Newport Naked Winter 2022-2023

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editor christopher plamondon chris@newportnaked.com

assistant editor/publisher cedar song hwang

designer/layout daniel hwang • thinkhwang dan@newportnaked.com

photography daniel hwang • peter mellekas

contributors susan comeau • melissa kirdzik christopher plamondon nicole poirier • olivia taylor

ad representative daniel hwang

on the cover photo: peter mellekas location: easton’s beach, newport, ri models: emily baker and greg tyndall from island moving company covered in scarf and wrap from newport tartan, the official tartan of the city of newport

newport

naked 401.559.8008

newport naked is published by thinkhwang, llc. Distribution throughout Newport and neighboring towns. Published 2 times annually, July and December To inquire about advertising rates or to submit story ideas, email dan@newportnaked.com or call 401.559.8008. ©2022- 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer *Newport Naked does not support every opinion given by our different contributors... this is about giving many views, so if you have issue with something covered within, we’ll be happy to listen and pass it along.* Stay sunny and medicate with laughter.

hank whitin • acrylic on canvas • white street in snow

181 wolcott avenue middletown, ri 02842

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keep on moroccan me, baby chef nicole poirier hits the flavor notes

mind health is body health finding harmony

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vol. 12 • winter 2022 - 2023

i ns id e

inside vol. 12 • winter 2022 - 2023

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newport tartan wrapped in tradition

holiday gift guide a time to spread the joy

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the history of the christmas tree tree of life

local artist beyond beading

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R E S T A U R A N T G U I D E 2022-23 american Atlantic Grille Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 91 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI 401.849.4440 atlanticgrille.com Benjamin’s Raw Bar & Grill Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Raw Bar, Seafood, Sandwiches to Steaks.

254 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.8757 benjaminsnewport.com

Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant Pub style comfort food.

140 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.849.6334 brickalley.com Brix Restaurant Traditional American 909 East Main Rd., Middletown, RI 401.848.5161 ext. 2 newportvineyards.com

Fifth Element From hand-crafted fresh pizzas to inventive appetizers and entrées.

111 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.619.2552 thefifthri.com Gas Lamp Grille Seafood, sandwiches & steaks.

206 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.845.9300 gaslampgrille.com

Ben’s Chili Dogs “World Famous Homemade Recipes!”

158 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.846.8206

Becky’s Real BBQ Barbeque Style Plates 82 East Main Rd., Middletown, RI 401.841.9909 beckysbbq.info

Clarke Cooke House Fresh seafood & steaks.

Award winning wine list over 400 selections.

Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.849.2900 clarkecooke.com

The Black Pearl (Tavern Side) Lunch & Dinner served in a casual atmosphere.

Eggs til 2:30pm, Sandwiches, Seafood and Steaks.

Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.846.5264 blackpearlnewport.com

Short Rib French Dip Barbacoa Short Ribs, Cheddar Cheese, French Onions Caleb & Broad 162 Broadway Newport, RI

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The Grill at 41 North Fresh, upscale dining. Grilled meats, seafood, and raw bar, as well as organic and locally sourced selections.

351 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.8018 41north.com Jo’s American Bistro 24 Memorial Blvd. W, Newport, RI 401.847.5506 Malt 150 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.619.1667 Mission Burgers & Dogs 58 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI 401.324.5811 missionnpt.com The Parlor Modern American Cuisine 200 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.848.9081 parlornewport.com Pour Judgement American Bistro, Pub 32 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.619.2115 pourjudgement.com Beech American dishes, cocktails & draft brews, plus a covered patio 13 Narragansett Ave., RI 401.560.4161 beechjt.com Speakeasy Bar & Grill Fine Food, Casual 250 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.847.3650 speakeasybarandgrill.com

Wharf Pub & Restaurant 37 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.846.9233 thewharfpub.com

asian Boru Noodle Bar 36 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.846.4200 borunoodlebar.com China Star lII Chinese Cuisine 110 William St., Newport, RI 401.841.5556 chinastariii.com I’m Sushi Japanese Cuisine 258 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 401.841.1633 im-sushi.com

Seafood fra Diavolo - bay scallops and baby shrimp sautéed in a spicy Italian tomato broth, tossed with linguini, topped with parmesan and micro greens, garnished with sautéed shrimp, and served with a side of garlic bread tavern on Broadway 16 Broadway, Newport, RI

Mizu Japanese Steak House 250 E. Main Rd., Middletown, RI 401.846.2008 mizumiddletown.com Mori Sushi 181 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 401.851.7981 moribellevue.com Newport Tokyo House Japanese Cuisine 6 Equality Park, Newport, RI 401.847.8888 newporttokyohouse.com

classic burger - with pickles and house fries tremblay’s Bar & grill 514 Park Avenue, Portsmouth, RI

The New Sea Shai Japanese Cuisine 747 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI 401.619.0968 newseashai.com

The Tavern on Broadway American Grill Style 16 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.619.5675 tavernonbroadway.com

Thai Cuisine 517 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.841.8822 thaicuisinemenu.com

Tremblay’s Bar & Grill American Grill Style 514 park Ave., Portsmouth RI 401.683-9899 tremblaysbarandgrill.com

Bouchard Restaurant & Inn 505 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.0123 restaurantbouchard.com

french Smoked Jerk 1/2 Chicken - sweet potato mash, shallots, toasted almonds, french beans, mango chimichurri and pickled onion cabana 140 Broadway, Newport, RI

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more

R E S T A U R A N T G U I D E 2022-23

Enjoy the freshest seafood, hand cut steaks, coastal appetizers, salads and save room for Benjamin’s delicious bakery desserts.

BENJAMIN’S • 254 Thames St., Newport, RI

Hen of the woods shrooms, sundried tomatoes, arugula and parmesan.

Pour Judgement • 32 Broadway, Newport, RI

Stoneacre Brasserie 28 Washington Sq., Newport, RI 401.619.7810 stoneacrebrasserie.com

The White Horse Tavern 26 Marlborough St., Newport, RI 401.849.7317 whitehorsetavern.com

italian

Pan seared picatta style fish of day with roasted potatoes & fresh vegetables.

Viesté ... Simply Italian 580 Thames St., Newport, RI

Mamma Luisa Restaurant 673 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.848.5257 mammaluisa.com Nikolas Pizza 38 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 401.849.6611 nikolaspizzanewport.com Pasta Beach 136 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 401.847.2222 pastabeach.com

Lucia Italian Restaurant 186B Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.4477 luciarestaurant.com

Sardella’s 30 Memorial Blvd West, Newport, RI 401.849.6312 sardellas.com

Mama Leone’s Restaurante-Pizzeria 266 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 401.847.7272 mamaleones.net

Vieste ... Simply Italian 580 Thames St, Newport, RI 401.324.5905 viestesimplyitalian.com more

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irish

pubs & taverns

Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant 178 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.5856 www.buskerspub.com

Coddington Brewery Co. 210 Coddington Hwy., Newport, RI 401.847.6690 • coddbrew.com

Fastnet 1 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.845.9311 thefastnetpub.com

Surf Club 337 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.619.5701 • surfclubnewportri.com The Wharf Pub 37 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.619.5672 thewharfpubnewport.com

O’Brien’s Pub 501 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.849.6623 theobrienspub.com

eclectic Cabana 140 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.847.2620 cabananewport.com

mexican Diego’s 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 401.619.2640 diegosnewport.com

