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In This Issue

So Rhode Island May 2021

Family Fun

Photo courtesy of Adventureland

Photo courtesy of Mermaid’s Purl

The Scoop

Life & Style

11 Groovy new dance

39 HOME: A Great Island home is

studio in Wickford

redesigned for entertaining

12 NK memorial honors

44 INFLUENCER: Multimedia journalist

loved ones lost to COVID

Shiina LoSciuto’s trek to RI

14 Community cleanups

46 SHOP: Wear your love for Del’s

keep shorelines healthy

on your sleeve & more

16 RHODY PETS: Doggie

Food & Drink

daycare in West Warwick

Discover all kinds of adventures perfect for kids and kids-at-heart

Photo courtesy of Frontier Farm

51 Spring harvests yield flavorful salads on a Westerly farm

18 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

52 FOOD NEWS: BYO burritos, the future of the ‘Ganny, spring farmers market

20 RHODY GEM: Boutique yarn shop in

54 EXPERIENCE: Jamestown restau-

South County Scenes

North Kingstown

rant reinvents classic coastal eats

58 A stunning image from a local lens

ON THE COVER: Board a bumper boat for some family fun. Photo courtesy of Adventureland.

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The Scoop

so & so | rhody pets | calendar | rhody gem

GET IN THE GROOVE Wickford dance studio combines choreography with community Meryl Gendreau’s life has been defined by dance, from training at an early age, to staging with the Island Moving Company in Newport and Providence Ballet, to graduating last spring with a bachelor’s in dance and psychology from Roger Williams University. In July, she took everything she’d learned and loved to start her own studio in Wickford; located on West Main Street, it’s appropriately called Grooves on West. “The studio is a collaborative dance space committed to dance pedagogy and aiding in the formation of healthy, body-mind-centered relationships with dance,” Gendreau begins. “This space was created to give dancers of all ages and abilities a home to grow.” Grooves on West runs a schedule of hip hop, ballet, contemporary, modern, and freestyle classes, which are available by drop-in, class passes, or monthly tuition. Gendreau’s favorite part of the experience? That it’s all up to the dancers. “This could be rehearsal schedules, what performances they do, what costumes they wear, or what teachers they take class from,” Gendreau lists. “Having a say in so many aspects of their dance curriculum has brought out a new confidence in these dancers that I’ve never seen – that is the best part to watch!” But Grooves on West is about so much more than choreography – it’s about community. You’ll see pop-ups in nutrition and sound baths for the soul and social posts about being better allies. Gendreau also sells branded merch to help raise money for her dog and unofficial studio mascot Maisy, who needs life-saving heart surgery. “Dance, especially now, can be used as a voice,” says Gendreau. “We are using dance as a release, to take a stand on important issues, and also as a sense of normalcy. Although classes look a bit different now, there is still comfort in returning to the same space at the same time every week to move with people who make you feel safe.” To learn more about the studio, sign up for a class, and purchase merch for Maisy, visit GroovesOnWest.com. | By Megan Schmit Photo by Andrew Lemery (@lemstigram) SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

The Scoop | so & so •

By Megan Schmit

In Loving Memory A memorial flag garden in North Kingstown grieves, honors, and remembers those who passed from COVID-19 This past year, we’ve experienced loss on newfound levels. We’ve grieved privately and publicly, watched the livestream of luminary lightings by WaterFire, gathered in masks outside of the State House and on our own street corners. Many of these have been fleeting moments of healing, but in June, something more permanent is to be unveiled: A flag garden in memory of loved ones taken by COVID-19. “With this pandemic, it has been impossible for us to gather and share our rituals of honoring and remembering those we have lost,” says Nancy Rafi, artist and chief organizer of the memorial. “So how does a community come together safely to process unfathomable grief?” Rafi worked for over 20 years with the Silent Witness Initiative, the international nonprofit honoring victims of domestic violence homicides. Her role was to listen to the heartbreaking stories of those left behind and coordinate vigils to offer peace, healing, and awareness in the wake of tragedy. Many of the family members and friends expressed to Rafi how grateful they were for those memorials, which gave them a space to share their sorrow while remembering their loved one. “It was such an intense privilege for me to do that work,” Rafi begins, “and when I started listening to my own friends talking about their personal losses due to COVID-19, it made me realize that perhaps they, too, needed a place to gather and remember.” The North Kingstown COVID Memorial is a collaboration between Rafi and the North Kingstown Arts Council, along with a small committee. The lawn at the Old Meeting House on Boone Street will be the temporary home to the installation of individual garden flags until December 1 of 2021, when they will be moved to a permanent location. The flags – each of which will bear the name, age, date of death, and photo of each North Kingstown resident lost to COVID – are being created this month by an army of dedicated local volunteers. “I am coordinating the sewing end of the project,” explains Suzanne Mancini, owner of

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

The Sew-Op in Wickford. “I have ordered all the materials and prepared everything so that the flags are ready to stitch by our volunteers,” whom she will also offer technical assistance. Mancini has lived in North Kingstown for 23 years; she’s raised her three kids and started her business here. “I was most interested in this project because of the restrictions placed during the pandemic,” she reflects. “So many folks were alone in the hospital during their final days. Limited funerals were allowed. It seemed to me that closure was not taking place. All of our lives have been touched in so many ways during the past year. This memorial will not only be important to the families of those who were lost, but the community of North Kingstown as well.” Town Councilor Kim Page has also been instrumental in the project. Since moving to North Kingstown in 2004, Page has become deeply rooted in the community; she was on the school committee for eight years and served as chair for the last three, she currently helps jumpstart small businesses through her job as an attorney, lectures full-time at URI, and is a member of the NK Food Pantry board. When a former minister friend of Page’s approached her asking about a memorial, Page pitched the idea at a meeting of the Arts Council. They loved it, and quickly formed the committee that Rafi joined, where the artist put her creative skills to work designing a website and banner concept. “This committee is composed of very committed people working to honor the loved ones who passed as well as allow the survivors a place to grieve,” says Page, who notes that at the unveiling on June 5, there will be grief counselors available. For everyone involved, this initiative has been deeply personal. “I have friends who have lost mothers and fathers, aunts and neighbors. I’ve wept with them from a distance and Zoomed with them, but we all know it’s not the same as hugging someone and giving them comfort up close,” says Rafi. “I can’t think of a single person that I know that hasn’t been impacted in some way by

