Run, run as fast as you can; the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is about to take over the streets of downtown once again. Choose from a half marathon, a two-person relay or a mini marathon (also known as a 5k). Atlas Genius is set to headline the race, taking the stage for a post-race concert. Runners can also cool off with a well-deserved brew at the beer garden. Registration fees range from $40 for the mini to $105 for the half to $125 for the relay. Sept. 29 at 7am. Beginning at Gaspee Street and ending at Francis Street.
The Southside Community Land Trust manages a wide range of urban agricultural programs from beekeeping classes to a profitable city farm. It’s mission is to encourage a community that grows its own healthy food. At the annual Harvesting Hope Fundraiser local chefs and gardeners whip up a delicious meal to be served on the grounds of the Steel Yard. They say sustainability is key to our future; come taste and learn why that is. Sept. 25 from 6-8pm. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue.
Some of you may know Stephanie Obodda as the foodie behind our monthly chef interviews, but she also does quite a bit of writing on her own about food and travel. She recently took a trip to the Galapagos islands, during which she kept a really cool illustrated travel journal. Now she's posted it on her website as an interactive flipbook, so we can all enjoy her experience. Read on and satisfy your (vicarious) wanderlust. More
Freedom Theatre is an independent cultural center in a Palestinian refugee camp, currently touring four US states to perform a powerful play. The theater will present The Island, a play set in a South African prison during Apartheid, at Brown University’s Granoff Center for the Arts. It’s a tale of two prisoners sharing a cell, engaging in hard labor during the day and rehearsing for a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone at night It is based on a true story. Sept. 11 at 7pm. 154 Angell St.
The corner of Hope and Wickenden is now home to Willy’s Local Foods, a grocery store focused on providing – you guessed it – local foods to local communities. Previously, Fox Point residents had to venture to Whole Foods for anything organic, but Willy’s homegrown goods offer an accessible alternative.
Over in the Renaissance Providence, Public Kitchen & Bar has now been open for a little more than a month, wowing customers with their American cuisine. While it’s a hotel restaurant, especially with its proximity to the State House, Public says it’s appropriate for “hipsters and Senators alike.”
Finally, October’s seasonal pumpkin flavor lingers on with the release of Newport Storm’s Rhode Island Pumpkin (RIP). Replacing the draft versions of their Oktoberfest Marzen Lager and Winter Porter, RIP is based on the same recipe as their Cyclone Gloria beer. RIP is available only as a draft and will be sold throughout Rhode Island until December 30.
Even though Labor Day is over, it’s still technically summer – so why not squeeze in one last bash to close out the season? Narragansett Beer’s Neighbor Day Block Party returns to the West Side for a day of music, food, cool shopping, great prizes and, of course, beer. Local restaurants and food trucks like Julians and Championship Melt will be providing the food, while bands like Atlantic Thrills and Torn Shorts take the stage. Plus, the Rock N Roll Yard Sale will be peddling its wares. All proceeds benefit the WBNA, so be sure to stop by, neighbor, and have a ‘Gansett. Sept 7. Free. Noon-6pm. Luongo Square.

It was a good year. My family was healthy and as happy as one could expect. Our drafty house is still standing, and we finally repaired the front steps. My son Henry learned how to play “Bohemian Rhapsody’’ on the piano. (Mama, ooooh.) My other son Peder wrote a nice short story about an old man who trekked into the forest to die and did, inside a giant tree. My husband continued to cook our nightly meals, grand feasts that muted the world’s chaos. Oh, and the Red Sox won. Wow, what a series. A poster of Dustin Pedroia, the dogged leaper, is tacked to Peder’s door. I wanted to display it in the kitchen, but was overruled.
This year was also good because I got to write a bunch of columns for our great neighborhood magazine. Some essays were more memorable than others. Some were well-received by readers; a few were not. (I’m still trying to figure out what Dutch meant when he called me a “willfully ignorant ninny.’’) Many of my columns came to you compliments of the people who tolerated my prying questions – and that included my teenage sons. Thanks guys. I promise that from now on you get to read the columns before they’re published and have final say on any edits. Note to Peder: I will never call you my “beloved firstborn’’ again. Without further rambling, I offer abstracts on a few submissions from 2013.
