www.blockislandtimes.com
July 2018
THE BLOCK ISLAND SUMMER TIMES
Page A5
Welcome to Block Island A Note from Police Chief Carlone
Dear Visitors to Block Island,
, with as little as one in after a ver y slow winter season aga you see to py hap are and place to be for all. In We welcome you Now it’s the busy season and a fun n! ope ses ines bus any dly har are in such a wonderthousand residents, and oticed by most people because they unn are that s risk are e ther t to possible dangers any natural environmen your mind doesn’t always alert you n, atio vac on are you en Wh d. for sure, but we fully relaxed state of min safe. That’s okay, it is mostly safe ely plet com is ing ryth eve that and you get the impression save you from injury. things that may save your life, or few a ut abo w kno idents. There are you let to d nee nd, some seriously from bike acc Isla ck Blo on r yea ry eve red what to do to be 1. Bicycles — People get inju fic competing for the road. Here’s traf of lots and rs, ulde sho road wear lots of steep inclines, poor ires that people fifteen and under especially children. The law requ et, helm ed rov app an ar We : safe ne should. Lock your bikes! them, but I recommend that everyo your safety. Stop at STOP signs, are required to do by law, and for you ch whi s, law fic traf all y 2. Obe are everywhere. fast because the curves and hills ride with traffic and don’t go too re present, and be alert that whe ks ng traffic, use sidewal faci or fic traf inst aga lk Wa — s 3. Walker r children carefully, close by as you walk. Watch you ing com s icle veh of s ner man all there are please. you fail to do so, law) or you will be summoned if the is (it et helm a ar We — s ped 4. Rental Mo n. and don’t repeatedly blow the hor and please obey all traffic laws, thousands of pounds and e large bluff areas; they are unstabl 5. Beaches — Watch out below don’t be too far from er; ly. Watch children near the wat of clay can come down unexpected ded children. tten drowning risk in the ocean for una a young child, there is an extreme s. Drinking in area lic all pub prohibited on any beaches and in l summons wil 6. Drinking Alcohol — This is and hes way. Off icers will be in plain clot liquor sales the hot sun is not a good idea any d nse lice drinking anywhere other than in f and injured or arrest you, so please refrain from staf medical k to excess. We have a minimal establishments. Please do not drin ries ous inju . n off the island for treatment of seri people end up having to be flow clothing when biking or lighting, so please wear reflective 7. Night Time — There is limited walking. at bars and beaches, and watch your purse and cell phones s, bike r you k Loc — les uab Val 8. lock your cars. our officers are friendand if you need anything, all of In closing, we are happy to see you you if necessary. ly and approachable and will help Please have a safe vacation. Sincerely, Chief Vincent T. Carlone NSPD
ADVERTORIAL
Comfy Kai-Kai Sandals For Kai Costanzo, founding a business has been an odyssey sparked by personal need. A triathlete since he was young, Costanzo collected sandals as he traveled about the world, surfing and racing triathlons. Yet, he wasn’t satisfied with the footwear he discovered. They were either uncomfortable, unsturdy or both. Fed up with the world’s imperfect sandal selection, Costanzo decided to begin producing his own brand of sandals. “I wanted to create a simple sandal that would stay on your foot well,” he explains. As a runner, Kai knew “a bit about feet” and he drew upon this knowledge during his quest for the perfect sandal design. Arch
support was important, he decided- flat flops would not do. The initial process took about a year, Kai admits. After all, he didn’t want to sell a shoddy product. He gathered samples from five countries, including Peru, Brazil, and Colombia before finally selecting a design that met his expectations. Today, the sandals are produced in Peru and Brazil. He found that development year frustrating “but nice because you get Christmas presents [for your family]” he says, smiling. In 2004, Kai-Kai Sandals emerged on the market in Montauk, his hometown. Buyers there were supportive and eager, “repeat
customers helped;’ says Kai. With his sister, Gabrielle, he established two stores in Montauk. While Kai is the founder of the company, he says that Gabrielle has provided constant support: “She has been with me every step of the way, building the brand:’ The sandals are best known for their comfort, which was Kai’s main objective in creating them. Sought after for their arch support and thick strap, Kai-Kai sandals mold to the feet, but do not have a painful break-in period, says Costanzo. They’re “comfy right off the bat:’ Instead of a warranty, Kai’s “Swap your Flop” program creates customer loyalty at all three of his locations in Montauk, Block Island,
Free Bracelet
when you try on a Kai-Kai!
Kai Costanzo, with sister Gabrielle on the porch of the Inn at Old Harbor, shows off a pair of B.I.-soled Kai-Kais. PHOTO BY BROOKE ORTEL Key West and soon to Island in order to surf his cousin Miriam. Kai’s be, fourth location, the hurricane swells in father Conrad helps to Provincetown, Mass. October 2012. While size customers and is Old pairs of the brown, staying at the Inn at as enthusiastic about thick strap are donated Old Harbor, Kai and his the sandals as his son. to the homeless and sister, Gabrielle, hit it you receive 40% off a off with the owner and “We’ve had people new pair. a deal was quickly put running in flip-flops,” Encouraged by the into action. After many Conrad remarks. “It’s positive feedback in trips in an inflatable the Brazilian rubber Montauk, Costanzo boat, they closed and great arch,” When started to wholesale on the property two Conrad’s not helping his sandals to stores months later. in the store, he can be on Block Island. Two Kai Kai sandals are days after his sister’s sold in the front store, found eating sweets at wedding, they piloted formerly occupied by the ice cream parlor in his new boat to Block Rag’s and managed by the rear of the building.