this pandemic. It’s changed all of our lives.” “Over the last year, we were isolated from one another,” adds Page. “COVID denied the community a means to show they cared for neighbors and friends who died. I am hoping this memorial is one way the community can acknowledge the lost lives of North Kingstown residents and aid in the grieving process. While the vaccine may aid our community physically, I am hoping the memorial helps the community to start healing mentally.” For more information on the memorial and how to get involved, visit NKCovidMemorial.com.

GET INVOLVED Honor: Sign up to have a flag created at no cost or, if you want to honor a loved one not from NK, submit their information to be included on a list during the unveiling ceremony. Sponsor: Fill out the form online at NKCovidMemorial.com/sponsor-aflag.html to help offset the cost of the project by sponsoring one of the flags. Attend: Join for a short speaking program and unveiling of the installation on June 5 at 7pm on the grounds of the Old Meeting House. Note: COVID safety protocols will be in place.

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The Scoop | so & so •

By Megan Monte

Saving South County Shores

Few areas demonstrate Rhode Island’s tie to the ocean better than South County. From fresh seafood and seaside restaurants to nautical styles, beloved beach days, and water activities, southern Rhode Island culture is deeply intertwined with the coastline. This same picture-perfect coastline, however, is not immune to an issue that harms the environment across the world: trash. Whether it washes in with the tide, gets deposited by the wind, or is left behind, non-biodegradable items of all shapes and sizes end up on beaches and in rocky

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

outcroppings. Trash affects some locations much more than others, but litter anywhere affects the health of the ocean water that is so vital to South County life. This very problem is why Narragansett surfer Kevin Carmignani jumped at the opportunity to become Project Coordinator of the Ocean Recovery Community Alliance, or ORCA, when it was created last summer. An initiative from the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), ORCA’s main function is to run beach cleanups. For

Carmignani, it’s not only a way to keep our coastline beautiful, but also a way to service the environment that has given him so much. “I’ve always had this connection to the ocean,” he reflects. “I moved to Rhode Island to be closer to the water to surf. I’m pretty much in the water all the time and what better way to take care of what I love and do it for a career.” ORCA’s environmental action plan is intentionally simple. By solely cleaning the beach – no politics, memberships, or payments required – ORCA is inclusive to everyone, and

Photos by David Silverman, courtesy of ORCA

A Narragansett surfer runs local nonprofit’s beach cleanups to build community and keep shorelines healthy

As a surfer, Kevin Carmignani has special ties to the ocean and serves as project coordinator for ORCA

strives to create a sense of action, purpose, and community. No matter who you are, the cleanups are an easy and accessible way to get fresh air, meet people, and do good for yourself and the environment. These benefits are plainly seen at events, like one in Point Judith where southern Rhode Islanders came together in force. “The weather was perfect,” Carmignani recalls. “People brought their kids, dogs, and friends along. It was people from the surfing community, people who lived in the

area, people who just care about our coastline, and people from the recovery community. It was such a large and diverse group of people; that’s what ORCA is all about.” ORCA’s cleanups are held throughout each month at various locations, including South County spots like Charlestown and Narragansett, and their impact is clear. “So far our volunteers have picked up just north of two tons of garbage since we started in July 2020,” Carmignani says, naming cigarette butts, nips, plastic bottles, and masks as the

worst offenders. ORCA makes it simple and sanitary to collect all of this trash, providing trash grabbers and easy-to-carry receptacles. Volunteers can sign up for events on ORCA’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages (@orcafellowship), and anyone can support the nonprofit through spreading the word or donating through CCAR.us/ORCA. While two tons of garbage is an alarming reminder of the ocean’s trash problem, it is also an inspiring sign of what can be accomplished when the community comes together to preserve the coastline.

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

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The Scoop | rhody pets •

By Megan Schmit

•

Brought to you by Camp Bow Wow

Rhody Pets: With endless playtime, Camp Bow Wow is where a dog can be a dog When David Adamonis and his wife first took their chocolate lab Ellie to a doggie day camp, the concept of dog daycare was foreign to them. “We’ve always had a dog and we were the ones who provided the exercise, the stimulation,” Adamonis explains. But Ellie had endless energy; it didn’t matter if the couple spent an hour before and after work, and even during lunch break, to play with her – it just wasn’t enough. So, when a friend recommended Camp Bow Wow in Bellingham, they decided to give it a go. That evening, driving home a tuckered pup, Adamonis’ wife turned to him with the idea of starting up their own dog daycare. At first, Adamonis laughed – his wife had a full-time job at her family business and he was the executive director of a junior golf organization. But the idea stuck, and after initially exploring a mom-and-pop model, Adamonis decided to go bigger. He pitched the franchise concept to friends and soon-to-be business partners Paul

Butler and Wes Skorski, and in May of 2016, the trio opened their own Camp Bow Wow location in West Warwick. Adamonis describes Camp Bow Wow as a “one-stop shop” when it comes to dog care: They offer daycare, boarding, training, and even grooming services. Pet parents can check in via live webcam feeds, known as Camper Cams, to see their pups frolicking with friends inside their spacious, climate-controlled play areas, which even boast an air purification system. It’s like an all-inclusive stay for your dog (including flexible check-in/out times!) without any of the surprise additional fees. “Our motto is ‘Where a dog can be a dog!’” says Adamonis, who jokes that he has thousands of dogs because he considers each one that passes through one of his own. “We want dogs to be excited to come here, have fun being here, and be conked out by the time they hit Route 2.”