I Don’t Appreciate That
I’ve always disliked confrontations, but lately I’ve been getting upset over things that I used to be able to shrug off. Maybe I’m getting old and cranky. Maybe the world really has gone wrong. But I’m an adult with children and should handle myself with more restraint. I’d like to thank Aaron Rodgers, QB for the Green Bay Packers, for setting me on my way.
I liked what he uttered on TV when a Packer fan told him he was short. Rodgers was ridiculed as a kid for his height, although he grew to be 6 feet 2 inches. That tactless comment on TV obviously bugged Rodgers, but instead of taking … More
By the end of last year, the political landscape of the 2014 elections in Rhode Island was already looking like a pretty crowded field, with high profile candidates announcing early and often. As we gear up for a long election season, there are still a lot of prospective candidates lingering on the margins, playing a “will they or won’t they?” game with the electorate. So, as the depths of winter set in and we have nothing better to pass the time than idle speculation, let’s take a look at who might yet jump into the fray.
Buddy Cianci: Mayor of Providence
People continue to wonder if the man who still routinely goes by “Mayor” will make one last run at City Hall, and Cianci, ever the showman, seems all too happy to entertain the discussion. What most people don’t realize is that it doesn’t matter whether he chooses to launch an official campaign: a little remembered City ordinance from Buddy’s ‘90s heyday dictates that his name must legally appear on the ballot as a candidate in every mayoral election until 25 years after his death.
Chris Young: Mayor of Providence, General Treasurer, Secretary of State, Senior Class President, Secretary General of the Model UN, Wikipedia Administrator, Chancellor of the Galactic Senate
Ever the wild card, this perennial candidate has not been shy in the past about throwing his hat into the ring – or even throwing multiple hats into multiple rings. Young has been quiet thus far into the election cycle, but if recent history proves correct, voters are soon to see him flop-sweating his way through the fringes of a debate, flanked by his inexplicably attractive girlfriend. While the field might be too crowded for him in the Providence mayoral race, GoLocalProv’s Dan Lawlor seems to think he’s got an outside shot at Chancellor of the Galactic Senate.
Carolyn Rafaelian: Governor
Word on the street is that Cranston’s number one jewelry and lifestyle impresario is currently channeling energy … More
Last night was our Super Singles Party at Fete, our annual event in celebration of our Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes issue. We took the opportunity to survey unattached attendees on their experiences of being single in Providence. Here are the results. We've love to have your answers/feedback in the comment section below.
1. I have been single for…
45% One to six months.
35% A year or more.
10% Less than a month.
10% Six months to a year.
2. I am single because…
50% I’m too picky for my own good.
20% I’m not ready for a serious relationship.
15% I LOVE being single!
15% I have no idea. Being single sucks!
3. The best way to meet singles in Providence is…
40% Social events (parties, fundraisers, etc.).
40% It seems impossible here.
15% Going to bars (get em while they’re drunk)!
5% Online dating.
4. Sum up the PVD dating scene in one word…
50% Incestual
35% Mediocre
10% Non-existant
5% Ripe for the picking! (Oops, that was four.)
5. What is it like to be single in Providence?
“Both horrible and awesome.” “Too many guys, not enough girls.” “It’s what you make of it.” “It’s a great city to be in and there’s lots to do. I just wish I had someone to do it with.” “It’s better than being single in New Hampshire.” More
One of the trendiest events of the year, StyleWeek returns offering a fashion forward display with Spring 2014’s lines front and center. Witness some of fashion’s most budding creative minds share upcoming trends with the masses. Featured designers include Amy Stetkiewicz, a graduate of Parson’s School of Design, with a collection inspired by modern lines and urban vibes; and Evan Michael, who will evoke poetic, gothic romanticism through a unique mix of construction techniques and black palettes. With schedules of each designer’s runway show online, you can be sure not to miss out on the latest and greatest inspirations on how to dress yourself next year. August 26-30. Providence Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance St. 421-0700. More
Conflict lingers over the Brown community after the protest of NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly's lecture. Here's are some good reads from around the country related to the story.
1. "Proactive Policing in America's Biggest City"
On October 29, NYPD Police commissioner Ray Kelly was scheduled to give a lecture on proactive policing and discuss the effectiveness of the "stop and frisk" policy.
