Providence Monthly February 2024 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

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CONTENTS

News & Life 11 A piano’s last stand in the wild, documented by a music student

13 RHODY GEM: An oasis of pre-fab furniture awaits on Westminster Street

14 OP-ED: Thoughts on free speech at our universities

16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: How should Rhode Island promote its heritage? 20 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings

24 FEATURE: Black entrepreneurs and influencers making waves in their industries

Food & Drink

Galentine’s at Chaska Photo courtesy of Ingrid Brown

31 Falafel and wraps from an East Side mainstay

Cover Story

32 IN THE KITCHEN: The ambiance

DIY Rhody Rom-Com: Ideas for planning your own kind of Valentine’s Day

curator behind a swanky boutique bar downtown Photo courtesy of Devanney Haruta

36 EXPERIENCE: West African pop-up kitchen uses fresh harvests

38 FOOD NEWS: Bagel spot in PVD, coffee and art in Portsmouth & healthy ‘Gansett eats 39 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

Home & Style 51 HOME: An East Side condo takes its artsy cue from the city

60 STYLE: Start the year off peachy with RI goods in a headline-making hue

62 INFLUENCER: A content creator becomes a reality show contestant

Art & Culture 65 The DJ making EP the place to be mid-week 66 New non-fiction looks ahead to a society of 100-year-olds 69 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s 70 Inaugural festival set to light up downtown

72 PIC OF PVD

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MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Editor Ken Abrams Digital Media Specialist Jenna Kaplan Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

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Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Account Managers Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Chris Revill Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Brittany Adams Photography Savannah Barkley Nadia Eisa Bre Goldsmith JWessel Photography, Bill Keough David Lawlor

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NEWS & LIFE

R h o d y G e m | O p - E d | T h e P u b l i c ’ s R a d i o | N e i g h b o r h o o d N ew s | Fe a t u re

Tuned by Time A Brown music student centers her dissertation on an instrument’s quiet end

Photo courtesy of Devanney Haruta

By Robert Isenberg

ne year ago, Devanney Haruta placed an old piano in front of Brown University’s Or wig Music Librar y. There it remained, in the shade of several evergreens, exposed to the elements. Today, the wood is warped and discolored. The keys are weathered and stick in place. The metal strings remain intact, but they are hopelessly out of tune. Twelve months of rain, snow, and sun have transformed this instrument into a husk of its former self. “The decay happened a lot faster than I expected,” says Haruta, a PhD candidate in ethnomusicolog y at Brown University. The project known as “Piano (de)composition” is no college prank: Haruta is writing her doctoral dissertation about the baby grand and its passive destruction at the hands of nature. She’s observing the piano itself, of course, and documenting its progress (if that’s the right word) on a blog. But just as important is the human reaction to it. “ There’s a lot of resistance to a piano [being harmed],” says Haruta, citing some indignant comments online. “It ties into ways that we value instruments. There’s something more symbolic about the piano, the elite nature.”

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NEWS & LIFE

Photo courtesy of Devanney Haruta

Haruta grew up in Connecticut and learned to play the oboe. “I grew up playing instruments,” she recalls. For her bachelor’s degree, she double majored in music and mathematics at Brown and played in the wind symphony. She interned for a time at the Tippet Arts Center in Montana, then earned her master’s in ethnomusicolog y from Wesleyan University. She became fascinated by similar experiments to “(de)composition,” showcasing the fate of acoustic tools. In 1996, the artist Steve Heck built a sculpture out of old pianos at the Burning Man event. The late multimedia artist Nam June Paik fashioned sculptures out of instruments and other materials or deliberately mistreated them during performance pieces. Haruta wondered: “When is it okay to destroy instruments?” She originally considered guitars, which have a long history of getting smashed by rock stars on stage, but a piano somehow felt more appropriate. She proposed the concept to her advisor, and soon after, Brown’s music department offered her an old piano already marked for the landfill. A space was designated on the lawn outside the Orwig building, where the music department is headquartered. The piano is mostly hidden by trees and nearly invisible from nearby Hope Street, but any passerby can approach the installation, examine its anatomy, and attempt to play a measure or two. Yes, the piano is degrading at an accelerated rate, likely due to New England’s general humidity and last summer’s heavy rains – but the project has surprised Haruta in other ways, too. “One thing I’m learning, as it falls apart, is how a piano is made,” she says. For example, the ivory-colored key plates fell off quickly, implying water-soluble glue. Also, the lid isn’t a single slab of wood, but three separate slabs fastened together. This construction is now obvious, as each piece individually arcs, like a trio of half-pipes laid over the case. Haruta, now in her third year in the doctoral program, can only imagine what the piano will look like in a few years, but she plans to keep the instrument where it is until she finishes her dissertation, which will take time. Many people have interacted with the piano already, pressing the keys or percussing directly on the strings. The blog even shows a picture of a small snowman on top. “It’s not just an art piece to look at and admire,” says Haruta. “Music doesn’t exist in a vacuum.” To learn more about “Piano (de)composition,” visit Sites.Google.com/brown.edu/ PianoDecomposition/home/about#

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NEWS & LIFE

Bali Bungalow Furniture & Decor Store

What it is: Bali Bungalow is a handmade furniture and home decor shop and showroom.

Where to find it: In the heart of downtown, find the store a block away from the Providence Performing Arts Center on Westminster Street, right next to Malted Barley.

What makes it a Rhody Gem? Seeking to fill your abode with handmade, sustainable furnishings with natural style ? Enter Bali Bungalow, a dream enterprise inspired by co -founder Lita Bondlow’s Indonesian heritage and culture. Wanting to create “an experience of zen and simple living ” through “handcrafted products from nature,” Lita and husband Matt Bondlow started by launching an e-commerce site in New York City in 2019, followed by a showroom in Stoning ton, CT; this past June, they opened their second storefront in Providence. “Each piece is handmade by our artisans in Bali using Indigenous techniques passed down through generations,” Lita explains. Part of the couple’s mission is to support the cottage industr y in Indonesia. “ We focus on sustainably sourced natural materials such as teak, rattan, cotton, and seagrass. Explore our world.”

B a l i B u n g a l ow

Photo courtesy of Bali Bungalow

326 Westminster Street Bali-Bungalow.com @shopbalibungalow

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

NEWS & LIFE

Thoug ht s o n f re e s p e e c h i n l i g ht o f n o r t heastern u niversi t i e s m a k i n g h e a d l i n e s fo r u n c h e c ked a ntisemitism By B arry Fain and Steve Triedman

Brown University

he one thing that both conservatives and liberals agree on is that the intelligence level of America’s leading universities – Harvard, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), and Massachusetts Institute of Technolog y (MIT) – dropped off the charts following their testimony at a Capitol Hill hearing to answer for how these pristine institutions had devolved into hotbeds of antisemitism. It was a display of how their years-long abandonment of free speech has allowed radicalism and antisemitism to grow on college campuses. There is little debate on campus, allowing ignorance to flourish and creating an environment filled with echo chambers where activist students championing any pro gressive cause du jour go unchecked while professors and administrators root them on. “Antisemitism is a symptom of ignorance, and the cure for ignorance is knowledge,” testified Har vard’s president Claudine Gay. “Har vard must model what it means to preser ve free expression while combating prejudice.” Yet, she and her peers were called before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to answer for how their institutions had devolved into hotbeds of antisemitism and for initially failing to condemn Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel. Penn ultimately only recognized the importance of free expression after it came to bite the institution in its bank account. A similar scenario has been playing out at Harvard as well. Brown President Christina Paxson, along with the vast majority of her peers, were able to breathe a sigh of relief while the world came down on these three, forcing one resignation already, with Harvard president Gay still on thin ice. Brown’s record on free speech is poor, highlighted by their nationally played demonstration on their intolerance of free speech when the New York Police Commissioner was allowed to be forced off the stage at an event at Brown’s Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy, which (according to their website) “brings together scholars, practitioners, and students from different perspectives to address important problems facing American politics and policy.” The classical liberal, bow tie-wearing pro fessors of the past have been replaced by critical theorists who seem to be against Western values and are often unwilling to look at both sides of many issues. In a free society, the

Photos by Savannah Barkley

OP-ED: Common Sense Over Nonsense at Our Universities

correct response to ideas we disagree with should be more speech, not censorship. The reality is that our great universities cannot afford to fail. They must adjust and demand a level of leadership to address some of the most pressing problems facing our society. Freedom of speech is a legitimate issue. Penn wasn’t wrong to address improving better dialogue through a conference on Muslim culture, but ignoring the warnings of some of the school’s most knowledgeable alumni supporters and then having a mini-student revolt from its Jewish students concerned over their safety, ultimately cost President Liz Magill her job. At Har vard, one of the cornerstones of its reputation is the sanctity of its research. And to find its president embroiled in a plagiarism event, that, to date, is unresolved, isn’t exactly sending the right message as big universities must protect against bad scholarship from the impact of AI and the like.

