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CONTRIBUTORS
BRITT MACHADO
Britt Machado’s knack for blending eras and styles in a cohesive way is front-and-center in this month’s column. On page 52, discover “National Treasures” – a curated showcase of artful goods available around the state that fit this issue’s theme of kicking off America’s semiquincentennial. When she’s not working, find the JohnnyCakes founder/designer off on an adventure with her little dog Roxie.
JONAH MAJOR
A frequent arts contributor to the Hey Rhody blog, Jonah Major returns to print to report on a club for individuals who revel in seeing movies on the big screen. This subject is near and dear to his heart as a local filmmaker who will happily drive an hour to see a movie in the VistaVision format, and has worked on shoots and crews of all sizes, including HBO’s The Gilded Age .
HUGH MINOR
“Not all animals hibernate, so why should we?” was Hugh Minor’s charming story pitch. Explore five adventures in “Go Wild This Winter” on page 46. Minor’s accomplished portfolio includes nearly 30 years of communications and marketing expertise for nonprofits, sitting on the board of directors of House of Hope CDC, volunteering his time to various causes, and supporting indie bookstores.
JORDYN ZACHARIAS
A third-generation commercial fisherman who grew up working as a deckhand for her father, Jordyn Zacharias puts her knowledge to good use as the fisheries specialist for the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative, which supports and promotes the local fishing industry. This month she focuses on “Rhode Island’s finest fishmonger,” which just happens to be on Hope Street.
Happy New Year, Providence!
NEWS & CULTURE
Arts | Ocean State Media | On Stage | Rhody Gem | Calendar | Op-Ed | Neighborhood News
Talking Pictures
Social media helps a club for movie-lovers find its audience
By Jonah Major
At age four, Sean Flack’s mother brought him to a screening of Jurassic Park , introducing him to the magic of movies and the shared experience of seeing them on the silver screen alongside an enraptured audience. Now, through the Providence Movie Club, Flack spreads the magic of that shared movie-going experience through film-based community building.
Celebrating its third year, the club now holds four events every month, often including a group trip to a movie at Providence Place with a meetup afterwards, a social mixer event (for those who’d like to meet fellow movie-goers, but may not have time or money for a movie and dinner on the same night), screenings at AS220 programmed by Flack himself (a recent screening of Alien saw upwards of 40 attendees), and movie nights organized in partnership with other local groups. For example, one month the Providence Movie Club partnered with the West Broadway Neighborhood Association to screen Fantastic Mr. Fox in Dexter Park, or a screening of Bodies Bodies Bodies at Moniker Brewery with Queers and Beers of Rhode Island. For a hobby that often involves sitting silently in the dark, Flack has created a vibrant and all-inclusive community that seems to be constantly growing.
For a hobby that often involves sitting
and all-inclusive
But it wasn’t always the lively and expansive network it is today. Flack, an Ocean State resident since 2017, wanted to make more friends after the pandemic, and began attending the twice-monthly Rhode Island Beer Club. “I saw all the benefits of having local friends and a community,” says Flack. “So I wanted to provide that for other people who, you know, may be like me.” While seven attendees participated in the inaugural club outing to catch a Studio Ghibli film at Providence Place followed by dinner at Nami, attendance dwindled in the first year, and there were meetings where nobody showed up, or perhaps more awkwardly, a film with only a single attendee. The movie? Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave . “Well, I ended up becoming kind of close friends with that person,” tells Flack, “Yeah, that was a good thing.”
What really spiked attendance in the club was working with a local artist to create a logo, starting an Instagram page where Flack’s unique voice lends authenticity to posts promoting upcoming screenings, and holding social mixers in addition to the movie-meetup combo events. The first of the club’s social gatherings, held at Kimi’s, saw around 40 attendees, a long way from Decision to Leave Since then, the group has continued to grow. “A big part of that, too, is just consistency,” explains Flack, “So many people start meetup groups or groups around the city, and they’re very consistent with it, which makes sense.”
Providence Movie Club and Flack are largely
Sean Flack at a recent Movie Club Mixer
silently in the dark, Flack has created a vibrant
community that seems to be constantly growing
Photos courtesy of Providence Movie Club
one and the same when it comes to running the aforementioned Instagram page, organizing events, and running screenings. “It’s a lot of work,” admits Flack, “kind of emotionally exhausted too because you’re kind of like, oh is everyone having fun? When you’re doing your own screenings too, there’s also the AV issues which could go wrong.”
And yet, Flack has no plans of slowing down. When asked about plans for the future, he did not rest on the laurels of the three-year anniversary; instead, he excitedly outlined ideas for Providence Movie Club t-shirts, fliers, and even a movie-zine where local writers and artists could contribute pieces for themed publications. “People constantly are like, oh, you should start a podcast, but the world does not need another podcast,” says Flack, only half in jest. “But, you know, doing the zine, I think, would be a cool, cool idea. And I know there are some local people who are doing that kind of thing.”
At a time when so much engagement (with people, art, or otherwise) is mediated electronically, Flack’s Providence Movie Club has proven with its ever-growing attendance that people still seek out communal experiences bonding over art that matters. For those drawn to the light of this projector, information about future screenings can be found on the group’s Instagram page @pvdmovieclub.
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Two Years After the Washington Bridge Closure, East Providence Businesses are Still Fighting to Survive
From restaurants to bakeries to dance studios, local business owners describe customer losses, creative pivots, and the hard-earned resilience they’ve needed to keep going since the westbound bridge shut down in late 2023
Jim Hummel
In the two years since the westbound side of the Washington Bridge abruptly closed, business owners in East Providence have gotten a crash course in adaptability. Some have closed because patrons gave up trying to get to them; others have embraced new ways of doing business. Jim Hummel spoke with the owners of three businesses about what they’ve gone through since late 2023.
The Incred-A-Bowl Food Company
Sterling Spellman, co-owner of Incred-A-Bowl Restaurant on South Broadway, and her husband Russ, opened the store three years ago after
running a successful food truck and catering business. Immediately after the bridge closed, the road in front of their restaurant became clogged with drivers looking for an alternative route deterring some from going there. Over the past year, they saw their customer base increasingly dwindle and recently decided to go back to food trucks and special events instead of opening for regular hours at their business.
“As a small business, the bridge closing was a big hit for us,” Spellman said. “And so we are determined to find a way to shift and we’re just grateful because we know of other local places that have not been able to shift gears.”
Taunton Avenue Bakery
Maggie Leitao has owned the Taunton Avenue Bakery for more than two decades, building a customer base that included patrons from all over the greater Providence area. Leitao said that before the westbound lanes of the bridge closed abruptly in December 2023, employees from Rhode Island Hospital would take the quick trip over and back for lunch. The bridge’s closure ended that immediately, and she has worked to cultivate customers who live in the East Bay by expanding her menu. We spoke with her during lunch hour one day, and the line stretched out the door.
by
Photography
Mike Jones
Taunton Avenue Bakery
“It’s unbelievable how East Providence is actually such a great community and they focus on you,” Leitao said. “And a lot of people, they were like: ‘Oh my God, I would drive by, but I never stopped in. I didn’t know you served lunch. I didn’t know you served sandwiches.’ I had to kind of reinvent in a way…what can I do to just supply to all my local customers instead of having people from other cities coming here?”
Endicott Dance Academy
David Endicott is the owner of Endicott Dance Academy, several hundred yards from the now-closed entrance to Route 195. Endicott said he had just gotten back on his feet
from the pandemic when he found a space of his own near the bridge. That was three months before it closed. He, too, has pivoted by attracting more customers from the East Bay – and trying to convince those on the other side of the bridge that coming during non-rush hour is not too bad.
“So you just learn how to keep your head above water and adapt to the new situation, Endicott said. “I mean it’s just, there’s not much you can do.”
This article was originally posted on November 21, 2025. Jim Hummel can be reached at jhummel@OceanStateMedia.org.
As a third-generation Realtor® rooted in Rhode Island, I blend local insight with a passion for preservation. Whether your next chapter leans classic or contemporary, let’s make 2026 your year for a meaningful move.
David Endicott, owner of Endicott Dance Academy
Maggie Leitao, owner of Taunton Avenue Bakery
Sterling Spellman, owner of the Incred-A-Bowl Food Company
Winter on Weybosset
A line-up of Broadway musicals, concerts, and comedy is sure to beat the blues
By Ken Abrams
The winter season heats up at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) this month, with a busy lineup of theater, live music, and comedy on tap through March. PPAC continues to bring the best of Broadway, with a pair of top musicals kicking things off in January. First up, running January 16-18, is Clue, Live on Stage ,
a whodunit, based on the classic Hasbro board game, that will keep you laughing and guessing.
Opening January 20 is Suffs , a Tony Award-winning musical that brings the women’s suffrage movement to life, centered around the stories of suffragettes Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, and others who led the fight for women’s right to vote. In March, the blockbuster musical
Wicked arrives for a return engagement at the historic downtown venue.
All this comes on the heels of the announcement that longtime general manager Alan Chille was recently announced as PPAC’s new president and CEO, succeeding J.L. “Lynn” Singleton. In announcing Chille’s appointment, board chair Joseph W. Walsh stated, “Alan has
Photo courtesy of PPAC
Rhode Island State House Gift Shop
Souvenirs
What it is:
A section of the State House Visitor Center that is devoted to RI-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Where to find it:
Once clearing security inside the State House, head up the stairs and to the left. Look for the standing Visitor Center sign and enter the door at room 140. There will be an attendant behind the desk.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
The best Rhody Gems are the places you didn’t realize existed, and this gift shop fits the criteria perfectly. Looking for an Independent Man ornament? They got that. How about State House shot glasses? Would you prefer blue or gold? Find all this and items like pencils, tote bags bearing the state motto, postcards, magnets, coasters, pins, books, and more. For aficionados of the state drink, there are glass bottles of Blackstone Valley Coffee Syrup with old-timey packaging. There is also a rack filled with tourism information along with a free Rhode Island State House coloring book in English and Spanish. Pair your visit with an in-person tour of the Rhode Island State House for a winter afternoon of semiquincentennial fun.
