ulrich. As a professional photographer, Lesley is available for weddings and family portraits by appointment. www.biphotodog.com. 466-5858. RAGS is a boutique stocked with resort wear and accessories, and all kinds of gear for your summertime days and nights. The shop faces the statue of Rebecca, opposite the Empire Theatre.

sandals with interchangeable patterned straps. Affordable, fun gifts and a great line of greeting cards bring a smile to your face. Come take a look. We’re right across from the ferry. 466-2722. THE STAR DEPARTMENT STORE is Block Island’s general store. It carries a large selection of imprinted and embroidered T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, shorts, dresses and polar fleeces. It offers the largest selection of Crocs and sandals. It also has saltwater taffy, souvenirs and toys and beach accessories. 466-5541. WAVE. For quality clothing, sportswear and accessories visit the Wave, located in the center of Water Street. Exclusive carriers of Roxy, Quicksilver, Tommy Bahama, Be As You Are, Three Dots, Big Hed Tees, Reef Sandals, Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray Bans and Revo. Resort clothing at mainland prices. www.waveblockisland.com. 466-8822. TOURIST TRAP. Unique BI T’s and sweats at great prices in a funky setting. Beach toys. Accessories. Jewelry. Vintage furniture. In the Seaside Marketplace.

HIGH STREET THE SANDPIPER now shares the front, street-level location at 224 Water St. with the Seaside Market. Featuring Cutloose, Willow and Fresh Produce Sportswear in sizes up to 3X, and for the men we have B.I. T-shirts and hats. Jewelry cases are filled with colorful sea glass, silver and the exclusive B.I. photo bracelet. The multi-compartment “Baggallini” is all the rage, as well as the new ‘Switch Flops,’

BI HEALTH and GENERAL STORE carries non-prescription medicines, including poison ivy remedies and motion sickness pills. Videos are available for rent, and the store carries greeting cards, beach supplies and various sundries, plus Western Union, fax and ATM services. 466-5825.

COMING?

OR GOING?

Out here on Block Island, it’s often difficult to determine whether you’re coming or going. But either way we’d just like to say, “Welcome aboard!”

INTERSTATE NAVIGATION 401-783-4613 Departs daily from Point Judith. Call for schedules, rates, and car reservations. www.blockislandferry.com

CHAPEL STREET BLOCKS OF FUDGE is your only source for island made fudge. Nineteen heavenly flavors to choose from like turtle fudge, penuche and cookies & cream. This family-friendly shop stocks the largest variety of candy and chocolate on Block Island. Fill a bag or souvenir candy bin to take home! Wedding favors too. Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Chapel Street. 466-5196. EAST OF THE RIVER NILE TRADING COMPANY offers an exclusive selection of handcrafted goods including furniture, stained glass lamps, exquisite glassware, handmade garments, jewelry, rocks, minerals and fossils, music and a chosen collection of books encompassing native cultures to vegetarian cooking. An anthology that reflects the many rich cultures from around the world. GOLDDIGGERS offers brilliant engagement rings, rare gems, precious metals and enticing estate treasures that will delight you, as well as the unmistakably original Block Island and nautical jewelry. Take home some B.I. sand in a glass bottle charm. The beautiful all-diamond Block Island pendants are amazing. Check out the weekly treasure finds. Expert repairs, GIA appraisal services and free ear piercing are sure to make Golddiggers your favorite jeweler, on or off the island. Chapel Street and Weldon’s Way. Open 7 days. 466-2611. ISLAND BREEZE is a unique shop offering a varied selection of gifts, toys, sou-

venirs and clothing with a Block Island flair. In addition, it carries XXLG and plus sizes. 466-8880.

WELDON’S WAY CHAPEL SWEETS offers candies by the pound. Pick your favorites from the wide selection and walk out with a bagful of treats. Drinks and cute items for the kids. And, of course, fudge. 378-0062. ISLAND OUTFITTERS is a great resource for the water enthusiast. The store stocks swimming, snorkeling and spear fishing gear; wetsuits, footwear, apparel, beach and sports accessories for the whole family. Stop by the new location on Weldon’s Way and receive 20 percent off U.S. Divers and Aquasphere products. 466-5502.

DODGE STREET BEACHCOMBER is the island’s outlet for Fresh Produce sportswear. This is the spot to replenish your summertime closet with women’s casual dress and sportswear. 466-2777. DIAMONDBLUE KITEBOARDING. Specializing in selling “Best” and “Naish” Kiteboarding kites and gear and top brand name apparel. We offer free shipping world wide. In stock we have the 2009 Best Nemesis Hp kites, Waroo 2009 kites, Best Spark 2008 kiteboards, Waroo 2009 bar and lines, accessories as well as Naish Directory continued on page 35

Block Island In Just Over One Hour!

Check our website for weekday specials!

Photos courtesy of Cindy Horovitz Wilson and Michael Melford

Continued from previous page

New London to Block Island on the fastest ferry from the Mainland! Arrive in scenic Old Harbor at the center of Block Island within walking distance of restaurants, shops, hotels and the best beaches in the Northeast. (401) 466-2212 (860) 444-GO B.I. (4624) www.goblockisland.com Frequent Departures Check online for the 2009 schedule

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Entertainment Calendar Live Entertainment, Movies, Galleries, and Special Events

Live Music Ballard’s (466-2231) June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Andy Scott June 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 — Shawn Allen June 27 — The Hype June 28 — Something Else June 26, 27, 28, 29 — Andy Scott (Inside, 7 p.m.) (all bands play outside from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Captain Nick’s (466-5670) Disco Night — every Monday all summer long! June 5/6 — the Indobox June 9-14 — Music Fest June 16/23/30 — Local Talent Night June 17/18 — SuperHooper June 19 — Ryan Montbleau June 20 —Erick Narwahl June 21/28 — The Booze Beggars on the deck, 6 p.m. June 24/25 — Miss Fairchild June 26/27 — Vivid (Bands begin at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

Galleries

McGovern’s Yellow Kittens (466-5855) June 6, 13, 17, 19, 24 — D.J. Sean Dugan June 7, 14, 16, 18, 23 30 — D.J. Libre June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — The 007s June 20, 21 — Anthem June 25 — D.J. Peter Dante (Reggae Night) June 26, 27 — Soul Ambition June 28 — Rebel Heat (Reggae Night) (Bands begin at 10 p.m.)

