The Bay April 2024

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

New Artists, New Art Work!

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry

Hours: Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

LOU LOU'S DECOR

Make your beach house a home with a cozy & fun addition from Lou Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 • www.loulousdecor.com

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

STUDIO BY THE SEA

Crafting the perfect jewelry item starts with YOU! Colors are sourced, designs are drafted and each piece is created just for YOU! Let’s make something special YOU adore. 3848 Main Road • (401) 639 4348 studiobytheseari.com @studio_by_the_sea

WRIGLEY STUDIO & GALLERY

Wrigley Studio to host L’Aura Designs Saturday, April 20, 4-7pm. Handmade, upcycled bags by Laura Kay Coggeshall. Meet the artists & enjoy the art with refreshments and cheer.

West Wing Gallery & Painting Groups

3852 Main Road - Garden Entrance • (401) 339 9676 • @wrigley_studio

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

TIFFANY PEAY

JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Raise your vibration, clear and align your energy pathways with Crystal Bed Light Therapy and the power of gemstones. April Specials, Great Gift Idea 3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com (401) 816 0878 • @tiffanypeayjewelry

COTTAGE AT FOUR CORNERS

A curated collection of furniture, lush pillows, beautiful rugs, 3847 Main Road • (401) 625 5814 • @thecottageri

MILUKAS STUDIO

Art sessions offered for all levels. Weekly classes & private lessons. Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is a multi-media painter and sculptor. 503 S Lake Rd, Tiverton • (401) 480 3536 kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas

A rotating selection of local farms, food vendors and makers. Year-round Sundays 10am-1:30pm.

Indoor Winter location: Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr. tivertonfarmersmarket.com • @TivertonFarmersMarket

Over 200 cheeses, local meats & produce, house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & prepared meals. Custom charcuterie & cheese boards available. Call to order! Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 @thecheesewheelri

CEDIAN PAINTING

Studio-Gallery Pillow Painting ART CLASSES with Jennifer Jones Rashleigh 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting • cedianpainting.com

Rustigian Rugs is Rhode Island’s exclusive dealer for Stark Studio Rugs, Roger Oates runners and other distinctive brands

because, quite simply, we know rugs

fne and custom rugs

wall-to-wall carpets | tailored runners

exclusive brands | expert service

one governor street, providence

Te Buzz

11 National grant helps chamber group build community

14 East Providence’s hub for sustainable beauty and wellness

15 VOICES OF THE BAY: Gardening wisdom from a Bristol landscape designer

16 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

A15 HOME: A master bath in gets a coastal renovation

A20 The benefits of potting benches and perennials

A22 STYLE: An interior designer on making spaces balanced

A24 ENTERTAINING: Blooms and books set the stage for hosting a luncheon

A26 RHODY GEM: A plant shop grows in the city

A28 HOMEBUYER’S GUIDE: Things to know before buying or selling

Feature

51

Food & Drink

57

60 IN THE KITCHEN: Barrington chef’s local legacy

62 EXPERIENCE: Chicken pop-up in Newport specializes in sauce

63

Cover Story: Cottage Goals

How a Newport-based interior designer made a tiny house feel twice its size

Photo by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

Photo courtesy of Brook Merriam

Photo courtesy of The Heal Room

Photo courtesy of The Cluck House

appeal of open windows. Photo by Joseph Keller Photography.

Publishers

Barry Fain

Matt Hayes

John

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Editor

Ken Abrams

Digital Media Specialist

Jenna Kaplan

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Chris Revill

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com

Contributing Photographers

Carli Alves

Amalia Arguello

Kayla Aucoin

Joseph Keller Photography

Contributing Writers

Carli Alves

Corey Low

Andrea E. McHugh

Interested in writing?

Grace Lentini Kayla Mandeville Andrea Pietrangeli

Nina Murphy Ruthie Wood

Email Abbie@HeyRhody.com

Interns

Cheikh Higgs Shaliyah Dixon

Interested in an internship?

Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com

Distribution

SPRING INTO LOVE

Call Debra 401-289-0900

Complimentary consultation

Debra personally interviews and screens her clients

Handcrafted matches

JOIN MY MATCHMAKING DATABASE AT GETREADYTODATE.COM

Debra L’Heureux, Rhode Island’s top Matchmaker for Get Ready To Date has been in the business of helping people find love for over 20 years!

A Note from the

General Manager

Dear Readers,

In January, we reintroduced our company as Hey Rhody Media Co. This name change reflects our growth, and makes our brand more cohesive. We publish four free awardwinning monthly magazines – Pro v idence Monthly , So Rhode Island , The Bay , and Hey Rhody – and pride ourselves on showcasing the people and places that make Rhode Island so special through a local lens. As it turns out, much of our audience didn’t realize the four magazines were under one umbrella, so we now brand each magazine cover with Hey Rhody Presents.

At Hey Rhody Media Co. (formerly Providence Media) our small size enables us to be nimble and adapt to all of the changes the last few years have brought. Rising costs for businesses and individuals have affected all of us and continue to necessitate change. Rather than viewing these obstacles as hardships, we have chosen to use them as opportunities to revisit our processes to see what could be improved. This led us to launching a shared section across our magazines, which affords us the space to channel our time and effort to developing a single robust cover story and Life & Style section, rather than splitting our labor

between many. Additionally, the Rhody Gem page joins the shared section, encouraging readers to venture around the state, but for those who prefer their gems close to home, the space formerly used for online and newsletter highlights is now dedicated to a business within each magazine’s coverage area, sourced via #rhodygem. Hop on Instagram and tag your favorite Rhody Gem in a post so we can shine a light on them as well.

To all our valued readers, we thank you for your incredible support. We are a locally owned small business. We love making magazines about our community, and we look forward to sharing with our readership the exciting changes to come with this next chapter for our company.

Spring forward!

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Derby Party

5:30PM-10PM

Cocktail hour, the 150th Derby on the big screen, dinner, desserts, live and silent auctions, open bar, bourbon tastings, and dancing to live music with the Down City Band! Prizes for best dressed & best hat.

Linden Place’s Derby Day Party will run neck and neck with the celebrations at Churchill Downs for the 150th Kentucky Derby! This annual favorite for people to celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports” always sells out every year so grab your tickets early!

THE BUZZ

Art & Culture | Green Living | Voices of the Bay | Calendar

Strings for All

Newport chamber group is on a mission to make classical music popular and accessible

By Ken Abrams

An acclaimed classical quartet is making waves on Aquidneck Island – sound waves, that is. The Newport String Project is a chamber music group and youth mentoring program that unites musicians and audiences around classical music. The non-profit recently received a grant to support its programming, which includes regular performances and free music lessons for Newport youth. “This is the second Challenge America Grant that we’ve received through the National Endowment for the Arts,” says violinist, co-founder, and artistic director Ealaín McMullin. “It’s a really exciting moment for the organization. It recognizes our goal of building community through chamber music.” “The programs included in the grant combine chamber music, teaching, and community building,” says McMullin. “The intention is to build a sense of belonging and community among people of different backgrounds, bringing them together to enjoy inspiring musical experiences.”

Photo courtesy of The Newport String Project

The resident quartet includes violinists McMullin and Kenneth Trotter, violist Santiago Vazquez-Loredo, and cellist Jacob MacKay. Regular concerts feature popular chamber music, pieces by lesser-known or forgotten composers, and underrepresented or new voices, plus contemporary sounds, including occasional premieres. In addition to holding concerts, the ensemble oversees youth programming in Newport and neighboring communities. Currently, over 40 students attend lessons in violin, cello, and viola at no cost to families. Students have their own series of performances and hold open mic nights.

Classes are held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, and nearby locations including the Florence Gray Center, St. Paul’s Church, and The Met High School. “It exemplifies one of

our core values; we go to where the people are, rather than bringing people to our space,” says McMullin. “It’s a way to ensure access for everybody.” The non-profit also partners with Nourish RI, where the quartet performs at meal sites across Newport, supporting those affected by food or employment insecurity. “It’s a really powerful opportunity for the musicians to connect with a group of people who might experience barriers going to a concert because of transport, or because of ticket prices, that sort of thing,” adds McMullin.