Rhode Island State House Gift Shop
82 Smith Street State House, Room 140 330-3111
RISHGiftShop.com
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 Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photo by Elyse Major
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The Must List
10 essential events this month
January 1: Kick off the new year in style with a Gilded Age-themed High Tea at the Tavern , an afternoon tea with a traditional menu of sweet and savory sandwiches, scones, and dessert treats. MillsTavernRestaurant.com
January 7: Head to the Amica Mutual Pavilion for PC Friars v UConn Huskies , an early-season game when the Providence College men’s basketball team takes on their Big East rival and six-time national champion. Friars.com Friars.com
January 10: Lilith Fair: Providence is a benefit concert at The Parlour for Sojourner House featuring over a dozen local singer-songwriters, including Allison Rose, Jenn Lombari, Mary McAvoy, Heather Rose in Clover, and The Dust Ruffles. TheParlourRI.com
January 31: Warm-up at the 13th annual Rhode Island Brew Fest at the WaterFire Arts Center with more than 50 breweries and around 200 varieties of beer and cider available for sampling. Don’t forget those pretzel necklaces! RIBrewFest.com
January 15 - February 8: Shelagh Stephenson’s The Memory of Water is a dark comic drama about three sisters who confront tangled memories, buried resentments, and complicated relationships when they reunite at their mother’s funeral. Pawtucket, BurbageTheatre.org
January 19: Celebrate a morning of memory and inspiration on MLK Day at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast honoring Rhodes on the Pawtuxet scholars and fundraising leaders, sponsored by the Ministers Alliance of RI. MinistersAllianceri.org
January 23: Enjoy world-class dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the USA, and Japan when the Grand Kyiv Ballet brings the timeless classic Giselle , known for beautiful music and stunning choreography, to the stage. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
January 24: Join conductor Ruth Reinhardt, concertmaster Charles Dimmick, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for a program that includes Strauss’ The Blue Danube , Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony , and Ernest Chausson’s Poème RIPhil.org
January 25-February 7: Two weeks of exquisite dining await when Providence Restaurant Weeks returns to the capital city with deals and specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at dozens of area eateries, with many offering prix fixe menus . GoProvidence.com
January 30-February 1: Make some noise! Monster Jam is back with some of the world’s biggest and most popular trucks, including Grave Digger and El Toro Loco, tearing up the dirt and performing amazing stunts. AmicaMutualPavilion.com
Photo by Ken Abrams
RI Brew Fest
Op Ed: New Challenges for the New Year
Providence continues to face obstacles on the road to progress
By Barry Fain and Steven Triedman
It’s that time of the year to look back and look ahead with “new” New Year’s Resolutions for our city and state. It’s a chance to reflect on the past year and identify areas for improvement. It’s time to look ahead with increased optimism, filled with solid aspirations for a better future. So, in that spirit, we look back and forward with our slate from last year, which unfortunately, is slightly broken and very stained! So here’s our resolution list or wish list as it may appear.
THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE
On December 11, 2023, the Westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge were closed. Two years later, we know the cause, we know the government mismanagement and lack of oversight, we know the complete leadership failure, and we know the economic impact is hundreds of millions of dollars. What we don’t know is what the new bridge will look like, what it’s really going to cost, and while RIDOT has recently installed signs at the bridge thanking us for our patience and promising a 2028 opening, we feel that if you believe this, we have a bridge to sell you!
NEW GOVERNOR
This can’t come soon enough. Helena Foulkes remains our resolution, but Joe Shekarchi could make it interesting with his war chest, if he can ever make a decision.
THE SUPERMAN BUILDING
In April of 2013, this iconic building was emptied. So much time has passed and nothing has happened. The costs have spiraled to over $325 million if you actually believe the numbers (which we don’t), including $90-100 million in government subsidies. However, there is no realistic timeframe, let alone an end in sight. The complete lack of parking is still a major issue for the 325 residents expected to live there, unless they all take the bus. We don’t want to let this iconic building
go, even though pieces have already fallen off … but how much longer can we keep kidding ourselves? Even Superman gets tired trying to leap over the same building in a single bound.
SPEED HUMP CITY: BIKE LANES AND TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT
Government officials need to stop and think about ALL of the constituencies before reacting every time a few people complain. Why do we need multiple speed bumps within 100 yards? Where is the safety benefit as cars slow to a virtual stop and then race after they bounce past or even increase traffic on
nearby streets? Can we resolve to conduct an unbiased bike lane usage study to accurately measure their actual usage, so we stop wasting money and creating unnecessary traffic flow issues?
THE MIRIAM HOSPITAL’S NEW EMERGENCY ROOM
As it turns 100 this year, nothing is more important than keeping this beloved hospital at its best. With Memorial Hospital’s closing and Roger Williams and Fatima’s status up in the air, having a bigger, brand-new emergency wing is critical. Resolve to support it. And better yet, resolve to do your best not to need it!
P hoto
by N. Millard, courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB
PROVIDENCE SCHOOLS
The state took them over in 2019. There are no truly positive metrics. Maybe this is the year to change that. Right now, the city and state are locked in a tie for first. And last. Time to try something new.
PROVIDENCE CITY COUNCIL
There should be a red hurricane warning flag flying over City Hall. We now have 15 councilors trying to act like an uber-mayor, causing progress on many of the city’s ills to remain at a standstill. Was the amount of time spent on gas leaf blowers really worth it? Are gas snowblowers next?
REAL HOUSEWIVES OF RHODE ISLAND
Resolve not to watch and hope others follow suit!
BROWN PRESIDENT AND A LOT OF LOCAL NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP SALARIES
Brown gave President Paxson a 74 percent pay increase after a less-than-stellar year in many areas. Times are tough for all non-profits. Boards that oversee these organizations have been asleep at the switch as the compensation packages have gone off the rails. We don’t have the wealth or corporate base (and it’s dwindling) willing to support all the great causes that need our help, and the overhead costs mean less to the beneficiaries. The RI Foundation should take the lead on this, but it’s one of the few boats they missed.
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 Ken@HeyRhody.com
We are here to suppor t you through life’s ups & downs with C ompassion, Care & Zero Judgement
PLUMBING
Shop Quality Appliances for a Fraction of the Price at Kitchen Guys
Kitchen Guys (299 Walcott Street, Pawtucket) serves up more than fancy appliances. The Kitchen Guys difference allows customers to purchase the best top-name appliances in Rhode Island for a fraction of the cost of big-box retail stores. “There is no shortage of anything,” says owner Michael Gaffin, and with a 20,000-square-foot showroom, there are endless opportunities to upgrade your home no matter the budget.
Premier Scratch & Dent Appliances is the name of the game at Kitchen Guys, and many of their over 500 appliances have only minor cosmetic damage, often in areas hidden from public view. Pricing at 30-60 percent lower than retail, Kitchen Guys is one of the leading destinations in Rhode Island to purchase stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, ranges, and everything in between.
Inventory moves fast at Kitchen Guys, and any smart shopper is encouraged to visit the Kitchen Guys Showroom to take advantage of their most up-to-date products and prices. Customer service is a priority, and Kitchen Guys even offers delivery outside of Rhode Island. With over 17 years of experience in the appliance industry, Kitchen Guys continues to be the go-to shop for the best appliances around.
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Experts in Water Problems From Roofs, Gutters & Basements
Over 20 years of experience on historical homes
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Neighborhood News
Providence Neighborhood Associations
BLACKSTONE PARKS CONSERVANCY
P.O. Box 603141
Providence, RI 02906 admin@blackstoneparksconservancy.org
BlackstoneParksConservancy.org
Facebook: blackstoneparks
COLLEGE HILL
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Rick Champagne
P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906
CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Kristin McGinn, President 401-580-2628
Facebook: Downtown Providence Neighborhood Association IG: @DNAPVD
Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI
A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.
MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Charles Hewitt, Secretary C/O One Governor Street, Providence
MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
401-521-8830
MHNAInc@gmail.com
Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Alice Gorman and Deborah Rodriquez Castillo Info@nenapvd.org
OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Cindy Miranda, Board Chair
Cindy@ona-providence.org
Facebook: ONA Providence
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
SMITH HILL PARTNERS’ INITIATIVE
Wole Akinbi
400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1
AAkinbi@half-full.com
Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative
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
SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BettyLinda@aol.com
Facebook: Washington Park Association
WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Katherine Touafek
Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association
WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com
WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
1560 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02909
401-831-9344
WBNA@wbna.org • WBNA.org
Photo courtesy of Blackstone Parks Conservatory
Volunteers repairing Blackstone Boulevard
Blackstone Parks Conservatory launches monthly nature series
In late October, more than 30 people turned out for a day of repairing Blackstone Boulevard. Working near the entrance to Butler Hospital, Butler caregivers teamed up with the Blackstone Parks Conservancy (with vital help from the Parks Department) to give back to the boulevard after their long strike. The group built protective mulch rings around trees, spread loam for new grass seed, and raked the walking path back into shape. January 10 is your chance to explore the science of snow on a hike into the woods to look for signs of wild animals. Join the monthly Nature on the Move series with 15 Minute Field Trips, focusing on community action to protect wildlife, promote biodiversity, and combat climate change. Learn about local flora, fauna, and fungi through art and science activities, ideal for families or classroom use. Check out the informative displays, make a craft, and get moving as we explore Blackstone Park. The series is led by longtime collaborator Melissa Guillet, from 15 Minute Field Trips. Melissa has taught art for over 25 years and is an avid nature lover, involved in gardening, hiking, and collecting data as a citizen scientist. Meet at Blackstone Field, across from the Narragansett Boat Club (2 River Drive, Providence). Registration strongly recommended. Learn more at BlackstoneParksConservancy.org
Planting trees and improvement grants in the Summit neighborhood
The Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) held its annual free neighborhood Fall Cook-off on Thursday, October 30, at India Restaurant. Despite the rain, some hardy neighbors entered their best squash dishes, which attendees voted on to win prizes from local merchants. Thanks to India Restaurant, Kreatelier, Stock Culinary Goods, Henry Bear’s Park, Rhody Craft, and Not Just Snacks for supporting this event! In contrast, we had beautiful weather on Saturday, November 1, when about 10 volunteers joined city parks employees to plant 17 more trees around the Summit and Mount Hope neighborhoods. This brings us to about 300 trees that SNA has helped plant in the community since 2021. In addition to planting trees, SNA also accesses neighborhood improvement grants from the city and state to support watering and care for newly planted trees in high-risk areas. We used these grant funds to hire Garden Time, which trains and employs formerly-incarcerated individuals, to deliver tree watering and care services. If you are interested in participating in the planting process or want to request trees, contact snaprov@gmail.com.
Do you have great ideas for improving the neighborhood? Do you have a passion project in mind with which you’d like help and support bringing to life? Are you looking to connect with others to work on grassroots projects? If any of these sparks your interest, come join us on the Summit Neighborhood Association Board! Joining the SNA board is a great way to get to know the neighborhood and your neighbors, while volunteering on excellent projects like food pantry support, tree planting, street improvements, park development, the Rochambeau Library outdoor classroom, and so much more. The SNA typically holds its monthly meetings at 7pm on the third Monday of the month, unless a holiday or other event requires changing this. SNA posts notices about its meetings on its Facebook page and other social media in the week prior to the meeting date. Meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. We hope to see you there! Contact snaprov@gmail. com to join the volunteer email list. We also send other volunteer opportunities, as they arise, to this list. – Submitted by Sharon Lee Waldman, president, Summit Neighborhood Association
Mile of History bulb-planting a success
More than 80 members and friends attended the annual meeting of the Mile of History Association at the Providence Art Club on Sunday, November 2. Those attending were delighted to hear Edward Biddle, chief financial officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, report on the exciting plans for restoring the Cathedral of St. John. Roz Rustigian did a great job organizing a delicious post-meeting supper. Members and friends of MoHA gathered together on Saturday, November 1, at the Gateway Garden. The small garden is in the triangle of land located at the north end of Benefit Street at the junction with Olney and North Main streets. The determined group of neighbors planted hundreds of daffodil and Glory-of-the-Snow bulbs in the garden and the large planters that control the flow of traffic. Look for the beautiful bloom next spring. Many thanks to Toby Ayers for organizing this event! – Submitted by Charles Hewitt.