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It’s long overdue that our great institutions need to put these perspectives back into some semblance of order and priority before things fall into the nether world of fake or unreliable. It’s time for our elite institutions to contend with the radicalism they’ve fostered on their campuses. Bigotr y is unacceptable. Some lines in the sand can’t be crossed. But there are also times when our academic leaders must know when to ignore the spin doctors and listen to their heads and hearts. Common sense is more important than nonsense. Op-eds express the authors’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hey Rhody Media Co.. Readers are welcome to send responses or letters to the editor to be considered for print publication in a future issue or posted online. Letters can be emailed to Abbie@providenceonline.com

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NEWS & LIFE

How Should Rhode Island Promote Its Heritage? Tourism has been an important sector in Rhode Island’s economy for years. But state marketing focuses more on beaches than historic places of interest that mark the state’s prominent role in American history. Is it time for that to change? In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Ian Donnis

DO TOURISTS WANT BEACHES OR HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES? Proponents of heritage tourism say the state could do a much better job of promoting its past. Heritage tourism has become much more trendy in recent years. But when it comes to promoting tourism, beaches and Newport mansions get more attention than Roger Williams’ role in creating the concept of religious freedom, Rhode Island’s central place in the Industrial Revolution, and how the Ocean State was enmeshed in the Atlantic slave trade. By not placing a greater focus on Rhode Island’s place in American history, Burke and other history enthusiasts contend, the state is falling short of its potential in drawing tourists. “We’re one of the only places that has the true historical assets, because our preservation movements have been so strong that we have assets that other places simply do not have,” Burke said. “They, like a historical theme park, are making up fakes. We have the real historical theme park here.

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The only thing Rhode Island hasn’t done is put up turnstiles and actually organized it.” Emerging on Weybosset Street, Burke points to the largest bell cast by Paul Revere’s foundry, visible at what is now the First Unitarian Church on the East Side. He described how Providence was first settled thousands of years ago, and explains that Weybosset’s winding course is due to how it was a busy Native American trading route. Burke believes Providence deserves a UN World Heritage designation because of such details. That may be a long shot, but he’s not alone in seeing significant room for improvement in highlighting Rhode Island’s history. “I think this is really important,” said Ruth Taylor, the former director of the Newport Historical Society, and current chairwoman of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission. Taylor agrees with Burke that emphasizing local history will bring more tourists. And she said boosting appreciation for history is important for the state’s self-identity. “If we live in a place where important things have consistently happened, where innovation has happened, where struggles against good and evil have happened, that ennobles us in a way and helps us to think about bigger things,” she said. STATE SPENDING ON TOURISM IS NOT THE PROBLEM State spending on tourism promotion did increase significantly during the Raimondo administration, to more than $6 million a year. That’s up from a meager $700,000 about 10 years ago. And the boost appears to be paying off. State officials say visits to Rhode Island grew by more than five percent in 2022, to a record of almost 28 million people. Spending by visitors topped $5 billion, an increase of 17 percent over the previous year. McKee points to improvements at the State House as a sign of how his administration values history. And he cites the spike in visitors in expressing satisfaction. “The percentage of people coming to Rhode

Bob Burke shows off a portrait of Roger Williams at his mini-museum on Weybosset St. in Providence Island is up considerably,” McKee said. “I am very pleased with where we are right now.” “And tourism isn’t one thing,” he said. “We can’t go out there and say, ‘We’re colonial America.’ Where there are markets that are interested in that, we talk to them. In the general gist of it, when we’re throwing out the fishing net, we have to talk about the entire authentic destination.” But Secretary of State Gregg Amore, who taught history for 27 years at East Providence High School, is among those who think the state could do a much better job of promoting its past. When he travels around the US, Amore said the historic sites he visits are filled with tourists from near and far. By contrast, in Rhode Island, he said, “I think we’ve focused on our beauty and our culinary expertise and we’ve focused on the idea that this is kind of summer vacationland, but we really haven’t focused on our deep and rich history.” For example, Amore said, Rhode Island is the only state to use leased space to house materials like the 1663 Royal Charter that set the stage for the principles of religious liberty and separation of church and state in the US. Amore and Gov. Dan McKee are backing a plan to create a new state archive and museum to host a trove of historic documents. FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo by Ian Donnis

“

ou just stepped onto 400-year-old wood boards, some of them as wide as a foot wide,” Bob Burke said while stepping into the mini-museum he created on Weybosset Street, around the corner from his French restaurant, Pot au Feu. “This is white oak and this would have been growing at the time that Roger Williams, the founder of our state, was actually still here and alive.” Burke is a local historian. He created what he calls a keyhole museum to offer an over view on Rhode Island history, done up with the feel of a colonial tavern. “The reason why we created this as our visitors’ center theme is because it was the brave colonists in 1772 who met in a Providence tavern and debated whether or not they should attack the Gaspee,” Burke said. The attack on the Gaspee is well known locally and it set the stage for the American Revolution. But while crowds turned out in Boston last week to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, few outside of Rhode Island know the story of that British vessel.

S G O D Y P P A H ! D E E T N A GUAR

“If you want to see the Declaration of Independence, our original copy with John Hancock’s signature on the back, you have to make an appointment at the archives,” he said. “ We bring it out for you. You look at it for a couple of minutes and then you move on. We need to display these in a way that then prompts further interest to go visit the First Baptist Church, Touro Synagogue, et cetera, et cetera,” Amore said. COULD THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL BE A TOURISM OPPORTUNITY? Proponents of Rhode Island history also note that the state lacks the visitor centers that have helped destinations like Charleston, South Carolina, boost tourism. And they say as Rhode Island prepares to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary in two years, it needs to deliver better marketing than its recent rollout of giant stuffie replicas at out of town airports. This is not the first time the state has faced criticism for its approach to luring visitors. Rhode Island has faced ridicule for a series of efforts to boost the state, ranging from the “Biggest Little State in the Union” campaign in the early 1980s to the “Cooler and Warmer” tagline in 2016, which was scrapped after widespread criticism. Bob Burke said that if Disney announced it was going into historic theme parks, the company would spend billions of dollars to create the kind of features that already exist in Providence. So, he says, why not turn Providence into a historic theme park that attracts visitors on a scale with places like Williamsburg , Charleston, and Savannah? “ Why aren’t we that heritage place that people are visiting ?” Burke asked. “The only reason is that we do nothing to let them know we’re here.” This article was originally posted on December 21, 2023. Political reporter Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@thepublicsradio.org FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

New development in the Jewelry District brings educational opportunities Furthering its already significant contribution to the transformation of the Jewelry District, on December 12, Brown University purchased the 136,000 square feet of South Street Landing it has been leasing since 2017. Nearly 500 Brown administrative employees work on four floors of the once-derelict power station. Today, the building, which retains significant architectural details from its former use, is shared by Brown and the nursing schools of Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. Brown also announced that the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology will move to the Jewelry District in the autumn of 2025. The move will unite an exhibition and event space currently on the Brown campus and a facility in Bristol that houses most of the museum’s collections and staff. A newly renovated space at 1 Davol Square will offer public exhibitions and access for scholars to the museum’s nearly one million ethnographic objects, archaeological specimens, and images representing human cultures and societies. Robert Preucel, director of the Haffenreffer Museum and a professor of anthropology at Brown, said the move will “open up a host of new possibilities for scholarship, community outreach, and partnership with Indigenous communities worldwide.” As the evolution of the district brings these exciting new facilities, businesses, lab space, and apartment buildings, the Jewelry District Association ( JDA) continues to monitor and comment on issues before the city’s licensing, zoning, and design boards and commissions with the goal of redeveloping the district as a great place to live, work, and play. The JDA is determined to ensure that the days of what someone called, “a wasteland of trash-strewn parking lots and the worst kind of nightclubs” are gone forever.

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Fox Point neighbors have been involved in discussions about the development of 195 land, including Parcel 1a

Fox Point neighbors plead with commission over public space The Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) have been heavily involved with the activities of 195 Commission, the quasi-public state agency responsible for overseeing the development of the former 195 land. In mid-December, the commission made decisions on two projects located on the eastern edge of the Van Leesten Bridge in Fox Point: to approve the final design for the residential/mixed-use development that is slated to be built on Parcel 2 (the former site of the sunflower installations) and to choose a developer to build on Parcel 1a, the strip of land located at the current site of the Providence Flea. Parcel 1a was the most controversial issue of the December meeting. All of the neighbor-advocates who spoke at the meeting and a majority of members of the public who offered testimony at the previous meeting pleaded with commissioners to build nothing on Parcel 1a, suggesting that this segment of the riverwalk, which is situated in the so-called “green necklace,” should be preserved for public use. “Developing this strip will have very little impact on your bottom line,” FPNA president Lily Bogosian suggested during the public session, “but it will have a huge impact on the area… by selling out the most environmentally beautiful walkway on the entire [Providence] River and in Providence.” The commission voted to build on the land; it awarded the project to Riverside Partners, a development firm that proposes a six-story building with 10 residential units and first-floor retail space.