“One of our favorite parts of the program is our Open Mic Night series for the students,” says McMullin. “It arose out of the pandemic. They might share something that they are working on with their teacher or share a performance on a different instrument. We even have kids writing

their own music and sharing dances – all kinds of creative practices. I think supporting them to express themselves and use their experience with us as a vehicle to explore their creativity and engage with the world through the arts –that’s an important part of what we are doing.”

The Newport County Concert Series regularly features two weekend performances, one in Newport, and a second in a neighboring community. “It’s a good way for us to broaden our reach,” says McMullin. Up next, the Newport County Concert Series #4 presents a program of Heise, Ravaei, and Grieg at Colony House on April 27 and the United Congregational Church in Little Compton on April 28. Also coming up is their annual gala, Resounding 2024, on June 2 at the International Yacht Restoration School. Learn more at NewportStringProject.org

Photo courtesy of The Newport String Project

Newport String Project performing at Ochre Court

Sustainable Self Care

East Providence’s women-owned zero-waste store and wellness space is all about balance

By Abbie Lahmers

In a world that revolves around plastic, there’s a haven of sustainability in East Providence, with a dual emphasis on human wellness and the health of our planet. The Heal Room began as a zero-waste shop in Pawtucket and has expanded in scope and square footage to encompass the vision of co-founders Ana Duque and Karen Mejias, now collaborating with former yoga studio owner Jasmin Acevedo in this new chapter.

The Ocean State’s first refill station for bath, body, and cleaning products, The Heal Room invites visitors to bring their own containers or grab a reusable vessel from the shop’s free jar library and stock up on supplies – and do it all over again using the same containers when they run out.

“Choosing zero-waste practices reflects our commitment to caring for the ecosystem and natural order of life,” says Duque, explaining that they partner with organizations like Berger Recycling and Bootstrap Compost to responsibly dispose of materials that can’t be used again. “We actively seek second lives for items – or send it to folks who will, like the Creative Reuse Center in East Providence – prioritize recyclable or second-hand materials, and contribute to diverting plastic bottles from landfills through our refill station initiative.”

But the way Duque and team see it, caring

for the environment isn’t just about going green – and eco-minded decision-making has broader benefits. “Sustainability, to us, involves not only maintaining Earth’s equilibrium but recognizing the deep link between caring for our planet and ourselves,” says Duque, a trained yoga teacher with a background in kinesiology. She started leading yoga classes on the side back when the vision for The Heal Room was still being formed, all the while becoming increasingly aware of the connections between wellness and ecological impacts.

Now settled in a light-filled space on Taunton Avenue, Duque sees this holistic goal come to fruition with the help of Acevedo, as well as the all-women team of leaders and teachers. The business is host to a wide range of yoga classes and workshops – all beginner friendly – as well as events, from new and full moon rituals to community-building activities.

The philosophy behind yoga emphasizes “harmony and interconnectedness,” which is what The Heal Room channels. “Recognizing the community’s need for education and choices, we aim to be a solution-oriented hub where people can learn, shop, and embody positive change,” says Duque. Led by individuals of color, The Heal Room taps into the intersections between social justice, wellness, and environmental concerns, as Duque notes that these “all

LET THE HEALING BEGIN

Even if you’ve never set foot in a yoga class, The Heal Room welcomes folks at all stages of their health and wellness goals. Here are a few ways to get started:

FIND YOUR CLASS

“I suggest beginning your journey with us by joining our donation-based community yoga class every Sunday at 11am,” says Duque, where all levels are welcome. “Show up as yourself –we don’t expect anyone to be perfect, just be open and curious.”

BYOB

The refill station is open Thursday through Sunday, 1-6pm, or order online for local delivery. “Consider bringing your own bottles for refill, and discover products that you might fall in love with.”

EXPLORE MORE

Visit TheHealRoom.co for a full list of events, programming, and products to find offerings that might align with your interests.

176 Taunton Avenue, East Pro v idence

fall under the umbrella of creating balance.”

“By supporting, hiring, and uplifting individuals from diverse backgrounds, we aim to make everyone feel seen and valued. Our product range caters to all skin and hair types, emphasizing inclusivity,” she continues. “We hope to inspire others from similar backgrounds to recognize that wellness and conscious living is our birthright.” P hoto courtesy of The Heal Room

Voices of the Bay: Brooke Merriam

A landscape designer gives her take on bees, plantings, mulch, and more

By Nina Murphy

After college, while living and working in Denver, Brooke Merriam realized she was not meant for an office job. The Middlebury College graduate decided to take some classes cultivating a long-held interest in plants, which grew into completing a degree program in Horticulture and Design from Front Range Community College. The natural beauty of the outdoors is a daily source of inspiration for the active hiker and trail runner’s aesthetic as owner of Sunflower Designs, a residential landscape design firm. Merriam began her business almost 20 years ago when she and her family moved back East. As the growing season gets underway, the Bristol resident shares some tips for the home gardener.

YARD SPACE: It is really important to think about how you use the yard. How much space do you really need for a patio? What are the traffic patterns throughout the yard? We are a residential landscape design firm, which also does project management design overseeing installations involving plantings, patios, decks, and pools.

MORE IS BETTER: People often will plant one each of an assortment of different plants, which is a mistake. You don’t get the impact visually. You never see only one of something in nature. To have an impact, you need a massive amount of a plant. In a large space, your eye doesn’t know where to go if there is only one of a lot of things. Another mistake is [to have repetition of] a plant, mulch, a plant, mulch etc. That’s not how things grow in nature. With more plants to cover the ground, they do the work and do not need as much mulch.

LESS MULCH: We always mulch new jobs to help keep down weeds and retain moisture. Over time, the goal is not to have as much mulch. Instead, have ground cover plants, referred to as green mulch or living mulch, which do the same job and don’t necessarily need to be replenished every year. I recommend staying away from dyed mulches like reds and oranges and stick to pine bark or hemlock mulch.

APRIL DIY: I am a proponent of leaving growth standing through the winter. It can look interesting and it supports insects and wildlife. Late March and April is the time to cut everything back, like ornamental grasses. Clean up a little bit. You don’t need to rake every last leaf out of your garden. Those leaves

support nature. You can start planting shrubs. It’s a little early for perennials and there is not much availability. You don’t want to work in the soil if it’s too wet; let it dry out a bit.

BRING NATURE BACK: People often say, “I want all these flowers but I hate bees.” Bees are part of it; they’re a good thing.The accepted aesthetic of the American yard has been a big lawn and plants along the foundation. My style is more naturalistic, looser and less formal landscaping. We have stripped away a lot of native natural areas. I want to bring back native plants of the Northeast, which are more adaptable and support wildlife and insects. We don’t have to go find nature; we can have it in our own backyard. Learn more at SunflowerLD.com

Photo courtesy of Brooke Meriam

Brooke Merriam

Te Must List

10 essential events this month

April 6: The Daffodil Days Opening Ceremony at the historic Clarke Cooke House begins a month of festivities with a musket salute by the Artillery Company of Newport, the crowning of the 2024 Daffodil Q ueen, and more. NewportInBloom.org

April 4-7: The RI Home Show returns to the Rhode Island Convention Center for its 74th edition and celebrates by adding the House of Brew, a new experience in partnership with the Rhode Island Brewers Guild. Pro v idence, RIBAHomeShow.com

April 4: Calling all singer-songwriters: sign up for the Songwriters Showcase Open Mic at Pivotal Brewing Company, hosted by Lainey Dionne, held the first Thursday of each month. Bristol, PivotalBrewing.com

April 6: Notable Works presents A Celebration of Nature Through Music and Poetry , a free and open-tothe-public reading at the Barrington Public Library featuring six poets and a special ensemble performance. BarringtonLibrary.libcal.com

April 9: Redd and the Paper Flowers , a Tennessee folk band led by singer and American Idol contestant Redd Daugherty, will perform songs from their new EP Dead Little Thing Warren, GalacticTheatre.com

April 12: Award-winning documentary filmmaker and RI-native Susan Sipprelle, partners with newportFILM to screen her latest work at JPT Film & Event Center. In This Together takes a look at the early days of the pandemic through 100 first-hand accounts. NewportFilm.com

April 13: The 2024 Black Maternal Health Week Walk at Colt State Park is an opportunity to promote awareness and education and support the Urban Perinatal Education Center’s efforts to increase perinatal equity. Bristol, UrbanPerinatal.org