Photo courtesy of Camp Bow Wow West Warwick

Come visit us!

Daycare for Dogs According to Adamonis, in early 2020 they were averaging 100 dogs per day. When lockdown started, it was a huge hit to the industry: Working from home and limited travel meant pet parents didn’t have the same need for dog daycare. However, with fewer cases, vaccine rollout, and slow return to the office and vacations beyond state borders, Camp Bow Wow has seen a considerable uptick in customers coming back these last few months. “I like to think of us as an extension of the community,” adds Adamonis, who tries to involve Camp Bow Wow locally in as many ways as possible, whether it’s sponsoring a Little League baseball team, donating to a charitable drive, or partnering with local rescues. He’s particularly eager to resume their annual Adopt Till You Drop event, where shelters bring their adoptable dogs for attendees to meet and (hopefully) take home. Adamonis looks forward to the potential of bringing the annual event back this fall. In the five years of running Camp Bow Wow, Adamonis reflects on his favorite parts: Watching the dogs grow up as they return year after year, seeing pet owners become friends after their pups have, and interacting with countless dogs each and every day. “Dogs unfortunately don’t have the same lifespan as we do, and people can lose perspective of that,” says Adamonis. “I come in here every day and it keeps me in check. I’m like hey, we’re lucky to have them as long as we do…they’re here to have some fun, and we try to make it a good place for them.”

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The Scoop | calendar •

By Abbie Lahmers

THE MUST LIST

5 essential events happening this month Downtown Westerly turns into one big block party for Sunday Fundays all this month

Through July 4: Take

in the illuminated sights of larger-than-life lanterns aglow for Roger William Park Zoo’s Asian Lantern Spectacular while sampling cultural cuisine and browsing keepsakes. Providence, RWPZoo.org

May 27: Stroll the area’s featured galleries and studios, take in live music and theater, and hear artist talks during Art Night Bristol Warren, which returns to in-person viewing for their 10th anniversary. ArtNightBristolWarren.org

Spend your Memorial Day weekend at Greenvale Vineyards for Rogue Island Comedy Festival: Three nights of side-splitting performances by local and nationally acclaimed stand-up. Portsmouth, RogueIslandComedyFest.com

Through May: High Street is transformed into an outdoor open street market for weekly Sunday Fundays featuring a lineup of local musicians to accompany an afternoon of shopping and dining. Westerly, OceanChamber.org

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

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

May 29:

South County Art Association invites pottery admirers to peruse original works and even find a few pieces to bring home from their Spring Pottery & Art Sale, an outdoor event at Helme House. Kingston, SouthCountyArt.org

Photo courtesy of the Ocean Community Chamber

May 28-30:

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The Scoop | rhody gem •

By Elyse Major

The Mermaid’s Purl Yarn Shop

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it! What it is: Founded in 2009, this one-stop yarn shop is stocked with colorful displays of skeins, balls, and hanks in a range of weights, fibers, and makers, along with needles, books, kits, buttons and notions, and supplies for felting.

What makes it a Rhody Gem? Aside from designing a retail space that is well-organized and easy to navigate, owner Lizzie Shriner has created a welcoming environment staffed with like-minded knitting enthusiasts. “When you shop with us, you become part of our community of crafters,” begins Shriner, who opened the store to turn what she calls “her obsession with knitting into her life’s work.” Known for its classes and workshops, which needed to pause during COVID, Shriner hopes to resume hosting events soon. “We look forward to inviting everyone back to the class table once the pandemic is over. Crafting is such a comfort; our customers find solace in our space.”

The Mermaid’s Purl 68 Brown Street, Wickford TheMermaidsPurl.com @mermaidspurl

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Photo courtesy of Mermaid’s Purl

Where to find it: Since 2017 the shop has been housed in an expanded space on Academy Cove – across the street from the town parking lot. Look for the aqua door underneath the black scalloped awning, and of course, the logo starring a mermaid.

To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com

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Family

FUN

South County destinations and day trips to satisfy every kind of adventurer BY ABBIE LAHMERS

Old-fashioned fun on the Watch Hill Merry Go-Round Photo courtesy of Latham Jenkins

Photo courtesy of Rock Spot Climbing

KID-FRIENDLY MENUS Refuel during a busy day of exploring with lunch that will please any eater. Here’s a few options that promise kid-friendly meals and menus. CRAZY BURGER Narragansett, CrazyBurger.com EL TAPATIO MEXICAN RESTAURANT North Kingstown, ElTapatioMexRestaurants.com

Rock Spot Climbing has walls for all ages and levels to try

HOMESTEAD RESTAURANT Exeter, HomeSteadExeter.com NO BULL STEAK HOUSE Westerly, NoBullSteakhouseRI.com PHIL’S RESTAURANT Wakefield, PhilsGrille.square.site T’S RESTAURANT East Greenwich, Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com

Home to an endless selection of beaches, nature parks, and acres of farmland to explore, South County is ripe with adventuring opportunities, no matter your age, and a winter cooped up indoors through the last leg of this pandemic is sure to have many kiddos climbing the walls. Fortunately, with sunnier weather on the horizon, the family destinations we may have missed out on last year are making a comeback too, whether your definition of fun is outdoor theater, brushing up on shark facts, cuddling with alpacas, or good old-fashioned bumper boats. Folks looking for day trips with the whole fam – or even a friend group made up of kids-at-heart – will find plenty to celebrate this season. Even as more and more of us are vaccinated, masking up is still a thing, and it never hurts to call ahead as you map out your itinerary of South County jaunts.

