The Bay Monthly December 2014

R e s i d e n t i a l P R o P e R t i e s l t d .

Barrington: Elegant architect-designed & custom built 15 room estate on prestigious rumstick Point! rooms have grand proportion! 7 fireplaces, smash-ing kitchen, nanny suite, fitness room, game room/bar, 4 finished levels, terraces, porches, guest house!

Just sensational! $2,850,000

Barrington: Beautifully appointed saltbox Colo-nial in popular Country Club Platt. Walk to bike path, town center and library! Character and charm period details throughout! gorgeous new kitchen, new windows, new mechanicals. $699,000

Bristol: Westside charmer-original Highlands hunting lodge. single level-hardwoods, stone fireplace, front and rear porches, beautiful gardens. any future renovations supported by high-end surrounding values. optional association (beach,

tennis, clubhouse) and bike path. $549,000

sWansEa: spectacular waterfront property on Mount Hope Bay. Panoramic southwest views over-looking Mount Hope Bridge. tasteful renovations by newport Collaborative. Handsome custom de-signed kitchen, spacious master suite with balcony.

new septic in 2013. seaside gem! $1,175,000

Barrington: Fabulous Colonial 5/6 bedrooms, 4.2 baths, 2 staircases, finished lower level with media and exercise rooms, in-law/au pair or home office with separate staircase. living room with gas fire-place, large deck, Very Private, abuts conservation

land. $695,000

Bristol: Beautiful ranch with new Kitchen w/gran-ite and ss appliances, roof 6 Years old, gas Heating system 18 Months old, Windows 3 years old. nice flat back yard with patio. Move right into this “Pot-

tery Barn” style home and enjoy. $340,000

Bristol: Waterfront on the Kickemuit river! Fabulous dock with float. stunning easterly views across river to farms, woods, audubon Preserve. open floor plan, 2 fireplaces, central air, stone walls. ideal year round or vacation with access to

narragansett Bay!! $699,000

Barrington: Winter water views! totally updated-siding, new kitchen, windows, doors, flooring, landscaping. Beautiful in-ground pool and hot tub. gas lines to house for cooking, generator (heat

conversion possible). $599,000

Barrington: Water views and cool breezes from this adorable brick Cape. 3 beds, 2 full baths, newer kitchen, living room with fireplace, den with gas fireplace, Playroom in lower level, patio with great

views and includes water access. $349,900

259 County RoadBarrington

401.245.9600

Rhode Island’s Real Estate Company® ResidentialProperties.com

December 2014 | The BAY 3

This Month18 Running with the PackThe Wolf School has a unique

educational approach

21 Merry EverythingCelebrate the season all December long

Every Month5 Editor’s Note/Letters

6 TheBayMagazine.com

11 The BuzzA Bristolian makes sweet Irish music

12 On the Bay 15 Bay Views

27 Live WellLife by design in Barrington

28 Homestyle 30 Whole Body 31 Shop Around

33 Style Connoisseur

35 TasteFiring things up in Westport

37 Review 38 News Bites 39 Taste Connoisseur 40 Rhody Bites

43 GalleryBecause there are 30 other days in December, too

44 Calendar 46 Artistry 48 On Stage

50 Taste TestHoliday dinner to go

35

ContentsDecember 2014

21

On the cover: The holidays at the Newport Mansions. Photo courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

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Christmas at Blithewold Frenchy’s Stuffed Clams at Ten Cousins

4 The BAY | December 2014

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No por-tion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Copyright ©2014 by Providence Media, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset.

The Bay, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302Pawtucket, RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392

www.thebaymagazine.com@TheBayMag

[email protected] advertising rates call: 401-305-3391

Audited by:Member of:

PublishersBarry FainRichard FleischerMatt HayesJohn Howell

Publishing DirectorJeanette St. Pierre@JeanetteSTP

Account ManagersLouann DiMuccio-Darwich: [email protected]

Ann Gallagher: [email protected]

Nicole Fox: [email protected]

Kristine Mangan: [email protected]

Dan Schwartz: [email protected]

Elizabeth Riel: [email protected]

Kimberly Tingle: [email protected]

Stephanie Oster Wilmarth:[email protected]

Contributing WritersKeith Andrade: @AndradeK

Erin Balsa

Alastair Cairns

Andrea E. McHugh: @NewportStyle

Jamie Merolla

Nina Murphy

Stephanie Obodda: @StephanieDoes

Tony Pacitti: @TonyPacitti

Mike Sullivan

John Taraborelli: @JohnnyTabs

Cindy VanSchalkwyk

Contributing IllustratorKendrah Smith

Executive EditorJulie Tremaine@JulieTremaine

Digital ManagerElyena de Goguel

Associate EditorGrace Lentini@Gracie_NomNom

Art DirectorMeghan H. Follett

Assistant Art DirectorVeatsna Sok

Advertising Design DirectorLayheang Meas

Graphic DesignerCaitlin Musso

Contributing PhotographersMike CevoliBrian DeMelloJudith GardnerJanice Lee Kelly

Force 4 Photography Meghan SepeBrad SmithRupert Whiteley

InternsEmily DaveyClaire FlanaganElizabeth Gallagher

Alexandra MorelMorgan Pekera

Contributor

Keith Andrade is a Fall River

native who grew up in Provi-

dence and currently lives in

Bristol. After working in real

estate investment in Manhat-

tan for eight years, he returned

home to further his education,

work on entrepreneurial en-

deavors and try new things.

Some of those new things in-

clude freelancing for The Bay,

as well as our sister maga-

zine Providence Monthly. This

month, the new thing Keith

tries is creative pizza at Ten

Cousins in Westport. Check

out his findings in our Review.

Keith Andrade Writer


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SAVON SHOES

Editor’s Note

Unlike the rest of the year, which I spend either wishing it were still sum-mer or wishing summer would last forever, I’m all about December. The festive month has a charm and beauty unlike any other. It’s only 25 days be-tween then and Christmas to get in as much merriment and holiday cheer as humanly possible - you know, between shopping, wrapping, baking, writing out cards, more shopping, the occa-sional hour of sleep and, oh yeah, work-ing. My point is this: you don’t have all that much time to fit in the great parts about the holiday season. That’s where The Bay comes in. This year, we did the

heavy lifting for you, and planned out your entire month of holiday cheer. Read on, and discover the surprisingly numerous ways you can be merry and bright this month. Then get out there and celebrate. Come January, the only sparkle you’re going to see is from the falling snow... so enjoy it while it lasts. Happy holidays.

‘Tis the Season

“Our customers (and employees) love The Bay! Thank you for bringing this fantastic publication to Mello’s Farm and Flower Center in Portsmouth!” –Mello’s Farm and Flower Center

“I loved reading about Hope and Main [News Bites, October 2014] opening! Such a great addition to the community.” –Sara Harrison

“The article ‘The Family Jewels’ [Life/Style, October 2014] house was very good. I travel by that house a lot; now I know the story.” –Phyllis Mauretti

Send us a letter Email us a letter to the editor to [email protected] and it could be published in an upcoming issue.

Read us onlineFull issues of all our magazine available on www.thebaymagazine.com

Find us on FacebookReach out to us at The Bay Magazine

From Our Facebook Friends


3 Water Street • South Dartmouth, MA(508) 999-6975 • Blackbassma.com

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RI’s #1 Real Estate CompanyLargest Relocation Company in the country

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Barrington – Spacious 5 bedroom cape with many updates, two-story living room, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, central air. there is a newer heating system, new windows, kitchen and more! Freshly painted w/ walk-out basement & fenced yard. $ 395,000

(401) 253-4050 / 800-541-4593495 Hope Street, Bristol, RI

Barrington – adorable 3 bedroom colonial featuring large eat-in kitchen w/ hardwoods throughout and lovely period details. there are high ceilings w/ a new roof, windows, electric, gas heating system and more! nice fenced yard w/ driveway leading to a private neighborhood close to the water, marina, yacht club and bike path. $224,900

Bristol – Character abounds in this 1880 colonial. Just needs your personal touch to restore this home to it’s original old world charm. a short walking distance to narragansett Bay and the thriving nautical town of Bristol. $ 229,900

Bristol – Elegant historic “jewel box” featured in “Spectacular Homes of new England”. Kitchen was architect designed w/ gas fireplace, coffered ceiling & exquisite cabinetry. award winning porch off kitchen w/ views of koi pond and lovely courtyard. $799,900

TheBayMagazine.coMwhat ’s happening on

Plus:Winter is here! And we’ve created a winter survival guide just for you with the best ways to stay warm and S.A.D. free during the darkest months of the year.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

ho ho ho… no.

We love the holidays, obviously, but sometimes Santa’s jolly red face and all the constant caroling can just get a bit much. Need a break from the seasonal madness? Check out our online compendium of all the non-holiday happen-

ings going on this month. It’s ok to be a bit of a humbug… on occasion.

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Because we’re awesome on social, too

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Events and community highlights delivered to your inbox weekly

Win ThiSWe’re giving away $2,000 in shopping sprees this month. Make sure to like us on Face-book and follow us on Twitter for weekly giveaway updates.

SHOP WITH USCan’t figure out what to get your loved ones this holiday

season? Check out our onlinegift guide featuring yourfavorite local businesses.

Plante Jewelers has the perfect present.

Make your Wish List and enter to win a $500 Gift Certificate!

$2295 $155$445

GIVE A GIFT PROGRAMWe’re partnering with St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River – donating new, unwrapped gifts for the children. Every person who brings in a donation from November 1st to December 24th, will receive a sterling silver bracelet!

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR DECEMBER 2014

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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310-5:30

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1210-5:30

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1510-5:30

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1710-5:30

1810-8

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2010-5

2111-4

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310-5

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We would Love To Host A Spa Party For You And Your Friends!

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SHOP LOCAL AND WIN!Get a FREE raffle ticket for every $25 you spend

at participating Bristol businesses between November 21st & December 21st.

WIN ONE OF SEVERAL$500 CASH PRIZES!

Ticket holder must be present to win. No rain or snow date.One prize per participant. Max 50 tickets for any purchase.

Raffle Drawing will take place at 5:00 PMon December 21st on lower State Street

Festivities will begin at 4:00 PM!

It pays to shop, dine, play & stay locally for the holidays! Be on the look out for the big blue snowflake

in the window at participating businesses.

NON PROFIT PARTNERSHIPS:

Bristol Warren Education Foundation • Stone Soup Thrift Shop/East Bay Food Pantry • Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter

DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing259 Thames Street, Bristol • www.DeWolftavern.com • 254-2005

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Christian’sA wood fired grille

Happy Holidays!Gift Certifications available

New Years Eve reservations

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One StOp COnSignment ShOpping!

