House & Garden

A Special Supplement of

GardenHouse&

Deer-proof your garden… pg 4 New screening options… pg 14 Attic secrets … pg 15

Published by the Block Island Times Spring 2009

Photo by Kate Ryan

The wonder of spring

Page 2 BLOCK ISLAND TIMES • House & Garden Edition • Spring 2009

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BLOCK ISLAND FERRY

House & Garden Edition • Spring 2009 • BLOCK ISLAND TIMES Page 3

Ocean Avenue, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807Phone: (401) 466-2222 Fax: (401) 466-8804

e-mail: [email protected]: www.blockislandtimes.com

The Block Island Times was founded in 1970 by Dan Rattiner, pub-lisher, and Margaret Cabell Self, editor. It published only summer edi-tions until 1982, when, under the ownership of Shirley and Peter Wood, the Times became Block Island’s first year-round newspaper. In 1988 the Times began weekly publication and became the Island’s “paper of record.” Sold off-island in 1997, the paper returned home in November 1999, and was reinvigorated under the ownership of Peggy and Bruce Montgomery. In 2006, ownership of the paper transferred to Fraser and Betty Lang.

The Block Island Times, a member of the New England Press Association, is printed on 100% recycled paper by TCI Press of Seekonk, Mass. It is distributed by Special Delivery, Inc.

The wonder of spring

Our StaffCo-Publishers ......................................................Fraser Lang/Betty Rawls Lang

Associate Publisher ........................................................ .......................Ian Lang

Production ................................................................... ....................... Chris Izzo

Copy Editors ............................................................... Chris Barrett, Jean Taber

Contributors .........Nelson Clayton, Kari Curtis, Hope Leeson, James Maloney,

Brenna McCabe, Fran Migliaccio, J.A. Scott, Chloe Thompson

Photographers .................................Fraser Lang, Keith Lang, Fran Migliaccio,

Tom Reilly, Kate Ryan, Derek van Lent

Cartoonist ......................................................................................Don Bousquet

Illustrator ..............................................................................................Neil Lang

Advertising ................................................. Betty Rawls Lang, Shane Howrigan

Advertising Design .... John Barry, Chris Izzo, Sue Fillipone, George Donnelly

Correction PolicyAdvertising: This newspaper does not assume any responsibility for an error in an advertisement.

Editorial: This newspaper will correct errors in reporting. Opinions expressed in columns or letters to the editor in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper. The opinions expressed by the cartoonist are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The Block Island Times is published weekly at the newsstand price of 50¢. Publisher is Manisses, Inc., PO Box 278, Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807. Yearly subscription, $65, $40 for half-year. Periodical postage is paid at Block Island, RI 02807, and additional offices. USPS #003-204.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Block Island Times, Box 278, Block Island, RI 02807.

The Block Island Times House & Garden insert is published twice yearly in April and October.

This year it seemed that winter was very long, so that first daffodil really lifted my spirits.Within a week or so, the daffodils will be in full bloom and they truly inspire awe and wonder. I think

the cover picture underscores that feeling. Kate Ryan submitted this picture of her daughter Cora at the Maze for the Block Island Times photo contest. She won second place, which is no surprise.

This issue of House and Garden is full of practical advice for your home and your garden. We cover topics from protecting your plants from deer to the importance of a good septic system.

The second section features a look at the island home of Marilyn Bogdanffy. For a number of years, before I knew Marilyn, I used to walk by, admire the home and wonder what it’s like inside. Once I saw the home, and the way Marilyn’s art brightens every room, I asked her permission to do an article. Now you too can see what wonderful spaces are under the roof of this unique island home.

As you prepare your property for the season, remember that there are a host of talented professional and unique services at your disposal. Check out our advertisers and match your need with their expertise.

May this issue inspire you to begin those house projects. But don’t work too hard. Take time to enjoy the daffodils.

Yours truly,

Fraser Lang

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By James MaloneyIf you’re like most green-thumbed

Block Islanders, the first signs of spring are getting you in the gardening mood again. But, along with selecting plants and dusting off your rakes and spades comes another seasonal task; finding the best way to prevent deer from munching away at your efforts!

As the season approaches, local garden retailers and online repellent stores are stocking up on animal deterrents. The two most common deterrent methods for deer are fencing or chemical applications, but there are also some more creative solu-tions. Here’s a look at some of what’s available this spring.

David Chappel, owner of Damon’s Hardware in Wakefield, names Liquid-Fence as his best selling deer repellent. It’s an all-natural chemical application available in ready-to-use gallon containers for $24.99 or in a quart-concentrate form which makes up to five gallons for $39.99. The liquid is applied around the garden, and is to be reapplied every six weeks or after a heavy rainfall.

“It works. My son-in-law uses it, and he grows strawberries, raspberries and all sorts of other plants that deer normally go after,” Chappel said. He also recommends Natural Pest Solutions, a 32oz. all-natural pump spray priced at $18.95, which can be applied right on the plants and last 100 days before reapplication.

At Goose and Garden on Block Island, owner John Whitaker carries a number of all-natural chemical repellents and he also has fencing supplies. “Deer fencing is the easiest way to protect your garden and the only sure-fire way, really,” he said. “But a big ugly fence is not always the best look-ing thing to have.”

The deer repellent of choice at Clark Farms in Wakefield is a powder applica-tion called Deer-Scram. It comes in 2.5-lb bags priced at $21.99, which can protect up to 16,000 square feet. Or, customers can have Kim Mallett, the head pesticide applicator for Clark Farms, come to their garden and apply her mix of repellents. “We’re just starting to get under way with our application service,” Mallet said. “We

do a very thorough job of applying repel-lents but keep everything organic so we don’t harm anyone or any pets.”

Mallet also mentioned another method she has seen to keep the deer away. “Some people use motion-sensor sprinklers,” she said. “They turn them on at dawn and dusk, and it can scare the deer away. Once a deer changes its pattern, it tends not to come back for a while.” These motion-sensor sprinklers, like the ones available at www.pondparts.com and other online animal-repellent stores, usually cost around $60.

At Highland Farms in South Kingstown, owner Jack Sumner suggests Deer-Solutions, an all-natural one-gallon con-centrate which sells for $25. “It’s our best seller,” he said. “I’ve used it on my garden, and it works great.” Sumner also believes that keeping deer out of gardens begins with the right selection of plants. “We’re cautious about the plants and shrubs we sell to people here and make sure they know what the deer will go after and what they don’t,” he said. “The best way to go about it is not to plant plants deer are attracted to. It’s like putting a giant salad bowl out there for them.”

Another deer deterrent method that seems to be catching on is the use of electronic repellents kits. These kits, such as the ones available at www.havahart.com for $66.70, use electrically-charged scented stake posts to lure in deer and give them a static shock upon contact. This shock, which is harmless, conditions the deer to stay away. Unlike chemical products, these stake posts are resistant to weather conditions and will normally last the entire gardening season.

“Electric chargers actually train the deer very quickly,” said Sumner of Highland Farms. “They’re not dumb animals, so if they are shocked once, they won’t be back for a while. Then, you can just shut the chargers off.”

Or, if you’re feeling industrious, another solution is to make a homemade repellent.

“It’s not uncommon for people to try and make their own repellents,” said Block Island resident Becky Ballard, who has made her own mixture using hot sauce and other household items. “But it gets

tiresome when you have to reapply your solution after every rainfall.”

Ballard also doesn’t like the idea of net-ting or fencing around her garden, explain-ing, “Part of the experience is being able to look at your garden and enjoy the view.”

Last year, she moved on to another solu-tion. “I bought the cheapest and smelliest bars of soap I could find and hung them throughout my garden,” she said. “For some reason, this particular smell seems to keep deer away.”

So whether you’re planning on con-cocting your own repellent this spring or

looking for new technological solutions, it’s important to make sure your garden is protected. Although it can be a hassle, properly defending your plants and shrubs from the island’s deer population is an essential step to growing a successful garden.

For more information, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (www.dem.ri.gov) has two related publications available: “Reducing Deer Damage to Your Garden and Yard” and “An Evaluation of Deer Management Options.”

Steps to deer-proof the garden this spring

Plants that deer likeCrocusTulipsHostasDayliliesOriental and Field liliesHybrid rosesHydrangeas DahliasChrysanthemumsRhododendronsMontauk daisiesPainted daisiesAutumn Joy Sedum

Plants that deer shunShrubs: Arrowwood, Butterfly Bush, Elderberry, Lilacs, Forsythia, Flowering

quince, Rose of Sharon, Weigela, Winterberry.Perennials: Asters, Astilbe, Bleeding Hearts, Cat-mint, California poppy, Poppies,

Columbines, Coreopsis moonbeam, Echinacea (purple cornflower), Gaillardia (blanket flower), Hardy geraniums, Johnny jump-ups, Lance leaf coreopsis, Lily-of-the-valley, Monarda (bee balm), Obedient flower, Rudbeckia (black eyed Susan), Russian sage, some sedums, Scabiosa (pin cushion flower), Thread-leaf coreopsis, Violas and violets, Wand flower, Yarrow.

Bulbs: Snow crocus’, Daffodils and narcissus’, Hyacinths (all types)Herbs: Chives, Hyssop, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Santolina virens, Tansey,

Tarragon, Thyme, Wormwood.Annuals: Coleus, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Petunias, Portulaca, Snapdragons

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By J.A. ScottAs those beyond the reach of the Block

Island Water Company’s services know, turning on the tap when using well water can bring a variety of unwanted sur-prises — from bad smells to odd colors to unpleasant tastes. They are often beyond the scope of what the average Brita pitcher can do to rectify the situation.

“Block Island has myriad water issues — different levels of the same kind of problems you find on mainland with well water,” said Steve Tudino, owner and founder of Water Filter Company (www.waterfiltercompany.com), a family owned business focused on remediating well-water conditions that’s based in North Kingstown. “You’ve got the rotten-egg smell, heavy iron that leaves brown stains, manganese, with blackish-brown stain, low pH that rots the plumbing out, really hard water, radon — a little bit of every-thing.”