Café Zelda 528 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.849.4002 • cafezelda.com

Diego’s Barrio Cantina 124 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI 401.619.1717 diegosmiddletown.com

Caleb & Broad 162 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.619.5955 calebandbroad.com

Perro Salado 19 Charles St., Newport, RI 401.619.4777 perrosalado.com

Castle Hill Inn & Resort 590 Ocean Ave., Newport, RI 401-849-3800 • 888-466-1355 castlehillinn.com

Tito’s Cantina 651 W Main Rd, Middletown, RI 401.849.2222 titos.com

Cara 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 401.847.2244 *Closed in January thechanler.com/cara-restaurant

WHARF SOUTHERN KITCHEN & Whiskey bar 37 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI

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Norey’s Wine Bar & Grille 156 Broadway, Newport, RI 401.847.4971 • noreysbrewpub.com TSK 509 Thames St, Newport, RI 401.846.0400 • tsknpt.com

seafood & steaks Blue Anchor Grill 506 Park Ave., Portsmouth, RI 401.293.5007 • blueanchorgrill.com MainSail at the Newport Marriott 25 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, RI 401.849.7788 mainsail-restaurant.com Midtown Oyster Bar 345 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.619.4100 • midtownoyster.com Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar 1 Sayor’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.846.2260 mooringrestaurant.com Scales & Shells 527 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.846.3474 • scalesandshells.com The Red Parrot 348 Thames St., Newport, RI 401.847.3800 redparrotrestaurant.com 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille 22 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI 401.841.8884 • 22bowens.com

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Keep On Moroccan Me, Baby

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othing goes better with cooler weather than a good blend of warming spices - the PSL is proof of that! There’s another delicious blend to elevate your cooking, though, and not only is it flavorific, but its ingredients have all sorts of anti-inflammatory and health-promoting properties. Bring on your new best friend-blend that goes well with almost anything and before you know it, you’ll be saying “Keep on Moroccan Me, Baby” too!

Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric - sounds like a warm mug of spiced chai, or a pumpkin pie with a little something extra, but it’s more than that! It’s the start of a truly delicious North African spice blend called “Ras El Hanout.”

The name “Ras el Hanout” means “head of the shop” in its native language of Arabic and indicates the combination of a seller’s best spices.

There is no definitive recipe - every shop and family in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia may create their own unique blend, as can YOU! That said, it’s common to find similar ingredients in most recipes, including the spices already listed plus cumin, coriander, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Twelve is an oft-quoted number of ingredients, but some places blend up to eighty-two!

Luckily - if that sounds overwhelming - it’s easy to find readymade blends at the regular grocery store or online. If you’re a spice queen like I am and already have a cupboard or drawer full of all the things, there’s a recipe below, featuring the basics of many spice cupboards, to get you started. The beauty of this flavorful, warming blend is that it doesn’t HAVE to include everything, and if you’re in a real pinch but have access to curry powders, an Indian garam masala blend will give a similar effect and flavor.

The flavor is slightly sweet due to the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom and cloves (all the pie spices!) and slightly savory and earthy at the same time with the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and pepper spices.

Easy Ras El Hanout spice blend Makes about ¼ cup (4 Tablespoons) Ingredients: 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp paprika 12 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

1 tsp allspice 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp clove ½ tsp cayenne ½ tsp black pepper Combine all spices in a small screw-top jar (I like 4oz Mason jars with lids). Place lid on and shake until well-blended. Use with reckless abandon!

Sweet and Salty Spiced Nuts Makes 8 servings Found on page 66 of Intermittent Fasting Cookbook Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Serves: 8 Serving size: ¼ cup One handful of these nuts, whether you make them sugar-y or sugar-free, will quell the hungries in no time flat with their amazing protein, fat, and fiber ratios. You really can’t go wrong, and it’s a perfect snack to carry along or add to salads as a topping! I’m going to be making little pouches of these as holiday gifts this year!

Ingredients: 2 c raw almonds, pecans, or walnuts ¼ c fine granulated sugar or sugar substitute* - I prefer monk fruit, but it will bake up significantly darker than regular sugar 1 egg white 2 tsps Ras el Hanout spice blend ½ tsp fine Himalayan salt Accessories needed: Baking tray Parchment paper Directions: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Whisk egg white until frothy and toss almonds in it. Mix monk fruit, spice, and salt in separate bowl. Pour dry blend over almonds and toss until all are well coated. Transfer to baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, stir almonds around, and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely. Enjoy immediately or store 2 - 3 days at room temperature.

Ingredients: ½ c extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil 1/3 c apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (I use Madhava Organic Agave Five to keep the added sugar down) 1 tsp Ras El Hanout ½ tsp Dijon mustard Pinch salt Accessories needed: Small screw-top jar Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small screw-top jar. Place lid on and shake until well-combined. Pour over your salad and enjoy!

Holiday Harvest Salad Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes 30 minutes might seem like a long time to whip up a salad, but this hearty, nutrient-packed dish is WORTH IT. Prep time can be cut down to 5 minutes if your ingredients are pre-cut and/or pre-cooked.

Ingredients: 4 cups baby spinach 1 lb delicata squash, cut into rings with seeds removed (about 1 cup) - you can substitute butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin if you like 1 c apple slices ½ c pomegranate seeds ½ c Sweet & Salty Roasted Nuts ½ c Spiced Apple Pie Vinaigrette 1 Tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper continued 2 oz goat cheese crumbles (optional)

Spiced Apple Pie Vinaigrette Makes 1 cup Serves 8 - 12 (1 - 2 Tbsp serving size) Prep time: 5 minutes This sweet dressing is almost DRINKABLE. I find it goes so well with baby spinach, baby greens, and “soft” lettuces like butterhead, oak leaf, and lamb’s lettuce, or maché. Plus, apple cider vinegar is known for its blood-sugar lowering properties! newportnaked.com • winter 2022 - 2023 13

Accessories needed: Baking tray & parchment paper Mixing bowl Salad bowl or serving platter Directions: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. If you haven’t made your Sweet & Salty Roasted Nuts yet, you can bake both of these recipes at the same time. In a mixing bowl, toss the squash of your choice with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay on a parchment-lined baking tray (lined for easy cleanup) in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes until the squash is forktender.

Meanwhile, arrange your baby spinach and apple slices on a platter or serving bowl. Once the squash is done, allow to cool for a couple of minutes before adding to the spinach & apple mixture. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, spiced nuts, and optional goat cheese crumbles all over the top. Drizzle with Spiced Apple Pie Vinaigrette and share! One serving is about 1½ cups.

Easy Antioxidant Pumpkin Tagine Found on page 91 of Intermittent Fasting Cookbook Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Total time: 55 minutes Serving size: 1½ cups I am keen on tagine!

Moroccan spices really bring out the best in beta-carotene rich pumpkin (or my favorite substitute, butternut squash!). Combined with chickpeas and purple kale, you get a super dose of fiber and antioxidants in one vegetarian dish – and it really doesn’t take that long to make.

Ingredients: 3 – 4 cups large-diced pumpkin or butternut squash 1 c large-diced onion 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp minced ginger 1 14.5oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed.