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Anita Randall, Executive Director ofthe East Bay Food Pantry, helps feed the hungry

The BuzzPeople and places on the bay

‘Tis the Season to Give BackWith all the giving you’re doing to your loved ones this month, it’s easy to forget that there are people in the community who aren’t able to share the same joy of giving. Take some time out to donate to worthy holiday giving initiatives in the East Bay. Turn the page to find out how.


Buzz on the bay

‘Tis the season for giving and spread-ing cheer – so here are just a few pro-grams that you can get involved in to really make a difference in your area this holiday season. Child and Fam-ily RI’s Adopt-A-Family Program lets you sign up to sponsor a family and shop for gifts for their child or chil-dren. This way, families who would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their children are able to have a warm and merry holiday. Once you sign up, you’ll receive the name of your assigned child (or children) and their wish list, so you can help them have the holiday of their dreams. Visit Child and Family’s website to get a sign-up form and get more details on the program. 31 John Clarke Rd., Middletown. 401-849-2300, www.childandfamilyri.org

Year-round, the East Bay Food Pan-try (EBFP) does wonders to support the East Bay area in their mission of “engaging, educating and empower-ing the East Bay in creating a hunger-free community.” During the months of November and December, they put together extra holiday meal baskets so their clients can have the tools needed to put together a festive holiday meal. The baskets contain such goodies as cranberry sauce, gravy, mashed potato and stuffing mix, veggies, dessert mixes and more. Help keep this special holiday tradition alive by making a monetary donation to the EBFP this season or setting up your own food drive at your school, place of business or just within your community. 150 Franklin Street, Bristol. 401-396-9490, www.eastbay-foodpantry.org –Claire Flanagan

Robbie O’Connell, born in Ireland, has become a well-known folk musi-cian in the United States, and calls Bristol home.

Robbie visited the United States a couple of times before deciding to marry and move here. “I came out as a student at college in Dublin, then I came back out again, met Roxanne and fell in love,” he says. The couple lived in Massachusetts for 25 years, raising four children before moving to Bristol. Although Robbie has spent less time in the East Bay area, it’s closer to his heart. “I feel much more at home now,” he explains. “It’s relaxing living by the water. It’s also brighter here; Ireland can be overcast or raining for weeks at a time.”

Robbie and his cousin Aoife (pro-nounced “Eefa”) Clancy will be pre-senting a Celtic Christmas concert at Linden Place in Bristol December 19. Robbie and Aoife are both internation-ally acclaimed folk musicians and sing-ers who have toured extensively in this country and abroad.

Robbie has performed on a few occa-sions before at Linden Place, including a

similar concert last December. Robin Tremblay, office manager at Linden Place, commented on last year’s holiday event. “Robbie brings in the crowds for his concerts,” she says. “Last year we had over 75 people, and there were lots of compliments. People came from all over, not just Bristol.” The concert at Linden Place will include traditional songs from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, plus a few Christmas songs familiar to most in the United States. The event will also feature spoken stories interwo-ven with the music.

When asked if he has a favorite song, Robbie says it changes all the time. Often a new traditional song he is learning or one he has recently writ-ten becomes a current favorite. He writes songs about peace and war and relationships, some serious, some hu-morous, but often keeping to the style he learned as a lad. “I like to write in the tradition. My preference is to write something that sounds like it’s a cou-ple of hundred years old.”

Robbie returns to his native Ireland for at least a couple of months every

year. He and Roxanne began Celtica Music & Tours 19 years ago. ”It’s a music and culture tour, we take them off the beaten path,” he explains. Roxanne is a professor at Roger Williams University and cannot always visit Ireland because of her academic schedule, so Robbie’s sister, Alice, and her husband, Sean Rat-tigan, a fiddle player, help lead the tours. Celtica Music & Tours began with one tour a year, now Robbie also plans and

leads a tour yearly for WGBH. The traveling gives him the opportunity to stay connected to his native coun-try. “We still have lots of friends and relatives there, and I love the land-scape there.” Celtic Christmas Con-cert: 7:30pm. December 19. Linden Place, 500 Hope Street, Bristol. Tick-ets should be reserved in advance by calling the museum at 401-253-0390. –Cindy VonSchalkwyck

Give a Little, Do a Lot of Good

GIVE BACK

Make a difference to a family in need at Child & Family this month

Robbie O’Connell performs Celtic holidaysongs at Linden Place

Robbie O’ Connell Celebrates Christmas the Celtic Way

MUSIC O’THE IRISH


Professional, Convenient Dermatological Services

Aspire Dermatology, with two convenient offices in Newport and Riverside, is a highly professional provider of a full range of dermatology services from skin screenings to Mohs surgery. Jason Michaels, M.D. and his staff are ready to serve all your skin care needs professionally and on a timely basis. Now accepting new patients. Same day appointments and complementary parking are available. Call 401.239.1800.

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Marti Del Negro wants to run your life…in a good way

Buzz on the bayMANAGING TIME

A certain insightful high school stu-dent once said, “Life moves pret-ty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” If you find yourself constant-ly too busy to even think about slow-ing down and taking the Ferris Buel-ler approach to life, Marti Del Negro is here to help.

Her new business, bENE Lifestyle Management, is a unique concept in Rhode Island. Basically, you hire Marti to handle anything and everything you can’t get to, so you have more time to enjoy the enjoyable parts of life. “A lifestyle manager allows you to confidently outsource all those proj-ects and tasks that have to be done, but not necessarily by you,” Marti says. “Those things that keep you up nights thinking about how you’ll get them done or about what you can give up that you really want to do so you can do what you have to do.”

Sure, it’s a luxury, but think about what you could do with your new-found free time: spend time with your

family, travel or follow the passion or hobby that you’ve always wanted to. Your lifestyle manager will do what-ever it is that you need taken care of – they’ll manage your kitchen remodel, handle your holiday cards from cre-ation through mailing, research and plan your next vacation, pay your bills, plan that dinner party you’ve been meaning to have and even wait for the cable guy to show up.

As a career woman, wife and moth-er of two boys, Marti knows the diffi-culties of juggling numerous tasks and finding the time and energy to enjoy li fe. “Each client’s needs are unique and my approach is to understand them individually,” Marti says. “I learn about their lives, their lifestyle and their personal goals, then we discuss what I can take off their plates so they can spend their time and energy do-ing what they want to do, not what has to be done.” 8 St. Andrews Way, Bar-rington. 401-318-3749; 401-377-5419, www.benelifestylemanagement.com –Claire Flanagan

A Barrington Service That Helps Organize Your Life

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Our favOrite

display Of the mOnth

High Point Salon in Portsmouth went on a roll with the

October issue!

have a favorite Bay distribution point? share

it on our facebook

page!

#DisplayTheBay

sponsored by

Buzz Bay ViewsLeaf peepers and fun-lovers came out

for the Warren Walkabout in October.

The annual fall festival was part taste of

the town, part shopping event, part artist

open studios and all fun and games.

There was even a dragon ride for brave

little adventurers. discoverwarren.com.

Photography by: Judith Gardner


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Live Acoustic Music Thursday-Saturday

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Barksfield Botanicals3964 Main Road

401-816-0944

Art, organics and antiques filling second floor in historic

Nonquit Grange, c. 1870.

Courtyards3980 Main Road • 401-624-8682

courtyardsltd.comCome discover imaginative gifts and

festive holiday trimmings. Open 7 days. Offering gift wrapping and shipping.

Winter’s Arts & Artisan Fair3850 Main Road

tivertonfourcorners.comFestive shopping with finely curated local and regional Artists & Artisans.

Saturday December, 13th 10am-6pm & Saturday December, 14th 11am-4pm.

Kathrine Lovell Studio & Gallery3895 Main Road • 401-743-6077

klovell.comOpen Thursday through Sunday 12-

5pm. Ornaments, little pictures & other beautiful objects made by local artists.

Thursdays until 8 throughout December.

The Cottage3847 Main Road

401-625-5814

Fine Home FurnishingsAccessories and Gifts

Open 7 Days

TIFFANY PEAYJE WELRY

Tiffany Peay Jewelry3851 Main Road • 401-816-0878

tiffanypeay.comBeautiful fine jewelry

handmade on premises.Give the power of gemstones!

Open Late December 18th

Silk Road Traders at Gallery 43848 Main Road • 401-816-0999

silkroadgallery4.comFine art and Oriental rugs.

Antique furniture and ceramics from the Middle and Far East. Kilim items, silk and jewelry.

• SpECiAL ADvErTiSiNG SECTiON •

Salt3845 Main Road • 401-816-0901

facebook.com/shopaqua.salt

Casual & hip couture, unique holiday gifts, trendy accessories, and

coastal home decor.

Studio by the Sea3879 Main Road • 401-639-4348

studiobytheseari.comJewelry design and fabrication studio,

catchy, rhode island made bronze buckles, sterling and gold creations,

repair and redesign.


Have you ever found yourself in an over-stimulating situation, unable to focus at the task at hand, unsure which input should be the center of your attention? Do you remember the sense of frus-tration and distraction, perhaps even being over-whelmed by your environment? Now imagine feel-ing like that all the time in almost every situation.

Worse yet, imagine being a child who feels like that. Imagine having no frame of reference for how you feel or how you process the world happening around you. Imagine being unable to explain what’s happen-ing to you, incapable of articulating your profound bewilderment with stimuli and processes that don’t seem to faze those around you. Imagine being in a classroom that’s structured around the fundamental concept of sitting still in a chair for several hours and learning by rote, and simply struggling just to get through the day, to fight off that feeling of wanting to get up and move or make noise. Imagine endur-ing the confusion and even scorn of teachers and classmates who don’t understand why you can’t just be normal – or what they perceive as normal, anyway.

That’s what it was like for Ben Lorber. As a small child, he was unable to crawl and started walking later than most children. He couldn’t speak on his own and had to be taught to make sounds that come naturally to most of us. His struggles to articulate himself were such that at one point he even resorted to trying to make up his own sign language. The problem was a severe motor planning disorder that was unfortunately impossible to diagnose until he reached the age of five. Even after that, the difficulties continued. Despite the fact that he entered kindergarten in one of the best public school systems in Vermont with an individual-ized education program, Ben needed atten-tion and accommodations that the school was unable to provide. He was overwhelmed by his environment and couldn’t sort out what he should pay attention to or how he should respond. It would build to the point that he would simply shut down or act out.