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Photo by Amy Mendillo

Elmwood organizers campaign for RIPTA, and city council updates Over 75 people representing a broad coalition of community organizations and legislators gathered in Kennedy Plaza on November 30 for a press conference announcing the Save RIPTA coalition, an effort to urge Governor Daniel McKee to fully fund RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), which runs the statewide public bus system, in the upcoming Rhode Island state budget. Lead organizer Liza Burkin and Providence Student Union member Dexter Vincent – both Elmwood neighbors – lent their voices and reasons for the full support of RIPTA. Among recent Providence city council updates, councilors unanimously passed a new requirement to track energy use in large Providence Buildings. The Building Energy Reporting Program, or “BERO” as it is known, would create and establish a publicly disclosed database for tracking energy use, in an ordinance sponsored by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3). Councilors also passed a resolution calling for the city to strengthen the prevention of rideshare bikes and scooters from being dumped on sidewalks and blocking handicapped accessible ramps. The resolution acknowledges the importance and accessibility of these shared micro-mobility programs but calls on the city’s future and current permitted providers to prevent the public safety hazard of poorly parked bikes and scooters. Additionally, an ordinance amendment was introduced to ensure Providence takes meaningful steps to achieve carbon neutrality in all municipal buildings by 2040. The amendment encourages the use of electricity and energy-efficient upgrades, and was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency. FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

401.440.7483 jroch@residentialproperties.com

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Providence Neighborhood Associations BLACKSTONE PARKS CONSERVANCY Jane Peterson P.O. Box 603141 Providence, RI 02906 401-270-3014 BlackstoneParks@gmail.com BlackstoneParksConser vancy.org

Rick Champagne P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906 CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION DNAPVD@gmail.com DNAPVD.com Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA

ELMWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Jen Vincent JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

FOX POINT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Meeting Date: February 12 Amy Mendillo P.O. Box 2315 Providence, RI 02906 FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net

JEWELRY DISTRICT ASSOCIATION Sharon Steele Sharon@sharonsteele.com Jewelr yDistrict.org Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI

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MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION Charles Hewitt, Secretar y C/O One Governor Street, Providence

MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Yuselly Mendoza, Program Coordinator 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 Yuselly@ona-providence.org Facebook: Olneyville Librar y

PROVIDENCE COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org

RESERVOIR TRIANGLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION David Talan 25 Santiago St., Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com

SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 5653 Providence, RI 02903 401-369-1334 southprovneighbors@gmail.com Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association

SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940 401-400-0986 SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org

WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BettyLinda@aol.com Facebook: Washing ton Park Association

WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Katherine Touafek Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com

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Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344 WBNA@wbna.org WBNA.org

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Making Space From cycl i ng to co n str u cti o n , Bl a ck ch a n gemakers c reating access and removing b arriers By Emil y Olson

hen discussing the “why” behind their entrepreneurial trajectory, Allyson McCalla, Michael Silva, and Vennicia Kingston describe a similar impetus: the desire to see more people who look like them enter the spaces they love. McCalla is the director of operations of Bike Newport and in 2019, added “shero” to her list of titles when she started a local chap ter of Black Girls Do Bike, a national organization that advocates for encouraging Black women and girls to ride bicycles. “I ride a bike frequently in Newport and rarely saw anyone riding who looked like me,” she explains. “I just saw a lot of white men in Spandex.”

McCalla first encountered Black Girls Do Bike when she attended 2019’s National Bike Summit held in Virginia as a Bike Newport representative. “I didn’t see many people of color at the summit, but became inspired when I joined the Black Girls Do Bike workshop.” When she returned to Rhode Island, McCalla took a measured approach to her chapter’s growth. She became a league-certified instructor to gain the skills and tools needed to lead safe group rides. Then she went out into the community to have conversations about barriers to access. “A lot of individuals aren’t riding because they don’t feel safe with the infrastructure currently in place; they want barriers from cars. Some people rode bikes as children, but lost their confidence as adults

for many different reasons. Others don’t have the means to get a bike,” says McCalla. Bike Newport tackles many of these obstacles by developing programs that provide equitable transportation and discussing infrastructure improvements and transportation bills with government officials. But helping Black women and girls feel welcome on bike paths is where Black Girls Do Bike does its best work. “Our chapter started with two people and now we have almost 400 members on our Facebook group,” McCalla says. “Our first ride was in spring 2021 and more people are becoming familiar with us. Now I have a large group of individuals who feel confident on bikes and are ready to ride this spring.”

A Black Girls Do Bike ride led by Allyson McCalla

Photo courtesy of Black Girls Do Bike

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The group is open to Black women and girls of all ages – typically ranging from 20s to 70s – with rides taking place across the state. “The range of ability is from avid cyclists to someone concerned about riding a couple of miles. I ride with the intent to make sure everyone feels safe and is comfortable,” says McCalla. But the thing that thrills her most about the chapter is the community that’s developed organically. “I think it’s nice when our group of women get together. Everyone is so upbeat, outgoing, friendly, and inspiring. This is a space where women can build friendships with people they wouldn’t have met otherwise.” In Pawtucket, Michael Silva is creating his own space with booth., an open multimedia

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space he owns with his wife, Miellette McFarlane, and their business partner, Tatiana Baena. Silva and McFarlane also own BĀS, a cocktail business, and McFarlane and Baena run a financial literacy group for women called The Money Club. “When we built booth., we wanted to have our own space where we could conduct events without having to ask for permission,” Silva explains. “But part of our mission is also to help people get their projects off the ground by giving space to those who really need it.” The 1,100-square-foot minimalist, modern space is industrial in feel and open enough that it can take on any style imaginable. “People have completely transformed this space,” says Silva,

explaining that booth. has been host to multimedia art shows, cocktail classes, dance nights, and pop-up retail shops. And because of Silva’s cocktail and catering business, anyone who uses the space has access to food and drink services. “We’re not doing this to get rich, but to build a community,” he explains. Though open to anyone, booth. specifically ser ves women and people of color. “Our business is women and minority owned, so we want to amplif y those voices,” says Silva. “These are the folks who have stories to tell, but encounter more barriers to access than others. We want to provide those people with opportunities to have their voices heard.”

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Photo courtesy of The Money Club

The Money Club leads a workshop at booth. in Pawtucket

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE INFLUENCERS’ WORK BY VISITING ONLINE: Black Girls Do Bike Facebook: Black Girls Do Bike Newport booth. BoothOnMain.com Eagle Eye Construction LLC 401EagleEye.com Rhode Island Women’s Council WomenBuildingRI.org

Vennicia Kingston, owner of Eagle Eye Construction LLC and co-chair of the Rhode Island Women’s Council, is no stranger to having to struggle to make her voice heard. Her entire career has been in the white male-dominated construction industry, and when her eyes were fully opened to how few women are in leadership roles in that space, she decided to make a change. “My career was aging rather than growing,” Kingston explains. “I wasn’t going anywhere.” So she looked to where she was needed and decided to be an example. “My goal is to provide opportunities for women and minorities, and by starting a business, I could provide those opportunities.” Beyond creating high-paying union work, she’s an advocate for women working in the

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trades, and that’s where her work on the Rhode Island Women’s Council comes in. “People with non-male bodies face hazards on construction sites,” she says. “Safety gear was designed for men’s bodies, and if your harness doesn’t fit or your vest is too big or your gloves fall off, not only does it slow your productivity, it can be a safety hazard. This sounds like something we should have dealt with in the ‘60s, but we’re still dealing with it today.” In addition to outfitting female bodies with proper safety equipment, Kingston ser ves as a lifeline. “If women run into problems on a construction site, like hazing or even lack of safe restroom facilities, they don’t always want to talk to the men in charge about the issues

On the job with Eagle Eye Construction LLC

they’re facing ,” she says. “I’m there to ser ve as a source of support for them.” A personal mission for Kingston is helping mothers, particularly those who rely on state care, transition into the workforce after spending months and years caring for small children, explaining , “I want to help mothers earn more than a living wage and receive retirement opportunities.” Part of making that transition sustainable is addressing childcare needs because the day starts early on a construction site. “Boston and New York are doing a lot of great work on this issue,” Kingston says, describing the research advocates are conducting in Rhode Island. “One idea that’s really piqued people’s interest here is developing union-run

FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Eagle Eye Construction LLC

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childcare facilities for union workers.” Kingston believes that young women and mothers need to be made aware of their options early and regularly engages in youth advocacy work. “The trades are a good alternative to college, and the education system should put them back in schools so students know they’re an option,” she says. “And you can be a supervisor, a foreman, an architect, an entrepreneur. You don’t have to just dig the holes.” Kingston describes with pride a young mother she’s currently mentoring and envisions working with more young women like her in the future: “Being able to hand her a union check will be a great feeling. I’m looking forward to continuing to help her grow.”