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes 1 Tbsp Ras el Hanout spice blend 1 bunch purple kale (green is fine if you can’t find purple) torn into bite size pieces 3 cups water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian 1 Tbsp coconut aminos 14 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

Accessories needed: Large Dutch oven or lidded saucepan Directions: Over medium high heat, warm the olive oil in the pan until it flows easily and add the onions, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently for 5 minutes, making sure they don’t burn. Stir in the pumpkin and Ras el Hanout and allow to cook for another 5 minutes before adding the broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring often, before lowering heat to medium and covering pan for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, stir to loosen anything starting to stick to the bottom of the pan, and check the doneness of the pumpkin. If it is easily pierced with a fork, add the chickpeas, coconut aminos, and kale. Simmer uncovered on the stovetop for another 10 minutes before removing from heat and enjoying with a side of rice, another whole grain, or cauliflower rice.

Ras el Hanout Roasted Red Cabbage Found on page 179 of Intermittent Fasting Cookbook Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes Total time: 70 minutes Serves 6 Serving size: 1 wedge This cabbage gives people the same joy that bacon does - there, I said it – even when their not vegetarians! For one vegetable, a plate of this has about 4 different textures and even MORE flavor notes. It pairs really well with the tagine AND the Coriander Salmon, but you don’t have to take MY word for it! Eat some of the purple deliciousness yourself!

Ingredients: 1 lb cabbage - about half of a medium-sized one 2 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 Tbsp Ras el Hanout Moroccan seasoning 1 tsp Himalayan salt Accessories needed: Baking tray Parchment paper Directions: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut cabbage into wedges that are about 1” at their thickest on the outside of the wedge. Lay them into the baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning and salt, and then toss lightly/rub the pieces together to ensure that they all get coated with both oil and seasonings.

Place tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the edges of the cabbage are nice and golden brown. After 30 minutes, remove tray from oven and cover with foil before popping back in for another 30 minutes. Now it will steam and get all tender in the closed packet. Remove after 30 minutes, serve, and enjoy!

SURF AND TURF

IN THE HEART OF NEWPORT

LUNCH & DINNER

LUNCH 10AM-4PM • DINNER 4PM-11PM

401-846-8768

WWW.BENJAMINSRAWBAR.COM

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By Melissa Kirdzik MS, RD, LDN, CSSD any of us assume the health status of individuals by observing how they eat and whether they lead an active lifestyle. A sedentary person who constantly devours fast food is probably unwell, while the person having salads at lunch, working out every day, and taking vitamins is undoubtedly healthy. These are understandable conclusions, but there is much more to individual well-being than food and exercise.

It is difficult to determine the actual “healthiness” of any individual without understanding a broader array of inputs. Other external factors have a consequential effect on our internal balance and harmony, and there are fabulous tools and behavior changing techniques that give us the ability to enhance our body and mind.

With some practice, you can create different behaviors and thought processes to enhance your daily life and create a less stressed and healthier whole being.

Stress. The elephant in the room.

Stress triggers the fight or flight response, resulting in increased cortisol and adrenaline production and the suppression of immune function due to decreased white blood cell counts. Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone but is not always negative. It does have many necessary roles when regulated and not overproduced. But constant, non-essential fight or flight reactions are the quick way to chronic inflammation, increased cravings for processed foods, suppressed immune function, and impaired sleep.

Perception is key. Perceiving a situation to be negative inspires a stress response. Stop and think about a day of rushing around and feeling like you don’t have enough time for what “needs” to be done. Everything is going wrong, and the realization that you forgot to buy that one ingredient for dinner sets you off. Chances are your whole body feels the anxiety. Cortisol and adrenaline levels spike, patience waivers, mood deteriorates, energy drains, memory is impaired, and you immediately start thinking about potato chips.

But if several people experience this same scenario, some will have different reactions.

One person might simply decide that the ingredient isn’t essential, and that the meal will still taste delicious. Another

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might elect to reheat leftovers and take solace in the fact that the mishap spared them cooking a full dinner and cleaning it up. A third might resolve to start creating shopping lists to reduce trips to the store and ensure they always get everything they need. In other words, not everyone melts down.

It is important to look at stressful situations from a different angle, to alter your perspective by asking questions. How can I learn from this? What if I’m only stressed from earlier events, and this is not actually that bad? In the end, the reality is that you don’t have that ingredient and there is nothing you can do about it. So, do you turn yourself into a surging stressed out being, or do you feel the warmth of acceptance and learning? A simple reframing of thoughts can change your internal response.

Cognitive reframing is a fabulous tool anyone can learn, and it works in most situations. The goal of the process is to reduce stress by looking at “negative” or stressful situations differently.

We teach our clients to think about their typical responses to stressors and challenge them to find alternate ways to interpret, react, or engage.

We encourage them to always remember that when they perceive something negatively, the fight or flight mode engages, and the more they alter this perception, the less they will enter survival mode.

“Positive feelings calm the body, quiet the mind, create a buffer against stress, and foster supportive relationships – all of which reduce ill will.” (Daniel Siegel, MD) A few easy steps you can try now to start cognitive reframing: 1. Learn about common cognitive distortions (listed below).

2. Observe your own thoughts and pay attention to how you tend to respond.

3. Challenge your thoughts. Is there a different way you can look at this potential stressor?

4. When a negative thought or situation arises, replace your thought process with a more positive one.

5. Note how this change in behavior starts to make you feel.

Over time it will become more natural.

“The premise of cognitive reframing is that our thoughts about our experiences drive our emotions, actions, and outcomes. Negative thoughts lead to negative behaviors; positive

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continued

and productive thoughts lead to positive and productive behaviors. While we can’t change negative experiences in our past and shouldn’t deny their impact, we may need to change our thinking about the past if it is limiting our effectiveness in the present.

Some common cognitive distortions include the following: • Filtering: An exclusive focus on a single negative aspect of a situation • Polarized thinking: A belief that something is all good or all bad • Overgeneralization: A broad conclusion based on a single incident or unpleasant event • Jumping to conclusions: A hasty conclusion about someone’s thoughts or behavior • Catastrophizing: An expectation that disaster has struck • Blaming: Holding other people responsible for our outcomes (1)” In my nutrition consulting practice, we’ve learned that incorporating behavior therapy and teaching stress management, habit building, mindful eating, etc., has been much more effective in producing clients that are healthy and happy in the longterm. My team of Registered Dietitians and I have developed a 5-week Behavior Change Program that has been beyond successful in taking clients to the next level of health. Our topics include advanced cognitive reframing skills, gratitude practice, dopamine addiction and how to control it, habit building and maintaining, mindful eating, and mindfulness.

The Behavior Change Program is now offered in person or virtually and is covered by most health insurance. If you feel positive about including some of the cognitive reframing techniques I have listed into your day, and would like to expand your health journey, we would love to work with you. We’ve found that as our clients learn to live more harmoniously with their thoughts and their ability to deal with external factors, they are more successful with weight loss, blood pressure control, lowering cholesterol, improving digestive issues, and increasing immune function. Whole body health can be achieved by all of us, and we can’t wait to help you with your journey.

(1) www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/cognitive_reframing.html

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n the summer of 2020, the Newport City council endorsed the adoption of an official Newport tartan. This authorization was a key step in Kelley Coen’s mission to create a symbol of inclusive local pride while making Newport a better place for its inhabitants. It was Coen’s Irish heritage, some recent family history, and her love for Newport that sparked her interest in the project, and it was the pandemic that gave her the time and motivation to get it done.

