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FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
CONTRIBUTORS
KAREN KALUNIAN
With her tireless devotion to helping rescue pets get adopted from shelters, each month animal advocate Karen Kalunian sends us a trio of furry faces with descriptions for Rhody Pets of the Month. Additionally, she hosts Animal Talk , a digital series on Ocean State Media. Turn to page 14 to see this month’s group of furry friends seeking their forever homes.
BRITT MACHADO
Britt Machado’s knack for blending eras and styles in a cohesive way is front-and-center in this month’s shop page. On page A24, 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.
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 A18. 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.
EMILY OLSON
In “Reclaiming the Narrative,” writer Emily Olson shares about her conversation with Chrystal Mars Baker, part of the education team at the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, and the new exhibits being prepared to tell Indigenous stories as the US prepares to celebrate 250 years. In addition to traveling the world with her family, Olson enjoys spending time exploring Little Rhody.
Dr. Salvatore Rizzuto, DMD
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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.
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RI 250 | Arts | Rhody Pets | Ocean State Media | History | Rhody Gem | Calendar
Telling Rhode Islander’s Stories
RI secretary of state shares plans for semiquincentennial commemoration
By Ken Abrams
Rhode Island Secretary of State Greg Amore fondly recalls his small role in the nation’s bicentennial, which took place 50 years ago. “I remember walking down the middle of Taunton Avenue in East Providence in a parade with a tricorn hat on,” says Amore, recalling the 1976 celebration, a transformative event for many who experienced it. “My dad was actually on the RI-76 commission.”
Amore now serves as chair of the RI 250 Commission (RI250), which is guiding the state through the year-long commemoration of the semiquincentennial, marking the founding of our nation. “It’s not a ceremonial position,” he explains. “The activities of the commission go through our office. I believe I’m the only secretary of state in the country that chairs one of the 250th commissions.”
Director Ken Burns stopped by Governor Dan McKee’s office in mid-October to share a preview of his new documentary with students in the Secretary of State’s Civic Leadership Program.
A YEAR OF EVENTS
Established in 2021, RI250 includes numerous stakeholders and dozens of organizations participating in the multi-year commemoration. The commission is dedicated to sharing the stories of all Rhode Islanders, especially those groups and individuals who have previously been underrepresented in the narrative, a fact the former high school civics teacher emphasizes. “When I first voted for this legislation as a member of the House of
Representatives, the belief was this was an opportunity to tell Rhode Island’s story as part of the nation’s story, and we have a great story to tell,” says Amore, a former Rhode Island History Teacher of the Year.
“Considering the divisive nature of our politics today, I think it’s a great opportunity to tell a story of unification and talk about our shared values, which are on display in the Declaration of Independence, the document
In addition to programming planned in cities and towns this year, signature events include a large-scale WaterFire on July 4, that includes a performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and a massive American flag draped over the State House, and RI250 is sponsoring an honor flight for veterans in Washington DC. Learn more at RhodeIsland250.org
that gave birth to the Constitution. Besides telling Rhode Island’s story and engaging with Rhode Islanders about our history and our democracy, we have an opportunity to talk about what unites us as Americans.”
Amore says there is one notable difference between this year’s commemoration and 1976. “I think one of the differences between the 250 commemoration and celebration from the 1976 commemoration and
Members of the Pawtuxet Rangers at a professional development workshop
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Secretary of State
celebration is that most of these states are being really intentional about telling the whole story of their state, the whole story of the birth of the nation,” he explains. “In particular, we are highlighting the First Rhode Island Regiment, one of the first and most integrated military regiments in American history. They fought bravely and with distinction everywhere they went, and they truly integrated two full companies of Black and Indigenous soldiers fighting alongside white soldiers, including at Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered – the First
Rhode Island played a key role there.”
Amore is also among those leading initiatives to bring the commemoration into Rhode Island classrooms. “Rhode Island teachers have embraced this,” he says. “I’ve embarked on a statewide school visit tour where we give a lesson on the Declaration of Independence, Rhode Island’s role in the founding of the nation, and a discussion of Nathanael Greene, as well as our two signers, William Ellery and Stephen Hopkins.” He plans to visit close to 100 schools by the end of the year.
Secretary of State Greg Amore presenting to Rhode Island teachers
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Secretary of State
From the Flight Deck to the Recording Studio
RI’s Veteran of the Year releases latest album of songs inspired by military families
By Ken Abrams
It might seem like a long journey from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier to a career in writing and recording books and music for children, but for Narragansett’s Greg Lato, it’s just another chapter in a fully engaged life. Lato, a Navy veteran, who recently released his third children’s album, Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families , was named the 2025 Rhode Island Veteran of the Year by Military Friendly, an organization that supports military veterans and their families.