April 16: Join Hey Rhody Media Co. at Narragansett Brewery for Who to Watch , a celebration of leading community movers and shakers showcased in our sister publication Pro v idence Monthly ’s January issue. Pro v idence, Eventbrite

April 18: Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter when headliners Harrison Stebbins and Jimmy Cash take the stage for the Newport Comedy Series at the Newport Blues Cafe, hosted by Matt Brown. NewportComedySeries.com

April 20: Celebrate the 200th anniversary of a historic landmark when the Newport Beer Festival returns to Fort Adams State Park with over 50 breweries from around the region offering more than 150 selections. Newport, RIBrewersGuild.org

Photo by Amalia Arguello, courtesy of Newport in Bloom

Daffodil Days returns to Newport

COTTAGE GOALS

a wakefield tiny home feels twice its size thanks to streamlined updates

BY ANDREA E. MCHUGH

Photo by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

good vibes goods

Four independently owned stores for unique home accents:

A GRACIOUS SOUL Cranston & East Greenwich

BALI BUNGALOW Providence

CHRISTINA’S LTD. Westerly

WALD & SEA Newport

Less is more,” is how the saying goes, but when Ara and Pamela Millette purchased a 285-square-foot cottage just steps from the sea at Mary Carpenter’s Beach Meadow in Wakefield, the mother-daughter duo were ready to test the bounds of exactly how much “more” they could get out of their tiny new home.

The Millettes turned to Bernadette Heydt, an interior designer and owner of HEYDT HOME, a Newport-based interior design firm with a distinct focus on creating, remodeling, and furnishing both residential and commercial spaces – especially compact ones. “Our design ethos revolves around the transformative power of minimalism, where less becomes more, and functionality seamlessly blends with style,” explains Heydt, who works alongside her husband, master carpenter Andrea Pietrangeli. Where one might have seen a tiny, tired, two-bedroom home with nothing but limitations, Heydt saw a petite (pink!) palace with possibilities.

Tasked by her clients to turn the space into a modern, fully functional family home, Heydt was mindful of making every inch count while also making the home ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility and comfort. “Every element within the interior serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that the space feels open, efficient, and welcoming,” explains Heydt. She started by raising the ceilings and adding exposed beams overhead, then installed light-hued wide plank pine wood floors throughout. True to her design firm’s signature style,

big ideas

Even if a 285-square-foot cottage isn’t for you, there are still take-aways applicable to any sized home. Here are ideas to get started and resources around the state to help make them happen. • By

LET IT GO

Turning the task of decluttering into a game could be just the ticket! In the Minimalist Rulebook: 16 Rules for Living with Less , Joshua Fields Millburn puts fun spins on chores, like finding someone to be your purge buddy; hosting a photo scanning party; and sorting things into piles of essentials, non-essentials, and junk. Similarly, the 90/90 rule prompts this key question: have you or will you use something in 90 days? If the answer is no and it’s in decent condition, consider donating it to a worthy organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island has a list of clean, odorless items they’ll accept posted to BigSRI.org; they even offer curbside pickup statewide, and a tax receipt. Another route is to sell gently used things at a consignment shop or ecommerce website (to possibly fund Refresh a Room!).

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, Pro v idence

The Creative Reuse Center of RI, East Pro v idence

South County Habitat ReStore, Charlestown

GET ORGANIZED

Once you’ve decided what brings you joy, having a professional organizer create storage solutions can be a worthwhile expense. Beyond closets, consultants can help make sense of everything, from pantry items, to medicine cabinets, to the nightmares that are garages and basements. Many offer free in-home consultations, too.

Closettec, Inc., North Smithfield

Inspired Closets, East Greenwich

NEAT Method, Pro v idence

Elyse Major

REFRESH A ROOM

After a cold winter, there’s no better mood booster than something new and colorful in a room, whether it’s a plant or a custom accent like fabric Roman shades or a reupholstered chair. Try out DIY skills by painting a piece of unfinished furniture (Knock on Wood) to match your new scheme.

All About Redecorating, Newport

Cottage Chic Decor, Wakefield

East Coast Designs, East Greenwich

Fabric Gallery, North Kingstown

Jessica Hagen Fine Art, Newport

Knock on Wood Furniture RI, Smithfield

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

If you’re ready for larger scale modification, Little Rhody is rich with talent and businesses to help you make changes, whether it’s new cabinetry, a door, or a wall coming down.

Arnold Lumber, Bristol & Wakefield

Cole Cabinet Co. Inc., Cranston

Design by Keri, Co v entry

Douglas Lumber, Smithfield

Dzyna Signature Kitchen & Bath, Portsmouth

DiStefano Brothers Construction, Wakefield

East Coast Designs, East Greenwich

Fagan Door, Co v entry

McCormick Home Improvement, Warwick

Michelle Lee Designs, Johnston

SPRING CLEANING

Distinctive features include vaulted beam ceilings, a Dutch entry door, porcelain slab kitchen countertops, and properly scaled/storage furnishings that create a spacious feel

The Nest, Pro v idence (for closets)

Organized Abode, Westerly

Why not treat yourself to a fresh start by hiring a residential cleaning service?

Level Up Cleaning Services, Cranston

Photo by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

A crisp white has the remarkable ability to visually expand any room while also acting as a blank canvas, allowing other design elements to take center stage

the interior is characterized by clean lines, a neutral color palette, and rich textures. To maintain a sense of spaciousness and clutter-free environment, Heydt carefully chose furniture with storage capabilities to complement the overall decor.

Rattan dining chairs, bamboo window treatments, a handmade bamboo dining pendant light, and vintage family photographs (many taken at waterside locales) collectively evoke a sense of seaside charm and simple luxury. “The synergy between minimalistic

The fully equipped kitchen features an LED-illuminated coffee bar and custom drying rack shelves. Mantra cabinets are from Riverhead Building Supply in Middletown.

Photos by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

simplicity and coastal chicness results in an interior that is not only visually captivating, but also highly functional,” explains Heydt. “It embodies the idea that less can be more, demonstrating that a thoughtfully curated blend of design elements can transform a compact space into a coastal oasis of both style and comfort.”

In a calculated move, the living space extends to the exterior, merging indoor and outdoor living. A unique railing bar with a trio of stools provides an idyllic spot for cocktails on

try this at home

• OPT FOR FURNITURE WITH STORAGE

• USE GRAVEL TO ZONE OUTDOOR AREAS

• REPLACE HARDWARE, EVEN FAUCETS

• LIGHTEN WITH BAMBOO SHADES

• NAME YOUR ABODE AND POST IT

Photos by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

ABOVE: Storage beds and pendant lighting over nightstands saves surface space

LEFT: The bamboo dining pendant light was an Etsy find.

the porch, while a white marble gravel patio accommodates a dining lounge that invites both quiet mornings in the salty air and decompressing at sunset.

From the outset, the home’s existing outdoor shower and wrap-around porch captured Heydt’s attention. ”Our redesign involved relocating the porch’s entry to the front of the building, providing a more inviting approach,” she says. The shower was meticulously sanded, then refreshed with white paint, gold hardware, and a handy shelf for amenities, giving it a crisp, modern vibe. “These changes not only preserved the charm of the original features but also added a touch of contemporary elegance to the overall design.”

Of the project, Bernadette Heydt says, “it’s a testament to our commitment to innovative design in tiny homes.”

Photos by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

The name “Sea La Vie” both captures the homeowners’ coastal surroundings while also paying tribute to their French-Canadian heritage

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

All Natural

Heydt suggests incorporating native plants, like seagrass, into your landscaping to create a natural, coastal look. “It not only adds to the Ocean State vibe, but also supports local biodiversity,” she says. Consider swapping traditional mulch for beach sand. “It acts as a moisture barrier for your plants, and adds a nod to the coastal environment.”

Shop Small

Heydt believes local, mom-and-pop hardware stores, like Newport Hardware, are gems. “It’s one of the oldest hardware stores in town. What sets it apart is not just its longevity, but also the personal touch you experience when you walk in,” she explains. Best of all, she adds, it provides everything you’d expect from a big box store but with a charming, local touch. “It’s a small business with a big heart, making it one of our favorite spots in town.”