The National Hotel (466-2901) Every Wednesday, Mohito Night, 5 p.m. $6 appetizers. June 17, 24 — TBA June 19, 20, 21 — Krys Jackson June 26-28 — Dave Hoffman (Call for times.)

Jesse Edwards Studio (466-5314) June 12-14 — Newly released reproduction by Jessie Edwards: “Along Corn Neck Road” Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Light refreshments served. June 19-July 3 — The STILL LIFE filled with LIFE, an exhibit of still life by gallery and guest artists. June 20 — Opening reception, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Aurora Gallery (466-2003) See ad in weekly Block Island Times.

Island Gallery (466-2003) Open weekends though June 14 Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spring House Hotel (466-5844) Beginning June 18 Every Thursday night — Martini Night, 9 p.m.

Starting June 20 Daily 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. June 20 — Opening reception, 5 p.m. - 7p.m. (John Urbain Memorial Exhibition.)

Club Soda (466-5397) See the weekly Block Island Times for upcoming events.

Mahogany Shoals Beginning June 12 Wed.–Sun. – Walter McDonough (Irish), 10 p.m.

Spring Street Gallery (466-5374)

Theaters Empire Theatre (466-2555) See ad in weekly Block Island Times.

May 31 — Opening reception, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Group show, “Something Fishy”) Starting June 19 Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Ocean West Theatre (466-2971) See ad in weekly Block Island Times.

The Ocean View Foundation Programs start on June 29. Go to www.oceanviewfoundation.org for more events. Mondays – Naturalist on site. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a great opportunity to be oriented to Block Island. A naturalist will be available to answer natural history, conservation and ecological questions about the island. OVF Pavilion. Tuesdays – Bird Banding and naturalist on site. 8 a.m. A bird banding demonstration for all ages, everything you ever wanted to know about birds and more. (This program is cancelled in the drizzle/ rain.) OVF Pavilion. Wednesdays – Art and Nature. 10 a.m. This program is for everyone (young & old) who wants to see details of the natural world. Paper, drawing utensils, basic art materials, and often, live creatures will be supplied. OVF Pavilion. Thursdays – Stepping Stones. 10 a.m. Help build a stepping stone path to the pavilion. Each week a new concrete stepping-stone will be created. OVF Pavilion. Fridays – Bird Walk at Andy’s Way. Meet at Andy’s Way parking area on Corn Neck Road for this bird and critter walk. This walk is suited for all skill levels, so bring your binoculars and be prepared to get your feet wet. (Check oceanviewfoundation.org for times). *June 26, July 12, July 23 – Night Sky Viewing at the Hodge Preserve. 9 p.m. *June 12, August 12, 22 – Night Sky Viewing at the Hodge Preserve. 8:30 p.m.

The Block Island Maritime Institute (466-7938) June 3 – Senior class sail around the island June 6 – Conservancy Day June 18 – Open house June 20-28 – Hosting youth sailors for Race Week June 24- – B.I. award at Storm Trysail Club dinner June 25, 26 – Ponds and Beyond Camp June 28-July 2 – N.Y.C. Cristo Rey School visit

The Nature Conservancy (466-2129) June 22 – August 28 Mondays, 9 a.m. – “Block Island: A Natural Introduction.” An adventure in Nathan Mott Park that is fun and educational. Meet at the parking lot off Center Road across from the airport. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – “Marsh-mucking for kids.” Crabs, fish, and a lot more! Meet at Andy’s Way, off Corn Neck Road. (Wear water shoes or sandals. Parents must attend.) Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – “Unique Upland Scavenger Hunt. Kids discover all sorts of species special to Block Island. Meet at the Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve. From town take Corn Neck Road for three miles. Parking lot is on left through the gap in stonewall. (Parents must attend). Thursdays, 8 a.m. – “An introduction to Block Island birds.” Meet at the first Sachem Pond pull off, close to the end of Corn Neck Road. Thursdays, 9 a.m. – “Sachem Pond and Cow Cove Scavenger Hunt.” For kids and their parents. Explore two very different aquatic environments and the land between. Meet at Settlers Rock, at the end of Corn Neck Road. (Parents must attend).

Fridays, 9 a.m. – “Clay Head Nature Walk.” Join us for a spectacular walk through Clay Head. Meet at the parking lot for Clay Head Trail, a half of a mile off Corn Neck Road, down the dirt road across from the yellow house.

Other Events Ecumenical Choir Don’t miss the last performance of the spring extravaganza “Say it with Music” on Friday, June 5, at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Parish Center. Musical merriment mingled with some minor mischief. Donations appreciated. Proceeds to benefit the Mary D. Fund.

Conservancy Day There’s a lot to do on Saturday, June 6, to celebrate Conservancy Day. Start with a bird banding demonstration at 8 a.m., a celebration walk through Black Rock preserve at 10:30 a.m., and live music and activities for the kids at the B.I. Maritime Institute from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Also a reception at Smuggler’s Cove from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to honor Bayberry Wreath recipients, and then live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. A day of fun for all ages.

Arts & Crafts Guild Block Island Arts & Crafts Guild will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, June 20, at 4 p.m. at the Community Center. If you would like to join the guild, you must bring a sample of your work to this meeting. This is the only time work will be juried for the 2009 season.

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WHEN YOU’RE ON THE BLOCK DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCY IMPORTANT: THE DIALING OF 911 IS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY! An emergency is when immediate police, fire or rescue assistance is necessary. 911 should not be dialed for non-emergency calls that do not involve or require immediate assistance. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS Do exactly what the 911 operator tells you to do. Give the operator all necessary information, including the fire number on the house. Remember, your assistance could make the difference between serious injury, life or death. IF IN DOUBT, USE 911 911 is for emergency use only! However, if you feel that there is an emergency occurring but don’t know for certain, presume it is an emergency and use 911.