Museums &

NATURE CENTERS As the waters are warming up, and as per Rhode Island tradition, you can expect one or two shark sightings (or is that a sunfish fin?) along the coast, so there’s no better time for families to learn about the diverse natural environments we share a home with. The free-admission Living Sharks Museum in Westerly is a no-brainer for any budding enthusiast and uncovers these prehistoric predators’ history, habitats, and modern conservation with real fossils and eye-opening exhibits. Head over to Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown for hands-on encounters with living specimens like horseshoe crabs and to see their new shark and stingray tank. A pandemic adaptation that remains is the option to rent out the Biomes

aquarium for a birthday party or school group and have the place to yourself. For a full day or nature enlightenment, hike the woodlands, fields, and waterways of the Environmental Education Center on the Alton Jones Campus, where URI students and faculty conduct research, and try your hand (or eye) at astronomy, mapping the stars on a clear spring night at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center. Young history buffs will find plenty of enticement in South County, too. If last summer’s closures had you itching to return to immersive docent tours and spring festivals, Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum in Saunderstown reopened for the season last month to once again welcome visitors into the famous George

Washington portraitist’s home, and in North Kingstown, Smith Castle’s opening day is May 1, featuring The Rhode Island Pirate Players, a presentation on The Women of Cocumscussoc, and more family fun. Home to a flock of Rhode Island Red chickens (our state bird!), South County Museum in Narragansett houses experiential collections and exhibits to explore 19th-century life, and additional spring events are in the works. While an in-person opening date is yet to be announced at press time, the Indigenous education center Tomaquag Museum hosts regular cultural programming over Zoom; look for a new museum planned for an 18-acre site in South Kingstown where ancestors of the Niantic and Narragansett tribal nations once lived.

Below: Get up close and personal with marine life with the touch tank at Biomes

Photo courtesy of Alton Jones

Take fun to new heights on the Extreme Big Air Jumper at Adventureland

Photo courtesy of Yawgoo Valley

Photo courtesy of Adventureland

Photo courtesy of Biomes

Coastal

AMUSEMENT

Days are longer, the weather is nicer, and while local beaches are a playground in their own right, nothing beats a day in the sun duking it out in bumper boats or testing your daring 20 feet high with the Extreme Big Air Jumper. That’s right: Narragansett’s Adventureland is back for the season, so kids can let out some steam in the batting cage, and let’s face it, you’re never too old to tee up for a round of mini-golf. Pro tip: Start planning those summer birthdays early by booking all-inclusive adventures complete with a slice of ‘za, cool T-shirt, and more. Over in Exeter, you can beat the heat at the Yawgoo Valley water park come July, and hit the waterslides or splash around in the kiddie pool. Younger kids will love taking a spin around the old-timey Watch Hill Merry Go-Round (with tickets only $1-$2 for a ride!), whose 1883 restored flying horses hang

from rods and chains rather than mounted to a platform, and kids can reach out to catch a brass ring as they’re going around. For coastal fun, there’s Atlantic Beach Park, which celebrates 100 years this summer and remains a classic boardwalk excursion in every sense: Think hot dogs and lobster rolls from the Windjammer Snack Bar, adirondack chairs for the folks to take a breather, and an arcade with classic games. The 1915 Herschell-Spillman Carousel is a showstopper, along with other rides in the summer. See all our Rhody shores have to offer by boat with day-trips and other special voyages aboard Conanicut Marine’s Coastal Queen departing from Jamestown and Newport, and bring your binoculars for a lighthouse tour with RI Bay Cruises in North Kingstown. Make a game of spotting seals, sea gulls, and other marine life, too!

SportyADVENTURES You don’t need to be an athlete to get active...or to imitate the pros ahead of the Summer Olympics. Fun fact: This year’s games in Tokyo debut the sport of rock climbing, so thrill-seeking kids can give it a try with after-school and weekend programs at Rock Spot Climbing in Peace Dale, or harness up as a family and hit the wall after a short orientation that comes with your day pass. Max capacity is 60, but a live tracker lets you check online to see the facility’s volume before you head over. If teeing up is more your speed, Westerly Virtual Golf houses two socially distanced simulators that replicate the green, but in a climate-controlled setting. Starting this spring, they’re offering a special low rate for families of up to four. Or for a simulation closer to a battlefield, Warzone Paintball & Airsoft in Saunderstown lets you choose adventures for kids 7+ or 10+ and families to let out some steam playing,

Photo courtesy of Westerly Virtual Golf

Rainy spring days are the perfect excuse for an indoor golf excursion

RETRO FUN Lace up your cleats and hit the lanes for a classic ten pin game – the style of bowling in fashion since the 1960s, as opposed to Rhode Island-popular duckpin bowling with smaller targets. You’ll find automatic pinsetters and all the nostalgia of traditional bowling at South County alleys, many having opened in the ‘60s, while the kids can enjoy Cosmic Bowling nights, arcade games, bumper guards, and a slice of pizza. Call ahead for capacity and other restrictions.

ALLEY KATZ BOWLING Westerly, AlleyKatzRI.com KINGSTOWN BOWL North Kingstown, KBowl.com MEADOWBROOK LANES Warwick, BowlRI.com OLD MOUNTAIN LANES Wakefield, OldMountainLanesRI.com WICKFORD LANES North Kingstown, Facebook: Wickford Lanes

essentially, the ultimate game of tag. Of course, there’s plenty of classic recreation, too – whether the fam’s into gliding in circles around the rink at Boss Ice Arena in Kingston or going for a leisurely horseback ride. Make a ferry trip over to Block Island even more special with guided trail riding along the beach or through nature preserves with Rustic Ride Farm’s noble steeds. Stepping Stone Ranch in West Greenwich is gearing up for summer riding camps for the kiddos, plus lessons and programming for all levels. See the sights of South County from the seat of a bike with rentals from places like Beach Rose Bicycles, Far Out! (offering surf and skate rentals, too), Island Moped, Napatree Bikes, NBX Bikes, Old Harbour Bike Shop, Providence Bicycle Warwick, or Stedman’s Bike Shop (ask about helmet and protective gear rentals, too!).

Photo courtesy of Rock Spot Climbing

CHANNELING

Photo courtesy of The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

Don’t miss the petting zoo at The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, where you can meet exotic animals like this emu!