“Ben was a very frustrated little boy,” recalls his mother, Leslie. She resorted to homemade fixes to alleviate his problems, providing him with vests loaded down with weights or weights he could lay on his lap to keep him in place. She was at the school nearly every day, trying to manage the times when he would shut down. Ben had trouble with sequenc-ing, so she drew him a map of the bases in tee ball. The school provided him with an aide and put him into social skills classes, but

being there twice a week with one other student just wasn’t enough. In second grade, Ben said that he was going to be “a stupid man” when he grew up. Despite the best efforts of both parent and school, Leslie re-members, “I knew this wasn’t going to work.”

That’s when, almost by chance, she discovered the Wolf School in East Providence. It’s a place designed expressly for kids like Ben, kids with complex, often interlocking problems that defy easy diagnoses or categorizations like “special needs.” They’re kids that traditional schools often give up on, branding them as having “behavioral problems” that are actually symptoms of an un-derlying condition. Towards the end of second grade, Leslie brought Ben to the Wolf School for a visit. “He came here and fell to pieces,” she re-calls. “This was the norm, but the difference was what they did about it.” Wolf School teachers and administrators are used to reactions like Ben’s and

know how to work through them – or per-haps more accurately, learn how to work through them. “It’s almost like our teach-ers are detectives,” explains Marie Esposi-to, the school’s Director of Institutional Advancement. “Every day they figure out, what do the students need? How do they tick?” When Ben “fell to pieces” this time, the staff of the Wolf School invested the time to figure out what makes him tick. The Lorbers moved to Rhode Island three weeks later.

The Wolf School began in 1999 with three students, one classroom and two parents on a mission. Andrew Wallerstein, Mary Sloane and their son Otto faced the same dilemma that the Lorbers did: a child with complex problems and a school ill-suited to deal with them. Even in the best schools, students like that can often slip through the cracks. Work-ing with a teacher, a speech coach and an occupational therapist, they devised an im-mersion model for dealing with the unique learning needs of children like Otto and put that model to work in a rented classroom in the Jewish Community Center on the East Side. The premise, as current Head of School

Anna Johnson articulates it, was simple: “Meeting the child where they are.”

Johnson began as a teacher during the Wolf School’s early days in the JCC. The mission and model were novel – and still are. “We designed the model as we went,” she recalls. “There was no curriculum. We knew we needed to immerse them in this envi-ronment and the kids kind of designed the

Learning to LearnEast Providence’s Wolf School keeps students with hard-to-diagnose

learning difficulties from falling through the cracks

By John Taraborelli

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The Wolf School has innovative – and ever-adapting – approaches to learning

“It’s almost like our teachers are detectives: every day they figure

out, what do the students need?” -Marie Esposito


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curriculum. We gave them what they needed.” The curriculum is guided by the teacher, and incorporates speech and occupational therapy. Movement is a huge part of the Wolf School phi-losophy, and manifests in a number of ways. Students move every 30-60 minutes to keep them active and en-gaged. But they don’t simply move be-tween learning, they also move while learning. A typical Wolf School day might include learning to solve math problems on a rock climbing wall, or therapeutic horseback riding.

Of course, the term “typical Wolf School day” is kind of an oxymoron. With such an immersive model de-signed to adapt to so many individual learning styles, there is no such thing as a typical day. “There is no end point,” Johnson says of the school’s approach to curriculum. “It’s constantly evolving. We never know what to expect.” Es-posito elaborates, explaining that the school’s model is not so much about learning a specific curriculum as it is about learning, period. “The kids are taught how to learn, how to deal with their differences,” she says. “They need to understand who they are as learners before they can begin to learn.”

After the inaugural 1999-2000 school year, Wolf grew by about a classroom a year until 2004, when it moved out of the JCC and into its cur-rent East Providence home. In 2005, it added the Pelson Center Gym and Sensory Arena. This unique facil-ity allows students to more fully learn through movement. The gym and are-na are designed to accommodate chil-dren who can be easily overwhelmed by environmental stimuli – it’s much quieter and more hospitable than the harsh, echoing spaces you might re-member from your own school years. In those friendly confines, children who struggle with motor skills can practice things like “pillow polo” or engage in activities like the aforemen-tioned rock wall math lesson.

At present, the Wolf School boasts its highest ever enrollment, with 55 stu-dents spread across eight classrooms

ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. Approximately a third of those students are more traditional private school enrollments (albeit with nontra-ditional needs); another third receive financial aid; and the final third are out-of-district enrollments: students from public schools that are not equipped to accommodate the child’s needs. Those enrollments are funded by the respec-tive school districts.

Despite the adaptive curriculum, the Wolf School maintains rigorous stan-dards. It is accredited for special edu-cation and abides by Common Core. Teachers are given ample planning time to collaborate, compare notes, and address the unique and varied challenges of the student body. At any given time, teachers might be applying six or seven different approaches to reading so that no student is allowed to slip through the cracks. The end goal is to prepare students to move beyond the Wolf School and work to-wards, “whatever success means for them,” as Johnson puts it. They’ve had over 70 alumni successfully move on from the school. One graduated from a four-year college and may pursue a master’s in social work. Another is cur-rently in a traditional high school and thinking about starting a business af-ter graduation. Another is a volunteer firefighter and hoping to pursue it pro-fessionally. Still another arrived in third grade unable to tie his own shoes, and by eighth grade starred in the school play and was reading at grade level.

And then there is Ben Lorber. De-spite his prediction that he would grow up to be “a stupid man,” Ben is in his second year at Bard College, studying Russian and pursuing jour-nalism and human rights. He’s looking into an internship in Budapest, Hun-gary. Perhaps even more interesting is the ripple effect of his experience: his sister is now planning to become an occupational therapist. “I don’t think he’d be where he is today without Wolf,” Leslie says. “It’s a special place.” 215 Ferris Avenue, Rumford. 401-432-9940, www.thewolfschool.org P

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Party Like it’s 1899You’ve seen how the other half lives, but have you seen how the other half celebrates? Christmas at the Newport Mansions shows the summer cottages of America’s royalty in a whole new light. The Breakers, The Elms and Rose-cliff are decorated to the rafters with stunning holiday decorations, like the floor-to-ceiling tree made of poinsettias at The Elms. Events like caroling, concerts and kid-friendly fun keep the party going all month long. The Nut-cracker performed by Island Moving Company at Rosecliff is a performance not to be missed - and unless you want some unhappy kids on Christmas morning, make sure to take them to meet Santa at The Breakers on Decem-ber 7. One good thing about the short days this month is that there’s more time to see the gorgeous mansions lit up with holiday cheer. Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 401-847-1000, www.newportmansions.org

you oLd HumbuggerIf you’re a Rhode Islander, it isn’t officially the holiday season until you’ve heard Tiny Tim squeak out his little holiday blessing over a giant Christmas goose. A Christmas Carol is a time-honored tradition many places, but none moreso than the Ocean State. Yes, you’ve seen it already. But if your Inner Scrooge is saying “humbug” to going back this year, drive a stake of holly through his heart and get to the theatre. Trinity Repertory Company reinvents the production every year to make it a new experience, so you get the best of both worlds: time-honored tradition and fresh creativity on stage. This year, Ebenezer is played by Fred Sullivan, Jr., whose booming stage presence makes Scrooge’s redemption all the more powerful. Think we’re kidding? Go ahead and think of the Fezziwigs’ joyous holiday party without smiling. We dare you. Performances run through December 31. 201 Washington Street, Providence. 401-351-4242, www.trinityrep.com

may your days be

and

going around. This year, celebrate the holidays in style with festive adventures all over the state. You’ve got a lot of merry-making to fit into 25 short days.

A Christmas Carol returns to Trinity Rep now through December 31

Christmastime at the Marble House

By Julie Tremaine

sHoP LocaLThe charming Old New England hamlet that is Tiverton Four Corners is never more beautiful than at Christmas. Head there for their Winter Arts and Ar-tisan Festival from December 13-14. The boutique artist showcase offers an opportunity to talk with makers about their craft (and don’t forget, Gray’s Ice Cream next door is open every day, even on Christmas.) www.tiverton-fourcorners.com

decked, and We mean decked, HaLLsDuring the warmer months, Blithewold Mansion in Bristol is a special event destination. Its historic manse, rolling lawn down to the water and sculpted gardens make it the perfect spot for weddings or just a weekend tour. Once the cold sets in, though, Blithewold becomes a winter wonderland. We’re pretty sure “Deck the Halls” was written about this place. Festive events take the spotlight all month long, like the Children’s Story Hour on Wednesday af-ternoons, where kids can listen to a holiday story while parents peek around for a house tour, followed by snacks and crafts (because all that envy can make you hungry). Blithewold also does frequent workshops: this month top-ics include wreath-making and how to build your own holiday fairy terrarium. Take a lesson from what they do best, though, and head to Style at Home: A holiday party workshop... or just attend their Evening of Holiday Food and Drink on December 10. The delicious party will send you home full, and with recipes to try at home. The Blithewold Christmas Sparkle happens every Fri-day evening this month, and is a festive holiday mixer with hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows and live music. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, www.blithewold.org

Ho, Ho, HoNobody south of the North Pole celebrates the season quite like the City by the Sea. Newport throws down all of the holiday cheer you can handle this month. During Christmas in Newport, there is literally something fun hap-pening every single day in December - and usually more than one thing. The celebration kicks off on December 1 with a tree lighting ceremony (one of three happening in Newport this month) complete with a cannon salute and

live entertainment. Throughout the month, check out events ranging from the boozy (a Decorate the Brewery event at Coastal Extreme) to the liter-ary (Living Literature Presents: Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant), from the educational (Holiday Histories Walking Tour) to the black tie (the 38th annual Governor’s Ball at Salve Regina). Christmas concerts happen all over the city all month long, and thanks to some holiday decorating contests, there’s plen-ty of eye candy to take in while you’re on your way. At the Bellevue Avenue Stroll on December 4, stores will have treats and carolers to entertain you as you shop. You can even take a moment to appreciate what Christmas is re-ally about at a living nativity on December 11, or at the 103rd annual Medieval Christmas Pageant at St. George’s School. We could keep going and going… or you could just go check it out for yourself. www.christmasinnewport.org

a neW kind of cHristmas treeWhen you toss your old, dried out tree to the curb in January, it’s always a sad moment. Not only are the holidays over, not only are you facing a long winter without any more spiked eggnog, but you’ve just discarded a once-living thing. Rethink your Christmas tree by visiting the Re-Tree event in Tiverton Four Corners. Starting December 13, the yard outside the Meet-ing House will be decorated with all manner of innovative, artful “Christmas trees” made of recycled materials. Register before November 30 to make your own. There’s even a prize for the most innovative tree. www.tiverton-fourcorners.com

sing out your cHeerIf all that Christmas shopping puts you in a singing mood, join Christopher Car-bone and the Thompson Middle School Chorus for Christmas Caroling on Broad-way in Newport. Meet in Washington Square and carol your way up Broadway, stopping at local businesses and City Hall along the way. 401-481-5135

a Very bristoLian cHristmasThere’s just something irresistible about celebrating the holidays in a quaint seaside town. Lucky for us, this is New England, and the nautical charm

Party Like it’s 1899

Inside a Barrington holiday tradition

It is a holiday tradition many anticipate each December. St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Barrington is home to an an-nual Christmas cantata. Every year is different; the theme for this year’s cantata is “Love Came Down at Christmas.”