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BY KEN ABRAMS, ELYSE MAJOR, AND ANN MARTINI PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK DELGIUDICE
FACING THE NEW YEAR
For decades, January’s “Who to Watch” cover story for Providence Monthly has signaled hope for the year ahead in the form of rising-star innovators and visionaries working to make life in the city better. 2026 marks the second year of expanding our selection and coverage beyond city limits to identify and spotlight change-makers across Rhode Island. Whether it’s building healthier communities through composting, conversations, and safe spaces, empowering the next-generation to redefine what STEAM education looks like, or boosting our state’s profile through tourism and the arts, this group of indefatigable people gives us many unexpected reasons to look at the future with optimism.
Save the Date: Look for our Who to Watch party to celebrate all honorees. Watch for details and ticket sales to be posted online, and follow @heyrhody for updates.
Who to Watch honorees each answered five questions about their work and plans for the community in 2026; answers were minimally edited or trimmed by our team to account for space. To learn more, follow each individual on social media or online.
Watch Kristen Adamo and Rosanna Ortiz give Providence the food and wine festival it deserves
Tell us about yourselves, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Kristen Adamo: I am a born and bred Rhode Islander who left for college and for my first job, then came back. My work as President and CEO at GoProvidence is essentially to showcase the incredible people, places, and events that make Rhode Island great, so visitors will be encouraged to host meetings and sporting events here or take a vacation.
Rosanna Ortiz: I grew up in California but have been a New Englander for half my life, and I know and live the culture. As president and founder of RMO PR, I work with a diverse range of clients every day. I created STYLEWEEK Northeast to fill the need of shining a spotlight on our state’s fashion designers, and now I’m doing the same thing with wine.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Adamo: We were on vacation in Napa Valley and Rosanna mentioned wanting to do something with wine. I added that I had always wanted to do a culinary festival. A few months later, Commerce RI announced a grant program to build tourism-focused events in what we call the “shoulder seasons,” (March-May and October-November); it provided a large chunk of the seed money the first year.
Ortiz: I think what’s great about how we developed the partnership is that they are two complementary initiatives with different goals.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Adamo: In our first year, almost every Providence Culinary Collective and Wine X event sold out and we received national media attention. I am confident that we will continue to grow and that our local talent will receive the national recognition they deserve.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Kristen Adamo (she/her)
Founder of Providence Culinary Collective GoProvidence.com
Rosanna Ortiz (she/her)
Founder of Rhode Island
Wine Experience
WineXRI.com, @winex_ri
Adamo: The economy is uncertain, which means there’s less corporate giving and it’s pretty hard to ask for money for a culinary festival when people need food and shelter. We’ve taken on a large part of the financial responsibility ourselves because it’s good for the city. We also have events at all different price points, so that everyone can enjoy a piece of the festival.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
Adamo: Last year, we launched PCC as a four-day celebration of the incredible local culinary talent we have. With the help of Wine X, Food Trucks In, Hope & Main, Feed the Children, and more, we are coming back bigger and better March 26-29, 2026.
Ortiz: Cheers to that!
Watch Akanksha Aga give rise to making mentorship accessible to entrepreneurs
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I came to Rhode Island from India for college about 20 years ago. I am happy that I made that move. Rhode Island is home; it is where I found so many exciting opportunities and met people who made this home for me. Our vision at Breaking Bread is to offer mentorship and leadership development to anyone who is interested in growing.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Nothing connects people like breaking bread together. Our unique peer group format offers a supportive environment to develop 4Cs: competency, connections, confidence, and community. I’ve been fortunate to work in leadership positions with national reach and global clients, but I knew that Breaking Bread belonged in Rhode Island. Breaking Bread is here to bridge the talent-opportunity gap. If you ask anyone with a successful career, they will probably recognize a mentor who guided them and opened doors for them.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Small businesses, hospitality, restaurants, and tourism are central to Rhode Island’s economy. Running a small business is very challenging. I understand first-hand how difficult these industries are and unfortunately, training can slip through the cracks. We’re here to support people in their career growth and develop leadership skills needed at different levels. We want to partner with more local organizations for a true win-win. When people grow, it has a ripple effect on the families, community, and ultimately the economy.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
To be candid, if this work were easy, it would have been done by now. For the longest time, mentoring and training have been seen as nice to have, but they are actually much needed. Employee turnover, disengagement, team conflicts – these are the results of not investing in people. We’re already seeing positive results and want to show the impact of mentorship. Change is never easy, but my father taught me that stamina and determination can overcome many challenges. I’m in this for the long run.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
People. I am filled with hope when I see people being there for others. I will never forget the first time that a Breaking Bread program participant offered to pay for a future participant –quite literally pay it forward! This is the ripple effect we are looking for and makes me optimistic. The incredible support we received in 2025 has helped us build and scale for 2026. We’re ready for breaking bread and breaking barriers!
Watch Lupe Aguilar and Ed Brady showcase a community of local creators
Co-Founders of Quahog
Creative • (he/him)
@quahogcreative
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Lupe Aguilar: I’m a community builder and event producer rooted in Cranston. Rhode Island raised me on neighborhood hospitality and big-hearted creativity, and that’s exactly what I pour back into the state through community and food-forward gatherings that spark connection and local pride. With Quahog Creative, Ed Brady and I, along with our team, produce and organize experiences that spotlight our restaurants, food trucks, brewers, bakers, and makers.
Ed Brady: I am a social entrepreneur, producer, and community leader born and raised in Cranston. Lupe and I, with our creative team, established RI Night Market, among many other events and popups. Our mission is to continue to cultivate a vibrant community and marketplace that celebrates local businesses and the unique talents of our region’s artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. We also produce annual music festivals and events like Character Con and Kids Con.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Aguilar: My mission is always the same: use food, music, and art to bring people together, keep dollars local, and show the world how much heart fits inside the smallest state.
Brady: My personal mission is to bring people back together through continued action. I will continue to protect the arts in Cranston and Rhode Island while helping to create sustainable jobs through my connected network. My focus will remain on helping our local small business community in collaboration with our community leaders to grow a better, more equitable future for our children and the next generation.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
Aguilar: To make the smallest state feel even closer – one market, one vendor success story, one activated block, one event – at a time.
Brady: As I continue to actively work with our local community leaders, I will continue to lead by example in putting political party aside to get people back at a table for common compromise and the good of our beautiful state.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
Aguilar: The challenge every year is hearing “This is just how we’ve always done it,” but the goal is to always find those fellow dreamers in each town, department, chamber, and government office who are open to new and fresh ideas.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
Brady: We have so many incredible hard-working and passionate people here in Rhode Island. I look forward to working in collaboration with many like-minded, passionate people who feel the same about our state.
Watch Julie Christina transform a secret garden into a botanical state jewel
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
Having lived in Rhode Island for more than 15 years immersed in public gardens and the horticultural community, I am eager to leverage this experience in my new role as executive director at Kinney Azalea Gardens. My focus will be on enhancing community engagement, promoting environmental education, and fostering a vibrant space that supports both visitors and biodiversity.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I am passionate about creating opportunities to connect people with nature. Kinney Azalea Gardens is a uniquely inspiring space that deserves greater recognition and community support to thrive. Its value as a tranquil refuge, outdoor classroom, historical gem, and natural habitat benefits not only Rhode Islanders but others as well.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
As a new nonprofit, my focus is on raising awareness of Kinney Azalea Gardens and securing members, donors, and grants to ensure its long-term public accessibility. With a small team, we are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of our 16-acre property for generations to come.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
We do not currently charge admission. Instead, we rely on membership, donors, grants, and programming. It’s a model that is currently falling short as we establish ourselves as a new nonprofit amid high demand statewide for funding. We need to secure resources to retain staff year-round, maintain the property, and implement essential enhancements.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
The answer is straightforward: Kinney Azalea Gardens is a worthy cause that must be preserved. With support from those who share our passion for this mission, alongside the commitment of the Kinney and Faella families, we can thrive and ensure the garden’s lasting impact on the community.
Watch Victoria Cimino infuse small business vitality through tourism
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I previously served as director of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development and as director of international marketing for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Having both vacationed in and visited Newport for business, I often imagined what it might be like to call the region home. That dream became a reality in March when I stepped into my role as president and CEO of Discover Newport, leading the non-profit destination management team dedicated to the promotion of its nine townships in Newport and Bristol Counties including Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to align tourism growth with community well-being. The hospitality industry is a vital driver of jobs, small business success, and economic vitality, and it thrives when residents see its value. Today, I have the privilege of representing nine communities across Newport and Bristol counties, each with its own character, history, and sense of place, yet all united by a shared commitment to hospitality and quality of life.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I hope to strengthen Rhode Island’s reputation for thoughtful, sustainable tourism that benefits both people and places. In the years ahead, we’ll be fostering collaboration, investing in research, and supporting initiatives that drive success while preserving the character and authenticity that make Newport and its coastal communities so exceptional. My focus is on bridging the gap between job creation, small business success, and economic vitality that thrives when residents see its value. We’ll use data, collaboration, and transparency to ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and the people who call the region home.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
In 2026, navigating an uncertain economy will be our biggest challenge. Maintaining stability amid shifting travel trends will require adaptability and focus to ensure Discover Newport continues to drive results for our industry and communities.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
The dedication and creativity of our region’s hospitality partners – and the outstanding team at Discover Newport – make me truly optimistic. Their collaboration continues to elevate our destination and inspire confidence in the future.
