It’s a great spot for a lively game of hockey, or to help a little one stand and glide on ice skates for the first time. Toddlers to grownups, the ice rink on Legion Way in Barrington can be a busy place on a cold winter day. A few years ago, this was not the case.
When they began the task back in 2009, the rink wasn’t even holding water. T. R. Rimoshytus , Bob Hoder and Dave Bonney decided to undertake a task that continues today, revamping a safe place to skate. The ice rink on Legion Way in Barrington was first created in the 1950s but the upkeep was mainly ignored for decades. “It’s been there since the ‘50s but it was in so bad disrepair,” T. R. says.
Since the trio and other volunteers got involved, the rink, approximately 150 feet by 300 feet, has benefited from a number of improvements. The group, called “Friends of Legion Way” kept the water from draining away, fixed up a shed and a fire place that was on site, created guard rails with materials left over from a town project, installed lights and kept slush and snow off the ice when it froze. More than 400 volunteer hours have gone into the project to date, with much of the materials and professional work donated by individuals and businesses in the community.
Students in a Barrington high school woodworking class created picnic tables for the area and Barrington’s Department of Public Works helped with the project as well. T. R. says the group worked with town officials throughout the process. “Parks and Rec board, we’ve been in front of them numerous times. We talked with the town manager, Peter DeAngelis. He would say, ‘talk to Phil Hervey’ (town planner) ‘or Bob Speaker’ (building inspector.)”
Partnership with the town continues with a recent grant request. The group hopes to see the entire rink resurfaced this summer. The cost will likely be between $130,000 and $160,000, because the area needs … More
It’s not a typical week at the office. Dr. John Kerwin, DDS, works most of the year in a well-appointed dental office in Warren, but each January he works much farther from home. This year he will be traveling in mid-January to Pedasi in Panama. He has been making annual trips overseas since 1999 to volunteer his time for those who cannot afford dental care.
The dentist has made trips to Panama and Nicaragua in previous years, working with Northeast Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (NEVOSH) which expanded beyond vision care. Volunteers pay their own travel and living expenses while overseas. It’s far from a pleasure trip. Some years a hot shower and a clean bed were hard to come by, and electricity is not always available, but it did not stop Dr. Kerwin from returning each year.
“I like going and helping people doing what I do.” Dr. Kerwin says it’s great to see a different part of the world and not worry about collecting money or dealing with insurance. All the NEVOSH services are given free. For the dental team overseas, taking teeth out is number one. He says he has seen many in pain, including some who have been suffering with teeth broken off at the gum line. The people they help do not have many options “A lot of the people, they’ve never seen a dentist before,” he says.
After the word gets out, the free clinic is incredibly busy. It’s not unusual for there to be a line of people waiting to get in, and they appreciate the care that is given. “It’s a very humbling experience in that you walk in and people are clapping.” Besides removing teeth, the team cleans teeth and does some fillings.
Dr. Kerwin says he sees considerably more people in a day than he would see in his normal practice. “Last year we saw just over 600 people in five days. “
Since the dentist got involved, he has organized an annual golf tournament to raise money for the cause. “I’m a golfer and every year I say I’m not going to do it … More
One of my favorite things I’ve had the pleasure of looking forward to these last couple of years as winter rears her icy head is the ability to see Snowy Owls on some area beaches, such as Horseneck Beach in Westport or Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown. Sometimes you can see one of these gorgeous owls as you casually walk down the sandy shores or as you scan some rocky outcrops during a birding outing.
As of late, there has been some controversy over these birds since they have taken up residence on tarmacs. You may be asking why an owl is out during the daytime. Unlike some other owls that are nocturnal, Snowy Owls are diurnal, meaning that they hunt both during the day and at night.
There are reports that planes have been struck by this overwintering species in New York and New Jersey. Their solution, shoot to kill. It’s no surprise that this has created quite a controversy. On the one hand there is a genuine safety concern – especially since some birds have been sucked into the turbines and caused emergency landings. On the other hand, this species is protected under federal law, are just darn gorgeous to look at and are a fantastic ambassador of wildlife to the public.