It all started in 1999 when Stephen Kirby, Director of Music at St. Luke’s for the past 37 years, was sent a copy of a Christ-mas cantata. St. Luke’s has had a number of choirs over the years, but this was a new idea for the church. Stephen decided to see what kind of interest it might generate. He placed a notice in the church bulletin and at least forty sing-ers showed up. This December marks the cantata’s 14th year.

Children are always part of the tradition. The children’s part of the event also varies every year, but some things are consistent. “They like to sing but they love to dress up in costume,” Stephen says. Mark Searles, channel 10’s chief meteorologist, will be the narrator again this year. “With the cantata there’s always a story. I’ve been using Mark to do the readings the last five or six years.”

Stephen says the cantata is always set up to last an hour or less because of the hectic pace of the holiday season. Admission is $5. “But we would never turn anyone away. We’re a church; we want to make everyone welcome.” December 22, at 5pm. 108 Washington Road, Barrington. 401-246-1212, www.stlukesparish.com. Tickets are avail-able at the door. –Cindy VonSchalkwyck

Craft your Christmas at Blithewold Mansion

Break up your shopping with Christmas carols in Newport

abounds, especially this month. Celebrate at the Bristol Christmas Festival. Have a pancake breakfast with Santa on December 7, spend the day making holiday crafts and taking in festive entertainment, and stick around for the Grand Illumination at 6pm, featuring a recitation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and a Christmas carol sing-a-long. Until December 21, every $25 you spend enters you into the Snowflake Raffle to win $500 cash prizes. www.facebook.com/BristolChristmasFestival

a ceLebration fit for american royaLtyOh what fun it is to ride… to Bristol, to celebrate Christmas at Linden Place. The 200-year-old Federalist mansion is bedecked and bedazzled for the sea-son, including some larger than life Christmas trees that are probably going to make yours feel inadequate. A special exhibit of vintage and antique chil-dren’s toys adds to the spirit of the season - and will remind your kids that yes, life did exist before iPads. Seasonal concerts like The Clancy Legacy Celtic Christmas happen throughout the month. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-0390, www.lindenplace.org

ceLebrate tHe bountyTake a moment to appreciate your loved ones at 2nd Story Theatre’s staging of The Trip to Bountiful, a show about homecoming and the true meaning of family at the holidays. It’s an intergenerational story of an elderly woman who makes a pilgrimage to her abandoned hometown. Performances of the heartwarming show take place until December 21. 28 Market St, Warren. 401-247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com

gLide into decemberThere’s nothing more Christmassey than gliding across the ice at the Provi-dence Skating Rink. Through the flurry of pink noses and mittens, you’re practically guaranteed to see a marriage proposal on the ice every day in December - after all, love (and ice) is in the air this month. If you’re feeling a little more Dorothy Hamill than Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, there are adult refresher courses and full-fledged skating lessons for the inexperienced (but if you’d just rather sit on the bench and sip hot cocoa, well, we aren’t going to judge you). There are deals all week long: during weekday lunch hour, admission and skate rental are only $5 each; same goes for Funday Monday afternoons, Wednesday night college nights and weekday after-work spe-cials. Take advantage of the magic of the season: once the cold really sets in during the new year, the last thing in the world you’re going to want to risk is a faceful of hard ice. 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence. 401-331-5544, www.providencerink.com

Enjoy the outdoors in the city at the Providence Rink

Christmas at Linden Place

The Trip to the Bountiful runs now through December 21 at 2nd Story Theatre

Where to get your own tree from the farm

Some of us prefer the easy, brightly lit, pre-pack-aged artificial Christmas tree. We can’t blame them: there are environmental and financial ben-efits, not to mention the blissful lack of pine nee-dles littering your floor for a month. But for some of us, the holiday feeling that comes from that fresh pine scent can’t be duplicated - sap, needles and all. The Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association is a resource for buying local, farm-fresh Christmas trees. Besides all the benefits to shopping local, the trees last longer (and you can usually score a cup of hot chocolate at the farm). richristmastrees.com

a WeLL-crafted HoLidayOk, so you’re not Martha Stewart. That’s ok. (Well, according to Martha, you’re less than human if you aren’t packaging your own linzertortes for every neighbor in a mile radius, but that’s beside the point.) There are talented artists, like at the Sakonnet Collective, who can handcraft gifts for you so you can still give some-thing unique without losing a limb (or your sanity). Visit their Holiday Bazaar through December 23 to shop pottery, jewelry, furniture, art and photography by talented local artists. 3842 Main Road, Tiverton. 401-484-8141, www.thesakon-netcollective.com

dance your Way to ProVidenceIf there’s a season to experience the ballet, it’s during the holidays. The Nutcracker is practically the official soundtrack of Christmas. See it live for the first (or 50th) time at PPAC, as Festival Ballet performs its annual staging of the holiday classic, from December 19-21. The performance includes a 25-foot Christmas tree, life-size dolls and The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies in all its glory. For another literary classic, take in a performance of Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by the Providence Ballet Theatre at Rhode Island College. The show, on December 19, will feature professional dancers and local kids. For something more modern that literally turns the holidays upside down, check out Cirque Dreams: Holidaze. The mix of dance, aerial arts and acrobatics is fun for the whole family. Festival Ballet and Cirque Dreams: 220 Weybosset Street. 401-421-2787, www.ppacri.com; Providence Ballet: 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 401-456-8144, www.ric.edu

HistoricaLLy sPeakingCelebrate a historic holiday at the Whitehall Museum House in Middletown. Whitehall, built in 1729, sits on the remnants of an 18th century farm and is a remarkably well preserved example of colonial life. On December 7, head to the museum for Christmas festivities including caroling, seasonal music and plenty of holiday cheer (including wassail, which is a real beverage you can actually drink - who knew?). You might even spot the Ghost of Christmas Past. 311 Berkeley Av-enue, Middletown. 401-846-3116, www.whitehallmuseumhouse.org

made WitH LoVeFor a handcrafted holiday, visit the 28th annual Christmas Bazaar, November 29-30 at Our Lady of Grace in Westport. The sale will have over 30 tables of gifts made with love, in addition to live Christmas music, prizes and photos with the man in red himself. 569 Sanford Road, Westport. www.westport-ma.com

sHoP for a good causeStop by the ninth annual Christmas Craft Fair on December 13 at the Knights of Columbus in Middletown. The show will have kids craft activities, and is a fund-raiser for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. 7 Valley Road, Middletown. 401-396-9921

JingLe aLL tHe WayJoin the Bristol Community Chorus for its 34th annual Christmas Concert, De-cember 7 at St. Mary’s Church in Bristol. The first half of the show will be clas-sical, featuring selections from famous works like Handel’s Messiah, while the second half will be popular holiday music. 330 Wood Street, Bristol. 401-253-3300, www.stmarybristolri.org

ride tHe PoLar exPressTake your little ones (kindergarten age or older) to a Polar Express Party at the Seekonk Public Library on December 8. Hear a reading of the beloved story - writ-ten by Rhode Islander Chris Van Allsburg. After, enjoy a snack and a take-home craft. 410 Newman Avenue, Seekonk. 508-336-8230, www.seekonkpl.org

dancing tHrougH tHe snoWThe Dancing Cop is as much a part of Christmas in Providence as Santa Claus himself. This year is the 30th year of former police officer Tony Lepore dancing in the streets. While we aren’t sure where he will be stationed this year as of press time, last year he was at the intersection of Dorrance and Westminster every day at lunchtime. Lepore even has his own television special he’s currently taping, set to air on local cable ac-cess. Find “Providence Dancing Cop” on Facebook

Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Sometimes battling alien invaders is the best medicine.

A long hospital stay can be tough on a kid. So when one of her younger patients showed signs of loneliness, Kathryn Ridout, MD, decided to get her game on, and let him join in. Every night before going home, she’d stop by the little gamer’s room to find the console on, a game booted up and a controller waiting on her chair. Naysay all you want, parents, but it turns out late-night gaming sessions can be pretty great for a child’s health.

Kathryn Ridout, MDPsychiatry Resident, Rhode Island Hospital

On behalf of all of us at Lifespan, we’d like to thank Dr. Ridout for her commitment to care. Lifespan.org

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Live WellStylish finds for you and your home

Color ChameleonSarah and John Mycroft moved from the city to the quiet Bar-rington burbs. But the one thing they brought with them: their bold

use of color. Turn the page to find out how this couple combined modern, classic and big, bright colors.


Live Well Home Style by Andrea E. McHugh

Color Me FabOne couple moves from Providence’s East Side toBarrington, taking with them a passion for color and styleOne might think a home built in the 1890s on Providence’s East Side and a home built in the 1940s in Barrington might not have much in common, but with an open mind, a creative eye and an adventurous sense of design, the two can find common ground. So when Sarah and John Mycroft were making the transition from city to suburbs, it turned out they didn’t have to abandon all the things they loved, despite transi-tioning from homes built nearly half a century apart.

“We took just about everything that wasn’t nailed down,” says Sarah with a laugh. And she means it. Oftentimes, custom creations like drapes, cornices and upholstered pieces are left behind, but Sarah, who holds two master’s de-grees in historic preservation, saw an opportunity to reinvent some of her fa-vorite pieces in their new abode.

“I’m all about recycling if you can re-use something,” Sarah says. She’s says that sometimes people think a new

home requires all new furnishings, but that’s not only expensive, it’s too sim-plistic. “Sometimes it’s just about get-ting something reupholstered, giving something a new life.”

When Sarah and John were looking for a new home to accommodate their growing family, there was something about the Barrington property that spoke to each of them. The two walked under a gargantuan magnolia tree there that Sarah says felt like “magic,” and when they opened the front door, they could see all the way to the opposite end of the home. The Mycrofts talked about their children, two at the time and one on the way, being able to “have free reign” with the open floor plan while they could also keep a watchful eye.