Watch Karen Dalton help veterans find hope and purpose through holistic hands-on programming
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I am the founder and executive vice president of Dare to Dream Ranch in Foster. We offer alternative therapy programs for service members, veterans, and their family members throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. I have lived in Rhode Island since 1990 and raised three children here in the town of Foster. Before starting my nonprofit, I was the executive director for the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians (RIAFP). Dare to Dream Ranch offers a wide range of holistic, alternative therapy programs, including equine-assisted therapy, gardening, woodworking, fly fishing, psychiatric service dogs, and collaborations for deep-sea fishing and hunting experiences. We also provide practical supports such as food security assistance, housing stability resources, and psychiatric service dog training. Each program is designed to build resilience, restore purpose, and help veterans heal in a supportive community.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My father was a Marine, and that wasn’t easy on us kids. It affected my life. Through gardening, horses, spending time in nature, and surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people, I felt better. Our ultimate goal at Dare to Dream Ranch is to help our veterans become successful civilians who feel they serve a purpose after returning from their time spent on the battlefield. I am a Certified Health Coach (CHC) and Equine Specialist (ES), and have dedicated my life to supporting veterans and their families through holistic, trauma-informed care. Drawing from personal experience and decades of service, I developed the Ranch’s unique, integrative program model that promotes mental, emotional, and physical healing. Dare to Dream has helped hundreds of veterans find hope, purpose, and a path forward.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I hope to create a supportive, peaceful environment for our veterans and their family members, offering them the opportunity to heal and have hope for the future.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
As the need for nonprofits continues to grow, competing for grants and sponsors remains one of the biggest challenges.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
The positive outcomes and increased awareness of our programs will help us secure new funding to expand our offerings and support more veterans and their families.
Watch Manya Glassman bring film opportunities to Rhode Island
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I was born and raised in Providence. I always had a camera in my hands, constantly gathering friends to make movies. I went to Providence College (Go Friars!), and later moved to New York City for the New York University Tisch Graduate School film program, which was a life-changing experience. I collaborated with peers from all over the world – China, Nepal, France, Iran, and beyond – people I never would have met otherwise. During COVID, I created a pod of six NYU grad students who stayed in Providence to make six short films. Providence served as both a safe haven and a catalyst for the arts. I shot How I Learned to Die , a story about a 16-year-old girl who learns she may have only four days to live, here. It’s a coming-of-age comedy drama based on my own experience in high school, when I learned of a deadly tumor in my vertebrae. Shooting here was incredibly important to me because the community of teachers, doctors, friends, and parents was such a supportive and influential part of my experience. I am developing the short film into a feature, and we are currently in pre-production.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
I want to explore what it means to be human and mortal, the complexities of good and evil, right and wrong, love and tragedy. Filmmaking is a way we can explore our own lives, the lives of others, and connect with lives that otherwise would never have been connected.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
I hope to impact the Ocean State by shooting my films here and by developing stories in RI. Most importantly, I hope to utilize local students and professionals – production assistants, designers, and actors – as well as other local resources. My film premiered this year at two prestigious film festivals, Tribeca and the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Rhode Island has given me so much, and I hope to be able to give some back.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
I’d like to find like-minded individuals who value the human experience and questions in life, and who will not give up as they follow their dreams alongside me.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
Director/Writer • (she/her)
ManyaGlassman.com, @manyaglassman
I’m incredibly excited to shoot the film in Providence. I am currently in film development with two producers based in New York, working with production companies and agencies. I’m thrilled to bring together my New York collaborators and local talent for the perfect combination of cinematic creativity.
Watch Roberto Gonzalez empower youth to redefine what science means
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I’m a hip-hop nerd and Spiderman fiend from Providence’s Washington Park. I’ve spent my career giving young people autonomy to find their voice, their confidence, and their purpose through creativity, innovation, and real-world application. Through STEAM Box (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), we’ve built programs where students don’t just learn about technology, they create with it.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
My motivation comes from watching students transform when they realize their voice and their story have power. I started this work because I saw a real gap between what young people are capable of and the antiquated public school systems. Too often, students are talked at, instead of listened to. Through STEAM Box, I created a space where youth could lead, where their ideas, energy, and experiences could shape projects that matter to them; the goal has always been to help young people see themselves as innovators and leaders.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
We’re developing a new centralized learning hub in Providence, continuing our practice of bringing together youth from across the state to collaborate on podcasts, engineering projects, and creative media. This hub will serve as a launchpad for student voice and community connection, helping Rhode Island’s next generation build the confidence, technical skills, and emotional resilience they need to lead.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
One of the biggest challenges we’ll face is scaling our work without losing the authenticity of the youth voice. The students are the ones leading conversations, designing solutions, and setting the tone for our programs. Another major challenge will be sustaining resources; we need partners, schools, and policymakers who recognize that this kind of work takes long-term investment. Our goal isn’t just to react to the crisis, but to create a culture of care, creativity, and belonging, and that means constantly learning, listening, and evolving.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
My optimism isn’t blind, it’s based on what I see every day: students turning challenges into breakthroughs, and Rhode Island rallying behind them. Every week, I see young people showing up with bold ideas, empathy, and a determination to make things better, not just for themselves, but for their communities, and they’re fulfilled by it. It’s that energy that’s going to define 2026.
Watch Ella Kilpatrick Kotner complete a compost hub to create healthier communities
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I grew up on a farm, digging my bare feet in compost piles and delivering produce to local grocery stores. When I moved to Providence about 10 years ago, I became fascinated with how the food and composting systems I was used to differed in an urban environment. In 2021 I began serving as the program director for Harvest Cycle, a community composting program within the nonprofit Groundwork RI that collects food scraps from across Providence via bicycle and processes them into compost, which is then redistributed to the people whose food scraps it is made from.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
Composting food scraps supports this foundation by building up local food systems, urban canopies, resilient cities, and empowered communities. We are building the West End Compost Hub because food scraps are a valuable resource that should be infinitely recycled and utilized in our communities, rather than thrown away. Community composting has a myriad of benefits in addition to landfill diversion, including job creation, carbon sequestration, local food production, and community engagement.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year?
We are currently redeveloping a brownfield site in the West End of Providence into a compost hub. The West End Compost Hub will create compost for the community and be a place for gathering, training, and education. Two federal grants that would have funded the final construction phase were terminated, leaving a funding gap and an uncertain future for the hub. We know the value that the hub will bring to the community, so we remain committed to bringing it to life. Finding the funds to replace the terminated federal grants and complete construction will be our biggest challenge to overcome in 2026.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
In a time when the large-scale systems meant to protect us are failing and being dismantled, local self-reliance is more important than ever.
I am energized and motivated by the incredible ecosystem of community composters in Rhode Island working to reshape how society conceptualizes waste and build local, circular models that are environmentally, socially, and economically beneficial for all.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
Composting is the ultimate redemption story – it turns what many consider trash into something that nourishes life and builds community, microbial and human. This cycle and the connections formed through it give me hope and keep me optimistic about the future.
Watch Jennifer Lima work to foster a climate that encourages diversity
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but I’ve lived in North Kingstown for the past 33 years. In 2020, I founded a nonprofit called TANK – Toward an Anti-Racist North Kingstown, and our main focus was advocating for anti-racist reform in the school district. This year, we changed our name to TANK – Transformative Action for North Kingstown, to reflect that our work has expanded to include advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant justice, and combating all forms of discrimination.
What’s your motivation for doing this work?
The summer of 2020 forced me to think long and hard about what specifically I was doing to effect positive change in our world. My husband and I tell our kids to get involved, get out there, be the change they wish to see in the world, but how could I expect my children to do those things if I was sitting on the sofa? So, I started reaching out and connecting with others who wanted to make change right here where we live. It’s my belief that it’s just as, if not more important, to do this work in predominantly white communities like North Kingstown where inequities are often dismissed because they’re not always visible to everyone. If even one person pauses and thinks, “Just because it hasn’t happened to me doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” that matters.
In what ways do you hope to leave an impact on the Ocean State in the coming year? By bringing in speakers, sharing resources, connecting people to one another, and encouraging engagement with local policy. Small shifts add up.
What challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to achieve these goals?
There is a growing push at the federal level to strip words like diversity, equity, and inclusion from our shared vocabulary. Despite what some would have you believe, these aren’t “dirty” words. But they’ve become such lightning rods that schools, organizations, and even corporations are becoming hesitant to support anything that uses the language. DEI is about identifying and removing barriers to opportunity so that everyone can participate fully, not just those who have always been able to.
What’s your reason for optimism approaching 2026?
Because you have to be. As Mariame Kaba [American organizer, educator, archivist and curator] says, hope is a discipline. You can choose to focus on the obstacles, or you can choose to focus on the times when you have made an impact. And I’ve seen what’s possible when people decide to show up for one another.
IN PRINT
Leading Ladies is a multi-page section within the March 2026 issues of Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, and Hey Rhody!
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HOME & STYLE
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Crowning Touches
A crumbling King’s Grant farmhouse gets brought back to life
By Elyse Major
No one seemed to want to take on such a large project, so we decided to,” says Blair Moore with resolve, describing the ramshackle saltbox on a patch of farmland in Tiverton. “We craved the space we once owned in Australia, and had driven by this farm many times.”
The “we” is her family, an industrious clan originally from the land Down Under who relocated to the US in 2009. Based in Rhode Island and New York City, and doing business as Moore House Design, they specialize in sustainability, transforming neglected properties – including a rag-tag architectural assortment ranging from cottages to a Quonset hut, and a farmhouse that needed rescuing.
“We have been watching this building deteriorate for many years,” says Moore, who refers to the 18th century farmhouse affectionately as “her”. One of Rhode Island’s original King’s Grant farmhouses, in the 1700s land was given as a grant from the king of England to start building estates. “This late 1730’s farmhouse was one of ten of these properties. A long and unconventional
project, we’re preserving history while bringing 21st century elements to the over 6,000 square feet home,” says the designer. The majority of the remodel for the kitchen, living, dining room and master suite, involved restoring original floorboards, custom paneling details, and beautiful windows. This project also includes a large open plan garage section and a silo with a secondary
master suite. “It’s a beautiful example of new and old living in harmony,” says Moore. Endeavors like the farmhouse require time and patience. “If you are in the middle of a renovation phase, create some zen zones within the space. Something that is cohesive and tonal in color will help relax your senses from the chaos of design,” she advises.
Photography by Erin McGinn
Herringbone tile from Nemo Tile, in the style ‘Strada Warm NM 04 NAT’ in the 4x24 size
Paneling lends subtle texture
A print stands-in for a window in the small kitchen
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An interior designer, Moore has a vision for each dwelling and her signature aesthetic of farmcoast simplicity runs through the family’s myriad properties. “Each has its own story and style. It is up to the designer and homeowner to pay attention to what the architecture is telling you,” she offers. Describing her vision as minimal with a sustainable vibe, Moore looks for reclaimed wood and salvage, uses mixes of leftover paints from projects, and seeks furnishings
“BEAUTIFUL FLOORS, WALL TREATMENTS, AND CEILINGS ARE 100-PERCENT WHERE IT’S AT,” says
by
Photography
Erin McGinn
Propping art on a chair turns a brief wall into a gallery space
Blair Moore
at antique shops as much as possible, layered with modern shapes and décor.
“We usually live in a space for about a year or two before we deep dive into the land of renovation,” explains Moore of the process.
“Time tells you a lot about a home and your wants and dreams about what it can become.
I believe it is our duty to pay attention to these aspects in every home to help tell the home’s story for generations to come.”