TOWN ORDINANCES PROHIBIT: • Drinking alcoholic beverages in streets, on docks, etc. • Camping, except by special permission. • Sleeping overnight in vehicles or on beaches. • Operating motorcycles between midnight and 6 a.m. • Beach fires and/or driving on the beach without a permit. • Dumping refuse on roads or in harbors. • Shellfishing without a license. • Charcoal fires on boats tied up at docks. • Disturbing the peace. • Unleashed dogs. • Littering.

IMPORTANT ISLAND PHONE NUMBERS BI Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-2974 Police (nonemergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3220 Fire Department / Rescue Squad. . . . . . 466-3220 Animal Control Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3220 Coast Guard (Block Island) . . . . . . . . . . 466-2086 Coast Guard (Galilee) 24 hours . . . . . . . 789-0444 RI Poison Control . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 222-1222 BI Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-5511 Harbormaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3204 Town Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3200 Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3223 Interstate Navigation (Block Island) . . . . 466-2261 Block Island Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-2212 Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry . . . . . . . . . 466-2261 Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466-3234

VEHICULAR BEACH RESTRICTIONS Vehicles are permitted to drive on Crescent Beach only from 6 p.m. until 9 a.m. No motor vehicle shall be allowed on the beach without a valid, updated permit from the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). Permits are available at the police department for $50 between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All motor vehicles of any description are prohibited on dunes except on trails marked expressly for vehicular use. Vehicles are also not allowed on any lands designated “Open Space” and maintained by the town for the benefit of the general public. DUNE PROTECTION The dunes offer a home to countless species of plants and animals that, like the beach itself, need our protection if they are to survive. To help save the life of our dunes and beaches, we urge you to: • Use designated access paths and parking lots only. • Keep off dunes and beach vegetation. • Keep all vehicles off the beach, as they destroy vegetation and cause beach erosion. • Do not sleep on the beach overnight. BEACH FIRES Beach fires are prohibited without a permit. Permits are available at the police department, and are valid for one day, expiring at midnight. Fires must be at least 25 feet from dunes. Please clean up and dispose of all trash properly and extinguish fires completely before leaving beach.

POND PROTECTION Gas motors banned All forms of gasoline or diesel fuel-powered motors on boats are not allowed on BI’s freshwater ponds. Pollutants and contaminants banned No discharging of any sewage, petroleum products, detergents, pesticides, or any other form of pollutants or contaminants is permitted. Penalty for violation Any person violating this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $100, or confinement for not more than 10 days, or both such fine and confinement. Any person convicted of a second violation shall be subject to a fine of not more than $200, or forfeiture of motor and equipment, or both. WILDLIFE REFUGES Protected wildlife areas Wildlife refuge areas on Block Island include Sachem Pond, Payne’s Farm, the Southeast Lighthouse, Rodman’s Hollow, Lewis-Dickens Farm, Beane Point and Cormorant Cove. No one may hunt, shoot, trap, or annoy wildlife, or destroy or disturb the eggs, nest or nesting area of any wildlife within designated areas. Penalty for violation Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100, or be imprisoned not more than 10 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, together with costs of prosecution. SHELLFISH ORDINANCES A license is required for shellfishing. Beds are currently closed to the harvesting of scallops and oysters. The harvesting of clams is restricted. For more info, call the Harbors Department at 466-3204 or stop by the Harbormaster’s shack in New Harbor (adjacent to the Boat Basin), where shellfishing licenses are sold. ANIMAL ORDINANCES Dogs must be licensed and wear tags on a collar. Unless in a vehicle or on property of its owner, dogs must be leashed with a cord not exceeding 6 feet in length. For problems contact the Police Department at 466-3220. Horses: the New Shoreham Town Council requests that all persons refrain from riding horses in the downtown area. ADVICE FOR VISITORS FROM THE BLOCK ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER LYME DISEASE: Don’t get ticked off. Lyme disease is a serious health threat on Block Island. Visitors should make a daily “tick check.” Look for attached ticks, no bigger than a pinhead, red areas and itchiness. Symptoms include rashes, headaches, joint stiffness, chills, fever, and nausea. Not all ticks carry the disease; not all people bitten catch it. Infection is uncommon if the tick is removed within 24 hours. Consult your physician if you suspect you may have become infected. Treatment after early diagnosis is generally effective, but becomes more difficult if symptoms are left untreated. Long pants and sleeves are suggested for forays into wooded areas, brush and meadows.

BLOCK ISLAND’S RULES OF THE ROAD PEDESTRIANS. Pay special attention to traffic while in the downtown area. According to Rhode Island law, pedestrians must walk against traffic (on the left side) on roads without sidewalks. BICYCLISTS. Please take care when cycling the unique roads of Block Island. Ride with the traffic, obey traffic signs and adhere to all rules of the road. Hand signals are very helpful to other traffic and can prevent accidents. Keep on the right side of the road and ride single-file whenever possible. For nighttime riding, a light is required for the front of the bicycle and a reflector should be attached to the rear. Bicycles are not permitted on Greenway trails. Helmets are required for bicyclists age 16 and under, and strongly encouraged for adults. AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS. Please exercise extreme caution when traversing Block Island roads. The speed limit is 25 mph island-wide. Pass bicyclists and mopeds only when you are certain it's safe. ROLLERBLADES, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS. Due to heavy congestion and safety concerns, rollerblading, skateboarding and scootering are not permitted in the downtown area or on Ocean Avenue. Skating and scootering is allowed north of Town Beach, south of the Spring House and on the west side of the island. Please travel with the traffic and adhere to all rules of the road. Scooters with helper motors (electric or gas) are not allowed on roads by RI state law. ACCIDENTS. Do not hesitate to seek help from the Rescue Squad if you have or witness an accident. First aid and ambulance service is rendered at no cost to you. A portion of the Rescue Squad budget is met by town funds, but the Rescue Squad relies heavily on donations to cover the full costs of training, equipment, supplies and maintenance. Any contribution made to support this work will be welcomed and acknowledged. Donations are tax-deductible. Mail donations to: Block Island Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 214, Block Island, RI 02807. OTHER USEFUL ISLAND INFORMATION RECYCLING. All trash must be separated for recycling. Deposit your sidewalk trash in the recycling containers marked for bottles, cans or trash only. These special containers are not for household or boat trash. Those renting houses should use the Transfer Station, located on West Beach Road. Recyclables (newspaper, glass, cardboard, plastics, aluminum and tin cans) are free. Glass, cans, plastics and aluminum should be clean. Other trash is deposited at a charge of 10 cents per pound, paid in cash, by local check or credit card at the Transfer Station (466-3234). RABIES NOTICE. State law and town ordinances require that all pets (cats, dogs or ferrets) brought to the island be vaccinated against rabies. In addition to vaccinating pets, people should stay away from all wild and stray animals. Rabies is always fatal unless treated before symptoms develop. Rhode Island rabies hotline: 1-800-482-7878, ext. 3. PLEASE CONSERVE WATER. While the island’s municipal water company has been producing a lot of good water this summer, water conservation is still encouraged, and the water is very expensive. On properties with septic systems, be sure not to overload the system with showers and dishwashing and clotheswashing all at once. And please don’t shock such systems with paper products, fats, oils and greases. BICYCLES AND MOPEDS. Bicycles are the preferred rental vehicles. You can explore dirt roads with them. If you do rent a moped, please note — • Mopeds are not allowed on dirt roads. • By law, a helmet and eye protection must be worn. • Do not leave the training area until you feel that you know how to operate the moped. Be sure you are familiar with the controls. • Once you are on the road, proceed slowly enough to examine oncoming road conditions. Do not drive on the shoulder of the road. Driver inexperience, heavy traffic flow, sandy shoulders, sharp curves, and uneven pavement are common causes of accidents on Block Island. • Mopeds may be operated from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. only. • Passengers must ride behind the operator.