The unpleasant rotten egg smell gener-ally comes from bacteria in the well that give off hydrogen sulfide gas – thus the foul odor, according to the University of Minnesota Extension website (www.extension.umn.edu). These bacteria gen-erally aren’t a health risk, though testing is recommended if the smell is present, according to the website. But the smell proves off-putting enough to spur most homeowners into action.

Iron is another issue that can require intervention. A 1996 study of Block Island water conditions conducted by the University of Rhode Island and the U.S. Geological Survey found dissolved-iron concentrations that exceeded the federal contaminant level in roughly a third of the sites tested, predominantly in the eastern and northern parts of the island.

Tudino says radon is a big issue on the mainland, and he suspects it may be equally pervasive on Block Island.

“Radon comes from rocks, and Block Island is one big rock,” he said. “I haven’t hit a well yet that doesn’t have it to some degree.” Tudino adds that professional radon test kits are far more accurate than those sold at big-box home stores, which have high margins of error.

Because well water issues can be mere-ly aesthetic or actually health-endanger-ing, Tudino recommends that well water be tested. “Our first step is to analyze the

water — if you don’t know what’s in it, you don’t have a blueprint to treat it,” he said.

Tudino points out that treating well water on Block Island has some additional factors to consider in coming up with a customized treatment plan. “We have to determine what kind of space we have to put it in — is it in a home that’s shut down for winter so the equipment might have to be stored seasonally, or in a year-round business? Who maintains it: Is it a rental, or will it be owner-occupied? How much water will be used during the summer?”

One customized solution that Water Filter Company came up with for a Block Island client that had a lot of mud in the water was an alternating softening sys-tem.

“There was so much mud in water that got into the filtration system and was pumping out the same dirty water, so we designed a system that cleans the water tank first, and then cleans the water for the house,” Tudino said.

Although Water Filter Company has done some business on Block Island in the course of its 24 years in business, this year Tudino plans to expand offerings. It will become the only well water filter company with an on-island representative — island resident Mike McGinnes.

“He’s the go-between we’ve been look-ing for,” Tudino said. “A lot of residents out there have bought expensive equip-ment and then get abandoned — compa-nies don’t want to come out and service it because it’s not cost-effective to lose a day over-and-back for one customer.”

Tudino estimates they can service roughly 90 percent of the water filtration systems currently on the market and that they carry at their store about 85 percent of the equipment out there. And Water Filter Company also puts a premium on “green” solutions—those that use only the materials and energy needed to get desired results.

“We don’t like sloppy equipment that wastes salt or electricity. Some systems use so much water during the regenera-tion cycle that they run the well right out of water,” Tudino said. “We try to design systems that match specifically to usage needs and that can be seasonally altered so the customer’s not wasting energy or water.”

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Durability, comfort key when buying patio furniture

By James MaloneyAs with many purchases, Block

Islanders need to take into account their location when shopping for patio furni-ture. High winds, moisture from the sea, and the hot summer sun are just a few island conditions that need to be consid-ered when buying outdoor furniture. This year, take the advice of local furniture store owners and shop for products that are not only comfortable but can weather the elements of a Block Island summer.

“Wind is certainly the main factor to consider when buying patio furniture, especially for Block Islanders,” says Jim Buchanan, store manager of Sears in Wakefield. Each of the three patio sets Buchanan is offering at his store this year comes with an optional matching umbrella and umbrella stand.

“The winds can get really strong on the island and we sell large pass-through umbrellas to help with this. Also, most of our products are now made out of alumi-num to help prevent rust and power coated to keep their color longer.”

John Sheldon, owner of Sheldon’s Furniture, agrees that the high winds need to be considered when island residents buy patio furniture.

“The most important thing about your patio furniture, especially your umbrellas, is making sure they are heavy enough. We sell umbrella weights, up to 80 pounds, to hold umbrella sets in a windy environment such as on the island,” he says.

These weights, which come in an assortment of colors, were a best-seller for Sheldon last year. Along with the weights, most of his patio furniture selection comes with a 10-year frame warranty as well as a three-year paint warranty and any repairs can be done right at the store.

“We only carry high-quality furniture,” says Sheldon. “I know everything we sell lasts for a really long time. The island can be a tough place to keep furniture outside, but I stand by our product line and the things we sell here.”

Apart from durability, comfort should also be considered when making your patio furniture picks this year.

“With all furniture, price should come second to comfort,” says Joe Ezyk, store manager of Cardi’s Furniture in South Kingstown. “We make sure all our prod-ucts are very comfortable, because if you’re going to spend time on the furni-ture it should be worth the investment.”

This summer, his Cardi’s Furniture location is limiting its outdoor furni-ture selection to outdoor chairs, such as Adirondack chairs starting at $150 and teak chairs starting at $70. Ezyk notes that both styles of chair are not only comfort-able but also easy to maintain.

“We’ve kept some floor models out-side for a month now and with just a wet rag they clean off very easily,” he says.

Another place to look for patio furni-ture is at McKay’s Front Porch in North Kingstown, which carries outdoor fur-niture exclusively. The subsidiary of McKay’s Furniture has a wide selection of patio and deck furniture as well as wicker and rattan.

So whether you’re planning on sun-bathing by the pool or entertaining guests over cocktails this summer, make sure your patio is ready with furniture that is both comfortable and ready to endure many summers of the island elements.


Getting down and dirty: onsite wastewater treatment

By Brenna McCabeThe business of installing onsite waste-

water treatment systems may be the dirti-est one around, but it’s required for Block Island homeowners.

With coastal bays, freshwater wetlands and ponds across Block Island, a case of water contamination could be devastating to not only the environment, but public health, recreational summer activities and commercial fishing. To combat the threat of sewage seeping into these areas, Block Island requires homeowners not connect-ed to the public sewer system to install and maintain septic systems.

Town ordinances require homeowners to sign a contract with a septic tank inspec-tor to check conventional systems once every three years and advanced systems annually. Systems in environmentally sen-sitive areas must always be inspected annually. Homeowners failing to secure such a contract risk fines ranging from $50 to $500 a day or an unsightly backyard should their systems fail.

Local septic tank pumper Robbie Brown said he’s seen systems fail and spill sludge into the backyard or backups clog pipes in homes. The spring, he said, is a good time for residents returning for the sum-mer to ask the town wastewater inspector to conduct a free inspection. Homeowners might also consider replacing their filters and doing a through cleaning.

Brown said he’s seen many homeown-ers who ignore his advice faced with pumping bills starting at $500 or replace-ment costs that can jump to $20,000 or more.

“It can go sky high,” Brown said. “It can go big especially if it turns into a sys-tem failure.”

If it does, the homeowner might need a whole new system.

New systemsBlock Island residents looking to install

a new or replacement system must start with a licensed engineer. From there the plan goes to the wastewater manage-ment office in Town Hall and then on to the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which has the final say over the design. Construction of new homes cannot legally start until the DEM signs off on the plans.

There are two types of septic tank sys-tems: conventional and advanced.

Conventional septic tanks, the most common systems, carry a price tag

between $10,000 and $15,000. Because advanced systems involve a pre-treatment component, they start at $25,000.

Homeowners can determine which septic system is needed by the size of the house and the type of soil surrounding the home, but homes in resource protection areas always require advanced treatment systems.

In both systems the goal is to mini-mize the dangerous bacteria released into the environment. David Dow, a program manager of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension’s On-site Wastewater Training Center, sees it as a battle between good and evil.

“It’s a little of white hats and black hats,” Dow teased, describing how “bad bacteria” and the “good bacteria” are sifted out in each system.

Conventional system drainfields, he said, don’t usually contain pumps and are gravity set so that solids are removed and allowed to decompose within the tank. This corresponds with what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has labeled “Level I treatment” — the basic management system.

Dow used an AdvanTex septic system as an example of advanced treatment, which uses a geotextile material with the texture similar to polar fleece, to screen any pathogens, viruses or bacteria.

Maintaining systemsDEM provides a list of ways to ensure

homeowners and commercial users stay up to code when maintaining a septic sys-tem. Part of this list includes the regular cleaning of scum on measuring devices with a bleach solution. If homeowners have a garden hose handy, it’s best to still use a bleach solution while watering down each part.

DEM also urges owners to look for cracks and any signs of a leak on top of the tank, specifically around manholes and inspection ports. Basic damage to manholes or ports can be repaired, usually without a permit.

The most important part of the main-tenance routine, however, happens upon inspection through the local wastewater management office.

Stopping nitrogenSeptic tanks are critical on Block Island

to helping stop the flow of nitrogen and phosphates that can damage the drinking water supply and natural bays.

See Wastewater, Page 10

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“Phosphates are bad for fresh-water ponds,” Dow said. “They encourage plant growth, and when those plants use oxygen to grow, it takes away the oxygen needed from the water.”

The lack of oxygen in ponds can lead to the death of fish and other forms of aquatic life.

Dow also said too much nitrogen in water can lead to methemoglobinaemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” a form of nitrate poisoning in children who are age 1 or younger.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry website, 98 percent of blue baby syndrome cases before 1996 were associated with the building of private wells too close to disposal points. To pre-vent nitrate poisoning in young children, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set drinking water maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/l for nitrate-nitrogen.

Dow said installing septic systems ensures that each home protection aligned with the standards of the EPA. But even properly functioning septic systems only remove about 10 to 20 percent of nitrogen “in soils typical of Block Island,” accord-ing to the New Shoreham wastewater management website.

WastewaterContinued from Page 8

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By James MaloneySome residents have made the switch

because they find it’s more efficient, oth-ers because they want to go green, and some simply because it seems to make sense financially. For whatever reason, more Block Islanders than ever before are changing from oil-based heating systems

to propane-based heating systems. “I’ve changed 11 houses to propane so

far this year,” says Peter McNerney, owner of Hull Suburban Propane Partnership on Ocean Avenue. “Ten to 15 years ago, nobody would even consider switching to a propane-based heating system.”

Littlefield and Sons, another island pro-

pane company, has also seen a rise in the number of propane conversions.