Logan International Airport in Boston has a thoughtful solution. They work with the Audubon Society to capture the owls and then release them in appropriate areas away from the airport. It often takes public outcry to resolve a situation. Just another reminder to speak up for what you believe in, and to give a hoot (pun absolutely intended).
There’s nothing like decking your home for the holidays. But unfortunately it can be awfully expensive. Stop by the Christmas at Blithewold Clearance Sale to stock up on discounted items and get a jump on next year’s decorating. January 4-5. 11am-5pm. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707.
Whether you’re adventurous, a risk taker, a go-getter or just plain insane, you won’t want to miss the Annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach in Newport. There’s no better way to earn tough guy street cred amongst your friends and family than to run head on into frigid ocean water. It’s for a good cause, also – to raise money for A Wish Come True. In fact, all proceeds from the swim and the after party at the Atlantic Beach Club will benefit the charity. January 1 at noon. Easton’s Beach, Memorial Boulevard, Newport. 401-846-0028.
Narragansett began brewing beer in 1890 and apparently that was good enough for the state of Rhode Island for over 100 years. It wasn’t until Trinity opened their doors in 1995 and started brewing their own beer that we had another RI beer choice. Then, in the last few years, the craft brewery scene has rapidly expanded, bringing more options to the people.
Another holiday season is upon us and so is the stress of gift shopping. Make this year's experience a positive one by avoiding the lines and the frustration at the big box stores. Little Rhody may be small but we’ve got plenty of independent retailers where you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list while having an enjoyable holiday shopping experience (yes, it's possible).
Want another reason to shop local? We’re giving away a $500 Local Shopping Spree and it’s super easy to enter. All you have to do is sign up here for our email newsletter the Pulse. It's full of events, news, cool stories and giveaways from all around the state. Needless to say, you want to be a subscriber anyways.
Blue Door Studio, Cranston
Bottles Fine Wine, Providence
Bristol Yoga Studio, Bristol
Core Fitness & Pilates Mind/Body Studio, Providence
Craftland, Providence
Feet First, Wakefield
Granite Photo, Westerly
Green Ink, North Kingstown
J. Marcel, Providence
Peaceable Kingdom, Providence
Pizzico, Providence
Plante Jewelers, Swansea, MA
Shoppe Pioneer, Providence
Sin, Providence
Spectrum-India, Providence
Stock Culinary Goods, Providence
Studio Hop, Providence
Sweenor’s Chocolates, Cranston & Wakefield
The Catering Gourmet, Warwick
Tickle’s, Swansea, MA
Waves of Creation, Wakefield
Westerly Jewelry, Westerly
ZuZu’s Petals, Cranston & East Greenwich
Passagem Douro Valley – This is a remarkable red from Portugal and arguably one of the best out of this small country. It is a Touriga Nacional grape made in modern fashion, full bodied, seductive and complex. $29.99
Chakana Malbec Mendoza – It is 100% Malbec from a single vineyard. Aged in mostly French oak, the 2011 has an inky purple color, plenty of chocolaty blackberry and cassis fruit, good acidity, sweet tannins and a fleshy, medium to full-bodied mouth feel with brieryfruit. 92 points at great price. $24.99
Vionta Albarino – This is a clean, crisp and refreshing all-purpose white wine. It is very mineral and zesty with hints of lime, grapefruit and green apple. Perfect with oysters, salads and goat cheese. $16.99
Chablis Vignoble Dampt Old Vines – Not your typical Chablis, this wine drinks like a stylish Chardonnay with a very settled oak treatment. Rich, creamy yet very elegant, this is a perfect shellfish companion. If you like Chardonnay this is the one. $22.99
Barnard Gri!n Port Syrah – A great surprise from Washington state. Rich chocolate flavors are accented by orange peel and raspberry notes. This vibrant, fruity port finishes nicely with an encore of bittersweet chocolate and rum. Absolutely delicious. $16.99
Chateau Bertinerie Sauvignon Blanc – This is 100% Sauvignon blanc. It has a lean, fresh and grassy nose with gooseberry and a crisp palate with a hint of white flowers, peach and lime skin. It also has good minerals for oyster pairing. $18.99
Agnus Valdelana Rioja – From a very fashionable appellation of deep cherry garnet red, it is complex and intense with hints of Mediterranean herbs and is very polished and smooth on the palate. This is a bargain for $15.99
In addition to connecting kids with their forever adoption family, a social service collaborative is now expanding to help empower adolescent boys while waiting for a permanent home. Groovy Girls has been a collaborative effort between Child & Family social services and Adoption Rhode Island to empower girls who are in out-of-home placement awaiting their permanent adoption family. It has been able to connect youths to the community through activities such as music lessons, swim lessons, yoga and volunteering at various pet shelters. With the same goal in mind, Dream Chasers is the newest program within the initiative to empower young boys and build their self-esteem while waiing for a place they can call home. Both programs are intended to build a strong foundation for the youths in state care to encourage their development into healthy, successful young adults.