Lato learned of the award, which recognizes his leadership, community impact, and achievement after serving in the military, just as his recording reached number one on iTunes earlier this year. Inspired by conversations with military families, the 13-track album features uplifting songs about resilience, courage, and belonging –messages that reflect both his service to his country and his passion for creating meaningful music.
Recording children’s songs might seem like an unusual path for the former soldier, whose service included a tour as a firefighter on the now decommissioned USS Constellation. The journey began while his own kids were growing up. “My kids inspired me to create children’s music more than anything,” he explains. “Before that, I was doing adult pop rock for many years. It was when I had kids that I was inspired to write my first book.”
That first book, Try , published in 2017, is an inspiring story about not being afraid to take chances. “My first book had one song that came with it,” he says. “I would just make up songs for all the things that the kids would do.” While promoting the book at bookstores and libraries, Lato would sing “Try” at the end of his readings. “I would do story time with the book and then perform the song. Parents and kids would ask if I had anything else, and I didn’t. Then I realized, maybe they’re onto something. So I started writing songs with kids’ themes and then came out with a whole album.”
Photo courtesy of Greg Lato
RI Veteran of the Year Greg Lato
Lato attributes his success to his writing style, which often uses the voice and tone of a child experiencing life’s ups and downs.
“Sometimes you write from a kid’s perspective and sometimes I’ll write as a dad from a dad’s perspective,” he says. Although Dandelion was conceived as a tribute to military families, many folks of all ages outside the military will certainly relate to its themes.
“I had never tied my military service to my music before, and I wanted to do that,” he adds. “I was young when I was in the service. I didn’t have kids or family, but I would hear stories back then about what they go through when they’re deployed –how they missed their kids and the things they would do when they got home. Based on those conversations, I wrote songs for the album. It’s a kid’s album, so I wanted to keep it fun and upbeat, but there are heartfelt moments in there too, woven into the fabric of it because of the stories I heard.”
Before recording, Lato met with military families and recruited children to sing on the album. “It was amazing to meet with the families and kids and just hear stories of how military life affects them, good or bad,” he says. In the process, Lato recently led a week-long songwriting workshop at Portsmouth Middle School. “There’s a heavy concentration of military families in that area. There were about 20 kids who got together over the course of the week – we did a songwriting workshop, and I recorded them on two songs for the album. It was an amazing experience.” Learn more at GregLato.com.
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
LLooking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.
If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.
PEACH
BREED: Domestic Shorthair
AGE: 6 mo.
GENDER: Female
What’s fuzzy and soft on the outside and sweet on the inside? Peach, of course, who is very much still a kitten with lots of playful energy. She is a beautiful domestic shorthair with a pretty orange and white coat which complements her goldengreen eyes! She is currently being fostered with other playful cats and is ready to find her forever home where she can blossom. If you are looking for another feline friend, this kitty is just peachy.
FURBABY RANCH RHODE ISLAND katelynncaruso@furbabyranch.com
BAILEY
BREED: Husky
AGE: 6
GENDER: Male
Bailey is a smart, handsome, lovable husky –everything you could want and more. His coat is magnificent, and his blue eyes just look right into your heart. Bailey likes to go for walks, romp around the yard, and sit like a perfect gentleman for yummy treats. He might even like to have another dog friend if you are looking to adopt a second pup, but no cats or small animals for Bailey. Contact the shelter to meet this handsome gent.
NORTH KINGSTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER 401-910-8999
Peach Bailey
Photo (L) by Karen Kalunian
LUNA
BREED: Cocker Spaniel-mix
AGE: 8
GENDER: Female
This face will surely make you smile every day. Meet Luna, a cocker spaniel mix with a fluffy, chocolate-brown coat and white-tipped toes. She’s playful, totally lovable, and best suited for a quiet, adult-only home with no other pets. Luna loves to play outside, so having a fenced-in yard would be ideal. Note: She suffers from chronic ear issues, which you can discuss with the shelter staff when you visit.
EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER
401-294-2754
Bobcats are Back in Rhode Island and a New Study Is Tracking Their Progress
Researchers at URI launched the Rhode Island Bobcat Project to study the re-emergence of the big cats
In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org
• By Luis Hernandez
Bobcats are making a comeback in Rhode Island. At one one point they were virtually nonexistent in the state, but in recent decades, bobcat sightings are becoming more common. And now, the University of Rhode Island (URI) partnered with state environmental managers and local nonprofits to launch the Rhode Island Bobcat Project, which is intended to promote bobcat conservation and learn more about how they contribute to Rhode Island’s ecosystem.
Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Kathleen Carroll, assistant professor of applied quantitative ecology at URI, and Christopher Hickling, a Ph.D student at URI in natural resources science, about what the project hopes to accomplish.
Interview highlights:
On the purpose of the Rhode Island Bobcat Project
Kathleen Carroll: We have been thinking a lot about different carnivores across the landscape here. Rhode Island is a really unique system because we have so many people and we’re seeing big changes in our carnivore communities. There was a publication that came out from a post-doc in my lab from her Ph.D, Laken Ganoe with the RIDEM (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management), and she found that almost every carnivore species – fisher, gray fox, red fox – are all declining, but that coyotes and bobcats are not. And so there’s a lot of questions that we have about why some of
the iconic New England species are not doing well, when bobcats seem to be doing very well and apparently are on the rise across the state.
On the difficulty of studying bobcat populations in the wild
Christopher Hickling: Bobcats are cautious and smart, but they’re also curious. They’re difficult to trap, and they never really exist in high population densities. There’s never going to be an overabundance of bobcats in one location. So that means you need to cover a large geographic area with your efforts. It requires a lot of time and commitment to be able to achieve a sample size large enough to learn something. We track them in a cage-trap, humanely. And we anesthetize them for about 30 to 45 minutes. We
Photo courtesy of John Stenning/URI
An image submitted to the project’s citizen science portal of a bobcat spotted in Scituate
take a bunch of biological samples and measurements, and then we fit them with a GPS collar, which they wear for just over a year. And that sends us their location every couple of hours via satellite to our computers, and that’s how we monitor the places they go.
On the findings of the initial leg of the Bobcat Project
Carroll: We wrapped up in September having 320 cameras at 160 sites across Rhode Island on public land, and we’re definitely seeing cats at a lot of locations. We also have started a citizen science project where we have over 600 reports of people submitting sightings of bobcats; we’re seeing that there’s definitely quite a few cats across Rhode Island. We’re seeing a lot of cats in Narragansett. So with that, paired with Chris’s field experience, we’re getting a really good sense of where we should focus our efforts.
On how bobcats contribute to the ecological health of Rhode Island
Hickling: In a bunch of different ways. There’s lots of studies looking at top carnivores and how they influence ecosystems. And so one of the big ones is disease – controlling rodent populations. Bobcats, in addition with other carnivores who are kind of occupying this role of top carnivores in our eastern forest, are providing all these benefits. And there are studies that show that top carnivores influence things as far reaching as erosion and helping promote diverse native plant communities, creating biodiverse microbial environments at kill sites. There are lots of different studies on the importance of carnivores and bobcats – because we don’t have pumas or wolves and bigger apex predators here in Rhode Island – bobcats and other carnivores are helping the ecosystem by sort of occupying that role.
This article was originally posted on December 1, 2025. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@oceanstatemedia.org.
From Fresh homemade pasta to hand tossed new York pizza
461 Main Street Unit 104
@shoprelent essboutique
Reclaiming the Narrative
How one of the oldest Indigenous museums in the country is renewing its mission to share authentic stories
By Emily Olson
A
s the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary, the Tomaquag Museum, Rhode Island’s only Indigenous-led museum, is recognizing the milestone not with a celebration, but with a reckoning. The museum, which educates visitors about Southern New England’s Indigenous community, is preparing a full overhaul of its museum space. Designed in partnership with Smoke Sygnals, an Indigenous-owned exhibit design firm, the new exhibits will bring to light truths that may have long been avoided.
“Visitors will see completely new exhibits that speak to our relationship to this anniversary and the stories we feel must be told,” says Education Manager Chrystal Mars Baker. Among them are stories about the complicated roles Indigenous people played during the Revolutionary War, when communities faced impossible decisions about how to deal with conflict breaking out on their soil. Baker says storytelling is vital because it allows people to reclaim agency over how their history is told. This idea is reflected in the museum’s 2026 theme: “Revolution, Asserting Sovereignty.”
“The Revolution and change in government resulted in a lot of loss for many of our people,” says Baker. “But there’s also resilience and resistance. There is a continuation of our culture in the midst of all that negative history.” Baker says that one powerful way native people assert their sovereignty is through writing. “It’s important that stories be told not just through our lens, but through our perspective. We’re making sure we’re visible in these changing times, asserting what we want for our future, and replacing myths taught in classrooms with the truth of how our people continue to build this nation.”