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Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Moore to Love
“We pride ourselves on design for generations. With a philosophy informed by our respect for historical architecture, our intention is to design with out-of-the-box creativity while staying true to the original character of a structure. We create cohesive interiors that focus on function while layering organic and sustainable elements that bring depth and sculpture into your space. We think like architects, but we blend structure with design and comfort, taking a holistic approach throughout your home.” Learn more at MooreHouseDesign.com
Material Matters
Bringing the outside in with large windows and plenty of plants, and grounding spaces with old and vintage pieces, are pieces of advice from Moore that are applicable to most any room.
Brunch with Babs
If you follow NYT bestseller cookbook author-turned-social media sensation Barbara Costello AKA @brunchwithbabs you may already be familiar with the work of Blair Moore, as Costello’s Norwalk, CT home is part of the Moore House Family portfolio. Look for The Basket House story on the blog at MooreHouseFamily.com/blog
Go Wild This Winter
Five animal experiences worth bundling up for
By Hugh Minor
Tis the season to hibernate, but not everyone shutters themselves away during the coldest months of the year. Plenty of our animal neighbors are still up for a visit, so make a plan to spend some time with this set of furry, finned, and feathered pals.
Dine with Darwin the Tortoise at Biomes
Do you know what a tortoise eats? You can find out when you join Darwin for mealtime at Biomes
Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown. He is a youngster at 26, as tortoises are known to live to be 120 years old. Feedings are scheduled for 1:30pm in the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays during the school year and on Rhode Island public school vacation days. Darwin is surrounded by friendly New England marine life including sharks, rays, and seahorses. BiomesCenter.com
Fantastic Friends at Fantastic Umbrella Factory
The charm of Charlestown’s Fantastic Umbrella
Factory is that you can find a little bit of everything under the sun at this 19th-century property. Whether you’re shopping or visiting the animals roaming their gardens, you’ll be mesmerized by what you discover. You can meet George the emu, feed his clucking chicken friends, and pet the goats as they gently nibble on your coat sleeve. Head on down for a fantastic experience. Open only on weekends in January and February then back to a full schedule in March. FantasticUmbrellaFactory.com
Photo courtesy of RWP Zoo
The Humboldt penguins at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Pack-a Your Bags for Matunuck Alpaca Farm
Thirteen is a lucky number when it comes to alpacas. That’s how many of these fuzzy, furry friends you’ll meet at the Matunuck Alpaca Farm. You can meet the alpacas in person on the first Sunday of every month. The small fiber farm creates products that you can purchase at Dove & Distaff Rug Gallery in Wakefield Village. The alpacas would also like you to know that they love baby carrots, so please plan accordingly. Plus they recommend a visit to the Mews Tavern while you’re down their way. MatunuckAlpaca.online
Sail Away with the Seals of Narragansett Bay
The seals are back and, like most of us, they love Narragansett Bay. The difference is that they love the freezing cold of winter for their swim time. From November through April, Save the Bay offers educational tours departing from Newport Harbor, where you’ll have the chance to watch the finned mammals and other wildlife in their natural habitat. At the same time, you’re supporting a nonprofit organization committed to protecting and preserving our waterways. Now that gets a seal of approval! SaveBay.org
Take a Trip to Penguin Point
Feeling a little humbug after the holidays? The Humboldt penguins at Roger Williams Park Zoo will bring a smile to your face. These adorably friendly marine birds are a relatively recent addition to the area, but they quickly adapted to their new home at Penguin Point. There are other cold-weather lovers at the zoo as well, like the red panda and the snow leopard. All of these inhabitants are considered vulnerable in their natural habitats, so sheltering them at the zoo is a critical component of their conservation. See them all and much more during a winter visit. RWPZoo.org
Tortoise Darwin (known to disco from time to time) at Biomes Marine Biology Center
Photo courtesy of Biomes
January
February
Rhody Reads
Six hot-off-the-press books for long winter nights
By Deborah Goodrich Royce
The holidays have passed and we find ourselves settling into the cold and dark as the world is called to stillness. If you can, slow down too and find a comfy spot to luxuriate over a good book. Here are some great new releases to help you do just that. Several of the featured authors will join me, Martin House Books, and 95.9 WCRI-FM at the Ocean House Author Series this summer, and we would all love to see you there.
Wendy Walker’s Blade publishes February 1. As a former family practice attorney, Walker is familiar with childhood trauma. In Blade , she reveals the complex world of competitive figure skating, one she knows well having spent her own adolescence in it. Defense attorney Ana Robbins had been set for Olympic stardom until tragedy struck. When her former coach turns up dead years later, Ana is pulled back into the scene she fled as a teenager, and long-buried secrets are unearthed.
Susan Lucci – AKA Erica Kane from ABC’s beloved soap, All My Children (and, fun fact, my TV-sister from my role as Silver Kane in the 80s!) – releases La Lucci , her follow-up memoir to All My Lives , on February 3. With her signature warmth and honesty, Lucci shares pivotal moments that shaped her perspective and ability to move forward with gratitude, hope, and grace. Stay tuned for the date she will be my guest at the Ocean House Author Series this summer!
February 10 delivers The House of Eve by New York Times bestselling author, Sadeqa Johnson. When Ethel Gathers – wife of an American officer stationed in post-World War II Germany –discovers an orphanage filled with the abandoned mixed-race children of German women and American GIs, she determines to find them homes. Her vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms – familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self – can be transcendent.
My newest thriller, Best Boy , publishes February 24! A gripping psychological thriller, Best Boy teeters on the knife-edge of memory and identity when the arrival of a shocking letter threatens the carefully constructed life of a woman desperate to outrun her past. A heartfelt exploration of the mistakes we make – even unwittingly – and how they haunt us years later. Please join me in conversation with Robin Kall at the United Theatre in Westerly at 5pm on Sunday, February 22.
On March 10, Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post , returns with It Girl , a sensational novel about a model and showgirl at the turn of the last century whose dramatic journey echoes through the decades. Inspired by real-life Ziegfeld and Gibson Girl, Evelyn Nesbit, whose story climaxed with the murder of Stanford White by her jealous husband (who claimed America’s first insanity defense!), It Girl takes that story to an engagingly different conclusion.
Marie Benedict, known for her “delightful blend of historical fiction and suspense” (People), delivers Daughter of Egypt on March 24. A sweeping tale of a woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, who ruled three thousand years ago. Propelled by high adventure and deadly intrigue, this is the story of two adventurous women who lived centuries apart but were both forced to hide who they were during their lifetimes. Ultimately, they each changed history.
ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE
Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time . She holds a bachelor’s degree and two honorary doctorates, from both Lake Erie College and the University of Rhode Island. With her husband, Chuck, she has restored the Ocean House Hotel, United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards.
Please consider shopping local when making book purchases
Royce’s upcoming psychological thriller Best Boy , will be published on February 24. Reef Road , a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the ABA. Her Ocean House Author Series, in partnership with Martin House Books and WCRI, brings world-class authors like Sarah Ferguson, Chris Bohjalian, and Katie Couric to Watch Hill. With fellow authors, Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe, she created the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills. For tickets and more, visit OceanHouseEvents.com.
National Treasures
Rhody goods to revolutionize your style
By Britt Machado
For centuries, resourceful Rhode Islanders have created beautiful things. Our state is home to a variety of independent thinkers continuing a tradition of making, and shopkeepers who recognize the value of pre-loved pieces to seek and sell in their shops. Whether its furnishings fashioned from shells, the return of the woodworking art of coopering, fabricating jewelry from quahogs, or discovering a Gorham silver set ready for a fresh start, our small state punches well above its size when it comes to cultivated style. By supporting these crafts, we ensure our hometown products continue to be so
Colonial Mills | Rumford
Coopered Vessel
Providence | KateDannessa.com
Eco-Printed Pillow Case
Providence | Sashoonya.com
Gorham Flatware Set
Pawtucket | RIAntiquesMall.com
Lace Napkins
Warren | LadyNextDoorVintage.com
Light
Providence | Shellflife.com
Pewter Candle Holders
Warren | BeehiveHandmade.com
Spindle-back Chair
Providence | RowanShawJones.com
Wampum Necklace
Charlestown | Instagram: @thepurleshellgifts
Founded in 1785, Bristol Fourth of July Parade is part of the oldest celebration in the US, earning the town the well-earned nickname, “America’s most patriotic town”
FEATURE
A Banner Year
Revisiting Rhode Island as America turns 250
By Elyse Major
This July 4th marks the semiquincentennial of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone isn’t about when Rhode Island was settled (140 years prior, thank you very much), or even a history of a region inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, but reflections on the past 250. Looking back at the often-complicated past, there can still be a sense of patriotic spirit knowing that not only was Rhode Island the first US colony to renounce British rule, but more than a year before the Boston Tea Party, our colonists led the first uprising against the Crown with the burning of the HMS Gaspee in Warwick.
After winning independence, Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the Constitution, refusing to sign until the Bill of Rights was added in 1791. Over the centuries, our state has been at the center of innovation as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution – where river-powered mills led workers from farm to factory (and resulted in all of those small village names) – and party to progressive movements like the Dorr Rebellion which aimed to expand voting rights in the 1840s, or having five capital cities to balance power until Providence became the sole capital in 1900. After the Civil War, manufacturing shifted from textiles to metals, and the smallest state became a world leader in the jewelry industry throughout the 20th century. To many of us who make our home in the Ocean State, any quirks are offset by a close proximity to everything from the ocean, to the arts, to a rich tapestry of dining, and vestiges of the past juxtaposed alongside the present. Through 2026, discover a historical thread weaving through our pages, connecting Rhode Island’s past with the present and future.
39 Facts About 39 Municipalities
FROM BEN FRANKLIN TO BETTY THE ELEPHANT, THE SMALLEST STATE IS LOADED WITH LORE
By Emma Bartlett
1. BARRINGTON: Even though the 21st Amendment ended prohibition in 1933, Barrington remained a “dry” town – meaning you couldn’t order a drink or buy alcohol – until 2011, when the town council approved the opening of two liquor stores.
2. BRISTOL: Following the American Revolution, King and Queen streets became Church and Constitution streets, to reflect the independence of the colonies as the United States.
3. BURRILLVILLE: The Harrisville Post Office was built by entrepreneur and philanthropist Austin T. Levy in 1950, and marked the first time a private citizen built a post office as a gift to the federal government.
4. CENTRAL FALLS: By land area, the smallest city in the smallest state featured one of North America’s earliest water-powered chocolate mills. For more than 25 years, the smell of roasting cocoa beans permeated a stretch of the Blackstone River.
5. CHARLESTOWN: Quonochontaug Pond was the setting of a short-lived mining operation financed by inventor and businessman Thomas Edison, where magnets separated iron from sand.
6. COVENTRY: Waterman Tavern was one of the first stops taken by Count de Rochambeau’s army during its 1781 march from Providence to Yorktown, Virginia, during the American Revolution. The officers stayed at the tavern while the main army camped nearby.