At Child & Family, volunteers are encouraged and can vary in age, starting at 14-years-old. Volunteer services include mentoring new par-ents who are adopting, offering companionship to the elderly and helping councilors with the children. For more information visit their website or call 401-848-4105.
A century ago, firemen raced from the building to quench flames and rescue citizens from danger. Today, the building is a community center, recently renovated and updated. 170 Narragansett Avenue was constructed in 1911 as one of three fire stations in Barrington. Now it serves as a place for people to gather and a showcase for artists, musicians and poets.
In mid-October, Friends of the Bay Spring Community Center (BSCC) held a celebration marking the most recent renovation, the addition of a lift, which makes the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since May 2011, events were held downstairs in order to accommodate everyone, but now the second floor, with its larger room and a stage, is accessible to all. The October event kicked o! outside in the building's backyard with games for the children, followed by several local musical groups and poets performing on stage on the second floor. Sydney Montstream-Quas, a board member of Friends of BSCC and a violinist and vocalist in the group Local Brew, talked about the event. “I love it. I'm a community person, so this is what it's all about, to bring people together.” Local Brew has performed 17 shows in the building since 2010.
Charles Cole was among the crowd who attended the event. Charles headed up the Bay Spring Neighborhood Crime Watch decades ago (now the Friends of the BSCC), beginning in 1985, a time when the fire station was no longer in use. “It was vacant probably 20 years. There was graffiti, broken windows,” Charles says. At the time, the fate of the building was under debate. “There were all kinds of things going around; we didn't want this building torn down.” Charles and other members of the crime watch started by clearing the space of beer bottles, and repairing years of disuse. “We plastered walls, put all new windows in, covered all the graffiti. We had a lot of fun doing it, throwing paint at one another.”
The … More
Thirty years. Three decades springing from the idea that an all-volunteer run organization could make a difference in the lives of those dealing with financial hardship. One of the founders of the organization, Pam Faulkner, says that TAPIN began with one phone and a desire to help.
Today, several phones are in use, supplying rides to medical appointments for the elderly or disabled, and providing them with basic household goods and groceries. Each year, Thanksgiving meals and children’s Christmas toys are organized for clients, with help from the local community. “We could not have foreseen how large we’ve become and how many services we provide,” Pam says.
TAPIN – short for Touch a Person in Need - is located in Barrington, but serves people in Bristol, Warren, Barrington and East Providence. Co-presidents Lynn Moran and Ann Wood say the needs have only grown over the years. “Private donations are down, cost of food is up and the demand has increased quite a bit since 2008,” Lynn says, adding that a volunteer staff makes a considerable difference in keeping the doors open in diffcult economic times. The organization helps up to 1,600 individuals a month with their various services.
Ann says they provide needs for those who would find it diffcult to purchase something as simple as a frying pan, toaster or blankets, and match people up with needs for larger items like upholstered furniture. “I think it’s fantastic we’ve been able to survive and really thrive for 30 years,” Ann says.