“We’ve already done quite a few change-over jobs this year,” said Verna Littlefield. “Now that the propane heaters are smaller and heat modulated they are attracting more people.”

Advances in technology have allowed

propane-based heating systems to become smaller in size and more energy efficient, making them a new leading option. On an island where conservation is key, this higher efficiency is a major draw for resi-dents concerned with air pollution.

“We have got to get greener. It’s a necessity, and the people on the island are educated enough to know that.” says McNerney. “You’re keeping close to 100 percent efficiency with a propane-based system over a 10-year period, when over that same period of time an oil-based system is decreasing by 10 to 40 percent, especially if it’s not properly maintained.”

And, according to McNerney, a pro-pane-based heating system can be a better move financially.

“The start-up prices for either an oil-based system or a propane-based system are very comparable, and a propane-based system is usually cheaper in the long run,” he says. “Also, these propane-based systems only require PVC piping lead-ing directly outside, whereas oil-based systems require what can be expensive venting or a chimney installation and preservation.”

Propane-based systems become cheap-er in the long run due to low maintenance costs. With oil-based furnaces, a more extensive and consistent cleaning effort is needed to keep the system running efficiently, because the oil creates a sooty build-up and the venting can be harder to expose. This waste product is minimized with propane-based systems, which are also known to run quieter and smoother than their oil-based counterparts.

Because of the relative cleanliness and ease of using a propane-based furnace, McNerney says these systems are quickly becoming endorsed by area plumbers.

“Plumbers are some of the biggest advo-cates I know,” he says. “They understand the benefits of these systems, and they see that they are only going to get more popu-lar in the future. You know they must work if plumbers are endorsing them.”

And for those still unsure if propane-based heating systems provide substantial environmental benefits, McNerney offers some simple advice.

“On any given cold day, just watch the black smoke coming from the houses with oil-based heaters and then compare that to the small white condensation puffs from the houses using propane systems,” he says. “There’s your answer.”

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By J.A. ScottStorm shutters can be the difference

between a largely intact house and dire destruction when a hurricane or major storm strikes. And while Block Island hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane in decades, storm shutters also offer another benefit to residents: low insurance rates.

Retailers of storm shutters are hearing anecdotally that waterfront homeowners, or even those relatively near the water, are being dropped by insurance companies or having their premiums rise significantly. Storm shutters that meet hurricane codes as established by the Texas Department of Insurance, Miami Dade County, and the Florida Building Code, can help mitigate such a situation, according to Richard Vierra of California Door & Window (www.californiadoorandwindow.com) in Cranston.

“Some insurance companies do take it into consideration. You might not get a discount, but you might not be dropped or denied or your premium may not jump as much,” Vierra said. “Block Island is sub-ject to bad winter storms and nor’easters as well as the hurricane risk. For the island, storm shutters are a no-brainer.”

According to Ray Dube of The Blind and Shutter Company (www.blindandshut-terco.com) in Old Saybrook, Conn., “Once a window breaks because of a flying chair or tree branch or something, the pressure — positive or negative — fills the house up like balloon. It blows out other win-dows from the inside.

“We get calls from homeowners who can’t get insurance, and then get storm shutters so they can get insurance. We get referrals from insurance companies, too,” Dube said.

Storm shutters come in a variety of materials, price points and methods of use. On the high end are aluminum roll-down shutters, which attach above the window and can roll down and back up to then be stored in an enclosed box when not in use.

The shutters can be made storm-ready by just one person and don’t require the use of a ladder. They can be hand-cranked into the down position from inside or lowered by a button or remote control. Roll-down shutters come with some color options so they blend with a home’s exte-rior. Convenience is the draw with roll-down shutters — and what the customer pays for. Both California Door & Window and The Blind and Shutter Company carry aluminum roll-down storm shutters.

“With a remote-controlled shutter sys-tem, the homeowner can lower the shut-

ters right from their computer, wherever they may be,” Vierra noted. “Most people who have them on a summer home leave the shutters down for the winter. It also provides security.”

With the roll-down, you also get solar protection and sound-buffering. “The alu-minum shutters do a lot,” says Vierra, who adds that in Germany, most houses have roll-down shutters that are used nightly to cut down on street noise.

Both companies also offer clear storm panels, which slide manually into a track and are put up only when a storm approaches. They allow you to see out once in place as opposed to the roll-down shutters or, say, plywood. This is a consid-erably less-expensive option than the roll-

down shutters, according to Vierra, but the tradeoff is the time spent installing them as a storm approaches. It requires climbing a ladder for installation on any second-story windows, and they need to be stored else-where when not in use.

A popular new offering carried by The Blind and Shutter Company is a white woven fabric Kevlar shield by Wayne Dalton, which comes in both a roll-down model and panel shutter. When not in use, the roll-down shield fits in a small box above the window, generally smaller than the storage box for an aluminum roll-down shutter, according to Dube.

The Kevlar panels are rolled out and secured with stainless steel wingnuts on studs that are installed on the window

trim. When not in use, white rubber caps are placed over the studs so they aren’t obtrusive, and the shields can be rolled up and stored in the corrugated tube they come in. Dube said the tubes are labeled for each window, so homeowners aren’t guessing which shield corresponds with which window.

“The cost is a fraction of the aluminum [roll-down] shutter,” Dube says. “People can install them on their own or we’ll do it for them.” The Kevlar shield also meets the Miami Dade County and Texas Department of Insurance hurricane codes.

Both California Door & Window and The Blind and Shutter Company provide service and will do custom installations on Block Island.

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Screening process: window and door coverings go deluxeBy J.A. Scott

To screen or not to screen? Screened porches and doors are great during warm months, but there are times when you want nothing between you and the open air, or you don’t want to install and then remove a screen door seasonally to pre-vent rattling in the off-season.

Enter Phantom Screens, carried by California Door & Window (www.califor-niadoorandwindow.com) in Cranston, which retract into a protective aluminum case that mounts to — and matches in color — the door’s casing, so the screen or its storage area is not visible when not in use.

“When you want to use the door for ventilation, you just pull the screen across the door,” said Richard Vierra, owner of California Door & Window.

Executive Screens, part of the Phantom line, take it one step farther, offering motor-ized screens that attach at the top of porches, lanais, garages or any large opening in need of protection. Areas ranging from 4 feet to 25 feet can be covered with one continuous frame. Executive Screens have remote controls available, so the transition from screened area to open-air happens auto-matically.

“On Block Island, sliding doors or a porch can be wide open during the day,

and then when the bugs come out at night, you can hit a remote to bring the screen down,” Vierra said.

Executive Screens offer another ben-efit on ever-windy Block Island: They stay put in the wind, meaning little or no rattling on breezy days. “They’re zipped

into the track pretty tightly so the screen doesn’t just float around,” Vierra said. But strong winds won’t cause damage, either; thanks to wind sensors, if it’s too gusty the screens retract on their own.

“We put an RTS device where the wind is the strongest on the property; once that

wind sensor detects high gusts, it sends signals back to the motor on the screens, and they will retract,” Vierra said. “So if you went out to lunch and bad thunderstorms came through, the screens would go up on their own to prevent damage.”

The screens come with several mesh options for the basic Phantom Screen, includ-ing a tight 20-20 weave that can be used for sun control; the Executive Screen has about 20 mesh options. Prices vary depending on the options selected, but a Phantom Screen for a standard single door starts at $395 plus tax, and a double French door from $795, accord-ing to Vierra. Executive Screens are priced per foot, per job.

Phantom also offers the Serene Screen, which is a treat-ment for windows only. It pulls down almost like shades so the screen is only down when the window is open and can also be used as solar protection on hot summer days.

Vierra has installed Phantom Screens on commercial proper-ties as well. “We do a lot of restaurant kitchens. They can’t just open a door for ventila-

tion without a screen because of flies,” he noted.

California Door & Window handles all installations and charges the cost of the ferry ride to come out to the island, according to Vierra.

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By Nelson ClaytonIn my years of appraising antiques, fine

art and household contents for estate plan-ning and settlement, insurance protection and claims, divorce and donations, I have come to develop some common truths about the items that surround every family.

These truths are present in a three-room apartment or in a 30-room estate. They are the things that make my job interesting and exciting. And you have them.

Every home is uniqueFirst, almost every home I visit has

something I have never seen before. As an example, in one home I was introduced to a Cape Cod lighter, a black smudge pot device with a long-handled brush, used for lighting lighthouse lamps and sometimes a fire in a fireplace.

In two houses, I have found cannons: one, a marine cannon on a naval carriage made in Scotland in the early 1800s; the other, a Spanish American cannon on a wheeled carriage. I have seen many origi-nal Civil War commissioning documents signed by Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton.

One home had a desk made by the Philadelphia craftsman who designed a similar desk for George Washington in Mount Vernon.

In an attic, I discovered 600 first edition novels written by Tennessee Williams, John Steinbeck and other 20th century American authors.

All homes have Top 5 contentsSecond, every home, no matter what

the size, shape, or economic condition, has five good things that stand out among the other contents.

One four-room apartment I toured had a Picasso print, some needlework sam-plers, a rooster-shaped teapot, a Steuben glass vase and some Mexican silver. All of these items had been found at tag sales by the scavenger homeowner. Initially the Mexican silver had little value because the silver content was not sterling quality, but today early Mexican silver is collectible.

A house in Mississippi had five “named” pieces of antique furniture. A named piece is one that was made in the 18th or early 19th century for an important family. And either by its uniqueness or quality or artist reputation, it became one of a kind and was named after the original owner. These pieces were museum quality and they were almost priceless.

Island homes filled with the unusual

Third, Block Island homeowners have some unusual articles. I have seen Block Island postcard collections, porcelain china and silverware with Block Island scenes, historical names, events and dates, fishing

and farming tools, and practical items like pie tables, milk cans, and weather vanes. Often families have inherited items — such as shoe horns and clothes brushes — that are seldom used today.

In one home I found a 1900s woman’s bathing suit, which had a sleeved wool dress, undergarments and long wool stock-ings, obviously a costume museum piece. In another, there was a painting of a Block Island-owned coastal schooner, painted by an island artist.