True Colors

The Color House, a paint and design retailer with five locations in Rhode Island, specializes in finding the perfect shade of paint every time. “If you have a specific color in mind that isn’t readily available in their shop, they’ll go the extra mile to make it happen,” says Heydt. “A great example of this personalized service was when Pamela Millette had a silk blouse in the perfect pastel pink shade. We took that blouse to The Color House in Middletown and their expert team skillfully matched it for the exterior color of the cottage.”

Finally, the home was dubbed “Sea La Vie,” (meaning “sea life” in French). “In Rhode Island, giving your home a name is a cherished tradition that adds a unique touch to your living space,” says Heydt. “This tradition allows homeowners to infuse character and personality into their homes, making them feel like a true part of the Rhode Island community.”

Photos by Andrea Pietrangeli, HEYDT HOME

Thank You!

PRESENTED BY Bryant University

The 27th annual Women’s Summit continued the tradition of empowering, supporting, and encouraging women to excel professionally, personally, and financially. Thank you to our esteemed speakers and all who attended for your participation and perspective. A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LOYAL AND VALUED SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsor: Amica Insurance

Diamond Sponsors: Bank of America, Fidelity Investments

Gold Sponsor: PwC

Silver Sponsors: BankRI, Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island, Brown Medicine, CVS Health, FM Global, IGT, Jordan’s Furniture, Navigant Credit Union, New England Construction, Robinson+Cole, TIAA, TJX

Bronze Sponsors: AAA Northeast, AIPSO, BankNewport, Beacon Mutual Insurance, Centreville Bank, Dassault Systemes, EY, Gilbane Building Company, Hope Global, JF Moran, Meeting Street, Milton CAT, Providence College, Target, Teknor Apex, Toyota, Washington Trust

Media Sponsors: Hey Rhody Media Co., Providence Business News, Providence Journal, Rhode Island Monthly, Rhode Island PBS

LISA LESLIE Most recognized player of the WNBA and

Olympic gold medalist.

SUSAN PACKARD Co-founder and former chief operating officer of HGTV. Author, mentor, and keynote speaker.

MERIDITH WEBSTER Executive vice president of global communications and public affairs at the Estée Lauder companies.

Vanity Fair

How a Tiverton master bathroom went from sterile to stunning

By Elyse Major

About 12 years ago, Brendalee and Michael O’Hara decided to downsize from their large home with acreage in south Tiverton to a nearby 55+ community. “Once the last child graduated high school, we began looking for something a little smaller,” says Brendalee. Originally Michael was not big on his wife’s plan of moving into a condominium, but everything from the unexpected tranquility to the water views on that first visit quickly won him over. “We love it,” says Brendalee. “One-level living to age in place with no yard to take care of nor outside maintenance to tend to!”

One thing that wasn’t so perfect was the master bathroom: an oversized space outfitted in beige that leaned toward looking institutional. Who better to infuse a bit of color and warmth than Johnston-based interior designer Michelle Lee Parenteau?

Photos

Parenteau’s first impression was that the bathroom looked sterile. “Their shower was 36 by 36 inches and they had a huge built-in jacuzzi tub taking up a lot of space,” she says. “My clients really wanted a free-standing soaker tub and a makeup area.” To accommodate the wish list, Parenteau completely demoed the room to reconfigure the area in a more useful way; she was also sure to infuse touches that connected with the coastal location and her clients’ adoration of the seaside and color blue.

With a blank slate, Parenteau brought in the freestanding tub, along with a large shower with

a built-in bench. For the makeup area, an elegant wraparound vanity was installed with a matching linen cabinet. Parenteau painted wide “nickel gap” shiplapped walls a bright cobalt blue, and for flooring, selected wood plank tile in a natural tone to keep things user-friendly. Accents like mango wood-wrapped frames on the mirrors over each sink and a wood drum light fixture above the tub serve to soften hard lines and add texture. “Every bathroom needs a little bling, so a round crystal LED mirror, which reflects the water view, was hung at the makeup area,” says Parenteau with a smile.

“EVERY BATHROOM NEEDS A LITTLE BLING.”

–Michelle Parenteau

Photos by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs

Celebrating 30 years serving RI Homeowners

“McCormick Home Improvement has a great team and a unique business model that provides a sense of familiarity with a work ethic that is beyond comparison. This has been a first class interaction with first class professionals.”

“When Chris showed up for the initial meeting…BAM…we knew we had the right talent, skills, personality, and goal-oriented professionals to work with us. Thank you so much for a fantastic job from start to finish.”

Coventry

“They always kept us informed about scheduling, what we could expect, guiding us through decisions and were very considerate of our time and property.”

South Kingstown

Cumberland

“Carrying the blue of the gorgeous Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay into our home has been a dream come true!” says Brendalee. “I grew up in a Victorian-style home and that influence from my mom, coupled with my love of traditional style and desire for a beachy retreat, is incorporated throughout our home. The view makes me smile every single morning when I open my eyes.”

Photos by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

Location Cues

“Hues of blues, artifacts purchased from local artists like wall decor and beachy tchotchkes, our Munroe Milk Cooler on the front step and the biggest giveaway that we live in Rhode Island,” says Brendalee. “Open my fridge and there is always ‘cawfee’ milk from Munroe Dairy.”

Tiverton Love

“We love our locally owned restaurants. The Red Dory, Evelyn’s Drive-In, The Boat House, Sakonnet River Grill, and The Black Goose are our favorites. We love The Cheese Wheel Village Market and Groundswell at Tiverton Four Corners where Gray’s Ice Cream is along with other local shops and a great antique store. Coastal Roasters is not only a great coffee shop, but the spot and the view are worth the price of admission.”

Rhody Resources

Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent. Here are some vendors used for this project: EastCoast Countertops; Jason Thomas Construction, LLC; Lighting & Design by J&K Electric; Lubrano Electric; Rhode Island Tile; San Bento Painting; Supply New England; and Towne Glass and Aluminum. “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com

At Your Service

By Carli Alves

GFrom gardening to outdoor entertaining, South County DIY-er shares the benefits of a potting bench rowing up, my mom’s love for gardening was contagious. It wasn’t just about enhancing our home’s exterior or boosting our curb appeal; it was a form of therapy that brought her joy. Seeing how much happiness it brought her, I knew there was something special about getting your hands in the soil and connecting with the earth. As I’ve matured and taken on the responsibility of tending to my own gardens, this activity has evolved into one of my most cherished pastimes. The decision to invest in a potting bench a few years ago felt like a natural progression, a symbolic step towards true adulting, and a continuation of the legacy passed down by my mother.

Having a potting bench isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a dedicated space for nurturing plants (while also avoiding back pain from kneeling and bending). It also provides much-needed storage, and when cleaned up well, it can double as a serving station when entertaining. My garden bench has now become an essential part of my gardening routine, making the whole experience even more enjoyable for me.

When choosing a potting bench, it’s important to consider two things: size and material. Go for weather-resistant types like cedar, teak, or pine, as they can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them. Also, make sure the piece is big enough to handle all your gardening supplies without feeling cramped – bonus points if it coordinates well with your home’s exterior.

Gardening isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a way to connect with nature and find resilience in the process. As Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” – it’s about hope and optimism for what’s to come.

TRY DIY

Take a second look at an old hutch or dresser – with a few coats of exterior paint and the addition of hooks, it could be transformed into a potting station.

START SMALL

Keeping a garden manageable will ensure a more fulfilling experience. Opt for lowmaintenance varieties like perennials, herbs, and tomatoes – they’re beginner-friendly and can boost your confidence as you dive into the world of gardening.

SPRING SCHEDULE

In April, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and start clearing out the remnants of winter, cleaning up the garden beds, and keeping an eye out for new growth. It’s the perfect time to divide and transplant perennials, and also to add a fresh layer of mulch for moisture retention. In May, plant those warm-season veggies and annual flowers, adding splashes of color and excitement to the landscape. Also trim back the spring-flowering shrubs and tidy up any spent blooms.

Carli Alves

Blue

Broadview Florist & Garden Center , Westerly

Clark Farms , Wakefield

Cottage & Garden , Newport

The Farmer’s Daughter , Wakefield

Grandin Farms , Wakefield

The Groden Greenhouse , Providence

Homegrown , Pawtucket

Peckham’s

Quonnie

Revive

Wildwood

House Rules

A Providence-based interior designer shares what led to choices in three different rooms

By Corey Low

IInterior design is not just about creating a beautiful room; it’s about creating an experience for all five senses that work together to produce a desired feeling for all who enter. No matter the room or style, these classic design principles serve as a guide to achieve the experience you’re seeking.