A parlor on the right side of the home offered an eye-catching fireplace and ample bookshelves which immediately spoke to Sarah, an avid book collector, so a warm place to showcase her assort-ment was another serendipitous sign

the home was well suited for the family. However, there were some big changes the couple would need to make to the home their own. “All the bathrooms were super groovy, total ‘60s; there was a lot of pink and yellow tile, and there were only three bedrooms and we knew we’d increase that,” explains Sarah. The couple turned to Calyx Homes in Lincoln to make their plans reality. Though work was progressing, like any home renova-tion, the Mycrofts’ project had its ups and downs. “We were holding two mort-gages for quite a while,” she says. “It was definitely a nail biter and I was super pregnant and had two little babies.”

The end project was worth the wait. Calyx took out the back wall of the house and existing kitchen to produce two ad-ditional bedrooms, a new expanded kitchen, office, mudroom and an addi-tional bathroom. As each space came to-gether, Sarah let her creative flag fly.

“She has no fear of making bold statements,” says Pernilla Frazier, who

co-owns Kreatelier, a fabric and home décor shop on Providence’s East Side. “I met her four years ago. We connect-ed as she’s an antiques appraiser… She has a passion for color, which I share.”

Though Sarah changed her zip code, she wasn’t about to change her sourc-es. She returned to Pernilla and Kreate-lier to give the Barrington home a col-orful, creative air. The two started the process early on by salvaging and re-sizing all the window treatments. “That doesn’t happen a lot,” explains Pernilla. “She has a strong sense of design her-self… we kind of meet in the middle.”

Pernilla, who declares unequivocally that Sarah has an “unbelievable” home, says the secret to her extraordinary de-sign sense is Sarah’s ability to juxtapose old and new, classic and modern. “She has beautiful pieces but they’re meant to be lived in.” It’s no wonder they’re friends: the two believe in utilizing what you al-ready have, flirting with irreverence and being ”fearless” and “a little crazy in the P

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most delightful way.” “Pernilla and I share a similar taste.

She’s great at reinventing things – she has a super eye for fabrics,” Sarah says. “She’s just dreamy. We would sit down with fabric books and in three minutes, I’d choose a whole floor of fabrics.”

Sarah says designing this home felt different this time around. “I love my home; absolutely love. I was very preg-nant when I was doing this and look-ing to create something special for my family. It was like looking with new eyes. Like with every tile I chose, it was like, ‘this going to last long time,’” she says, calling the house “our forever home.”

The experience inspired Sarah to open a new interior design firm in Barrington along with partner Karen Pringle, an ar-chitect. Her firm, Dwellings, specializes in project management for renovated and refurbished homes as well as new construction. The team can also help owners refresh a space. Taking a cue from her own philosophy, Sarah helps

customers work with what they have already and in some cases, reinventing them; making them “new and lovely.” Her advice is to embrace your likes, not to fight what you’re intrinsically drawn to, and blend new or unexpected pieces – not necessarily expensive ones – with the things you treasure most, be it an expensive antique or sentimental yard sale find. “It’s your home. Make it com-fortable. Make it happy. Make it joyful,” she advises. Imperfection is a way of life, she says, calling her own home a “hot mess” at times complete with children’s tents and the random choo-choo train strewn about.

“My advice would be to think about what you love. Use that as a basis, and then think about what you can do to add new flavor.”

Live Well Home Style

Online ExclusiveFor an expanded photo gallery, visit www.thebaymagazine.com

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I drove over to Seekonk on a par-ticularly cold afternoon and was imme-diately warmed as soon as I stepped into Painted Ladies. The intimate space was full of charming lamps, neat tables and dressers, robust rocking chairs and eye-catching trinkets.

For about a year now, co-owners Patti Ressler and Melissa Treichler have creat-ed a store that’s dedicated to breathing new life into old and recycled objects. “The whole idea is to upcycle, recycle and to get people to see that what they have is just as good as something new,” says Patti. She does the refurbishing

and painting of the furniture, while Me-lissa does the artwork and jewelry. Patti finds and redoes old pieces to display in the store, or you can bring in something from your house that you’re not happy with, and Patti will fix it up just for you.

The blend of art and making old things new again is apparent throughout the store – with birdhouses made from old license plates, wine bottles filled with Christmas lights to make a cute twinkly lamp and unique jewelry handmade from scrap metal. Everything in the store is locally made with local materials.

Melissa also does Paint At Home

parties, where she’ll come to your home and bring painting supplies and canvases so you and you friends can paint something beautiful together.

Explore the beauty of recycling and renewal with a visit to Painted Ladies and find something to warm up your home for the holidays. 1. Cork wreath, $592. Potpourri sachets, $5.993. Assorted ornaments, $4-$7.99; Black-bureau, $300; NOEL frame, $12.994. Wooden storage box, $18.99; Burlap wreaths, $22.995. Floral arrangement, $16.99

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Since 2007, Joanne Murrman has been the volunteer designer of the Christmas tree at Christmas at Blithewold, which runs through January 4. This year’s theme “You Are Invited” celebrates the Van Wickle family’s love of entertaining. Joanne earned a B.F.A. from Mass Col-lege of Art and M. ED. from Boston Uni-versity and spent many years teaching art in the public schools of a Boston sub-urb. After purchasing her Bristol home in 2004, she became a year round resident in 2008 and continues to teach dividing her time between All Saints Academy in Middletown, Portsmouth Arts Guild, Arts Enrichment at Barrington’s Hampden Meadows School and private lessons at her studio above the Bristol Art Muse-um, where she is also a member. As the leaves fell, we talked about the hidden value of Christmas decorating.

Can you share a few details about this year’s Blithewold tree? I always have different levels of subtext to my designs and ornaments. Taking from the theme, I thought of the simple but iconic old fashioned party cracker. Every year I try to use something from the archives. This year, the wrapping of the party cracker will feature cop-ies of letters and photos of the family, which reflect their descriptions of gifts, and invitations to family and friends to come and celebrate festivities at Blithewold. I always include a group from the public to help make the or-naments. This year it is some Benjamin Church seniors. So it is not just a party cracker and not just a decorated tree. I want a compelling design so that when you look into the tree it is dialogue be-tween the visitor and the object.

People can get overwhelmed with Christmas decorating. What’s your philosophy?I always did it with my family growing up. If you don’t have that resource it is up to you to carry the ball. If no one wants to decorate, take that on as your gift to the family. It should not be ardu-ous – one corner in a room or just your front door or a table tree. Highlight that one area.

When you decorate, it is the nat-ural motivator to invite people to your house, and that gets you to another step of enjoying the holi-days. Decorations are also a tool to invite somebody you have never in-vited over before or invite someone who is elderly who might no longer be able to decorate. You can say, “Come over for a drink, come see my tree.” People really appreciate and enjoy that experience. Deco-rating is a natural segue to remi-nisce about past Christmases – the good or bad. A Christmas tree can be very superficial and commercial, but it can also inspire memories and reflection.

What are some easy Christmas deco-rating ideas for a tree?It does not need to be coordinated or complicated. Multicolor and multi hues can be rich and fun but then go mono-chromatic in your lights. Bright col-ored lights are making a comeback so use those and a box of silver balls from Home Depot or pack the tree with little white lights and a box of one color of balls. All of a sudden you have a state-ment tree. It is that contrast of simple complex simple complex. A top to the tree doesn’t have to be a star. Just lace some of the balls together with a piece of wire or pipe cleaner and pop that on the top. Keep it simple.

What are your thoughts: Lights from the top down? Tree up earlier or later? What keeps your tree fresh? A ¼ cup of sugar in the water keeps the tree fresh. With lights, start from the top and work your way down, especially if you don’t have a lot of lights. Most people look at a tree from the midsec-tion up, so you want to be sure there are lights at the top. If you don’t have many ornaments go with a dense tree. Christmas is all around you so get it up earlier than later and enjoy the season.

How do you decorate in your home?I always have three trees. My dining room tree is vintage to my childhood with or-naments from my parents of the 1950s. My living room tree, which is seven feet, features ornaments I have collected from museums throughout Europe, Bos-ton and New York. And in my kitchen I have a little tree with giant Sequoia pine-cones. Each ornament should make you have that moment that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Decorating en ManseJoanne Murrman gives tips on decorating the big trees at Blithewold

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

101 Ferry Road, Bristol 401-253-2707

www.blithewold.orgJoanne can be reached at [email protected]

Designer Joanne Murrman (standing), with Blithewold volunteers Gail Whitford, DMargaret Charbomneau and Nancy Dupont

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The Farmer’s Market Pizza at Ten Cousins

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Fresh from the OvenWhen the weather gets cold, comfort food is the order of the day. Ten Cousins Brick Oven in Westport serves up delicious twists on classic fare. Read on to see what’s on the menu this month.

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Lafrance Hospitality Company is no stranger to the Westport dining scene, having run Bittersweet Farm Res-taurant & Tavern and The Galley Grille at White’s of Westport for many years. The most recent addition to the portfolio is Ten Cousins Brick Oven, located on the site of the former Fred & Ann’s in West-port’s Central Village. The establishment is named after CEO Richard Lafrance’s ten grandchildren, with the idea that all ten (whose adolescent photos grace the entry foyer) will “play various roles for many years to come.”

In addition to “family,” the theme is “local.” The concept for the restaurant was “built around the idea that it would be owned, managed, staffed, built, and decorated all by locals, incorporat-ing fresh ingredients supplied by local farms.” The star of the show is an Ital-ian-made, wood-fired brick oven that produces scrumptious gourmet pizzas and breads, but the seasonally-based menu offers a host of delectable dishes.

When I lived in Westport, I visited Ten Cousins several times and it was always jam-packed with locals and families. My recent return, the first in a while, yield-ed a strangely quiet building. Although it was a Friday night, it was also Hal-loween, and the first wave of trick-or-treaters had likely just set out. For the first time ever, I would not have to wait to eat! I make note of it because in most prime-time situations, expect to wait for a table. As a telling omen, the wait-ing area is larger than the bar.

Our meal started with Brick Oven

Wings ($9), which are tossed with lemon, rosemary, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and olive oil. The wings are accom-panied by whole cloves of garlic – a good sign, since garlic makes everything better. The chicken was moist, flavorful, and best of all, not too messy. Too many chicken wings are slathered with enough sauce to make you feel like you need a bath when you’re done eating. Ten Cousins’ recipe focuses on the seasoning. We also tried an order of Frenchy’s Stuffed Clams ($9), four clams stuffed with bacon, chourico, corn and fresh herbs. Four clams does not sound like much, but these clams are heaping with stuffing that’s chock full of ingredients. If you don’t plan on sharing this appetizer, you might not have much room for your entrée.