But before we continue with her story, we must first delve into the history of the tartan, a tale that is at times vivid but often obscure. Tartanology, it turns out, is an inexact science, but we can create a brief, thumbnail sketch ….

but it clearly demonstrates how important the tartan had become both militarily and culturally. It was a symbol of Scottish pride and independence, and of the Stuart dynasty. The ban, which applied to all citizens, old and young alike - except those who served the crown - was an assault on the dignity and self-respect of an entire populace, and an attempt to destroy Highland culture.

But you’ll be pleased to learn that the law was greeted with affrontery and treated with utter contempt (and evasion whenever possible) during the decades it stayed in effect.

The act was finally repealed in 1782, and a revival of tartan tradition immediately followed. Most historians agree that by the dawn of the 1800’s the use of tartans to signify clan Although the tartan design evolved across central and affiliation was well established. And many believe this practice western Europe over the course of millennia, it was in Scotland had evolved from military affairs, as the tartans of returning where it became an enduring part of the culture. The earlisoldiers were adopted by other members of their extended est examples of Scottish tartans date back to the 3rd or 4th families. Whatever the origin story, by 1815 the Highland century AD, but knowledge of their Society of London began compiling a usage over the next thousand years registry that codified clan tartans by is a bit murky. History tells us, howname and design. ever, that by the 1500’s tartan had This revival slowly gained momenbecome fashionable among those in tum until exactly 200 years ago when the court of King James IV, and that it King George IV arrived in Scotland. was regularly worn by soldiers of the An English Monarch had not visited in era. It is unclear when unique designs over 170 years, so it was a massive were adopted by specific clans, but it event. And when His Royal Highness seems likely that this custom evolved entered the capitol rocking the trathrough military affiliations. In fact, ditional kilt, a tartan craze exploded. it was among the Scottish warriors Over the ensuing decades, books where the tartan kilts became a tradiabounded on the subject, the industion that can be studied across the trial revolution made tartan cheaper ensuing centuries. and more widely available, and the During the Jacobite revolution, which Highland style not only became the was an attempt to restore the Stuart national dress of the entire country (Scottish) line to the throne of England, but was exported to the wider dominthe Highlander regiments were very ions and eventually the four corners of active. In fact, by 1725 they were such the earth. a scourge that King George I formed Of course, with such a prominent what became known as the Black Irish influence here in Newport, it Watch, six companies tasked with must be noted that Ireland has its Kelley Coen keeping the Highlanders in line. The own proud tartan tradition, though that Watch consisted entirely of Scottish soldiers from the clans history is not nearly as broad or as deep as it is with the Scots.

Campbell, Fraser, Grant, and Munro, and they wore a unique There is an Ulster tartan that dates to the mid-1600’s - a time uniform to signify their unity. This combination of black, dark and place that had seen a large influx of Scottish immigration. blue, and green, which became known as the Black Watch tar- And, like the Scottish, the Irish used this design and style of tan, would become one of the most famous designs not only dress as a sign of national identity and a call for freedom and in Scotland but, eventually, around the world. You have seen it independence. During the Gaelic Revival of the early 1900’s, many times with your own eyes. many Irishmen took to wearing the kilt as a show of national But it appears the Watchmen, despite their fashionable atpride. That pride culminated in the Irish War for Independence tire, were unable to permanently suppress their fellow clans. and the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922.

In fact, the Jacobite Rising of 1745 began in the Highlands.

But on the Emerald Isle, they never did adopt the tartan on After first taking Edinburgh, the regiments spilled into England the family level. Instead, it is mostly used to represent counties. proper and made it all the way down to Derby before realizing All Irish counties, from Antrim to Kilkenny and Sligo to Wexthat local support was less enthusiastic than expected. The ford, have their own official tartan, and the citizens of these rebels were forced to retreat, but the offensive left a mark on counties, as well as those around the world with ancestral the psyche of the Crown. roots, take great pride in sporting the official colors. Unique Reprisals came the following year, including the Dress Act locations have also gotten in on the act, places like Blarney of 1746, which forbade the wearing of Highland garb (tartan, Castle, which has, according to the Scottish Register of Tarkilt, etc.) in Scotland. This might seem like an odd proscription, tans, “A corporate tartan designed for a bespoke tartan scarf for Blarney 20 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

The

NewporT TarTaN tar⋅tan – a woolen cloth woven in one or several patterns of plaid, especially of a design associated with a particular Scottish clan

continued

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Castle.The green base represents the Irish and garden locations of the castle with highlight colours inspired by the owner of the castle’s family shield.”

On this continent, the tartan tradition is relatively thin. In fact, we hardly even use its proper name, instead calling it plaid. And since we are a massive melting pot, the clan deal is probably unsustainable. Also, our fight for independence was nearly 250 years ago, and the greatest fashion statement of that affair was a red coat . . . Plus we don’t even wear kilts.

But North America has apparently managed to add an additional layer of complexity and meaning to this grand tradition. As Canadian provinces and US locations began to adopt official tartans over the latter half of the 20th century, they made it a point to assign each color a meaning that was specific to their local communities and landscapes. And this was a tradition Kelley Coen was keen on adopting as she crafted our Newport tartan…

Coen comes from a large Irish family from Holyoke, Massachusetts. She has been in Newport for decades, but it was an event back home that first planted the tartan seed in her mind. Over 15 years ago, members of her family introduced an official tartan for Holyoke and used the proceeds to help fund their St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Since then, Kelley had always intended to do the same in Newport, but the time was never right and there was never enough time.

Until the pandemic.

Luc with his tartan Coen remembers Friday, March in Vietnam 13th, 2020 - the night before the already cancelled parade would have taken place. The “two-week” lock down was just beginning, and she had a message for her two daughters. She told them the lockdown was no excuse to become couch-potatoes, and that they should think about completing some projects for which they had never found the time. The two teenagers were quick to reminded her of a neglected project of her own, and over the next couple days they began experimenting with different colors.

The tartan was under construction.

The first phase involved not only selecting the colors but determining their intersections, prominence, and meaning.

Aesthetically, Kelley was mindful of what type of clothes it would likely be worn with, of making it somewhat unisex - so both men and women would want to flaunt it - and of creating something striking that would catch the eye and resonate in the memory.

Perhaps the most difficult part of this process was ensuring it would pass the rigorous registration process in Scotland. To get catalogued as an official tartan, a design

must be unique. And that judgement is made not only based on the color combinations and intersections, but also on the thread count, which is often referred to as the DNA of the tartan. For someone with no prior experience in the field, it was a daunting process.

Progress continued steadily through the spring and into the summer, and by August the city council had endorsed her design as the official tartan of Newport. It was then time to send it off to the registry in Scotland and make it eternal. This was no sure thing, because there are many thousands of entries in the register and only so many color combinations and patterns, but Kelley’s design soon passed inspection and was immortalized.

Today, anyone can search the Scottish Register of Tartans for Newport (RI, USA) under reference number 12919, and see that the registration notes for the tartan of designer Kelley Coen state:

A district tartan for Newport, Rhode Island, United States of America, registered with the approval of Newport City Council. Colours: blue represents the Ocean, Narragansett Bay, sailing, Colonial Newport, and The Navy; green represents Irish heritage, historic preservation, and Newport Arboretum; yellow represents the Gilded Age and optimism; white represents religious freedom, history, goodness, and purity; red represents Rogers High School and love and black represents Thompson Middle School and African American history.The design and colour combinations were specifically chosen to represent Newport Public Schools, the American flag, the Rhode Island State Flag, Salve Regina University, and the flag of The US Navy.