Corey Low lives on the East Side with her family. Learn more at CoreyLowInteriors.com

SHAPE: A round mirror breaks up the geometry around it. The dresser is a rectangle, as is the door to the left (and right) of it. The round shape of the mirror disrupts all the straight lines, and its tailored silhouette and dark wood lining keep it feeling masculine.

HARDWARE: For kitchen metals, stick to two finishes or less. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, polished nickel is a timeless choice that looks great at any price point. Brass must be selected carefully, as many economical options lack a sense of elegance.

COLOR: The first decision made in this living room was the paint color; typically when designing a room, you want to start with the walls and work your way inwards. I selected Farrow & Ball’s Parma Gray because it has a significant amount of gray in it, tying it to the nearby white marble fireplace with gray veining, and giving it depth.

EMPHASIS: This is established by outlining a focal point for the room, somewhere your eye is immediately drawn to upon entry. In a bedroom, it’s usually a bed; in an office, it’s the desk; and in the living room, the fireplace. The focal point should lift both your eyes and your countenance. For example, if your eye is naturally drawn to the bed when you walk into a bedroom, a nice canopy bed frame or mirror above the headboard would help to draw your eyes up and make the room feel larger.

BALANCE: If you were to cut your room in half, there should be just as much visual weight on one side as the other. This can be achieved via symmetry, or without it. For example, you may have a living room seating arrangement with a sofa and a chair on either side of it. The two chairs provide symmetry and the living room feels balanced. In another, asymmetrical setting, you could have a coffee table on one side of a sofa, and two chairs on the other. The layout is not symmetrical, but the furniture on both sides of the coffee table feels even.

PROPORTION AND SCALE: This principle focuses on the size of an element in relation to the space as a whole. If you put a king bed in an 8’x10’ room, it will overwhelm the space. Furniture, accessories, and rugs should all be appropriately sized relative to one another and the overall environment. One quick and easy rule of thumb is the 2:3 ratio. If you’re looking to hang artwork above a sofa, a mirror above an entry table, or a TV above a mantle, they should all be about two-thirds the width of the item they’re mounted above.

HARMONY: This is a fancy way of saying that things need to go together. It can be applied to many things, but color is the most important and applicable element. The most harmonious color combinations come from complementary colors, or those on opposite sides of the color wheel, and tonal colors, or tones of the same hue.

CONTRAST: Where harmony asks that parts of a room are intentionally alike, contrast demands that other things decidedly stand against each other. This can come from color (black and white) or textures (such as a smooth, shiny glass coffee table topped with a woven wood tray). Rooms that lack contrast will feel one-dimensional and flat.

Photos by Joseph Keller Photography, prop styling by Caroline Woodward, interior designer Corey Low Interiors

Floral Support

Give your bookish friends a reason to leave their homes with an afternoon luncheon

By Elyse Major Photography and styling by Kayla Aucoin

While April showers bring May flowers, the tulips are already here! Whether you pick your own at floral sensation Wicked Tulips Flower Farm or purchase a pot at your favorite independent garden shop, spring blooms are the perfect theme for hosting a gathering with friends. In New

Enjoy discussions about lifestyle books. Why should novels have all the fun?

England, a snowflake could still appear on the weather app, but it’s safe to swap plaid accents for jaunty prints, and heavy tablecloths with wicker. If you need an excuse to host a get-together, April brings both Earth Day and World Book Day, so have pretty reads at the ready for flipping through for hive mind chats. Best of all, sunset isn’t until after 7pm so your soiree can linger on!

COLOR PALETTE

Using the primary colors as a springboard, powder blue, mustard yellow, and pink make a delightful trio. Accents in white – like the Porto Boutique ceramic vase –give eyes a place to rest, and natural fibers keep things from getting fussy.

DRESS IN LAYERS

The tablescape begins with a bright cotton runner down the center, topped with a handmade cutting board to corral vessels of flowers and a candle. Round wicker chargers form a tactile base for a white melamine plate, and yellow stoneware dinner plate (The Lino); fabric napkins placed between tie all of the colors together.

LEAF THROUGH

Have a short stack of books available for guests to peruse. For flower books, visit Wild Season Florals in Middletown, owned by Jill Rizzo, who has authored Branches & Blooms , The Flower Recipe Book , and The Little Flower Recipe Book . Shown is The Art of the Board: Fun & Fancy Snack Boards, Recipes & Ideas for Entertaining All Year by Olivia Carney, available at Fenwick & Oliver. Consider using seed packets as bookmarks or place cards. For additional botanical accents, The Farmer’s Daughter in Wakefield is back from its winter nap.

Photography by Kayla Aucoin, courtesy of AUCOIN

Thea’s Plant Store

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!

What it is:

An indoor plant boutique stocking greenery and artisan pots for all styles.

Where to find it:

Thea’s is located inside an olive green Victorian on Broadway, just across the street from Seven Stars Bakery. On weekend days when the shop is open, look for the leaning sign that says “plants & more” near the entrance overhang.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

“We are a one-of-a-kind houseplant store, and technically the one and only in Providence,” says Anastasia Karatza, who opened Thea’s in May of 2023. “Most plant stores are a standard storefront, a greenhouse or a mill. We are inside of a Victorian house built in the mid-1800s.”

From cacti, succulents, and carnivorous venus fly traps to tropical beauties and hanging plants, there is a new “friend” available for everyone. Plant enthusiasts will also find trendy vessels (disco ball hanging planter, anyone?), along with pottery and art made by local creatives, and those new to plants can have their worries assuaged by class oferings like Houseplants 101 and staf happy to answer questions.

“We are so enthusiastic about plants and love helping our customers with them, whether they are experts or beginners,” says Karatza. Pro-tip: don’t leave your new greenery in its nursery pot – transfer to a new container with drainage when you get home!

Thea’s

358 Broadway

TheasPVD.com, @theaspvd

Photo courtesy of Thea’s

Homebuyer’s Guide

A handy resource for taking steps to buying a house in Rhode Island

By the Editors

Those home and garden network shows featuring couples scoping out potential homes are entertaining, but in real life, the process can be complicated, confusing, and filled with highs and lows. With any major life decision, the more homework (pun intended) you do, the better prepared you will be. In this guide, you’ll find everything from terms explained to advice and a few homework assignments.

CREDIT CHECK: Get to know your credit rating. Higher scores represent a better credit history and make borrowers eligible for lower interest. You’ll want to learn what your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is, which is a tool lenders use to decide how much you can borrow. Different loan products and lenders have different DTI limits. To calculate yours, add all of your monthly debt payments (car payment, credit cards, etc.) and then divide them by your gross monthly income (generally the amount you have earned before your taxes and other deductions are taken out). If your DTI doesn’t look great after you run the numbers, set goals for paying down debt and re-check the ratio monthly to measure your progress.

SAVE MONEY: With your credit looking good, it’s time to think about a down payment, which is the amount you pay toward the home upfront. You put a percentage of the home’s value down and borrow the rest through your mortgage loan. Generally, the larger the down payment you make, the lower the interest rate you will receive and the more likely you are to be approved for a loan. Low- or no-down payment options may be available to you. There are special programs for veterans and service members, rural residents, some types of first-time homebuyers, and others. Individual lenders may also offer their own low- or no-down payment options. Low-down payment options usually come at increased cost. When you meet with lenders, ask questions and ask to see multiple choices.

EXAMINE SPENDING: Take a close look at what you spend your money on. Meals out and streaming services add up fast. Consider starting a monthly budget or using a spending tracker app.

CHECK FOR UNCLAIMED MONEY: Each year, the Office of the General Treasurer recovers unclaimed cash and assets from businesses, banks, landlords, safe deposit boxes, and utility companies, all kept safe until it can be returned to its rightful owner. More than 300,000 Rhode Islanders have property waiting to be returned to them, and many don’t even realize it until they search the database. See if money is waiting for you at FindRIMoney.com

VOCABULARY LIST

A glossary of terms that will help in the homebuying process:

5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Or a 5-year ARM is a mortgage loan where “5” is the number of years your initial interest rate will stay fixed. The “1” represents how often your interest rate will adjust after the initial five-year period ends. The most common fixed periods are 3, 5, 7, and 10 years and “1” is the most common adjustment period. It’s important to carefully read the contract and ask questions if you’re considering an ARM.