If you missed it in October, you have three more chances to conquer the annual Corn Maze at Escobar’s Highland Farm. $7 ages 12 and up; $5 ages 5-11; Free ages 4 and under. November 1-3 3:30pm-dusk Friday; 10am-dusk Saturday; 11am-dusk Sunday. 133 Middle Road, Portsmouth. 401-683-1444, www.escobarshighlandfarm.com.
The best time to visit Bristol’s historic Blithewold Mansion and Gardens is… right now! Once again it’s Christmas at Blithewold and the mansion has never looked so grand. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to deck all the mansion’s halls and walls in seasonal glory. The year’s theme has been incorporated into every nook and cranny of the massive 45-room home. Come with the whole family to see the 18-foot Christmas tree and stay to enjoy teas, sing-a-long songs with Santa and more. November 29-30 $3 (youth)-$11 (adult); $24 family (2 adults, 2 youths). 11am-5pm. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707.
The season’s iconic pumpkin flavor lingers on with the release of Newport Storm’s new brew, Rhode Island Pumpkin (RIP). Replacing the draft versions of their Oktoberfest Marzen Lager and Winter Porter, RIP is based on the same recipe as their Cyclone Gloria beer, a favorite among Newport Storm fans, and the company describes the brew as a “liquid pumpkin pie.” RIP is available only as a draft and will be sold throughout Rhode Island until December 30.
Celebrating the completion of their yearly grape harvest, Greenvale Vineyards hosts their 15th Annual Harvest Festival, on November 9. Listen to live music by Dick Lupino while taking a tractor ride or walking tour, or simply kick back and enjoy a tasting of Greenvale Vineyards’ award-winning, estategrown wines, which include Pinot Gris, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga, Malbec and more. 1-4pm. 582 Wapping Rd, Portsmouth. 401-847-3777.
Once again, Newport and Bristol county restaurateurs welcome diners to the annual Newport Restaurant Week, during which dozens of dining destinations offer unbeatable prix-fixe menu options. This year, the event runs from November 1-10, and the three-course prices are set at $16 for lunch and $30 for dinner. Participating restaurants include The Spiced Pear, The Boat House, Scales and Shells and Malt.
Amidst the blur of the end-of-year holidays and their food-centric traditions, it’s easy to forget about the value of eating healthy. To combat unhealthy diets, the East Bay Food Pantry offers a Healthy Cooking Class, on November 1 at 11am. A class discussion will focus on the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into a daily diet, and then attendants will learn how to cook cabbage and sweet potato stew. Afterward, each participant receives a bag of ingredients to prepare the stew at home, courtesy of the East Bay Cares program. To register, call 401-396-9490. Free. 150 Franklin Street, Bristol.
A pair of local treasure hunters is on the trail of American legends in the new Travel Channel show DigFellas, which premiered this fall.
Bill Ladd, of Warwick, and Howard Hewitt, of East Providence, spend each half hour episode searching for artifacts at sites linked to figures and stories from the annals of American history. In the first episodes, they’ve tracked Blackbeard and Zorro and unearthed an old, rusted pistol on a battlefield of Billy the Kid.
Ladd and Hewitt, who both got hooked on treasure as kids, have been hunting together for about a decade since meeting in a metal detecting club in Taunton. The pair first got noticed for their colorful videos on YouTube, where they whoop and cheer over their best finds around New England.
The antics continue on their reality show, complete with color commentary, their collectors’ motto of “passion over profit” and Ladd’s signature “Yeeeeah!” Amid the excitement of the hunt – and finds – Ladd and Hewitt offer capsule history lessons on the characters they’re chasing and speculate on just how Billy the Kid might have dropped a revolver in the heat of battle. DigFellas airs Wednesday nights at 8pm on the Travel Channel.
For a month steeped in harvest celebrations and a candy-centric holiday, October is a food-lover’s fantasy. However, many individuals around the East Bay area struggle with finding ways to feed their families. To combat this problem, the East Bay Food Pantry hosts its annual event Uncorked!
Happening October 4, from 6-9pm, this year’s Uncorked! theme is Hoedown for Hunger, in which guests can “kick up your heels to the lively music of The Goat Ropers” while noshing on catered food from 195 Franklin. The event also includes a silent auction ripe with “an assortment of quality products and experiences.” Reservations appreciated. $75 per person. The Barn at Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol.