So, what’s in your attic or basement or storeroom or barn? Does it have a value? Does it mean more to you for its heritage value than its street value? Should it be identified in your homeowner’s insurance policy? What should happen to it after you are gone? Do your children want it? Does a museum? Or, are you tired of it, no one wants it, and you should sell it or give it away or even throw it away.

Everything has value. Usually the value is in the eye of the beholder, who may be you or might be someone you are yet to meet.

A personal property appraiser can help homeowners identify and value household contents. More importantly, they can help a homeowner decide what to keep and what to sell or give away.

In these times many people are down-sizing. They have no idea what their contents are worth and what objects are important to them or their families.

Appraisers can help with estate planning but also conduct appraisals for insurance protection and claim settlement, dona-tions, divorce and equitable distribution.

Often a family member wants to pre-vent a family dispute in advance of death by designating that certain objects be dis-tributed to certain family members or friends after death. They also want to be fair and make like distributions to other family members.

An appraiser can help an individual decide what to do by determining the fair market value of the gifts, so that gifts can be balanced among family members or donated to a worthy cause. This eliminates possible disagreements among the family members.

Nelson Clayton is a 10th genera-tion Block Island resident and owner of Appraisals of Distinction, a person-al appraisal company doing business in Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. He is also an accredited senior appraiser and a member of the Board of Governors of the American Society of Appraisers, Inc. as well as a certified appraiser of personal property for the International Society of Appraisers, Inc. He appraises antiques, fine art and general household contents.

Your attic or basement may hold historical secrets

Antiques available at the Block Shop Cafe above the Albion Pub.Pho

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Proper landscaping adds to home’s charmBy Chloe Thompson

After 18 years of landscaping architec-ture experience, Derek van Lent knows a thing or two about sprucing up a home.

Before agreeing to any project — whether adding a terrace, redoing a drive-way or creating a recreational area — van Lent says it’s critical to sit with a profes-sional to identify the exact needs.

“How do you intend to use the proper-ty?” he says. “Do you need storage areas, do you need play areas, privacy, recreation areas?” Though van Lent asks many ques-tions in his interviewing process, he says it is essential in order for the customer to be satisfied with the end result.

Often van Lent — owner of Derek van Lent Landscape Architecture — will revamp the entrance to a home, or change the parking setup. It’s all-important, he says, to align a professional’s design with the facade of the building.

“It’s up to me to look at the assets and disadvantages of the site and recommend to [the clients] the best way to enhance their property and accomplish their goals,” van Lent says.

Many times buildings are designed for their most efficient use, and might not coincide with what the house’s architect had in mind. Ideally, van Lent says he and his team of about a dozen workers like to be involved “right at the beginning” of building a house, from conception to execution.

“It’s important to have a strong concept and maintain that throughout the process,” he says.

Van Lent proved his theory recently by coming in second in both the residential and commercial categories in the annu-al Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association awards contest. His designs of the Old Harbor View Takeout patio and landscape of the Taber residence on Spring Street took high honors, even though it was the first time van Lent had entered the competition.

Specifically, his redesign of the Taber residence — including creating a courtyard space, redoing the driveway and adding a terrace and a stone wall — spoke to his versatility, according to the association.

Van Lent described the Taber residence

as “an old barn with eclectic, funky old walls.” He called it imperative that the barn keep “its existing charm” and fit in with the atmosphere of Block Island.

“You really have to take your cues from the local vernacular,” he says.

He added, “The basic elements of try-ing to create the privacy and safety in this particular case really drove the design. We didn’t try to make the property something it wasn’t.”

For instance, the concrete driveway at the Tabers residence initially formed a C and spilled onto the road in two dif-ferent locations. A stone wall obstructed the views of drivers turning onto the road so leaving the property was somewhat dangerous.

To combat this, van Lent put a loop through gravel driveway providing a place for cars to turn around and ridding the property of its two original entrances.

In keeping with the style of the home, van Lent says he had to make choices about what materials to use.

“To maintain that age and charm [of

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the residence], we used cobblestone entry aprons and cobblestone curbing around the drive, but we kept the drive gravel,” he says. “To maintain the idea of the old gran-ite, we used big rough granite boulders as the entry platforms to the doors.”

Van Lent describes the result of the three-year renovation as having a “coun-try-charm look.”

In addition to the safety issues, the ocean-side residence sits near a busy church, and had no access to the waterfront because of “rickety stairs and a crumbled wall,” van Lent says.

For a fix, van Lent added another stone terrace with a walkway and 10-foot wide granite slab steps “to add a little grandeur.” He also rebuilt the rubble from the old wall into a 7-foot high drive stone wall, provid-ing protection from the upper level of the residence. For added privacy on the first level, he added tall shrubbery.

Van Lent also says it’s important the new design reflect the owner’s personal taste, not just the designer’s suggestions. To add a bit of personality to his decora-tions, van Lent cut a compass rose design into a stone tabletop on the second level with “Oporto” instead of “East,” reflecting

Mr. Taber’s knowledge of wine-making in Portugal.

Contrary to the process of the residen-tial project, van Lent’s design and imple-mentation of the Old Harbor View Take-out was done in less than a year.

Prior to van Lent’s remodeling, the restaurant on Water Street was a gravel lot with a “shack” at the end of it, with picnic tables and partial picket fences around the property.

“They wanted to improve the atmo-sphere, the ambiance of it,” van Lent says of the owners. “And they wanted to also enclose the space because they didn’t have any control of who was coming and going, whether they were patrons or people wait-ing for the boat.”

Van Lent’s design called for adding fencing, brick paving and cedar arbors at the entrance points for definition. This was in addition to granite slabs leading from the ferry to the restaurant, new street light-ing and landscape lighting, which enabled the cafe to stay open later at night.

“We put in trees and some beautiful landscape, full palates of roses, shrubs and perennials and annuals mixed in,” van Lent says. “It’s to give something for early spring to early fall, which is their primetime.”

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By Hope LeesonMile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfo-liata, aka Polygonum perfoliatum) was found last September on The Nature Conservancy’s Fresh Swamp Preserve

on Block Island. The initial observation was

made by Paulinka de Rochemont, a butterfly watcher who asked the Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS) for help identify-ing an unfamiliar plant she’d seen on a recent outing. Since that time, additional populations have been reported from surrounding properties.

Mile-a-minute vine is a highly invasive herbaceous vine that is native to Eastern Asia. The species was first reported grow-ing wild in Pennsylvania in the late 1930s, and has spread north from there. The name, mile-a-minute vine, comes from the plant’s ability to grow as much as six inches in one day; making Black Swallowwort seem like a slow-growing lichen. By the end of the growing season, plants form dense mats over existing vegetation. Although the species is an annual, vines persist through the winter, giving new seedlings an ample armature on which to grow.

Successive years of growth result in the death of underlying shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. The plant has been dubbed “the Kudzu of the north.”

While mile-a-minute vine has been in the United States for some time, the Block Island citing was only the second in Rhode Island. Connecticut has 18 known locations; most occur in the southwestern part of the state. Massachusetts has two locations. No sites are known for New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont. For this reason, land conservationists are pushing to eliminate mile-a-minute vine in New England before it becomes pervasive.

Experience from Connecticut has shown that while seeds are dispersed by natural means, the primary mode of distri-bution is through humans moving soil or plant material that contain the seed.

The plant is tolerant of many growing conditions, with a preference for sunny, moist soils. The stem of mile-a-minute vine is covered with numerous downward point-ing prickles, which give the plant its alter-nate common name, “Asian Tear-thumb.” The leaves are 1 to 3 inches wide and tri-angular, with prickles occurring along the mid-vein. A distinctive saucer-shaped leaf encircles the stem at each node.

Seeds germinate in early to mid-May, with vines growing throughout the sum-mer. Small white flowers appear in late August, and by September, the plant pro-duces bright blue berries which are fed on by birds and rodents. The fruits are buoyant, so preventing spread along water courses is of primary concern. The dense, barbed growth greatly impairs access to areas for people and wildlife, and some have nick-named mile-a-minute vine “the Velcro plant” because of the clinging nature of the stems.

Control of small populations is best achieved by hand pulling plants through-out the growing season, before fruit is set (generally mid-June to late September). Seeds remain viable in the soil for about seven years, so sites need annual atten-tion to eradicate the plant. Herbicides, in the form of pre- and-post emergent sprays, have also been effective, but must be used in accordance with the label and state pesticide regulations. The Nature Conservancy’s Block Island pro-gram intends to organize volunteer pulling efforts throughout the growing season on the Fresh Swamp Preserve. The RINHS will hold an informational session in early summer.

Please help find and control this inva-sive plant. For more information or to report a citing, call the RINHS at (401) 874-5800 or go to the “RI Invasive Species Portal” at www.rinhs.org; follow links to “contribute data.” Several websites can provide useful information on control and photographs of the plant to aid in identi-fication: www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg and www.nps.gov/plants/ALIEN/fact/pepe1.htm.

Invasive plant takes root


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A Gallery Home… pg 23

Marilyn Bogdanffy’s living room invites a visitor to sit and relax.

Bogdanffy’s dining room and studio.

Bogdanffy holds a book she illustrated. Its artwork hangs behind her.

A painting hanging in the home of Bogdanffy provides vibrant color.

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Marilyn Bogdanffy’s gallery home: a work in progressBy Fran Migliaccio

For years, passers-by on their way to Southwest Point have admired the bowed roof and flawless proportions of painter Marilyn Bogdanffy’s house. As with all Block Island houses, the beauty of this one’s natural setting is unparalleled.

Within, Marilyn has brought the landscapes and features of her island environment into the house’s light-filled interior, using the quietly neutral walls and woodwork of her downstairs living space as a gallery for her paintings. The ever-changing exhibit, in the wide-ranging variety of media and styles that Marilyn has made her own, allows the artist to consider each of her works fully and share them with others as she chooses.

We settle in the bright dining room, closely attended by Rosalinda, Marilyn’s charmingly friendly Havana Brown cat.