Adjustable rate: Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) offer less predictability but may be cheaper in the short term. If you opt for an ARM, keep an eagle-eye on the Federal Reserve Bank. When they hike interest rates, your floating rate goes up, too.

APR: The annual percentage rate is a wider measure of the cost of borrowing money than the interest rate; it reflects the interest rate, any points, mortgage broker fees, and other charges that you pay to get the loan. For that reason, your APR is usually higher than your interest rate.

Buyer’s agent: Assists and represents their clients through every step of the homebuying process, including finding the right home, negotiating an offer, recommending other professionals (e.g., mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, settlement companies), and troubleshooting problems (e.g., home inspection or appraisal issues).

Conventional loan: Any mortgage loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government (such as under Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Department of Agriculture loan programs).

Escrow: An account set up by your mortgage lender to pay certain property-related expenses, like property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. A portion of your monthly payment goes into the account. If your mortgage doesn’t have an escrow account, you pay the property-related expenses directly.

Fixed rate: Your interest rate and monthly principal and interest payment will stay the same, but your total monthly payment can still change – for example, your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage insurance might go up or down.

Interest-only: Interest-only (I-O mortgage) plans allow you to pay only the interest on the loan for a specified period. This means a lower monthly price gets you started. Once the I-O period ends, your monthly cost could rise significantly, since you are now paying principal and interest.

Listing: A property that is for sale.

Listing agent: A real estate agent who represents a home seller and helps clients who are selling with a wide range of tasks, including pricing their home, recommending home improvements or staging, marketing their home, holding open houses, coordinating showings with home buyers, negotiating with buyers, and overseeing the home inspection process and closing procedures.

Long term: Lower monthly payment but you’ll pay more in interest.

MLS: Acronym for multiple listing service – a digital database of current real estate listings operated by a group of agents or brokers.

Principal: The total amount borrowed in a mortgage.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): An additional cost required if you don’t put 20 percent down to protect the lender should the borrower go into default.

Real estate agent: Someone with a professional license to help people buy, sell, or rent all sorts of housing and real estate.

Realtor: A licensed agent with the ability to use that widely respected title, an agent needs to be a member of the National Association of Realtors®.

Real estate broker: Someone who has taken education beyond the agent level as required by state laws and passed a broker’s license exam.

Rental agent: Helps consumers find properties to rent.

Short sale: A property sold for less than the amount owed on the mortgage.

Short term: Higher monthly payment but you’ll pay less over time in interest.

Source: ConsumerFinance.go v

HOME WORK

LIST PROS AND CONS

Homeownership can be rewarding and a good way to build wealth, but there are risks and responsibilities associated with owning property. When you rent, your landlord is responsible for the property and takes on the risks. When you buy, you take on risks and responsibilities. Some cons to consider: Your home value could decline, and you could lose equity or even owe more than your home is worth. If something important breaks, expensive repairs are your responsibility.

DO THE MATH

Like any purchase, you must figure out how much you can afford. Take an honest look at your income, monthly expenses, and credit rating. Be realistic, too – you don’t want to get into a situation where you are “house poor,” which is when you buy a house above your means. In other words, after you pay all of your bills, you still want to order a pizza on a Friday night. Make sure there’s some cash reserves, too, so that if after a month your roof leaks or the dishwasher breaks, you’re okay.

HOMEWORK: ASK QUESTIONS

Ask lenders about any special programs, like RIHousing’s 10kDPA program, which provides a $10,000 down payment assistance loan to eligible homebuyers in Rhode Island.

HOMEWORK: RESEARCH LOCATIONS

Many factors go into deciding where to live. Do you want city-living with cafes within walking distance? Maybe something by the water? Or it could be based solely on how school systems rank. This is why going down various real estate website rabbit holes can help. RILiving.com, for example, offers neighborhood reports, tax rates, and helpful stats about cities and towns, even the monthly median temperature (especially handy if you live in Westerly and wonder about the weather in Foster Glocester). Don’t forget to visit at various times. A quiet neighborhood by day may turn into a party palace once night falls. Consider checking in with local law enforcement to ask about the area.

GET ORGANIZED

Be prepared by assembling a loan application packet; this way you’ll be ahead of the game when it’s time to gather your personal and financial info.

• Pay stub for the last 30 days

• W-2 forms, last two years

• Signed federal tax return, last two years

• Documentation of any other sources of income

• Bank statements, two most recent

• Documentation of the source of your down payment: investment or savings account statements showing at least two months’ history of ownership. If some of the funds were a gift, get a signed statement from the giver stating that the funds were a gift.

• Documentation of name change, if recent

• Proof of your identity (typically a drivers’ license or non-driver ID)

• Social security number

• Certificate of housing counseling or home buyer education, if you have one

Island of Stories

From its layers of history to today’s conservation efforts, Rose Island is Narragansett Bay’s hidden gem

By Abbie Lahmers

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

At the core of Rose Island today is the story of a community banding together to spare the tiny 18-acre parcel, situated in Narragansett Bay between Aquidneck and Conanicut islands, from falling to neglect. The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation formed in the 1980s to convince the City of Newport to accept ownership of the 1.6 acres containing the lighthouse, and the foundation would raise all the funding needed to restore and run the property, at no cost to the city. That story turned a page on August 7, 1993 –National Lighthouse Day – when after years of diligent efforts and sweat equity, the restored piece of history was officially reopened to the public, and the beacon lit for the first time in 20 years.

But what’s being preserved are many stories. “We’re all kind of obsessed with it,” says Sean O’Connor with a smile. The executive director of the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust (RILFHT) since 2022, he was first drawn to the role because it combined his passions of working for local nonprofits and environmental education. Also involved with Newport Pride, O’Connor’s aim in all his work is to make space for people to enjoy special places.

And Rose Island is one of those in more ways than one. “It’s all these layers of history that extend beyond even just the lighthouse to some of the earlier uses of the island,” O’Connor says. Though many are aware of the lighthouse, which was built in the 1860s to safely light the way for increased shipping traffic on Narragansett Bay, O’Connor shares, “It’s probably so unexpected for people to learn that the French had fortifications on Rose Island in the 1780s when they were allies to the early Americans.”

Following these earlier fortifications, construction on Fort Hamilton began in the 1790s but was never completed. Its intended use was, fortunately, never realized, either. The nine rooms in the barracks – uniquely built to withstand cannon fire with walls five feet thick –were meant to house up to 300 soldiers. Instead, it would serve as a quarantine site for cholera outbreaks in Newport, and later rejoin a different war effort – storing explosives during World War II.

“When you look at aerial imagery [of Rose Island] from that time, it’s nearly devoid of vegetation or at least trees and shrubs,” says O’Connor. This is because Rose Island was equipped with the infrastructure needed to store and fill explosive devices manufactured at the Newport Naval Torpedo Station on nearby Goat Island. After the war, “it started to naturally rewild,” says O’Connor.

During a late-summer visit to Rose Island exploring the nature refuge, the mix of foliage and ruins was part of the lure. Beneath the overgrowth, you can still discern structures from the past, including the remnants of one of two circular bastions from Fort Hamilton (the other is where the lighthouse now stands) and rail tracks that connected explosive storage facilities. Staghorn sumac, spindle tree blooms, and goldenrod bring swaths of color to the main attraction: the lighthouse. Island manager Mike Healy, who motored over guests from Fort Adams a short boat ride away, gave a tour of the property, regaling us with trivia – like the story of the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, who tied herself to the flagpole during the hurricane of 1938 to take photos of the storm.

Photos by Abbie Lahmers

The view from Rose Island Lighthouse

The Fort Hamilton barracks includes a room for overnight guests

Tours are an essential part of RILFHT’s educational programming – anyone who visits is offered one. This season, O’Connor looks forward to opening up additional museum space in the barracks, which already has a room for overnight stays, to illuminate some of the island’s lesser-known history predating the lighthouse, as well as current conservation efforts.

O’Connor and his predecessors take seriously Rose Island’s position as an important habitat for nesting and migratory shore birds. Its past uses over the decades have informed the maritime scrubland habitat today, and “in that rewilding process, a lot of what showed up there were non-native species, many of which are invasives.”