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For the Love of Falafel The East Side’s go-to eatery for wraps, salads, and Syrian staples

Photo courtesy of East Side Pockets

By Abbie Lahmers

f February is a month for nurturing the love in our lives, why shouldn’t that encompass pleasures of the culinary persuasion, too? A mainstay of Thayer Street for 26 years, East Side Pockets is one such foodie love not to be taken for granted. Known for their falafel, chicken tenders, baklava, and a range of wholesome wraps, owner Paul Boutros explains that it all started with a vision of sharing Syrian food and culture with Providence. Reflecting on the fast-casual restaurant’s tenure, Boutros says, “ When we first opened East Side Pockets, my father, mother, sisters, brothers-in-law, and I would work long hours, preparing the food and ser ving the customers. We would work side by side from open to close; the business became our second home and we all helped to take care of it.” That passion shows in fresh ingredients and house-made toppings that keep customers coming back, and perhaps most of all, in their falafel – spiced chickpea balls fried in vegetable oil. In wrap form, “The most common way we see it ordered is ‘with the works,’” says Boutros, which includes hot sauce, hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, pickles, tabouleh, tahini, and tzatziki. Their falafel is also available as a salad or over jedra (spiced rice and lentils) on a plate. “If you have never tried one, just let us know and we’ll give you one on the house!” February is also a great time to stop in for a warm chicken or lentil soup, ser ved with a side of Syrian bread – and ser vice that’s equally uplifting. “To this day, we have customers who came in 1997 when we first opened and who never stopped coming in,” Boutros says. “Seeing our customers enjoy our food, learn about our culture, and leave with a smile is what keeps us going every day.” 278 Thayer Street, EastSidePocket.com

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Gold Standard

Cocktai l s te l l a s en s o r y sto r y ste mmi n g from the Mid d le East at a d owntown b ar all ab out details By Ann Martini

Mezze dishes complement craft coktails at Marcelino’s

as a dishwasher at 16, and worked my way through school in the industry.” Ali has the fondest memories of his own senses being awakened by the cooking and entertaining rituals of his family and friends. In 2015, at the age of 25, Ali moved with his family to the United States. “I started to think about creating a place that would incorporate all of my experiences from traveling and working in the food and beverage industry,” he explains, “a place that triggers all of your senses in the best possible ways.” He partnered with co-founder Basil Badawi with the goal of creating a place where people could truly relax and escape, and feel free to be “whomever they wish to be,” he explains. Alongside his partners and wife Holly, who is a pediatric nurse at Rhode Island Hospital (last year the couple welcomed a daughter), Ali has done just that. Step off the sidewalk and you’ll find yourself in

Marcelino Abou Ali

Photos courtesy of Marcelino’s Boutique Bar

secret that those who excel in the restaurant industry know is that the more sensual a dining experience is, the more enjoyable it will be, that engaging the senses evokes emotions and memories and creates lasting impressions. Our brains are never as tuned in as when we’re fully immersed in an exquisite dish or creative beverage. It’s this concept that Marcelino Abou Ali, one founder behind Marcelino’s Boutique Bar in the Omni Providence Hotel, embraces with enthusiasm. “People respond to a holistic experience,” he explains. “ The details really matter.” Ali was surrounded by this core belief growing up in Batroun, Lebanon, an ancient fishing village turned hot spot north of Beirut. His father was a firefighter and his mother, a homemaker. “I’ve spent my whole life in hospitality,” he explains. “I started

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an alternate universe-like setting – all amber-hued and sumptuous. Elaborate fixtures deposit golden light onto the bar and the lounge areas, which feature mirror details, exposed brick, velvet and brass bar stools, long curtains, and candles. Ever y detail is meticulously chosen: the music you hear, aromas you smell, patterns you see, even the textures you feel – it’s all inspired by the aesthetics of Asia and the Middle East and various parts of the world that Ali has visited. He borders on obsessive about the customer experience. “Every 20 minutes, we adjust the details in the rooms according to who and how many people are in them,” he says. Ali consulted childhood friend Refaat Ghostine, an award-winning mixologist, to create an immersive craft cocktail experience. “I grew up watching my grandparents make wine, arak, and syrups from scratch, so I was inspired to incorporate earthy and aromatic flavors into my vision. We wanted to create drinks that are as complex as food,” Ali says, explaining that

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the cocktails incorporate distinctive textures and complex flavor profiles. Describing the processes of making syrups, tinctures, and garnishes, he says, “There is so much preparation here to bring a drink to fruition.” A study of the recipe for a tomato grapefruit cocktail is illustrative of that alchemy. The ingredients include tequila and mezcal, clarified tomato water, a grapefruit and sumac cordial, lime juice, chili tincture, pink Himalayan salt, and a sustainable tomato chip and dehydrated grapefruit slice to garnish. “Our menu is designed to explore all five of the fundamental flavor profiles: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This drink has smokiness from the mezcal, saltiness from the sumac and pink Himalayan salt, and umami from the tomato water.” While there isn’t a full kitchen, chef Maroun Nohra complements the bar program with lush Mediterranean-inspired offerings: mezze and charcuterie platters, salads, roasted vegetables, baked flatbreads, and more.

Marcelino’s has been thriving , so much so that there are plans to open a second location in the Boston Seaport District. Ali’s goals are lofty – one is to be named one of the best cocktail bars in the world. But you get the sense that if anyone can do it, he can. He understands the importance of consistent branding – he was originally against naming the bar after himself, but partner Badawi encouraged it, saying that the experience here exemplifies the essence of who Marcelino is. Ali exudes hospitality from his pores, and yet the success has not gone to his head. “Sometimes when I’m passing by a table or the bar, I’ll hear people say things about what they’re experiencing here, and I can’t believe the wonderful things they say,” he says. “Until now, it was always just a dream.”

Marcelino’s Boutique B ar 1 West Exchange Street, Providence 666-0088 • MarcelinosBoutiqueBar.com

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Photos courtesy of Marcelino’s Boutique Bar

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Photos courtesy of Talkin’ Tummy

visit to Sankofa Community Kitchen on the West End of Providence to tr y a few entrees from Talkin’ Tummy turned into an intimate sit-down lunch with founder and CEO Onyinyechi Njoku. Amid the enticing smells of spices and savor y meats and the sound of humming appliances, Njoku presented her food to me with humor and humility, asking for my feedback as I tried each dish, and by the end we were joking around like old friends. With co-founder Philletta Payne, Talkin’ Tummy is Njoku’s West African pop-up kitchen that she started four years ago, though she only just recently took a leap and left her pharmaceutical job to pursue her food business full-time.

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A platter of West African eats from Talkin’ Tummy

F Y Y 6 YB , Y Y Y Y Y

Cooking with her grandmother since she was a child in Nigeria, Njoku developed a love early on for preparing and serving meals. “Food is my love language,” she told me. “[Cooking ] is my way of giving back to the world.” Njoku moved to Rhode Island in middle school with her family. Although she fell in love with Providence, she noticed that family members encountered ailments she didn’t see while living in Nigeria. When her father was diagnosed with cancer, her family reevaluated their diets, including where their produce was coming from. Today, her father is doing much better, and her family continues to grow their own vegetables. With Talkin’ Tummy, Njoku intentionally incorporates fresh ingredients into every meal. She hopes that through her pop-ups, she can “help change the way we eat in the US,” she explained. “The diet here is killing people.” Presentation also matters to Njoku. I

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watched her chop scallions to generously garnish the house special, TT ’s Homemade Jollof Rice. Pleasantly spiced rice was cooked with red bell peppers and ser ved with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts and – a personal favorite of mine – sweet fried plantains, ser ved soft with crispy edges. Next, I tried the Fufu and Okra Soup, with a peppery aroma that drew me in. The soup contained a beautiful mix of goat meat, crab, palm oil, and onion. I dipped my fingers in water to roll the soft fufu, which is made from pounded yam – like mashed potatoes but denser – to eat with the broth. Njoku explained this is generally served in large portions. As we finished talking and eating , Njoku shared, “When I come into the kitchen, I feel alive. It feels like home to me.” And each of her pop-up patrons are sure to feel like family when ordering from Talkin’ Tummy.