Read and observe data from the NY chapter of the ACLU about this policy here.
2. Stop and frisk protest
Due to objections to the "stop and frisk" policy, Brown students petitioned to have the lecture canceled. Students and community members then decided to take matters into their own hands.
See the original report (plus video) from Huffington Post here.
3. President Paxson's Letter to the Brown Community
On November 6th, President Paxson addressed the Brown community. She says she understands the conflict but goes on to say that no matter how controversial, the expresssion of ideas should always be allowed at Brown.
Read her full letter to Brown here.
4. Students fire back
"I, along with the other students involved, was told I had to sign a confidentiality agreement...Where was Brown’s commitment to the free exchange of ideas here?"
One student, seeminly uninvolved at the time of the protest now finds herself wrapped up in the controversy due to behind-closed-doors protest controversy at Brown.
Read her full letter to President Paxson here.
5. The University investigates
The controversy lingers on as Brown decides it will investigage what happened and potentially discipline the students involved.
Read about the investigation at the Atlantic Wire here.
6. Polls show mixed feelings
A poll conducted by the Brown Daily Herald shows that while most students supported petitioning and protesting the lecture, most did not agree with causing it to be shut down.
See the poll results here.
7. The news goes … More
I can always tell when the person I’m making plans to meet Downtown doesn't live in Providence, and probably doesn’t spend much time here. The telltale question of a non-city person is this: “Where should I park?”
Not only does this tell me that the person is unfamiliar with the geography of our rendezvous point, and therefore any parking options in the vicinity, but it also betrays a lack of understanding of how parking in a city works. Does this person think I can direct them to a specific spot? Do they think that I have a selection of parking spots on reserve? Are they under the impression that I can predict which spaces will be available at any given point in the day? If you’ve ever tried to park... well, really anywhere ever, then you should recognize that the question “Where should I park?” is fairly open-ended and difficult to answer. On the street. Wherever you can find a spot. Look for a place where there isn’t already a car – park there. Those are really the only answers I can come up with for that question.
I say this not to mock those who are inexperienced with navigating our city streets, but rather to dispel a common misconception about Providence: namely, that it has a parking problem. Providence doesn’t really have a parking problem – or at least not the one you think. (More on that later.)
The “parking problem,” as people often gripe, is that it is difficult – nigh, impossible – to find a place to park Downtown. In fact, it’s what prevents people from coming Downtown more often – or so the common wisdom goes.
Downtown Providence encompasses an area of 0.51 square miles. Within that, there are 1,500 on-street spaces, and an additional 15,000 in lots and garages. That’s roughly one parking spot per every 917 square feet. Now granted, if you’re averse to walking almost 2/10 of a mile from your car to your destination, that might pose a predicament, but for most of the rest of us blessed with two … More
The eternal rivalry between the macaroon and macaron hit the streets of Providence last month, as Ellie’s Bakery rolled out its Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Food Cart. Although the buttercream-filled delight of a macaron needs no more reasons to outshine its extra-O pastry cousin, Ellie’s somehow managed to improve the treat by turning it into an ice cream sandwich.
“Flavors change seasonally,” says Melissa Denmark, pastry chef for Ellie’s, “and some of the ones we’ve showcased are espresso, pistachio, chocolate and cherry, and even a lemon basil.” While lemon basil-flavored ice cream may seem adventurous, Denmark assures the “dried basil is incorporated into the cookie, so the cookie is basil and the ice cream is lemon.”
Anyone interested in showing their support for Team Macaron can find the new food cart outside Ellie’s or driving around downtown while the nice weather holds out from 12-5pm, Monday to Saturday, or at Thursday’s Movies on the Block from 8-10pm. Small ice cream sandwiches go for $2 while the extra large are $6. It might be September, but you can still savor one last, gourmet bite of summer. 61 Washington Street. 228-8118.
While the Internet is now a marketing mainstay, research shows that most small businesses use print materials to market themselves more than any other medium, explains Ted Stein, owner of Allegra on Providence’s East Side. Print communications are highly effective marketing tools because they reach most any audience and can be customized.
The following are key considerations when using print strategies: Carefully plan your marketing efforts. What has worked well historically? Create a brand identity via graphic design, color schemes, etc. This will create continuity to aid customer recognition and recall. Be specific with your print communication goals. A singular objective makes it easier to develop a strategy. Efforts to simply “get our name out there” will not be as effective as those with a specific objective.