“We’ve had a really wonderful relationship with Salve Regina University and specifically professor Jim Chase, who’s been leading ongoing research along with his students on our bird populations,” explains O’Connor. “Creating or stewarding the land in a way that makes it attractive for the kinds of birds that can use and need the habitat is important.”

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Overnight visits are open April 1 through October 31, with stays in the lighthouse, foghorn room, and barracks available by reservation.

• There’s no shops or restaurants on the island, so be prepared to bring your own food and essentials, and leave no trace.

• To protect nesting birds, the wildlife refuge portion of the island is closed to the public March through August 15.

• Make a day trip using the Jamestown Newport Ferry hop on-hop off ferry beginning late May, with the schedule online at JamestownNewportFerry.com. Kayaks and private boats are also welcome, but note that there is no dock space.

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ARTIST RESIDENCY

Rose Island’s mystique is ripe with inspiration for creatives seeking an unplugged retreat to make art. Last year kicked off the first Artist Residency, and this year RILFHT takes applications through April 10 for a September 16-22 stay. Visit RoseIsland.org for details.

“During my residency, I began to put together a field guide featuring key species specific to Rose Island’s unique ecosystem. The island was perfect for getting up close with many species, and was an ideal place to disconnect.”

– AVA VARSZEGI

“I formed fantastic bonds with [the other artists] even though we were all deeply entrenched in our individual projects. I have amazing memories of taking an hour of each day to go swimming while we gossiped about our lives back on the mainland.”

– WHITELEY FOSTER

“What was most valuable to me as a photographer was the early morning and late afternoon light. I would wake up at 4am and be ready for the soft light just before sunrise. Having the sea and big sky all around, and the occasional ship pushing waves on the shore, made things shimmer and change.”

– SANDY SORLIEN

“I worked on a series of maps illustrating how the island has changed over time, particularly with respect to its geology. As someone who was used to seeing Rose Island only briefly while passing over the Newport Bridge, actually staying on the island provided me with a unique perspective.”

– LEXI VIOLET

Though historically the island hasn’t had any standing fresh water, and therefore no year-round mammals, O’Connor shares that a marsh on the east side does naturally hold some rainwater and a historic structure from World War II also holds fresh water. Deer have been known to swim over from Jamestown and a mother and fawn may be overwintering on the island – all of these gradual changes, as well as the threat of rising sea levels, are monitored to learn how they’ll impact the habitat over time.

For as much is known about Rose Island, there’s still more to uncover. It was originally named “Conockonoquit” by the Narragansett tribe – which nods to the stemlike strip of beach that appears at low tide, giving the island its rose appearance. O’Connor laments, “We don’t know that much about specific Indigenous history related to the island,” but it’s something RILFHT hopes to gain insight on in the future.

In the evening, taking in the lit-up Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge and surreal, pinprick headlights of traffic crossing it, my partner and I spotted the first of several egrets arriving on the island to roost overnight, and in the morning finally spied the elusive deer. Whether drawn to the stories or ecological spoils, it’s easy to see why the island’s devotees are so obsessed.

Photo courtesy of Lexi Violet

Artist Lexi Violet illustrated maps during last year’s residency

The

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Out

Cetacean Rider Sculpture @bonniebluedolphin | HealingDolphins.com

“Iris” Handmade Block Print @sarahvhess | SarahAnneHess.com

Unique Handcrafed Wire-Wrapped Jewelry @rushbrookstudio | RushBrookStudio.com

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Original

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FOOD & DRINK

On

Island Time

Experience a taste of the Azores in a lush East Providence cafe

By Abbie Lahmers

There’s a cafe in East Providence adorned with live palm trees and birds of paradise plants that exudes vacation vibes – and might just make you forget about Washington Bridge woes for a bit. “Even as the owner, every morning I walk in, I feel like I’ve walked into a cafe in Europe or Miami Beach,” says Levi Medina, who opened Cafe Zara with a vision of creating a transportive experience for guests, whether stopping by for a quick coffee on their daily commute or carving out time to start the day slow with breakfast food unique to EP. Inspired by his own travels and Portuguese heritage, Medina designed the bright, sunny cafe as “a sort of a mashup of ideas and flavors,” he says, but “the menu is simple and incorporates my Azorean and Portuguese heritage with ingredients from the Azores Islands, as well as some well-known classic offerings.”

Photo courtesy of Cafe Zara

An embodiment of this vision is the Lisbon Morning, which is Cafe Zara’s version of a traditional Portuguese breakfast. “It is a large plate with a warm baguette, Saint Jorge cheese from the Azores, and fresh fruits – including exotic ones like dragon fruit, passion fruit, and starfruit when we can get our hands on them – with butter and jam. It’s the perfect option to start the day,” says Medina. Another classic offering is the Tosta, which is simple yet satisfying: Saint Jorge cheese and ham on buttered sourdough. “If you ever traveled to Portugal, it’s a staple breakfast sandwich at every cafe,” he says.

Medina strives to have a menu that caters to all tastes, so guests will also find familiar American breakfast and lunch options: Bacon Egg and Cheese, Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon (on toast or a bagel), Roast & Smoke Turkey Sandwich (with smoked pimenton aioli), and a Chorizo Baguette, just to name a handful, with sweet options, too.

On the drink menu, spring brings the return of the popular Lavender Lemonade –“people ask for it all year,” says Medina – with the main ingredient from Munroe Dairy. Coffee specials rotate throughout the season, too,

but there’s always iced coffee, Americano, lattes (including an RI Iced Latte with coffee milk), and more. With warm temps creeping back into the forecast, guests can try the refreshing Azorean Iced Tea, offering a taste of Sao Miguel Island.

Though the flavors harken back to travels, Cafe Zara is a homey place. “If you’ve been to the cafe several times, we most likely know your name and try to make everyone feel special and appreciated,” says Medina. “Without customers leaving happy, we are nothing.” 130 Taunton Avenue, East Pro v idence, Cafe-Zara.com

Photo courtesy of Cafe Zara

Breakfast toasts at Cafe Zara

Deli Done Right

From Providence to Barrington, a chef’s path to scratch-made sandwiches and homestyle catering

By Andrea E. McHugh

Few restaurants have the gravitas of Leon’s Cafe & Catering in Barrington. Chef/owner Bill Andrews grew up in the business, son of a cook at a New York System Diner in Johnston the 1970s, and a mother who Andrews describes as “an old-school Italian.” After learning the ins and outs of boots-on-the-groundcooking from his father’s side, Andrews left the steamed hot dog buns and celery salt behind for a formal education in the culinary arts at Rhode Island School of Design.

Not long after, Andrews opened a restaurant of his own on Federal Hill, a popular Mediterranean bistro with an inescapable Italian-American influence called Leon’s On The West Side, named for Andrews’ brotherin-law Leon, who had passed away. Andrews charmed as owner and head chef of the eatery.

“I was there until 2001. It had become extremely popular. We had an 85-seat restaurant and we were doing 250 covers [plates] for dinner and 450 covers for brunch on Sunday.”

After 21 years of ownership, Andrews transitioned to the industry side of the business, becoming the food service director at Eastside Marketplace. Noticing a void in the catering market in Barrington, he honed in on a small property tucked off of busy County Road where he could service both private clients and the public. “This place was an Italian-style deli with a deli case and all that. It only had about 18 seats,” explains Andrews. So he got to work, converting the deli case into a bar, building out a galley kitchen using every inch he could, and securing a beer and wine license as well as a caterer’s Class B license.

Leon’s Cafe & Catering opened in late 2014 with seating for 34 and menus devoted to

breakfast, brunch, and made-to-order sandwiches. Andrews continues to make a variety of breads the only way he knows how – from scratch. “We also make our own Canadian bacon in house, and I make my own pastrami. We cook the corned beef brisket in house – we don’t buy the deli meats,” Andrews explains. “The atmosphere that I have is very casual. I’m not much of a fine dining dude with tablecloths and all that, but I want the food to be fine dining, at that level.”

That can mean anything from crispy French toast featuring a house-made baguette dipped in vanilla custard batter and coated in Frosted Flakes to Andrews’ Mama Josie’s housemade meatball sub, which uses his mother’s “old school” recipe of ground beef, a grated cheese blend, eggs, softened bread, and “the right spices,” all simmered in marinara sauce

Photo courtesy of Leon’s Cafe and Catering

Chef Bill Andrews catering at a client’s home

and sprinkled with Pecorino cheese before being tucked into a baguette. The aforementioned pastrami is made with a brined brisket, spice-rubbed and slow-smoked for 12 hours and steamed for two hours, then sliced and served with Swiss cheese on toasted seeded rye, and slathered with coarse mustard.