Photo by Blacknight Studios, courtesy of The Contemporary Theater Co.

Creativity The Contemporary Theater Company hosts a fun and festive Fairy Tea Party

All the world may be a stage for many young minds, but the lack of theater last summer likely has the creative juices flowing all the more strongly this year. Thankfully, as we take baby steps back into normal, many performance outlets are back, including the Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield with a full summer season to be staged on their outdoor performance patio. For a day of whimsy, the company also hosts the Fairy Tea Party (an inclusive event for magic-enthusiasts of any gender) on May 30, featuring private tables with finger sandwiches and an enchanting walk through Kinney Azalea Gardens. While summer schedules have yet to be announced at press, watch for updates from Rhode Island Youth Theater in North Kingstown and Theatre By The Sea in Wakefield for their family-geared programming, too. A trip to The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is sure to quell early summer boredom with a stroll around Charlestown’s landmark international bazaar, featuring a general store filled with candy and toys, henna body art (safe for kids and cool for grown-ups, too!), and The Purple Shell trading post with traditional Eastern Native crafts and wares. With inspiration renewed, set out to create your own arts and crafts projects at Create Color Art Studio in Narragansett for ceramic and canvas painting (plus DIY art kits to-go), Clayground in East Greenwich for pottery crafts, or Rebekah Cook Art in Wakefield for paint nights – all great choices for handmade Mother’s Day momentos, too. If the paintbrush isn’t your first choice to foster imaginative thinking, Riddle Room in East Greenwich and Warwick is here for the puzzle solvers in the family willing to lead the way pursuing treasure in the Forest of Fortune or acting as private investigator in a murder mystery. Each of these escape room adventures can be cracked by solving riddles, thinking outside the box, and of course, teamwork. With rooms now open for private groups, bring the whole family and see who has prowess in connecting the dots.

Fun

ON THE FARM Photo courtesy of Watson Farm

PICNICPERFECT PARKS

Seedlings from Casey Farm make starting a garden a cinch

Pack a blanket, some plastic utensils, cheese sticks, and applesauce cups for an outdoorsy snack on the grass. South County is filled with maintained parks and woodsy preserves. CRAWLEY PRESERVE, West Kingston FAGAN PARK, South Kingstown GODDARD MEMORIAL STATE PARK, East Greenwich

Photo courtesy of Casey Farm

GREEN HILL PARK, South Kingstown JOHN H. CHAFEE ROME POINT PRESERVE, North Kingstown OLD MOUNTAIN FIELD, South Kingstown POINT JUDITH FISHERMAN’S MEMORIAL, Narragansett POTTER WOODS, South Kingstown MARINA PARK, South Kingstown NINIGRET PARK, Charlestown ROSE NULMAN PARK, Narragansett RYAN PARK, North Kingstown WEST KINGSTON PARK WILSON PARK, North Kingstown

There’s no better way to encourage stubborn eaters to finish their greens than to see where the fresh veggies on their plate

1661 Inn Exotic Farm & Gardens on Block Island, where you can also get tasty treats from Farmstead Refreshments food truck while

come from (or that’s the hope, anyway!). A spring gardening project can start with a trip to Casey Farm in Saunderstown, where the Coastal Growers Market takes place Saturdays beginning this month, and their Spring Seedling Sale runs May 6-9 (in time for Mother’s Day), so you can bring home your own starters to pop in the ground and watch grow into herbs and vegetables. Another Historic New England Property, Watson Farm in Jamestown is open for self-guided walking tours to witness the day-to-day workings of farm life, along with seaside pastures home to sheep and cattle. Sheep Shearing Day on May 1 puts you up close to the flock to learn about all things wool and woven. Animal lovers will also love seeing the critters at Festival Farm in Hope Valley, featuring a country store and adorb baby goats to visit, and at

meeting lemurs, kangaroos, fainting goats, and other unique creatures. Speaking of furry friends, if you haven’t been to an alpaca farm yet, add that to your agenda immediately. These long-necked, irresistibly soft herd animals are smaller than llamas and known for their mild temperaments, making them a great first encounter with wildlife for the little ones. Green River Alpacas in Exeter welcomes visitors by appointment on weekends; Lazy K Ranch in West Kingston is open to visitors Sundays to see the herd, plus chickens, heritage turkeys, and honeybees; and Open Farm Days at Matunuck Alpacas are the first Sunday of each month, plus Wakefield shop Dove & Distaff carries clothing and finger puppets knitted from their wool. Hint, hint: Alpaca socks and sweaters make great gifts for Mom.

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Life & Style home | influencer | shop

Great Expectations A Narragansett home gets a refresh for summer living “I grew up coming to Narragansett every summer,” Kathy Beam recollects. “My aunt lived on Great Island and I always hoped I could bring my own family there each summer someday.” For those who aren’t familiar with this remote spot, it’s a small island accessed by turning onto Great Island Road off the fittingly named Galilee Escape Road. Streets in this sleepy seaside community have names like Periwinkle Road, Starfish Drive, and Sandpiper Road. Little Comfort Island is connected and there are views of Potato Island, Goose Island, perhaps even Block Island on a clear day, and the ferry terminal is just a bike ride away. Photos by Aaron Usher Photography, courtesy of KEP Interior Designs SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Life & Style | home •

By Elyse Major

Adhering to a limited color scheme of watery blues and grays accented with plenty of white, creates spaces that are connected to each other and the location

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Photos by Aaron Usher Photography, courtesy of KEP Interior Designs