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Food News Coffee, art, and community in Portsmouth Grafik Coffee Company is about more than just craft-brewed beverages – though their fresh-roasted coffee is reason enough to visit, Grafik’s mission is to support local artists by featuring their artwork on bags of beans for sale. “Our three pillars are coffee, art, and community,” says owner Josh Whalen, who opened the shop in December. “It all starts with the coffee. We have amazing in-house small-batch roasted coffee. I’m roasting at five pounds per batch. We’re able to control many of the steps in the coffee-making process before it reaches the customer’s hand. From roasting to quality control to the actual preparation is what makes us stand out.” Customer favorites include the seasonal Maple Cinnamon Latte, Heath Bar Crunch, and the Black Ginger Fizzer, with traditional hot and iced coffees, espressos, and cappuccinos also available. Find locally baked pastries and KNEAD Doughnuts, along with a lunch menu of small artisan sandwiches. For the kiddos, order a Hot Lil’ Latte or Iced Mini Mocha. Portsmouth, GrafikCoffee.com

Bagels and beyond in Providence Offering over a dozen varieties of bagels and several spreads, including chive, Nutella, and sundried tomato, the East Side Bagel Company has quietly earned a loyal following since opening in November. “The Breakfast Bagel, served all day, is the most popular item on the menu,” says owner Georges Makhlouf. “Everything and multi-grain are customer favorites.” The new restaurant on Elmgrove Avenue sells a tasty selection of sandwiches including the Eastside Lox Bagel Sandwich, the Cape Cod Chicken Salad, and the BLTA, with bacon,

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lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, and cream cheese. “We also have Ruebens; they are very popular on a marble bagel,” adds Makhlouf. Fresh bagels prepared daily might be the focus of the new establishment, but the menu is quite extensive. “For dessert, we have Italian pastries, Crème Brulee, Coppa Tiramisu, and acai bowls.” With fresh coffee, delicious smoothies, and bubble tea on the menu, the shop has become a popular neighborhood hangout. Takeout, delivery, and catering are also available. Providence, EastSideBagelCompany.com

From hearty salads and grain bowls to cozy soups and cold-pressed juices, Greenhouse Gansett is a go-to for nourishing bites. Tyler Basile, who opened the restaurant with his wife Alex last year, says, “It’s how we, ourselves, like to eat. You’re looking at a giant commercial version of our kitchen at home, and the town’s kind of taken to it.” Popular menu items include the Rhody Cobb, which is “our take on a Cobb Salad, with sweet potato, roasted chicken, bacon, egg , cheese, and avocado, all tossed in balsamic,” says Alex. “Our most popular bowl is the Boon Street bowl – rice, steak, jalapeños – you’re looking at what I would make myself at home,” says Tyler. Greenhouse serves everything fast-casual in containers to go, with about half of their customers opting for takeout. “A lot of people customize and build their own,” adds Alex. “We can customize to fit anyone’s dietary needs. We’re more than just a salad.” Narragansett, GreenhouseGansett.com FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo courtesy of East Side Bagel Company

Gansett’s new health cafe is more than a salad

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Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

All Favorites Cafe 1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com | A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille 8 locations across RI! Chelos.com | A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

MainStreet Coffee 137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 | MainStreet-Coffee.com Casual coffee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

Casa Azul 890 Allens Ave, PVD | 401-414-7799 CasaAzulri.com | Our Casa is Your Casa. Authentic Mexican Flavors, Delicious Recipes and Vegan options. Home of the Wicked Best Margarita.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700 thecoastguardhouse.com | Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar 1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088 marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

CAV Restaurant 14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com | Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island 401-558-0190 | davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

Twin Willows 865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com | Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

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MEET KOFFEE AND KANDEE,

Rhode Island’s newest electronic dance music production and DJ duo, comprised of f riends, John Calcagni (JC) and Sisco Kennedy (SK). Though Rhode Island natives, their paths crossed in a most unexpected manner. Calcagni, a lawyer, and Army veteran, owns and operates a law practice based in downtown Providence. Sisco, a song writer, producer, and DJ, is a f ixture in the music industry with more than 20 years of experience. His talents range f rom performing as a wedding or events DJ to writing, producing, and performing his own songs where one of his productions earned him a Billboard award. The pair met in the winter of 2020 when JC decided he wanted to take DJ lessons. He tinkered with DJing in both the 1990s and early 2000s when turntables dominated the industry. After taking a hiatus to focus on college, military service, and eventually the law, JC felt it was time for a hobby. Disinterested in golf like many of his colleagues, he turned to electronic dance music. As an avid fan of the genre for many years, and renowned dance music festival-goer, JC wanted to learn the ins and outs of modern methods of DJing, where vinyl and CDs have been ȸƺȵǼƏƬƺƳ ɯǣɎǝ ȅȵ‫ ב‬ˡǼƺɀً ƏȇƳ ɎɖȸȇɎƏƫǼƺɀ have been replaced with laptops and digital controllers. His desire to walk the pathway of the many electronic

music legends that he emulates and has met over the years brought him to SK’s doorstep. Introduced by a common friend, SK took JC in under his roof where the lessons began. The duo quickly found common ground in their passion for electronic dance music and formed a strong friendship. Combined with months of intense study and practice, all under SK’s direction, JC evolved from a lawyer by day to an electronic dance music DJ by night. The two then hatched Koffee and Kandee, also referred to as K+K. The duo is adamant that Koffee and Kandee is an entity. JC and SK are individually and collectively, Koffee and kƏȇƳƺƺً ɯǝƺȸƺ ȇƺǣɎǝƺȸ ȅƏȇ ǣɀ ǣƳƺȇɎǣˡƺƳ as either Koffee or Kandee. The name is JC’s brainchild. He intended the name to signify and equate the high energy associated with electronic dance music with the caffeine and sugar highs associated with these consumables. JC and SK also recognize the negative drug use stereotype often associated with electronic dance music. To overcome this, they wanted their K+K brand to stand for something more powerful – the music itself. JC and SK have been working together as Koffee and Kandee for more than two years. Their journey has included live performances at various events and venues in Rhode Island and Southeast New England. When not performing, JC and SK are in the studio working on original remixes of other artists’ songs and K+K originals. SK is the veteran sound architect and engineer

behind their productions. While JC remains a progressing student in this regard, his creative thought process ǣȇɀȵǣȸƺɀ ƏȇƳ ǣȇˢɖƺȇƬƺɀ Ɏǝƺ ɀȒɖȇƳɀ of Koffee and Kandee, especially the festival style sets they perform live. The duo is committed to keeping the music alive, where, in part, they are devoted to transforming classic songs of the past, from different genres, and bringing them to new audiences in the present in an electronic dance format. Koffee and Kandee music may be found in various online DJ record pools, on platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube, and streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Their 2023 claim to fame was to have the K+K remix of English singer Freyda Ridings’ song, “Weekends,” played by dance music legend Tiesto on his Club Life Radio Podcast (Episode 831). Koffee and Kandee also hosts a podcast, Ear Kandee, where JC and SK discuss their journey together, current events and trends in the music industry, and the local music scene, where they partner with other like-minded disciples of electronic dance music. Keep an eye on Koffee and Kandee in 2024, when the duo looks to expand their mark with performances beyond New England, and also to sign with a major dance music record label. For more information on Koffee and Kandee, follow them on Instagram @koffeeandkandee or scan QR code for more ways to connect!

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Rom-Com FROM COUPLES TO PALS TO GOING IT SOLO, IDEAS TO SET THE SCENE FOR THE VALENTINE’S DAY YOU WANT BY JENNY C. SHAND

alentine’s Day, a day devoted to love, is ironically one of the most unloved holidays of the year. But even the most embittered soul can feel soothed by a chocolate-covered strawberry latte. Whether you go all in on romance, invest in self-care, or take up axe-throwing to forget your ex, here are myriad ways to make this Valentine’s Day the best one yet. Show us your date pics by tagging #heyrhodyphotos

Meet Cute: The term used to describe a first encounter between two characters that leads to their romantic relationship: “ We bumped into each other on the RIPTA.”

Graze on Main

Photos courtesy of (L) East Side Cheese & Provisions, (R) Graze on Main

East Side Cheese & Provisions

THE Cheesy Romance DATE

There are few ways to express love as passionately as gifting an assortment of cheese. Rhode Island is full of artisanal cheese wizards who can guide you through their selection, or better yet, you can pre-order a specialty board and indulge in all the gooey romance yourself. Try East Side Cheese & Provisions in Providence – that black truffle heart from Godminster will cure the blackest of hearts – or choose a cheese or dessert board at Wedge in Warren. And if you want to play matchmaker and help your cheese find its perfect mate, Graze on Main in East Greenwich provides wine pairings as well.

Date Dire ctory

Bodhi Spa Providence

Ceremony

Photo courtesy of Bodhi Spa

Photo by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Ceremony

A listing of places included in this article, plus a few extras! Plan ahead and make any reser vations needed in advance. Check with each location for hours, availability, and mask / COVID updates.