Tartan in Italy

As you can see, in stark contrast to the exclusive nature of clan identity, The Newport Tartan (TNT) is the embodi-

ment of inclusivity.

Once the tartan was official both at home and abroad, Kelley began the process of getting the first sample manufactured. This was a bit of a task because, for the sake of authenticity, the tartan scarves had to be woven in Scotland. And in the grip of a pandemic, with supply lines shaky and labor forces decimated, everything was complicated.

22 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

Still, after a ton of texts, a lot of voicemails, and plenty of and planned on wearing it the whole time. Kelley said patience and determination, the weaver had put the finish- of the encounter that, “It was the first time I had seen ing touches on the first Newport tartan. someone I did not already know wearing it, and it was a With those hurdles completed, Coen and business partreally cool experience.” She added that hopefully that will ner Elizabeth Brantingham were able to focus on the secstart happening all the time in the city, and that perhaps ond goal of the endeavor, which was creating net revenue someday she’ll even see it when she’s off the island. that could be used to support local scholarships, non-profit That seems possible, since the Newport Tartan, like organizations, and events that celebrate our diversity, histartan itself, has become a world traveler. They have been tory, and community. That’s right. Despite all the time and tracking the places it has gone, and the list just keeps on effort, Kelley is not compensated in any way. For her it is growing. TNT is now in half of the 50 United States, and of a hobby and a passion, and all the proceeds are paid right course in Scotland, England, and Ireland (Newport Sister back into the community.

City Kinsale). It has also been gifted to the royal family of Because the St. Patrick’s Day parade was cancelled for Lichtenstein, made its way to Italy, and is even hanging a second year, the first donation TNT made was to the city out around the Pacific Rim in countries like Vietnam and fireworks in 2021. But as the organization became more Australia. Not bad for something that started when Coen established, they were able to be and her daughters – and the rest more aggressive in 2022. of the world – were told they were This year they finally got to spongrounded. sor the parade, with a donation If you want to support this great targeted at the Thompson Middle new organization that supports School band. The kids missed the our community, or just want to march due to inclement weather, look sharp while out about town, but the money was still gifted, and you should visit thenewporttarCoen intends to continue this suptan.com. There you can admire port in the future. authentic items like the Brushed TNT also helped sponsor the Wool or Lightweight Tartan Glow Road Race, a 5K night run Scarfs, the Wool Stole, and the featuring the beautiful scenery brand-new Men’s Necktie, all of and crashing waves on Ocean which are manufactured back in Drive. The run supports the Scotland. There are also charmNewport Public Education Foundaing cotton wine bags and wristlets tion (NPEF), an organization that available on order. These beauties strives to improve the perforprovide different ways to showmance of children in our public case that tartan style and are schools. Kelley is proud to assist a sown by designer Jennifer Field of Jake on Goat Island group that is pursuing such a noble Fruition in Newport. goal, and stated it is “a priority of ours to support our local There is also a brick-and-mortar option if you want to teachers and our public school system.” view the handiwork in person. The Museum Store on Speaking of education, TNT also handed out its very first Washington Square, which is operated by the Newport scholarship at Rogers High School. This will be a yearly Historical Society, has been carrying the lightweight scarf donation tailored toward students who are looking to atsince September, and it’s a wonderful place to visit over tend a trade school or certificate program. Coen feels it the holiday season. is important to acknowledge how crucial the trades are to Speaking of the holidays, a fine tartan showcasing our our long-term future, and mentioned that this year’s recipi- local colors that is hand infused with equal measures of ent, Aiden Mello, is pursuing a plumbing career and wrote style and meaning will make a great Christmas gift. But a spectacular essay. be sure to be proactive. Kelley says island orders (TNT With the pandemic behind them and money flowing into handles local distribution) are fulfilled and delivered in less the community, everything seems to be running smoothly than a week, and the USPS claims that out-of-town shipfor Coen, Brantingham, and the rest of those who have ments will be executed with the same alacrity. But we all helped make Newport Tartan a reality. In fact, there are know what the holidays are like, so act quickly. sure signs that its popularity is on the rise. Just recently, In fact, go to thenewporttartan.com right now. as the weather turned, Kelley and her husband were Go order and become part of a new local tradition. searching for a parking spot downtown when they spied Go get something packed with community meaning and a man wearing one of her tartans. When they saw him pride. again while strolling on Thames Street, she introduced Go buy a gift from an outfit that donates gifts all year herself and thanked him for sporting her creation. He told long. her it was a gift, and that he was in town for the weekend Go get yourself a Newport Tartan. newportnaked.com • winter 2022 - 2023 23

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1. Flower dish Theresita Design $42 2. Buoy ornaments Weber’s Wood Works $20 3. Clutch Coastal Cate $80-$115 4. Ceramic heart ornaments Athalia of Newport $24 5. Lighted Sand Jar Beach Bottle Design $42 athalia of Newport 26 Franklin St., Newport 401.619.5639

6. Patagonia Kid’s Powder Town Beanie $39 The Kids’ Powder Town Beanie comes in fun prints and is made of 100% recycled polyester.

7. Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove $155 A longer glove for those who often ski powder and need a durable and warm companion on the mountain.

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8. Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Jacket $149 A warm, low-bulk full-zip jacket made with soft, sweater-knit recycled polyester fleece.

9. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L $169 Black Hole® Duffel. This workhorse organizes your gear and has enough space for a fun-hog weekend or a well-organized extended trip. Made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing.

10. Patagonia Infant Capilene® Midweight Set $49 This classic two-piece baselayer set is made of soft, smooth 100% recycled polyester that makes layering easy. patagonia 450 thames St., Newport 401.845.2196 patagonianewport.com

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Mission

At the core of The Newport Tartan is the mutual goal of giving back to the city we love by supporting organizations that make Newport a better place for those who live here.

TNT donates its net proceeds to support scholarships, non-profit organizations, and events that celebrate our diversity, history, and community. Every item that you purchase lends to our mission to enrich Newport.

Brushed Wool Scarf $75 100% lambswool, brushed; 16oz weave; 25cm x 180cm; Custom woven in Scotland; Scottish registry #12919 Newport RI 02840 • 401.239.2152

thenewporttartan.com

Shop Local Tote! $160 value for $125!

Our canvas tote is brimming with locally made artisan treats both savory & sweet, and includes a bottle of 2018 Tipsy Rose Grenache, made by Maria in California with organically grown grapes.

It makes a great gift or stock your own pantry! newport wine & gourmet 5 merton road, Newport 401.619.3966 • newportwinecellar.com

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WristleT $25

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3 1. Ketcham Lobster Trap Necklace $175 Sterling Silver Ketcham Lobster Trap with a working lid and a red, blue or silver lobster waiting inside on a 22” adjustable Sterling Rope Chain. Made in New England.

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2. Aquidneck Island $30 Aquidneck Island Charm in sterling silver.

3. Newport Coordinates $45 Silver disc stamped with Newport’s Latitude and Longitude.

4. Sterling Shackle Ring $100 Made in Newport

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5. Sterling Love Ring $200 Made in RI 6. Sterling & Gold Shackle Ring $350 Made in Newport 7. Wave Rings a. Silver Wave $20 b. Silver Eternity Wave $25 c. Gold plated Wave $25 STYLE NEWPORT 491 thames St., Newport 401.847.1470 • stylenewport.com

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bike rack

10-20% off Thule & saris

Thule Gateway Pro 2-Bike Rack Easy to use and easy to store, the Thule Gateway Pro 2-Bike trunk rack is a robust choice that securely holds up to 2 bikes and folds away neatly when not in use.