The Bogdanffy’s purchased the house, which was designed by architect Norris Pike, in the 1980s. “While he was building it, we used to drive up the road and see that bowed roof, and we couldn’t believe how lucky we were!” The couple, who did the interior painting and staining themselves, took possession of the house in 1985.

“One of my priorities had been good light, and a place to paint. When we saw Norris’s plans for the house, I knew that the skylights and bank of windows in the dining room would afford plenty of natural light. The dining room has been my studio ever since, and it’s a wonderful work space — convenient, too.” A tall easel in one corner attests to the room’s working status.

On the walls are the products of that work: a bright oil painting of beach towels

on a clothesline, rippling in the southwest wind; a watercolor of the bluffs; an oil of a handsome cock pheasant in full color plumage.

“The subject matter of my art changes more than the styles,” Marilyn says, asked about the variety evident in her work. “I started with portraits and figurative work, mostly in oil. Then, somewhere along the line, I started to work in watercolors. I’m doing a portrait show this summer of watercolor portraits, all of Block Island people.”

Asked which medium she prefers, Marilyn is thoughtful: “I would have said oil before, but I like the challenge of watercolors. I like both equally, really, and I spend an equal time working in both. I’m still intrigued with portrait painting in watercolor — there’s more technique involved.”

Visitors to Marilyn’s home often exclaim at the appearance of new paintings in spots where they had previously seen different works of art. “I change my things around all the time,” Marilyn says casually. “I like to look at newer pieces for awhile, so I hang them as I finish them.” When she removes a piece, it goes into storage downstairs.

In recent summers, Marilyn has teamed with neighbors Leslie and Sean Hartnett, and sometimes Beth Rowe, in offering an afternoon of “open studios” at Southwest Point. “The first time we did it, I used my first floor as a gallery, and people seemed to enjoy walking through,” Marilyn elaborates. Since then, the gallery has remained in place, changing and evolving, whether open to visitors or providing a quiet, working haven for the

artist and her muse. “Do you have any favorite works?”

I ask, wondering how favorites can be selected among such a varying array of styles and subjects.

“I think one of my very favorites is a painting of snow on branches. It’s downstairs right now because I’ve hung other things. It’s pretty abstract, and I like it because it was very challenging to paint. And I love paintings of my family, my children. The one of the towels on the line is a favorite of mine, too. But basically, whatever painting I’m working on at the moment is my favorite.”

“How do you choose your subject matter?” I ask.

“I just look at what’s around me and get inspired to paint,” Marilyn answers. “That picture of the beach towels on the line, for instance”— she indicates one of my own particular favorites among her works — “my children and grandchildren were here for a family vacation, and those were their towels that they hung out on the line. I loved all those bright colors, blowing in the wind! That was a challenge to paint, too.

“The skies inspire me. We get fabulous sunsets here. And I’ve taken up rose gardening as a hobby, because I wanted to have flowers that I could bring in the house. That watercolor near the living room door is a still life of some of my roses. I guess you could say I’m influenced by people, things, and landscapes around me. By the nouns: people, places, things,” she laughs.

Marilyn also does a lot of commission work, portraits of families and children, or other requested works that now hang in

private collections in houses or yachts.On the way out, we take a tour of her

gallery and living space. In the living room, in addition to the watercolor of the roses, are a watercolor and an oil of irises, very different from one another in approach and style, and a large oil of white water lilies amid green leaves and blue water.

“I remember your water lily paintings from the time I first saw your work! How did you choose water lilies?” I ask.

“Those are on the pond in the back,” she replies. “A lot of the island’s ponds have yellow lilies, but we’re lucky to have the white ones. Again, it’s just looking at what’s around me.”

Atop a tall set of shelves in a corner of the living room is a stuffed pheasant, the model for the very colorful, seemingly animated fowl in the portrait that hangs in the dining room.

In the nearby den, two walls are closely hung with a series of small watercolors. They are originals of the watercolor illustrations created by Marilyn for the children’s book, Island Adventure, written by Lakeside Drive resident Kathleen Mitchell and published in 1999. The exhibit on these walls, obviously, does not change.

In the front hall hang more of Marilyn’s paintings, waiting to welcome viewers. “The paintings upstairs,” she says, “are all by other artists.”

The concept of a home that is also a gallery is an inviting one, the exhibits always evolving to reflect the artistic development of the artist and owner, and to suit her sensibility and critical eye. Like the art itself, the gallery home is forever a work in progress.


Clockwise from top left: The gate to Marilyn Bogdanffy’s garden; her painting; her bedroom; her front step; a hutch in her kitchen; an original painting.

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Fire safety tips from the Fire & Rescue Squad

The Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad offers the following tips to homeowners. The spring is a perfect time to review fire prevention systems before the arrival of the busy summer.

Fire extinguishers: It is best to have an extinguisher on each floor. At minimum have one in your kitchen and one near your furnace or boiler. It is wise to have one in each of your major outbuildings, one convenient to your barbecue area and one in your garage.

Fire extinguishers must be in good working order. If the chemicals inside stand for years, they may settle to the point they will not work. To see if an extinguisher is in working order, turn it upside down and put your ear directly on the extinguisher. If you hear the chemicals moving inside, the extinguisher works.

Throw out an extinguisher if:1. You use it.2. The indicator shows “recharge.”3. You cannot hear the chemicals flowing

inside when you turn the extinguisher upside down. Extinguishers are inexpensive and it does not pay to recharge old ones.Using extinguishers:

Most fire extinguishers have instructions and sketches as to proper use. Each family member should be familiar with their use. Make sure all family members know where extinguishers are located.

Renters: If you rent your house post these tips in plain view and ensure renters know the locations of fire extinguishers. If you use a Realtor, insist that he show these tips to renters. Put a sticker on your phones with the house’s fire number. The fire number will be the first thing the dispatcher asks someone who reports a fire or calls for medical help.

Smoke detectors: There should be a minimum of one smoke detector on each floor. They should be located on the ceilings of hallways adjacent to the bedrooms. Detectors in the basement should be located at the top of the stairwell. If you have questions concerning the placement of smoke detectors contact the fire department at 466-2211.

Testing alarms: Test alarms on the first day of each month. Post a reminder on your calendar. The test takes a few minutes. Have a supply of batteries on hand in the event of battery failure.

Fire number: Make sure your fire number is plainly visible from the street, including during the night. You may need to display it near the street where fire vehicles will arrive. If your road forks again off the main street, post another sign.

Brush piles and grass: Take brush to the Transfer Station. Do not let it accumulate. Mow untended fields at the end of each summer to prevent brush buildup.

Fire truck access: Make sure brush on either side of your drive is cut back enough to permit a long, wide fire truck to enter your yard. At a minimum, fire trucks need 12-foot wide roads and 13 feet height clearance.

If a fire occurs:• Call911. If there is time, alert all

people in the building and call 911. If no time, leave the building and call from a neighbor’s house or a cell phone.

• Makesureallpeopleinthehouseare accounted for.

• Knowwherethefurnace/boilerswitch is and, if time, turn it off.

• Closewindowsanddoors.• Standbytheroadtodirectfire

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By James MaloneySometimes even the most enlightened

ideas receive a bad rap. As America becomes infatuated with compact fluorescent bulbs as a way to save energy and trim utility bills, critics are starting to question their quality. But, like most products, the quality of fluorescent bulbs varies depending on brand and price, according to one island expert.

Popularized recently because of their ability to last for years, fluorescent light bulbs have reportedly come up short in consumer reviews. A New York Times article claimed fluorescent bulbs had poor instructions, off-color lighting, high mercury levels and burnt out quicker than advertised. That is, according to some consumers, if they worked at all.

Not everyone agrees. Chris Warfel,owner of Entech Engineering, a solar-heating systems company on Block Island, is skeptical of the complaints.

“Like anything else, you get what you pay for,” Warfel said. “If you purchase the cheapest bulbs you can find, you should expect that to be reflected in the bulbs’ performance.”

Warfel, who has been using compact fluorescent light bulbs for 13 years, says he has never had a problem. In fact, he has only recently had to change his original set of bulbs. Along with their longevity, Warfel credits these bulbs with keeping his electric bill low and contributing to his environmental conservation efforts.

“I question anyone or any publication which says these light bulbs are a big problem,” Warfel said. “If you just take a couple minutes to read the package and make sure you’re buying from a good brand, you shouldn’t have any problem with the performance of these light bulbs. I know quite a few people who use them and I’ve never heard them complain.”

As for the complaints in the New York Times about off-colored lighting, Warfel

says that’s a problem that has been fixed in recent years.

“The first batches they came out with did have a blue tint to them, but that has changed. For the past six or so years, the color of the lighting has been fine.”

Warfel believes that many people purchase the cheapest set of compact fluorescent bulbs they can find, without considering quality.

“If the light bulbs don’t work, or they burn out quickly, it’s probably not because of the type of bulb it is, but because it is a cheap brand that was bought at the lowest price around,” Warfel said. “It’s the same as any other product you buy; you get what you pay for.”

Apart from performance concerns is unease over the presence of mercury found in the bulbs. According to Warfel, this poses a threat only at the time of disposal and isn’t problematic because transfer stations are required to have the capability to dispose of these safely.

The efficiency and long-burning lifespan of these light bulbs have made them popular on conservation-minded Block Island. Like Warfel, many residents were ahead of the curve in switching to these compact incandescent bulbs.

“There are a lot of people here that have been using them for a while,” Warfel said. “Generally, they have been very good for the environment, and they have many more pluses than minuses.”

Warfel reminds people that when shopping for these light bulbs, they should look for reputable brands such as Phillips, Panasonic, Harmony and General Electric to avoid bulbs manufactured with substandard materials.

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By Kim GaffettDon’t put away those bird feeders just

yet. Some of the most colorful backyard bird watching is right around the corner. Whether or not to maintain birdfeeders all year round is a frequently asked question. The answer: it is a matter of personal preference. Each season brings with it a different constellation of birds and bird activity that offers the observer a changing pallet of wonder.