Define your target in terms of demographics and psychographics. What do you know about the audience’s needs and preferences? This information will help you and your printer decide what type of materials will be most effective. If you are targeting seniors, your marketing will differ from what you use to reach high school seniors.
For marketing to be effective, your product or service must be heard multiple times. Marketing efforts that are part of a strategic, conscious campaign are more effective than those that are piecemeal or tactical in nature. Understanding this will help you and your print professional determine how to best reach cus- tomers. In most cases, prospective buyers need time to consider your product or service. Typically, the buying process begins with awareness, stimulating interest, evaluation and then trial. Ultimately, the goal, of course, is to gain a committed, repeat customer.
Evaluate your marketing. Quantify the success, whether it is inquiries, responses in new geographic areas/market segments, awareness, trial, etc. Your conversation with your marketing services professional should go beyond paper … More
The Billy Taylor House is holding a spring gala on Saturday, May 24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center to raise funds for the renovation of their building. This upgrade will better support youth workplace-development programs. The event will kick off at 6pm with a fashion show hosted by celebrity stylist Terrence Manning, followed by a presentation of the First Annual Billy Taylor Community Leadership Award. There will also be live music by Chachi Carvalho & The International Players, winners of the 2014 Cape Verdean Music Awards. Purchase tickets by April 15 for early-bird prices. 185 Camp St, Providence. 401-680-0220. More
The other half of town, that is. The Providence Foundation is hosting its annual Downtown Living Tour on June 22. Participants will check in as AS220 before traveling via shuttle (or, if the weather is nice, by foot) to The 903, Avalon at Center Place, The Promenade, Regency Plaza, The Residences, Waterplace and Westminster Lofts. Proceeds from the tour will go to benefit the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy’s cultural programs. More
Something about the immediate gratification of buying local produce directly from a farm works up a sweat similar to that of winning small on slot machines, and in this dire state of perspiring satisfaction, it’s time to cool off with a cold one from Bucket Brewery. Only a short walk away from Hope Artiste, the brewery is now offering tastings and tours every Saturday.
For less carbs and more carrot juice, take a longer stroll to Benefit Juice Bar & Café, located near Wickenden. This recently established neighborhood juice bar and café serves made-to-order juices, whole fruit smoothies, fair trade coffee, baked goodies, house-made soups, sandwiches, paninis and seasonal salads.
Blah, blah, blah - enough with the health food, right? Let’s get back to the beer: the Rhode Island Brewer’s Guild VIP Banquet takes place on January 31, from 6-10pm. The event includes a four-course dinner with beer pairings from local breweries. Tickets are limited to only 200 people and must be purchased online.
The historic beauty of the buildings on the East Side is reason enough to justify why residents love this neighborhood. However, there are limitations that range from small lot space to living areas that don’t match occupant needs. Some older homes’ rooms are so antiquated that they’ve lost their original functionality. Site Specific co-owner Peter Crump explains that his company is handling a lot of kitchen renovations lately. “People are asking us to remove structural walls, opening up and into formal dining rooms,” he explains. “Families aren’t sitting down to dinner at a formal dining room table anymore. They are looking for a more casual dinner atmosphere and a larger open kitchen.” These types of projects usher in modern layout needs to historic homes. Site Specific has also done a lot of work recently building out master bedroom and bathroom suites.
Site Specific has extensive experience working on the East Side and beyond. They are mindful of architectural details and won’t miss any required repairs that might arise. “There are great handymen out there for small projects, and there are professionals for the more complicated ones,” Peter mentions. “You often need a structural engineer to assist. We team up with Erik Nelson, from Structures Workshop, Inc. for our residential and commercial projects.”
For commercial work, Site Specific is working on the former Tazza space downtown and they are also working to expand Bodega Malasaña (the same owners of the popular Flan y Ajo). Site Specific is currently engaged in building the retail space for DownCity Outfitters, a new urban gear store that will be situated in the Biltmore garage property, opening sometime soon.
Site Specific is more than capable to budget and design your next project, be it a residential or boutique commercial project. When you are ready to re-imagine the living space in your home or your business location, contact the professionals at Site Specific and … More