Bio Drivetrain Cleaner The Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner is the complete drivetrain cleaning solution that can either be poured into a chain cleaning device or sprayed directly to your chain rings, rear cassettes and derailleurs to clean your entire drivetrain within seconds. It’s also fully biodegradable* and safe for metal, plastic, rubber and seals. You have never seen results like this. We can guarantee it!

saris Bones 2-Bike The iconic Bones rack has been a cornerstone of bike racks for decades. It’s a tested statement of style, design, convenience and durability.

Clear Hydration Drink Mix Drink Clear when you just want to drink water but know you need a sports drink. Clear is infused with a subtle hint of flavor from real lemons [or oranges] to give you a crisp, light tasting, refreshing way to get the electrolytes you need.

H4 Direct Drive Smart Trainer - The most powerful and accurate Saris direct drive trainer to date, the H4 sets a new trainer standard with industry leading high-inertia ride feel, and all-new 1% power accuracy. Experience the world’s most challenging climbs from the comfort of your home with 25% simulated incline grade and be ready to put the hammer down on high-octane sprints up to 2,300 watts.

BIKEWORKS 179 Swansea Mall Dr., Swansea, MA 508.677.0710 • bikeworksma.com

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Rivsalt - Salt and spice sets are perfect for entertaining centerpieces or an eye catching nutrient boost for your own kitchen. Himalayan rock salt is known for its high trace mineral content. Persian blue rock salt is one of the rarest and most exclusive salts in the world. Alpine rock salt is from the Astrian Alps, also known for it’s mineral content especially iron.

Gift set includes grater and spice choice $48 Individual salts and spice sets $15-$20

Soulistic Root sprays - a selection of essential oil based sprays. Currently carrying yoga mat cleanser infused with rose quartz, eucalyptus shower spray, amethyst infused smudge spray, relaxing pillow + linen spray, bug spray. $15-18 Raegan Hough Metal Smith jewelry - Handhammered brass and copper earrings, made in Waterbury VT. Small business and not sold on Amazon.

Small earrings $38, Large $48

Plant Based Beauty Lash Serum - Eyelash and eyebrow growth serum increases length, volume and thickness without harsh or toxic chemicals. $39 eat to live 493 broadway, Newport 401.619.0663 • eattolive.biz

Habit Tracker - Undated goal tracker is perfect for people interested in wellness, productivity and fitness. This chart helps with accountability and gratification of checking off your goals and allows for an easy assessment of your accomplishments. $15

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Ready to dress you for the holidays and also for filling all your gift-giving needs. Treasure hunting just got easier.

Closet Revival • 30 Broadway, Newport 401.845.0592

Intermittent Fasting Cookbook: Fast-Friendly Recipes for Optimal Health, Weight Loss, and Results

by Nicole Poirier Learn to do intermittent fasting (IF) the right way. This unique, flexible, and food-focused approach provides everything you need to safely and deliciously implement IF for great results and long-term success.

Amazon in Paperback $15.49 Kindle $14.72 www.amazon.com 30 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

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1. 14k yellow gold tourmaline pendant with diamond topper $2000 2. 14k yellow gold ruby & green tourmaline holly leaf post earrings $1200 3. 2022 Duris Studios Holiday Ornament w/garnet center $75

duris studios 480 thames st., newport, 401.849.1540 durisstudios.com

4. 18k yellow gold ruby and diamond earrings $5800

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OH CHRISTMAS TREE OH CHRISTMAS TREE 32 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

the History of the Christmas Tree

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ong before Christianity, plants and trees that stayed green all year were considered trees of life. People hung evergreens over their doorways and windows believing that they would keep away witches, ghosts, illness, and evil spirits.

On December 21st, the shortest day of the year, Egyptians adorned their homes with green palm branches to symbolize life’s triumph over death, and plants and trees that remained green throughout the year were believed to have special meaning.

It is said that the Christmas tradition of bringing in a live fir tree started in Germany, where it is associated with Saint Boniface, who lived in the 8th century. One day, he came across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree, became angry, and cut down the oak. Immediately, a fir tree sprouted from the center of the stump and reached to the sky. Boniface then told the onlookers that this would be their holy tree because it was evergreen, a symbol of everlasting life.

In the early 16th century, people in Germany combined two customs and started a holiday revolution. The Paradise Tree (a fir tree decorated with apples), represented the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. The Christmas Light (a small pyramid-like frame, usually decorated with glass balls, tinsel, and a candle on top), was the symbol of the birth of Christ as the Light of the World. Replacing the apples with tinsel balls and putting the light on top, the Germans created the tree that many of us know today.

These trees were decorated in secret by parents, then lit and revealed on Christmas Eve with cookies, nuts, and gifts under their branches.

In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25th - other than church services - a penal offence, and people were fined for hanging decorations!

In 1747, Pennsylvania German settlements had com-

munity trees outside. The first record of a Christmas tree being displayed inside an American home was in the 1830’s in these same German communities. This tree was seen as a pagan symbol by most Americans, and the New England Puritans, who felt Christmas was sacred, considered decorating the tree a heathen tradition.

In 1846, in the Illustrated London News, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children were sketched standing around a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. Of course, what was done at court immediately became fashionable, and the Christmas tree had officially arrived. Europeans used small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their trees to go from floor to ceiling. Americans decorated with homemade ornaments, while the German American sect used apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies.

Popcorn soon joined in, interlaced with berries and nuts.

Once electricity arrived, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country.

In 1931, construction workers placed a tree at the center of the construction site at Rockefeller Center. Two years later, another tree was placed there, this time with lights. There has been a tree there every season since.

Now in Christianity, Christmas trees represent birth and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tree’s branches are viewed as an emblem of immortality and are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross.

SELECTING A TREE LIVE TREES There are many different species of evergreen trees available, including cypress, juniper, spruce, fir, or pine, and there are multiple varieties of each. You can find spruce, fir, or pine trees at outdoor Christmas tree stands or go to a local grower and cut one down. Over the years I have used different species of pine, fir, and spruce, including a continued

Who decided it was a good idea to bring a full-grown tree into the house??? I know my cat appreciates this custom…

Susan Comeau • Landscape Architect • Allways Gardening

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cat spruce which you do not want. It was a beautiful tree, but after I brought it into the house, I noticed a familiar but unpleasant smell. At first, I thought my cat had climbed up and sprayed, but a local farmer later explained it is called a cat spruce because it gives off an odor similar to cat urine!! But don’t be swayed from spruces – blue, red, and white spruce do not produce this aroma!

The balsam fir has the scent associated with Christmas and its needles are softer than the spruce’s. A pine tree gives off a special glow and a wonderful pine scent. Norway spruce is the traditional species used to decorate homes in Britain, and you can find them at nurseries or sometimes at local stores, but they usually don’t have them at Christmas tree stands.

Living in the wilderness Scotch Pine of Nova Scotia, I would drive with my three daughters down the dirt roads looking for the best Christmas tree to cut down. They would hang out on the back of my truck singing and searching. One year we found one right away, so we pretended not to see it and continued down the road singing Christmas carols and looking for another. Two hours later we returned for the one we saw first… it was always a fun time. Now, living in Rhode Island, I go with my daughters and their families to local growers to cut one down. My grandchildren love wandering through the trees looking for the best specimen.