The year’s theme will be reflected in the museum’s Lunch and Learn virtual series, which will take place on the fourth Monday of every month. “Each session has a different speaker. Some of them are authors, others are historians,” Baker explains. “I can’t wait to hear how
The museum is embarking on a complete overhaul of its existing exhibits
each presenter interprets the theme.” The museum also plans to explore the theme through its book club, which runs monthly through April. Participants will use Baker’s chosen titles to discuss topics ranging from economic hardship to the use of cultural symbols as mascots. Later in the year, the museum will continue its popular six-week children’s programming, offered during summer break. “We have children of all ages attend with their families, so we try to have something for everyone,” Baker says of the developing lesson plans. “Each session centers around a creative activity and a physical activity so kids can enjoy being outside.”
And of course, the museum will continue its beloved annual community events, Strawberry Thanksgiving in June, Cranberry Thanksgiving in early October, and Nikommo, an annual end-of-the-year sharing event that ensures no community member goes through the winter without access to necessities, typically held in early December.
“We approach both the Strawberry Thanksgiving and Cranberry Thanksgiving, which are traditional events, in contemporary ways,” explains Baker. “Strawberry Thanksgiving will have traditional dancing along with food and art vendors, children’s activities, and
P hotos courtesy of the Tomaquag Museum
information booths. Cranberry Thanksgiving is more of an educational event.” Nikommo is an annual holiday art market.
“The artists attend for free,” Baker says. “It’s an opportunity for networking that empowers them in their business.”
For Baker, asserting sovereignty isn’t just about teaching people about the past. It’s about shedding light on the modern Indigenous culture. “We’re still here,” she says.
“Through our stories, our writing, and our presence, we’re making ourselves visible and shaping our future.” Learn more at TomaquagMuseum.org.
COURTHOUSE
The Green Door
Home accessories and gifts
What it is:
An elegant gift shop filled with beautiful displays of florals and more, in room after room.
Where to find it:
Look for a green door on the corner of Main and King streets in historic downtown East Greenwich, across from the courthouse.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Susan Swanson opened her store in 1991, and has been delighting shoppers ever since. “I create all of the one-of-akind florals with the finest materials,” says the designer, who is renowned for her realistic silk floral arrangements, wreaths, and baskets. “We always try to have items that you can’t find in other shops, like our woven tapestry table runners from France, wooden door pieces for every season handmade by a local craftsman, Simon Pearce glass, and custom Rhode Island gifts made especially for the shop.” In addition to one of the largest selections of Herend porcelain in Southern New England, you’ll also find special wedding gifts, presents for babies from brands like Gund and Petit Collage, and homegoods and stationery from Caspari, Two’s Company, and Rhody-based Kalastyle Soap Co. Says Swanson, “There are so many things that make my business special.”
The Green Door
130 Main Street, East Greenwich TheGreenDoorRI.com @the_green_door_ri
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool, 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!
Photos courtesy of The Green Door
From one small office to Rhode Island’s leading independent real estate firm, with nine locations, our roots have always been local and our mission simple: guiding every move with the same level of integrity and care. After 45 years, we’re just getting started. We’re grateful to our clients, community, and team of dedicated associates for making 2025 another exceptional year.
Happy New Year, Rhode Island. Thank you for trusting us to guide you home.