And if you didn’t have room it would be a shame, because the feast con-tinues. The Meatball Brickini ($8.50) contained sliced jumbo meatballs and mozzarella in fresh, soft homemade bread. I’m a huge fan of meatball sand-wiches, and while these meatballs were great, this is the only version I can think of that will have me going back for the bread. However, it will have to wait be-cause on my next trip I’m getting the Mango-Chipotle Pulled Pork ($9) sand-wich again. Juicy pulled pork piled high on a toasted sweet roll and topped with slaw – quite simply, it was the best ver-sion of this sandwich that I’ve ever had.

Our group of three had been split-ting everything so far, and we needed one entrée for the mix. We regretfully passed on the Shrimp and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese ($13.50) – shrimp and ba-con in a creamy three-cheese sauce topped with tomatoes, toasted pan-ko crumbs and parmesan. It simply sounded too decadent for an already gluttonous evening, but with cold weather upon us, I have a feeling I’ll be back for it before the winter is out. We settled on Leah’s Lasagna ($12.50), a hearty mix of beef, pork, Italian sau-sage, ricotta, parmesan, and moz-zarella. While the lasagna was good, it had big shoes to fill and wasn’t as memorable as the other dishes.

Last but not least, there was pizza.

There are some unique versions on the menu that take advantage of Ten Cousins’ specialties, like the Hen & Chickens ($11.50) that’s topped with brick-oven roast chicken and the Sow & Pigs ($11.50) that’s topped with the mango-chipotle pulled pork. We went with the Farmer’s Market Pizza ($11.50), topped with spinach pesto, peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, garlic and mozzarella. First impression – it’s beautiful. Every inch is covered with veggies, so much so that it looks like a veggie platter instead of a pizza. The spinach pesto is on the thicker side and replaces tomato sauce. While tasty, it does take a few bites to mentally get over ingesting a thick, green substance on your food. Maybe I watched too much You Can’t Do That On Television as a kid. Nevertheless, the pizza will certainly add to the problem of decid-ing what to order when we return.

I’m sure they have dessert, but by the end of this meal we were too full to find out. With execution this good, Ten Cousins might not be enough cousins to feed the crowds.

Taste Eat by Keith Andrade

All Fired UpTen Cousins Brick Oven serves updelicious family fare in Westport

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The Meatball Brickini

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Ten Cousins Brick Oven977 Main Road, Westport

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When you enter the new Meta-com Kitchen in Warren, your eyes are immediately drawn back to the open kitchen. One chef was expertly rolling out sheets of fresh dough for a fettuc-cini main. Further back, Richard Al-laire, chef and co-owner along with his wife Sue, stands at the pass, where he can survey the whole dining room.

It’s strange to think that it was just March when fuzzy green Irish hats were teetering atop an inebriated horde for Saint Patrick’s Day in this very build-ing, when it was the Old Tinkers Nest Pub. After a complete gutting and renovation, the place is unrecogniz-able. The bar is the only memory of the former space, but, refinished, it fits right in with the new distressed wood aesthetic. Richard plans on taking ad-vantage of the fact that the kitchen reaches out toward the bar by working closely with Bar Manager Steve Pat-terson with rapid spice infusions, like their Autumn infusion, made with gin, green cardamom, orange long pepper, rather than the typical pumpkin pie spices we’re currently being beaten over the head with.

Richard’s aim is to take approach-able and moderately priced food and set himself ahead of the pack on ex-ecution, ditching the ceremony. The menu takes the familiar and adds a bit of intrigue and the technique of fine dining. For instance, their Rhode Is-land Mussels is a pressure-cooked, strained zucchini, tomato and onion broth with a splash of vermouth. Rich-ard hopes his customers will find their

favorites, but also find something that they can’t quite put their finger on. For him there’s no conflict between a pretense-free place that attracts re-peat business and making intriguing food that gives him and his team a chance to learn and experiment. 322 Metacom Ave, Warren. 401-245-1193, www.metacomkitchen.com

Christian’s Moves into BristolAfter five years on Bristol’s waterfront on Thames, the Hourglass Brasserie on Thames has closed. Taking its place is Christian’s Wood Fired Grille, an upscale casual restaurant, which, as the name suggests, presents American staples, all centered around their wood-fired grill. Christian’s is open week round for din-ner service. 382 Thames St, Bristol. 401-396-9811, christiansri.com

Bristol Oyster Bar Opens, Really Remember back in July, we told you the Bristol Oyster Bar would be open-ing up soon? I wrote all about how it was a fresh seafood-focused restau-rant run by an oyster farmer uniquely positioned to serve you the very best in local seafood, including his own oysters? After months of delays and wading through red tape, the Bristol Oyster Bar is finally open for busi-ness. Currently they are only dinner service, but will be expanding to have lunch shortly. From 4-6pm they run $1 oyster deal, an excellent way to try a range of locally farmed oysters on the cheap. 448 Hope Street, Bristol. 396-5820, bristoloysterbar.com

Taste News Bitesby Alastair Cairns

Take a Bite Metacom Kitchen adds to Warren’s dining scene

Metacom Kitchen


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Family Dinner Robert Vanderhoff ofRoberto’s on the mostimportant time of dayThe opening of Roberto’s Restaurant was completely serendipitous. Owner Robert Vanderhoff was a retired opti-cian who was looking for something to do with a chef friend. After finding a little bed and breakfast that was for sale and developing an Italian Ameri-can menu, the rest is culinary history. We talked about family, food and be-ing part of the community.

Do you think it’s important for families to come together and share a meal?Of course, it’s very important. When I was raising my kids we had dinner to-gether every night.

What are some of your favorite dishes at Roberto’s?Lobster alla Dina, which was named after a very good friend of mine. She helped to concoct the dish and I tweaked it to her liking. The custom-ers seemed to like it that way so we named it after her. Other popular dish-es are the Chicken Piccatta, the Veal Carbonara and the Shrimp Pepe Nero. What’s new on the menu this season?Since we moved here three years ago we added a Saltimbocca that we do with either veal or chicken. The Steak Frites are also very popular and now we have wild mushroom ravioli. We tweak [the menu] every six months or so, we might take an item off and add an item or take off two and add two. The chef likes to shake things up now and again.

How does Roberto’s give back to Bristol?We do a lot for the community. We support the local charities and partici-pate in fundraisers. The latest one was Bristol Bloom where I donated two dinners for six with Billy Andrade, the local professional golfer, to help raise money for the flowers they hang on the lampposts all over town. We also donate to Mount Hope Farm. We are

very community oriented – there are very few requests I get that I don’t grant. Anybody who comes in for a lo-cal charity looking for a gift card for a silent auction, we never say no. We donate to Saint Elizabeth [Manor] and we attend the fundraisers as well.

We hear your bar is the place to be.The bar is full every night, even if the dining room is quiet. It’s a dining bar – it’s not a drinking bar. People come here to socialize with other people. Typically, if you walk in you’re go-ing to know people if you’re a regu-lar here. We see the same faces all the time in the dining room and the bar – it’s really gratifying. Bristol is a community and I really feel that Ro-berto’s is part of it. People who have come here have made best friends here – I’ve made dear friends since I opened this restaurant 13 years ago. It’s just that type of community.

Taste Connoisseurby Kelly Payton

Roberto’s Restaurant450 Hope Street

Bristol401-254-9732

www.robertosofbristol.com

Enjoy the beautiful mural painted by local artist Kendra Ferreira at Roberto’s


Portsmouth Publick HousePortsmouth Publick House, previ-ously known as the award-winning Cus-tom Coffee House, now offers delectable meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all made from fresh, natural ingredients from local farms in the area. The Ex-ecutive Chef, George Doumaney, is fea-tured on The Rhode Show each week where he shows viewers how to make Portsmouth Publick House menu favor-ites right at home.

Come enjoy popular fall entrees such

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Andreas Authentic Greek food since 1966. 268 Thayer St, Providence, 331-7879. BrLD $-$$ Arturo Joe’s Italian food close to the beaches. 140 Point Judith Rd, Narra-gansett, 789-3230. LD $$ Aspire Seasonal Kitchen Contempo-rary New England fare. 311 Westminster St, Providence, 521-3333. BBrLD $$-$$

Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$

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Caprice Restaurant & Bar Upscale Ital-ian, romantic atmosphere. 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. D $$-$$$

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Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 100 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$

DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$

DiMare Seafood Fresh seafood restau-rant and market. 2706 South County Trail, East Greenwich, 885-8100. LD $$-$$$

Dragon Palace Fresh sushi and Asian

cuisine. 733 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, 789-2308. LD $-$$

Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, War-wick, 884-1149. LD $$$

Enn Japanese Creative sushi and Jap-anese food. 600 George Washington Hgwy, Lincoln, 333-0366. LD $$

Fieldstones Relaxed family setting, something for everyone. 980 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, 293-5200. LD $$

Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Provi-dence, 273-2737. LD $-$$

Giros Hometown Grille Pub-style food, friendly service. 501 High St, Peace Dale, 887-752-0794. BrLD $-$$

Guytanno’s Cafe Inspired international cuisine. 62 Franklin St, Westerly, 384-6221. LD $$

Hanley’s Ale House Full service pub, great fun. 52 Pine St, Providence, 861-0001. LD $-$$

Harry’s Bar & Burger Creative slid-ers and cocktails. 121 N Main St,

Providence, 228-7437. LD $-$$

Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-5608. LD $

Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine, chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Provi-dence, 331-8111. LD $-$$

KitchenBar Contemporary comfort cuisine. 771 Hope St, Providence. 331-4100. BrLD $$

Kon Asian Bistro Sushi and hibachi, stylish bar scene. 553 Main St, East Greenwich, 886-9200. LD $$

Lim’s Restaurant Upscale Thai and fresh sushi. 18 South Angell St, Provi-dence, 383-8830. LD $$

Lobster Pot Serving traditional New Eng-land classics and seafood. 119 Hope St, Bristol, 253-9100 Br L D $$-$$$

Luxe Burger Bar Build your own cre-ative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd, Provi-dence, 621-5893. LD $

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If you’re looking for a traditional Irish meal with a unique twist, McBride’s Pub, located in the Wayland Square part of Providence, is the place to be. With the many enticing options on McBride’s menu, one can’t help but notice the delicious mix

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atmosphere. 140 Point Judith Rd, Nar-ragansett, 284-3282. LD $$

McBlarney’s County Tap Modern, up-scale pub with daily specials. 632 Meta-com Ave, Warren, 289-0887. LD $$

McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$

Meeting Street Cafe Huge sandwich-es and cookies. 220 Meeting St, Provi-dence, 273-0166. BLD $ Mews Tavern Family dining, with a whiskey bar. 456 Main St, Wakefield, 783-9370. LD $-$$

Mia’s Prime Time Café Classic cafe comfort food. 1 West Broad St, Pawca-tuck, CT. 860-599-3840. BBrLD $

Mile & a Quarter Eclectic cuisine and wine bar. 334 South Water St, Provi-dence, 331-1500. LD $-$$

Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$

Nonni’s Italian Restaurant Traditional Italian eatery and pasta shop. 1154 Stafford Rd, Tiverton, 624-3087. LD $$

Oak St. B&B Delicious, inventive burg-ers and breakfast. 87 Oak St, Westerly, 315-2520. BLD $

Oceanside at the Pier New England fare overlooking the Atlantic. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 792-3999. BrLD $$

Paragon & Viva Contemporary dining and nightlife. 234 Thayer St, Provi-dence, 331-6200. BrLD $-$$

Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats.