Douglas Fir The best-selling trees are Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and White Pine. Christmas trees generally take 6 to 8 years to mature, and they are grown in all 50 states. On average, over 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre, so you are helping the economy by buying one and not hurting the planet because they will plant more!

Most Christmas trees are cut weeks before they reach a retail outlet but seem to last as long as the fresh-cut ones.

Fresh trees can consume as much as a quart of water per diem, and over the first week you should water them every day.

Fraser Fir

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Balsam Fir

White Pine

Back in the 80’s, one of our trees was so lovely my children insisted I leave it in the house longer than usual. When we finally took it outside it had sprouted roots! I planted it in the frozen ground thinking it might not make it, but it survived and flourished until my cow broke out of her field and ate all the branches. So now you know that balsam fir trees are edible, and you should also know that deer love them too.

You can purchase trees in containers with their roots intact and plant them outside after Christmas. It can become the outdoor tree you decorate with lights the next year, so long as you don’t have any loose cattle roaming around your yard.

PLASTIC TREES Stores have plastic trees that look real, and you can spray some pine scent to make them smell authentic. They come in all sorts of sizes and colors, so you can buy one that fits any room and even match the room’s color! Plastic trees are available online or at different local stores, and they last for years - you only need the storage space.

For most Japanese who celebrate Christmas, it is a holiday devoted to the love of their children. The trees are decorated with small toys, dolls, gold paper fans, lanterns, wind chimes, and paper ornaments, with miniature candles placed among the branches. The origami swan is one of the most popular paper ornaments, and Japanese children have exchanged thousands of “birds of peace” with kids around the world as a pledge that war must never happen again.

Martin Luther was walking home through the woods and noticed how beautifully the stars shone through the trees.

He wanted to share this beauty with his wife, so he cut a fir tree down and took it home. Once inside, he placed small lighted candles on the branches and said it was a symbol of the beautiful Christmas sky. newportnaked.com • winter 2022 - 2023 35

B e a d

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Are Just The Start Local Artist and Business Owner, Emily Hirsch, crafts one-of-a-kind pieces

interview By Olivia juliet Taylor 36 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

Newport Naked: Can you let us know who you are and the type of work that you make?

Emily Hirsch: My name is Emily Hirsch, my store is called Athalia of Newport, and I hand make all the jewelry I sell.

NN: How did you come to jewelry making?

EH: It started as a hobby. I was working in downtown Boston and was very unhappy with my job at the time. I saw a necklace that I really liked, but couldn’t afford, so I went to a bead store and made a necklace that was similar. Everybody just went crazy over it. I found a lot of happiness while I was making it, so I started going to secondhand shops to find old necklaces, take them apart, and make new things.

People were buying what I was making, and my family was very supportive. They said I think you’ve got something going here and gave me a little loan. I bought beads with it, and fast forward 20 years and here I am!

NN: When did you start your business?

EH: I started my business in 2002. At that point I was doing over 50 craft fairs a year, which is what eventually led me to find a storefront. I opened our doors here in 2015.

NN: How did you settle on locating in Newport?

EH: I went to the University of Rhode Island. Every year I’d come to do the Newport Arts Festival and I’d stay for the week.

That used to be my one vacation for the year. I loved it here.

NN: What is your main source of inspiration?

EH: Probably color. I don’t shy away from bold or bright colors.

As I’ve gotten older, I like to wear something simple - jeans

and a tee shirt or leggings - but exciting jewelry can make the outfit.

Anything turquoise is also motivating. It’s my birthstone and I just love working with it.

NN: Can you describe your artistic process? Do you find the beads first and then make the work, or do you have an idea for the work then search for materials?

EH: I find the material first. I am inspired by the material and go from there.

NN: Where do you find your source materials?

EH: I go to bead shows primarily. There are people from all over the world that come and sell at them. But beads are just the start. They come on a string, and you can be the kind of person who just takes them off the string, puts them on another string, and calls it a handmade necklace. But similar to

the way a painter uses paint, I use beads to create beautiful things. I learned that I need to do a lot of basic and everyday

pieces, but it’s the beads that inspire me when I do my crazy, big pieces.

NN: What would you say sets your work apart?

EH: I don’t duplicate. I don’t make the same thing twice. When something sells and someone wants the same piece, I say I can do something similar, but I won’t make a replica. Quite often I can’t because I search for single unique strands of beads.

NN: Is there a type of project you like working on the most?

EH: Everything! I’m really all over the place. Often if I come in with an idea of what I’m going to work on I’ll get distracted and veer off and work on something else. If I’m not feeling inspired or I’m not feeling 100 percent, then I just don’t make anything continued

newportnaked.com • winter 2022 - 2023 37

EH: My store is my happy place. I want people to come in and enjoy it. I also have the work of about 20 other artists there, and if I didn’t absolutely love what they do then I wouldn’t sell it.

I’m also a firm believer that if something can be handmade and you can support your local artists, then do it.

We artists don’t get paychecks - we love what we do and hope other people do too.

because I won’t be happy with it. I don’t make jewelry because it’s “what I do.” I make jewelry when the ideas are there. I don’t push myself if I’m not feeling it.

NN: What type of jewelry do you make?

EH: I do bracelets, earrings, necklaces, ornaments, and keychains.

I like to make things that uplift people rather than dwell on the negativity of the world, especially with the keychains. I have a keychain that says, “Find the joy in the journey,” for example.

NN: Where can we see more of your work?

NN: What other items can we find in the store?

EH: I post daily on the “Athalia of Newport” Facebook page. I also have a sale page called “Athalia Originals Steals and Deals,” which is where I do fundraisers. And then there is the store. Our address is 26 Franklin St, Newport, RI, and the hours are Monday 10am - 3pm, Closed Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10am5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

EH: Photography, pottery, candles, clutches, belts, baby clothes, ornaments… we have a wide variety of things. You could do all your holiday shopping there if you wanted to. And we’re tax free because we’re all handmade.

NN: What’s one thing we should know about you?

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Local Style Peter Mellekas Makeup: Jessica D’Amore Hair: Candace LaRose / BON BON, Newport Heather Dorn Model Club, Boston/ JC Models, CT patagonia, 450 Thames Street, Newport Patagonia Women’s Silent Down Jacket, Patagonia Women’s Better Sweater, Patagonia Women’s Micro D Joggers

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CLUB CALAIS, 198 Bellevue Avenue, Newport L’Agence Kenzie Double Breasted Jacket, L’Agence Marguerite Jean, Penelope Chilvers Inclement Tassel Boot Seaweed, Fifteen Twenty Blouson Sleeve Top, Melanie Preston Pearl Earrings and Necklace

42 winter 2022 - 2023 • newportnaked.com

Sunflowers on Thames 400 Thames Street, Newport Vintage Lauren suit for Ralph Lauren Vintage Cultured Pearls

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CLOSET REVIVAL, 30 Broadway, Newport Vintage Leather and fox coat, Carmen Marc Valvo sequin dress, Kenneth Cole boots Shot at BON BON, 1 Farewell St.

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newport

naked

DECEMBER • JANUARY • FEBRUARY

CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS WINTER 2022 - 2023

DECEMBER

Dec 5th - Jan 1 Holidays at the Newport Mansions Holidays at the Newport Mansions will be more spectacular than ever this year! Come see the festive decorations this season at The Breakers, Marble House & The Elms!