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Block Island Summer Times Directory Directory Continued from Page 32 Sigma kites like the Naish Cult, Naish Helix, Naish Bar and lines, Naish Haze, Thorn and Sol kiteboards. Our goal is to offer you the best customer service possible and the highest quality kiteboarding gear at the best prices. 369-2297. MARTIN DAVID JEWELERS. Block Island’s fine jewelry store. Nancy B., Leslie of Italy, Chamelia, D’Amico, special order wedding and engagement rings, Block Island pendants and designs in Sterling, 14K white and 14K yellow gold. Next to Red Bird Liquor. 466-2744. RED BIRD PACKAGE STORE was established at the end of Prohibition. This island fixture offers wine, beer, spirits, snacks, soda, ice, cigars and tobacco products. The subtleties of this unique wooden building make the Red Bird a mandatory stop-in for anyone who has never been. 466-2441. RED RIGHT RETURN. A little bit of everything from Island attics. 466JUDY.

OCEAN AVENUE ISLAND HARDWARE is Block Island’s only hardware store where you’ll find garden supplies, seeds, mulch, fertilizers, birdseed, bird feeders, tools, plumbing supplies, Benjamin Moore paints, glass cut-tosize, automotive, and more. 466-5831. WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY is Block Island’s hometown bank, providing mortgages, business loans, and business and investment services. The office is located on Ocean Avenue, where an ATM is available 24 hours a day. Based in Westerly, RI, Washington Trust services all of Southern Rhode Island. 401-466-7710.

INTERNET SHOPPING BH DESIGNS may be new to Block Island, but its creators are not; they have spent the last 21 years cultivating a deep appreciation and love for the Island. It is out of that affection that BH Designs has sprung. The creators are excited to share their initial designs and they have many more planned for future release. To find out more about the company, please visit them at www.imablockhead.com. MARYE KELLEY DECOUPAGE. Baby and wedding gifts. Custom decoupage. Picture frames, plates, wastepaper baskets and much more. www.marye-kelley. com and at the Farmers Market

Specialty SERVICES AND SALES BLOCK ISLAND BOAT BASIN sells everything for a boat, plus books, marine hardware, groceries, ice, T-shirts and gift items. The shelves are well-stocked and there’s almost never a line at the checkout counter. 466-2631. CRITTER HUT. Family owned and operated for thirty years. We carry supplies your animal needs. Also carry exotic

birds, reptiles, small animals, and goldfish. 91 Pt. Judith Rd. Narragansett, RI. 789-9444. GOOSE AND GARDEN. Under the care of John Whitaker, it offers annuals, perrenials, herbs, and vegetables. New varieties of topsoil, composted manure, peat moss, lime, mulch, fertilizer and potting soil. Free delivery. 466-2866. DR. JAMES HARTIGAN, D. C. Chiropracter. Serving the Block Island Community at the Block Island Medical Center. Call 508-620-1940 for appointments. OLDPORT MARINE LAUNCH SERVICE. The perfect Block Island afternoon? Lunch on the Oar’s deck followed by a launch trip on the Great Salt Pond! Ride with us as we service the anchored yachts. Located at the Block Island Boat Basin. 847-9109. PROFILES BUSINESS CENTER. Copying, printing, faxing, internet access, document production and binding. Conference room. UPS shipping and more. second floor of the Albion Building. 466-5800 SOUTH COUNTY SOUND AND VIDEO offers Direct-TV Dish Network, TiVo, and HDT home theater systems. Sales, installation, and service for all your home entertainment needs. Year-round service on Block Island. 401-364-9008.

PUBLISHING GHOSTS OF BLOCK ISLAND. Block Island’s haunted places come alive! Firsthand accounts of ghosts told by island residents, with snippets of island history and stories about the storytellers. By year-round resident Fran Migliaccio, illustrated in evocative black and white by photographers Marea Mott, Dave Dolon and artist Gillian Stevens. Enjoyed by all ages. See display ad for sellers. www.blockislandghosts.com. SEAPRINT COMMUNICATIONS. Your one source for all things printed. From magazine ads to menu design, Seaprint Communications delivers. With a staff of talented writers, photographers, designers and print professionals, we’re rich in talent yet affordable in cost. Let us quote your next print job. We handle advertising, brochures, annual reports, signs, promotions, public relations, and media. 837-2630. Ilang@blockislandtimes.com.