Early in the pandemic, when food service businesses were shut down, Andrews shifted to a prepared food menu with delivery service and online ordering. The period was a substantial financial loss. “This month, we reached our goal for our sales, so we’re back to where we were pre-pandemic, but it took three years to get there,” explains Andrews.

Today, the catering arm of Leon’s is a substantial part of the business model. “I find it easy to work in someone’s home, even if they’re doing something between 50 and 100 people,” he says. Leon’s also caters at nearby Temple Habonim from time to time, putting expertise learned at Eastside Marketplace on traditional Jewish foods and meals into practice.

Andrews is also passionate about mentoring youth. “I think it’s vitally important in the industry that young people get some form of a vocation outside of school, because there’s nothing that can prepare you better than getting some skill sets in the real world,” he says. Andrews explains that while many parents want their children to go to college, it’s not the only path to success. “Some kids don’t fit into that mold and that’s where restaurants and small businesses come in very, very handy.”

While he lives in Providence with his family, Andrews has found a deep sense of community in Barrington. He says of local residents and neighbors, “I made a decision that I was going to make friends here, and get to know them as people, not just customers.”

Leon’s Cafe and Catering 230 Waseca Avenue, Barrington 401-247-1660 • LeonsCafeCatering.com

The Plot Chickens

A Newport pop-up all about poultry and spicy signature sauces

By Ruthie Wood

As soon as I came across the building on lower Thames with blue walls, hot pink door, and giant pink chicken decals that read “The Cluck House” in the windows, I knew this wasn’t the colonel’s fried chicken joint. Drawn to the eye-catching exterior, I felt like a child about to enter a Willy Wonka-esque chicken land.

“Chicken land” is an apt description of the pop-up at La Costa. Portraits of roosters lined the brick column by the bar, as if measuring me up to see if I had the guts to try the spiciest sauce The Cluck House has to offer: the level five sauce –which requires signing a waiver – called “Death,” is made from the spiciest peppers on Earth. Full disclosure: I chickened out on that one. Just beyond the L-shaped bar, I could see, hear, and smell my way into the kitchen. Hot oil sizzled as the chefs prepped tenders and wings, and the scents of barbeque and hot sauce wafted through the air, leading me by the nose straight to a seat at the bar to be close to whatever was cooking.

I perused the menu, overwhelmed by all the choices. Chicken is obviously the specialty here, but what is the best way to eat it? Sticky, sauce-coated wings? Crispy sandwiches piled high with toppings? Cold on a salad? I received some advice from Connor, one of the managers: “If you came hungry, do a combo with the wings or the tenders,” so I chose the Tender Combo: five tenders, and choice of sides; I went with curly fries and mac n’ cheese.

With Connor’s help, I also picked out a sauce flight of four flavors, which are categorized by number, one through five, to rank the spice level (five is the highest), along with an international section. I opted for three with house-secret recipes and one international. The platter came out piled high with food. The tenders were some of the best I’ve ever had – super crispy on the outside, moist, warm, and tender on the inside. The curly fries were addicting – just enough spice, and a joy to eat plain or dipped in the sauces. The mac n’ cheese was oh so creamy and gooey, with a slight kick of heat to it, a callback to the house specialty: their sauces.

The Cluck Sauce, a level one, earned “most

Longtime residents who still miss Middletown’s Chicken City: this could fill that bucket.

dippable” from me; sweet and with a slight tang, it was good on the tenders, fries, and just plain on my fork. The level two Spicy BBQ wasn’t overwhelming in heat and would be delectable on wings. The Seahawk sauce was the hottest I tried, at level three, but even then, it was a smooth heat, packing a punch that goes down easily with a tingly warmth spreading throughout my body. It was my favorite of the spicy sauces, and if you aren’t afraid of a little heat, the hotter ones would likely prove to be more addicting. On the sweet end of things, the Caribbean Jerk was like eating a barbecue-coated gingersnap cookie, surprisingly sweet and savory at once.

If I had been bolder, I might have tried a couple of level four offerings, such as the ghost pepper Mother Clucker or Spicy Peach BBQ, or even the Death sauce – but those are goals to work up to next time.

Sitting at the bar, stuffed like a hen, Connor told me that the best times to visit are in the evenings for their special deals, and The Bachelor Mondays, where all four TVs are tuned into the reality romance drama instead of sports. But no matter what you fancy – sports, wings, and beer,

Must-Try Items

TENDER COMBO

( $16 ) Five chicken tenders with a choice of two sides

SPICY CLUCKER

( $10 ) Potato bun, Seahawk sauce, and house-made slaw

Cuisine: American chicken joint Atmosphere: Relaxed, fun place to hang

or tenders, wine, and reality TV – The Cluck House is making its name as a really clucking good spot for chicken.

The Cluck House

Pop-up inside La Costa 515 Thames Street, Newport CluckHouseNewport.com

P hotos courtesy of The Cluck House

Food Trends

When you start with an authentic recipe and high-quality ingredients, the best hummus is often the simplest – and the foundation of Naked Fig. Ava Lambert launched her brand with a creamy, traditional hummus and looks forward to expanding with a line of other Mediterranean foods “from homemade recipes and a loving tradition,” with products currently in the development phase. Lambert says, “I have always shared my family’s passion for celebrating our culture and heritage, as we come together in the warmth of each other’s company with

great food at the center of every gathering.” Lambert says of her signature product, “its flavor, texture, and healthy characteristics make it a favorite of customers of all ages.” For a picnic-perfect spread, pair Naked Fig hummus with pita bread, chips, and carrots or other veggies, and incorporate olive tapenade for a Mediterranean-themed snack board. Find it at Hope & Main in Warren, Johnson’s Roadside Farm Market just over state lines in Swansea, Mount Hope Farmers Market in Bristol, and the Tiverton Farmers Market. @nakedfigfoods – Abbie

Lahmers

Soiree like it’s 1880 with picnics at Newport mansions

Looking for an elevated outdoor dining experience?

Thanks to shows like HBO’s The Gilded Age , Newport is once again the go-to destination for folks wanting to experience what high society life was like over a century ago, and Stoneacre Picnics caters to that desire. “We partner with the Newport Preservation Society to provide picnics at the mansions, primarily at The Elms, but also The Breakers and Marble House, where we do our Gilded package,” says Nicole Canning, director of marketing and guest experiences at Stoneacre. “We set up croquet and serve food on the lawn. We’ve found that people are dying to get a taste of this life but in a contemporary way.”

In addition to curated boards with artisanal cheeses and housemade charcuterie, Stoneacre offers addons like caviar service and sandwiches from nearby vendors. “We do a lot of special occasions, birthdays, bridal showers, but it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to have a picnic,” says Canning. “All you have to do is show up and we’ll do the rest.” Newport, StoneacrePicnics.com – Ken Abrams

Weathering the season with charcuterie on the go

A cozy storefront at 84 Broadway houses Bellevue Boards, where locals and tourists can custom order charcuterie boards for any occasion. “Everything is made fresh, day of,” says owner Jackie Connor. “We have a few different styles of cheese and charcuterie arrangements, which are served on compostable palm leaves, giving off an elevated feel.” Among the most popular items, she says, “Blueberry goat cheese is a top pick, even though it’s messy. We have a lot of requests for cheeses that are easy to enjoy and won’t melt right away in the warmer weather.”

Whether a romantic date by the water or a bachelorette party, Connor designs packages adaptable to Aquidneck Island’s often challenging weather. “We also do picnic boxes because a lot of times, our boards end up in a setting that might be really windy. You don’t want a board sitting out where the seagulls can steal a bite,” she jokes. Connor also teaches classes at her store, in private homes, or in corporate offices. “It’s usually for 11-12 people, BYOB, a lot of fun.” Newport, BellevueBoards.com – Ken Abrams

Artisanal Mediterranean food maker specializes in hummus

PIC OF THE BAY

April blooms on Aquidneck Island

ABOUT KAYLA

@k___elizabeth

Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera in hand.