When Kathy and Kevin Beam first spotted the house it was a modest cottage, built in 1955. “The original house was completely remodeled and only around 1,000 square feet but it was the perfect summer cottage for our small family of four.” The Beams signed the papers and the very next month discovered Kathy was pregnant with their third child. To accommodate, they added on to the house, which now stands at 4,500 square feet with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Fast-forward: There’s now a household of young adults and the Beams love to host family and friends, so it was time to rethink a couple of rooms; Kim Peterson of KEP Interior Designs in East Greenwich was enlisted. “The home had a tiny kitchen and all summer

they like to entertain, so they needed more space. They reached out to me to also help with colors,” says Peterson, who then worked with the pair on the powder room, master bed and bath, and stairwell to the master bedroom. “The Beams wanted a casual elegant coastal feeling without being ‘typical beachy’,” Peterson explains. During this year, Peterson has found a niche doing remodels while homeowners are out of state at their primary residence. “I so

Want your home featured in So Rhode Island? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

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Life & Style | home

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

enjoy working by the water and it’s fun to be the eyes and ears of clients while they’re not in person for all aspects of the project. It’s also fun to have them visit on occasion during the process and to see their excitement as things come together!” Looking out the kitchen window, Kathy says, “I think living at the beach, you want very soft colors and again furniture that is fun for entertaining and socializing. We have a very big dining room table that seats twelve and many fun celebrations have taken place around this table.” Smiling, she adds, “Our house is a very fun house.”

GET RHODY STYLE In the Ocean State, even a tiny apartment can have a beach house vibe. Here are some ideas and places to get you started.

Photos by Aaron Usher Photography, courtesy of KEP Interior Designs

COASTAL PALETTE No “life’s a beach” signs here. Instead, a cohesive color story of sandy browns, pale blues, and stone grays give each room a sophisticated and calming vibe. LOCAL LOVE Kim Peterson of KEP Interior Designs, East Greenwich is known for using local resources and shares this list used for the Beam project: Fabrication Studio, Wakefield for window treatments; Hill and Harbour Tile, East Greenwich; Mancini Fine Lighting, East Greenwich; Simple Pleasures, Charlestown for accessories; Supply New England in Warwick for plumbing fixtures; Tegan & Company, North Kingstown, GCs; and Denise Turner at Wickford Kitchen for kitchen/cabinet design. SHOP SUNSET One of Kathy’s favorite local businesses is Sunset Farms on Point Judith Road: “It is so nice to be able to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and desserts.”

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Life & Style | influencer •

By Sascha Martin

Meet Shiina LoSciuto How this former resident of Hawaii and Alaska is making waves as a reporter for WPRI and using her voice for good

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SINCE 2007

GOOD VIBES & GREAT EYEWEAR

You have lived and worked in Hawaii and Alaska. What brought you to Little Rhody? I’m a proud military brat, so I’ve actually lived in quite a few places. My dad was stationed in Alaska in 2006; we fell in love with it, so my family’s still there today. My father is originally from Massachusetts, so it’s been a goal of mine to get a job over here. As for the Hawaii thing, when you live in Alaska, it only makes sense to go to college on a tropical island!

Photo by Jessica Bradley, courtesy of Shiina LoSciuto

Since living in Rhode Island, what has been your favorite story that you’ve covered? This is a difficult question to answer, as each story is so different. My favorite stories are ones where people overcome challenges or find the light in a dark situation. Recently, we did a story on a pianist that plays out of the back of his pickup truck at Chez Pascal. Both the musician and restaurant owner were so excited to find a creative way to bring music to customers during this unprecedented time. That will be a tough one to beat, although the resiliency in Rhode Islanders continues to inspire me. We noticed on Twitter that you posted about joining the Asian American Journalism Association. As an Asian American journalist, do you have specific goals for telling AAPI stories? I think it’s really important to approach every story while keeping diversity and culture in mind. Our nation, and even community, is made up of so many different backgrounds. It’s critical to keep this in mind when both reporting and consuming news. My mission has always been to report fair and accurately; I believe the new support of AAJA can help me do that even better.

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Where are some of your favorite local businesses around South County? I love Watch Hill, especially since I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan! Fave spots are Serendipity, Wickford; Elle G, Wakefield; and Cool Beans Cafe in Narragansett.

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Life & Style | Shop •

By Maia Correll

Dress with Zest With warmer weather on the horizon, Rhode Islanders know that a frozen lemon treat awaits. The beloved state classic has been serving up smiles since 1948 when Angelo DeLucia started selling the first Del’s Frozen Lemonade in Cranston. For more than 70 years, locals and visitors have been invited to “Stop at the sign of the lemon” and enjoy a refreshing frozen delight doled out in those familiar green and yellow cups.

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Now, there are even more ways to show some love for this flavorful favorite with plenty of Del’s apparel and accessories to choose from. Summertime may come and go, but our thirst can be quenched all year long with these Del’s goodies, available online. While we celebrate our affection for this local staple in our new sweatshirt or specs, perhaps we can settle the debate once and for all: slurp or straw?

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4820 Old Post Road, Charlestown 401-364-1060 • Open Daily Summer Hours: 10am-6pm Fall-Winter-Spring Hours: 10am-5pm Please check our website

FantasticUmbrellaFactory.com for info and directions

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Happening NOW - July 4, 2021

Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world. From dazzling and interactive displays to delicious Asian-inspired cuisine, this enchanting multicultural experience is sure to delight all ages! This zoo-wide, walk-through event will be held Wednesday – Sunday evenings from 5:30 - 10:00 pm.