The Must List
Through February 7: Don’t worry, you didn’t miss your chance to visit the Hobbit House adorned in Christmas lights. Reserve a session and BYO photographer to this architectural gem nestled within the property at The Preserve. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
January 1: Dive in or cheer on the brave souls at the 50th annual Penguin Plunge , a New Year’s Day tradition at Scarborough State Beach benefitting Special Olympics Rhode Island. Main plunge at noon, family-friendly plunge at 12:15pm. Narragansett, SpecialOlympicsRI.org
January 2-4, 9-11: The Festival of Trees at Kinney Azalea Gardens is a brand-new winter experience, with branches decorated with nature-inspired ornaments such as birds, fairies, pinecones, and mushrooms . Kingston, KinneyAzaleaGardens.com
January 3: Knock out the winter blues and dance the night away to the high-energy sounds of Free Beer The Band and Toad and the Stooligans at one of the Ocean State’s legendary beach bars. Wakefield, OceanMist.net
January 4: Enjoy an evening of wine and charcuterie while listening to the sounds of Stefan Couture , a local singer known for weaving elements of pop, folk, jazz, rock, and blues into his soulful music. North Kingstown, GooseneckVineyards.com
January 14: Stop by the CAFA+ Members Show hosted by the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts in the Hoxie Gallery and meet the artists while enjoying light bites and conversation. Artists’ works remain on display through January 29. Westerly, WesterlyLibrary.org
January 14: URI Men’s Basketball hosts the battle of the Rams when the University of Rhode Island Rams, behind Coach Archie Miller, face off against division rivals the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in a mid-season contest. Kingston, GoRhody.com
January 23: Former SNL Weekend Update anchor, MTV and Comedy Central veteran Colin Quinn , who’s celebrating his latest book, Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the 50 States , brings his hot takes to town. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com
January 25: The monthly speaker series On Pettaquamscutt , held at the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library, hosts Jim Vogel and Craig Wood discussing “Dredging the Mouth of the Estuary: History, Current Conditions, Future Plans.” Narragansett, NarrowRiver.org
January 25: The United Theatre and The Knickerbocker Music Center host Youth On-the-Mic , an open-mic series that offers 6th to 12th graders the opportunity to perform, sing, or play original music or cover popular tunes. Westerly, UnitedTheatre.org
Photo courtesy of The Preserve
The Hobbit House at The Preserve
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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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LEADING LADIES
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.”
Get Rhody Style
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, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade is part of the oldest celebration in the US, earning the town the 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 Historical Society, (R) courtesy of South County Museum
Chocolate Mill Overlook
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 Historical Society
Witness flags will begin appearing at properties around Newport 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
WINTER DINING
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
25 RHODY FIRSTS
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 on its
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.
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
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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
ON SATURDAYS
Lighthouse Keeper Ida Lewis
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | Recipe | Round Up | Drinks
Perfectly Seasoned
A locally trained chef returns bringing cosmopolitan cuisine to Westerly
By Ann Martini
Like so many chefs and cooks who end up working in the restaurant industry, Weekapaug Inn Executive Chef Gerardo Viejo learned the art of cooking as a child in his grandmother’s kitchen. Viejo grew up in Panama, the son of Spanish immigrants who came to the country to work on the construction of the Panama Canal in the very early 1900s. “Sometimes my grandmother would be lonely, and I would visit her and stay overnight. In the morning, we’d make these wonderful breakfasts together.” They lived in a community ripe with restaurants of all kinds – Spanish, South American, even Italian. “To this day, Italian cuisine is comfort food to me,” he says.
(As Rhode Islanders, we relate!)
Fast forward a dozen years, and Viejo is a culinary student at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. He reveled in studying ingredients and techniques from all corners of the earth, in “playing around” with flavors and textures. After graduation he found a home with the iconic Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts company and worked for 12 years at their properties in Vail, CO, Boston, Oahu, and Athens, exploring hyper-local ingredients and working them into his culinary repertoire. In early 2025, he was plucked from a
stint as the executive sous chef at the prestigious resort Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho, to return to Rhode Island and take the helm at the restaurant at the Weekapaug Inn, an award-winning Relais & Châteaux property, and sister-resort to the nearby Ocean House.
In the dining room at the Weekapaug, which sits about 80, Viejo caters to regulars and world travellers alike, familiarizing them to New England flavor profiles via the harvests of local farmers and fishermen. The inn has gardens where Viejo daily picks fresh,
seasonal herbs, as well as veggies such as tomatoes and eggplant. Generally, he changes up the menu every two months or so, tweaking it all through the process depending on what’s available to him, but always considering his audience. “We have some very discerning guests here,” he explains. “Some want their food the way they want it. Others let us take them along on a little culinary journey.” Viejo sees his role to some extent as a teacher, educating his young staff, as well as willing guests, to ingredients, flavors,
Oysters Rockefeller and grilled lobster tails
Chef Gerardo Viejo
Halibut with marble potatoes, asparagus, smoked bacon lardon, and saffron rouille
techniques, and concepts such as sustainability, from all over the world. The kitchen produces very little food waste, as food scraps are re-purposed into everything from sauces to stocks to compost. “It’s impossi ble to get bored in this kitchen,” he says.
“We’re always thinking.”
Viejo, 37, met his wife, Angela, also a hospitality professional, while working at the Four Seasons in Vail. The couple lives nearby and loves to cook at home for each other, their two very young children, or for family visiting from abroad. “Sometimes we’ll brainstorm before falling asleep.