ACTIVITIES All South County Luxury Cinemas South Kingstown

Avon Cinema | Providence Contemporary Theater Company Wakefield

Far Shot Providence Frosty Drew Observatory Charlestown

THE Honeymoon Vibes DATE

RISD Museum | Providence

If you’re looking for a way to show a friend, family member, or significant other that you love them, look no farther than giving the gift of rest and relaxation. Bodhi Spa, located in both Providence and Newport, is the perfect introduction to the ancient art of hydrotherapy, with hot mineral pools, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms. It’s also fully equipped with traditional therapies, from age-defying facials to hot stone massages. Turn relaxation into a date with the Bodhi Bliss Couples Massage: 30, 60, or 90 minutes of refreshing wellness alongside your partner.

BOOKS

THE Getting Over Your Ex DATE

Hope & Main | Warren Imperial Ceramics | Warwick LineSider Brewing East Greenwich

Ocean Mist | Matunuck Paint and Vino | Pawtucket

Charter Books | Newport Ink Fish Books | Warren Rarities Books & Bindery Wakefield

Symposium Books | Providence Continued on next page...

If the thought of Valentine’s Day makes you want to throw sharp objects, there’s a place for that: Far Shot Providence. Ideal for a group of friends, you’ll receive a quick coaching lesson before trying your hand at ax and knife throwing. Reservations are encouraged, and all equipment is provided. Beer and soft drinks are available at the bar, and you can bring your own food (might we suggest a cheese board?). Enjoy the thrill of hitting your target or discover a new way to get over an ex, free of judgment.

The Reef

Photo courtesy of The Reef

Sweet Marie's Tea Cottage

THE Afternoon Tea DATE

Engage all of your senses with a tea ceremony at Ceremony, where teas are sourced from small farms across Asia and can be directly traced to their origin. “Tea is the whiskey of hot drinks,” says owner Michelle Cheng, and this 90-minute tasting focuses on the delicate and subtle differences that make each tea special. Journey through this authentic experience with another person or a group of up to five. If a British-inspired afternoon tea is how you envision tea time, reserve a spot at Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage for a sampling of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets, along with specialty cocktails and bottomless tea. This is the perfect excuse to dress up and celebrate with your Galentines.

THE Let’s Book the Valentine’s Package DATE

Photo by Nadia Eisa and Maurisa Mackey, courtesy of Sweet Marie's Tea Cottage

The Christopher Dodge House

Spend a steamy staycation in the heart of Rhode Island’s capital city at The Christopher Dodge House, or plan your escape to The Surf Shack, only a stone’s throw from the beach in Narragansett. Choose from a variety of styled rooms and add a “Romantic Getaway Package” to your stay at the Christopher Dodge House to receive a dozen roses, a half-pound box of assorted chocolates from Sweenor’s Chocolates, and a $100 gift card to Mill’s Tavern. If you want to extend your stay at The Surf Shack to include the weekend, you can indulge in a Valentine’s Day package that will include dinner and champagne at their eponymous restaurant and bar, where you can sip cocktails by the sea or share sparks with your loved one by the firepit out front.

THE Epic Romance DATE

Photo courtesy of The Christopher Dodge House

For a truly romantic atmosphere, The Reef in Newport allows you to dine in the dark by candlelight, snuggling up near the fireplace and enjoying the soft serenade of a violinist. A special menu features elevated New England dining with an international twist. If magic is what you’re after, try dining outdoors in one of their eight specialty igloos, professionally decorated with chandeliers, fireplaces, and themes – from Winter Wonderland to The Gilded Age. These are available all day and can be reserved for two to eight people. On the other side of the bay, the Coast Guard House provides more options of dining by candlelight and igloos against a backdrop of rolling waves below.

CHEESE East Side Cheese & Provisions Providence

Graze on Main | East Greenwich Wedge | Warren

CHOCOLATE Hawt Chocolate | Warren Jennifer’s Chocolates | Wakefield Seacoast Sweets | Cranston Sweenor’s Chocolates Cranston & Wakefield

COFFEE Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge South Kingstown

Groundswell Cafe + Bakery | Tiverton MainStreet Coffee | East Greenwich Rachel’s Cafe | South Kingstown Rise ‘n Shine Coffee | Providence

THE PJs and Gourmet DATE

Bites By Bre

If staying cozy at home is your style, then ordering Bites By Bre’s Valentine’s dinner is a 100 percent must. Each of her three courses is thoughtfully prepared and infused with love. For lucky Providence dwellers, you don’t even need to change out of pajamas to enjoy this mouthgasm – it can be delivered to your door. However, anyone is welcome to pick up their dinners from her base of operations. Past dinners have included Truffled Shepherd’s Pie, All Day Braised Brisket, and a special Belgian Spaghetti Bolognese, which Bre describes as “the ultimate convergence of love.” You’re also likely to receive a surprising touch with dinner, whether it be a bouquet of flowers, a heartfelt note, an artistic drawing on the deliver y bag , or dog treats for the most loyal kind of Valentine.

THE Let’s Get Snippy DATE

If a “love fern” worked for Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, perhaps a “love bonsai” will be the symbol of your relationship. On Februar y 11, make plans at LineSider Brewing, where you can learn the art of trimming tiny trees while drinking your favorite beer. You’ll receive all the materials and walk away with a cute potted and pruned bonsai. (Bonsai Bar also makes appearances at Smug Brewing on Februar y 10 and 24, Pivotal Brewing Februar y 15, and Jake and Johnny’s Lounge Februar y 24; book online at BonsaiBar.com.) For the more traditional green thumb, join BloomBack Flowers at Gracie’s on Februar y 8 or at The XO Bar on the 13th, where you will learn about floral design. You’ll create a beautiful arrangement to make your loved one feel extra special and craft your own delicious cocktail or mocktail to complement the occasion.

Photo by Bre Goldsmith

Matunuck Oyster Bar

Photo courtesy of Matunuck Oyster Bar

Audrey's Coffee House & Lounge

THE Aphrodisiac DATE

Not only is Matunuck Oyster Bar’s waterfront location a stunning place to dine; it’s also guaranteed to have the freshest pond-to-plate seafood, including the infamous bivalves known for their libido-boosting qualities. Dine in, where flavor meets beauty and the lights reflect off the salt pond outside the huge windows, or order oysters to go. If you choose the latter, be sure to pick up some chocolate covered-strawberries from Jennifer’s Chocolates and a nice bottle of wine from Wakefield Liquors to hit all of the major aphrodisiacs. We look forward to seeing photos of your baby come November!

THE Celeb-Hosted DATE

Photo courtesy of Audrey's Coffee House & Lounge

BloomBack Flowers

Photo courtesy of BloomBack Flowers

Groundswell

Photo by Jenny C. Shand

The best sign that a date is going well is that hours will pass without either person realizing it. Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge is perfectly designed for such occasions, where morning coffee turns into cocktails, and – on February 14 – into a specially designed romantic dinner. Owned by Bachelor in Paradise’s success story, Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti, you can be sure that the romantic dinner will involve roses (perhaps the final rose?). There’s also a Galentine’s brunch planned for February 11, with a potential special appearance from a friend of the owners, but truth be told – they had me Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte.

THE Let’s Nest DATE

Groundswell in Tiverton should be synonymous with “a match made in heaven.” The owners, a landscape architect and an interior designer, have perfectly curated a magical aesthetic that feels a bit like Narnia. Inspired by travels to Europe, and influenced by the seasons in Rhode Island, the cafe and bakery’s items will keep you satisfied from morning until afternoon, with locally roasted artisan coffee, delectable pastries, and freshly made salads and sandwiches. In between eating and drinking, you can explore Table + Provisions, a two-story home filled with everything you need (or will want to have) for the perfectly stocked kitchen: berry jams, pour-over tea pots, nautically themed cookware, sipping chocolate, cookbooks, and cocktail shakers. Across the street at the Garden + Home, you’ll find terrariums, planters, and garden decor – inspiration to breathe life into your home. After all of this perusing, you’ll want to enjoy another round of decadent hot chocolate and the monthly croissant, perhaps by an outdoor firepit, where you can sit back and allow yourself to feel enchanted.

DINING continued... La Masseria | East Greenwich Matunuck Oyster Bar | Wakefield Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Wakefield

Twin Oaks Restaurant | Cranston The Reef | Newport Wickford On The Water North Kingstown

LIBATIONS Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge South Kingstown

Bellini Providence Courtland Club | Providence GPub Restaurants | Providence The Guild | Pawtucket Riffraff Bookstore + Bar | Providence

LINGERIE

THE I Can Buy Myself – and Give – DATE

One of the best ways to combat Valentine’s Day blues is to do something kind for someone else. This year, Ink Fish Books is partnering with the George Hail Free Library to Give the Gift of Reading, which will run from January 29 through February 14. Books from a wish list (for both adults and children) can be purchased at Ink Fish Books and donations can be made at either location. And while you’re shopping for books for others, pick up a little something for yourself. Owner Lisa Valentino recommends Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love, or the forthcoming book, Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle. While in Warren, hop over to the Winter Market at Hope & Main on February 13 and enjoy some Hawt Chocolate and other treats while exploring more than 20 rockstar foodpreneur booths. Best of all, there’s a Buy One, Give One meal program that began in 2020 and has since provided over 60,000 meals to people in the community facing food insecurity. Order a meal in advance or in person – you can nourish your soul while nourishing others.