Tickets sold online ONLY. Visit rwpzoo.org/lantern

Food & Drink food news | experience

WHOLESOME HARVESTS Frontier Farm balances crop cultivation and land stewardship on Westerly nature preserve On 2.5 acres of land within the Eleanor F. & Edward W. Barlow Nature Preserve lives Frontier Farm, amongst the native flora and fauna that grow wild in the vast Westerly parcel of forests and wetlands. Using and maintaining only the land needed for growing, owner Cassidy Whipple collaborates with the Westerly Land Trust in their mission to protect the preserve while upholding sustainable farming practices. “Our vegetables and herbs are grown without synthetic chemicals or fertilizers,” explains Whipple. “We utilize no-till methods whenever possible and focus on soil health as the foundation for plant health.” The health of the community and food accessibility is part of that mission, too. Spring sees leafy greens hitting the farm stand: spicy salad mix, spinach, baby arugula, scallions, and pea shoots mark the beginning of the season at Frontier Farm. Later, swiss chard, beets, onions, greenhouse tomatoes, and other staple goods will be ready for harvest, but there are plenty of ways to reap the harvests of May. “I like to keep it simple and let the veggies speak for themselves,” says Whipple. “You can’t go wrong with a fresh spring salad! Take our spicy salad mix and add some storage vegetables like shaved carrots and watermelon radish, top with scallions and your favorite vinaigrette. It’s super simple, but rejuvenating after a long winter.” Another of her personal favorites is sneaking pea shoots into your basic grilled cheese sandwich, assembled with sharp cheddar and grainy mustard. “It’s not gourmet, but it is delicious!” Though a small farm, Whipple has big plans for Frontier, hoping to establish a portion of the land devoted solely to producing vegetables for mutual aid and food pantries. “In the future, we hope Frontier Farm will eventually become a hub for education and community involvement in food policy, social justice, and politics, as well as practical workshops related to farming, gardening, and conservation.” In the meantime, you can visit the farm stand Fridays starting June for produce and to see the operation, or find their harvests at The Westerly Pawcatuck Farmers Market on Thursdays, The Charlestown Land Trust Farmers Market on Fridays, and William Wright and Co. in Watch Hill. Westerly, FrontierFarmRI.com | By Abbie Lahmers Photo courtesy of Frontier Farm SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Food & Drink | food news •

By Abbie Lahmers

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Call 401.596.6600 Build-your-own burritos comes to Westerly

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SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

The newest build-your-own food biz in town is all about high-quality, fresh ingredients, and they’re excited for you to try their signature spicy Bomb Sauce on anything and everything. Bomb Burritos & Bowls opened their doors last month in Westerly, and owner Chad Bauerle ranks workplace satisfaction among the top of their goals. “We have high expectations of everyone we employ, and believe that they deserve to be treated well,” says Bauerle. “From our benefits package, to the day-to-day culture that we try to instill, all of our decisions are made with the happiness

and well-being of our staff at the forefront.” Load a 14-inch tortilla or bowl with fresh veggies and protein (think fall-apart shredded beef and even vegan chorizo), topped with sauces and extras. “We offer plenty of bright, fresh ingredients you may not be able to find at similar concepts in the area: fresh cucumbers, house-pickled fresno chilis, and our personal favorite, Roasty Boiz,” says Bauerle, describing garlic cloves roasted in kosher salt and avocado oil. “Needless to say, we are having a blast in the kitchen!” Westerly, BombBurritosRI.com

Where We Treat Everyone Like Family Beloved Jamestown restaurant trades hands but not traditions The Narragansett Cafe – a Jamestown staple that has long drawn crowds (pre-COVID, of course) with live music and dancing, pool tables, classic cocktails, and a menu of American comfort food – went up for sale this past winter by John Recca, owner since 2007, but the restaurant dates back 20 years prior. Now, new owners Cecelia Verta and Joe Colon are taking the helm to carry on the ‘Ganny’s decades-old legacy. “Our plan is to keep the Narragansett Cafe essentially the same,” says Verta, and while live bands are on hold for the time being due to COVID restrictions, music and trivia will return when the time is right. Once that happens, Verta explains, “We will be taking the opportunity to use the outdoor space again and with the tents that the Chamber arranged for, it should be a comfortable venue.” In the meantime, indoor dining is an option. Watch for a few new specials in addition to the menu locals know and love. Jamestown, NarragansettCafe.com

CROWNS

ONE VISIT

SCHEDULE YOUR CLEANING & CHECK-UP TODAY!

Photo courtesy of Bomb Burrito

South County Winter Farmers Market gears up for spring From beneath their tents and with heaters blazing, the South County Winter Farmers Market set up shop on The Lazy K Ranch this past season to fill a need in the community. “Due to COVID, no other farmers markets in South County took place,” explains ranch owner Alan Kinsley, “so we started this farmers market to help keep us and 10 other small local farms and businesses open through this past winter.” Vendors like Delicious Deli from Cranston, Lovewell Farms from Richmond, North Kingstown-based Mariska’s Confections, South County Herbals, and other food businesses flocked the market, along with a booth featuring locally sourced produce, meats, and cheeses. Now Kinsley looks forward to carrying it on through the spring. Beginning this month, the Saturday market will move to Fridays from 3:30-7:30pm, with several new vendors joining their ranks. The summer season also brings food trucks, live music, and more opportunities than ever to eat local. Richmond, SCWinterMarket.com

• ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS •

Newly installed air filtration system to protect everyone's health (that uses ActivePure Technology) Extra oral evacuation units which minimizes aerosol production New safety features have been implemented to protect against the Coronavirus

CEREC (single visit crowns) DIGITAL XRAYS

ACCEPTING MOST DENTAL INSURANCE. CALL THE OFFICE FOR MORE DETAILS

24 Salt Pond Road, Suite G-2, Wakefield • PH: 401-214-0880 Fax: 401-213-8770 • email: info@nealwrogoldmd.com SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Food & Drink | experience •