Point Judith to Old Harbor in 30 minutes. Enjoy shopping, restaurants and beaches in the center of town. For your comfort the cabin is air-conditioned. Take advantage of one of the six crossings a day. For reservations call 866-783-7996. BLOCK ISLAND EXPRESS operates a high-speed ferry from New London to Block Island five times daily in summer. Bikes but no cars. Travel time is just over one hour, docking at Old Harbor. 860444-4624 or 466-2212. EAGLE TAXI. Helping you with your transportation needs. Eagle taxi provides service to and from the Block Island ferries to Quonset, Vineyard Ferry, Newport, Amtrak, Westerly, Logan and T.F. Green airports. Call to schedule your travel plans. 783-2970 or 800-339-2970. INTERSTATE NAVIGATION is Block Island’s year-round ferry service. The ferries arrive in Old Harbor. The passage is approximately 55 minutes. Passenger reservations are not necessary. Auto reservations must be made well in advance. www.blockislandferry.com. 401-7834613 or toll free 866-783-7996. McALOON’S TAXI operates year-round, providing transportation for weddings, taxi service and informative island tours in a 12 passenger van. 741-1410. MIG’S RIG TAXI. See more of Block Island with Mig’s Rig, owned and operated by year-round island residents. Prompt, reliable point-to-point taxi service; transportation for weddings and special events. Individualized tours of the island provide local lore, photo ops, and insider views on island life. Air-conditioned eleven-passenger van. www.blockislandtaxi.com. 480-0493. MONICA’S TAXI is operated by yearround resident Monica Hull Shea and offers clean, comfortable transportation, island tours and more. 742-0000. NEW ENGLAND AIRLINES is Block Island’s own scheduled air link with the mainland. NEA keeps a fully-staffed office in the Westerly Airport and on the island. Flights leave the Block on the hour, and depart Westerly on the halfhour. Cab service to Amtrak is available in Westerly. Charter flights available. 1-800-243-2460.

RECREATION BLOCK ISLAND FITNESS CENTER is the number one fitness center on the island featuring state-of-the art aerobic, cardio and strength-training machines. Yearly, monthly, and day passes are available. Located on Corn Neck Road. 466-8700. BLOCK ISLAND MARITIME INSTITUTE is located behind Smuggler’s Cove Restaurant in New Harbor. Sailboats are for rent; lessons offered. Activities of a nautical nature abound, aquariums, educational programs, and more. 466-7938. BLOCK ISLAND PARASAIL and WATER SPORTS offers fun-filled entertainment for the entire family. Soar above the island, taking in the most breathtaking views imaginable. Take a ride on a towalong banana boat. In-person reservations at Old Harbor Dock, next to Ballard’s. 864-2474. CAPTAIN MITCH on the Sakarak offers a family fishing experience led by a marine biologist. Teach your child about the ecosystem and the environment, and catch dinner at the same time. Fukl days and half days. 486-3476. OLDPORT MARINE serves the Block Island Boat Basin and all of New Harbor with personable, highly experienced launch service. Call on channel 68 for boat-to-dock or dock-to-boat service in short order. Tours offered. All vessels are spacious and Coast Guard inspected. TWIN MAPLES has all the fishing gear and bait you’ll need for inshore fishing. Lures and live bait and knowledgeable advice are some of the offerings at this Beach Avenue shop, which is the traditional fishing headquarters for all Block Island fishermen. 466-5547.

BARS AND CLUBS BALLARDS INN. From old friends, new friends and everything in between, everybody has a reason to celebrate at Ballards. Opening every day at 11. Ballards has it all. Sun, frozen cocktails,private beach and popular live music. CAPTAIN NICK’S is the home of Block Island’s legendary Disco Night, every Monday, spring, summer and into the fall. Live bands during the week and on weekContinued on next page

Advertising Marketing Public Relations Brochures Logos Signs Annual Reports Flyers Menus Packaging

TRANSPORTATION ANDERSON-WINFIELD CHAUFFEURED SERVICES. The Winfield family has owned and operated our own livery fleet for three generations. We offer a variety of vehicles to accommodate your transportation needs. We provide ground transportation for corporate and personal travel: airport, bus, train and pier service, charter flight transport, special events, sporting events, sight seeing, doctor or outpatient appointments, or just because. Rt.44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI 02828. 949-5557. BLOCK ISLAND HIGH-SPEED FERRY. Block Island is closer than ever.

We have a different school of thought when it comes to print communication. We use low-cost techniques learned at high-priced advertising agencies to deliver all things printed. From advertisements to menu design, we’re the ones to call.

401.837.2630 ilang@blockislandtimes.com

Listen. Think. Design. Deliver. A division of Manisses, Inc and a sister company of The Block Island Times.

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

Block Island Summer Times Directory Continued from previous page ends range from soul, R&B, hard rock, modern rock and tribute bands. With bars upstairs, downstairs and outside, Nick’s is a hopping place. Fat Heads Sushi is served Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. ëtil its gone. Check the Block Island Times calendar and ads for upcoming music. Ocean Avenue. 466-5670. McGOVERN’S YELLOW KITTENS is B.I.’s famous nighttime party joint. Generations of tourists, summer residents and year-round Block Islanders have come together here. The large dance floor, outside deck and polished wood bar make for a classic nightclub setting. Check the Block Island Times calendar and ads for entertainment listings. Corn Neck Road. 466-5855.

Art BLOCK ISLAND’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY. Don’t leave the island without previewing the works of the following artists, photographers and craftspeople: Tom McAleer, Susan Littlefield, Oscar Berlin, Will and Noah Gasner, Peter Gibbons, Malcolm Greenaway, Jerry Powers, Sharon Lehman, Suzanne Nolter, Ben Wohlberg, Whitney Knapp and Leah Robinson. Check their ads to learn where their works can be viewed. THE AURORA GALLERY is the new gallery on the ‘Block.’ It features local island and Rhode Island artists. The gallery displays functional three-dimension-

al art, jewelry, oil paintings, sculpture, photography and more. Located above the post office. 466-2003 ISLAND GALLERY features a range of artists with longstanding ties to Block Island. Paintings, sculpture and jewelry from artists whose names are well-known to residents and visitors alike. Watch for special shows or call for up-to-date information. 466-9975. JESSIE EDWARDS GALLERY specializes in contemporary American paintings, works on paper, wood turnings, and fine ceramics. Located on he second floor of the Block Island post office building overlooking Old Harbor, the gallery features exhibits, artist receptions, and demonstrations, in addition to ongoing exhibits of established gallery artists. 466-5314. MALCOLM GREENWAY, PHOTOGRAPHER. Stop by nationally recognized photographer Malcolm Greenway’s gallery on Water Street. View his display of striking photographs depicting Block Island landscapes, its many natural sights, and local scenes. 466-5331. SPRING STREET GALLERY is located across the street from the Hotel Manisses on Spring Street. It is a cooperative gallery for island artists and craftspeople. Come and see the paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry, books and quilts that are on display. Exhibitions change weekly with opening receptions on Sunday afternoons from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 466-5374.