76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$

Pavilion Steakhouse & Banquets Grand, banquet-hall style dining. 15A Frontier Rd, Hopkinton, 377-9900. BrLD $$$

Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic com-fort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield. 783-4073 BBrLD $

PJ’s Pub Mediterranean-influenced pub food. 135 Boone St, Narragansett. 401-789-3200. LD $-$$

Portsmouth Publick House Gourmet pub food with a variety of spirit flights. 1 King Charles Dr, Portsmouth. 682-2600. BrLD $-$$

Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$

Rasa Authentic and contemporary In-dian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$

Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cui-sine. 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 728-5500. LD $$

Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950. BrLD $$

Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked bar-becue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$

Rue De L’Espoir American cooking with French soul. 99 Hope St, Provi-dence, 751-8890. BBrLD $$

Scampi Seafood and Italian with ex-pansive water views. 657 Park Ave, Portsmouth, 293-5844. LD $$

Seasons Fine dining at the Ocean House. 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, 584-7000. BLD $$$

Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Loca-tions in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield. sienari.com D $$-$$$

Simone’s Gourmet brunch followed by upscale Mediterranean cuisine. 275 Child St, Warren, 247-1200. BLD $$-$$$

Sweet Cakes Coffee shop and gour-met bakery. 1227 Kingstown Rd, Peace Dale, 789-5420. BL $

T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Green-wich, Narragansett, 946-5900. BL $

Tara’s Tipperary Tavern Oceanside Irish-American pub fare. 907 Matunuck Beach Rd, Matunuck, 284-1901. BLD $

Tavern by the Sea Waterfront Euro-pean/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$

The Coast Guard House Upscale New England fare with Bay views. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. LD $$-$$$

The Dorrance Fine dining with exqui-site cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Provi-dence, 521-6000. D $$$

The Malted Barley Gourmet pretzels and craft brews. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184. $

The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn Quintessential New England fare. 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, 322-0301. BLD $$$

The Sea Goose Seafood with New England and Southern flair. 265 Post Rd, Westerly, 315-0788. LD $$-$$$

The Twisted Vine Romantic wine bar with tapas and full meals. 3 Canal St, Westerly, 596-4600. D $$

Tolento’s Ice House Grille Upscale bar featuring authentic Cajun food and more. 1460 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, 353-3100 . LD $-$$

Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi by the water. 210 Salt Pond Rd, Wakefield, 782-0100. LD $$-$$$

Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s orig-inal brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Provi-dence, 453-2337 LD $-$$

UMelt Fun twists on grilled cheese. Providence and Kingston, 383-6732. LD $

Vetrano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian cooking like grandma made. 130 Gran-ite St, Westerly, 348-5050. LD $$

Vittoria’s NY Pizza Best pizza north of Manhattan. 224 Post Rd, Westerly, 322-1901. LD $-$$

Waterman Grille Riverfront New American dining. 4 Richmond Sq, Providence, 521-9229. BLD $$$

Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style BBQ, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 421-9090. LD $$

Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Provi-dence, 588-5158. LD $-$$

XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Provi-dence, 273-9090. BrD $$

Zooma Trattoria Fresh Italian using house-made pasta. 245 Atwells Ave, Providence, 383-2002. LD $$

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Head over to Blithewold every Friday night in December for family friendly holiday fun

December 5-26: Tis the season to shine and sparkle. On Friday nights throughout December, Bilthewold Mansion and Gardens presents Sparkle! An Outdoor Family Event, just one facet of Christmas at Blithewold. Bundle up for an evening of fun for the entire family. You’ll stroll through

the illuminated gardens, greenhouse and mansion grounds, breathing in the crisp December air. Join in as carolers sing your favorite Christmas songs, spreading holiday cheer. Cozy up to your loved ones as you sip hot cocoa and roast marshmallows around the roaring bonfire in Blithewold’s enclosed garden. 6pm-8pm. (Caroling begins at 6:30pm around the bonfire.) 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, www.blithewold.org.

Ring in the Holidays in Style

1.

December 1-29: Mondays bring the weekly Kundalini

Yoga class to Sandywoods Farm featuring instructor Deb Brown (Ravijeet Kaur). All levels are wel-come. Classes are held in the yel-low building. $10. 73 Muse Way, Tiverton. 401-215-6328, www.san-dywoodsfarm.org.

2. December 6, 13 & 27: There’s no better time to tour the

Newport Mansions than for Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions. Enjoy music and refreshments as you stroll through The Breakers. $30-$45. 6-8pm. 424 Bellevue Av-enue, Newport. 401-847-1000, www.newportmansions.org.

3. December 12 & 14: Michael DiMucci performs a Christ-

mas Concert in the historic ball-room at Linden Place. Expect a mix of classical numbers, Christmas standards and an audience sing-a-long. $12-$20. 7:30pm Fri; 2pm Sun. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-0390, www.lindenplace.org.

5.December 3: Westport Riv-ers hosts its monthly West-

port Wine Wednesdays – stop by the tasting bar to try any seven wines for just $10. The shop is open too so be sure to grab a bottle to go. 11am-5pm. 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, MA. 508-636-3423, www.westportrivers.com.

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Gallery Calendar by Erin Balsa

DecemberDecember 1-17: Rogers Free Li-brary offers 2 and 3 year olds a

weekly Story Time with Miss Molly each Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-day. Little ones will enjoy stories, rhymes, games, songs, crafts and snacks. Registration is required. Free. 9:30am. 525 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-6948, www.rogersfreelibrary.org.

December 1-29: Every Sunday at the Hearth Cooking Workshop visitors to Coggeshall Farm prepare recipes at the hearth using farm-raised produce and then enjoy the fruits of their la-bors by candlelight. $50-$60. 4pm. 1 Coggeshall Farm Road, Bristol. 401-253-9062, www.coggeshallfarm.org.

December 1-31: This month the Bristol Art Museum presents Cat and Dogs, an exhibition at Rogers Free Library fea-turing artist Nancy Zametkin LaPolla, a retired teacher whose artistic focus is painting and color. 525 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-4400, www.bristolart-museum.org.

December 2: All are welcome to the Tuesday Night Open Mic at

Sandywoods Farm. It doesn’t matter whether you play an instrument, sing, read poetry or do spoken word, there’s an audience waiting to listen to what-ever talent you bring. Free. 7-10pm. 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. 401-241-7349, www.sandywoodsfarm.org.

December 2-26: Buzzards Bay Brew-ing’s rustic Tap Room is open year round to thirsty Bay residents. Stop in Tuesday through Friday afternoon or early evening to taste some of the best beer east of the Mississippi. 1pm-7pm. 98 Horseneck Road, Westport MA. 508-636-2288, www.buzzardsbrew.com.

December 2-30: Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Great! Head to Wally’s Tap House every Tuesday night for Stump! Trivia to prove it. Winning teams go home with prizes so be sure

to bring your smartest friends. 8pm. 13 Crandall Road, Tiverton. 401-624-1212, www.stumptrivia.com.

December 2-30: Each Tuesday, the public is invited to Roger Williams University for Zen Meditation at the Intercultural Center Prayer Room. Sit, relax and find your true way. Mats and cushions will be provided. 6-7pm. 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-254-3626, www.rwu.edu.

December 3: The Carpenter Mu-seum announces that Mary Ann

McDonald and Diane Goodwin, both of the Somerset Historical Society, will give a talk about Patience Brayton, Re-hoboth’s first abolitionist. No reserva-tions are required. Free. 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth. 508-252-5718, www.carpentermuseum.org.

December 4-18: On Thursday mornings the Tiverton Library

hosts a Toddler Story Time, which features new books every week. All are designed to engage and build upon your child’s love for reading. Free. 10:30am. 238 Highland Road, Tiverton. 401-625-6796, www.tiver-tonlibrary.org.

December 4-18: Every Thurs-day morning, Barrington Books

hosts Children’s Story Hour with Miss Margie followed by craft time in its charming children’s section. It’s the perfect way to cure that mid-morning itch. Free. 10am. 184 County Road, Barrington. 401-245-7925, www.barringtonbooks.com.

December 4-21: Second Story The-atre offers the perfect holiday play. On the surface, The Trip to Bounti-ful is the story of a family living in a cramped apartment in Houston but underneath it’s a masterpiece of memory and mortality. $10-$30. 28 Market Street, Warren. 401-247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

December 5-20: The folks at West-port Vineyards offer Public Tours and Wine Tastings every Friday and Satur-day evening. You get a special edition etched wine glass and the chance to taste six wines ranging from sparkling to aperitif. $10. 5-8pm. 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, MA. 508-636-3423, www.westportrivers.com.

December 5-26: Drop by The Coffee Depot in Warren on a Fri-

day night for Open Mic Night. Try your hand on stage or just relax with a cof-fee and a snack while listening to some talented local performers. Because you need a break from the same old bar scene. Free. 7-10pm. 501 Main Street, Warren. 401-608-2553.

December 5-26: Newport Storm invites the public to have a beer

(or three) on them. Each Friday at the brewery’s Fridays@6 event visitors can

sample several craft beers. A limited number of people are allowed in; sign-up begins at noon every Friday. Free. 293 JT Connell Road, Newport. 401-849-5232, www.newportstorm.com.

December 5-27: Head to Newport’s Firehouse Theatre every Friday and Sat-urday night for Comedy Improv with the Bit Players featuring improvisation with games and audience involvement. Reservations suggested. $15. 8pm Friday & Saturday; 10pm Saturday. 4 Equality Park, Newport. 401-849-3473, www.bitplayers.net.

December 6: It’s the first Satur-day of the month, which means

it’s Citizens Bank Foundation Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Envi-ronmental Education Center. Enjoy crafts, nature stories, animal discover-ies, hikes and more! Activities are geared for all ages. Free. 1401 Hope

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings visit www.thebaymagazine.com

December 6 & 13: As part of the Saturday Jazz Series at Greenvale Vineyards, concerts are held in the tasting room each Saturday. Sample wine while you relax and listen. $3 music; $7-$9 wine by the glass; $12 wine tasting. 1-4pm. 582 Wap-ping Road, Portsmouth. 401-847-3777, www.greenvale.com.