7. CRANSTON: Hi Neighbor! In 1890, Narragansett Brewery was originally founded by six GermanAmerican entrepreneurs and later became one of the largest brewers in the region. The brand fell on hard times by the 1980s, but was revitalized under new ownership in 2005.
8. CUMBERLAND: In 1980 a Cumberland High School student successfully sued the school for the right to take his boyfriend to prom (Aaron Fricke v. Richard B. Lynch). A federal court ruled
that taking a same-sex date to a prom is a matter of free expression under the First Amendment, and the pair was allowed to attend together.
9. EAST GREENWICH: Benjamin Franklin was such a frequent guest at the home of his friends Governor William Greene and his wife Catharine Ray, that a window on the west side where he enjoyed sitting is called “Franklin’s Window.”
10. EAST PROVIDENCE: Nearly 12 million people (and counting) have taken a spin on the Crescent Park Carousel since it was built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Loof. Featuring 62 hand-carved figures and four chariots, it’s known as the largest and most elaborate example of Loof’s work.
11. EXETER: Scholars suggest that Bram Stoker based the character Lucy Westenra, in his novel Dracula , on Mercy Brown. The Exeter woman’s story made international headlines surrounding her death from consumption and exhuming, spawning the New England vampire panic in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
12. FOSTER: Built in the early 1900s, local lore has it that The Old Jail only ever held one prisoner for one day.
RI’s panel in the America’s Tapestry project
JANUARY 1: America’s Tapestry Embroidery Event, Narragansett | SouthCountyMuseum.org
FEBRUARY-DECEMBER: Occupied! Newport and the Fight for Independence, Newport | NewportHistory.org
FEBRUARY 7: Saugatucket Skirmish, South Kingstown | SouthKingstownRI.gov
MARCH 13-15: Behind the Lines: Unsung Women of the American Revolution, Portsmouth | Brigade.org
13. GLOCESTER: On May 25, 1826, Hakaliah Bailey walked Betty the Learned Elephant around Chepachet on a Sunday; a religious type didn’t like the diversion from church and gunned her down. Find the commemorative plaque on the Chepachet River Bridge, and note that May 25 is Elephant Day in the village.
14. HOPKINTON: The town was named for Founding Father Stephen Hopkins, who, among other things, introduced a bill in 1774 while serving in the Rhode Island General Assembly, which prohibited the importation of slaves into the colony; one of the first anti-slave trade laws in the United States.
Photo (L)
courtesy of Newport Historic Society, (R) courtesy of South County Museum
Chocolate Mill Overlook
Wishing You a Happy New Year, PVD !
Happy New Year! As I look ahead to helping clients in 2026, here’s what some of them have to say about their experience working with me:
We worked with Stephen to purchase our townhouse, and the experience could not have gone more smoothly. From the very beginning, he impressed us with his professionalism, responsiveness, and thoughtful attention to our needs. He guided us through every stage of the process with patience and clarity, making what could have been overwhelming feel straightforward and manageable.
What stood out most was his consistent communication and reliability - every question we had was answered promptly, and he was proactive in keeping us informed. His demeanor made working with him a pleasure, and his knowledge gave us confidence in making decisions. Even after closing, he has continued to check in, which speaks volumes about the level of care he brings to his clients. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking for a trusted and dependable partner in buying or selling a home. - PAST BUYER
Just Sold in Federal Hill
253 Knight Street | Sold for $850,000
I recently guided the sale of a three-unit property in Providence that went under contract before hitting the wider market. Strategic pricing and clear communication made all the difference. Curious what a tailored plan could do for your home? Let’s connect.
Stephen Gaskin
Stephen Gaskin is a licensed real estate sales associate and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
15. JAMESTOWN: Beavertail Lighthouse is the thirdoldest lighthouse in North America. Built in 1856, it marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
16. JOHNSTON: During the Revolutionary War, the village of Graniteville was the site of the state’s only gunpowder mill, which was run by James Goff until it exploded in 1779, killing Goff and destroying the mill.
17. LINCOLN: Lincoln Woods State Reservation was named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln and opened on his birthday: February, 12, 1909. Until the 1940s, the park was known as Quinsnicket, a faux Indian name invented by white settlers.
18. LITTLE COMPTON: In the 1830s, poultry farmers cross-bred chickens to create the Rhode Island Red, with the goal of outstanding egg production in a bird large enough to eat. The poultry became one of the most successful and widespread of farm breeds, and our state bird.
19. MIDDLETOWN: While British forces occupied Isaac Barker’s home, the farmer pretended to be a loyalist while gathering intel in an elaborate spy operation where he employed a system of signals to inform American troops across the Sakonnet River in Little Compton of British activities.
20. NARRAGANSETT: The Narragansett Pier Casino was designed by McKim, Mead and White, the most prominent American architectural firm of the era, and landscaped by the revered Frederick Law Olmstead, whose portfolio includes Central Park.
21. NEWPORT: Obour Tanner was an enslaved woman who corresponded with and acted as an agent for Phillis Wheatley, the first professional African-American woman poet in America and the first African-American woman whose writings were published.
22. NEW SHOREHAM: In the 1690s, notorious Scottish privateer Captain Kidd visited the island where he was supplied with provisions by Mrs. Mercy Raymond. The story goes that before his exit, he asked Raymond to hold-out her apron, which he then filled with gold and jewels as payment for her hospitality.
23. NORTH KINGSTOWN: Born on December 3, 1755 in a room above his father’s snuff mill, artist Gilbert
Next time you’re at Fox Point, give your regards to George M. Cohan
Stuart left a legacy of over one thousand portraits. His unfinished Athenaeum portrait of George Washington appears on the US one-dollar bill.
24. NORTH PROVIDENCE: At the turn of the 20th century, the village of Fruit Hill was an arts district, and among its residents was landscape painter George William Whitaker. Known as the “Dean of Providence painters,” he was a founding member of the Providence Art Club, and RISD’s first oil painting instructor.
25. NORTH SMITHFIELD: The Marquis de Lafayette is said to have dined at Seth Allen Tavern in Union Village during a visit in 1825. Then a transportation hub, the first bank in the area opened here in 1805, hence being called Bank Village back in the day.
26. PAWTUCKET: The birthplace of industry was also home to the first organized labor strike when in May 1824, 100 women walked off the job in protest of cut wages at area mills. After an “incendiary device” was tossed into Walcott’s Mill causing a small fire, a settlement was reached, and workers were back at their machines by early June.
27. PORTSMOUTH: From 1862 to 1865, Lovell General Hospital treated more than 10,500 sick and wounded Union and Confederate soldiers who arrived by steamship. Prior to the Civil War, it was the Portsmouth Grove House, a hotel with amusements and clambakes.
Photography (top) by Nick DelGiudice, (bottom) courtesy of Newport Historic Society
Witness flags will begin appearing at properties to mark the 250th
28. PROVIDENCE: Born in Providence in 1878, George M. Cohan is considered the father of the American musical comedy. He wrote 300 songs, including “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “(I’m a) Yankee Doodle Dandy”. Find a statue of Cohan in Times Square, NYC, and closer to home at the corner of Wickenden and Governor streets.
29. RICHMOND: While residents supported the American Revolution by sending troops and setting aside monies for the manufacture of munitions, in March, 1787 they voted against the adoption of The Constitution, which was widely unpopular across Rhode Island.
30. SCITUATE: A Chopmist Hill farmhouse served as a top-secret listening post and intercepted messages during World War II. Also known as the Scituate Monitoring Station, it was the largest and most effective of 13 similar installations that comprised a national network. The site was later considered for the headquarters of the United Nations.
31. SMITHFIELD: Born in 1806, Elizabeth Buffum Chace became a well-known anti-slavery activist and women’s suffrage advocate, and was the first woman to be memorialized with a statue in the Rhode Island State House.
32. SOUTH KINGSTOWN: At the South Kingstown Public Library in Peace Dale, take a look at The Weaver , a bronze high-relief sculpture by Daniel Chester French, a sculptor best known as the creator of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, and The Minute Man in Concord, MA.
33. TIVERTON: During the British occupation of what is now Aquidneck Island, Tiverton was a refuge for colonists, and a gathering spot for colonial forces during the American Revolution.
34. WARREN: New England’s oldest Masonic Temple was built in the 18th century with timbers from British frigates sunk in Newport Harbor during the American Revolution. Washington Lodge No. 3 is the second oldest continuously operating Freemason’s Lodge in the United States, first opened in June of 1796.
36. WESTERLY: Rhody’s first Yale graduate, Dr. Joshua Babcock, hosted both Ben Franklin and General George Washington at his Georgian mansion. He also served as a state militia general, as Rhode Island Supreme Court justice, and as Westerly’s first postmaster, operating the post office and a general store out of his home, now the Babcock-Smith House museum.
37. WEST GREENWICH: The New London Turnpike was one of the earliest toll roads. Opened in 1821, it shortened the distance between Providence and New York by 12 miles and transformed the area into a bustling thoroughfare. Competition from steamboats, railroads, and public roads led to its failure and the road fell into disrepair – as did its reputation – becoming known as Hell’s Half Acre.
38. WEST WARWICK: Incorporated in 1913, West Warwick is the youngest town in Rhode Island. Home to the third oldest cotton textile mill in the state, Lippitt Mill; among its founders was Christopher Lippitt, an officer in the American Revolution.
35. WARWICK: The Fruit of the Loom brand, once housed in Pontiac Mills, was a major producer of Union uniforms for the Civil War. Local legends say its bell tower was dedicated by President Lincoln at its grand opening in 1863, but alas, this is unsubstantiated.
39. WOONSOCKET: The Woonsocket Harris Public Library, then-known as the Harris Institute Library, opened its doors to the public on October 3, 1868. The library has the distinction of being the first fee- and subscription-free public library in the state. The library was located directly below Harris Hall, where Abraham Lincoln delivered an anti-slavery address in 1860.
The American Dream
For many immigrant groups, the Port of Providence served as a primary point of entry and the Fabre Line was their vessel. The steamships offered the only transatlantic route to southern New England from places along the Mediterranean. It’s documented that nearly 84,000 people, mostly from Portugal and Italy, were admitted to the country between the years 1911 and 1934, almost one in nine settling in Rhode Island after landing in Providence. However, both the line and the families hoping for a new life faced major obstacles including World War I, the immigration restriction laws of the 1920s, and the Great Depression.
A portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart
A Stunning Historic Apartment Community
Welcome to US Rubber Lofts
This luxurious historic mill community has been fully renovated to capture Providence’s chic, urban spirit! Each unit features a modern kitchen and designer finishes, with some showcasing original exposed brick and beams. US Rubber Lofts is steps from the RIPTA bus line and minutes from the commuter rail. Downtown Providence, the River Greenway Bike Path, and Federal Hill are all nearby, offering easy access to dining, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife!