Contrary to some concerns, feedingbirds does not make them less able to find food in the wild, or make them more vulnerable to predators, or keep them from migrating at the appropriate times. Birds are opportunistic and take advantage of whatever food sources are present at any given time. Insects, fruits and seeds, and

other bird foods all come and go with the season, with consumption, with snow cover, with abundant and lean harvest years, and birds adapt by moving from one source to another.

According to a 1997 Kaytee Avian Foundation report, about 65 million people in the United States feed wild birds, thus providing valuable windfalls of food sources. This is important in winter when weather and general absence of food may pose challenges for wintering birds. Providing food and water for wild birds during spring and fall migration can help to provide critical calories for this high energy activity, especially in light of increasing losses of stopover habitats along migratory flyways which act as refueling stations. And during the summer,

backyard feeding stations provide valuable sources of food for birds feeding nestlings and newly fledged birds.

Here are some thoughts on providing wild bird feeding stations during the seasons.

SpringAfter a peaceful winter of feeding

birds you may be dismayed to find your feeders swinging with large flocks of marauding starlings, grackles, red-winged black birds and blue jays — all beautiful birds, though a bit overwhelming.

This may be a good time to switch to different types of feeders. Perhaps you’ll replace the mixed seed on platform feeders with fruits like half an orange, grapes, and water-soaked raisons to encourage mockingbirds, returning catbirds and migrating orioles. Tube feeders with large openings can be replaced with thistle seed feeders (tubes with tiny openings or thistle socks), which will attract American goldfinches and house finches.

Providing a feeder with a general seed mix containing some cracked corn, millet and sunflower seeds will allow some ground scattering of food, thereby attracting ground-eating birds such as mourning dove, song sparrow, other northward-bound sparrows like the white-throated, and if you are lucky, rose-breasted grosbeak, a star at any spring bird feeder.

SummerThe use of spring and summer thistle

feeders will also provide the opportunity to witness the change of male goldfinches as their drab olive winter plumage is replaced by the brilliant yellow and black that most are familiar with.

For a short time between the end of spring migration (late May) and the hatching of breeding birds (late June) you

may notice a lull in activity at your bird feeders, as nearly half the population of birds at that time is sitting on a nest at any one moment. But soon activity will pick up as frantic parents strive to feed nestlings, and eventually fledged young will be learning how to feed themselves.

Adjusting feeders so that they are near protective shrubs and thickets, keeping family pets away from the feeders, and — if you’re really dedicated — providing such high-protein food as mealy worms will attract families of birds that can be interesting and hilarious to watch as the scruffy young beg and compete with siblings for food and as first attempts at flight can have birds crash landing in thickets and birdbaths in the most improbable postures.

Summer through early fall is the time for the most optimistic and dedicated bird watcher to set up a humming bird feeder. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are regularly seen during both spring and fall migration. Just remember the sugar solution provided in a hummingbird feeder should be changed every three days.

FallFeeding birds in the fall offers

migrating birds a valuable oasis of food and water and provides bird enthusiasts the challenge of bird identification. As many know, Block Island is an important resting and feeding location for migrating birds, most of which are the year’s young. This means that the plumage of the young bird, which often differs from that of adults depicted in field guides, can mystify the identification. Plus almost any species is a possibility during migration.

It is during the fall that thistle feeders might be replaced or augmented with

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feeders offering a greater variety of foods, i.e. the return of the large opening tube feeder, platform or hopper feeders, and suet offerings for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

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Bayberry Continued on next page

Bird FeedersContinued from Page 28


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WinterMany people feed wild birds only in

the winter (again, personal preference) when the weather is cold and harsh, and naturally occurring foods can become scarce. At this time of year all feeder types are a good idea, thus offering the greatest diversity. Winter is the time to provide suet in an old onion bag or cage. Woodpeckers, chickadees, Carolinawrens and even the occasional myrtle warbler will benefit from the protein and fat found in homemade or store-bought suet cakes. (Suet should not be used in warm weather due to spoilage.)

Bird feeders that may have been moved to the edge of the yard and thicket during the summer can be moved closer to your indoor viewing area. But it is always a good idea to provide a little shelter near

the feeders. A small shrub or brush pile will provide protection from harsh winds during feeding and a place to take cover from a swooping hawk or falcon.

Continued from previous page

Northern Male Cardinal


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APPLIANCES/APPLIANCE REPAIR

Hull Suburban PropaneYour on-island source for Amana, GE, JennAir and Whirlpool appliances. Plus: Bottled gas. Barbeque grills and Vermont Casting Gas Fireplaces. Call Pete at(401) 487-9629.

SearsOffering a full range of appliances with lots of energy-efficient options. Delivery to the boat. Friendly and efficient service. LocatedintheSouthCountyCommonsinWakefield.CallJimandAnneBuchananat (401) 782-0009. For service and parts call (800) 469-4663.

APPRAISERS

Appraisals of Distinction, LLCFor estate planning and settlement, insur-ance scheduling, claims, donations and equitabledistributions. Call (860)434-7277.

ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

Bee Interiors, Ltd.A full service interior design firm that specializes in interior solutions from the beginning of your project to the end. Services include floor plans, furniture, fabrics, colors, window treatments and accessories. Contact Michele Reeves(914) 629-6103, on-island (401) 466-7765 or Shaileen Tracy (203) 856-6507 for a free consultation.

Dan Costa ArchitectIsland resident with big city experience and expertise. Dan’s Boston-based firm can help to guide you from your initial idea to the creation of an island home you’ll never want to leave. (617) 451-5898.

Dove & Distaff InteriorsCustom upholstery, draperies and slip-covers. (401) 783-5714.

DGP ArchitectsArchitectural design, planning and his-toric preservation are all elements of DGP’s practice. Douglas Gilpin Jr. FAIA, ofCornNeckRoadisoneofthepartners.(434) 977-4480. wdgilpin@degparchi-

tects.com.

Neil B. LangArchitect brings more than 50 years of living on Block Island to his craft of designingorrenovatingyourhome.Call(401) 466-2678 or (410) 995-0746.

Geoffrey Rigby-LeatherTraditional large and small island homes, family compounds, additions and renova-tions. Year-round resident since 1988. References available. (401) 466-2391 or [email protected].

Stonebeach StudioNeed help sprucing up the cottage for summer renters? Experienced designer is available during the week, evenings and on weekends to meet your needs and execute your ideas. Residential and com-mercial. Additions, renovations, zoning and building submittals. On island. CallKay at (401) 862-0366.

Peter VercelliResidential, commercial, civic and edu-cational architecture. (860) 428-8978. [email protected].

ZMA Design/BuildIsland resident Bryan Wilson offers a complete range of design and construc-tion services for custom residences and commercial buildings. His offices are in the ZMA designed and built Figurehead building on Water Street. (401) 466-8971.

BANKS & FINANCE

Bill Huggins, Mortgage Master With more than 20 years of home loan experience and thousands of satisfied clients, Bill Huggins can help you get the best rates with less stress. (401) 574-0999.

Washington Trust Co.Block Island’s only hometown bank, and South County’s primary lender, offersquick action on mortgages tailored to individual needs through Cindy Valentiat (401) 348-1362. For home equity loans and your other personal or business bank-ing needs, call Barbara MacMullan. (401) 466-7710.

continued on page 35

Kathleen McConville917-670-7665

P.O. Box 1718Block Island, RI 02807

McConville Tile and Renovation

Kitchen • Bathrooms • Walkways

RI Reg # 28924

Carla Davis

365 Main Street, Wakefield, R.I. 02879(401) 783-5714

Custom Upholstery, Draperies& Slipcovers

Antonio’s Carpet Cleaning, Inc.Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery • Tile

Flooring • Refinishing • CarpetSales and Installation

Home SeRviCeSPainTing • RePaiR • mainTenanCe

www.bloCkiSlandPainTing.Com401-466-5305

get 25% off your next painting job with mention of this ad!

Registration # 30668

Financing availablevisa/mastercard accepted

There’s still time to get those spring projects done!

New Homes, Remodeling, Additions Small jobs welcome.

(401) 466-2119William Carey

PO Box 801Block Island, RI 02807

RI Registration# 3985

Carey Builders, inc.

Prompt and Reliable Service for More Than 30 Years

Living On and Serving Only Block Island

Block Island Plumbing & Heating

401-466-5930P.O. Box 1787

Block Island, RI 02807Lic. RI MP 1335

[email protected]

Core Drilling Ground Testing 25+ Years Experience

Business Directory

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BIRDING SUPPLIES

Birdwatchers NatureviewNot just for the birds! Quality binoculars, spotting scopes, star gazing telescopes, weathervanes and tide clocks. Also spe-cializing in water gardens. Poles for gar-dens and decks. 484 Main St., Wakefield. (401) 789-8020, (800) 270-8020.

CLEANING/CLEAN-UP

Antonio’s Carpet CleaningIf you need your carpet, special furniture, car or boat cleaned, call Antonio. He offers year-round residential and com-mercial cleaning services. Carpet salesand installations. (401) 466-5305.

Mr. Luster KleanProfessional cleaning of carpets, includ-ing Orientals and upholstery. Years of experience serving Block Island hom-eowners and businesses. Free estimates. (401) 466-5774.

CONTRACTORS

Block Island Housewright“Build it right. Manage it right,” is the motto for Block Island Houswright, which will manage your project from design to finish. General contracting and renova-tions. Custom cabinetry and built-ins.Property management and house watch. (401) 742-4151.

Carey Builders, Inc.For all of your home improvement needs, including new construction, remodeling andadditions.Small jobswelcome.CallWilliamCareyat(401)466-2119.

Central New England Solar StoreFor all of your energy needs. Solar panels, wind generators, batteries, heating, light-ing and energy saving appliances. (508) 832-4344. www.cnesolarstore.com.

Coastal Quality Construction Co.Ben Martin and his crew are fully equipped, insured and experienced in coastal building. CQC works both withhomeowners and other general contrac-tors, specializing in renovations and addi-tions. (401) 439-3328.

Fagan Door Corp.Overhead door specialists since 1975. Block Island builders and homeowners call Fagan to order new garage doors. If you’ve been talking about a new door, now’s the time. (401) 782-1624.