Inns 1661 INN and HOTEL MANISSES let you step into yesteryear. Rooms are furnished with antiques and early American paintings. Many offer a combination of ocean view, private deck, whirlpool tub and fireplace. A buffet breakfast, served on the inn’s covered deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is included. Spring Street. 466-2421 or 1-800-626-4773. ATLANTIC INN on High Street is a lovely 1879 Victorian inn with a wraparound veranda that offers the warm, caring service characteristic of the finest New England inns. Twenty-one guestrooms are filled with antiques (many original to the inn) and all with private baths. The inn’s six landscaped acres offer stunning views of Old Harbor and the island’s coastline. On the grounds are cutting gardens, two tennis courts, and croquet and horseshoe courts. 466-5883. BARRINGTON INN is a bed and breakfast with a long history of serving island visitors with warmth and hospitality. Ideally located between Old and New Harbors, the inn has spectacular water views. Beach and Ocean avenues. 466-5510. BLUE DORY INN is located in the Old Harbor Historic District, and all of its rooms have either an ocean or harbor view. Expanded continental breakfast is served daily. Suites available. 466-5891. HYGEIA HOUSE is a 10-room inn sitting on a hill overlooking New Harbor. This

newly renovated inn offers private baths and water views from every room, and it’s an easy walk to the beach. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 466-9616. THE INN AT BLOCK ISLAND is located just two blocks from the village. This former sea captain’s home houses nine guestrooms with private baths. 466-5524. THE NARRAGANSETT INN is a whitewashed beauty overlooking the Great Salt Pond. Its spacious lawn borders New Harbor, and its Sunset Bar is a favorite to many. The restaurant offers a daily breakfast buffet daily from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dinner is available from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Weddings and special events catered on premises. 466-2626. NATIONAL HOTEL is a landmark for anyone arriving on Block Island. Replete with a wraparound porch and a mansard roof, the National offers modern amenities, yet manages to retain its Victorian charm. High-speed Internet connection and a workstation available in the lobby. 466-2901. PAYNE’S HARBOR VIEW INN. Block Island’s newest hotel overlooking New Harbor, just a few hundred yards from beautiful Crescent Beach. Offering suites with Jacuzzis, large rooms with whirlpool tubs, private decks, cable TV and antique furnishings. Spacious parlors, breathtaking views and a rolling waterside lawn make this inn a perfect place for any special event. 466-5758. Continued on next page

Your First & Last Stop for Beach Wear & Accessories

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Bare Necessities Fashion Outlet (Located at the Fitness Center)

Starbucks Coffee! Select From A Wide Range Of Summer Passes 7ii i `Ã ÞÊIÊ >ÞÊ«>ÃÃiÃÊ£ÊÌ Ê{Ê`>ÞÃ®ÊUÊ Ì Þ Î Ì ÊUÊÈ Ì ÊUÊ À Õ«ÊEÊ > ÞÊ*>V >}iÃ

Featuring Seattle’s Best coffee and frozen drinks

Block Island

Fitness Center 126 Corn Neck Road 401-466-8700

Visit our

Famous Bakery Try our new Rustic and Foccacio Breads Homemade Ice Cream *****

Breakfast Daily 7:00 ~ 11:30am *****

Breakfast Buffet Saturday and Sunday 7:00 ~ 11:30am BRING THIS AD AND GET 15% OFF! Island residents and employees pick-up your discount card and get coffee for 75¢ per cup all season.

Clothing for a Charmed Life Open daily 10am - 10pm Susanna Monaco Seven Jeans Located in the center of Water St. Mystique Sandals Splendid Tano Bags Joe’s Jeans Block Island, RI Janine Payer Jewlry Janna Conner Designs 401-466-8895 Vix and Lisa Curran Swim Bliss Body and Skincare Sundresses galore Jewelry for every event

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

Page 37

Block Island Summer Times Directory Continued from previous page THE SEA BREEZE INN has garnered much acclaim for its superb location, with broad ocean and coastline views and beautifully decorated rooms. The inn is set amidst seaside perennial gardens, with a two-acre meadow and pond, and is conveniently located. Spring Street. 466-2275. THE SEACREST INN is an ideal downtown location. Its spotless rooms with private baths are out of the main traffic pattern but only steps away from the Old Harbor ferry dock, the best beaches and restaurants. The inn also rents bikes with helmets and locks provided. High Street. 466-2882.

SPRING HOUSE HOTEL has a view of the ocean that is incomparable. The rooms are welcoming, and the restaurant in the Grand Salon is first-rate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a brief walk up Spring Street to this quintessential Victorian structure, with its long porch built for rocking and contemplating the sea. Spring Street. 466-5844. SULLIVAN HOUSE is an island landmark, a 1904 Victorian with a giant wraparound porch, sitting atop a hill overlooking Great Salt Pond to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Each room has a private bath, four-poster or canopy bed, and lovely views. Jacuzzi available in the suite. Corn Neck Road. 466-5020.

Food ALDOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BAKERY is a great place to bring the family for a full breakfast. Try the omelets, French toast, pancakes or the daily special served in the bakery and on the patio. Aldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also offers a full line of pastries, pies, bread and cakes made to order for all occasions. Aldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is also known for its homemade ice cream, yogurts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 32 flavors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and, new this year, gelato. Take-out available. Weldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way. 466-2198. ALDOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT. Are you looking for a casual lunch or dinner? Do you enjoy Italian food? Then Aldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant is the place for you. You can eat in the dinning room, on the patio, or in the spacious bar.