A beach invasion of sorts is developing in the Acoaxet section of Westport as nearby neighbors and environmentalists square off against the town on its plans to develop a pristine portion of shoreline into public space. The area in question adjoins the beloved Knubble climbing rocks, but has always lacked parking and public access. A narrow dirt road connects lower River Road to the beach area, but most visitors have traditionally come in by foot. That all changed when the town suddenly widened the path to some 20 feet in August. Concerned neighbors began discussions with a three-person beach committee from the town to see if there was a compromise that could be reached.
All seemed to be proceeding nicely until the town itself moved ahead a few weeks later, apparently against the recommendations of the committee, and not only widened the street still further but trucked off a large amount of the protective sand dune as well. The area in question abuts donated conservation land on one side and is protected by environmental ordinances on the other.
According to a letter by the neighbors’ attorney, the town grossly overstepped its rights in the widening of the street since its actions do not comply with state environmental performance standards. In an open letter to the public, opponents of the project chastise the town for “knowingly and intentionally acting in breach of Massachusetts law and needlessly destroying sensitive wetland and endangered species habitat.”
The town also is planning to put in an offer of $200,000 to buy some privately owned shoreline space next to the beach, which to the residents is an expensive and shortsighted use of scarce town funds. “The town is struggling to paint stripes on its roads and is unable to pave beach roads damaged by Hurricane Sandy… or repair leaks and replace roofs on its buildings.” Guess summertime is officially over.
Rhode Island’s pre-winter chill and changing leaves act as harbingers for something tastier on the horizon: October’s seasonal beers. Breweries all across the state are overflowing with the stuff, each beer a combination of the respective brewery’s ideals and hands-on techniques. So of course, we had to have a taste.
With creamy chocolate tones and an unapologetic assertiveness, Revival Brewing’s Octoberfest Lager features an initial sweet kiss hello followed by a deliciously bitter goodbye.
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Clear hints of autumn dance through Narragansett Beer’s Fest, a traditional German Oktoberfest-style beer that balances seasonal flavor with refreshing drinkability.
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A little sweet, a little bitter, Grey Sail’s Autumn Wind offers a toasty, smooth flavor that sends a surprising chill across the tongue, as if the beer were actually infused with an autumn wind.
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When it comes to beers appropriate for accompanying autumnal pumpkin desserts, Newport Storm’s Oktoberfest takes the cake - or pie - with its intoxicating smell and light caramel taste.
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Smoother than the typical IPA, Foolproof’s Imperial IPA combines a strong bitter kick with floral hints, creating what one taster described as an “Olde English” drinking experience.
The Victoria Alviti Music Foundation is on a mission to keep music alive in schools across the nation. Sharon Alviti started the Rhode Island-based nonprofit in memory of her daughter Victoria. Victoria had a passion for music, which she shared as a professional DJ, booking performances around the world. At 22, Victoria was involved in a tragic car accident in Malibu. Before she passed she shared with her mother her dream to start an oranization that kept music in schools.
Today, her mother and their foundation are doing just that. The foundation offers a 12-week program to participating schools. All students receive a recorder, a lesson book and basic music literacy instruction. Additionally, participating music teachers receive professional development. The students spend those 12 weeks learning music provided specifically for them by Carnegie Hall. All of their hard work culminates in a grand concert in which students get to play side by side with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
In its short existence, the foundation has had great success with the program, reaching 7,000 students last year and 10,000 this year. Sharon hopes to reach 14,000 next year and the sky’s the limit from there. It cost about $18 per student for the program. The foundation relies heavily on local donations and fundraising events to cover these costs.
Want to help the cause? Attend their 3rd Annual Jazz on the Green fundraiser at Alpine Country Club on September 22. The event includes a Tuscan buffet, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Guests will also enjoy live performances by Mike Renzi and friends. September 22 at 3:30pm. Alpine Country Club, 251 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. $40. For more information email the organization. More