Filippone ConstructionWith more than 20 years in the construc-tion industry on Block Island, Filippone Construction specializes in all areas ofconstruction. Professional and reliable. (401) 466-8901. [email protected].

Fine Finish PlasteringAll forms of plastering, and fully insured.

Specializing in ceilings, patching and cus-tom homes. References available. (401) 751-2274.

Lischke Improvements Inc.ChrisLischkespecializes inhomerepairand complete renovations, including kitchens, doors, bathrooms, windows, additions, decks and siding. (401) 466-5916.

Misty Mountain Construction Co.Owner Tom Buol specializes in custom homes, commercial projects, restorations and additions. “Quality isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.” (401) 466-5012.

Nicholas Battey ConstructionFrom foundation to finish. Whether it is a restoration or new construction, you can rely on quality custom work. Free quotes available. (401) 749-0053.

Scott Heinz Construction & DesignScott and company specialize in custom island homes, design and renovations, as well as original construction. (401) 466-8868.

Sprague FarmThere for you if you need any excava-tion, a foundation poured, a septic system installed, a roadway graded, stonewall built, a load of top-soil, crushed stone, gravel or hay delivered. Generations of experience make Sprague Farm the num-ber to call. (401) 742-1734.

Stix Man ConstructionFoundation to custom finish and every-thinginbetween.Callforafreeestimateand bid. (401) 787-3497.

Winn ContractingServicing all your needs. Renovations, remodeling, carpentry, new construction, siding, decks and more. Quality work, fast service. Win with Winn. (401) 345-0141.

CONTRACTORS/TILE

Hill and Harbour Tile ShowroomFull-service tile center giving you the upscale look you desire. (401) 398-1035.

McConville Tile and RenovationFriendly, on-island contractor well known for flawless tile work, detail-oriented carpentry and solid construction with repair know-how. Kate has helped create fabulous new homes and updated classic island cottages, and she’s reliable and on time. (917) 670-7665.

ELECTRICIANS/PLUMBERS

Block Island Plumbing & HeatingPrompt and reliable service for more than 30 years. Living on and serving only Block Island. (401) 466-5930.

House & Garden Business Directory


Directory continued from page 33

Nature is for the birds...BIRDSEED

Bird Feeders

Weather Instruments

Binoculars and Telescopes

...and so much more!

CALL US AT 800-270-8020Visit us at 484 Main Street, Wakefi eld, RI

Or on the web at www.e-natureview.com

WE ACCEPT PHONE ORDERS • FREE DELIVERY TO THE BOAT

Birdwatchers Natureview

WINN CONTRACTING

General Contractor. Servicing all of your needs.

Renovating, remodeling, carpentry, new construction,

siding, decks, fi nish carpentry, custom fencing, pergolas,

window replacement, interior/exterior painting.

Quality work - fast service.Win with Winn

Call Matt 345-0141

RI Registration #16611

www.waterfiltercompany.com

Got Bad Water?

Call Steve (the owner)for a FREE in home consultation.

No Pressure. No Obligation.

1-800-698-006824 years in business, family built, owned and still operated

• Whole house systems• Drinking water systems • We service virtually every brand• Water testing• Trade in old equipment program (working or not)• Existing system efficiency evaluations $39.95

$100.00 OFF any new softener with this coupon

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Lakeside ElectricA licensed and insured company with more than 20 years experience in com-mercial and residential projects in Rhode Island. Lakeside Electric is ready to serve you. Just call and schedule an appoint-ment today. (401) 349-4850 or [email protected].

FLOORING/CARPETING

Bart’s CarpetEco-friendly flooring at budget friendly prices. Carpet, vinyl, ceramic tile, arearugs and pre-finished wood. (401) 884-8300. www.bartscarpet.com.

Mr. Luster KleanExpert sales and installation of new floor-ing, including hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl or carpeting and professional clean-ing of carpets, including area carpets, Orientals, and upholstery. They have a reference list of many satisfied island customers. They “bring the store to your door.” Free estimates. (401) 466-5774.

FURNITURE: BEDDING ACCESSORIES

Matress Depot (a division of Chariho Furniture)Hundred of mattresses in stock for deliv-ery. Free delivery to the ferry. (401) 539-1038.

FURNITURE: CASUAL

Block Shop CaféAntiques. Coffee and pastries. Enjoyisland breezes and views from the second level of the Albion building on Ocean Avenue. (401) 477-4743.

Cardi’s FurnitureLocatedinWestWarwick,Cardi’soffersthe largest selection of new spring and summer furniture fashions for every room in your Block Island home. They are famous for their great customer service and guaranteed lowest prices. They offer free delivery to the Block Island boat. (401) 826-5600.

Chariho FurnitureSouthern New England’s largest selection of quality American-made home furnish-ings.Country,traditional,cottage,casual.(401) 539-9043.

Furniture MedicSpecializing in onsite repairs of all types of furniture. Complete refinishing. “Theprescription for damaged furniture.” On-island April 28. (401) 615-3220.

McKay’s FurnitureCelebrating 109 years in the retail fur-niture business, McKay’s Furniture is family owned. Featuring fine upholstery and solid-wood bedroom and diningroom sets. Great selections that are reasonable and competitively priced. Also, don’t miss McKay’s Front Porch, located less than a mile from McKay’s Furniture. It provides an endless selection of patio/deck furniture as well as wicker/rattan,satisfying everyone’s spring fever. (800) 281-3162.

Sheldon’s FurnitureA wonderful selection of furniture featur-ing futons, bedding and patio furniture. Located in Wakefield. Serving Block Island since 1852. (401) 783-5503.

GARDEN: PLANTS, SUPPLIES

A Block Island Flag Co.Flag poles, banners, all flags and custom embroidery. (401) 466-2137.

Goose & GardenUnder the care of John Whitaker, it offers annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables, with new varieties of top soil, composted manure, peat moss, mulch, lime, fertil-izer and potting soil. Free delivery. (401) 466-2866.

Highland FarmsLocated in North Kingstown, the farm has annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables. Convenientlylocatedonyourwaytotheboat. Free delivery to the boat. (401) 792-8188.

Narragansett FlagsFiberglass and aluminum flagpoles and the highest-quality flags. With a land-scape designer on staff, we work with you to make your flagpole fit into your overall landscape. (877) 234-3524. www.riflags.com.

Tower Hill FarmMeeting all your spring planting needs. Check out the great selection of nurserystock. Free delivery to the ferry and phone orders are welcome. (401) 294-6633.

HARDWARE

Damon’s HardwareIf you need it, they’ve probably got it! And their friendly staff will help you find it. Hardware, housewares, lawn and gar-den, plumbing, electrical, paint and paint-ing supplies and more. (401) 789-1773.

Jerry’s Paint & HardwareEverything you need to fix-up, paint-up, touch-up, patch-up, brighten-up, tighten-up, open-up and dig-up at your home on Block Island. They offer free delivery to the boat. (401) 783-4666.

INSURANCE

All State InsuranceHomeowners insurance. Get the protec-tionyouneedforyourhome.Calltodis-cussyouroptionstoday.CallBillHannonat (401) 789-3053.

Durfee Buffington Insurance Agency Completeinsurancecoverageforauto,home and business. Serving the personal and business needs of Block Island for 30 years. (800) 875-9834.

KITCHEN & BATH

Kitchens Direct, Inc. Cookupasnazzynewkitchenorjustgetthe equipment you need with Kitchens Direct, Inc., the Wakefield store with friendly phone service, a great website and staff that will help you make your culinary dreams a reality. (401) 783-3100.

Westerly GlassProviding residential and commercial ser-vices. Specializing in tub and shower enclosures, plate glass, patio doors, table tops and more. (401) 596-4733.

LANDSCAPING, LAWN & GARDEN CARE

Block Island GardenersA tax-exempt organization, they conduct educational and charitable activities on Block Island. They seek to stimulate interest in gardening, conserve natural resources and foster and enhance civic beautification. (401) 466-3171.

DVL Landscape ArchitectureDerek van Lent is a licensed landscape architect. He creates soft and hard land-scape designs that meld his clients’ desires with the natural beauty of Block Island. DVL is also available for off-island projects. (401) 466-2081.

East Coast LandscapingCall Frank Farrell Jr. for any landscapemaintenance and construction projects. Septic systems, driveways, custom patios, rock walls, masonry and more. (401) 788-9360.

Islandscape, Inc. Plantings, pruning, hedges, deer fencing, lawn mowing, brush cutting, wall clear-ing, widening roads and driveways, raised garden beds and patios. (401) 932-7979 or (401) 466-2961.

Lotus LandscapeFine gardening, for all of your landscap-ing needs. Be sure to call Kevin Brannon at (401) 295-2345 or Nathaniel Tripler at (401) 207-9877.

Ned Phillips Jr. & Co. Landscape Design Tree care specialists and landscape designers specializing in sustainable land-scape design and native trees and shrubs. Ned Phillips Jr., principal, is a certified arborist and certified nurseryman. (401) 466-5161.

Payne Farm LandscapingOffering a full range of services to help enhance your Block Island property. Weekly and biweekly mowing schedules, stone retaining wall, fire pits, freestanding walls, patios, brush and stonewall clear-ing, plantings. Mulch delivered to your site and organic compost available. Free estimates. (401) 432-5502.

LAWN & GARDEN: POWER EQUIPMENT

All Outdoors Power EquipmentWhen only the best will do they have the products that are right for you. With more than 30 years experience and names like Honda, Husqvarna, Stihl, Gravley, Shindaiwa, Little Wonder, Billy Goat and more in store, they can provide you with the service and products you need to get the job done. Located at 4060 Tower Hill Road in Wakefield. (401) 789-7997. www.surfingrat.com.




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including paints and painting supplies, and will deliver as many of them as you need, right to the Block Island boat. (401) 783-4666.

RNR PaintingResidential and commercial services include interior and exterior painting, staining and spray finishes. (401) 742-3164.

PEST CONTROL

Griggs & Browne“Trust the name you know.” Ken Farrelly has serviced island properties for many years, providing rodent control, termite extermination, radon testing and home inspections. (401) 783-3800 or call Ken on his cell at (401) 837-4930.