THE Tipsy Paint Night DATE

While it’s always fun to make a memory that can be hung on a wall, what sets Paint and Vino’s Valentine’s Day paint night apart is that couples must work as a team to create a painting. Each person is responsible for his or her canvas individually, but the final piece of artwork is a bigger picture that fits together side by side. It’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner artist, imbibe on a favorite beverage, and create a piece of artwork together. Whether this is a second date or a 20th anniversary, a paint date night can be a new and exciting way to connect with your sweetheart.

Hope & Main

Zoe and Co. | Westerly Mrs. Robinson’s | Providence

SPA Bodhi Spa | Providence & Newport SeaMist MedSpa | Wakefield

STAY Aloft Providence Downtown The Christopher Dodge House Providence

Grace Note Farm | Pascoag The Surf Shack | Narragansett

TEA Ceremony | Providence Chinese Tea House | Newport Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage North Kingstown

Val’s English Tea & Pie Shop | Smithfield

Photo courtesy of Hope & Main

Gracie's

Courtland Club

THE Menu Tasting DATE

Adventures are sexy, and what better culinary adventure is there than a multi-course tasting menu? Having transitioned in 2022 from a beloved pop-up to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Foglia (pronounced “fo-lee-a,” meaning “leaf ” in Italian) offers a completely vegan and nut-free tasting experience. You’ll be astounded by their creativity, and the talented young pastry chef Piper McAloon will be providing desserts. Alternatively, having just celebrated their 25th anniversary, Gracie’s will be offering their classic five- to seven-course Chef ’s Tasting Menu, with optional wine pairings (non-alcoholic pairings also available). You can also add flowers or a cake from Ellie’s when making your reservation.

THE Be Seen DATE

Photo by JWessel Photography, courtesy of Gracie's

Riffraff Bookstore + Bar

Photo by Ryan Lopes, courtesy of Courtland Club

Paint and Vino

Courtland Club is the next generation of what once was a gentlemen’s social club in the 1940s (and before that, Crugnale Bakery in the 1920s). Nestled in the heart of a residential neighborhood on the West End of Providence, it bears speakeasy vibes and is no longer just for old men. In February’s past, the ValenTaco and unique ValenDiner booth have been rolled out to accompany their special menu. This year is a surprise, not only in the form of their mystifying cocktails (edible gold stars have been known to garnish their drinks), but also because rising star chef Nikhil Naiker will be debuting his restaurant concept Nimki out of Courtland Club on Valentine’s Day. Be among the first to indulge in this new relationship.

THE Literary Lovers DATE

Photo courtesy of Riffraff Bookstore + Bar

Phtoo courtesy of Paint and Vino

Catherine and Heathcliff. Romeo and Juliet. Gin and Tonic. Some of the greatest pairings of all time, and you can find these while simultaneously flexing your literary knowledge at Riffraff Bookstore + Bar’s Literary Trivia night on February 14. As a bookstore, bar, and cafe all wrapped into one sensational package, Riffraff is the perfect place to enjoy solitude, or join a group of friends, or meet that mysterious man at the bar who’s sipping a martini and reading that book you’ve been curious about. At the very least, it’s a great conversation starter.

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Collected Wisdom Photos by Leah Miriam Pisari

An artful couple embraces “museum bookstore” style in their 1900s East Side condo By Elyse Major

hen East Side homeowner Leah Pisari came across the trending interior hashtag “museum bookstore,” it resonated, giving a name to her own predilection toward styling bookcases, composing galler y walls, and furnishing spaces with tactile materials and graphic punch. Indeed, the home she shares with her husband Ed and their two pets since March 2020, is skillfully outfitted with storied heirlooms, art work, and trinkets. “I have traditional elements like the green couch and the dining room table, while mixing in the mid-centur y console and eclectic decorating ,” says Pisari.

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Raised in North Kingstown, Pisari left the state for Maryland to earn her Master of Fine Arts, then lived and worked in New York City. When she landed a job at her undergrad alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, as a visual media specialist at the Harrington School, she knew she wanted to live in Providence – particularly the East Side – for its walkability and access to cafes and downtown. “ We viewed three or four places, fell in love with our home, and got it right in time,” she recalls. “ We

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“The gallery walls are living wallpaper; I’m able to update and rearrange it as I want, each piece tied to a memory of a place, person, or event. I keep a pile of frames in my closet as I continue to find pieces or print my own work,” says Pisari.

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deliberate. Gray walls on the main level are a neutral foil for artwork while swaths of blue appear on kitchen cabinetry and upstairs walls; green is also a constant on both couches and leaf y plants. “I wanted greens to bring in a pop of color in the sea of blues.” Accents like textiles infuse dashes of reds, pinks, and yellows. “I like my ability to combine seemingly mismatched pieces. I always trust the process and just pick things that resonate with Ed and me,” Pisari muses from her peridot velvet couch. “My favorite part is that my home reflects us.”

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“I feel like my style reflects Providence with the historic traditional architecture mixed with arts of all kinds and an eclectic community. I have always loved Providence. After city-hopping around the East Coast, including New York and Baltimore, I always came back. Providence feels the most authentic and always lives up to the hype.”

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“I love Rhode Island small businesses. My favorites are Craftland (almost all of the bedroom art), Frank & Laurie’s, Lore, NAVA, Oak Bakeshop (their black and white cookies featured in the living room photos), Piemonte Pizza, Stock Culinary Goods, and Wickford Gourmet.”

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“I love working in South County and having a home in Providence. I love exploring the city and spending the day at the beach. I am so happy to call Rhode Island home.”

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Peach on Earth Rhody goods in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2024 invoke the warm fuzzies

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n early December, noted color authority Pantone announced that Peach Fuzz, AKA PAN- TONE 13-1023, would be their Color of the Year for 2024. While some of us may select a guiding word for the 12 months ahead to help set and guide intentions, for 25 years the New Jersey-based company known by designers and manufacturers for standardizing colors by code, has strived to do the same on a larger scale with their annual headline-making color and name drop. While this year’s pink/orange choice may seem a bit retro – whether conjuring images of 1950s cashmere

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Meet Camilla Akbas Player 367 on Netflix’ hottest reality show on cookie challenges, creating content, and ceviche

Photo courtesy of Camilla Akbas

By Ruthie Wood

Tell us a bit about yourself. Along with being a full-time lifestyle content creator and Dunkin’ connoisseur, I also work as a software developer. I truly believe that it is possible to have many different sides, interests, and passions, and I’m happy and honored that I get to showcase them all. What was it like being a contestant on Squid Game: The Challenge, a reality competition show for Netfli x inspired by the South Korean television series Squid Game. It was the most surreal experience of my life. I want to first mention how much of an honor it is to be picked out of hundreds of thousands of applicants; this little Middle Eastern gal got to represent our beautiful state on a global level. To walk into an experience where it looked exactly like the TV show blew my mind. I found it easy to connect with people due to being an extrovert, and quickly created several alliances. By the second day, I knew at least the name and one fun fact about all 197 people who lived with me. The hardest part of The Challenge was walking into games knowing that either yourself or your friends would not make it back with you. How did you prepare to be on the show? I did not train before the games and surprisingly, many others did not either! The only preparation I did was watch the original Squid Game show that came out in 2021 on Netflix. I wanted to make sure I had a refresh on the games, dorms, and outcomes that typically happened through the show. I truthfully think that if I rehearsed the cookie challenge, I would have been entirely more nervous and probably would have broken my cookie. Back in Rhody, what are some of your favorite places? I have favorite go -to ramen, Korean, sushi, BB Q, Brazilian, burger, vegan, and Indian spots, but I truly visit each one a ton. In Providence, I highly recommend getting Churrasco Anticuchero from Los Andes, and smoothies from In The Pink; however, as a New Englander, nothing beats a Dunkies trip in the morning. How do you find your top spots to make content around the state? We’re so fortunate to have so many amazing places to eat here in RI! Although I’ve tried many places, please feel free to send me your recommendations! My Instagram is @shutupcamilla.