‘What should we cook this week?’” Buca tini puttanesca and lasagna are on constant rotation, but the Viejos aren’t always snob by about what they cook. “Sure, we’ll often break out a Julia Child cookbook,” Viejo explains, “but sometimes we’ll try a TikTok recipe, or in a pinch, do drive-thru.”
Viejo hasn’t had much time in his recent role to explore the regional food terrain, but looks forward to doing so before the restau rant pace picks up in the spring. “Rhode Is land offers so many extraordinary options when it comes to every type of food,” he says. “It’s exhilarating!” Westerly, WeekapaugInn.com.
Comfort Served
Fresh herbs and skippable steps make this cozy chicken pot pie a winner
By Kayley McCabe
These little pot pies are sure to be a hearty fall and winter favorite. Tender dark-meat chicken is thrown together in a creamy sauce with rosemary, shiitake mushrooms, and celery root, and topped with a flaky round of puff pastry. If you’d like to skip a step, you can shred a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken thighs. Make the filling ahead of time if you like; it’s even better once it’s sat in the fridge for a day and the flavors have deepened. Just heat the chicken filling mixture in the mini pie dishes in the oven until heated through, then top with the cooked pastry rounds. These pot pies can be made as minis or as one big pie.
Photo by Kayley McCabe
WINTERTIME FARMERS MARKETS
Look for fresh and local ingredients at the following locations. Find additional details at FarmFreshRI.org
Farm Fresh RI Winter Farmers Market
10 Sims Avenue, Providence Saturdays through April 25, 9am-1pm
Mount Hope Farm Farmers Market
250 Metacom Avenue, Bristol Saturdays, 10am-12:30pm, January - March 28
South Kingstown Farmers Market
Independence Square, URI Kingston 25 W. Independence Way, Kingston Saturdays, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Tiverton Middle School Cafeteria 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton Sundays, 10am - 1:30pm, through April 26
INGREDIENTS
• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 red onion, diced large
• 1 large celery root, cut into half-inch cubes
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 lb. mushrooms, cut in half and then thickly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• ⅓ cup flour
• 3 cups chicken broth, reserved from cooking juices
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
FOR THE CHICKEN
1. Place the chicken thighs, chicken broth, thyme and rosemary sprigs in a slow-cooker and cook on high for four hours.
2. Allow to cool slightly and then remove the bones and cartilage.
3. Shred the chicken just slightly and set aside.
4. Strain the broth in the base of the slow-cooker and set aside as well.
FOR THE FILLING
1. Melt the butter in a large stock pot over medium/high heat. Add the onion, celery root, and celery, along with a pinch or two of coarse salt, and sauté 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Reduce heat to medium. A little browning is fine.
Find more recipes at TheKitchenMcCabe.com
3. Add the chopped herbs and mushrooms to the vegetables and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the flour to the vegetables, stirring to coat, and allow to cook for 1 minute.
5. Add 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth to the vegetables and stir well until it thickens and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the remaining 2 cups of broth and stir until combined and smooth. Allow the filling to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until the vegetables are very tender.
7. Add the cream to the filling. Check the seasonings and add more salt and pepper as needed.
8. Add the chicken into the filling and stir very gently, evenly distributing the chicken through the sauce (don’t stir too much or the chicken will shred into strings). Keep warm.
ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut four large circles out of each sheet of puff pastry for a total of eight puff pastry circles, and place on the baking sheet, leaving an inch of space in between each circle.
4. Brush the tops of the puff pastry circles with the beaten egg, and bake in a preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until puffed and golden-brown on top.
5. Fill pie dishes with chicken-mushroom filling and top each with a puff pastry circle.
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
Carriage Inn
DeWolf Tavern Clarke Cooke House
Photo (top) courtesy of Carriage House, Photo’s (bottom) courtesy of Discover Newport
Patty J at White Horse Tavern
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
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
Photo (L to R) courtesy of General Stanton Inn, Olympia Tea Room, and White Horse Tavern
General Stanton Inn
Olympia Tea Room
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
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
Photo courtesy of Teon Owen Cromwell, Jr.
The Upside-Down AKA Reverse Martini
Find
recipes
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 well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass, garnish with a lemon peel or olives and serve immediately.
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ABOUT RHONDA @classicallynewengland
A mom living life forever passionate about noticing all the little things, from the trees dancing in a breeze and sounds of birds singing in the rain to the beautiful colors of a summer sky. It’s these moments that bring her a sense of gratitude, peace, and joy.
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