Resort Style Amenities
Rooftop Deck BBQ / Picnic Area / Fire Pit
Indoor Putting Green
Indoor Basketball Court Garage *Additional Fee
Historic Binge
A CONVERSATION WITH THE CO-DIRECTORS OF A NEW DOCUMENTARY ON THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
By Ken Abrams
History lovers, get ready to binge. Documentarian and unofficial national historian Ken Burns is back with a revealing new PBS series. Alongside co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, Burns’ latest, The American Revolution , is six-part, 12-hour extravaganza that premiered in November, and is streaming on PBS Passport. The series looks at the struggle that upended an empire and gave birth to a new nation – the war, the politics, and the people, the tale of “how America’s founding turned the world upside-down.”
The series revisits the era of the American Revolution with fresh eyes, presenting the conflict as more than simply a war of independence, but more a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war simultaneously. With no video or photographic evidence from the era to draw upon, the documentary focuses on the written and illustrated record, and includes voices from across the spectrum – rank-and-file Continental soldiers, British officers, Native Americans, enslaved and free African Americans, Loyalists, and civilians. It’s not always pretty – the conflict frequently divided neighbors
and families. Moreover, the military picture was often bleak; at times, more soldiers died from disease and exposure than in battle.
Botstein and Schmidt share more about the series in a recent interview. Both worked with Burns on numerous prior projects including Jazz , The Vietnam War and The US and the Holocaust . “At the heart of the film is the dynamic between the idea of the American Revolution, this total upheaval about what it means to have a revolution, kicking the British monarchy aside and winning. It’s such an unlikely underdog story, and really important to study when it comes to that American Revolution of ideas,” says Botstein. “But it’s also a really bloody, deeply complicated, and brutal civil war, which becomes a world war. And you have to understand both those things at the same time to understand what’s important.”
For the documentary’s live-action scenes, the filmmakers attended and recorded numerous historical reenactments. “We spent some time with the reenactment groups without our cameras,” says Schmidt. “We filmed the big reenactments
that they do, and then we spent the last couple of years sort of curating specialized groups, Hessian soldiers, the First Rhode Island, the New Jersey Grays, and British reenactors to do small-scale shoots that were much more impressionistic and specific to what we were doing,” says Botstein. Those reenactments included coverage of the famed First Rhode Island Division, and a profile of RI native Nathanial Greene, “Washington’s most trusted lieutenant,” notes Schmidt. Rhode Island’s Gaspee incident gets some attention as well. “After the Boston Massacre (1770), the British withdrew from occupying Boston,” says Schmidt. “There was a time of relative lull, which somebody like Samuel Adams was a little anxious about. He wanted to keep up the scare, as it were, keep the momentum going for this revolution that he was invested in. It kind of went by the wayside for a bit until the Gaspee Affair (1772) and a few other events, which reignited the engine of revolution. That’s the big one, it really started raising the temperature again. And then it picks up, of course, with the Tea Party.”
Sarah Botstein, co-director of PBS series The American Revolution
Photo (L) courtesy of RIPBS, (R) courtesy of B. Michael Zuckerman via WikiMedia
First discount department store in the US: Ann and Hope, Cumberland
The film presents a more nuanced view of the “enemy,” including loyalists living in America, plus many enslaved Americans, who were promised freedom if they fought on the British side. “I think it’s really important when doing a story of any war, to try to explain or understand why and have empathy and context for why different people make different decisions,” says Botstein.
“If you look at Rhode Island itself, Providence had a much closer tie to the mainland than Newport, which had a closer tie to the sea,” adds Schmidt. “Newport was occupied for much of the war by the British and later the French army. I think in places like that, you have to understand that an awful lot of Americans are people who will make the best decision that they can make in that moment in time. And sometimes, whose army is in my city right now? What can I do to protect myself, my property, my family?
The annual living history commemoration of the Franco-American Alliance, held in Washington Square each July
Other times it’s ideological. You can’t fault somebody for making the decision that this has been working out pretty well for me, I don’t want to break the law, I want to go along with what’s gotten us to where we are now, and that person might call themselves a loyalist.”
Schmidt recalls an insight during the film’s production. “Sarah’s probably sick of me saying this, but there’s a moment in episode three where (Harvard) historian Maya Jasanoff says the United States was born out of violence. Millions of people went through a real ordeal over the course of eight years of war and many more years of uncertainty and emerged on the other side with something that we’re still dealing with today. The country was divided at our founding. We have a great tradition of political divisions.” Stream
The American Revolution at PBS.org
Field Trips:
BABCOCK-SMITH HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of Dr. Joshua Babcock, a 1734 Georgian mansion that hosted the likes of George Washington and Ben Franklin, while serving as a post office and general store. Westerly, BabcockSmithHouse.org
CHOOSING SIDES IN REVOLUTIONARY NEWPORT: This two-guide 90-minute walking tour brings both perspectives to life, asking you to decide whose cause you would follow in a city torn between rebellion and loyalty. Newport, NewportHistoryTours.org
THE JOHN BROWN HOUSE MUSEUM: Exhibits and objects reflecting Rhode Island’s role in the Revolution and participation in slavery and the slave trade. Providence, RIHS.org
SIX PLACES TO GET YOUR HISTORY ON
MUSEUM OF WORK AND CULTURE: Explore the transformation of this textile city over 200 years on an interactive touch table. Exhibits are presented in both French and English. Woonsocket, RIHS.org
SOWAMS HERITAGE AREA: Ten self-guided tours offer a unique way to explore Sowams’ past and present, connecting visitors to Indigenous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural pathways that shaped this land. Warren, Sowams.org
VARNUM HOUSE MUSEUM: The 250-year-old house of James Mitchell Varnum, a general serving under Washington, he was a brilliant lawyer who proposed the formation of the Black Regiment; its guests included Generals Washington and Lafayette. East Greenwich, VarnumContinentals.org
ROAD TRIP FOR HISTORY BUFFS
Chances are good that you’ve come across those blue, red, and gold W3R signs on local roads and wondered what they meant. It’s the National Park Service’s Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, and follows the path taken by the French army under Rochambeau
Photo courtesy of Newport Historic Society
Photo courtesy of Newport Historic Society
Built between 1739 and 1741, the Colony House in Newport is the fourth oldest state house still standing in the US. During the American Revolution, George Washington met General Rochambeau here.
on its journey from Providence to the battle of Yorktown in 1781. Spanning more than 680 miles through nine states and the District of Columbia, the trail commemorates the land and water routes that secured American independence, while emphasizing that the march to Yorktown was not just a military route, but a vibrant network of real communities whose stories continue to shape America’s identity. Find maps, merch, and more at W3R-US.org
FIRST GAS-LIT STREET IN AMERICA: Newport
FIRST COLLEGE IN AMERICA TO ACCEPT STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Brown University
FIRST NINE-HOLE GOLF COURSE: Newport
FIRST COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE WIND FARM: Block Island
FIRST WOMAN NEWSPAPER EDITOR IN AMERICA: Ann Smith Franklin of The Mercury , Newport
FIRST WOMAN LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER: Ida Lewis, Newport
FIRST WOMAN TO ESTABLISH AN AMERICAN TOWN: Ann Hutchinson, Portsmouth
FIRST TEMPLE: Touro Synagogue, Newport
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: Providence
FIRST ANTI-SLAVERY LAW SIGNED IN 1652
FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN UNIT IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
FIRST NAVAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: Newport
FIRST FORMAL NAVY CREATED IN 1772: East Greenwich
FIRST TO SEND TROOPS IN RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S REQUEST FOR HELP DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
FIRST ACT OF ARMED REBELLION AGAINST THE CROWN: Pawtuxet Village
FIRST PROPONENT OF THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: Roger Williams
FIRST PRESIDENTIAL PHONE CALL: Alexander Graham Bell called President Rutherford B. Hayes at a Rocky Point clambake, from the City Hotel in Providence
Chances are good that you’ve passed Fearless Fish Market, the deep-blue building on the corner of Hope and Braman streets, where Davis Dairy used to be (as they say in Rhode Island-ese). Stu Meltzer started “Rhode Island’s finest fishmonger” storefront in 2019 to “help people feel more confident buying, cooking, and trying new seafood.” Meltzer and his team supply loyal customers with “high quality, local, and interesting” species of finfish and shellfish.
A board member of the Seafood Marketing Collaborative, Meltzer is active in the seafood community. Before landing in the Ocean State, he worked for a Chicago-based seafood distributor for high-end restaurants and retailers, as well as an oyster grower and distributor. With an MBA from Northwestern University, his business, he says, combines his interests in economics, food, and nature. To that end, he wants to teach others how to
properly kill a fish. In fact, there’s a video at Fearless-Fish.com where you can watch a video of the Japanese – well, art, if you will – of ikejime, a practice that results in the highest quality fish imaginable.
Meltzer explains that ikejime, translating to “alive kill,” is not only humane, but also mitigates stress in the fish and reduces bacterial growth to ensure better taste and texture (in traditional commercial fishing, the fish
suffocate). The ancient method is a four-step process: killing the fish with a spike to the brain, bleeding it out, rupturing its spinal cord, and placing it in an ice bath.
With the help of Japanese native and University of Rhode Island Professor Hiro Uchida, Meltzer trains Rhode Island fishermen to use this method. It’s a priority for him, as he is constantly seeking the best fish for his buyers. “It’s rare to get fish that’s as good as something
FIND YOUR FRESH
The interactive RI Seafood Finder maps more than 160 partner venues, including restaurants, markets, and wholesalers, that serve or sell local seafood. Learn more at Seafood.RI.gov and follow along on Facebook at @RISeafoodRocks and Instagram at @RI.Seafood.
Photo courtesy of Fearless Fish
Stu Meltzer and his Fearless crew
(adjective) of an experience defined by rigor and spark, heart and joy, and belonging. Only at The Croft School.
Scan QR code or visit thecroftschool.org to learn more.
Dr. LaPorte joined Atlantic Audiology in June and we’re excited for our patients to get the chance to work with her. Dr. LaPorte earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2023 and during her residency she was drawn to working in a private practice because of the level of focused and personalized care she can provide for her patients.