A great Newport tradition continues with Holidays at the Newport Mansions! There’s nothing like seeing these spectacular Gilded Age houses in all their festive finery, glittering with gold and sparkling with silver. Throughout each house, ornately decorated Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and fresh floral arrangements are designed to complement the décor or theme of each room. As always, the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 poinsettia plants – will provide a perfect holiday photo opportunity. New this year, the Music Room of The Breakers will host a vignette of mannequins elegantly dressed in Gilded Age fashions.

Additionally, the Trim-a-Tree partnership with Pell Elementary School returns this year!

With the help of visual arts teachers Anne Lague and Bethany St. Pierre, 120 fourth graders will create ornaments along the theme of ‘Tis the SEA-son. Each of the six fourth-grade classrooms will decorate a tree around a sea theme (shells, sharks, merpeople, etc.) Their ornaments will be displayed on lighted trees in the kitchen of The Breakers. Please stop by and admire their creativity!Closed Christmas Day. 401.847.1000 • newportmansions.org

Dec 5th - Jan 1 Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland Thursday through Sunday evenings, December 5 – December 23, 2022, Every evening, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2023 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Sparkling Lights: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland The third season of Sparkling Lights at The Breakers will be the biggest yet! This year, the fun extends around the entire property for the first time. You’ll stroll along a half-mile-long path glittering with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights while friendly gnomes point the way and music fills the winter air.

Walk through a dazzling 50-foot-long tunnel of light! See illuminated snowmen, reindeer and many more sparkling surprises. Peek into Santa’s Workshop inside the Children’s Cottage and be sure to get a family photo at the Van”deer”bilt selfie station! The mansion facade will be lighted up and adorned with a tree of lights in ever-changing colors.

Reminder: No Sparkling Lights at The Breakers on December 17, 24, 25.

The Breakers 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, RI

* Please check websites or call for calendar date & times before attending events - all dates and information are subject to change.

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DEC 3-APR 29

Aquidneck Growers Market Aquidneck Community Table’s (ACT) winter market is held on Saturday mornings at Stoneacre Garden at 151 Swinburne Row in Newport. The market hours are 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM from December 3 - April 29 (No Market Dec. 24, Mar. 18) Aquidneck Community Table’s Growers Markets provide easy access to seasonal, regionally-grown food and greater awareness of the benefits of eating fresh local foods for our health, the strength of our local economy, the viability of agricultural life, and the future of our earth.

Discover Colonial Newport Walking Tour

DECEMBER 8th - 29th ?

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TRIVIA IN THE BARN Ragged Island will be hosting Trivia Night every Thursday in their Brewery Barn.

Bring your competitive edge. There will be new beers on draft regularly.

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Recurring weekly on Thursday Ragged Island Brewing Company 54 Bristol Ferry Rd. Portsmouth, RI

raggedislandbrewing.com

DECEMBER 9th - 10th Newport Winter Foodies Stroll Cozy up this Winter and enjoy a three course meal accompanied by selected wine pairings at three of Newport’s exquisite restaurants. The progressive stroll will last several hours along Newport’s Historic Thames Street and will encompass approximately 1 mile.

Tours run Friday and Saturday evenings, December 9th & 10th. Tours will also run February 3rd - April 8th, Friday and Saturday evenings. Meet Tom and Sue, your tour guides, in front of O’Brien’s Pub 501 Thames Street at 5:50 PM. newportfoodiesstroll.com

12/10 • 12/17 • 12/24 • 12/31

The Bit Players

9- 31

Improv Comedy

DECEMBER

The Bit Players are a fast paced and energized group of improvisation master-minds. Their high energy LIVE shows are modeled after the hit TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Full of hysterical characters, hilarious games, and side-splitting musical numbers these shows will leave you wanting more every time. No two shows are ever the same.

Everything is truly made up on the spot from YOUR suggestions so don’t miss a single laugh! $18 Check Website for Show Times Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday Firehouse Theater 4 Equality Park Place Newport, RI • 401.849.3473

bitplayers.net

December 10, 2022

Newport Car Museum Hoods Up Weekend True beauty comes from within; check out the engines on more than 85 magnificent cars in the Museum’s six galleries and Pop-Up Porsche Exhibit. $18 adults, $15 military/students 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Newport Car Museum

Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. This tour lasts approximately 75-90 mins.

Tickets cost $15 per person, $10 for Newport Historical Society members & active duty/retired military and $5 for children ages 5-12. Space is limited, advance registration is required.

Starting: 11:00 AM Museum of Newport History 127 Thames Street Newport, RI

newporthistorytours.org

DEC. 21st Newport Out Bookclub Join Newport Out for a bookclub focused on queer literature. All ages 15+ are welcome to join us, free of charge. Not only do we read, but we also do creative writing and engage in artistic endeavors.

This book club is a safe space for all!

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Recurring monthly on the 3rd Wednesday The Huddle

1947 West Main Rd. Portsmouth, RI 401.848.2277

42 Spring St Newport, RI

newportcarmuseum.org

newportout.com

* Please check websites or call for calendar date & times before attending events - all dates and information are subject to change.

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DEC. - APR.

EASTON’S BEACH At noon, the Polar Bear Club takes its first swim of the new year to benefit charity.

Easton’s Beach Memorial Blvd., Newport, RI • 401.274.1728 Island Park Preservation Society presents

Polar Dive at Island Park beach in Portsmouth Time: Noon Bonfire, benefits, post celebrations, raffles and giveaways.

After party @ Tremblay’s Newport Seal Tours & Seal/Rose Island Tours Join Save the Bay aboard one of their education vessels as they motor through historic Newport Harbor and take in 360º views of seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island and the Newport Bridge. One-hour seal tours are entirely boat-based, while 2-hour tours include a tour of the Rose Island lighthouse and grounds.

One-Hour Tour $22 non-members; $17 Save The Bay members, seniors, children aged 3-12; $0 children under 3 years Two-Hour Seal and Rose Island Tour $55 non-members; $45 Save The Bay members, seniors, children aged 3-12; $0 children under 3 years Ticket prices include the Rose Island landing fee $12 per adult & $8 per child Bowen’s Ferry Landing, 30 Market Square, Newport, R.I.

savebay.org

Island Park Beach 428 -366 Park Ave., Portsmouth, RI

Annual New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge at Roger Wheeler State Beach The Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics is one of the original New Year’s Day Plunges in Rhode Island and has been a tradition for many of the plungers that is shared from generation to generation.

It’s the largest and oldest grassroots fundraiser, where all participants raise fund to run (Plunge) into the chilly waters at Roger Wheeler State Beach.

Participation in this event provides funding to support Special Olympics RI. Plunge time is at noon.

specialolympicsri.org Roger Wheeler State Beach Sand Hill Cove, Narragansett, RI South County 401.349.4900

JANU

1

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New Year’s Day Polar, PENGUIN Plunges around RI

* Please check websites or call for calendar date & times before attending events - all dates and information are subject to change.

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FEB.

33rd Annual Newport Winter Festival

February 17, 2023 - February 26, 2023 Recurring daily

The Newport Winter Festival is excited to be back this year and welcome everyone to Newport February 17th - 26th 2023! They are currently working on the 2023 schedule and look forward for all in joining them for family fun, musical entertainment, and all the festivities!

Please check newportwinterfestival.com for updated schedule of activities.

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