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ART & CULTURE Lit | Calendar | Spotlight Joe Sprague AKA Greenwood Hi-Fi at Myrtle

Dreaming of Wednesday A lifelong record collector revels in spinning vinyl at EP’s grooviest club By Robert Isenberg

Photo by Bill Keough

y day, Joe Sprague is a mild-mannered man with a conspicuous interest in golf. He plays the game well, and he’s also served as director of strategic initiatives for the United States Golf Association. Before that, he was executive director of the Massachusetts Golf Association, and before that, director of the Rhode Island Golf Association for 15 years. In short, the man knows how to run a golf tournament. But on certain nights, the silver-haired administrator transforms into Greenwood Hi-fi, a turntable DJ with an astonishing range of musical tastes. Sprag ue has spun tunes at Myrtle, the new bar-slash-music venue in East Providence, since this past fall. “I’m just having fun with it,” says Sprague, who will turn 62 this month. He owns the necessary equipment and a vast collection of vinyl records, and he has long played the DJ role at friends’ events. Yet, the regular gigs at Myrtle have considerably upped his game. “To have a residency at a place, this is new to me. And I’m fortunate that people like it.” Sprague grew up in Rhode Island and studied at Providence College. While he did play bass with a couple of different bands, young Sprague was more active as a spectator. “I saw countless bands,” he recalls. “I didn’t have much money, like most college kids. But I’d buy records and play music on the [college] radio [station]. My tastes are pretty wide – everything from soul and garage rock to reggae, reggae dub, early punk rock, post-punk – and I’m still finding new bands.” Shortly before Myrtle opened, Sprag ue offered to DJ to owners Tommy Allen and Natalie VanLandingham. He hoped for monthly appearances, but Greenwood Hi-fi now mans the turntable just about ever y week. “If people like it,” says Sprague, “I tell them, ‘I’m just playing my record collection. Thanks for enjoying it.’” Learn more on Instagram @GreenwoodHiFi FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

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ART & CULTURE

Keep It 100

Warwick author explores the looming era of longer lifespans in new book By Hugh Minor

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“Half of all five-yearolds alive today will live to at least 100,” says author William Kole two and Massachusetts at number nine. “There is actual research that shows living near the ocean can extend life expectancy. It may be the soothing sounds of the water and access to open spaces where we can breathe fresh air.” Released in October, The Big 100 continues to garner much buzz and acclaim. Dr. Jane Goodall, noted anthropologist, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of

Peace, calls it “stimulating and inspiring ,” and Kole has been a guest on many broadcasts, including WBUR’s On Point. The author ends with this nugget of wisdom: “We’re all aging , whether we’re 18 or 81. But the question is what can we do to make sure that this time is meaningful, that it matters?” Learn more at BillKoleBooks.com; find The Big 100 at your favorite indie bookseller by request or on the shelf.

FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

Photo and book cover courtesy of William Kole

eporter, editor, and foreign correspondent William J. Kole has long been fascinated with the prospect of people living past 100 years of age. His own grandmother lived to be 104. “Her life touched three centuries,” Kole says with amazement of her 1899 to 2003 span. “In her younger years, she played the piano for silent movies. She was a fascinating individual.” What once was rare – living past 99 – has become more common due to ongoing advances in medicine and technolog y. “In the next 25 years, the number of people living into the triple digits will increase eightfold. Half of all five-yearolds alive today will live to at least 100.” In his new book, The Big 100: The New World of Super-Aging, the Warwick resident raises the question of whether or not we are ready for the impact that this swell in aging adults will have on society. “Increasing our life expectancy is wonderful, but there are a number of realities that we have to consider,” Kole posits. “How do we manage our longterm care? And what about our personal finances? How do we deal with a century worth of bills?” According to Kole, research shows both positives and negatives. There are things that we need to consider to make certain that tomorrow is worth living for all of us, from addressing quality of life concerns to coping with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. “Even for people with genetic tendencies toward these diseases, it’s not inevitable that they will ultimately experience them,” says Kole. “There are steps we can all take to keep [chronic illnesses] at bay, mainly leading a healthy and active life both physically and mentally. The potential is there for each of us living to 100 and beyond to continue to be creative and contribute to deeper, richer lives. These bonus years can be beautiful.” In the biggest little state, the outlook is promising. “Rhode Island is in pretty good shape in terms of people hitting the century mark. We’re currently number four in the country with 360 centenarians,” reports Kole. Nearby states are high on the scale as well, with Connecticut ranking number

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ART & CULTURE

The Must List

Photo by Marisa Lenardson, courtesy of Trinity Rep

10 essential events this month

Through February 18: La Broa’ is a new play by Orlando Hernández centered around

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h R Hey

Doña Rosa’s Market on Providence’s Broad Street, based on Latino History of Rhode Island: Nuestras Raíces, a collection of oral histories by Marta V. Martínez. TrinityRep.com

Through February: Hear classic acoustic covers and originals every Tuesday night at Moonshine Alley with singer-song writer Pat Lowell and friends, while enjoying craft beer, signature cocktails, and southern-inspired bites. MoonshineAlley.com

February 3-4: Vegetarian or plant-curious?

February 16-25: The annual Providence

Don’t miss RI VegFest, a celebration of eating and shopping with dozens of plantbased restaurants, makers, artists, retailers, and more in a fun, compassionate, and welcoming space. RIVegFest.com

Children’s Film Festival is back with in-person and virtual screenings during school vacation week, presenting a wide selection of films in and around the capital city. ProvidenceChildrensFilmFestival.org

Through February 19: Large-scale light installation Prismatica comes to 195 District Park, presented by Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, with 25 illuminated prisms turning downtown into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Read more on page 70. ProvFoundation.com

February 4: The Providence Flea is back

February 17: Cheer on the Providence College Men’s Basketball team under rookie coach Kim English as the Friars take on Big East rival DePaul in a lead-up to the NCAA March Madness tournament. Friars.com

Through February 29: So maybe it’s not the best time to start that diet because Rhode Island Food Fights is at it again with the 8th Annual Best Donuts RI LoveFest, this time pitting donut against doughnut, with 15 spots in all. RIFoodFights.com FEBRUARY 2024 | HeyRhody.com

from its winter nap and taking over the Market Hall at Farm Fresh RI. Enjoy easy parking and a festive day of shopping local and handmade. ProvidenceFlea.com

February 6-11: Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning To Kill a Mockingbird, considered one of the great works of American literature, comes to the Providence stage with Emmy Awardwinning actor Richard Thomas playing the role of Atticus Finch. PPACRI.org

February 18-24: No need to travel to Boston for a peek at the cosmos, as the Museum of Natural Histor y and Planetarium at Roger Williams Park has a roster of activities and planetarium shows. ProvidenceRI.gov Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

ART & CULTURE

Don’t miss Le Patin Libre, a groundbreaking contemporary Canadian ice skating troupe. Translating to “Free Skate” in English, the company founded in 2005 by former figure skater Alexandre Hamel, is essentially theater on ice with diverse themes, fanciful costumes, and set designs. February 17 and 18 at The Providence Rink: Bank Newport City Center

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A m o n t h - l o n g s p e c t a c l e o f p i vo t i n g p r i s m s , performances, and more promises to illuminate downtown while integrating nearby businesses into the fun By Jenna Kaplan

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hether you seek live music, skating performances, relaxation in a mobile sauna, exploration of stunning light installations along Dorrance Street, savory bites from food trucks, or captivating illuminated mural tours – all with convenient shuttle service from 195 District Park to The Providence Rink – the inaugural Lumina event promises a wide range of experiences catering to every taste and interest. “Let us come together to celebrate the heartbeat of Providence – our downtown businesses; they bring life and warmth to our city all year round,” says Nora Barré, Downtown Providence Parks Network (DPPN) executive director. Now through February 20, the Montreal-based spectacle known as Lumina brings enchanting light installations and displays, curated pop-up events, and performances at various locations along Dorrance Street. The event is a collaboration between DPPN, Providence Tourism Council, Providence Parks Department, 195 District Park, Providence Arts Culture + Tourism, The Avenue Concept, and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. The goal is to create a winter festival that encourages folks to leave their homes for a series of dazzling nights in the city. One of the highlights of Lumina is Prismatica, an interactive wonderland that has captivated audiences in cities across North America. Situated at 195 District Park, Prismatica is the creation of RAW Design, an esteemed architectural firm based in Toronto. This striking installation comprises 25 towering prisms that pivot and reach heights of over six feet; outfitted with a special dichroic film, prisms reflect a mesmerizing array of colors that shimmer and change with the light source and viewing angle, and respond to touch. Spectacle aside, the goal of Lumina is to lure people to Providence and support local businesses; to that end, DPPN is teaming up with small businesses, especially those on Dorrance Street, to make Lumina a truly special and interactive experience. “Let’s create an energetic atmosphere that not only celebrates but also lifts up our downtown business community,” says Barré with palpable enthusiasm. “Join us in creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates and lifts up our local business community!” Learn more at ProvFoundation.com/downtown-parks

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. *Data is based on sales volume of real estate transactions closed between 1.1.23 – 12.31.23 in the Rhode Island State-Wide Multiple Listing Service.

Relationships are Greater than Numbers. At Residential Properties, we have always believed that relationships are what matter the most. When it comes to making a move, whether buying or selling a home, your next chapter begins by partnering with an advisor you can trust. It’s people, personalities, and passions that make RPL “Rhode Island’s Real Estate Company.”

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