Entrees include veal saltimbocca, chicken marsala, zuppa di pesce, pizza, seafood, and other Italian specialties. Aldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offers great wines, spirits, and draught beer. Good service, reasonable prices. Take-out available. Weldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way. 466-5871. ATLANTIC INN serves carefully orchestrated and romantic four-course prix fixe dinners in a candlelit dining room. Food here is meticulously prepared each day from scratch with many locally-harvested vegetables, herbs, seafoods and meats. Start your evening with cocktails, tapas and picturesque sunsets on the innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wraparound veranda and lawn. An award-winning wine list. The Clinton family dined here in 1997. High Street. 466-5883. Continued on next page

S HOPPING B Y T HE S EA - D ODGE S T REE T

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Jewelers

Block Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Fine Jewelry Store

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The Red Bird Liquor Store Fine Wines, Liquor, Kegs, Soda, Case Discounts! Open M-Th, 9am -9pm, Fr, Sat, 9am - 10pm Sun, 12-6pm

466-2441

401-466-2744

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Page 38

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Block Island Summer Times Directory Continued from previous page BALLARDS INN serves the freshest seafood, burgers and chicken right on the beach with a view of the sun and the sand. Kids menu. Full bar and live music. 466 2231 THE BEACHEAD is located just up Corn Neck Road from downtown and is a favorite spot for lunch and dinner. Recent renovation has brought the restaurant up to a new level, with full dinner entrees available, as well as daily specials and low-carb offerings. The views from the bar and deck are unsurpassed. 466-2249. BECKETTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GELATO offers gelato and sorbetto as an alternative to ice cream. Flavors range from chocolate to fresh fruit. Gourmet coffee and freshly baked breakfast goodies are available each morning. Located under the National. BEN AND JERRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S. You will find your favorite flavors here, smoothies, milk shakes, frozen drinks and sundaes. All while you are enjoying patio seating overlooking beautiful views of Old Harbor. Located in Fountain Square behind Rags

Clothing Store. Open seven days a week. 466-5540. BLOCK ISLAND BEERS. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own beer. Grab Block Island Beer merchandise or a six pack of Block Island Blonde or Brunette as a reminder of island good times. Served in such fine island establishments as the Albion Pub, The Harborside Inn, and Sharkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 524-1832. ELIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT on Chapel Street in the heart of Old Harbor offers casual, bistro-style dining, a creative and eclectic menu featuring great combinations of local seafood, meat, poultry and vegetarian options and a great wine list. No reservations accepted, so arrive early. Chapel Street 466-5230. FINNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FISH MARKET is Block Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only comprehensive seafood market. In business for 30 years, Finnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is in Old Harbor, across the parking lot from the ferry landing, and stocks a selection of shellfish, smoked fish and other seafood, including Finnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning chowder. Choose live lobsters right from our tanks. 466-2102. FINNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT offers its full lunch and dinner menu from opening to closing daily, with full service on Ernieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deck upstairs, overlooking Old Harbor. Finnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has the largest selection of lobster and seafood on the island fresh from the fish market next door. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find steak and salads, sandwiches and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu. Take out on the deck. L, D. Liquor license. 466-2473.

Westerly to Block Island Half past EVERY HOUR Every Day! Saturday-Wednesday 7:30AM-6:30AM Thursday 7:30AM-7:30PM Friday 7:30AM-9:30pm Block Island to Westerly EVERY HOUR on the hour Every Day!

Saturday-Wednesday 8:00AM-7:00PM Thursday 7:00AM-7:00PM Friday 8:00AM-9:00PM

Departing Block Island Mon-Thu 8:15a, 11:45a, 3p, 5p Fri 8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p Sat 8:15a, 11a, 1p, 5p Sun 8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

June 15 - June 30 Departing Pt. Judith Mon-Fri 8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15, 7p Sat-Sun 9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p Departing Block Island Mon-Fri 8:30a, 11a, 1:30p, 3:30p, 5:15, 7p Sat-Sun 8:15a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p

Departs daily from Pt. Judith and Old Harbor www.blockislandferry.com

HOTEL MANISSES has two dining options: the Gatsby Room, a bistro offering lighter fare, and the formal dining room for fine dining. The varied menus feature fresh seafood, beef and poultry, as well as garden-fresh vegetables. Reservations recommended. Gourmet desserts are an island favorite. Spring Street. 466-2421. THE ICE CREAM PLACE is the ideal retreat after the beach, after a movie, or after dinner. Enjoy its homemade hot fudge, ice cream, waffle cones, real whipped cream, fresh squeezed juices,

THE NATIONAL TAP AND GRILLE is the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest steakhouse. It features numerous prime cuts of beef, along with pasta and seafood. The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous 160-foot porch overlooks scenic Old Harbor and is a favorite place for a drink, especially when live entertainment is scheduled. Food served inside and on outside deck. Water Street. 466-2901. THE OAR is an island favorite famous for the hundreds of painted oars that hang from the ceiling, and renowned as a watering hole for boaters and ferry-goers too. Lunch and dinner are served. A raw bar completes the offerings. Located at the head of the Boat Basin dock, it offers the best sunset views on the island. 466-8820. PAPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PIZZARIA is the one source on Block Island for food deliveries to your door. Pizzas and a number of hot and cold sandwiches are offered. There is indoor and outdoor seating at the corner side location. Corn Neck Road. 466-9939.

Continued on next page

Pt. Judith - Old Harbor Days Mon - Fri Sat - Sun Days Mon - Sun Sat - Sun

Departing Pt. Judith 8:15a, 10:30a, 12:30p, 5:30p 8:15a, 10:30a, 12:30p, 3:30p, 5:30p Departing BI 8:15a, 10:30a, 12:30p, 3:30p, 5:30p 9:30a, 11:30a, 1:30p, 4:30p, 6:30p

June 22 - 26 Additional trips due to race weeks Days Departing Pt. Judith Mon - Fri 6:45p Days Departing BI Mon - Fri 7:15p

May 21 - June 21 Days Mon - Sun Days Mon - Sun

Departing Pt. Judith 7:15a, 9a, 11:10a, 1:10p; 4:35p, 6:15p Departing BI 8:05a, 10:05a, 12:05p, 3:30p, 5:45p, 7:45p

www.blockislandferry.com

Departing Pt. Judith Mon 6:30a, 9a, 11a, 3p, 5p Tue-Thu 9a, 11a, 3p, 5p Fri 9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p, 7p Sat 9a, 11a, 1p, 5p Sun 9a, 11a, 1p, 3p, 5p

H.J. WILLYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S located at scenic Settlers Rock, offers hot dogs, bratwurst, sodas, chips and snacks. Prices are reasonable, the food is great, and the view is fantastic. 644-5931.