By Chuck Staton

Reinventing the Reel Classic coastal seafood dishes get refreshing new takes at J22 Tap and Table A humble, elegant, relaxed dining room feels perfect after a sunset walk up Narragansett Avenue, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at J22, or as I like to call is J22TT (a nickname that I really hope catches on). The vibe is nautical, upscale, and cool as hell. With a bar that looks like it could be straight out of Jaws – but also somehow brand new – J22 is the perfect place to capture that salty New England summer atmosphere. Eating here was like boxing Mike Tyson, if his fists were made out of thoughtful takes on New England classics. Dish after dish, I couldn’t believe the power coming out of that kitchen and I wasn’t about to throw in the towel. J22 wowed me. The Point Judith Calamari will give you the best version of what you’d expect from the very well-known squid dish, plus some red cherry peppers and a delicious alternative aioli that brings it to a new level of intrigue and satisfaction. When I read “Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Pizza”, I expected something heavy – and I was pleasantly surprised by a thin, flatbread pizza. The blackened shrimp has an excellent slight chipotle spice, served with cherry tomatoes, capers, and finished with careful, thin lines of alfredo sauce drizzle. J22 combines these bold flavors in a way that somehow feels airy and refreshing. The Smothered Steak Poutine is a curveball to the normal turf offerings you’d find at a seafood restaurant. This combination of steak, fries, onions, mushrooms, cheddar, and gravy is a model way to excite the landlubbers at the table. Their Linguini and Clams is, with no exaggeration, exquisite, but I was moved by their undeniable Paella, made up of littlenecks, shrimp, scallops, fish of the day, sofrito, capers, and olives. It was so good that I wasn’t sure if the tear in my eye was from the spice

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Smothered Steak Poutine

Photos by Gina Mastrostefano

Top: Crab Cakes over Buffalo Cauliflower puree Right: Clams & Mushrooms

or the emotion. The Faroe Island Salmon comes with lemon risotto, compound butter, and grilled asparagus. I’m a sucker for salmon cooked perfectly, with a slightly crunchy top and a buttery middle. But I was taken aback by how much the lemon risotto adds to this dish. A thick, citrus base (combined with a small amount of balsamic on the

CUISINE: Elevated New England seafood PRICES: $10 - $30 ATMOSPHERE: Comfy, seaside restaurant and bar

asparagus) sends this over the top. The Crab Cakes are thicker and more moist than your traditional version, with the added touch of a buffalo cauliflower puree – a great case for J22’s entire approach: They take the familiar, maximize the quality, and then bring in their distinctive, original twist or added element. To me, this is the way to excite diners, get their attention, and bring them back in for more. J22 puts Jamestown squarely on the map for culinary experiences in the Ocean State. Wherever you’re coming from, J22 Tap and Table is worth the trip.

Must-Try Items Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Pizza ($15) Chipotle, with cherry tomatoes and capers

Smothered Steak Poutine ($16) Cob tenderloin with onions, mushrooms, pan gravy, and cheddar

J22 Tap and Table 22 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown • 423-3709 J22-Restaurant.com

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

Authentic Italian Gelato

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Customizable & Ready-made Cakes Gelato Sandwiches | Gelato Stuffed Cannolis and much more! 31 High Street, Downtown Westerly 348-8586 | Visit Us in Watch Hill too!

INDOOR DINING COMING IN MAY 7400 POST ROAD, NORTH KINGSTOWN • 401-267-0007 • DRAGONPALACENK.COM

AVAILABLE FOR TAKEOUT ONLY COVENTRY 577 Tiogue Avenue • 401-828-0100 DragonPalaceRI.com

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

WYOMING 1210 Main Street • 401-539-1112 DragonPalaceRichmond.com

SOUTH KINGSTOWN 733 Kingstown Road • 401-789-2308 DragonPalaceWakefield.com

SERVING KENT AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Dena DiSano SALES ASSOCIATE

401.787.2948 1300 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown dena.disano@kw.com

Local news for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

SORhodeIsland.com • May 2021

South County Scenes

A favorite Block Island walk out to the North Light.

ABOUT LINDA @lll_images Based in Westerly, I was born and raised in Newport. Photography has been a favorite hobby of mine since high school. I love to be outdoors, and over the past few years, I have developed an interest in photographing the natural beauty of our area.

Local Knowledge, Global Network SERVING ALL OF RHODE ISLAND

NEWPORT: Tree-Top Oasis With Ocean Views – $2,450,000

JAMESTOWN: Spacious 3,600+ sq Cottage Near Mackerel Cove – $1,625,000 G

DIN

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SOUTH KINGSTOWN: Fabulous 4-Bedroom Retreat on 2+ Acres – $775,000

MIDDLETOWN: Exceptional Custom Post & Beam Near Beaches – $1,890,000

NEWPORT: Unique Carriage House w/Artist Studio – $1,175,000

NEWPORT: Penthouse at The Chalet With Stunning Harbor Views – $695,000

RICHMOND: Secluded 19+ Acre Compound – $750,000

NORTH KINGSTOWN: Plum Beach 3-Bedroom Cape Cod – $750,000

NEWPORT: Updated 3-Bed Cottage Minutes From Town – $559,000

NEWPORT: Stunning New In-Town Condo Near Harbor – $1,295,000

GustaveWhite.com | 401.596.8081 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Our South County Real Estate Experts... Always There for You.

SUSAN BACCARI 401.419.7776

CATHERINE CLONEY 401.662.2570

JONATHAN DALY-LABELLE

401.741.3820

TYLER DORAN 617.216.0839

LORI ELEY 401.741.4355

BETH FARRELL 401.578.2154

MARISA FERRIS 401.640.0170

FLORENCE GORMLEY 401.578.2168

PETER HUTCHINSON 401.533.6666

KARL JOHNSON 401.330.7682

JANET KERMES 401.527.8159

ANITA LANGER 401.323.3224

DEREK LANGER 401.301.8270

ROBIN LECLERC 401.556.8894

LYNN LEFFRAY MCCALL 401.662.9818

MARY ANN LISI 401.742.7244

LISA MASTORS 401.255.4522

GALEN McGOVERN 401.680.3235

PATRICK MURRAY 401.965.4520

MARY PHELAN 401.932.1170

JOHN REPOZA 401.316.0287

GARRET ROBERTS 401.595.7271

ARTHUR RUSSO 401.829.7444

SHELAGH STONE 401.536.5536

ANTONIO VARRECCHIONE 401.626.7326

CAITLYN WASS 401.207.4365

PAULA WORK 860.305.3208

DANA ZANGARI 401.935.1200

MICHELE CAPRIO 401.935.1200

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