Her audiologic passions include amplification, education, & cerumen management. Dr. LaPorte is working out of both the Cranston and the North Kingstown locations.
that’s undergone ikejime,” he says. The process impacts the chemical processes happening as the fish dies. The spiking of the brain and the rupturing of the spinal cord reduce stress and the effects of rigor mortis, as well as the buildup of lactic acid. Bleeding and an ice bath prevent the growth of bacteria. Inside the market is a cooler packed with dozens and dozens of fish, meticulously labeled by species, the name of the fisherman who caught it,
Photos courtesy of RI Seafood
Small State, Big Plate
3 LOCATIONS! 615 Waterman Street East Providence • 479-4024 1525 Smith Street North Providence • 854-7798 350 Prospect Street Pawtucket • 475-1368 FRIDAY FISH & CHIPS,
Monday-Sunday : 7am-2pm N. PVD: 7am-8pm (Fridays Only)
the harvest date, and the size. There’s seabass from Point Judith, smelts from Nova Scotia, littlenecks from Narragansett Bay, scallops from Nantucket, and white shrimp from Louisiana. Out front, the cases are labeled to indicate which fish were harvested using the ikejime process. Meltzer says this fish can last longer in your refrigerator – up to a week, if necessary. Makes us feel fearless, indeed! 721 Hope Street, Fearless-Fish.com
Kindling Community
At a cook’s monthly supper club, sparks fly over good food, great company, and the soft glow of a perfectly set table
By Jenna Kaplan
The forecast threatened a nor’easter, but by the time guests made their way to chef Emily Trodson’s family home, the much-hyped storm had softened into a light drizzle and a mischievous breeze. Inside, though, everything glowed. This was the October edition of Matchbook Supper Club, a monthly dinner series dreamed up by Trodson, and the evening’s theme, Sunday Assembly, was as warm and welcoming as the host herself.
Candles flickered against burgundy linens, vintage glassware caught the light just right, and the air carried the comforting scent of
butter, thyme, and something slow-braising in the kitchen. Guests slipped off their coats and were greeted with a brown butter-washed bourbon old-fashioned, a cocktail that somehow bottled up the best parts of fall in one sip: cozy, smooth, and just a little indulgent.
As everyone mingled with cocktails in hand, trays of mushroom tartlets and truffle deviled eggs waited invitingly by the dinner table, ready to be picked at between introductions and laughter. People drifted toward the food naturally, conversation sparking over each bite. By the time everyone found their seats, the evening had settled into an easy rhythm, less like a formal dinner
and more like the best kind of family gathering, where nobody’s related but everyone belongs.
For Trodson, that sense of connection is the point. After more than a decade in restaurant kitchens, the self-taught cook wanted to create something slower and more personal, a space where food, storytelling, and community could all share the same table. “I’ve always believed the most memorable moments happen around a table,” she said. “Not just because of what’s on the menu, but because of who’s there and how it feels.” That philosophy is woven into every Matchbook dinner, from the locally sourced ingredients to the way seats are drawn at random so no one ends up
Photo courtesy of Matchbook Dinner Club
PLACE FOR SUSHI
Authentic Mexican flavors
next to someone they already know.
The meal itself unfolded like a love letter to fall. The centerpiece, Julia Child’s beef bourguignon, arrived bubbling and rich, paired with herb-whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, maple-roasted honey nut squash, and a radicchio and fennel salad dressed in sherry vinaigrette. Each dish was thoughtful and grounded, featuring ingredients from nearby favorites such as Four Town Farm, Seven Stars Bakery, Newport Sea Salt, and East Side Cheese. It was comfort food done right, the kind that makes you pause between bites just to appreciate how perfectly everything comes together.
As the evening went on, guests were invited to share what brought them to Sunday Assembly. Some came to meet new people, others to step outside their usual circles, and a few were returning regulars who now think of Matchbook as a monthly ritual. When Sarah Harrison, a repeat guest, spoke, she looked toward Trodson and said, “You’ve created something really special here.” Heads nodded, smiles spread, and it was clear that everyone felt the same.
Dessert sealed the deal. Olive oil cake with stewed apples and vanilla bean ice cream arrived soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough to make conversation pause for a beat. Before
guests slipped back into the night, Emily handed out Matchbook-branded matchboxes and handmade caramels, small keepsakes from an evening meant to linger.
Outside, puddles shimmered in the streetlights; inside, the last flickers of candlelight danced across empty wine glasses and satisfied smiles. It felt like the closing scene of a Nancy Meyers movie, only this one was filmed right here, starring real Rhode Islanders, full hearts, and the kind of warmth you can’t script.
Each month, Matchbook Supper Club transforms into something entirely new, a fresh theme guiding both the menu and the mood. She’s currently prepping “A Very Fifth Avenue Christmas,” and promises an atmosphere akin to a snowy afternoon in Manhattan. “Think: lots of fur, sparkle, champagne, pointy shoes, caviar, ear muffs. Very ‘80s!” she says. What stays the same is Trodson’s knack for creating evenings that feel both effortless and unforgettable. Whether it’s through a shared laugh over truffle deviled eggs or a quiet nod across the table, Matchbook is proof that the best kind of magic happens when people gather with open hearts and empty plates. Learn more at MatchbookSupperClub.com
Photo courtesy of Matchbook Dinner Club
Special touches set the stage for the dinner ahead
Starting in Reverse
Why a foodie thinks you’ll flip over Julia Child’s favorite drink
By Ann Martini
Rhody’s-own content creator Teon Owen Cromwell, Jr. has been posting cocktail-making videos on his social media since 2021 (@ newportrifoodie, across all platforms including YouTube and TikTok). Here, he shares some inspiration to get you through Dry January.
Cocktails are such a huge part of the holiday season, but is Dry January still a thing?
Dry January is still a thing because there are plenty of people out there who are very health conscious or don’t drink at all. I’ve also noticed that some people who do drink during Dry January tend to go the low-ABV route (which stands for “alcohol by volume” and refers to drinks with a lower alcohol content), or stick to a mocktail. This January I’m drinking an Upside-Down Martini, aka the Reverse Martini. It’s a variation on the classic martini that flips the proportions, which makes it a low-ABV cocktail.
Tell us why you like this drink.
I love the simplicity of this drink. It’s easy to make and a very smooth cocktail to drink, emphasizing all of the characteristics of vermouth, a fortified, aromatized wine characterized by a complex flavor profile.
What makes this drink special for wintertime?
I think it’s a perfect wintertime drink because after months of eating a lot of heavy foods, this drink is lighter, and it’s a nice fireside sipper.
What is the history of this martini?
Although there is no exact history of the Reverse Martini, many date its roots back to the early 1900s. Although a specific “inventor” is not documented, most people identify it with Julia Child, who called it her favorite version of a martini. Its reversal of traditional proportions brings back elements of pre-Prohibition-era drinks and is known for being a lower-alcohol option.
What are tasty snacks to pair with your martini?
I like to have cheese and crackers and even potato chips with this drink. One time I had potato chips with crème fraîche and caviar and that was delicious!
When you go out for a drink, where are places in RI you like best?
Troop PVD in the capital city, a craft cocktail and wine lounge in Newport called Bar 12, and The Wharf Fishhouse & Tiki Bar on Bowen’s Wharf have amazing cocktails. My favorite gin and tonics are from Tavern on Broadway in Newport.
RECIPE
Upside-Down Martini, AKA the Reverse Martini
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz (60 ml) dry vermouth
• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
• Lemon peel or olives, for garnish
In a mixing glass, add all of the ingredients, plus ice, and stir vigorously until wellchilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass, garnish with a lemon peel or olives and serve immediately.
Photo courtesy of Teon Owen Cromwell, Jr.
The Upside-Down AKA Reverse Martini
Savoring Rhody
Historic restaurants and taverns worth traversing the state
By Patty J
As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island brims with historical significance at every turn, which also extends to its storied food and drink scene. I mean, how lucky are we to have a number of taverns throughout the state that have been around for hundreds of years?
Carriage Inn (1760)
This cozy restaurant used to be a stagecoach stop back in the day. After briefly shuttering in 2016 and reopening in 2017 under current owner Roy Ring, the spacious yet cozy place continues to embrace its past while offering a decidedly modern menu of American favorites. Regulars rave about their Cape Cod reuben, Carriage burger, and pulled pork sandwiches. North Kingstown
Clarke Cooke House (1780)
This Bannister’s Wharf mainstay, named for a wealthy sea captain, serves up delicious fare in well-preserved (and relocated) 18th-century dining rooms. Always lively, the vibe is rooted in Newport’s yachting culture. The kitchen is helmed by Ted Gidley, who brings a Mediterranean-spin to American classics. Don’t miss the chowder and save room for dessert. Newport
DeWolf Tavern (1818)
This lore-filled restaurant in the heart of downtown Bristol started as the headquarters for the DeWolf family’s businesses, including a stint as a rum distillery. Since taking ownership in 2019, Chef Sai Viswanath has introduced Indian dishes such as the naan bread sampler, tandoori chicken, and pakora vegetable fries, alongside classics like lobster popovers. Bristol
Photo (top) courtesy of Carriage House, Photo’s (bottom) courtesy of Discover Newport
Carriage Inn
DeWolf Tavern Patty J at White Horse Tavern
Clarke Cooke House
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Photo by Mac Olink
Photo by Nick DelGiudice
Photo by J. Nicole Captures
General Stanton Inn (1740)
Owners Jackie and David Moore embarked on a major renovation of the inn and restaurant after scooping it up in 2022. Over the years, the General had played host to everyone from Al Capone and Tallulah Bankhead to Ben Franklin and Teddy Roosevelt. Nowadays, folks flock to the tavern for their Sunday brunch, garlic bread tower, and burgers. Make it a spirited stay! Charlestown
Olympia Tea Room (1916)
Thanks to its art deco interior, a meal at Olympia feels like stepping into an old Hollywood movie. Owned by Marcia and Jack Felber since 1980, this 110 years-young eatery is still the place to see and be seen in Watch Hill. Regulars live for their salads, grilled pizza, linguine and clams, and wine list. Watch Hill (reopens Spring 2026)
Tavern on Main (1799)
“Eat, drink, and be scary,” is the tagline of this cozy restaurant and bar under its recent ownership of Phil Zahlany and Chelsea Lumnah, who wholeheartedly embrace the whispers that this restaurant may indeed be haunted. See for yourself on any given night with their hearty dinner specials (their parms and seafood get glowing reviews), old faves (popovers, prime rib), and creative cocktails. Chepachet
Photo (L to R) courtesy of General Stanton Inn, Olympia Tea Room, and White Horse Tavern
General Stanton Inn
Olympia Tea Room
Treehouse Tavern & Bistro (1860)
Nestled along busy Centerville Road is a rustic retreat serving up handcrafted micro-brews, a scratch-made menu, and a tap selection featuring unique beers crafted with the finest hops, barley, and wheat. Love a dessert cart? This place has one, and much more. Their lobster mac and cheese, chicken wings, noodle bowl, and tea selections keep people coming back again and again. Warwick
White Horse Tavern (1652)
Built in 1652 as a private home and turned into a tavern in 1673 by a retired pirate (namely, William Mayes, Sr.), WHT has the distinction of being the oldest operating restaurant in the entire US. It was actually occupied by British troops during the American Revolution. Now owned by Jeff Farrar, people from all over go to enjoy their seafood, steaks, and a Dark and Stormy cocktail or two. Ask to see the picture of their resident ghost, which they keep behind the bar. Newport
White Horse Tavern
ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.
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