TerminixTerminix R-Plus insulation keeps your home running efficiently in every season. (800) 233-5917.

PLUMBING SUPPLIES

Damon’s HardwareIf you need it, they’ve probably got it! And their friendly, courteous staff will help you find it. Hardware, plumbing, heating and electrical supplies. (401) 789-1773.

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS

Harrington & Rhodes, Ltd.A general practice law firm concentrating in residential and commercial transactions and the related areas of law affecting those transactions: permitting, zoning, probate and bankruptcy. (401) 885-9393

SECURITY SYSTEMS

Block Island AlarmsFor your commercial business they will work with you to provide a security sys-tem that consists of leading-edge technol-ogy installed by experts with outstanding customer service. For your residential

Howard Johnson Located on Kingstown Road in Peace Dale, they offer a full line of John Deere yard and garden equipment, plus main-tenance and sharpening expertise. Free delivery to the boat. (401) 789-9375.

Pat’s Power EquipmentRecognized as the most-respected dealer of outdoor power equipment, Pat’s Power has served Block Island for more than 20 years. Both homeowners and landscap-ers rely on Pat’s for quality brands and dependable service. They represent the finest brands such as Simplicity, Toro, Husqvarna, DR Power, Ferris, Exmark, Scag,RedMaxandEcho.CheckouttheirKioti Compact tractors and Haulmarkenclosed trailers. Will ship to the island via UPS, or deliver to the boat. www.patspower.com (401) 364-6114.

LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES

Ardente Supply CompanyCelebrating it’s 63rd year in business,Ardente Supply is Rhode Island’s oldest and most trusted name in bath, kitchen, plumbing, heating, marine and industrial supplies. Superior product knowledge and extreme customer service is what sets them apart. Deliveries to Block Island boat and Westerly Airport are just a phone call away. You are invited to visit their amazing bath and kitchen showplace conveniently located next to the Westerly Airport. (401) 315-2727.

Dwyer HardwoodsComplete flooring center. Lumber, ply-wood and millwork. Eco-friendly. (401) 284-2305.

Humphrey’s Marvin Window and Door ShowcaseLooking for the right windows and doors for your home? Their representatives are now available to visit you on Block Island. Or visit their showroom in Middletown. (401) 841-8800.

Liberty CedarExterior wood products for roofing, sid-ing, decks and trim. Roofing for historic projects is a specialty.Custommillworkand moldings. Special orders welcome. (401) 789-6626.

South County Post & BeamLocated in West Kingston, they offer design services and will build houses, additions, barns and other outbuildings. They also sell wide-pine flooring. (401) 783-4415.

United Builders SupplyWhether you are building a new or remod-eling an existing home or building, UBS has the products that will help you com-plete your project in the most efficient way possible. Members of the UBS team will help you visualize an complete your project from start to finish with friendly, personal service. (401) 596-2831. www.unitedbuilderssupply.com.

MOWING & BRUSHCUTTING

Greenscape Mowing ServicesNow is the time to schedule lawn mainte-nance by Peter Monje. Additional servic-es include trimming and clearing. (401) 466-2756.

Islandscape, Inc.Plantings, pruning, hedges, deer fencing, lawn mowing, brush cutting, wall clear-ing, widening roads and driveways, raised garden beds and patios. Call (401) 932-7979 or (401) 466-2961.

PAINTING

Jerry’s Paint & HardwareThey offer more than 30,000 items,



Call 787-3497 for free estimate and bid

Stix Man ConstructionMark Kildea Owner

Foundation to Custom Finishand Everything in between

PO Box 869 Block Island

Insured • RI Registration # [email protected]

KITCHENS�

DOORS�

BATHROOMS�

WINDOWS�

ADDITIONS�

DECKS�

SIDING

CHRIS LISCHKE401-466-5916

401-742-3357 (cell)[email protected]

P.O. Box 995Block Island RI 02807

�Member

RI BuildersAssociation &BI Chamber of

CommerceInsured

RI Reg. # 10804

LISCHKE IMPROVEMENTS INC.HOME REPAIR SPECIALISTS � COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

Eco-Friendly Flooring at Budget Friendly Prices

Dupont Stainmaster and Anso Carpet**12 months same as cash on Anso Carpet

High End Carpet Remnants$1.78 sq.ft. Values to $5.89 up to 24 ft. long.

We can install or bind them!

Environmentally Friendly Wood FloorsCork - Bamboo - Exotic Woods

Call for easy directions884.8300 - 295.0164bartscarpet.com

CARPET

VINYL

CERAMIC TILE

WINDOWTREATMENTS

LAMINATE

AREA RUGS

PRE-FINISHEDWOOD

TRY BART’S X-TRA CLEAN CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

491 Davisville Road,(at Devil Foot Rd.)North Kingstown, RI

Sale

Lotus Landscape, Inc.Fine Gardening

Kevin Brannon401.295.2345

Nathaniel Tripler401.207.9877

Bee InteriorsLtd.

Michele Reeves914.629.6103

Shaileen Tracy203.856.6507

25 Helen Avenue · Rye, NY 10580Tel: 914.921.5733 · Fax: 914.967.1739Email: [email protected]

www.griggsbrowne.com

Ask about our $25 discount good with this ad

783-3800

TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL

HOME INSPECTION

TRUST THE NAME YOU KNOW FOR



needs they can recommend a security system that will give you peace of mind. Call to inquire about the alarm that fitsyour needs (burglary, fire, temperature and flood). (401) 466-5577.

TRANSPORTATION

Interstate NavigationVirtually everything you need for your home and garden will come across from America on an Interstate boat. They are our “bridge” to the mainland. As the ad says, “Your dreams will take wing, everything else comes on the boat.” For schedule information and car reservations call (401) 783-4613.

WATER TREATMENT

Water Filter CompanyDo you have bad water? Water Filter Companycanhelp.Ridyourwellofiron,manganese, hardness, low pH, rotten egg smell, radon in the water, VOC’s, lead,bacteria and more. Whole house systems, drinking water systems, water testing. Call for a free consultation. (800) 698-0068.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blind & Shade CompanyBlinds, shades, shutters. Free in-home consultation. Free installation. (888) 551-

5887. www.blindandshadeco.com

California Door and WindowPhantom’s screens provide the crowning touch in your home’s design so subtle youwon’tevenknowit’s there.Customfit. To feel secure in the toughest of storms inquire about Rollac rolling shut-ters. (401) 942-0003.

Island Shading SystemsIsland-based Susan Malone Hunnewell has every window treatment available to make your home resistant to heat, fading and glare. Wood, aluminum and vertical blinds, honeycomb, woven-wood (bam-boo), clutch and reel or traditional roller and fabric shades, solar film application and Roller Storm Shutters. Professional installation. (401) 466-2352.

Shade & Shutter SystemsExperts in sun control and weather protection systems, Shade & Shutter Systems will give you maximum protec-tion at an affordable cost. Easy to store and install panels make this decision easy. Free estimates. (800) 522-1599. www.shadeandshutter.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

Beachline Computer ServicesConsulting,installation,tune-ups,repairs,training. Island service or free pick-up and delivery from the ferry. (401) 378-3069. www.beachlinecomputer.com.



Fiberglass & Aluminum Flagpoles•

Highest Quality Flags•

On-Staff Landscape Designer•

Fully Insured Installation•

Full Line of Kites•

Call Us at (401) 782-0318

or Visit Us Online

www.riflags.com

www.riflags.com

NarragaNsett Flags

909 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI 02882

Box 150, Block IslandRhode Island 02807

401-466-2678410-995-0746

Neil B. Lang Architect

Island Sensitive

Design & Renovations

Before

After


You need it?We’ve got it!

And our friendly, courteous staff will help you find it!

Hardware • Tools • Housewares • elecTrical • Plumbing

Keys • PainT & suPPlies • comPuTer PainT maTcHing

Flags • glass • screen rePair • lawn and garden

laminaTe and Hardwood Flooring • carPeTs • ceramic Tile

Damon’s HardwareFree delivery to the Block Island boat!

422 Main Street, Wakefield • 783-4851 / 789-1773Plumbing & Heating, 430 Main Street • 782-4277

We will deliver and install any appliance you find from

You Pick it.... We install it!Find an appliance that you like and call us, we will deliver and install in!

Amana • GE • JennAir • Whirlpool

Vermont Casting Gas Fireplace Stoves

Call Pete at 487-9629

You Pick it.... We install it!You Pick it.... We install it!Find an appliance that you like and call us, we will deliver and install it!

Amana • GE • JennAir • WhirlpoolVermont Casting Gas Fireplace Stoves

Hull PropaneCall Pete • 487-9629

Bee InteriorsLtd.




Bee InteriorsLtd.




Bee InteriorsLtd.




401-466-8971 • Fax: 401-466-5828 • www.bi-zmadesign.com • RI Reg. # 15474

ZMA Design / Build

Cassidy ResidenceBeacon Hill, BI

Phantom’s screens provide the crowning touch in your home’s design - so subtle, you won’t even know they’re there.

Custom fit for doors, windows, and larger openings of every size and style, Phantom’s screening solutions serve as screens should: they pull into place when needed and retract our-of-sight when not in use. Phantom’s custom

colors and unique wood grain finished keep your home true to your vision.

To locate your Phantom Screens dealer, please call 401.942.0003 or go to our website at www.phantomscreens.com

Experience PhantomYour Choice for Retractable Screening Solutions

Contact your local authorized dealerCalifornia Door and Window

401.942.0003www.californiadoorandwindow.com


You take care of the dream.Leave the rest to us.

2008 Award Winning Design

Landscape Architects (Lic. in RI, CT, NY, MA) –(NOFA) New England Organic Farming Association CertifiedArborist Lic. (RI) – Pesticide Certification (RI) – (ASLA) American Society of Landscape Architects Member

design/build [401] 466 2081dVl landscape architecture

cultiVating block island’s natural beauty

Dream. Plan. Design. BuilD.

Documents

House & Garden