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December 6: On the first Satur-day of the month the Tiverton

Library hosts Lego Saturday in which children ages 5-10 can use Legos to free build, play or take on the chal-lenge of the day. It’s a great hands-on program. Free. 10:30-11:45am. 238 Highland Road, Tiverton. 401-625-6796, www.tivertonlibrary.org.

December 6: Don’t dust off the old artificial tree – pick out a

freshly cut new one at Audubon’s Christmas Tree Sale and Photos with Santa. Seasonal crafts and activities will be available. Free. 9am-4pm. 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-949-5454, www.asri.org.

December 6-27: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you

can’t shop fresh. Check out the Mount Hope Farmers Market, which is open

every Saturday year round with local growers, artisans, live music and kid-friendly programming. Free. 9am-1pm. 250 Metacom Avenue, Bristol. 401-254-1745, www.mounthopefarm.org.

December 11: This month’s AHA Night New Bedford takes place

at locations around the city including Jacobs Family Gallery, Cook Memorial Theatre and Wattles Family Gallery and features the theme of Made in New Bed-ford. Go online for details about this re-occurring arts event. Free. 5-8pm. www.ahanewbedford.org/calendar.

December 26-30: Keep the kiddos busy with December

School Vacation Week Program-ming at Audubon. Children will listen to nature stories, make nature crafts, learn to cook bird food, identify ani-mal footprints and more. All ages. Free with admission. 9am-5pm daily. 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-949-5454, www.asri.org.

December 20-21: Bundle up and join Save the Bay for an exciting one-hour Seal Watch Tour. Departing from The Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf, the tour offers expert guides and binoculars for an educational view of these cute crea-tures. 12pm-1pm. 142 Long Wharf, Newport. 401-203-7325, www.savebay.org.

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When you want to watch A Christ-mas Carol it’s because you want to relive a classic. Instead of watching it on TV for the upteenth billionth time, there’s a great opportunity to watch Bristol The-atre Company’s production of it from December 18-21. What’s great about this is that it gives you the chance to get out of the house during the Christmas sea-son in a manner that doesn’t include death racing strangers for the last park-ing spot at the mall or elbowing them over the last action figure in stock. It’s an opportunity to decompress, relax and breath in the spirit of the season.

And that’s the point. Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol as an alterna-tive to creating a treatise on the struggles of the poor, particularly on the horrible working conditions of children. He figured that his message would better endure in form of a Christmas story. Seeing on how it’s remained popular for over 150 years, it’s safe to say he made the right choice.

“What we think makes Dickens’ A Christmas Carol timeless is the fact that it can be done in a variety of manners,” says Nathan Melo, co-director of the Bristol Theatre production. “From a mu-sical version to a steampunk Victorian-style, the spectrum is virtually endless as far as what you can add to make this show “new,” at least visually. We also find that the characters of A Christmas Carol make this show timeless as well. Writ-ten in 1843, each generation has grown up with tales of the horribly ill-willed Scrooge, the sweet, hopeful Tiny Tim, the scary truth of the ghost of Jacob Marley and the lessons taught by the three ghosts (Christmas’ Past, Present and Future).”

“We think, no matter how many times the show has been reinvented, that au-dience members arrive with the typical expectations of the traditional story to unfold,” Nathan says. “We feel that they remember the first time they either saw or were read the tale and hope to see it brought to life, welcoming the changes the decades have brought to perfor-mances of the work.”

This is the Bristol Theatre Company’s third annual production of A Christmas Carol, A Play With Music, co-directed by Nathan and Tyler DaPonte and pro-duced by Marie Knapman. Nathan is also the Musical Director. They are a non-profit group, started in 1983 as the Bristol High School Alumni Theatre Company. Their goal is to produce and promote the theater arts in the East Bay, and a partial list of their past perfor-mances include Heaven Can Wait, Fid-dler on the Roof, Camelot, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Alice in Wonderland. A fun aside: all but four actors are under the age of 16.

This is going to be the year I finally join the rest of humanity and see A Christmas Carol. Attending the Bristol Theatre Company’s Christmas Carol, A Play With Music provides a two-fer: watching a masterpiece while sup-porting a great organization.

Classic CheerA Christmas Carol comes to the Bristol Theatre Company

Gallery On Stage by Mike Sullivan

A Christmas CarolReynolds School

235 High Street, Bristol401-424-1315

December 18-21www.bristoltheatre.com P

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Dramatic holidays in Bristol

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Algy Temple, Rhode Island’s Pool Playing Detective, is Back

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AS ALGY TEMPLE, the deft pool player, sleuth and Ivy League university lawyer, investigates the suspicious death of a retired

professor, it coincides with his involvement in a high stakes pool tournament in Providence, where old world shadows hang heavily in the air. Unexpectedly, he finds himself on a path that leads him to Rome and the Boot of Italy where he confronts the dreaded ‘Ndrang-heta crime family and discovers a past haunted by vendetta and con-spiracy. Mobsters and shylocks, a Ponzi scheme, an outraged Italo-American community locked in a culture war with the University, a pool hustler’s last gambit for recognition, and his fiancé’s, the sassy and beautiful Nadie Winokur, focus on their upcoming wedding add complexity to the suspenseful tension. Algy picks his way through dark alleys of moral corruption and the murky world of big time pool where the match becomes a wager of life and death.

JJ Partridge’s well crafted crime novels are smartly paced with twists galore. The seasoned lawyer well portrays and understands academia, the gritty city of Providence with its high times and lowlifes, and the demimonde of the world of pool. Following the success of Carom Shot and Straight Pool, Partridge returns with Scratched and a new, well-plotted ad-venture for Algy Temple. JJ is a resident of Provi-dence and Westerly, Rhode Island with his artist wife Regina.

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You know Richard Benjamin. You just can’t remember how. Perhaps it was his photos in Stars & Stripes; perhaps his iconic images as a photo-journalist for the Providence Journal; perhaps it’s the four books of his best work he keeps selling or his Rhode Is-land landmark calendars.

Richard, now 75, has always stuck with what he loves – shooting the loveli-ness of his native Rhode Island that es-capes most of us, in our everyday bus-tle. He has been fascinated by all things photographic since 1951, 65 years ago.

His first exposure to photography came when he was about ten, as a boy scout. “I was helping my troop collect newspapers and magazines for recy-cling and found them fascinating,” says Richard. “That sparked my interest enough so that I then started to notice the photos in the Providence Journal and the Evening Bulletin.” Richard requested a camera as a high school graduation gift. He then went to Brown University, majoring in art history, and immediately signed up as a staffer for the Brown Daily Herald. It was on an as-signment to photograph a visiting sci-entist (Niels Bohr) that he met Winfield (Win) I. Parks, while simultaneously get-ting his first front page photo published.

Later, Win judged a photo contest at Brown. “I won second place and I had the opportunity to talk with him one to one. I told him he was my hero and he invited me to visit the Journal photo lab and meet the other staffers, which I did. That began my relationship with the

Providence Journal,” a 27-year marriage.But first, he had a shotgun wedding

with the Army when he left Brown in 1960. Stationed in Germany, he kept in touch with Win. “He used to send me film and papers from time to time,” says Richard. “I ended up as a photographer in Germany and had a lot of photos published in the Stars & Stripes, which gave me a good portfo-lio to start looking for a job on a news-paper. I wanted it to be the ProJo.”

Now living in Rehoboth, he cannot discern a favorite or best-known image among the tens of thousands he has taken, but two come to his mind when reminiscing. “Journalism-wise, I look back on the Blizzard of ‘78 when I, and two or three other photographers, had the bliz-zard to ourselves for the first few days and some of those images stand out as most memorable,” says Richard. “Gallery-wise, there is an image of the city from Prospect Park that I could call a favorite.”

“I like to think that what sets my work apart from other photographers is that there is still a photojournalist in me and I do not consider that a constraint.“ says Richard. “But I also like to shoot things like the old front porch with a tattered American flag on it, or an early morning view of Main Street in Warren with the clock and blooming spring tree in front of town hall.”

Exposing RIRichard Benjamin gets the Ocean State’s heart on film

Gallery Artistry by James Merolla

Richard Benjaminwww.richardbenjamin.com

Richard Benjamin

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Taste Test by Grace Lentini

Holiday SnacktacularExactly how many holiday parties did you pencil in this season? I bet it’s a few too many. But, hey, it’s time to eat, drink and be merry. While you may not be able to cook a dish for every party you go to, you can pick something up on the way. In the spirit of giving, we’ve sampled portable and, more importantly, tasty dishes that will be a big hit wherever you take them. So bundle up, grab these to go options and arrive at your party with these yummy gifts in hand.

Get SaucedNeed to bring a side dish to dinner? Pick up tortellini with Bolognese sauce from the Italian Corner Deli. The tortellini was cooked al dente and the cheese filling did not overwhelm the pasta. This dish traveled well and re-minded us of our childhood, sitting around the dinner table. It’ll be a crowd-pleaser for sure. 10 Boyd Avenue, East Providence. 401-431-1737, www.ital-iancorner-ri.com

No holiday would be complete without those little finger foods that whet your ap-petite before the big meal. The stuffed phyllo triangles filled with spinach and feta from Leon’s KitchenWorx really hit the spot. Once dipped in the lemony, dilly and cucumbery and not too garlicky tzatziki sauce, the whole dish really came together. And best of all, the phyllo dough remained crispy, buttery and tasty bite after bite. 230 Waseca Avenue, Barrington. 401-247-1660, www.leonskitchenworx.com

A Bite of Cheer

Sprouting Joy“These Brussels sprouts are perfect,” was the response by our resident Brussels sprouts lover staff member to The Pantry at Avenue N’s Brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta. The sprouts were cooked perfectly, not too hard or soft, and had a great sear so that there was a bit a caramelization on them. The crispy pancetta added a great hint of salt and the right amount of savory. 20 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 401-270-2836, www.avenuenamericankitchen.com.

A Delicious Dunk“Give me more,” was the general consensus of the seafood platter from Tony’s Seafood. It was a great representation of the bounty of Narragan-sett Bay. Between the creamy smoke salmon pâté, smoked bluefish and jumbo shrimp cocktail, there was a little something for everyone. All the seafood was plump, fresh and best of all, delicious. 1365 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk. 508-336-6800, www.tonysfreshseafood.com

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The Bay Monthly December 2014