THE MOHEGAN CAFĂ&#x2030; AND BREWERY is a few steps away from the ferry and is a popular spot for island residents and visitors alike. The Mohegan servers a variety of house-made beer on tap and offers fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, pasta, southwester, and vegetarian specialties. Water Street. 466-5911.

May 21 - June 21No afternoon trips June 27

401-783-4613

May 26 - June 14

HARRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAFĂ&#x2030; is an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oasis for the passionate appetite.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Owner and chef, Trip Pearce, has long-time Block Island roots though this is the first year for this restaurant located in the post office building. He loves to cook and it shows. An eclectic menu features fresh ingredients and ethnic influences. B.Y.O.B. Water Street. 466-5400.

frozen yogurt, and homemade cookies, pastries, and brownies. Make this an island tradition for you and your family. Weldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way. 466-2145.

Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry

(Arrives and departs Old Harbor)

BLOCK ISLAND FERRY

FROOZIES Juice Bar and CafĂŠ serves real fruit smoothies, organic coffee, freshsqueezed juices and frozen drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch. Burritos and breakfast sandwiches served till 11:30 a.m. Wraps, grilled sandwiches, falafels and veggie burgers served 11:30 a.m. till closing. Located on the back porch of the National Hotel. 466-2230.

Off

A Gallon of Benjamin Moore Paint*

Block Island Express

Through August 31. This coupon must

* Through April 30. This coupon must be presented of purchase be presented at timeatoftime purchase.

BLOCK ISLAND

HEALTH & GENERAL STORE

New London - Old Harbor June 2009 DEPARTS BLOCK ISLAND

Everything that you would find in a mainland drugstore... except the prescription department.

Friday 5,12,19........................ 1:05p, 4:35p, 7:50p Saturdays & 29, 30................. 9:45a, 4:35p, 7:50p Sundays & 26 ...............9:45a, 1:05p, 4:35p, 7:50p

OPEN: Mon-Thu 10 - 5, Fri & Sat 10 - 6, Sun 10 - 4

DEPARTS NEW LONDON Friday 5,12,19...................... 11:30a, 2:50p, 6:10p Saturdays & 29, 30................8:10a, 11:30a, 6:10p Sundays & 26 .............8:10a, 11:30a, 2:50p, 6:10p (860) 444-GO B.I. (401) 466-2212 www.goblockisland.com Arrives and departs Old Harbor

h Hig

Stre

Over the counter medications Your Lottery Headquarters Largest video library on-Island Western Union Beach Supplies Notions ATM Machine Household items 100 yards up Hight St. from Rebecca

June 2009

www.blockislandtimes.com

BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

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Block Island Summer Times Directory Continued from previous page THE SPRING HOUSE offers fine dining in a high-ceiling ballroom that romantically recalls the glory days of New England’s seaside hotels. The menu includes bakedstuffed lobster, Black Angus steak and nightly specials. Lunch served on the deck. Spring Street. 466-5844. WATER STREET CAFÉ is a great place to sit and relax while you enjoy awardwinning clam chowder. Or if you are in the mood, try the lobster salad rolls, grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled tuna salad, seafood platters or daily special. Located in the heart of Old Harbor at Fountain Square. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 466-5540. WINFIELD’S offers fine dining in a casual, intimate setting. Wood floors and open exposed-beam construction set the scene for a memorable evening. Experienced service and attention to detail are among the attributes of this popular eatery. Corn Neck Road, next to Yellow Kittens. 466-5856. YELLOW KITTENS’ MEXICAN ON THE DECK. Enjoy Mexican food outside, overlooking the beach. Frozen margaritas and cold beer round out the offerings. Great as an après-beach destination or predinner. Lunch only. Free delivery seven days a week (cash only). 466-5855.

Full time, on-island technician

Sailing Lessons

ls: Sailboat Renta

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Summer Fun at the Block Island Maritime Institute Rent a boat and head out to the races every Thursday evening!

Daily Summer Programs

www.blockislandmaritimeinstitute.org Visit BIMI (9:00-5:00 Daily) Smugglers Cove Ocean Avenue 401-466-7938

24 hour response time

401-789-1700 www.scsv.net

Private Lessons Group Lessons Evening & Sunset Cruis e Afternoon Group Opti Program

VISIT

www.blockislandtimes.com for the latest travel and entertainment schedules.

The original BLOCK ISLAND ™ is here!

Hook Bracelet

RECOGNIZED RECOGNIZED BY BY LOCALS LOCALS AND AND LOYAL LOYAL VISITORS VISITORS ALIKE ALIKE AS AS THE THE SYMBOLIC SYMBOLIC TREASURE TREASURE OF OF BLOCK BLOCK ISLAND! ISLAND! Off the coast of the North East mainland lies an island like no other... an island that promotes a carefree laid-back, flip-flop and shorts atmosphere where not a single palm tree grows! The Block Island Hook Bracelet™ captures the spirit and style of this island and her stunning vistas, diverse ecosystem and deep nautical heritage. The Block Island Southeast Light is forged into a precious metal “B”, which is hooked by an “I” in the likeness of a fouled anchor, with the union of the two symbolizing the hook that Block Island has on the hearts of millions. The distinctive shape of the island adorns the design as well as 10 wraps of 14 karat gold signifying the 10 square miles of enchanting beauty that awaits each and every soul. The Block Island Hook Bracelet™ is a true symbolic treasure that is sure to remind of the days, weeks or lifetime of weeks cherished while in the embrace of Block Island. Wear the memories...and relive them...each time you glance at your wrist. A portion of sales donated to island non-profits!

Chapel Street and Weldon’s Way

466-2611 www.blockislandgolddiggers.com

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BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES

June 2009

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Live Music Day &Night s Exclusive Beach s Lobster Feasts 401.466.2231